Movies seen while traveling

Just returned from an international trip that gave me the opportunity to catch up on a few films and TV shows.

Saw Interstellar. A pretty movie, though bloated and a little new-agey for my tastes.

Saw The Expendables 3. Ye gods.

Saw an episode of "Gotham". Ugh. This Batman prequel is getting a lot of love from critics, but I can't see the appeal. This would be a better show if it were divorced completely from the Batman mythos.

I saw Birdman which was surprisingly-entertaining.

Got caught up on some "How I Met Your Mother" and "Big Bang Theory" as well as a few foreign sitcoms.

Most of this had the effect of making me glad I've been spending less money on cable TV and movies of late.

Abolish Daylight Saving Time

There's a petition to the White House to abolish Daylight Saving Time. Probably won't do anything, but I'm sure as hell in favor of this!

Review: "Half the World"

Thought I'd commented on this already, but I guess I was wrong.

A week or so back I finished "Half the World" by Joe Abercrombie. The sequel to "Half a King", "Half the World" switches to the journey of young Thorn, a female warrior in a society that doesn't generally tolerate such, and Bran, a warrior who doesn't like killing.

They join Father Yvari (from "Half a King") in his mission to counter the High King's influence and avenge his father's and brother's deaths.

As with "Half a King", this was a fun ride. It's light, for Abercrombie fare, and a quick read. I found myself liking the characters and enjoying their growth as well as their trials and tribulations.

Abercrombie gives us a bigger view of his world, though at a dizzying pace. I have to say I'm enjoying it. I loved the book's easy narrative and mix of old-and-new characters. A fun read. I can't wait for the next one.