New 8800GT, first time ever running 3DMark... reasonable results?

**Adamski5000** · 10-01-10, 01:53 PM

I've just finished reading Dune by Frank Herbert, which I thought was a horrible over-hyped, over-blown mess. In particular, I hated how the author thought it was necessary to illustrate the thoughts of each character in itallics. I read it 'til the last page, hoping that there might be some sort of redeeming and worthwhile ending, but nothing.

On the other hand, my girlfriend's aunt and uncle recently gave us a trilogy of books by Mario Puzzo. I'm about a hundred and fifty pages into The Godfather and it's brilliant. I've only seen the original film once or twice and reading the book really makes me want to go out and buy it to compare.

My favourite author is a guy called Iain Banks, who wrote The Wasp Factory and The Crow Road (which contains, perhaps, my favourite narrator of all time). Some of his Sci Fi stuff is also pretty good, I really liked the premise behind Transition.

**Goat Stealer** · 10-01-10, 03:57 PM

Originally Posted by Eylof

First up, Friedrich Nietzsche:

- The Gay Science
- Thus Spoke Zarathustra
- Beyond Good and Evil
- The Antichrist

I've read these four and all of them were very good. Looking forward to reading the rest of his work someday.

Some quotes:

"Those who cannot understand how to put their thoughts on ice should not enter into the heat of debate." -- Nietzsche

"This is the hardest of all: to close the open hand out of love, and keep modest as a giver." -- Nietzsche

"There is not enough love and goodness in the world to permit giving any of it away to imaginary beings. " --Friedrich Nietzsche

"Is man one of God's blunders? Or is God one of man's blunders?" --Friedrich Nietzsche

I love this guy, so much truth in his words. ^^

Next, Adolf Hitler:

- Mein Kampf

Want to learn why this man did the things he did? Read this book. It is banned in half of the world (or was at one point) and most of the English translations are heavily edited. So you'll need to do a bit of searching to find the real deal. I recommend reading the English translation by James Murphy, and you'll need to find an early edition or a re-print of it.

I haven't finished it yet mostly because it is a huge book and he spends a lot of time ranting. But thus far it has been a good read. I especially enjoyed the early parts of the book where Hilter describes his childhood and the time he spent on the front lines in World War 1.

Next: War and Peace. Read it, now.

My favorite book? The Art of War by Sun Tzu. If you want to give it a read you can find it for free on the internet here: Online Reader - Project Gutenberg

I find the idea of reading 'Mein Kampf" interesting

Where did you find the online copy of the book?

**I Redemptionx I** · 10-01-10, 04:07 PM

Bananafish! (9 stories from J.D. Salinger)

Most Vonnegut + Bukowski books.

If you ever need something to read and you travel alot, lets say mass transit in the city, read the book Hot Water Music. It's a collection of short stories, perfect for the hour commute to work or school.

**Adamski5000** · 10-01-10, 04:18 PM

Originally Posted by I Redemptionx I

Most Vonnegut + Bukowski books.

I can't make up my mind about Bukowski: I loved the Post Office and I imagined the rest of his writing to be kind of Kerouac-esque after that, but I got a copy of Pulp earlier in the year and couldn't make head or tail of it. Similarly with Vonnegut, I read Breakfast of Champions and didn't get it at all. I dunno, perhaps I should read up on what those authors are trying to do, then re-read the books, maybe I'll appreciate them more.

**Biscuits** · 10-01-10, 07:29 PM

Recently re-read Maus by Art Spiegelman. It's a graphic novel biography of the author's father's life before and during WWII - it's quite good. Would recommend it.

Haven't gotten the chance to really read anything lengthier. Though I've been thinking of picking up either The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski, or The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen. If not, maybe a random thing by Stephen King :P

**Adamski5000** · 10-01-10, 07:34 PM

Originally Posted by Biscuits

If not, maybe a random thing by Stephen King :P

In the extremely unlikely event that you haven't read it already, might I suggest The Stand?

**Crimson** · 10-01-10, 09:01 PM

Shogun by James Clavell. Nice for whoever enjoys Japanese culture, war, and samurai. Its a 1000+ page epic.

**C-2-B** · 10-01-10, 10:03 PM

I would reread Oryx and Crake... I like it's darkness, stupidity and apocaliptic nature.

**I Redemptionx I** · 10-02-10, 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by Adamski5000

I can't make up my mind about Bukowski: I loved the Post Office and I imagined the rest of his writing to be kind of Kerouac-esque after that, but I got a copy of Pulp earlier in the year and couldn't make head or tail of it. Similarly with Vonnegut, I read Breakfast of Champions and didn't get it at all. I dunno, perhaps I should read up on what those authors are trying to do, then re-read the books, maybe I'll appreciate them more.

Well as you said, it's kind of hit or miss on their books. Bukowski, imo - likes to just go on about nothing half the time. But that's why I love his books, most of them atleast is because it really just highlights the randomness of life and the little things. I feel like short stories better suit him though - I read factotum. Really bizarre book about literally NOTHING. just a guy who goes from one job to another. It was hard to keep up/stay interested with it.