Taken from Stefanie Bean's LJ you basically have to post your favourite poem. Now there are a number of poets I adore, but I choose this one because it has stayed with me for a very long time:

The Road not Taken by Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood
and sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveller, long I stood
and looked down one as far as I could
to where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
and having perhaps the better claim
because it was grassy and wanted wear;
though as for that, the passing there
had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
in leaves no feet had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I --
I took the one less travelled by,
and that has made all the difference

Also, apparently I am this Tarot card:

You are The Star

Hope, expectation, Bright promises.

The Star is one of the great cards of faith, dreams realised

The Star is a card that looks to the future. It does not predict any immediate or powerful change, but it does predict hope and healing. This card suggests clarity of vision, spiritual insight. And, most importantly, that unexpected help will be coming, with water to quench your thirst, with a guiding light to the future. They might say you're a dreamer, but you're not the only one.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Since I have had to work at home this week I have had plenty of time to read through Forest Mage, the second part of The Soldier Son-trilogy.

First, I find this book to be of a higher quality as a reading experience than the first one. The prose flows more naturally and I find myself having trouble to put away the book. The main character, Nevare, was left at the end of book one as a survivor of a plague caused by a people called Speck. These people are enemies of Nevare's native nation Gernia and wants to prevent any attempt of invasion. As book two progresses Nevare discovers the plague has left him with a rather peculiar condition. He grows fat and encounters prejudice and cruelity from people, particularly his own father. About halfway through Forest Mage Nevare's father disowns him and Nevare has no choice but to seek his fortune in a small town on the frontier.

Just like book one, I feel quite irritated by gender, but this time it goes for the portayal of both sexes. Women are secondary to the story and they appear as either family members or whores (ok, I am slightly exaggerating here). I also deplore that sexuality is so closely tied to the evil of the Speck.

Another major gripe I've got is that Nevare sinks so deep into self-loathing. It reminds me of Hobb's first trilogy about Fitz the assassin. He too had his fair share of depressive thoughts as he became a pawn in games between royal fractions. I also think of Althea "I want my ship!" Vestrit in Liveship Traders, but unlike Nevare and Fitz she never sunk into loathing herself. Instead she went out into the world to prove herself capable on her own terms. She remains one of my favourite characters because she had the courage to see her life for what is was and face it. Nevare does not display the same kind of bravery or maybe Hobb goes too far to make his life miserable. I still want to hit him with a frying pan, due to his constant refusal to reach out and take the small chances of comfort he is offered.

Once I am finished I will devote my half term holiday to P.C. Cast. I long for a fantasy world where people can enjoy food, become divine and experience a fulfilling sexual experience.

From Stefanie Bean's LJ:

( My Interests Collage! )

My original plan for today included some kind of excursion but that is not to be now. For snow is falling! It is a rather odd sight to see snowflakes blowing sideways instead of going down to the ground. In fact, a lot of it goes upwards. To top it off I've got a cold now.

But there are still things that cheer me up, such as some amusing stuff I have seen during the week. For example, the buses to work have a sign that says "we regret customers cannot bring any dangerous items such as flammable materials on board." Now that is one very interesting way of putting it, quite like the sign on the local air coach to Arlanda which says "watch your head when you get up."

So after marking twenty books I have decided to finish reading Barack Obama's Dreams from my father and I recommend it to anyone with an interest in biracial identities. It makes me miss the days at the Institution of Cultural Anthropology when we used to dissect anything related to culture and identity.

Then I intend to start reading the second book of the Soldier's son trilogy by Robin Hobb. As frustrating as the first book was I still want to see the series through to the end.

After starting to mark mock-SATs I decided that five was enough. I rather do five each day and make sure I get them right than rush through 20 exam papers.

Instead I have spent the first part of today reading Robin Hobb's Shaman's Crossing and I am infuriated. There is about 120 pages left now and the main character has yet to question his stereoptyical beliefs about gender roles. He seems to think all women must make sure they marry a good, wealthy man. There is no other path for a happy life. I sincerely hope someone at the end or in the later books wakes him up with a good whacking of queer theory.

Seriously, I am surprised that Hobb has used such typical gender roles, especially since her previous works very often featured strong women who rose to challenges in life in different ways. I am particularly thinking of The Liveship Traders where the main character does not just sit and wait around for salvation. Instead she goes out and faces her troubles head on and then ends up with a man that suits her. I think it is highly significant that the two of them continue to sail ships after the marriage.

Anyway, once I have made it through Shaman's Crossing I intend to continue to read Barack Obama's autobiography. But first I shall have a nice lamb steak.

Stole this from Bandykullan. I decided to not comment since the answers I got speak for themselves ;).

Ah yes, the rules:
1. Put your music on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!
4. Tag friends who might enjoy doing them as well as the person you got it from.

IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY
Genera Grievous - London Symphony Orchestra

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
Dream Attack - New order

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
No sacrifice, no victory - Transformers

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Optimus - Transformers

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Livin' in the future - Bruce Springsteen

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Elegi - Lars Winnerbäck

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
The Sensualist - Marc Almond

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Bara Sport - Galenskaparna och After Shave (Only Sport)

WHAT IS 2+2?
Good Old Fashion Lover Boy - Queen

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Dog on Wheels - Belle and Sebastian

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Goodnight Lovers - Depeche Mode

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Mellanaktsmusik - Phantom of the Opera (Entracte performed by Swedish Original Cast)

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
How can a poor man stand such times and live? - Bruce Springsteen

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
My hometown - Bruce Springsteen

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Fine Line - New Order

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Knightsbridge March no 4

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
I'm going slightly mad - Queen

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Happy heart - Marc Almond

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Would I lie to you? - Eurythmics

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Love is a stranger - Eurythmics

WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
Sisters are doin' it for themselves - Eurythmics

HOW WILL YOU DIE?
Love less - New Order

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
The Winner takes it all - ABBA

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Slipping through my fingers - ABBA

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
Jesse James - Bruce Springsteen

WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
I have lived - Marc Almond

WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
Me and I - ABBA

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
Missionary man - Eurythmics

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith - London Symphony Orchestra

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
Racing in the Streets - Bruce Springsteen

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
The Ghost of Tom Joad - Bruce Springsteen

It seems strange to speak of Spring now, but there was a fresh sense today when I walked around. The weather was amazing, exactly the right temperature to enjoy being outside. I am a bit surprised since the weather forecast earlier spoke about an incoming storm.

This week has been filled with work and more work. It takes time to get into a new job and next week will be no different. I will probably have at least three sets of exercise books to mark. But I feel I am getting used to working at a new school and the colleagues are quite fun. Also, this week ended with a amazing lesson where, amongst other mad things, two girls read about antibodies and white blod cells while making a parody of their own West Indian accents. Besides, I got to love a school with several Star Wars posters on the walls.

As for reading I have finished Death Star and I loved it. I really like how the story connected to the oldest Star Wars movie and adding a different perspective. I guess from now on I will consider the destruction of the first Death Star more morally wrong than ever before ;). Now I have finally started Robin Hobb's Shaman's Crossing which has been lying on my shelf for years.

I also found myself slightly annoyed at the lack of Earl Grey at Whittard of Chelsea today. But that annoyance soon turned to happiness as I discovered their Irish Cream tea. I bought it, enjoyed it and all was bliss.

So I returned from Sweden on last Monday. But since I started working the day after I have had no time to post here. Anyway, the new job is alright although it takes me 90 minutes to get there. That travelling has its ups and downs. For one thing I dislike the small delays occuring now on the northern railways that affect London commuters.

On the other hand, it helps to relax and get ready for work when I can take a nap on the train. In the same vein, I can let off steam in the afternoon and enjoy the evenings at home.

I had a very pleasant Christmas and got some very nice gifts. I particularly appreciate the delicious Chai tea my aunt gave me and the Ipod my dad bought me. There is also a little cuddly icebear making friends with a Sainsbury bear on my bed right now.

On another note, I feel a craving for some Star Wars expanded universe and so I have begun reading Death Star by Steve Perry and Michael Reeves. So far I like it a lot, but then again these two guys know how to write a good story.

Finally, there is something satisfying to have a weekend when I have nothing to do.

So I've had a nice Christmas after arriving in Sweden ten days ago. I have had time to meet up with Bandykullan as well and she offered me some very tasty glühwein. Christmas Eve was a very peaceful day. First I had breakfast around dad's and then me and my brother went off to mom for dinner. I got some really lovely gifts as well. Mom gave me two interesting books, Sacred River by my new intellectual love Peter Ackroyd, and a Swedish thriller called Fördömd (=Condemned). I have already read the latter one and for once a Swedish writer has done an entertaining and intriguing fantasy story. Although the mix between supernatural gods and demons and clichés from criminal novels turned out amusing.

Other books I have made my way through include:

The tales of Beedle the Bard by JK Rowling. Now this one is worth the money for the featured comments by Dumbledore, especially the ones where he parodies political correctness.

Tyrannosaurus Canyon by Douglas Preston which is your typical heroes-seeking-treasure-in-desert book. Except for the fact that the treasure is actually a gigantic fossil. While a fairly entertaining novel, its quality falls way behind that of Preston's novels co-authored with Lee Child.

Albion by Peter Ackroyd. Nowhere near as good as his biography about London. In fact, I confess myself disappointed. But it still made some interesting points.

Right now I am halfway through Dan Simmon's Hyperion. Now this IS what I call interesting scifi. Seven pilgrims set forth on the eve of Armaggeddon to a planet in the outer regions of the milky way. Their goal: to solve the mystery of an ancient artefact that appears to cause the troubles of the galaxy. While travelling, they tell each other stories.

I bet it comes as no surprise that this is really Canterbury Tales set in space. The stories are very fascinating and an excellent plot device to insert information about thwe fate of the earth. More importantly, each story highlights different elements of Christian theology. It is more space opera than pure classical science fiction.

Most have already done this...

The Big Read reckons that the average adult has only read 6 of the top 100 books they've printed. Well, let's see:

1) Look at the list and bold those you have read.
2) Italicize those you intend to read.
3) Underline the books you LOVE.

1. The Lord of the Rings, JRR Tolkien
2. Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen
3. His Dark Materials, Philip Pullman
4. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams
5. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, JK Rowling
6. To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee
7. Winnie the Pooh, AA Milne
8. Nineteen Eighty-Four, George Orwell
9. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, CS Lewis
10. Jane Eyre, Charlotte Brontë
11. Catch-22, Joseph Heller
12. Wuthering Heights, Emily Brontë
13. Birdsong, Sebastian Faulks
14. Rebecca, Daphne du Maurier
15. The Catcher in the Rye, JD Salinger
16. The Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Grahame
17. Great Expectations, Charles Dickens
18. Little Women, Louisa May Alcott
19. Captain Corelli's Mandolin, Louis de Bernieres
20. War and Peace, Leo Tolstoy
21. Gone with the Wind, Margaret Mitchell
22. Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone, JK Rowling
23. Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets, JK Rowling
24. Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban, JK Rowling
25. The Hobbit, JRR Tolkien
26. Tess Of The D'Urbervilles, Thomas Hardy
27. Middlemarch, George Eliot
28. A Prayer For Owen Meany, John Irving
29. The Grapes Of Wrath, John Steinbeck
30. Alice's Adventures In Wonderland, Lewis Carroll
31. The Story Of Tracy Beaker, Jacqueline Wilson
32. One Hundred Years Of Solitude, Gabriel García Márquez
33. The Pillars Of The Earth, Ken Follett
34. David Copperfield, Charles Dickens
35. Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl
36. Treasure Island, Robert Louis Stevenson
37. A Town Like Alice, Nevil Shute
38. Persuasion, Jane Austen
39. Dune, Frank Herbert
40. Emma, Jane Austen
41. Anne Of Green Gables, LM Montgomery
42. Watership Down, Richard Adams
43. The Great Gatsby, F Scott Fitzgerald
44. The Count Of Monte Cristo, Alexandre Dumas
45. Brideshead Revisited, Evelyn Waugh
46. Animal Farm, George Orwell
47. A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens
48. Far From The Madding Crowd, Thomas Hardy
49. Goodnight Mister Tom, Michelle Magorian
50. The Shell Seekers, Rosamunde Pilcher
51. The Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett
52. Of Mice And Men, John Steinbeck
53. The Stand, Stephen King
54. Anna Karenina, Leo Tolstoy
55. A Suitable Boy, Vikram Seth
56. The BFG, Roald Dahl
57. Swallows And Amazons, Arthur Ransome
58. Black Beauty, Anna Sewell
59. Artemis Fowl, Eoin Colfer
60. Crime And Punishment, Fyodor Dostoyevsky
61. Noughts And Crosses, Malorie Blackman
62. Memoirs Of A Geisha, Arthur Golden
63. A Tale Of Two Cities, Charles Dickens
64. The Thorn Birds, Colleen McCollough
65. Mort, Terry Pratchett
66. The Magic Faraway Tree, Enid Blyton
67. The Magus, John Fowles
68. Good Omens, Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
69. Guards! Guards!, Terry Pratchett
70. Lord Of The Flies, William Golding
71. Perfume, Patrick Süskind
72. The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists, Robert Tressell
73. Night Watch, Terry Pratchett
74. Matilda, Roald Dahl
75. Bridget Jones's Diary, Helen Fielding
76. The Secret History, Donna Tartt
77. The Woman In White, Wilkie Collins
78. Ulysses, James Joyce
79. Bleak House, Charles Dickens
80. Double Act, Jacqueline Wilson
81. The Twits, Roald Dahl
82. I Capture The Castle, Dodie Smith
83. Holes, Louis Sachar
84. Gormenghast, Mervyn Peake
85. The God Of Small Things, Arundhati Roy
86. Vicky Angel, Jacqueline Wilson
87. Brave New World, Aldous Huxley
88. Cold Comfort Farm, Stella Gibbons
89. Magician, Raymond E Feist
90. On The Road, Jack Kerouac
91. The Godfather, Mario Puzo
92. The Clan Of The Cave Bear, Jean M Auel
93. The Colour Of Magic, Terry Pratchett
94. The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho
95. Katherine, Anya Seton
96. Kane And Abel, Jeffrey Archer
97. Love In The Time Of Cholera, Gabriel García Márquez
98. Girls In Love, Jacqueline Wilson
99. The Princess Diaries, Meg Cabot
100. Midnight's Children, Salman Rushdie