Kevin's Lists of Favorite Things

Up to the LOUNGE ABOUT ME BIO RESUME FAVORITES

Here are some lists of things that I like. As you can see, some of the lists are more complete than others.

Kevin's Favorite Books Imagologies: Media Philosophy by Esa Saarinen and Mark C. Taylor A fascinating exploration of technology, philosophy, and culture. You could describe this book as narrative of two philosophy professors setting up a joint seminar for graduate students in the U.S. and Finland using live videoconferencing, but that would strip the book of everything that makes it great. Goedel, Escher, Bach by Douglas Hofstadter Another book that is difficult to describe because it is so interdisciplinary. An exploration of overlapping themes in music, art, artificial intelligence research, genetics, mathematics, and many other fields, linked by a series of whimsical dialogues in the style of Lewis Caroll. The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky I don't know about you, but this book (as well as Crime and Punishment) blows me away with its insight and brilliance. A novel that does far more than merely entertain. The Autobiography of Malcolm X as told to Alex Haley An enlightening work, which gives Live White Men like myself a glimpse at a totally alien world that exists all around us. The Language Instinct by Steven Pinker The relationship of language to thought and behavior; an analysis of the primary medium through which human beings interact with the world around them. And, for good measure, a delightful chapter debunking those pointless Strunk-and-White-type style rules. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien A work of surpassing depth and beauty, due in large part to the fact that Tolkien, an expert on languages and mythology, spent half a century developing the world in which it is set. Kevin's Favorite Coffee Sellers Peets Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Peets is probably the best all-around coffee company in the country. Big enough to be reasonably priced and convenient, yet small enough to maintain a high level of quality. Coffee Connection This Boston-area chain has been expanding rapidly, and last year was bought out by Starbucks. As a result, the quality and the charm have slipped a bit, but it's still worth trying, especially for their Costa Rican La Minita. Coffee Anyone? A mail-order company that sells coffee over the Internet. I love their San Francisco Vice blend. Kevin's Favorite Non-Electronic Periodicals Emigré Wired The New Republic The New Yorker bOING bOING! Kevin's Favorite Beers Samuel Adams Celis Rolling Rock Guinness Stout Kevin's Favorite Movies Dr. Strangelove Diva Citizen Kane The Godfather (I & II) The Princess Bride Kevin's Favorite Record Albums Nebraska by Bruce Springsteen Powaaqatsi by Phillip Glass Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd Peter Case by Peter Case Crossroads by Tracy Chapman Automatic for the People by REM Hand on the Torch by US3 Diesel and Dust by Midnight Oil Strange Angels by Laurie Anderson New York by Lou Reed