Reindeer Yodpetch Yodpetch itibaren Агароднікі, Беларусь
"On Intelligence (and Condescension)" The only thing wrong with Jeff Hawkins's book is Jeff Hawkins. His idea for the brain basic structure is exciting. (basically he argues that the brain works off a near-recursive prediction model based on stimulus and memory.) And he's really into intelligent machines. In fact, he may have convinced me not to fear the giant robot armies that have plagued my dreams. Nope. Now I can fear the infinitely-sized hyper-conscious EverMind that operates mainly in the sixth dimension. But don't let that sort of thing keep you away. He doesn't get to that until chapter 8. (ish). Unfortunately, like a great many successful industrialists who have spent most of their life outside of academia (I'm talking to you, Mr. Soros), Hawkins writes with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove. Mainly that he's smart. Really really really smart. It would have been a far nicer read if he'd stuck to proving his thesis. Notice in the beginning how he goes out of his way to point out that Sandra Blakeslee (science writer) is NOT the author...just a ghost writer or editor or something like that. It's belittling and a little embarrassing. You'd think a lifetime student of the mind would be less inclined to pride. Okay. If you want to learn more about the brain than you know, probably, then this is a great book to read. But if blowhards bother you, maybe you should reconsider your curiosity. It is an unfortunate fact that a lot of these industrialists have really great ideas and so are forced to promote them in these kind of books. (Now I'm talking to you Mr. Wolfram). The capitalists have no humility, but are often smart and right. 5 stars for content 1 star for voice 3 stars and praise for the book this could have been.
I love real life orphan stories and I appreciated Dave Egger’s originality, humor, and honesty. I felt sad and awed and amused, and occasionally annoyed. A very unique way of writing a memoir; I adored it. And it takes place mostly in San Francisco and the San Francisco Bay Area, an area I know and love, so it was really fun to recognize so many places. A very creative effort from a funny and intelligent guy. (Oh, and I went to see him at a lecture: he brought homemade cookies for the audience and I found him very endearing. And he does a lot of good work with local kids also, but I knew all this long after I read this book.)