Mr. Reader Eric Mesa > Recent Status Updates

At first the book talked a lot about the construction of boats, which I found a bit tedious. But now the book reviews a few of the author's boats, which I found really relevant.

Soooooo much to get one's head around. Sometimes I find myself zoning out and have to start the page over- only to see that Hubbard makes baseless arguments with unverifiable methods. But did you know that the author vehemently opposed abortion on moral grounds, and blamed ultra-conservatives and sexual repression for espousing it? Something to think about...

The stories have given way from novel-length to short stories of 10-20 stories. Each is interesting and unique.

The beginnings for these stories always start a bit slow. Having said that, I think it's wonderful to point out the difficulties in manning a ship of the line.

Off to a great start. All sailors are romantics, and the author began by speaking at great length about the wonder of sailing. Then, he promptly jerked us back to reality by pointing out that sailing is profoundly unromantic, and far more than reading and dreaming is necessary. I'm excited to move forward!

This is a genuinely terrifying book. Not because it speaks hate and distrust, but how the author goes about it. He sounds exactly like a lot of people I know when talking about politics and frustration with democracy. I worry that if the author is reborn into today, his rhetoric would be (and perhaps already has been) welcomed with open arms.

The theory of aerodynamics is really tough, but getting into rig types is much more easy to understand. I still need to understand the dynamics and I undoubtedly will go back and understand it, but it is nonetheless a relief that the whole book isn't like that one chapter.

Still as interesting as ever. I thought the narrative a bit dry (not by the author's doing) leading up to the founding of Narnia, but having covered that I really see why it was necessary.

Covering aerodynamic theory that makes the sails work. It's pretty tough stuff- I'll have to go over that at least one more time. All the same, I have a great amount of respect for the author who insists on understanding how the sails work before getting into construction.

Starts with a fascinating primer on sail history.

D

Hubbard talks about the Four Dynamics by which humans optimize their decisions- and in the course of discussion he speaks of a sailor who gives his life to save a ship. He strikes me as derisive of the sailor's sacrifice, and if I read right, says his choice is not the optimum decision. That in itself should show the reader what Hubbard's ideas are worth.