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BEYOND DEFAULT HUMAN BEHAVIORS

Name: BEYOND DEFAULT HUMAN BEHAVIORS
Author: Asim Abbasi
ISBN: 978-0-9770739-4-8

by Asim Abbasi ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 6, 1936

The â€œgreat clockmaker” goes digital.

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A database programmer’s formula for leading an efficient and righteous life.

Abbasi (Oracle SQL in 10 Minutes, 2007, etc.) presents God as the supreme â€œProgneer,” a word coined out of his amalgamation of â€œprogrammer” and â€œengineer.” Within this concept, the universe is basically rational or predictable, but subject to a certain amount of uncertainty, or what the author calls the â€œGod factor.” In decision-making, the best humans can hope for is to achieve the most optimal outcome, while accepting the fact that God might have other plans. Since all of creation is part of God’s programming, when an individual optimizes his decision-making process, he or she is acting in harmony, or as close as can be humanly achieved, with the universe. According to Abbasi, the keys to arriving at the most optimal decisions are to adopt the â€œadaptive-decision-making model” he outlines and to optimize the function of the human brain by understanding how it works and by maximizing the data and processes contained therein. The pursuit of such efficiency is not for one’s own sake, at least not in terms of rewards reaped in this world, but is part of following the four basic principles of a righteous life: harming no one by words or deed, practicing patience, being humble and honoring God. The primary factor embedded in our programming that inhibits us from living by these principles is our tendency to take things for granted. The author urges readers to reduce this propensity in their lives and reminds that God sees all deeds. This quick though sometimes repetitive read gives guidance in tune with today’s technology-driven culture to those seeking to reorient their lives according to some basic principles. Some readers may not take to Abbasi’s computer-oriented analogies, nor the fact that his exhortations toward righteous behavior are often framed in self-serving terms, e.g., points to be redeemed in heaven rather than on earth.

The â€œgreat clockmaker” goes digital.

Pub Date: Feb. 6, 1936

ISBN: 978-0-9770739-4-8

Page Count: 145

Publisher: N/A

Review Posted Online: May 23, 2010

Review Program: Kirkus Indie

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

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NUTCRACKER

by E.T.A. Hoffmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1996

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This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)

Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996

ISBN: 0-15-100227-4

Page Count: 136

Publisher: Harcourt

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING
by E.T.A. Hoffmann ; adapted by Natalie Andrewson ; illustrated by Natalie Andrewson

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER
by E.T.A. Hoffmann & illustrated by Julie Paschkis

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TO THE ONE I LOVE THE BEST

EPISODES FROM THE LIFE OF LADY MENDL (ELSIE DE WOLFE)

by Ludwig Bemelmans ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 23, 1955

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An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.