Naked City, author Arthur Fellig Weegee

So despite the possibility of being mocked for reading a picture book, I have decided based on the recommendation of my Uncle, who happens to be a professional photographer, to read a book that almost entirely pictures. The book is called Naked City, by Arthur Weegee. You can find it here on amazon http://www.amazon.ca/Naked-City-Arthur-Fellig-Weegee/dp/0306812045/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1299580830&sr=8-1.

This is the first book that I have read that I do not personally own. It is on loan from my uncle, whom mentioned above is a professional photographer and journalist. Art appreciation is a difficult task for me. I am sure my friends can attest that I am a very logical and straightforward thinker. So looking at, for instance, a photograph and determining whether or not it is good is pretty beyond me. That being said I always find it quite amazing the things one can catch in a photograph. Whether it be a moment of bliss, or that of sorrow. The book in question contains photographs of New York city taken by the author and brought together in a large collection. Therein one can find photographs of tragedy, fires in the city that have claimed lives. Photographs of hero's, the men who put their life on the line to catch criminals and put out those fires. Snapshots of love, whether it be lovers gazing deeply into each others eyes or holding one another in a quick embrace. The thing that intrigues me about photos is trying to determine at that split second what is going on in people's minds. There are a few pictures of murderers and some of thieves. Weegee actually comments about it in the short write ups he puts in for every chapter that the murderers are not shy. They almost always, as judged purely by these photographs, have an eerie sense of calm. Where as the miscreants of the lesser crimes are always hiding their faces and appear quite embarrassed. Although who wouldn't be embarrassed about getting busted for dressing up as an old woman merely for the sake of robbing people in a park. This book is also solely comprised of photographs taken in the 1930s and 40s. Which of course means they are black and white. There is something I find almost serene about black and white photos. They to me seem almost fake and fantastical. That the world they were captured in is not real, but a shimmering reflection of reality. If you have ever had one of those "old times" photos taken where they dress you up in awesome turn of the century garb, I think you can appreciate my previous statement. This is a book that honestly did not really excite me too much for the reasons mentioned above and my inability to appreciate much the art world has to offer. But I can also say that it is an almost unseen view into the "real world" of those times that is often glorified and mutated into a grandiose form for our entertainment in modern television and film. Interesting to say the least, but not too inspiring to someone with very little vested interest in photography. Observe at your own discretion!

Surely You're Joking Mr. Feynman, author Richard Feynman

So it has been a few weeks since my last entry, but do not worry I have been reading lots. I just have been lazy and not posted. The next book that I have read is Surely You're Joking Mr. Feynman, written by Richard Feynman. Richard won the nobel prize in 1965 for physics. He is largely considered one of the greatest physics teachers of the 20th century. This book however is not a technical book about physics. Instead I would call it more of the memoirs from his life. You can find this book on amazon here http://www.amazon.com/Surely-Feynman-Adventures-Curious-Character/dp/0393316041.

Richard Feynman accomplished many things in his life in the realm of theoretical physics. Most notably winning the Nobel Prize in 1965. But this book is a more personal look into the experiences he had growing up, going to school, and ultimately as a Professor later in life. This book was a great read, the easy going and hilarious tales right from when he was a toddler are just a treat to read. Many times in the book this great man often reminded me of a very good friend of mine who also happens to be a physicist whom I grew up with. One of the most notable and prestigeous works Richard was a part of was on the Manhatten Project in Los Alamos. His work was a very integral part of the atomic bomb but he goes about telling stories of how he is pretty much a practical joker and plays pranks all the time while working on the most serious of projects. His light heartedness and general demeanor cannot help but make you laugh. If you have ever read I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell, this is kind of like a bunch of collective stories like that except from a much more intellectual and scientifically minded view. All the education in the world cannot teach you how to pick up women. But Richard learns from the most conspicuous character in his many travels, that if you treat a hot girl like dirt, she will stick to you like mud. Maybe you don't believe me, but you can't argue with a Nobel Prize Winner! Pick this book up for a good read about personal experience and one mans crazy journey through this thing called life. Rest in peace Richard Feynman you are truly a gem!