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Popol Vuh: The Definitive Edition of the Mayan Book of the Dawn of Life and the Glories of Gods and Kings by Dennis Tedlock

This volume can be divided into two parts. First is the introduction of the Popol Vuh; second, the translation of the work itself. It is...

Friday, December 21, 2012

The Art of War by Sun Tzu



This version of the world's oldest military treatise is translated and annotated by Lionel Giles. Giles provided not only a translation but also included the different interpretations of various commentators in explaining the passages.

This version begins with an introduction of Giles' work. Sun Tzu, the commentators of his work, and The Art of War's influences are also included.

The comments from the translators may be a bit distracting but without them, some parts will probably not make sense to the modern readers. Moreover, the commentators also give their interpretations of Sun Tzu's maxims as well as cite examples of battles and historical figures.

The Art of War is divided into thirteen chapters. In the introduction of the book, there is a mention of speculations on how many chapters the original manuscript was made up of.

The following are the 13 chapters of The Art of War:
I. Laying Plans
II. Waging War
III. Attack by Stratagem
IV. Tactical Dispositions
V. Energy
VI. Weak Points and Strong
VII. Maneuvering
VIII. Variation in Tactics
IX. The Army On the March
X. Terrain
XI. The Nine Situations
XII. The Attack By Fire
XIII. The Use of Spies

The contents of the chapter may be unclear to the reader, however, the translator and the commentators provide interpretations. Although Sun Tzu is fond of figures of speech, his statements are straightforward. Readers might also find repetitions but keep in mind that they are usually for emphasis or  support a closely connected statement.

I'm giving The Art of War a 10 out of 10 rating.

Friday, December 07, 2012

Our Babies



Manu. Born December 9, 2005. We named after Manu Ginobili of San Antonio Spurs. Very sweet and smart... and maybe a bit spoiled. Eldest of late Timmy's (she was one of our dogs too) litter and the only surviving descendant.


                                                 

Tonia. Born June 14, 2012. We named her after Tony Parker of San Antonio Spurs. She has huge appetite and loves to snuggle. She looked starved and lonely when we bought her from a guy selling half-breed puppies on the street.



Hachi. Born May 29, 2012. Named after Hachiko of the movie of the same name. Extremely energetic (and a bit destructive if left alone at home) and loves to kiss and snuggle family members. We got her from my sister's friend who breeds dogs.