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The stuff I enjoyed in 2011

Here are some of the things I really enjoyed in 2011. This is no particular order of course. I am following Kurt Vonnegut's advice who said
"I urge you to please notice when you are happy, and exclaim or murmur or think at some point, 'If this isn't nice, I don't know what is.'"
This post has been lying around in my drafts for a while now(since 2012 actually) but it looked presentable all of a sudden so here it is with a few cuts.

Insurgentes and Grace for drowning - These are two albums by Steven Wilson that I really enjoyed. Both of them are magnificent albums both of them with brilliant soundscapes. His solo work is turning out to ve really good so far. The live shows seem to be even better than Porcupine Tree. Just listen to this.

Embassytown  - This is the novel of the year for me. I was hooked and read this in a single sitting. I dipped into it quite often for a few tidbits throughout as well.

Hyperion - This science fiction and fantasy series had me hooked all the while and Dan Simmons really is a fine fine writer.

Moneyball - Michael Lewis challenges so many of our preconceived notions about what is really valuable. That the story of Billy Beane is true  only makes it all the more remarkable.

Sherlock the TV series - This BBC adaptation of the iconic detective is set in present day london. I thought that it couldn't be done but this just proved me wrong. Wonderfully acted and brilliantly written.

Brainpickings - This site probably consumed most of my time with insightful posts on almost everything. Can get slightly preachy at times but worth it.

Farnam Street - A great blog with the finest tidbits on human behavior, wisdom.

Thinking fast and slow - The best psychology book ever by Daniel Kahneman. Absolutely brilliant. This talk basically rendered reading the book useless though.

River of Gods- Again I never thought this could be done. A science fiction novel set in India and that too in the future. Brilliantly imagined and wonderfully executed. Its an absolute gem.

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