kilpatrick

Minority Report [VHS]
$9.99
One major difficulty with a film of this sort is that seriously intended hocus-pocus will turn into comic hocus-pocus. I wouldn't say that this film slid over that line but it does come very close a number of times. For me,having Tom Cruise, in particular, make funny looking gestures and do awkward looking things, however justified by the written word of the script, detracts from my acceptance of the film . At any rate, I was left in something of a muddle as to whether I liked it or not, whether I thought anyone else would like it. Not having resolved that issue in my mind, I will simply say that most of the performers did quite well under the circumstances, there were some quite workable scenes, and there were all sorts of machines and gadgets to satisfy the fans of such. Those who find incredible plots and action generally inane or uninteresting should steer clear.

The Writer's Art
$14.95

Isn't English "wonderfully confusing"?

Almost Carlinesk (George Carlin) in his whit. Kilpatrick, though sounding like a stern father, is also able to artfully interject humor amongst his lessons on becoming better writers. There is also a wonderful forward by William F. Buckley.

He sounds a familiar tone, to "read insatiably and to write incessantly". And maybe a little discouraging, but "most of us write on sand, but let us write clearly on sand". We should sympathize for the reader, "you know the trail, he has never been down it before". We sometimes forget to keep our writing simple, short and to the point. Kilpatrick thinks that writing is becoming a lost art (and this book was written in 1984); partly to blame are the schools, computers, and tv. Is it getting worse?

Interwoven throughout are examples of authors with beautiful skill of composition. As Kilpatrick shows us, the same authors can also make horrific mistakes. In addition, is a list of reference books on words and usage that have been helpful to him. The lengthy but entertaining alphabetized final chapter deals with word and phrase usage. Another excellent book with similar themes of rules to live by (write by) is "Elements of Style".

As I discovered in "Reading like a writer": we miss so much if we don't learn to slow down and read each word; its like listening for each instrument in a complex song instead of just hearing a conglomeration of noise.

It is all too evident I need to make use of this book.

Wish you well
Scott

Martin Kilpatrick 5/8-Inch Pool Table Conversion Top with 2-Player Set (Blue)
$269.99
Nice sturdy table top; comes in two halves; easy to set up; requires two people to set up though as it is heavy; prompt delivery from amazon as ususal; nice fit on our pool table; nice bounce

Martin Kilpatrick TP3000 MK Deluxe Table Tennis Net & Post Set
$32.99
Easy to use, not as sturdy as you'd like, piece fell of and got lost.