Ether Books of the Month - 20

Ether Features - 21

This month were reading...

A Fraction Of The Whole By Steve Toltz
Most of his life, Jasper Dean couldnt decide whether to pity, hate, love or murder his father, Martin, who raised him on a diet of paranoia, analysis and self-garnered wisdom. But now that Martin is dead, he realizes that, for all its lunacy, theirs was a grand adventure. Jasper recounts a boyhood of outrageous schemes and shocking discoveries - about his outlaw uncle Terry, his mysteriously absent mother, and Martins constant losing battle to make a mark on the world he so disdains. The story takes them from the Australian bush to the cafes of Paris, from the Thai jungle to strip clubs, and from the highs of first love to the lows of failed ambition. The result is both a rollercoaster adventure and the moving story of a father and son whose spiritual symmetry transcends their shortcomings. This is an inspiring and witty book, which humourously depicts our modern society and should definitely be on your list of books to read this year.

The Ecstasy of Extreme Sport

While all eyes are on the UEFA Euro championships dont forget the extreme sports opportunities in the city Ether rounds up the best and speaks to the people who enjoy doing them.
wise, you begin by learning how to handle the kite on land with in-line skates until you are ready to go into the water with the kite and the board and try to co-ordinate the two skills. The power of the kite is controlled by your body and the body positions can be quite complex. However, you will learn these with small steps Where to do it: Neusiedler See in Podersdorf or on the Donau Insel. At the Fun-and-Surf school, a two-day course (basic course) will cost you about 199 and a five day course costs 339. See www.fun-andsurf.at.

Bungee-jumping with Duncan McCulloch

When did you start? I first did Bungee Jumping in 2006 - i have only done it twice, mainly because of access and cost! Why did you want to do it? I did it because I was travelling in New Zealand and its famous there - there was a lot of publicity about it and I always had a sense that I wanted to do something like that. What was your first time like? First time was amazing, it was only short (53m) but the adrenalin rush was so good I had to sign up to do the bigger one (Nevis at 143m which is the 2nd biggest in world). Both were in New Zealand. The best thing? The adrenalin and sense of achievement is incredible. The worst thing? The sheer terror while waiting to go, particularly with the glass floor in the cable car at the Nevis. Advice for a first-timer? If youve signed up to do it, just jump when you are standing on the edge - hesitation will make it far worse. Where to do it: Jump from the tallest building in Austria! The Danube Tower the tallest building in Austria - is the dream for bungee fans. The launch pad has been installed at 152 meters. From the edge of an eight-meter-long steel ramp, the jumper can gape at the incredible panorama that stretches as far as 80 km of viewing distance. After the bungee jump, you will receive a certificate. The admission fee to enter the tower is included. For an additional charge, you can a video file of your jump on DVD. 2008 Dates: Sat/Sun, June 28 & 29, July 26 & 27, August 23 & 24, September 13 & 14, October 4 & 5 Price: 139. See www.jochen-schweizer.at

Bandalism By Julian Ridgway

Bandalism is a humourous and unique look at what it takes to keep a band together. Taking the reader through all the relevant stages - forming, rehearsing, finding managers, deciding what to play, recording and playing live - this is essential reading for any band determined to survive in the music business. Punctuated by a host of useful diagrams, pie charts, graphs and questionnaires, all the pitfalls a bandcan encounter are laid out in an easy to follow and logical manner. If you are thinking of forming a band, currently in a band, or simply musing on why your previous band went so badly wrong, everything you need to know on how to avoid committing bandalism is here. A fast-paced and in-your-face as rocknroll itself, this is the first book to get to the real nitty-gritty of how to cope when your drummer is mad, your singer has turned into a recluse, and your bass player wont play the right notes. A funny and slightly sarcastic look at the world that is bandalism.

Kite-surfing with Marx Cooper

When did you start? I am a teacher at the Funand-Surf (kite-surfing school) so have been doing it years! Why did you want to do it? The combination of controlling the kite and the board in sync and mastering the natural elements (the wind and water) appealed and still do. What was your first time like? I began when the equipment was not as good as it is now and there were no schools to teach the sport so it was a bit more dangerous and extreme then. I wouldnt recommend anybody trying it without being taught now though. The best thing? Its not so extreme anymore with the advanced equipment available yet still can be dangerous. I think the fact that you can fly with these things like a hang glider (and you always hang glide with tandem at the beginning). it is risky and this is exciting Advice for a first-timer? If you have surfed, this helps. When it comes to trying to kite surf you can control your balance when you get on the water. This leaves you with just learning to control the kite. Other-

Reviews by Anja McCloskey