Book Review

This past week i've been reading "Possible Side Effects" by Augusten Burroughs, who also wrote "Running With Scissors". This is another collection of essays mostly consisting of recaps of his childhood and some recent events after his success with the film. The book was very funny to say the least. He is a very witty writer with clever insights into the human condition. When he writes about his mother, you can feel the pain. Yet, you are laughing your ass off the whole time.

There is a scene near the end of the book where he writes about finding out that there is no Santa Clause. But only because his mother has to yank him off of an asian man who he thinks is Santa. In fact he believes that all mythical creatures are asain. Why? Well, I won't give that part away, you'll have to read that for yourself.

And if you like this one, you will do well in picking up the rest of his novels. But start off with this one. Its a hoot and a half!

Daliy Soup

Now for another installment of the Daily Soup:

This time we're going to look at one of my favorite websites. RCRDLBL is a music site for independent artists that want to get their music out there but can't because lack of money, distributors, or the biggest reason: no record company. Its a blog of sorts, but one that lets you download music free and most importantly LEGALLY. That was one of the big sellers for me. Its one of the websites I frequent most and often. The music is an eclectic mix of electronica, rock, pop, indy, dance, and hip-hop.
Note:for DJ's they often hold remix contests for up and coming DJ's. The music is free and legal to remix, in fact they want to hear it. Check them out, and download!


Here are a few samples from their collection:

Check some of these artists out and if you like them, go ahead and download it. Its free people!

Book Sites

Its hard finding a good book to read nowadays. For one thing, I am a very picky reader. I only like reading certain types of books by certain authors. However there is always the exception to the rule. The classics for example. At Barnes and Nobel there is an entire section dedicated to the books that we grew up with. Lining the walls are such authors as Charles Dickens, Shakespear, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jack London, Niccolo Machiavelli, W.e.b DuBois, and many many more.
Many contemporary authors share the spotlight with the classics. And they are Joyce Carroll Oats, David Sedaris, Augusten Burroughs, Mark Haddon, C.D. Payne, John Steinbeck, J.K. Rowling, Stephanie Meyer, Dan Brown, Ayn Rand, and many more that I can't list because it will take up this whole blog.
For me, what catches eye most is a good cover. That is a must. I know the saying, "never judge a book by its cover". But as a typical consumer colorful things always catch my eye. For example, I read catch 22 because of the blue cover and white letters, thats it. Well to be honest, someone had recommended it to me. And It turned out to be a funny read.

As a rule, I always carry a book with me now. I hate to be caught with nothing to do, hence the book. If there is ever a moment where I have absolutely nothing to do, I read. Not to say that I do it because its a chore, no. I love to read. And I feel as though reading has become a lost art. People are such visual creatures that they cannot stand to stare at something for too long. The brain needs stimulation. As a result, reading has gone by the wayside. TV now rules. A sad fact.
Nevertheless, finding good books is hard. Especially one that you might be interested in. So here are some good places to look. Online and in store.

www.bn.com (Barnes and Nobel Online site. It carries a wide range of books, not many rare titles)
www.powells.com (Used, new and out of prints books, just like the homepage says)
www.baumanrarebooks.com (more rare books)
www.borders.com (sign up and get lots of coupons)
www.bookfinder.com (finds books for you, what can be better?)
www.octavo.com (something a little different, rare digital books)


Check them out and type in the category, author, or genre that you are interested in and who knows, you might find a book you love.

Pregaming is it?

no corrections, no filter, just me.


Sitting here listening to this song by mgmt, electric feel, its quite a catchy song. I must have heard it ages ago, but it slipped my mind. The song also has attached to it some great memories of this past year, (wait the song changed and i need it to write this). Anyway, this year so far has been an experience of a life time. In January I began to go to these parties, I knew only one person at first, my friend. It was intimidating at first to say the least. Not knowing anyone is a scary experience when at a party. For some people its the best thing ever. Well, not for me. I used to be petrified to go to parties on my own. I would have rather shot vinegar up my wrist than party alone. That was until I actually saw, with sober eyes what actually goes on at parties. People get there, round 11, at the earliest. Some are already half drunk, from what according to certain sources which shall remained unnamed is: pregaming. Pregaming is the act of drinking your booze of choice in your car before you actually arrive to the party. Its akin to having a drug addict t.v. host taking a hit of cocaine before the live broadcast. Its only to loosen you up. Simple I suppose. Not for me. I'm a paranoid specimen, and I like to drink socially, or else it seems weird, and I feel as though the next thing I should do is sign up for a AA meeting. "Hi, my name is mo. I pregamed in the car, by myself, I'm a loser I know! Oh my god where have I gone wrong!", is something along the lines of what I would say. Nevertheless, I tend to get pretty olbliterated at partys that pregaming at least for me, its rather unnecessary. I guess its just weird old me.

Muzack

This new track from Daniel Merriwether is poised to be quite the chart topper. Its funky, fresh, and just new! Check it out.

Bold Moves

I've always loved television. Ever since my mother would turn it on and let me watch an hour or so of mind numbing programming. Its always been a comfort to me, especially when I'm bored, sad, or just feel like tuning out. Nevertheless, time and time again I turn to the boob tube for, for lack of a better word, peace. Sometimes i'll be in front of it, and leave it on any channel, just for the noise, and the company. The emitting lights and sounds can be very reassuring. Yet, all of the comfort and supposed peace it has brought me has come at a price. I tend to tune out of life sometimes. I would rather indulge in a good hour drama, than deal with life. The television has been my coping mechanism for so many years. While watching tv, I can sort out my problems, issues, and what have you. All while conscious or unconsciously watching the tv...................

That right there was a pause for one of my brief indulgences. (I'm watching X-Men: The Last Stand on FX, in HD no less)

Anyway, this tends to happen a lot. Sometimes, someone will be talking to me and I can hear them, I really can, but I don't respond because i'm entranced by the program.

Well, no more, hopefully. I've made a decision, a bold one on my part. At least I think so anyway. I have removed the television from my room, where I spend a good deal of time. And in its place, an empty space waiting for yet another mind numbing device to supersede it. I've always had a television in my room, but recently its become a problem. I'll turn it on, for the noise, and start on my homework. But sooner or later I tune out of my homework, and tune into whatever is on the tv. It is so easy! It happens way too often for my liking, and my welfare. I'm focusing more on my studies now, and I think this is a positive step in the right direction for success. I know it may seem like nothing to other people, but to me its a big deal.

Now, off to do some actual homework.

*turns of t.v. and heads to tv-less room, oh the horror!*