Sunday, August 30, 2009
Week Thirty-Five
Aug. 23: TV: CRAP!!! 3 hr.
Read: 0 min. ( 1 hr. 5 min.)
Aug. 24: TV: 0 min.
Read: 0 min. (1 hr. 5 min.)
Aug. 25: TV: 0 min.
Read: 0 min. (1 hr. 5 min.)
Aug. 26: TV: 0 min.
Read: 0min. (1 hr. 5 min.)
Aug. 27: TV: 0 min
Read: 0 min (1 hr. 5 min.)
Aug. 28: TV: 0
Read: 0 min (1 hr. 5 min.)
Aug. 29: TV: 0 min.
Read: 0 min. (1 hr. 5 min.)
Read: 0 min. ( 1 hr. 5 min.)
Aug. 24: TV: 0 min.
Read: 0 min. (1 hr. 5 min.)
Aug. 25: TV: 0 min.
Read: 0 min. (1 hr. 5 min.)
Aug. 26: TV: 0 min.
Read: 0min. (1 hr. 5 min.)
Aug. 27: TV: 0 min
Read: 0 min (1 hr. 5 min.)
Aug. 28: TV: 0
Read: 0 min (1 hr. 5 min.)
Aug. 29: TV: 0 min.
Read: 0 min. (1 hr. 5 min.)
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Modest Mouse: No One's First, And You're Next
Charlie said: I was watching TV one random night when I flipped on David Letterman. He was introducing the musical guest Modest Mouse. Being a fan I listened to their new song “Satellite Skin”. Awesome!!!
What I love about MM is their harsh nasty sound. At times it seems as if they are playing instruments that are out of tune. I love their passionate angst ridden lyrics and energy. “No One’s First, And You’re Next” is missing that energy. Most of the songs on this album lack the energy and ugliness of what, for me, makes MM so much fun to listen to.
I am torn, the standout tunes on this album are so good I do not know how to rate the album as a whole. Satellite Skin and King Rat are spectacular; the rest of the album seems, not so spectacular. For that reason I am going to give "No One's First, And You're Next" a conflicted Lend It on the Tina/Charlie Promote It, Lend It, Deny It scale.
Tina said:
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Week Thirty-Four
Aug. 16: TV: 0 min.
Read: Zen and Now 1 hr. 30 min. ( 2 hr. 5 min.)
Aug. 17: TV: 0 min.
Read: Zen and Now 2 hr. (4 hr. 5 min.)
Aug. 18: TV: CRAP!! 2 hr. 30 min.
Read: The Lost Continent: Travels in Small-Town America 30min. (2 hr. 5 min.)
Aug. 19: TV: 0 min.
Read: Travels with Charley: In Search of America 30min. (2 hr. 35 min.)
Aug. 20: TV: Football 1 hr
Read: Travels with Charley 1 hr. 30 min (3 hr. 5 min.)
Aug. 21: TV: 0
Read: Travels with Charley 1 hr (4 hr. 5 min.)
Aug. 22: TV: 0 min.
Read: 0 min. (4 hr. 5 min.)
Read: Zen and Now 1 hr. 30 min. ( 2 hr. 5 min.)
Aug. 17: TV: 0 min.
Read: Zen and Now 2 hr. (4 hr. 5 min.)
Aug. 18: TV: CRAP!! 2 hr. 30 min.
Read: The Lost Continent: Travels in Small-Town America 30min. (2 hr. 5 min.)
Aug. 19: TV: 0 min.
Read: Travels with Charley: In Search of America 30min. (2 hr. 35 min.)
Aug. 20: TV: Football 1 hr
Read: Travels with Charley 1 hr. 30 min (3 hr. 5 min.)
Aug. 21: TV: 0
Read: Travels with Charley 1 hr (4 hr. 5 min.)
Aug. 22: TV: 0 min.
Read: 0 min. (4 hr. 5 min.)
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
The Lost Continent: Travels in Small-Town America
by Bill Bryson
What makes Bryson so enjoyable to read is his self defacing sarcasm. In "The Lost Continent" he came across not so much sarcastic but smug and contemptible. This was not my favorite Bryson book I have read.
That said, at times, I was laughing out loud. When he described being caught looking at stockings in a small town store, I woke my wife Sarah with laughter.
Bryson did not like any of the places he visited and describe almost every character as fat and dumb. I did not want to spend my free time with these people any more than Bryson obviously did.
What makes Bryson so enjoyable to read is his self defacing sarcasm. In "The Lost Continent" he came across not so much sarcastic but smug and contemptible. This was not my favorite Bryson book I have read.
That said, at times, I was laughing out loud. When he described being caught looking at stockings in a small town store, I woke my wife Sarah with laughter.
Bryson did not like any of the places he visited and describe almost every character as fat and dumb. I did not want to spend my free time with these people any more than Bryson obviously did.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Zen and Now: On the Trail of Robert Pirsig and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
by Michael Richardson
Mark Richardson retraces Robert Pirsig historic trek in "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" to discover for himself the meaning of life.
I read "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" about five years ago and was mesmerized by the idea of Quality and how it pertains to life. I was also confused by the characters and their relationships. This book explained to me the relationships but left out most of the Philosophy which is the weakness of this book.
Mark Richardson retraces Robert Pirsig historic trek in "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" to discover for himself the meaning of life.
I read "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" about five years ago and was mesmerized by the idea of Quality and how it pertains to life. I was also confused by the characters and their relationships. This book explained to me the relationships but left out most of the Philosophy which is the weakness of this book.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Week Thirty-Three
Aug. 9: TV: 0 min.
Read: 0 min. ( -55 min.)
Aug. 10: TV: 0 min.
Read: 0 min. (-55 min.)
Aug. 11: TV: Forest Gump 2 hr. 40 min.
Read: Guns, Germs, and Steel 2 hr. 40 min. (-55 min.)
Aug. 12: TV: 0 min.
Read: Guns, Germs, and Steel 30 min. (-25 min.)
Aug. 13: TV: 0 min.
Read: 0 min (-25 min.)
Aug. 14: TV: 0 min.
Read: Zen and Now: on the Trail of Robert Pirsig and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
30 min. (5 min.)
Aug. 15: TV: 0 min.
Read: Zen an Now 30 min. (35 min.)
Read: 0 min. ( -55 min.)
Aug. 10: TV: 0 min.
Read: 0 min. (-55 min.)
Aug. 11: TV: Forest Gump 2 hr. 40 min.
Read: Guns, Germs, and Steel 2 hr. 40 min. (-55 min.)
Aug. 12: TV: 0 min.
Read: Guns, Germs, and Steel 30 min. (-25 min.)
Aug. 13: TV: 0 min.
Read: 0 min (-25 min.)
Aug. 14: TV: 0 min.
Read: Zen and Now: on the Trail of Robert Pirsig and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
30 min. (5 min.)
Aug. 15: TV: 0 min.
Read: Zen an Now 30 min. (35 min.)
Neko Case: Middle Cyclone
Tina said: Jim and Greg my favorite music critics both agreed that Neko Case’s 5th studio album, Middle Cyclone is one of the best albums for 2009 thus far. Prior to receiving this album from my third favorite music critic Charlie, I knew nothing about Neko Case. With a quick Google search, I still knew nothing about Neko Case. However, after my initial listening to the album, I soon learned that I like Neko Case.
My first listening of Neko Case’s album reminded me a lot of Jenny Lewis (the lead singer of Rilo Kiley). Her voice provides the listener with positive feeling of light and enjoyment. I also liked how she uses a variety of instruments throughout the album, especially the banjo. I feel like the instruments along with her nasal voice create a very enjoyable sound. While some people may find it to be annoying, I loved the music box riffs with what I consider to be a xylophone, in “The Next Time YouSay Forever”, and “Middle Cyclone”. This sound reminds me of my music boxes that I had as a child, and how I would prance around my bedroom listening to them. This could be one of thereasons why I like this album, as we all know that often times music hits an emotional string within us.
My second listening allowed me to gain more insight on the lyrics of the album. During this listening I realized that Neko Case’s album often times switches back and forth between what I would consider to be an upbeat song, and a slower more “depressing”song. However the majority of the lyrics talk about deep and worldly issues. Neko uses metaphors to discuss topics such as abuse, a rough childhood, and day-to-day struggles. While I generally don’t tend to gravitate towards albums that provided a hidden “depressing” message, I still found myself enjoying this deep and dark album (I must be getting older).
On the Tina/Charlie promote it/lend it/deny it scale, I give it a promote it.
Charlie said: Thank you Tina for FINALLY getting me your review.
I bought this album after hearing Neko Case on Sound Opinions in February of this year. Jim and Greg described Neko Case as a punky/folksy singer/songwriter. All of these descriptors sounded promising.
I first listened to this album in March and I did not like it at all. I found it boring and the 31 minutes of field noises at the end literally pissed me off. I had not listened to the album again until I read Tina’s review.
Neko Case’s voice reminds me of Natalie Merchant (as well as Jenny Lewis, good call Tina). “Middle Cyclone” does exactly as Tina states, alternates an upbeat song with a depressing song. A perfect example is the opening two songs; “This Tornado Loves You” describes a tornado that is searching for a lover, a catchy song. The next song “The Next Time You Say Forever” Neko says that “the next time you say forever I’m going to punch you in the face.” Ouch!
I hear started to hear a lot of country in “Middle Cyclone”. Unfortunately, it is not the country I find inspiring. My favorite songs include: “People Got A Lotta Nerve”, “Magpie To The Morning”, and “I’m An Animal”. The rest I did not hate (other than the 31 MINUTES OF FIELD NOISES!!!) but was not inspired.
On the Tina/Charlie promote it/lend it/deny it scale, I give it a lend it and a yawn.
My first listening of Neko Case’s album reminded me a lot of Jenny Lewis (the lead singer of Rilo Kiley). Her voice provides the listener with positive feeling of light and enjoyment. I also liked how she uses a variety of instruments throughout the album, especially the banjo. I feel like the instruments along with her nasal voice create a very enjoyable sound. While some people may find it to be annoying, I loved the music box riffs with what I consider to be a xylophone, in “The Next Time YouSay Forever”, and “Middle Cyclone”. This sound reminds me of my music boxes that I had as a child, and how I would prance around my bedroom listening to them. This could be one of thereasons why I like this album, as we all know that often times music hits an emotional string within us.
My second listening allowed me to gain more insight on the lyrics of the album. During this listening I realized that Neko Case’s album often times switches back and forth between what I would consider to be an upbeat song, and a slower more “depressing”song. However the majority of the lyrics talk about deep and worldly issues. Neko uses metaphors to discuss topics such as abuse, a rough childhood, and day-to-day struggles. While I generally don’t tend to gravitate towards albums that provided a hidden “depressing” message, I still found myself enjoying this deep and dark album (I must be getting older).
On the Tina/Charlie promote it/lend it/deny it scale, I give it a promote it.
Charlie said: Thank you Tina for FINALLY getting me your review.
I bought this album after hearing Neko Case on Sound Opinions in February of this year. Jim and Greg described Neko Case as a punky/folksy singer/songwriter. All of these descriptors sounded promising.
I first listened to this album in March and I did not like it at all. I found it boring and the 31 minutes of field noises at the end literally pissed me off. I had not listened to the album again until I read Tina’s review.
Neko Case’s voice reminds me of Natalie Merchant (as well as Jenny Lewis, good call Tina). “Middle Cyclone” does exactly as Tina states, alternates an upbeat song with a depressing song. A perfect example is the opening two songs; “This Tornado Loves You” describes a tornado that is searching for a lover, a catchy song. The next song “The Next Time You Say Forever” Neko says that “the next time you say forever I’m going to punch you in the face.” Ouch!
I hear started to hear a lot of country in “Middle Cyclone”. Unfortunately, it is not the country I find inspiring. My favorite songs include: “People Got A Lotta Nerve”, “Magpie To The Morning”, and “I’m An Animal”. The rest I did not hate (other than the 31 MINUTES OF FIELD NOISES!!!) but was not inspired.
On the Tina/Charlie promote it/lend it/deny it scale, I give it a lend it and a yawn.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies
by Jared Diamond
As the title points out, this book explains the fates of past societies. Jared Diamond highlights several traits that lead to advancement of societies. The first set consists of continental differences in wild plants/animals that can be domesticated. The domestication of plants and animals set the stage for population increases. Food surpluses allowed for the population to have specialist.
The second set of factors leading to societal advancement was the ability to migrate. Eurasia with its east-west expanse thrived, the Americas with its north-south axis migrated much more slowly. Because of this difference Eurasia "shared" technology much quicker the other continents.
Related to the second set of factors was the diffusion of technology between continents. Australia and the Americas had little contribution to technology.
The fourth set of factors was the population supported by each content. Eurasia supported a much larger population than Australia and therefore had much more potential inventors. Along the same vain, competition between societies triggered invention and quicker development.
This book addresses the main question why the Americas were conquered by Europe rather than the other way around. It also answers the important question why some societies developed faster that others. Jared Diamond soundly squishes the belief that one society is genetically superior that another.
That said, this book reads like a college lecture. I felt many of the points made in the book were repeated over and over and that made for a difficult read.
As the title points out, this book explains the fates of past societies. Jared Diamond highlights several traits that lead to advancement of societies. The first set consists of continental differences in wild plants/animals that can be domesticated. The domestication of plants and animals set the stage for population increases. Food surpluses allowed for the population to have specialist.
The second set of factors leading to societal advancement was the ability to migrate. Eurasia with its east-west expanse thrived, the Americas with its north-south axis migrated much more slowly. Because of this difference Eurasia "shared" technology much quicker the other continents.
Related to the second set of factors was the diffusion of technology between continents. Australia and the Americas had little contribution to technology.
The fourth set of factors was the population supported by each content. Eurasia supported a much larger population than Australia and therefore had much more potential inventors. Along the same vain, competition between societies triggered invention and quicker development.
This book addresses the main question why the Americas were conquered by Europe rather than the other way around. It also answers the important question why some societies developed faster that others. Jared Diamond soundly squishes the belief that one society is genetically superior that another.
That said, this book reads like a college lecture. I felt many of the points made in the book were repeated over and over and that made for a difficult read.
Sunday, August 09, 2009
Week Thirty-Two
Aug. 2: TV: Pirates of the Caribbean 2 hr. 40 min.
Read: 0 min. ( -3 hr. 5 min.)
Aug. 3: TV: Star Wars 1 hr. 40 min.
Read: Guns, Germs, and Steel 1 hr. 40 min. (-3 hr. 5 min.)
Aug. 4: TV: 0 min.
Read: Guns, Germs, and Steel 30 min. (- 2 hr. 55 min.)
Aug. 5: TV: 0 min.
Read: Guns, Germs, and Steel 30 min. (-2 hr. 25 min.)
Aug. 6: TV: 0 min.
Read: Guns, Germs, and Steel 30 min (-1 hr. 55 min.)
Aug. 7: TV: 0 min.
Read: Guns, Germs, and Steel 30 min. (-1 hr. 25 min.)
Aug. 8: TV: 0 min.
Read: Guns, Germs, and Steel 30 min. (-55 min.)
Read: 0 min. ( -3 hr. 5 min.)
Aug. 3: TV: Star Wars 1 hr. 40 min.
Read: Guns, Germs, and Steel 1 hr. 40 min. (-3 hr. 5 min.)
Aug. 4: TV: 0 min.
Read: Guns, Germs, and Steel 30 min. (- 2 hr. 55 min.)
Aug. 5: TV: 0 min.
Read: Guns, Germs, and Steel 30 min. (-2 hr. 25 min.)
Aug. 6: TV: 0 min.
Read: Guns, Germs, and Steel 30 min (-1 hr. 55 min.)
Aug. 7: TV: 0 min.
Read: Guns, Germs, and Steel 30 min. (-1 hr. 25 min.)
Aug. 8: TV: 0 min.
Read: Guns, Germs, and Steel 30 min. (-55 min.)
Saturday, August 01, 2009
Week Thirty-One
July 26: TV: 0 min.
Read: 0 min. ( -2 hr. 55 min.)
July 27: TV: 0 min.
Read: 0 min. (-2 hr. 55 min.)
July 28: TV: 0 min.
Read: Guns, Germs, and Steel 30 min. (- 2 hr. 25 min.)
July 29: TV: 0 min.
Read: Guns, Germs, and Steel 30 min. (-1 hr. 55 min.)
July 30: TV: 0 min.
Read: The Last Olympian 30 min (-1 hr. 25 min.)
July 31: TV: 0 min.
Read: Guns, Germs, and Steel 30 min. (-55 min.)
Aug. 1: TV: 0 min.
Read: Guns, Germs, and Steel 30 min. (-25 min.)
Read: 0 min. ( -2 hr. 55 min.)
July 27: TV: 0 min.
Read: 0 min. (-2 hr. 55 min.)
July 28: TV: 0 min.
Read: Guns, Germs, and Steel 30 min. (- 2 hr. 25 min.)
July 29: TV: 0 min.
Read: Guns, Germs, and Steel 30 min. (-1 hr. 55 min.)
July 30: TV: 0 min.
Read: The Last Olympian 30 min (-1 hr. 25 min.)
July 31: TV: 0 min.
Read: Guns, Germs, and Steel 30 min. (-55 min.)
Aug. 1: TV: 0 min.
Read: Guns, Germs, and Steel 30 min. (-25 min.)
