Sunday, September 27, 2009
Week Thirty-Nine
Sept. 20: TV: 0 min.
Read: $20 Per Gallon: How the Inevitable Rise in the Price of Gasoline Will Change Our Lives for the Better 30 min. (-12 hr. 30 min.)
Sept. 21: TV: 0 min.
Read: World War Z 30 min.
$20 per Gallon 30 min. (-11 hr. 30 min.)
Sept. 22: TV:
Read: $20 per Gallon 30 min. (-11 hr.)
Sept. 23: TV:
Read: $20 per Gallon 30 min. (-10 hr. 30 min.)
Sept. 24: TV:
Read: $20 per Gallon 30 min. (-10 hr.)
Sept. 25: TV:
Read: $20 per Gallon 30 min. (-9 hr. 30 min.)
Sept. 26: TV:
Read: $20 per Gallon 30 min.
The Last Olympian 30 min. (-8 hr. 30 min.)
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Pod Cast
I am attempting to create my first Podcast. It will be on going letter to my brother. It will be primitive, boring, and won't be ready for about two months.
Here is my rough outline:
Here is my rough outline:
I. Anthony
A. Violin
B. Baseball/Basketball
C. Birthday
II. Nathaniel
A. Violin
B. Baseball/Basketball
C. Birthday
III. Michael
A. Soccer
B. Birthday
IV. Sarah
A. Job
B. Birthday
Stay tuned.Monday, September 21, 2009
The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency
by Alexander McCall Smith
My dad suggested that I read "The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency" touting it as an enjoyable, well written, and with characters I would love. Being a good son, I immediately forgot all sound advise until two months later, at our local library, when I saw under "Staff Recommendations" a book whose title seems familiar.
After reading the back, I remembered my dad's sage advise. I was still reluctant to start a journey that, in the past, has been so disappointing to me. I find mysteries build to a climax that almost always leaves me unfulfilled. But, I dove in.
"The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency" niftily avoids this pit fall by not telling one mystery but by crafting Mma. Ramotswe life around the mysteries she solves. And what a life she has. She is a proud woman from Botswana who loves her country. She describes Africa not as a third world country but as beautiful, rich, and ancient. She is not American or every wants to be American. She is strong, smart, and very very fat. I loved her!
This novel is more than a mystery novel. Much, much more and I recommend it.
My dad suggested that I read "The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency" touting it as an enjoyable, well written, and with characters I would love. Being a good son, I immediately forgot all sound advise until two months later, at our local library, when I saw under "Staff Recommendations" a book whose title seems familiar.
After reading the back, I remembered my dad's sage advise. I was still reluctant to start a journey that, in the past, has been so disappointing to me. I find mysteries build to a climax that almost always leaves me unfulfilled. But, I dove in.
"The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency" niftily avoids this pit fall by not telling one mystery but by crafting Mma. Ramotswe life around the mysteries she solves. And what a life she has. She is a proud woman from Botswana who loves her country. She describes Africa not as a third world country but as beautiful, rich, and ancient. She is not American or every wants to be American. She is strong, smart, and very very fat. I loved her!
This novel is more than a mystery novel. Much, much more and I recommend it.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Week Thirty-Eight
Sept. 13: TV: Football 1 hr.
Read: The Last Olympian 30 min. ( -10 hr. 55 min.)
Sept. 14: TV CRAP!!! 3 hr
Read: The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency 1 hr. 10 min. (-12 hr. 45 min.)
Sept. 15: TV: Myth Busters 1 hr.
Read: Ladies' Detective Agency 1 hr. 10 min. (-12 hr. 35 min.)
Sept. 16: TV: 0 min.
Read: Ladies' Detective Agency 1 hr. 10 min. (-11 hr. 25 min.)
Sept. 17: TV: 0 min
Read: Ladies' Detective Agency 1 hr. 5 min (-10 hr. 20 min.)
Sept. 18: TV: Mall Cop 2 hr.
CRAP!!! 3 hr.
Read: Ladies' Detective Agency 1 hr. 10 min (-14 hr. 10 min.)
Sept. 19: TV: 0 min.
Read: Ladies' Detective Agency 1 hr. 10 min. (-13 hr.)
Read: The Last Olympian 30 min. ( -10 hr. 55 min.)
Sept. 14: TV CRAP!!! 3 hr
Read: The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency 1 hr. 10 min. (-12 hr. 45 min.)
Sept. 15: TV: Myth Busters 1 hr.
Read: Ladies' Detective Agency 1 hr. 10 min. (-12 hr. 35 min.)
Sept. 16: TV: 0 min.
Read: Ladies' Detective Agency 1 hr. 10 min. (-11 hr. 25 min.)
Sept. 17: TV: 0 min
Read: Ladies' Detective Agency 1 hr. 5 min (-10 hr. 20 min.)
Sept. 18: TV: Mall Cop 2 hr.
CRAP!!! 3 hr.
Read: Ladies' Detective Agency 1 hr. 10 min (-14 hr. 10 min.)
Sept. 19: TV: 0 min.
Read: Ladies' Detective Agency 1 hr. 10 min. (-13 hr.)
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Week Thirty-Seven
Sept. 6: TV: Love Actually 3 hours
Read: The Last Olympian 30 min. ( -1 hr. 55 min.)
Sept. 7: TV The Bank Job 3 hr
Read: 0 min. (-4 hr. 25 min.)
Sept. 8: TV: Gone with the Wind 3 hr.
Read: 0 min. (-7 hr. 25 min.)
Sept. 9: TV: CRAP 3 hr.
Read: 0 min. (-10 hr. 25 min.)
Sept. 10: TV: 0 min
Read: 0 min (-10 hr. 25 min.)
Sept. 11: TV: 0
Read: 0 min (-10 hr. 25 min.)
Sept. 12: TV: 0 min.
Read: 0 min. (-10 hr. 25 min.)
Read: The Last Olympian 30 min. ( -1 hr. 55 min.)
Sept. 7: TV The Bank Job 3 hr
Read: 0 min. (-4 hr. 25 min.)
Sept. 8: TV: Gone with the Wind 3 hr.
Read: 0 min. (-7 hr. 25 min.)
Sept. 9: TV: CRAP 3 hr.
Read: 0 min. (-10 hr. 25 min.)
Sept. 10: TV: 0 min
Read: 0 min (-10 hr. 25 min.)
Sept. 11: TV: 0
Read: 0 min (-10 hr. 25 min.)
Sept. 12: TV: 0 min.
Read: 0 min. (-10 hr. 25 min.)
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs: It's Blitz
Tina said: According to Webster’s online dictionary the definition of blitz is
The Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs (YYY’s) 5th studio album, "It’s Blitz" is an eclectic bombardment of electronic rock. I was bombarded with their sound, their quality and most of all their creativity.
Charlie told me that I was going to rock out with this album, and I did. In fact I’m still rocking out to this album. The first three tracks, (Zero, Heads Will Rock, and Softshock) gets the listener involved and engaged in the album. Then when you think you have the pattern of the band figured out, they throw you for a loop with the 4th song titled Skeletons. This song is a little slower, mellow and not as electric as the first three songs.
The YYY’s continue have a consistent mix of songs that have a hard electronic beat, and songs seem to have a smooth melodic flow. The diversity in their songs does notmake the listener board, and often times made me tune to listen more credically because of the movement and change in their sound throughout the album.
I can’t get enough of their electronic rock, but I also can’t get enough of their slower songs. I do enjoy every songon this album, my favorites include, Zero, Dull Life, and Hysteric. The YYY’s remind me of Rilo Kiley, Jem, and The Ting Tings. I can’t stop listening to this album, and plan on bombarding every person I meet with a promote it on the Charlie/Tina rating scale of deny it, lend it, promote it.
Charlie said: Have you ever been at just the right place at just the right time and everything falls into place: standing at the library checkout desk when someone in front of you turns in the DVD of Fight Club, flipping channels at midnight to find Patrick Stewart is being interviewed by Charlie Rose, walking in to Bonngards as they are putting out the samples of meat sticks.
That is what happened to me when I first listened to the Yeah, Yeah, Yeah's new album "It's Blitz". I have been experiencing a renaissance in my musical taste as of late. I have been reintroduced to my love of harsher energetic music by bands like Modest Mouse, Cymbals Eat Guitars, and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. At the same time, I have been drawn to Techno/Disco for the first time by bands like LCD Soundsystem, Propellerheads, and Fischerspooner.
The Yeah, Yeah, Yeah’s have created an album that meets both of my interests. The first two songs “Zero” and “Heads Will Roll” are a blitz of energy and exuberance. While “Softshock”, “Skeletons”, and “Hysteric” are slower and softer, they are sincere and a great listen.
On the Tina/Charlie Promote It, Lend It, Deny It, I too give “It’s Blitz” a Promote It.
1. an intensive aerialmilitary campaign,
2. an intensive campaign or attack:
a sudden overwhelmingbombardment.
The Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs (YYY’s) 5th studio album, "It’s Blitz" is an eclectic bombardment of electronic rock. I was bombarded with their sound, their quality and most of all their creativity.
Charlie told me that I was going to rock out with this album, and I did. In fact I’m still rocking out to this album. The first three tracks, (Zero, Heads Will Rock, and Softshock) gets the listener involved and engaged in the album. Then when you think you have the pattern of the band figured out, they throw you for a loop with the 4th song titled Skeletons. This song is a little slower, mellow and not as electric as the first three songs.
The YYY’s continue have a consistent mix of songs that have a hard electronic beat, and songs seem to have a smooth melodic flow. The diversity in their songs does notmake the listener board, and often times made me tune to listen more credically because of the movement and change in their sound throughout the album.
I can’t get enough of their electronic rock, but I also can’t get enough of their slower songs. I do enjoy every songon this album, my favorites include, Zero, Dull Life, and Hysteric. The YYY’s remind me of Rilo Kiley, Jem, and The Ting Tings. I can’t stop listening to this album, and plan on bombarding every person I meet with a promote it on the Charlie/Tina rating scale of deny it, lend it, promote it.
Charlie said: Have you ever been at just the right place at just the right time and everything falls into place: standing at the library checkout desk when someone in front of you turns in the DVD of Fight Club, flipping channels at midnight to find Patrick Stewart is being interviewed by Charlie Rose, walking in to Bonngards as they are putting out the samples of meat sticks.
That is what happened to me when I first listened to the Yeah, Yeah, Yeah's new album "It's Blitz". I have been experiencing a renaissance in my musical taste as of late. I have been reintroduced to my love of harsher energetic music by bands like Modest Mouse, Cymbals Eat Guitars, and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. At the same time, I have been drawn to Techno/Disco for the first time by bands like LCD Soundsystem, Propellerheads, and Fischerspooner.
The Yeah, Yeah, Yeah’s have created an album that meets both of my interests. The first two songs “Zero” and “Heads Will Roll” are a blitz of energy and exuberance. While “Softshock”, “Skeletons”, and “Hysteric” are slower and softer, they are sincere and a great listen.
On the Tina/Charlie Promote It, Lend It, Deny It, I too give “It’s Blitz” a Promote It.
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Week Thirty-Six
Aug. 30: TV: 0 min.
Read: 0 min. ( 1 hr. 5 min.)
Aug. 31: TV: Vikings vs Texans 2 hr. 30 min.
Read: 0 min. (-1 hr. 25 min.)
Sept. 1: TV: 0 min.
Read: Travels with Charley 1 hr (-25 min.)
Sept. 2: TV: 0 min.
Read: Travels with Charley 1 hr. (35 min.)
Sept. 3: TV: 0 min
Read: 0 min (35 min.)
Sept. 4: TV: 0
Read: 0 min (35 min.)
Sept. 5: TV: 0 min.
Read: 0 min. (35 min.)
Read: 0 min. ( 1 hr. 5 min.)
Aug. 31: TV: Vikings vs Texans 2 hr. 30 min.
Read: 0 min. (-1 hr. 25 min.)
Sept. 1: TV: 0 min.
Read: Travels with Charley 1 hr (-25 min.)
Sept. 2: TV: 0 min.
Read: Travels with Charley 1 hr. (35 min.)
Sept. 3: TV: 0 min
Read: 0 min (35 min.)
Sept. 4: TV: 0
Read: 0 min (35 min.)
Sept. 5: TV: 0 min.
Read: 0 min. (35 min.)
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Travels With Charley
by John Steinbeck
I am not new to the travelogue. I have read several excellent books by Paul Theroux and his journies on trains, I am well versed with Bill Bryson and his hiking travels, and I am even familiar with Robert Pirsig’s motorcycle. But of all the books about travel, none have caught my interest more than John Steinbeck and his dog Charley.
During high school English we were forced to read "Of Mice and Men" and "The Pearl", though both excellent, they brought with them the teacher who assigned them as well as her power over us and created in me a resistance. It was the last Steinbeck I had ever read.
"Travels with Charley" gives polished thoughts to everyday life. For instance, here is a snippet of Steinbeck’s description of what it means to be a Texan:
Travels with Charley is full on thoughtful nuggets like this. Steinbeck is worthy of his reputation and deserves to be read by more than just high school students.
I am not new to the travelogue. I have read several excellent books by Paul Theroux and his journies on trains, I am well versed with Bill Bryson and his hiking travels, and I am even familiar with Robert Pirsig’s motorcycle. But of all the books about travel, none have caught my interest more than John Steinbeck and his dog Charley.
During high school English we were forced to read "Of Mice and Men" and "The Pearl", though both excellent, they brought with them the teacher who assigned them as well as her power over us and created in me a resistance. It was the last Steinbeck I had ever read.
"Travels with Charley" gives polished thoughts to everyday life. For instance, here is a snippet of Steinbeck’s description of what it means to be a Texan:
I’ve studied the Texas problem from many angles and for many years. And of
course one of my truths is inevitably canceled by another. Outside their
state I think Texans are a little frightened and very tender in their feelings,
and these qualities cause boasting, arrogance, and noisy complacency-the outlets
of shy children. At home Texans are none of these things. The ones I
know are gracious, friendly, generous, and quiet.
Travels with Charley is full on thoughtful nuggets like this. Steinbeck is worthy of his reputation and deserves to be read by more than just high school students.
