Oh Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy!

I am planning on starting our third book of the year this weekend.  It is fun to be reading a novel that I know nothing about.  I am starting with an open mind.

I plan on reporting better on my progress so we can have a limited discussion on-line.  I had fun sharing ideas about Ulysses.

by John Steinbeck

A truely important book that all Americans should read.

by Cesar Millan


I do not own a dog or have any desire to own one. I know that my brother loves dogs and very much enjoys Cesar Millan on "Dog Whisperer" so I thought I would take a stab reading this book.


I liked how Cesar discussed the role philosophy and introspection play with being a dog owner; dogs live in the moment where as people do not, how calm assertive energy is passed between dog and owner soundlessly.


Cesar is not a particularly interesting writer and this book did seem very redundant but I did enjoy it.

Charlie said: Tina gave me a copy of this CD to listen to about a month ago and I almost immediately lost it. I searched for about a week under my car seat, at work, by the computer, to no avail so I set aside my pride and bought Brighter Than Creations Dark.

The Drive By Tuckers wear there influences on their sleeves, you can almost hear Mick Jagger singing “3 Dimes Down”, and Jeff Tweedy crooning “Two Daughters and a Beautiful Wife” and “Daddy Needs A Drink”, and maybe even Tom Petty in "The Righteous Path". Not that I am complaining, if you are going to be influenced, I approve of all of the above.

This CD was my first exposure to Drive By Truckers.  They definately have a country feel with some very strong rock tones.  My favorite songs on the album are “Two Daughters and a Beautiful Wife”, "Daddy Needs a Drink", and "Opening Act".  This is an enjoyable album slow at times but overall a fun listen.  On the Tina/Charlie deny it, lend it, promote it scale, well worth an $11.99 promote it.

Tina said: I purchased this album on a whim after seeing them live for about 5 minutes on Austin City Limits. note 1: no matter how much I like the band I only make it through about 5 minutes of the show before I fall asleep on the couch. Note #2: Austin City Limits might be my favorite TV show. This album was also a recommendation from a friend.

I will have to admit it took me a while to warm up to the album, each song sounding different, each with a different influence. After multiple listens, I have decided that I enjoy the CD. The female vocalist reminds me of Loretta Lynn, which brings back fond memories of my childhood. I also hear many of the same influences such as Tweedy, Petty and maybe a little Dylan. I hate to say it but there may be a little Van Morrison (Check Out in Time Vegas). The album really reminds me of AM and Yankee Hotel Foxtrot by Wilco, I hear these albums in songs such as Self-Distructive Zone, 3 Dimes Down and Righteous Path.

What I like about this album is that each song creates a story. However more importantly I like the use of the instrusmentation. I like the beat, and I like the album. On the Tina/Charlie lend it, Promote it, Deny it....I will Driver By Truckers Shouting Promote it!

PS- Drive By Truckers is Opening for Tom Petty this summer.

I am about half way through the book (page 250) and the Joads have just arrived in California to find a fertile yet unfriendly land. I very much like how Steinbeck alternates between the story of the Joads and a lyrical prose depicting the rest of the migrating nation.

Ex-preacher Casey speaks truth at every turn. He continually reminds everyone he is not a preacher, yet fills that role to perfection.

Steinbeck makes the point of the evil of greed and selfishness by contrasting it with how the Joads live, with altruism and strong family values.