Musical Interlude

OK, really just a rundown of some tunes I've been listening to as of late.

DJ Spooky The Secret Song. This guy just doesn't seem to miss a beat. An eclectic mix of hip-hop, electro, and world beats. Also,  Zep covers including Dazed and Confused.

Deadmou5, various. I've probably listened to the New Years eve essential mix (live at O2) five times by now. It's no wonder this guy is blowing up right now.

RJD2, The Collosus.  I have to give props to the man for branching out from the DJ/producer role but I think he may have missed his mark this time around. It has it's moments but...

Four Tet,  There is Love in You. It's been about five years since these guys have done anything. Still on point though it seems that the begining of the album doesn't quite flow as much as expected. Typically relaxed and mellow dj'ing and production with a jazzy feel good for late nights.

Also, if you haven't been listening to The XX and Yacht, well, you should...

Banksy Movie

Apparently there is a movie premier at Sundance this year that may, or may have not been directed by the infamous street artist himself. If you're not familiar with Banksy's work you should check him out, he tends to have an interesting social commentary.

Bum Democrats

Kucinich gives a scathing review of what the Democratic Party has turned into and, as far as I can tell, he is exactly right. I'm still not sure why their are so many people and media outlets are so willing to give these guys the benefit of the doubt when they have shown us nothing but lies and inability, just like the republicans

Big Banking

So instead of just bitching about the banks handing out 7 and 8 figure bonuses to their "super- important peoples" of the American people's monies perhaps we should take a different approach as prescribed by the nice folks over at The Huffington Post. If we all remove our money form the Banks and put our money in to smaller local banks then perhaps we will have an affect on the system instead of just waiting for our government to do something for us. Oh, wait, there the same people aren't they...

OMG! This can't be good

Apparently somebody needs to check their personal hygiene routine.

Book Review: The Rules Of Attraction by Bret Easton Ellis

The Rules of Attraction is a story set in the 80's, and for these kids there are no rules. A small college town full of spoiled rotten rich college kids who have always had everything they could have ever wanted. The story is about wanting nothing, about caring for nothing, a lack of emotions and common sense. I mean when your 18 and have already had and done everything what else is there to do? I guess sit around drinking, doing copious amounts of drugs and fucking anything and anyone whom is willing. And that is just about everyone because everyone is essentially the same. Full of dark humor and wit The Rules of Attraction is an excellent look into the sociological lives of the privileged few. Perhaps this is what happens when Ayn Rand's belief system fails. Perhaps if we are willing to admit to what the rich and to be famous and powerful were doing and willing to do in the 80's then we shouldn't be so surprised by what the college kids (and high school) are up to today. The movie was OK but the casting was horrible and you just miss to much of the grittiness and depravity. Watch American Psycho instead.

Book Reviews: Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand

Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand is the story about the demise of (industrial) civilization due to the ineptitude of socialist leaning businesses and government officials who think that they can have it all while being fair and lamely attempting to providing for everyone else. Usually I am not a proponent of capitalism per se but within the confines of this novel it actually works and has allowed me to glean some important aspects of capitalism that I would not have previously entertained. In Ayn Rand's viewpoint there is nothing more important for society, nothing more important to the individual than production and reward with the underlying motive of monetary gain. Unfortunately for Mrs. Rand her ideals do not seem to work in the real, the concrete world in which we live. Much like Marx's The Communist Manifesto, it looks terrific on paper; in the world of the mind, yet sadly again we find that we cannot truly find those in power to be good, honorable and trust worthy individuals. In light of today's economic situations (and plight for many) Atlas Shrugged is worth reading as it forces the reader to examine and re-examine the world we live in. The novel begs a new understanding of those that are in control and have so much power and say about what we do and the importance and meaning of it. Atlas Shrugged is definitely worth the time it takes to read and has the ability to spark insightful and meaningful debated with those around you. Relatively easy to read and thoroughly enjoyable. Read it, get back to me. (Oh, and feel free to skip about 100 pages towards the end, she's already made her point and at this point is just tooting her own horn and looking for converts.)

A kinder, gentler philosophy of success

Check out this TED video and reaxamine the way we look at how we live, how we define ourselves and how we allow ourselves to be defined. It's worth the time and if you're not familiar with TED check the website out, it's full of cool and interesting stuff.





 

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