Talk Radio

My ipod is going through a period of dysfunction and I haven't taken the time to give care to it's current issue. So, because music radio here in the LA, and surrounding areas, is horrible with their choice of playlists, I' have turned to listening to talk radio a bit in the recent weeks. Bill Handle in the morning on my way to work (also known as "my hobby I get paid to do"), John and Ken in the afternoon and finally John Ziggler in the evenings (as my commute to home lasts from afternoon to evening). Their conversations and opinions are not what I want to discuss at this moment (even thought they are intriguing and rudely interrupted by commercials every two minutes), I'll get into that later.

Tonight, I relaxed. Tonight, I enforced a plan of action, one that should be enforced by those who only enjoy two specific pass times. One, beer drinking and two, reading. I have found a new way of enjoying both in the public forum...let me explain. As I commute home from my hobby, I usually take the PCH (pacific coast highway) which in itself is a beautiful stretch of road. Along the way I pass at least 10 Starbucks coffee houses, every one packed to capacity with off hour laborers or Cougars wetting their whistles or satisfying their caffeine fix. I have tried many times to engage in that sort of "after hour" protocol, but have found no enjoyment, no release and no relaxation. What I found tonight, is exactly what I've been looking for...two or three words: EJ Malloy's. I drove from Irvine to Long Beach to sip on a few black and tans while reading my new book. A couple of patron's there were discussing the brilliance of my reading environment. It was then that I realized...who needs an effing coffee shop to sit back and read? Why are we limited to coffee shops as a place where we can plug in our computers, get onto WiFi and eventually engage ourselves in book reading? I suppose we're not. I had two black and tans while reading four chapters of my book and enjoyed both the beer drinking and book reading. I have to wonder...if Lewis and Tolkien were around today, would they agree that sitting back drinking a black and tan while reading or discussing ideas is a good idea? Personally, I think it's the best time if you're by yourself. Get off this coffee kick and get to a bar with a patio.

and listen to more talk radio.

Thoughts on The Kite Runner

So, I've picked up reading again. I actually did it. It wasn't like jogging at all. It was like a warm breeze in the dead of a Minnesota winter.

The Kite Runner was given to me as a gift for being in a friends wedding. As the groom handed me the gift bag filled with three books he said, and I quote: "I know you like to read, so I figured I'd give you a few books that I've enjoyed this past year." Hmmm. Interesting. I was the best man in this wedding. The wedding was two weeks ago and I've already finished The Kite Runner.

To summarize:
1) Afghanistan history 2) Complete depravity of the hero throughout childhood and adult life
3) Realization of depravity within himself, and knowledge it's not limited to himself 4) Selfless acts can lead to self redemption (philosophical, I know, I don't want to get into it).

I enjoyed The Kite Runner. Some paragraphs made me stop and wipe away imaginary tears, tears that could have been there if I were more sensitive, but I'm not. It was more like the Dan reaction when something big happens...the "whoa, whoa!" (shoulders raise just a tad, head vigorously looking from side to side etc.) y'all know what I'm talking about. So...that's never a bad thing.

I've been on the move lately, traveling from bachelor party to bachelor party, wedding to wedding. I have to say, this is the busiest summer I've ever had! I still have three weddings to attend and lots of air miles to gain. I am realizing this may be the only way the majority of my friends find exposure to my world, and it's good in a sad kind of way. But, I will promise to those who read, every third post will be something incredible...believe me, it's in there. So, keep enjoying your own lives...book reviews, beers you've been drinking, music you think is the shit, babies you've been changing, wives you've been impregnating etc. I think we all want to take a look at what's next.