It's all on substack now I think... I dunno... anyways here is what I have been reading:

What have I been reading?  Quite a lot actually. 
I have adopted a five things method for the "reviews" and thoughts because it allows me to not overly think about what I have read but allow for first impressions and be more for me thougthful. 

I have decided to post to Substack mostly because I think that is the new shiney thing.  But will maybe cross post here as well.  But first blush writing will be there. 

Here is the link through if you want.  

 

Rebel Girl: My Life as a Feminist Punk by Kathleen Hanna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I picked up this book as a respite from another book that was challenging me. It was well worth it!

I have not been a Bikini Kill fan, I was a little late in the game to get into the band back in the day. Kathleen Hanna gets her due in this book. I loved the nugget sized chapters and appreciate how to the point and funny this woman is.

This really is no holds barred.
Kathleen Hanna writes from her heart which was the point of who she wanted to you to know more about by writing this book.

If you are wanting to read a book, a memoir, a tale of near success and survival... this is a great book for you.

I personally loved it! It came to me at a time that I needed it and if I were to run into Kathleen Hanna on the streets, I would for sure let her know that this was a great read.

She is hilarious, sad, fun, challenging, truthful and most of all far more endearing than I was lead to believe. Never judge a person / personality by what is forced down your perceptions people. She is one of a kind and to me in a fantastic way.

PS her editor Ada Calhoun wrote an amazing book. Look it up not going to take the shine off this book by linking... but it's really a delight as well.



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Under a Rock: a Memoir by Chris Stein

 

Under a Rock: a Memoir by Chris Stein

I was provided a galley edition for review, and I am really torn. 

Did I love the book? No.  Did I enjoy it? I did. 

Why the split decision?  Because as I read Under a Rock: a Memoir by Chris Stein, I felt like I was reading a dictation of audio interviews with the interview prompts edited out. I wasn’t prepared for that when I first started reading. 

That was the only editing sometimes that I felt happened in this book.  I think it’s a good representation of what Chris Stein wanted to share with us.  He presents the story as he wanted.  It’s fair.  It’s his book right?  So here my impression: read it that way.  Listen to some of the interviews he has done throughout the years so that you can have his voice in your head as you go through the journey.  I think you will get much more out if it that way. 

I did and it really helped me to enjoy the book more. Seriously.

Chris Stein is a genius, Mensa level genius, which he writes about from his childhood.  It was a wonderful nugget shared.  I held that information close when I was reading.  He has so much to share with us, fans and readers alike that it’s unfortunate that it was not reigned in a touch to make the book more linear at times.  I don’t think we needed a lot of editing but a little bit would have helped with the focus.

So I had to go this place when I was reading.  Also, because it was a galley edition I didn’t have the visuals that he shared in the print edition.  Chris Stein is a photographer at heart and art.  So maybe that was missed too.  I do have a print edition coming and look forward to revisiting the book with that context too. 

Read this book as one sided conversation sharing memories of a time from a respected elder.  This is not a rambling of a crazy person, but ramblings of a person trying to capture everything and then leaving it to others to bring it to fruition in an understandable way at the end (which maybe doesn’t happen as clearly as we the reader would like). There is a sense of place but it’s chaotic truth. 

It is so just matter of fact, the squalor of late 1960s to 1980s New York City, that it’s almost missed that his band “Blondie” was at the precipice of all music styles coming at that time.  He founded a band that was so interested in all different genres, that while under the title of “punk” or “new wave” really the sheer variety of content that they recorded, often gets missed.  Again, I go back to genius level human here. 

There is a lot of drug content in the book, and due to it’s matter-of-factness may be triggering, but it’s not played up or down here. It’s just “there”.  But that is his truth. 

It also goes to show that adage… “Be kind. We never know what people are going through. Give grace and mercy because one day your circumstance could change and you may need it.”… ― Germany Kent.

As a lover of Blondie, I had no idea.  Nor should I have until now. 

Because of that at Chapter 9, I put the book down and picked up another.  The break was needed.

Then at the first half of Chapter 10 I was rewarded by the most beautiful writing of the book.

I have read some other reviews where they comment that this is a cautionary tale of rock and roll stardom. I must disagree because really Blondie where never “stars”. They as a band were well regarded and niched into new wave and punk, but they were so very much more than that.  They were never the “stars” that they could have been, should have been.  Many of the recollections were of excess and then the downfalls which without fanfare are so important to remember.

This is a fable of great love of friends, a time where anything was possible and addictions of all types. The perspective is worth taking in and reading.  Yes, this is about his on-going relationship between Debbie Harry (that I think fans of Blondie want to read about) but truthfully so much more.  I really do appreciate that more than I thought I could when I finished it.

“Under a Rock” is a valuable memoir presented with his singular voice. Chris Stein makes a valuable note of what he feels truth of what the book is about too, in what is a very touching and heart wrenching epilogue.

#books, #memoir, #Chris Stein, #Blondie, #non-fiction

The Ballad of Speedball Baby by Ali Smith is a winner! OMG such a winner....

 y'all.... SO ... I have waited almost a month to write about this book.  Maybe because I loved it so much, I had to actually read it twice.  Yep. Truth. 

BUY THIS BOOK! (no affiliate link... just an endorsement)

In the 90s I was a producer for a music TV show of some notoriety. That sounds super pretentious.  It is not.  I had just returned from filmschool, and an attempt at getting into the biz and came back "home". My best friend was the Executive Producer on the show and I first started out as a camera person and then started to produce segments.  It was a BLAST.  From programming to segment production to interview segments with some really amazing rock stars... it was a blast. 

So.

Imagine my complete surprise when this book came up in a search of available books to read in advance of publication. Speedball Baby wasn't a band I had ever heard of. Ever.  And totally would have been a band we would have programmed.  I am absolutely gobsmacked that this band, on a major label that we worked with, never pushed them more.  

As the saying goes "they could have been contenders".

Ali Smith, the bassist wrote a phenomenal book.  I read it entranced in maybe two sittings but defiantly in one weekend.  I was transfixed with the tales of being on the road. Being in a band that should have gotten better shrift by their label.  This is not a bitter story... but really one of redemption and guts.  There are some things that aren't glamour-filled and some that are.  There are somethings that aren't gritty but a lot that are. But girl .... this is a story of a time that bands were scooped up and promised a road out of obscurity but not really given proper due and how that effects the people involved.  

I loved the honesty.  That takes guts.  This book is gutty.  That is my quote... this book is gutty.  Shimmies with guts.  

Speedball Baby is just odd enough to be awesome.  I have added them as a favorite to my Spotify.  I listen to them when I am looking to have a moment to dance around my kitchen and clean.  I would have LOVED to have seen them live and program them on our show.  

This is a book about the road, rock and roll and the power of art.  

The book comes out in January 2024 and it's already on my "to buy" list because the book promises to be peppered with the photography of the author.  I have snuck into her instagram and peeked at her portraiture and I am smitten, just like her writing. 

In the book she writes about taking a photo at a dumpster.  I COULD picture it in my head, just like the rest of what she wrote about.  That is the best sign.  I want to see that actual photos.  

Nothing is spared to the reader's eye.  That is such a good sign to me. 

I have reread this book twice since I got it a month or so ago.  I wanted to make sure that I didn't miss anything.  Yep... it was that great to me.  

I wanted to wait until the book was closer to publication date to post this because I didn't want it to get lost in the ether of the internet.  

So here is my suggestion -

And here are the steps - trust me on this. 

1) find a cozy spot with a cup of coffee, tea with whisky or whatever you want to warm you up when you set aside the time to read this book

2) open to the forward - it's by Exene Cervenka of X - if you know you know - and play a couple songs off Los Angeles.  THEN... dance around where ever you are for a couple of songs... get your energy up because you are going for a ride.

3) open up your music player of choice and que up Speedball baby.  

4) read the first couple of chapters in silence and then get ready to rock at chapter three.  Crank it up because the energy of the music matches and is a great soundtrack to the rest of the book.  

PS this is what I did on round two and it kicked ass just like this book does.  

 

I have been reading, just not posting.

I really wanted to start reading again but for pleasure and not for posting. There was so much pressure I think to read a book and just post up my thoughts about what I read that I honestly didn't enjoy it anymore. Where was the fun? It was lost on me to be honest. I disengaged with Goodreads, this (what has become a bookie blog) and following writers and reviewers on the social media circut (expect my beloved Jenny Lawson and Chuck Palahniuk if I am going to be completely honest). But I have been reading a few galleys over the last couple of weeks that have really knocked my socks off and for different reasons.

  Anne Frank on Tour and Other Stories by George Thomas Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Enjoyed this creative collection of short (some very short) stories. I requested via netgalley as a jumping off point to start reading again this summer after a short respite from reading to review.
What a nice way to get back in the saddle.

The author really captured the voices of each of his characters which was a delight and unexpected. The titular character had the same voice as I recall reading from her diaries back many long years ago. The other characters from Putin to Dolly Parton to Elvis are all covered here and with seemingly great care to not disrupt their professional spirit.

This is an easy read and a fun journey into what could be, could have been and what a character can be in a short story.

I really enjoyed it and it was a great reminder that a terrifically told story doesn't have to be a huge diatribe. It can be a few paragraphs for the point of the story to be made. What a treat.

What I really loved about this collection of short stories is each chapter/story was really completely different than the previous or next story. Each character 100% had their own voice. I know that it's hard to do. I didn't imagine that I would have liked this small collection as much as I did. I usually read a chapter a night before I go to bed and since many of the stories were very short (with no losss to the story itself mind you... another achievement) this made for a nice pre-sleep ritual. I raced through this book and enjoyed each character that I encountered.

The second review copy I received approval for this summer was - 

I am currently reading this and will remove the cover art and post up with the link like above when I am done. BUT ... I had never heard of the band Speedball Baby (and only today even googled them and listened to a song or two).  I have never heard of this author.. 

 BUT the prologue was written by Exene who I do know and do love... so I didn't think she would leave me stranded. And whoa so far (I am about 1/2 way through) I am not disappointed. 

Road diaries can be a slog but this book doesn't read like that in the least.  It is a joy ride.  Now I have to qualify that this is not a fun story but it reads like a novel, is really well written and I believe really does capture that moment in time where bands were signed and sent out on the road to make it.  

I am truly impressed and very very much engaged in this story.  When I go outside during office breaks during the week I sneak in a couple of pages to live vicariously and keep the action going on the author's adventures.  That is saying something.  

I am about halfway in.  Part of the holiday weekend goals is to finish so I can post up the remainder of the "review".  

PS the music is fun a.f. and the book in it's way is too. 

More to come on that bb's. 

Additionally - I do post up my thoughts and comments on Goodreads because that is the place that Netgalley directs you to. I am super duper grateful to each publisher that provides me with a galley to read in advance of publishing.  I am not going to deny that every time I get a book in that way (and when I buy on my own...) I am more than gitty to share my opinions. But with galley books the publishers want to see it somewhere... and the Goodreads platform is sadly the option of choice I suppose. 

I was listening to a podcast this week while walking my dog in the morning and heard in passing something about Elizabeth Gilbert, book reviewers and 1 star reviews cancelling a book before it even published. 

I went back and gave it a second listen because it's really important. 

Here is the pod if you are so inclined (PS this book sounds freaking great, I am adding it to my want to read list by the way:  Into It with Sam Sanders: Brandon Taylor Wants to Bring Gatekeeping Back to Book Criticism and a link to the Washington Post article (at this time there is no paywall but  popup for subscription) that they are talking about in this podcast.  I am personally not a fan of Goodreads anymore, or was I really ever. But it's how publishers in alot of cases find reviews of value I suppose. 

I only post up my commentary on books that I actually read, but honey, bb, kiddos I am more than a book reader.  I would love someplace to post thoughts, commentary, ideas other than a single threaded outdated platform.  So I think (and right now it's just a thought...) about starting a substack because that seems to be the platform of the moment. It certainly isn't here (talking about outdated platforms) for much longer I don't think.  

I will have the same amount of subscribers there as here I am sure ... lol it's like 1 person maybe... but change is afoot.  

  

The History of Bones by John Lurie

History of Bones by John Lurie

"I don’t want to visit cheap".  This is a quote from John Lurie's latest book:  The History of Bones (this link will take you to a google preview of the book, it's a pretty random view of the book, but a good idea of the book).

Amen.  

He doesn’t sell himself (or his story) out on what YOU think is important. I am glad that he didn't cowtow to writing about what people want to hear and it’s glorious. 

There are a bunch of random reviews out there that will entice you by saying things like: a great book about the grit of NY in the late 70s. Sure, I guess. But really and this is what I got out of it... it's all about the value and desire of a musician to make a difference in the world and what he has to do to get there.  

It's gritty as things get with no apologies, but it's really self reflection and not hot goss about Studio 54 and the East Village which is what some of the preliminary reviews were and I couldn't have wished for anything more different.  

The first five chapters are so important to the rest of the story do not skip them. Truly. It’s a side I certainly did not know. I mean I read the book so I could know more but this was very important reading to understand who Mr. Lurie is and why he pursues everything in the way that he writes about.  To me, this was wildly brave.

It’s a semi-linear story told in fits and starts which while reading it’s like listening to John Lurie tell you the story directly… and yes there is an audio book that will be just be that exact piece of art. If you have watched "Painting with John" (and I suggest that you do), there is a familiarity in the narrative.  If you have seen "Fishing with John" then you definitely are in familiar narrative territory.  

About halfway through is where the book fine tunes (no pun I promise) so there are some of the more juicer tales.  The pace is the same but things get busier and more prolific for John Lurie. 

Lots of drug use without apology so it can be triggering and honestly hard to read. But he puts it out there and it’s brave.  Lots of memoirs talk of drug use and this is so matter of fact that you have to wonder... how can this be, but knowing that there are no other punches pulled, welp, it can and it was.  He doesn't glorify it at all.  It's pretty heavy to read.   

There is an interlude (one of many) that was so touching and seriously kind an observation about Andy Warhol when I read it my idea of both of them are actually changed. 

86 % in the book (at least according to my reader counter thingie) we get this quote- "making a record is a very artificial thing to do. You are trying to encapsulate , in sound, this thing that is a little moment of soul." I sucked in a huge gasp of air when I read that.  It was like "boom" this is what this book is about.... little moments of soul , further peppered with moments of struggle, love and other creative gestures. 

That is what this book really is about in my opinion, John Lurie... the musician.  Every bit of the book always comes back to the music for Lurie. 

It was a great read.  

There are some great pictures shared too of his life which if you read all the way through the book, then go and look at them and then they will make more sense.  So read the book, then look at the pictures.  I am glad that I waited to look at what photos he did share.  

I honestly will be ordering the audio book too so I can hear him tell me the stories and tales of the road again. It was that good to me. 

 

Book Review: Shelter in Place by David Leavitt - not bad... not great... not a mistake to have read.

Shelter in Place by David Leavitt
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Thank you @netgalley for the ARC, I wouldn't have known anything about this novel if I hadn't been looking through the lists of a new book to read and a new author to be exposed to.

Let me say this... The opening paragraph made me snort outloud. 

The rest of the book not as much. Now that may seem cruel, it isn't. There are other reviews out there that will give you the synopsis and deeper dives into the content of the book... I am not here to rehash any of that information.

The book opens on the Saturday after the President is elected in 2016. Let it be said the main character of the book isn't too pleased and that is the basic premise of where the book takes us, I guess.

I appreciated that the characters were wealthy literary folk. It made the conversations and situations plausible  and entertaining. I was transported to a part of New York Literati that I will never be able to experience.  I felt very much like I was eavesdropping at a fancy restaurant on people I would never actually know.  

Rich people. 

Rich entitled people who can afford to by houses / apartments in another country and have their decorator fly to design the space. It was so out of my very own league that it made the concept of the book entertaining but maddening. I suppose reading it when the nightly podcasts and news tell me how many people are unemployed, reading about a character who buys an apartment in Venice because she nary wants to live in this country anymore under the current (as of November 2016) presidency rings a lot hollow to me. I wanted to like these characters... but I just couldn't. I couldn't get there. Plus all the characters were using one another in a way that just was so hollow. I don't think truly any of them like one another very much.

The writing and the dialogue is expansive, lovely and honestly what kept me engaged. But it was a hard one to finish for me.  I just sorta stopped caring about the main characters and some of the secondary characters. Also some characters completely disappear. There is one ... who could have become a much bigger character I think... just sort of stopped being in the story. It was weird. So when the book ended and just kinda tidied everything up in a nice little bow I was satisfied.  

I liked the book. It was good. Not great. It needed a little more zing and zang that I think a good decorator would give to a Venice apartment with bland beige walls and an overgrown garden could.


***spoiler and I promise my only one ***

There is one monologue in the story near the end that is touching as hell (in a way) but I wanted to punch the character because he was explaining why he didn't want to return to Venice. This is why the character is punch-able to me... His actions and the author choosing to have this character reveal that he had a lover who dies of AIDS but the character refused after that to ever get a test himself was completely offensive to me. I don't know what the point of that is. And it's never really explained and there is no repercussions for the character.

Which is kinda the way the book goes. Great promise... a couple of great potential storylines that just kinda didn't really go anywhere like I hoped.


View all my reviews

Jenny Lawson's Furiously Happy and why I took so long to read this book

Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things by Jenny Lawson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Soooooo... back in June... looking for ideas for the Punk Rock Book Club (tm) ... I did get notice that the book was on sale on Amazon. I scooped it up... knowing that I wanted it and have for a long time.

So why only now... say January 2017, 6 months later am I actually finishing it?

Here are some reasons why NOT:

Not because I loaned to book to F. Made him read it because he needed to understand why I would lay in bed giggling.

Not because I loaned it to another friend because SHE needed to know why I was giggling.

Not because I put it down because I got sad that Jenny Lawson is dealing with some shit.

Not because I was overwhelmed with life, I mean my issues are insignificant comparitively.

Why did it take so long to finish this book? I didn't want it to end. Seriously. That is the only real reason. I may actually go back and read it again just so that I can enjoy it double as much. Jenny Lawson's insights into life, her ups and downs, her marriage, her relationships are incredible. Lessons were learned. My issues.... irrelevant compared to what Ms. Lawson brings to the table. And seriously... if she can overcome, find the funny and share it... this girl can too.

I think that is the best lesson learned. I had to finish it so that I could start it over again. This time... I will take notes. This next time I will laugh harder and more outloud. I am actually a better person for reading her book. It's funny as all get out and was like my friend Lisa said... a gift. And lucky for me... a present that I get to open again!

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So it's NaBloPoMo. I may be able to keep up with the daily update, I might not. I will give it a serious try.

So...

I leave to go to New York in a few days. What has me the most concerned is the fact that I think I am wholely unprepared for... get this... what to wear. I know what I will wear to Pee Wee Herman on Broadway. That is all good, figured that out. Classy black dress but the rest of the trip? I have NO clue and it's making me crazy. But... I know that most of the time we will be super casual which is bonus.

Tomorrow is the election and I have to say... this doesn't seem like the result will be good. BUT I will be THRILLED to have this whole thing over. The five robo calls tonite alone will come to an end, the commercials can go back to pharma erection advertisements. I have never thought that I would actually look forward to a Cialis ad more than now. But the political ads are beyond frustrating. And I am over them.

Had a great Halloween, didn't really dress up big time for the days but tried. Sorta. A Pink Wig was about the best that I could do.

Also during November I am going to attempt heartily to read at least an hour before I go to bed. That might be a goal that is better attempted than posting all month. Either way I am on a journey which is awesome and so very exciting and I can't wait to see what happens tomorrow.

Currently Reading: Things the Grandchildren Should Know by Mark Oliver Everett

I am drinking a TaB to celebrate...

Ok so my friends rule. I just listened to a message that I left on my friends machine (it asked if I wanted to play it back...and I thought sure why not) and it was really amusing.

See I am really amused right now. In about five different shades of fushia.

See there is some history in this package that I got today from Sooz. She has had this book she had from the Dybbyk that she got at some point when the dybbyk and I were not together. He liked to leave things and loan things out. I know this book was a treasured possession of his because he talked about it alot. I don't know why Sooz has had it all this time. But... a couple of weeks ago we were talking about the author because of my upcoming trip to her husband's birthday party and she offered to send me the book for F because he likes the book. Now the book is autographed. I really thought the autograph was a fraud, but nope.

Its pretty good and authentic.

So the fact that I have the book now to give to F is heeelarious. And amazingly ironic. And honestly this is going to be the best thing that could happen. I have had this brilliant moment of clarity that this will finally put a nice end to all the fucking torment that that prick put me through all those years sleeping around on me. But it is funny that one of the girls he picked up on at the deadbeat right in front of me was Sooz and she is my bestest now, I didn't know her at all then... that came a couple years later.

So now I just have to come up with an appropriate time to give it to F and not seem like a big ole' goof. Maybe as a thank you for filling my IPod.

We were emailing about stuff today and wrote about LA and I have a hankering for Barney's Beanery... so I decided tonite to make chili... its all working on the counter now on a low simmer, tomorrow I will fix up the makin's and it will be glorious. Then I got this hankering to make cupcakes. Now I just talked to my Mom and got her magical frosting recipe. I just have to wait for the cupcakes to cool and I will have joy in the kitchen full on. It has just been this really nice evening. Trading emails, writing, catching up on a little tv (no docs though), went and ran a couple errands and it still isn't even 10.

My mouse died so I had to go and get a new one. This new one kinda hurts my hand a little bit, but it is alot smaller than the other one. This one though doesn't glow pretty colors which all together isn't a bad thing, because the one that stopped working was a bit girlie and odd. But it was a good night light.

What is it that makes me think of what I should be doing when I am sitting doing absolutely the opposite of the right thing? I should be prepping for a meeting but instead chatting online about tablet pc's with J and thinking about F while reading the first couple of chapters of a book he told me about. All at the same time while sitting in the lobby of a hotel listening to a guy with a fakidy fake fakerson British accent telling some woman he is trying to pick up on some non-sense about 25 year old whiskeys but I heard him order amaretto. I am the queen of hotel lobby multi-tasking. Oh and he keeps answering fake cell phone calls.

From Latke Soda Pop to Bukowski in two easy steps... betcha didn't think it could be done...

Because Hannukkah has less than 8 days to arrive...and I am down for those 8 Crazy Nights (well not really, I have learned to hate this song, even though me and a room mate drove another roommate completely bat shit crazy talking like Cajun Man when ever we were in the house I sadly can not stand Adam Sandler from SNL). I am going to send you into online shopping bliss with some of the things that I kinda would be amused to receive or maybe you would be (this in no way constitutes a wish list of any kind... just ideas little bubbelahs... just ideas for you):

• Jones Chanukah Soda four pack - Yummmmmie Latke Soda...... (via: link )
• Heros of the Torah juice glasses - Ok I have them, I will write about getting them after later, I am still annoyed I should have ordered them from Fishs Eddy... I probably would have been better off even if they are more expensive that Urban Outfitters.
• Torah Personalities trading cards - because you can never have enough pictures of bearded guys making hand gestures... where is the picture of RUTH? HUH? These guys are not actually in the Torah... maybe I could use them as coasters for my juice glasses.
• Jewtopia - Because one of the authors could be a cousin... could maybe not be...MISHPUCHA!!!!.... and it is actually pretty funny... I have looked at it in Borders so I know
• I Heart Jewish Boys tshirts - OK so maybe my male readers might not be so interested but then again... nothing too new or off the hook funny but this one I thought was clever. AND its a fundraising site for a BBYO region... now I am kvellin'
• No Limit Texas Driedel - I have always wanted to get a craaaazy game of driedel goin' maybe now its a possibility
• Jonathan Adler's Skyline Menorah - not really what I would want (but I think this might be the year I actually do go and buy it for myself!) from his site, but I am working on a theme here...
• and for a true sign of the times Crate and Barrel hooks ya up for the Chanukah Bush but odd CB2
• A subscription to Guilt and Pleasure because even though I buy Heeb I really think I am too old but between them they almost make one Davka which was really great in its day.... (although Guilt and Pleasure is pretty great and far more intelligentsia...sorry Heeb!)
• MahJong Jewelry - but really I would break one up and make it into a keychain which is far more practical for me.
• A Jackie Mason Famous Broadway Cheesecake - because seriously (ok not really) a Kosher, Parve/NonDairy, non actual cheesecake "cheesecake" sounds awful, but for those who want brisket for dinner and keep kosher... look you have a desert option, me? I will take this instead.

A cow erker, just walked up to me... made me turn around and said "thats not my monkey" and walked away. Brilliant. Absolutely completely brilliant. I wish I had thought about that. I am keeping that and spreading its joy.

Really? Bukowski a Sympathizer? Really? Really... you are going to go that route? Good luck selling any house right now, but trying to save some p.o.s. because he slept there? Really? How about making sure that there are seedy dive bars and women to keep those sore souls hashing it out, open... how about making sure that there are always beers available to sad sacks wanting a little courage and fire, how about trying to save what really matters... no one cares where Charles Bukowski slept, people care where he drank and fucked. Sorry but its true. So stupid.

I do have on my list The Pleasures of the Damned though and havent yet picked it up... I am just trying to be good, but that is bad and not in a good way. Years back I loaned someone almost all of my Black Sparrow editions (but one) and NEVER GOT THEM BACK , so this is the only affordable way to get the stuff back I suppose. I have always hoped he would give me the stuff back but we split up before that ever happened so lesson learned, never give someone you don't think you really really love your First Edition Charles Bukowski books and never go with a hippy to a second location. So happy chanukah to me and if the works were writen by a Nazi Sympathizer well then the irony is double I guess.

I have the night off from dinner out. So here is the plan... shopping at Borders for a birthday present for my Grandfather. At 94 its hard to buy for the guy. But I think I have it figured out. It absolutely isn't anything super inspired or anything but it will do I suppose. I also have a coupon so he will be really proud that I haven't spent my money foolishly. I really think that he thinks I am a spender with out limit.

The one thing that I am so not spending my money foolishly on anymore I think is HBO. Seriously. I might give it up. I haven't watched or dvr'd a movie in months. Once the Sopranos went away so did I. Sure Curb Your Enthusiasm is funny but the library gets all the tv on dvd releases, so I can wait. I am so not at all interested in Tell Me You Love Me. So what is the point. I think I might have to make the call. But what really scares me is that if I make the call to cancel that Comcast will screw it up, which really is worriesome because they have a reputation of being not so wonderful with these kind of situations.

OK I am back from Borders. I want to tell you I so am drinking the Borders kool-aid. They always have what I am looking for. And if they don't they will call another store and find it. It is really nice. Jackie at the store in Park Meadows made sure the cd I needed was at the Arapahoe store and on hold for me before I even headed out of the store. She couldn't have been nicer. It was a pleasure to spend my money and they loaded me up with good coupons too.
I only bought what I went in for and no books. I am really so very proud of myself because I really was worried I would walk out of there spending a bunch on books that won't get read for a long time to come, but I didn't, I was so good.

Speaking of books, I have one I need to pay attention to.

Have a wonderful day!

Still no word on a funeral for my friend (which is a great Elton John song by the way... which is terribly fitting as I remember only just this second sitting in her new MR2 at the dealership listening to it on a cd... weird). I don't know if her family is going to have one at this point. Probably not. Which is really ok I have to say. It sounds really weird but I don't really want to have to go and deal with funeral business right now. My Uncle just was buried a week and a half ago and seriously...not so much right now.

Came home and little Herschel found the t-bone I had put out for him all on his very own, pulled it off the counter and worked on it all day today. I came home and he was so proud of himself and bouncing off the walls with pride. It was absolutely precious. I am a complete sucker for bad behaviour I guess.

Got the house clean tonite in order to avoid reading that stupid book. I am so full of excuses and it makes absolutely no sense whatsoever that I shouldn't just move right on to the next thing already. But cleaning is cathartic and it was just what I needed. I so love the process of vacuming that I went over my carpets for about a 1/2 hour tonite. They aren't pristine clean but there is no dust in my padding let me tell you. I like the patterns, I like the nature of it, really I do.

Things other than that are pretty blase'. It has been raining since like noon today and its a little gloomy I have to say. I was going to go out for dinner, someplace that I normally wouldn't go with family, and once I walked in the door changed my mind. I almost made a reservation at Fruition for 8:30 but I am glad that I didn't because I would have cancelled and 8:30 is just a little too late to have that nice of a meal. So... maybe tommorrow night since I have the night off from regular dining out, might just treat myself big time. I want to go out for sure tommorrow night and eat something fabu. Need to pick a place, call and see about reservations and just go. I haven't had sushi in forever so I might actually go to Hapa I will have to see what I am craving but someplace with a spectacular salad and great entree really would tickle my fancy big time. I have a friend that wanted me to go to some fundraiser tonite, but not in the mood to get suckered into a silent auction for an item that I really don't want or need. Better to spend the money on a great dining experience. I can write a check to the charity on my own terms.

I also got invited to a political fundraiser today. I was a little put off at first but then realized I need to go and support the candidate. I like this guy alot on a personal level but don't have a clue what his actual politics are. It then dawned on me... I got so whiggie about the whole thing because of my daily dealings with politcal fundraisers a year ago, it stirred up this really icky feeling, but I know why and that is good. So I will go, support my friend and get over it.

When I went to Arizona I had to go and buy a small travel size shampoo. I bought this Herbal Essences stuff because its all they had and fell in love. Tonite I realized I really am ok with the cheapo shampoos. They smell good and they work well. I used to use this Redken stuff and really it just frizzed out my hair (which isn't good on a Jewish girl), but this stuff is great, and my hair smells yummy. Not fruity I want to eat it, but nice and not bubblegum strawberry kiddie shampoo nice. I don't know what I am even typing right now since all I want to do is climb into bed and finish that lame book but don't want to at the same time. Man I am a terrible staller at its 11:30, I better publish and get on with it.

Must. Move. On. Pick. A. New. Book.

I am tired. But I can't go to sleep. I just watched some tv hoping that I would get sleepy but unfortunately that didn't help at all. My latest book choice sucks (grr) so I could just cut bait on it and start something new tommorrow night. Sorry Rachel Pine but I think the book I got for free with the buy three get the fourth offer at Borders a while back is going into the recycle bin. I won't even send it forward to my brother. Maybe I will just BookCross it or something. I wold rather read the Devil Wears Prada again (which I also was annoyed with). I suppose I was hoping that it would make me realize how much what I do on a daily basis is what I went to school for (in a way...the marketing stuff not the film making stuff, because selling insurance is not film making in anyway shape or form...yet I used to make slide shows for the artsie guys....and now I live for PowerPoint...go fig). But not so much this book. Mostly I just realize how glad I am not part of the movie making machine. Because it isn't glamourous, just a machine. Sorry to disappoint but it is true. I kinda want to read the book to find out if that is what the character figures out, but of course she does right (or she could just ultimately publish a book and that is what the story is about... right? I should just skip to the last two chapters and move on. Sure the book is about how women actually run this studio but really that shouldn't come as news to anyone. The days of the meglomaniacal L.B. Mayer are over (and yes, a very very distant cousin or something...from what I am told) its women running the studios so reading about it and the subsequent b.s. paranoia and game playing doesn't make for a good summer (or start of summer for that matter) read for me.

An Open Letter To Borders Rewards Program, I don't really think you suck, but you kinda do

I am annoyed with you. You made a serious move that I have to say, might just cost our meaningful relationship in the end. I got your email stating your "program change". Seriously? You are going from a 5% rewards program at the end of each calendar year which pays out cash off holiday purchases (which last year netted me about $30.00 on holiday purchases) to $5.00 good for a month once you spend 150 bucks? You aren't even giving the 10% off if you spend $50.00 (which hasn't been hard for me by the way) monthly, which encourages even more purchases? That five buck "reward" you call an amazing offer (weeeeelll you don't actually say that) is 3.35% or so back and only good for a calendar month... I call lame.

I do better with my credit card reward program thankyouverymuch. I am buying my books used on Amazon from here on out probably. Sorry, but you lost me as a dedicated customer. I will go semi-quarterly or whenever Guilt and Pleasure decided to publish and that is probably about it. And I will only get it from your Englewood Store if that, it might just be more economical for me (no gas money no aggrevation) to order it from them directly. It has worked out very well for my relationship with my McSweeney's Quarterly and BookClub membership. Wow that is $14.00 you aren't even going to get out of me anymore. Brilliant. You messed that up too.

20% off a book every now and again may rope me back in but I don't need your rewards programs emails to get that. I know the super secret URL for a coupon, which doesn't expire two days after you email it to me. (if you want to know what it is: go here. It might go away someday but until it does... ).

How sad that you are going to end up loosing customers probably because you can't develop a program that you keep. Did it effect your bottom line? Doubtful. Because trust me, when I walked in to get my 10% after spending a minimum of $50.00 I probably spent about 100. That was about 200 bucks every couple of months out of my pocket. I guess I can thank you actually. Never mind me being such a hater.

I amend this from starting out to be a letter about disappointment... this is an open love letter. Thank you Borders Rewards program for putting the kibosh on my fierce book habit. Thank you for putting my need to buy books into a holding pattern and getting me to economize a little. I figure you are saving me lets add it up here... oooo $1200.00 bucks a year minimum (that is a really nice camera or carpet for my house or hey now, bathroom fixtures that are somewhat stylish and the he-man / bohunk to put them in so I don't have to do it myself... huh...how about that... silver frikken lining). That is some sweet ass savings no coupon required. Your measly $5.00 reward can go to someone that might not know better. But this gal is signing off on your program. It was great while it lasted. Thanks for that I suppose. I guess I can start saving for something really kick ass.

Thanks Borders Rewards Program Switcheroonie email. I might be annoyed you have pulled the rug out from underneath me but its over your relationship with me. I have to break up with you. If you are lonely you can stop by my place in about six months and go tinkle in my brand new toliet with the nice tile flooring I suppose, be sure to wash your hands though, I will have a nice Kohler faucet for you to run your hands under.

Kisses and hugs, Zoe

Weirdest experience ever yesterday.

Went into the Tattered Cover and walked out with out anything. Nothing. No bargain books, no magazines, no literary journals, no blank books, no stationary... nothing. It was actually kind of sad. I don't know what it is, but I just wasn't feeling the book lust yesterday. I was trying to think about what I would buy if I could there and nothing peaked my interest at all. Good lord, does that mean that I am overloaded with books? Say it isn't so... but... I think that it is. The plan is to try and get back on the book a week process but I can't get into it.

Oh and by the way... this is just exactly how dreary Denver is right now... grey and dreary.

Today its snowing again, so the blanket of white is lovely but it is a ginormous pain in the tuches since I am the only one out shoveling by the house. My neighbors just walked right by and barely acknowledge that the work is being done. I am going to say it... assholes.

One bright thing so far today was my leftovers (well one taco) from brunch yesterday with G. Honestly, delicious and I almost (had the weather been a touch better) would have driven downtown and ordered to go for this morning. The pancake I brought home for Herschel was devoured by the way he loved the thing. The food was surprisingly good at Snooze. Worth the drive (although just to the Ballpark District) and putting up with the snotty loft living clientele' (a thank you would have been an appropriate responce to the gal complimenting your shoes honey, not "I got them in Europe"... manners girlfriend). The salsa had little flecks of jalepeno which gave this little bite to the taco but wasn't overpowering, the butter on the pancake G had was mixed with fresh ginger. These people take their breakfast seriously and it shows. The hashbrowns weren't overcooked which from experience is easy to do. The coffee wasn't as strong as I like but our waitress Chantelle, was invisible enough to let us enjoy our meal but when she did come to the table looked in our cups (which were really yellow and heafty) to see if we needed a refill (good waitressing skills there honey). And a nice touch, a really nice touch was the coffee service at the front door while waiting for the table. And the tables turned very quickly there which really was pleasent. What a hoot it was to see an "about the artist" info plaque on the wall and see works by The Bro's friend Jared.

I am blown away by kindnesses too. Hollywood really shocked me last night with her gift
because she knows I loves me some Jonathan Adler. This is going to be the kick in the pants I suppose to finish the collection now. Dangit. Trust me, I know they have been on my wish list for like two years... I want them... I will get them... but now I need to complete the set. Devil. But I thank her because it was a nice thing they did for me.

Welp its about 2:30, better get away from this computer.