Long-overdue post

hey all,
it's been quite some time since my last post, and just wanted to give a quick update on the books i'm reading now:

I've recently been drawn to the how-to books of writing genre (how to write a book, how to write a short story, etc), and found some really good books on writing by writers

-Bird by Bird: some instructions on writing and life by Anne Lamott.  I just bought this book on my Kindle; can't wait to read it!









-Reading like a Writer by Francine Prose.  Bought it on my Kindle a while ago; an excellent book for anyone who loves to read.  However, if you're looking for some real guidelines on how to write, say, a novel, this book doesn't provide the guidelines, tips, and checklists that people usually like to see.  Great book, though - highly recommend it.  Does contain very important message for prospective writers - read, read, read!






-On Writing by Stephen King.  Just bought it on my Kindle as well, but so far, from what I've read from the reviews, sounds excellent and worth a try.  Stephen King is a legendary author and I'm a huge fan of his work - so excited to read what he has to say!

Two Spanish Guitar Virtuosos You've Never Heard Of

Rodrigo y Gabriela ...a friend, who happens to be a Spanish music enthusiast, tipped me off about these two; a little-known Spanish guitar group with flying fingers, they managed to top Irish music charts in 2006.  Read more on the two on Last Fm

Favorite Songs:
-"Tamacun"
-"Ixtapa"
-"Stairway to Heaven" (a Latin twist on the original)
-"Juan Loco" (seething with energy; great piece)
-"Paris" (catchy song, great rhythm and style)
-"Diablo Rojo"
-"Diem" (slower pace, but still really good - interesting violin parts)

this group is DEFINITELY worth a listen

I Can Ride A Bike With No Handlebars

"Handlebars", a song by Flobots , is a song that was introduced to me by my brother, and I gotta say, usually I'm not a fan of the politically-themed, agenda-oriented hip-hop genre, but this song really hit home with me, especially after watching the music video.  It's on the surface, it's about two friends who choose very different paths in life; however, if you pay close attention to the lyrics, you'll understand that this song is about the rapid advancement of technology, and the seemingly limitless potential that we have in the world - we can do anything we set our minds to, and, of course, the destruction we can do with this power.  Pretty stiff stuff for a simple little catchy song.  My advice - enjoy the song first, then watch the music video.

Womanizer - Britney Spears

"Womanizer" if the first single to be released from Britney's upcoming album "Circus". This simple, mediocre, pop-y song does what Britney does best - cater to the lowest common denominator; although I've got to say, "Break the Ice" did a much better job. Obviously, however, because this is America and we take whatever nicely packaged synthetic crap that the music industry throws at us, this will be #1 on the Billboard chart in a matter of weeks.

However, I do have a good word to put in for Britney - I heard that she's trying to get her act together with the release of this album, and if it's a legit effort (getting her kids back, quitting drugs, etc) then all the power to her.

G.O.Y.A.L.T. Juanes! (Get Off Your Ass and Listen To)

Juanes, Colombian superstar (and superhunk), is a Spanish rocker with a big heart; he started the Mi Sangre Foundation to help injured people in his native Colombia. His latest album, which came out about a year ago, "La Vida...Es Un Ratico" (Life is a Moment).

Quick Summary of the Best of Juanes
-"Me Enamora" (She/It Makes Me Fall in Love)
-"La Camisa Negra" (The Black Shirt)
-"A Dios le Pido" (I Ask God)
-"Bandera de Manos" (Flag of Hands)
-"Volverte a Ver" (You Return to See)
-"Gotas de Agua Dulce" (Drops of Sweet Water)
-"Nada Valgo Sin Tu Amor" (I Am Worth Nothing Without Your Love)
-"Mala Gente" (Bad People)
-"La Paga" (The Wage)
-"Tres" (Three)

**this is not a complete list, just a compliation of a couple favs off the top of my head. And if I have translated some titles wrong, please let me know and I will correct it.

Remember the Name - Fort Minor

This song is definitely not new, and it's not topping charts anywhere. But I don't care - it's a great song, and is becoming "one of the most popular sports anthems", even though it was released in 2005 in the first Fort Minor album, "The Rising Tied", only "Where'd You Go" got any mainstream success.

"Remember the Name" is sung by rapper/singer Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park (of which Fort Minor is a side-project), and the lyrics are like the gears of a tightly wound clock, with each word in perfect lockstep with the one before it. It's a great song; HIGHLY recommend it!


you don't mess with texas