Making a move

As you can tell, I haven't really been updating this lately... I started a new blog that I think more reflects my interests at the moment. I'll still talk about pretty much whatever I feel like. It's just that lately, that's more what I feel like. Feel free to check me out over there!

The Almost Moon

I finally got around to finishing "The Almost Moon" by Alice Sebold... I was never fully able to shake the creepiness of it, but I definitely think it's a worthwhile read. If nothing else, it really forces you to take a look at human nature, and at your own nature. And it makes you think about what you would be capable of and how you would act in certain situations.
I say give it a shot. It probably won't end up in your repeat pile (I'm not the only one who has one of those, am I?) but you'll be glad you did.

A little creepy

I started a new book recently. Well, I use the word started loosely because I'm about halfway through it. It's called The Almost Moon, by Alice Sebold. I really want to like it because I love her as a writer. I thought the Lovely Bones was amazing (and if they ruin it when they turn it into a movie, I'll cry!).
But truth be told, The Almost Moon is sort of creeping me out... without being a total spoiler, the book is essentially about a woman who kills her elderly mother. And I can't fully describe it because it's not something I've ever experienced with a book before, but it almost makes me feel uncomfortable to read it.
I am determined to finish it, though because well, I'm just not one of those people who abandons books. So I'll report back on this one when I get through it.

Obama's DJ

I must beg for forgiveness.... yet again... I've literally turned into a political zombie lately... I know I could be writing blogs... but instead, I parked myself in front of the TV for two. solid. weeks. I did nothing but watch first the Democratic National Convention and the the Republican National Convention. We're not gonna get into discussing all the political nitty gritty because with me, that can become a full-contact sport.
But I do want to comment on something I noticed during the DNC. For a campaign that has relied very heavily this time around on the youth vote, the background music at the convention seemed to be a lot of classic rock. Granted, much of it was performed by contemporary musicians but I was hearing things like John Lennon and Bob Dylan. Of course, I'm not complaining, mind you. I love, love, love both John Lennon and Bob Dylan. But I think the idea behind it is kinda cool.
Who knows, maybe I'm reading way too much into the choices of music, but think about it. We're talking about young people who are discovering politics for the first time. Who, for the first time, are being inspired to work for change in their country. The last time there was a major movement like that was, you guessed it, the 1960s. And for people in my age group, if you're working toward social change, the 1960s is something to aspire to.
So it only makes sense that they would use music easily associated with that time period...

I tell ya... some smart cookies runnin' that campaign....

The Dollyrots

I mentioned in my last post all the goodies I got when my friend went to Bust's anniversary party. One of the things in there was a CD sampler from Blackheart Records, a label founded by Joan Jett. That, right off the bat, gives major cool points. Well anyway, over the weekend I finally got around to listening to it. All the bands on it rocked, but I have to single out The Dollyrots.
Put simply, this band is absolutely amazing. Fronted by Kelly Ogden, they have an awesome Punk sound that I love.
Seeing as how their first album was released in 2004 and their newest album, "Because I'm Awesome," was released more than a year ago, I'm sure there are plenty of people reading this thinking "what the hell is she talking about? There's nothing new about The Dollyrots." Well, if you're one of the people who's known about them for a while all I'm gonna say is, lucky you.
But for the rest of you, check out the video for my new favorite song, "Brand New Key."

Bust Swag!!!!

So, I love love love Bust Magazine. And Tuesday night, the crew over there celebrated their 15th anniversary (congratulations, ladies!). They had a huge, stylin' bash at South Street Seaport and from what I hear, it was quite the time. But that's not really what I'm here to write about because, well, I wasn't invited. A good friend of mine, however, was invited and if you're interested, you can read all about it on her blog (while you're there, take note of the dress she's wearing... her knit and her design... and pretty friggin cool, if ya ask me!) She even managed to somehow plug her etsy shop to Debbie Stoller herself! (How she manages these things, I have no idea!)
But anyway, back to the reason I'm writing. In spite of all the excitement of the evening, said dear friend somehow managed to snag me a goody bag (how thoughtful is she!). It had some seriously sweet stuff in it. I won't mention everything because my mom sometimes reads this. But I really wanted to share with you the stylin' bag it all came in that will now be my purse of choice (and after all, isn't fashion an important part of culture?).
This seriously cool messenger bag, made by Blue Q, well let's just say where has it been all my life??? It's nice and roomy, but yet doesn't feel overly bulky for everyday use. It's made of woven polypropylene and brings a little art into your everyday wardrobe. And I think their Web site puts it best when they say "if you have a shoulder, you need one of these." (By the way, it's the bag in the picture up there...)
OK, nuff said... go, shop and be merry.

Some new music (to me, at least)

Something kinda cool happened to me and my little blog a few weeks ago. Not long after I posted my iTunes Top 25 (which no doubt has already changed), I received an email from a PR person at a record label. No doubt, it was the person who gets the secretary's coffee or something like that but still. It means someone other than my darling family is reading this (but I do love you guys, really).
But anywho, according to the email, this woman is from Ingrid Michaelson's label, which is incredibly cool, since I love her. The email was essentially along the lines of "if you like her, check this guy out!" Again, I find it very cool that they would think my opinion matters even a little bit, but I'll move on. I checked the guy out. And it turns out, he's pretty cool.
His name is David Ford and he released his second album, "Songs For The Road," a few months ago on Original Signal Recordings.
His label compares him a bit to Conor Oberst but what really sets him apart is the fact that he plays every single instrument himself and loops each one individually. This is the video for his song "Go to Hell," which I'm particularly fond of. I'm told the video was shot in one take with not instrumental help. Now that's talent. Check it out.



Oh, almost forgot to mention. If you wanna download the entire album, it's currently available on iTunes.