Party Down and Out

By brian July 3, 2010TV

The Internet has done some wonderful things for this world. We can instantly find out the answer to any question. We have many different ways to waste time. We can…

ITEOTWAWKI: Leakage

By brian July 2, 2010ITEOTWAWKI, Music, REM

We have just a short time until the remastered version of Fables of the Reconstruction, R.E.M.'s third album, hits the stores. The bonus goodie for this one will be a…

Get The Name Right

By brian June 30, 2010Columns, Movies

I had lunch with several people from work last week, and we discussed our plans for the upcoming weekend. One friend shared what she had on tap, and I almost lost my mind.

At first, I felt angry. Then I worried for her sanity. I finally settled on a healthy case of arrogance as I realized that she would not have any fun in the end.

I don’t know why I get so worked up when I hear people want to go see the new version of “The Karate Kid.”

Book Review: The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay

By brian June 25, 2010Books

I don't remember where I first came across Michael Chabon's debut novel The Mysteries of Pittsburgh. The book came out in 1988 when I was finishing my sophomore year of…

Let’s Make a Deal

By brian June 24, 2010America, Soccer

The previous post shows the unbridled joy which people experienced after the U.S. scored to beat Algeria yesterday. People don't often get that excited about soccer in the U.S., but…

I recently found myself in a bit of a reading rut. I have managed to stay ahead of the pace I hoped for – I like to read at least 12 books a year – but have had problems with some of the things I read.

I found myself under whelmed with back-to-back novels. The first one had been on my reading list for a number of years. I now wish I had left it there. The second was by an author whose first book really entertained me. He failed this time.

I didn’t know what to do. This time of year helps me easily meet my reading goals because our porch offers the perfect place to escape into a book. I didn’t want to just throw my arms up in frustration.

I had started and set aside a book I purchased years ago at a used book sale. The story actually got better as it went along, which helped kick me out of the rut a little bit, but I needed more. I needed something really spectacular to get me on a roll for the summer reading season.