Can I Interest You in a Book Today?

Most of my friends know that I'm a lover of movies, music and books - basically a pop culture whore - and I go through these phases of watching tons of movies, reading tons of books and listening to tons of music. I do try to mix up the genres though so that my mind doesn't turn to mush. I try for the thought provoking and swing all the way toward the indulgent. For the most part I gotta admit that I don't have a lot of restraint and usually indulge.

That's not to say that I'm opposed to classic lit or Italian operas. But lately, I don't have the willpower to pour through Moby Dick or any of its cousins. I have, however, breezed through three, almost four, Chick Lit books in a matter of days. While I know that they in no way compare to Melville's masterpiece (which I still have yet to crack open), I do feel a sense of pride for even reading text in its physical manifestation.

In this day and age, most people get their info online with audiobooks, 24/7 streaming news (and gossip) and podcasts. They catch up on a variety of things snippet by snippet, never fully diving into any one thing. The idea of holding an actual book, turning the pages and curling up on the couch is foreign to many. Who has the time?

But for those of us who do pick up a book now and then, it's a feeling that can't be beat. Feeling the crisp pages on your fingertips; smelling the clean paper smell; being the first to make a crease in the spine - these are all things that make it worthwhile. Or, if you're a used books/library patron, the idea that hundreds of other people have enjoyed these exact same pages as you can be very fulfilling (unless you are OCD, of course).

I'd hate to see the era of the book be surpassed, like many other things, by the speedy pace of technology. Yes, it can sometimes be inconvenient to lug a book around with you. Yes, it can sometimes reveal things about yourself to others that you're not yet willing to admit. Yes, it can seem unimportant when millions of things are buzzing around in your head. But, don't let it slip away.

Public Service Announcement

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Drink, Don't Drive!

This public service announcement was brought to you by Paradise Revealed.

The New Generation's Sweet Okole

A friend of mine emailed me these old school vids of The New Generation. I don't particularly remember either of these songs or the group, for that matter.

These vids bring it way back into the late '80s-early '90s. Check out the New Edition/New Kids on the Block dance moves! Nice! Also love the background beats and that shrill "Insane in the Brain" sound. Can you believe the clothes? I especially remember the overalls (one up/one down look) and plaid. How can you not love these throw backs?

"Sweet Okole"


"Make This Dream Real"

Return of the Mack

Just a quick update on everyone's friendly neighbor.

Yesterday a friend and I spotted the naked exerciser at his normal location at his normal time. Now, I definitely have a witness and this witness' testimony is that yes, the man is indeed walking on his treadmill naked. There you have it folks. I am neither blind nor delusional.

I find it curious that my neighbor only likes to exercise on Saturday afternoons. I wonder why that is? As if compelled by an invisible force, every time I leave my apartment I gaze up at the window expecting to see him there. Yesterday was the first time he's been there since the intial sighting. I'll keep you posted.

Funny Wedding Vids

Not sure why, but I've been getting a kick out of watching funny wedding videos. They're just hilarious! Most of the time it's the couple's first dance as husband and wife. Most of the time the couple is white, which makes the dancing even funnier. I hate to admit that the stereotype is right, but seriously, it is. Here are some of my favorite videos that I came across on YouTube.

Best "Baby Got Back" Vid
I love how in sync they are and that the guy actually has as much rhythm as the girl.


Best Vid by Asians
Love the Tutting!


Best "Screw Your Traditions" Vid
Who said you can't go all gangsta at your wedding?


Best "Dirty Dancing"
Props to the bride who's dancing in a pretty big dress!


Best "WASP trying to be Ghetto" Vid
Stick to stocks and mutual funds people, stocks and mutual funds.


Best "I Love You No Matter What" Vid
Props to the wedding party and friends who MUST LOVE the newlyweds A LOT to do this for them. As a side note, this must've been the groom's idea. He is SO into it.


Best Use of Dance Lessons
Money well spent I'd say.


Best Father/Daughter Dance
Dude is smoooth!

What Every Girl Needs

Now Christina Aguilera had "What a Girl Wants," but I got "What Every Girl Needs." In honor of the hit movie Sex and the City, I unveal my . . . wait for it . . . shoe closet.

It's not so much what I have in there, which to be honest, could use a bit of spring cleaning to make room for newer, cuter footwear. But, the point is that it's a special space just for some special things. I'm sure the SATC gals would be proud. Carrie would probably shed a tear.

While the closet doesn't house all my shoes (several make their residence in a drawer at my work), it does make it easier to pick out something to match outfits. When you can see all the styles and colors at once, it makes it that much quicker to get out the door and on your way.

I know many people don't have a whole closet to devote to their shoes (although I really think you should), sometimes you just have to make sacrifices. Or in my case, you need to admit a minor fault and embrace something bigger. For me, I can admit that I don't know how to cook. So, why let an entire pantry go to waste? Instead of stocking up on culinary staples, I've stocked up on shoes. Some people are happiest in their kitchen. Now, so am I.