It is no secret that I love to read. It is also no secret that I love Mexican food. And brownies. And beer. So, that’s pretty much what I did this weekend.
Read
I finished reading Although of Course You End Up Becoming Yourself by David Lipsky. It was…I don’t even know how to explain it. It isn’t really a book, a novel; it’s just one giant, continuous interview. It wasn’t anything spectacular, taken by itself, but given that the interview is with DFW, it was amazing. It’s amazing and wonderful, confusing, and really hard to describe. You get some pretty interesting insight into Infinite Jest and what DFW was going through and thinking about while writing it, but you also get some inside info on his other works. I think it is just awesome to be able to see DFW as a normal guy, even though he’s a really fucking brilliant guy.
I also caught up on my stack of The New Yorker. I’ve been so busy lately that I haven’t even had time to enjoy any of them, but I was finally able to get all caught up. I’m really glad that I didn’t have to give up my subscription when I moved to the boonies, even though I had to stop getting The New York Times. It’s rare to find a NYT around here, even on Sundays. When I do happen to find one, I usually grab it as fast as I can and run home, my inhaler hitting my lips as soon as I walk into my apartment and then I sprawl out on the living room floor absorbing every awesome detail of the Sunday NYT. I haven’t found one in awhile though.
I also caught up on my subscription to Popular Science. I like indulging the science geek in me, especially if there is something along the lines of particle/quantum physics in there, which isn’t as rare as one might think.
I’ve also started reading a new book.
I’m only 30+ pages in and I’m already in love with Let The Great World Spin by Colum McCann. I don’t know why I didn’t buy this sooner; it has been on my list of books to read for almost a year, maybe more, but I just recently picked it up after it lost in TMN’sTournament of Books. I’m still a bit bitter that Wolf Hall won because I did not really enjoy that at all. I still have to read The Lacuna; it is currently sitting in my duffel bag, untouched since I stashed it in there before my last trip to my parent’s house a few weekends ago.
I just name dropped a lot of stuff so if you can’t get some suggestions from that, maybe you all should just come over and browse through my bookshelf.
What’s on your reading lists? What did you read this weekend? I’m trying to find some interesting non-fiction to read since most of my reading list is filled with fiction. I think the David Lipsky book has been the only non-fiction I’ve read since last year. Any suggestions?
I was able to finish reading The Savage Detectives by Roberto Bolano late last week. I haven’t been able to go back and organize my notes so I’m just going to wing it.
The Savage Detectives by Roberto Bolano (Cover)
The Savage Detectives follows two experimental poets, Ulises Lima and Arturo Bolano, during the 70s in Mexico City and spans all the way to the 90s, following them on their journey through Europe, Israel, and back to Europe. It isn’t just about the two poets, but more about the poetry movement that they are considered the leaders of, “visceral realism.” The novel is filled with characters who live and breathe poetry. Their poetry is about their chaotic lives, the chaotic world around them. The novel features dozens of narrators, which can sometimes get confusing if you aren’t keeping track (this is why I keep a reading journal) and names of famous poets are dropped everywhere.
Within the vast ocean of poetry, he identified various currents: faggots, queers, sissies, freaks, butches, fairies, nymphs, and philenes. But the two major currents were faggots and queers. Walt Whitman, for example, was a faggot poet. Pablo Neruda, a queer. William Blake was definitely a faggot. Octavio Paz was a queer. Borges was a philene, or in other words he might be a faggot one minute and simply asexual the next. Rubén Darío was a freak, in fact, the queen freak, the prototypical freak.
“In our language, of course,” he clarified. “In the wider world the reigning freak is still Verlaine the Generous.”
Freaks, according to San Epifanio, were closer to madhouse flamboyance and naked hallucination, while faggots and queers wandered in stagger-step from ethics to aesthetics and back again. Cernuda, dear Cernuda, was a nymph, and at moments of great bitterness, a faggot, whereas Guillén, Alexaindre, and Alberti could be considered a sissy, a butch, and a queer, respectively. As a general rule, poets like Carlos Pellicer were butches, while poets like Tablada, Novo, and Renato Leduc were sissies. In fact, there was a dearth of faggots in Mexican poetry….
The book is broken into three parts. The first part is narrated by Juan Madero, one of the members of the Visceral Realist movement, as he first meets Lima and Bolano and the rest of the members associated with the movement. The second part is a series of first-person “interviews” that follows Lima and Bolano on their journeys through Europe and Israel. The third part is a journal kept by Juan Madero, following a quest to find Cesarea Tinajero in a remote Mexican town. This section brings us back to the 70s, right before Lima and Bolano left Mexico.
After reading Infinite Jest and working my way through 2666, the 600 pages of The Savage Detectives didn’t bother me. It was an interesting read and worth my time, even though it took me months to finish.
I buy three books every other week (on pay day) so I can keep plenty of books in my to-read pile. I read at least 3 books a week, on average, and the fact that I still have a few in my to-read pile helps to ensure that I never run out of books to read. If my to-read pile empties, I make a trip to the library until I can stock up again.
I have a love for reading, verging on obsession, and if I’m not reading something I find myself feeling lost. I always carry at least one book with me everywhere I go, I also carry at least two journals. This might be considered a problem, or it might just mean that I’m anal and like to write things down.
This week I am going to buy the below books. I suggest you check them out as well.
Beatrice and Virgil: A Novel by Yann Martel
Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann
Although Of Course You End Up Becoming Yourself: A Road Trip with David Foster Wallace by David Lipsky
In his introduction to “Although Of Course You End Up Becoming Yourself,” Lipsky writes that when he pulled out these transcripts a year after Wallace’s death, “one thing kept touching me: We were both so young.” The text is studded with contemporary interjections noting that this independent bookstore has since shuttered, that literary publication has folded. The cultural apparatus that made the ascension of “Infinite Jest” possible no longer exists. All that’s left now are the words on the page — and on the pages of “Although Of Course You End Up Becoming Yourself,” too, with the voices they conjure of two writers talking, talking, talking as they drive through the night. (via Salon)
Do you have any idea how excited I am about this? David Foster Wallace has influenced me in many different ways, in life and in writing, to the point where I’ve almost considered going to Pomona College (where he was teaching when he died.)
The younger Lipsky felt a little bit outgunned sometimes by the success and the teeming intellect of Wallace, though he gives as good as he gets; most of all, Lipsky has in spades the one thing that Wallace always valued most, that elusive thing he used to call “authenticity.” Both the young Lipsky and the older, wiser one who put the book together have it. He is never afraid to say just what’s on his mind, even when he knows it’s going to cost. I’m going out on a limb here, but I suspect that what was also going on was that Lipsky (stable, elegant, and confident as he appeared) never knew, maybe still doesn’t know, that Wallace must have been as jealous of him as he was of Wallace. As irritated at him for being smart, as annoyed at him for being handsome. (via The Awl)
If you have never read David Foster Wallace, I suggest doing so. Infinite Jest is a hell of a long book, but it’s brilliance (genius) is well worth the time it will take to read it. I’m currently re-reading it for the third time; I know, I’m a nerd.
MP3′s that you buy from iTunes, Wal-Mart, and Lala are earmarked with personal information to attach the MP3 to the individual that purchases it. Just because we won the battle over DRM doesn’t mean shit, apparently.
Hidden in purchased music files from popular stores such as Apple and Walmart is information to identify the buyer and/or the transaction. You won’t find it disclosed in their published terms of use. It’s nowhere in their support documentation. There’s no mention in the digital receipt. Consumers are largely oblivious to this, but it could have future ramifications as the music industry takes another stab at locking down music files.
Here’s how it works. During the buying process a username and transaction ID are known by the online retailers. Before making the song available for download their software embeds into the file either an account name or a transaction number or both. Once downloaded, the file has squirreled away this personal information in a manner where you can’t easily see it, but if someone knows where to look they can. This information doesn’t affect the audio fidelity, but it does permanently attach to the file data which can be used to trace back to the original purchaser which could be used at a later date.
Retailers aren’t talking, but there’s ample proof of what’s transpiring. Using simple file comparison tools it’s possible to verify this behavior by purchasing identical songs using different accounts and see if they match. I emailed support departments for several retailers asking if they would acknowledge these actions and inquiring about what specific information they are embedding. Only 7digital responded saying they don’t use any watermarks. What retailers won’t say publicly is that the major record labels are requiring this behavior as a precondition to sell their music.
Certain record labels have aspirations to use this hidden data to control future access to music in a return to DRM (digital rights management). The labels yearn to control where you can listen to your music and this could be a backdoor for them to achieve it. When personal libraries are stored in the cloud, it becomes possible to retrieve this personal data and match it to a user identity. If the match is successful the song plays, but if not, access can be blocked through a network DRM system such as the one Lala patented (which is now owned by Apple).
You can see a list of which providers are selling clean vs. dirty mp3′s here.
(via TechCrunch)
God, I love beer. Not to the point where I drink it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but I do love it. Some of my favorites for Spring are shown below.
Magic Hat Spring Seasonal
I had this a few weeks ago and I am now pretty obsessed with it.
Rising Moon Spring Ale
From the makers of Blue Moon. I really love their seasonal beers and this is no exception.
Brawler by Yards Brewing Company
I have never tried this one but Brawler has been on my list of beers to try for a little while now, so as soon as I can find it, I’m chugging one.
Holy Moses White Ale
You have no idea how much I love GLBC.
Yuengling Black & Tan
This is a staple year round but it seems to taste a bit better when there is a nice spring breeze.
Your Easy Lovin’ Ain’t Pleasin’ Nothin’ by Mayer Hawthorne
I’m not exactly sure why this reminds me of Spring but it is catchy as hell. Take a listen.
United Countries of Baseball
I’m really excited now that baseball season is kicking up again. You know how I know this is going to be an awesome season? Because this happened on opening day:
Now that the games have started, it is time to get your gear ready for games. Nothing special here, I’m thinking of comfort and things that you wouldn’t mind getting beer spilled all over, and possibly some mustard.
Yankees 3/4 Sleeve
You can grab this 3/4 sleeve here at the MLB shop.
Yankees Fitted Cap
I prefer fitted caps to adjustable ones, they look cleaner and you don’t have to mess with that damn strap. You can grab this one here at the MLB shop.
JCrew Bootfit Jeans
Do not, for the love of God, wear Denim shorts. Wear khaki shorts. But I prefer jeans, like these ones from JCrew.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars
Nothing is more comfortable than a pair of Chucks. If you want to keep true to The Sandlot, go with PF Flyers.
Rawlings PRM1275
A true fan sits down the side or in the outfield hoping to catch a foul or a homerun. You’re going to need a mitt, like the Rawlings glove above.
Ratio M by Brooklyn Industries
I don’t think that many people understand how much I love math so I think that I should get this shirt, Ratio M by Brooklyn Industries ($36). It could also be an interesting, albeit nerdy, conversation starter.
The Wikipedia article gives a nice rundown as to what the Golden Ratio is, just in case you are unfamiliar with it. I could talk all day about this but I will spare you the nerdy rant that is going on in my head currently.
Gasius Buster by Good Hood Store
I can’t convert British Pounds to USD and honestly I am too lazy to use Google right now. Sorry! However, you should still check out this shirt featuring a throwback from childhood (if you’re my age or older).
JCrew Fall 2010
I’ve been keeping my eye on the internet to get a sneak peek of JCrew’s Fall 2010 line. I’ve been hearing great things about it and I’m super excited to get a better look at some of the pieces.
The Field Mechanic’s Jacket
The Fireman Hoodie
The Sueded Fleece Workwear Cardigan
The North by Northwest Vest by Crescent Down Works for J.Crew
The Russell Moccasin Co. Thula Thula “PH” Boots
The Aberdeen Fair Isle Sweater
I will leave you with a song that has been stuck in my head all day, thanks to my roommate for making me listen to it over and over and over again.
Walking On A Dream by Empire of The Sun
The Savage Detectives by Roberto Bolano (Cover)
I’ve been trying to finish The Savage Detectives by Roberto Bolano for a few months but I’ve kept finding other books or things to occupy my time. I’ve used this book as my “go to bed” book; one that I read for a few minutes each night right before I slip into sleep. I recently decided to move this up on the list of books that I need to finish so I’ve started carrying this with me everywhere I go, conveniently tucked into my man-bag waiting for me to reach in and grab it.
Bolano is a genius, you can see that clearly as you read this. The beginning of the novel reads quickly but then you get to the second part and it starts to slow down some, not that it loses it’s appeal but more that it changes speed, feel, almost becomes another novel entirely. An interesting journey through Mexico and Europe, mainly, and the poetry movement that took place during the 70s and 80s.
I’ll have more thoughts once I finish this, I’m only about 100 pages off, and I will be able to organize the journal that I keep while reading books. By the way, somewhat related, keeping a reading journal helps you become a better reader. I use Moleskines, because I’m snooty, but using a regular spiral bound works out well too.
One of the books that I’ll be reading soon is another book by Bolano, 2666. There has been a resurgence of Bolano lately, more of his novels are currently being published post-mortem. Both The Savage Detectives and 2666 are considered must-read books.
Currently Listening
Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings
I’ve been mildly obsessed with the sound of Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings. It reminds me of a more modern Motown sound that is quite addicting.
I Learned The Hard Way was the first leaked song from this album, although there a few on here that I enjoy. I highly recommend listening; I’ve had this on repeat on my iPod for the past couple of weeks.
Other things I’ve been listening to: Frightened Rabbit’s new album, The Apples in Stereo, Annuals.
Currently Watching
Modern Family
Modern Family is one of the best new shoes on television. I don’t watch television much anymore, but I usually make time to catch up with this show. The ginger gay man reminds me of my roommate, albeit my roommate is less flamboyant, but if he were more flaming he would be this guy from Modern Family.
Aside from this, I’ve tried to keep up with Chuck and Lost. I don’t really have time for anything else, occasionally I will break out a DVD courtesy of my Netflix subscription. Most recently I watched A Serious Man and Moon. I have three more that I have yet to watch but I will most likely start working my way through them tonight.
I’ve decided to start writing here again, but on a less personal basis. Personal blogging is so…personal and I’ve grown accustomed to being more private about my life in many aspects for numerous reasons that I won’t detail here. I’ve decided to turn this into a blog about things that I love: music, books, and transgenderism. I’ll probably throw in a few other things, possibly things about movies, poetry, and fashion. I’ll continue on with my mixtapes, although I have a website for those already. I’ll be linking to them as I post them and I might throw in a few extra tracks here because I always have a couple of tracks that I want to add into a mix but then I don’t because they don’t fit melodically.
Stay tuned for more posts, regularly. I’m going to resurrect this thing from the grave.