Just in time for Halloween

A few years ago I read Anne Rice's Interview with a Vampire. I think I even read the next book in the series, and then moved on. Seems Anne Rice has moved on too. Even after reading this article, I'm not sure where she's headed.

Developing a strategy

A while back I mentioned the game "The Hollywood Stock Exchange", and have spent the time since trying out how to get the best return on my portfolio. Holding blockbusters for the long haul seems to be the most rewarding financially, but in terms of quick success I think shorting a stock is the way to go. As a result, my portfolio is closing in on $18 million. If you're not playing this game yet, you should check it out

Violating my own rule

My one hard and fast rule when it came to country music was that it could only be sung by a hot chick to warrant listening to, i.e. Faith Hill. So I've avoided her last album due to the fact that she looks more like trailer trash than hot chick. But thanks to the beauty of Itunes, I bought my first country album by a dude, (This excludes Johnny Cash of course, because he's Johnny Cash and doesn't sing through his nose) that being Brad Paisley. I actually rather enjoyed it, to be honest. Granted, I am opening myself to ridicule and scorn, but so be it. (And if you're reading this and live in Texas, you may not mock me as you live in Texas.) The album is very good and doesn't get too bogged down in overly whiny singing and terrible musicianship, such as that tub of goo Garth Brooks. How that guy ever became popular still mystifies me. Anyway, the album "Time Well Wasted" comes recommended. I think there was only about 2 tracks I didn't really like, given to the excessive use of slide guitar.

Get over it

This article is excellent. I am going to try and buy this book. It boils down to "Life is unfair-deal with it." This is definitely something I've dealt with and continue to deal with in my life. Sadly, I think I may struggle with it until the end of my days as I tend to be too dense about reacting in the correct manner to life's many disappointments. I have learned, though, to really appreciate the good in life. May I never take those few moments for granted

Can a rock star be humble?

So you're being directed to park at some festival and think, did I just see Bono? You might have

Interesting

It was pretty fun to watch the highlights from the White Sox 2-1 win over the Angels. The Angels were hosed by the umpire who didn't call the White Sox batter out verbally, whatever sense that makes. So the batter ends up on first, and a pinch runner scores during the very next at bat to win the game. I liked the press conference where the umpires took no blame, and looked like complete dopes. What makes this so great is the fact that I despise the Angels so much. Couldn't have happened to a nicer team, except maybe the Dodgers. Which proves my theory there is nothing good about LA, even those like the Angels who pretend to actually be from there.

huh?

After looking at the opening acts for the last leg of the Vertigo tour for 2005, I think Bono and the boys have lost their minds. Damien Marley is opening for them in Oakland in November, and nothing goes better together with U2 than Reggae. Check out this website for some dope t-shirts. Yes, bad pun intended. And then in December Kanye West is opening. With his ego, I'm kinda surprised U2 isn't the opening act. It was bad enough to endure the Kings of Leon during the Spring leg of the Vertigo Tour, but this is too much. Then again, I watched PJ Harvey open for them on the Elevation tour in 2001, and she is, to date, the single worst "musician" I have ever seen. After about 5 minutes of what sounded like sticking cats in a blender I could no longer take the sound and waited outside on the concourse for her to finish.
Of course, I have seen them with good opening acts too. No Doubt opend for them on the Elevation Tour as well, and they were excellent. And back on the Popmart tour Oasis opened for them, and they were pretty good as well.
So when going to see u2, the opening bands are great, or they just flat out suck

Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire

I just finished this book yesterday. It is a fairly quick read I finished while watching the 49ers roll over for the Cardinals Sunday night. I wouldn't say there is anything groundbreaking in here, but it is a solid book. Basically comes down to: if you want God to do anything in your life or church, then pray. That's it. No formulas or strategies for increasing church growth, just pray. It always seems the simplest things are the most revolutionary, doesn't it?