Books to read/finished *UPDATED* (August 12)

UPDATE: Finished Telex From Cuba. That is book #9 since I started working (end of may/beginning of June)

I decided that I should read a shit load of books this summer. Which books? Not sure, but I will start with one at a time. The last two summers I read almost a dozen novels - mind you, they were all more than 400 pages. But that is besides the point.

Spring/Summer 09:
Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince (606 pages)
The Bourne Supremacy (646 pages)
Lolita (288 pages)
Grapes of Wrath (476 pages)
We The Living (467 pages)
The Road (287 pages)
Cannery Road (196 pages)
The Winter of Our Discontent (279 pages)
White Noise (326 pages)
Telex from Cuba (322 pages)
House of Sand and Fog (reading)
Sold As A Slave (to begin)

If . . . . Fuck I want another ODAAL album!

Dear Zack De La Rocha,

Brief and simple. ZACK, please make some more music. Please. Although more RAGE concerts would be wonderful, we both know that will not happen (again) anytime soon. That said, when is your next album of One Day As A Lion coming out?


--------

O.K, seriously. It's been a year since the EP. Possible album in late 2009 or 2010. FUCK!

NEW HAIR STYLE

So, I finally got what I have been wanting to try since last fall (about a year ago). Dreads. Since my hair is thin (unfortunately) there aren't many braids (yes, braids). Having braided hair, which leads up to actual dreads, is pretty new to me (duh!) and feels a little weird at first. However, after a couple of days it feels fun - the texture of the braids, the hair bouncing against your head various times, and so on. It feels fine so far. It is a style that may or may not suit everyone. The question is, will I keep it for a long time? The answer is, no. It is something I wanted to try, but I will keep it for atleast a week, probably a month. Yes, probably a month. The thing is, when I do decide to get rid of the dreads I will have to shave my head. I have never shaved my head before. Actually, maybe I'll just cut it really short so long as my hair can be seem on my head.
Process:
On to some important topics about dreads/braided hair. Right now my hair is braided and tied. For the dreads to really develop they must be waxed to keep the texture and keep it firm. It takes about two months for the dreads to gel and take it's permanent shape. I say permanent because I can't really think of a better word for it - fuck, it's the morning for everyone, but since I work the nightshift I am tired. Moving on! I bet you are asking, does this mean you won't wash yourself? *stares* For fuck's sake, of course I will take showers and wash myself. Fuck. What the...? Jesus Christ! As for the dreads, I will be cautious about them. Washing them? Yes, but not right away. I want to do it exactly right or else the braids will expand and make my hair look like a fucking disturbed nest! Got to buy the shampoo (without residue) for dreads asap!
Zack De La Rocha:
Those that know me, know that I love the political music band, Rage Against the Machine. They also know my idol is Zack De La Rocha, the lead singer of Rage Against the Machine. I will not make this topic dwell into why I respect Zack, so on and so forth. But let me make this clear, I did NOT decide to braid my hair (dreads) for the purpose of looking like him. Get that part straight. Seriously, let that sink in your head. Sure I respect Zack a lot. Sure I enjoy hearing his voice. Sure I think he is the best thing about Rage Against the Machine. However, I have always found dreads interesting to try atleast once in my life. The problem was, I was young then (early high school era), my hair never got to grow that long because I didn't want to wait more than a year, summer's would be a bitch with long hair (should I say why? I don't think so), etc. However, at my age it's easier to decide certain things or take a certain path. Life is, well, complicated, fun and other things. You must do what makes you happy or else you will sink into a world of misery and wreckage. Simple as that. I must say, it is even better listening to rock music or heart pumping music from Rage Against the Machine.
Respect:
All but one of my friend (hopefully it gets better with her) have no clue how I look (my hair of course!!!) and that I actually went through with the dreads. Should be fun witnessing their reactions. I'm not expecting them to love it or to like it, but if they choose to tell me they don't like it hopefully they do respect it. This goes for everyone. You see, people tend to judge a person based on certain features. And that is simply ridiculous. Full of shit. I have seen it before. In fact within 2 1/2 days of having these dreads I walked by an older man in downtown who looked at me and said "colisse" (wrong spelling I think!). Made me laugh for a bit, but these are reactions I will probably get. Others with dreads, or other body features will or often do get. It's not fair, but that is how people are in the world. Judging by appearance before knowing the person. Unfortunately, this doesn't always happen with people who don't know you. The key word here is respect. Hate it (my dreads in this case) or love it, bottom line is atleast respect it. It is not you who is wearing the dreads. It is not you walking around in public with them. So what if a fat guy is sitting next to you on the bus or metro. Big deal that someone is driving an old, rusted car while you have a porsche or whatnot. Respect the person. Anyways, I cannot wait to get my friends reactions and the reactions for strangers as well. In fact, my hair is a success at work. Well, my co-workers seems to like it, not mind it. One co-worker who has cornrow braids (also a lazy motherfucker) said he likes my hairs and that I look like a gangster........damn. A boss from the other shift (big guy, early 50s) saw me the first day with the new hair, stopped his lift (electronic machine to pick up skids and whatnot), looked at me, smiled and told me how he likes them and how he always wanted to get cornrow braids, but is too old. I cannot fucking picture him with cornrow braids! But if it makes him happy, then by all means he should try it out. Do what makes you happy.
Sometimes I feel that getting a certain hair style, wearing certain clothes or shoes, driving a certain car (etc), brings out the real character of people. I will see how it goes. LMAO. Bottom line (again!), be honest with me. That's all. Honesty and Respect. Different hair, same person!!
Keeping it?:
Probably mentioned it above, but when I got my hair done I was not thinking long-term. How long I keep the dreads depends on how I feel with them within the next few days or weeks. I would like to keep them for atleast a month or so. I am happy right now.

Song of the Week

This song has been stuck in my head for a week! It's called "I Don't Wanna Know" by one of my favorite bands New Found Glory.

I don't wanna know
I don't wanna know

Your eyes were covered in sunglasses
When they first met mine
I sat there and stared at you
You didn't seem to mind
The awkward ways we meet

First comes heavy breathing
Staring at the ceiling
What will happen next
I don't wanna know
I don't wanna know

I never cared how i dressed before
But i cared that night
Anticipation ran through my bones

And my clothes never fit right
I can't wait 'til we meet again

First comes heavy breathing
Staring at the ceiling
What will happen next
I don't wanna know
I don't wanna know

Framed pictures start to be put on the walls
Constant visits while im out on the road
Its hard to leave sometimes
But you know where i lay my head at night

First comes heavy breathing
Staring at the ceiling
What will happen next
I don't wanna know
I don't wanna know

On A Roll

Wow. Geez. Words coming off the top of my head - rolling smoothly out my tongue. Kickin' that funky Cypress Hill shit. This of course is directed to the fact that I have surprisingly written and blogged 5 lyrics/poems in 3 days! Now, I do not think they are my best stuff or anything close to it, but let's just say I am satisfied with the results so far. There is some tweaking to do with some of the lyrics/poems, but there is no hurry for that. Make your own interpretation of each lyric/poem.


In about an hour I will watch The Haunting in Connecticut while everyone at home sleeps.

The Winter of Our Discontent

Last novel by John Steinbeck, who is becoming a favorite author of mine. Up there with Ray Bradbury and George Orwell. Brilliant American writer. He knew how to grab the reader's attention and hold it firmly throughout the novel (one's I read, Cannery Road, Of Mice and Men and Grapes of Wrath). I have not finished The Winter of Out Discontent - 100 pages left - but so far it has been pleasant and impressive. John Steinbeck presents a different style of writing from his previous classics; Grapes of Wrath was written about 20 something years prior to the publication of The Winter of Our Discontent. The language in TWOD does not have any southern accent; then again, perhaps it is because the novel takes places north (New Yorkish setting). There is a lot more dialogue, which helps pace the story and speeds the reading. It is hard to top Grapes of Wrath, but The Winter of Our Discontent, so far, is close.

Losing it

Some have told me that I have lose weight and that my upper body is more built. I don't see it. I mean, I can tell that I have more muscle on my arms considering the job I have, but I don't see how my upper body (shouldering, chest, etc) is that much different than it was before I began working. I guess that seeing yourself everyday vs. others not seeing you everyday plays a key role. Maybe. Somehow. Perhaps. I guess. The problem with gaining muscles is that once you slack off, or don't do as much physical activities as before, you quickly lose it. That said, I will be going to the gym once school starts (again).
You know what, I am looking forward to my third semester. I'll be in the heart of the city more often than now (summer). Hopefully, I will get a part-time job (I do not want to work where I am working now when school starts). I will see certain people again.
Fuck, I need to go to the beach. Who's with me?

Da Morning

For fuck's sake, as some would say in mindless situations. For fuck's sake. Not that my mind is wondering around in a fucking zoo. That's a weird thing, isn't it? Mind wondering around in a fucking zoo. Bloody orange juice - actually, some Tequilla at this time would do the trick. Pony Up! Fuck. It's been a while since I had Jameson - a long while, actually. Not that I am in any way lusting for some - not even a shot. Nope. Almost 9 in the morning and I am thirsty as fuck. Can you say that? "Thirsty as fuck." Christ, it doesn't even make sense yet, people say it quite often. O.K, maybe not your average Christian follower - or most religious people at that. Not that there is anything wrong with that. Hell, one must feel free to do what he or she pleases, no? Anyways, fuck, what in god's name am I blathering about? I would like to know.
Damn, it has been a while since I posted any of my lyrics on my other blog. In fact, it has been a while since I written one - atleast it does seem like it to me. I should get crackin' on that. First, I must finish this second bloody orange juice.

The Road (novel) by Cormac McCarthy

Reviewing novels/literature, whichever you choose, is not my forte. Therefore, I will keep this short and sweet. I do not believe in "oh, this is the best fucking novel ever" bullshit. Doesn't exist. The novel is either good or bad - some striking one's imagination better than others. Novels that have struck me with a handful of after thoughts, what if's, "oh, that was foreshadowing at the beginning", and those that just stick to you for a long time. None of the fan fiction crap. However, those that have struck me are the following (to name a few): Fahrenheit 451, 1984 and The Quiet American.
Now that I have yelled that out, let me say that The Road left the same feeling of awe, sadness, tension and (for a short yet, thick in detail) left me pondering what and how (you will understand once you read the novel). All you need to know about this novel is that it takes place somewhere on Earth where everything has been destroyed - yes, the apocalypse. The novel focuses more on the relationship between the son and the father. I strongly recommend this novel.

In DA house

What's new? Mucho, mucho. Life is sweet and awesome. Yes, indeed. Loads of reading, too. I will update what I have read shortly - after I blog this motherfucker. Yo! Although it is noon, it still feels like morning to me. Work is a'ight - I'm bringing home DA Benjamins *wink*. Some assholes - lazy - motherfuckers at work, but it comes with the territory, I guess. Mo' money, mo' problems. But that's the funny part - I don't have any problems so far. As I said, life is sweet and awesome right now. Fuck, I feel like writing some lyrics and some (or one) short story. Maybe. Maybe not.
I don't know. I am in such a good fucking mood. Not really sure why though. Bring on the vulgar words, yo! Mo'fucker. Beeatch. Manegia, I think this is my first blog in july. Holy crap!! First in a while. Guess whose in DA house?

Take me hooooooome!

Seriously, I love singing when I'm tipsy or lil' drunk but damn I sounded terrible on Saturday night while singing "Sweet Child o' Mine." I do not think I sang past the first two lines, sadly. *shakes head* Another pint of Guinness, please! I most likely embarrassed myself. hahahaha s'all good. I should have gone with Paradise City!

"Take me down to the Paradise City where the grass is green and the girls are pretty. Take me hooooome!!"

Anyways. Pretty. Pretty.

Street Sweeper Social Club album review

O.K, so I decided to check this SSSC debut album out. All you need to know is that the band is formed with Rage Against the Machine's guitarist (my favorite guitarist) Tom Morello and The Coup's singer/rapper Boots Riley (not his real name). What the band is about is simple; political (revolution, government is criminal, etc). Those who know me, know that I LOVE listening to Zack De La Rocha (singer of Rage Against the Machine). For me, Zack is the creme of the crop when it comes to political music. I judge bands/singers (political ones) by comparing them to Zack's energy, anger, passion, so on and so forth. Some may not agree with me, but if I find the singer/band comes close to Zack energy, anger and passion, then I conclude that they/he is good (but not as good as Zack of course!). That said, let me give you a short review of the Street Sweeper Social Club debut album, self titled.
It contains 11 songs:
1. Fight! Smash! Win!
2. 100 little curses
3. The Oath
4. The Squeeze
5. Clap for the Killers
6. Somewhere in the World it's midnight
7. Shock you again
8. Good morning, Mrs. Smith
9. Megablast
10. Promenade
11. Nobody Moves (til we say go)

The entire album is really average at best. It's said that the album is political, but Christ it is NOT a meter close to how deep Rage Against the Machine's lyrics (political) were, which were written by Zack. Now, I know I should not judge solely on that reason. That said, SSSC lyrics aren't that compelling and they do not urge you to rap to the song or raise your fist in the air. The only reason I will listen to this album a little more than I should is because of Tom Morello; that dude can fucking play. He never disappoints. However, there are no splendid, mind blowing riffs as heard in Audioslave or Rage Against the Machine because it could have really saved the album big time. The lyrics are really average at best. Christ, I, too, can mention a couple of historic events, names or years and declare the lyric POLITICAL.
Favorite song (well, a song that I will listen to more than once): The Oath. Megablast and Promenade a close second.
Worst song: 100 little curses. What the fuck?!! Lyrics aren't good. Weak song. Probably a song you will hear on commercial radio, though. That's how bad. hahaha

Score: 2.5/5

Bourne to party

So, what did I do last week besides work? Well, I did ride my bike to future shop on a cloudy morning. It took about 40 minutes to get there. I bought The Bourne Conspiracy (xbox360) & Stranglehold (xbox360), 19$ and 9$ respectively. This was tuesday morning. The only time I got a chance to play was this morning. Hahaha. By the way, the sale for these games was until wednesday in case you are wondering.
Exercise

The Sunrise

Watching the sunrise is one of the most beautiful things ever. Imagine watching it as you site by the ocean. Oh yeah

Don't play dumb

What happenin' n' DA hood, yo? Nodding my head to DA beats. Aight, aight. It has been a quite but fast moving summer. Damn, feels like yesterday that I was preparing for a final exam. Why do I feel so good? hahaha Some people are funny, some just confuse themselves.

Don't play dumb,
Dumb diggetty dumbb diggetty dumb!!

This summer will be wild. I have many goals to accomplish; exercise, lose some weight, eliminate soft drinks, read loads of books, make el dinero, bike, write a shit load of songs, form a band (?), just to name a few.

Fuck this. Time to go outside and blast some music.

And so it is

Raise your glasses of wine or alcohol. Sing out loud. Sing proud. Don't be afraid to let you're voice heard! Sit back and let it all out. Beat the drums. Slap some bass.
Fuck it. Just do it!

All The Wine

*laughs*
Productivity.
What up n' DA hood, yo?? Is anybody alive out there? I'm home chillin' like a penguin, enjoying my days off before friday night. Also, I am still feeling the buzz from last Friday night's concert by The National. OOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHH YEEEEEEEESSSSSSSS!!! Best concert I have ever been to. They are one of those rare bands that are so much better Live. Just to let you know, their albums are DA shit *wink* *wink*

Looking for Astronauts

Wrote two poems tonight (Saturday); I think they are decent. I hope so. I still got to edit and fix some minor things, but it is ready to be blogged. One's called "Rewind Back Time" and the other (title may change) "Chernobyl". Each song is about something different: "Rewind Back Time" is about choices, decisions, while "Chernobyl" is about a hopeless town.
I am still working on that special and long poem. It will take me some more time.
Why that title? Well I decided to give the title of this blog to the song I am listening to right now: "Looking for Astronauts" by The National.

Job Interview #2

Not at the same place. This time, Cone is hitting the bizzznizzz. Telemarketing. Yeah, I know. I emailed the manager this morning at 10am and got a call by 1pm ..... either someone is desperate or my CV fits his bill. Interview tomorrow at 11:30.


I need something.

Me as a telemarketer: "Yo, bro. How ya doin'? Wanna buy some shitz that'll spice ya life, huh bro? How 'bout a two fo' one deal, huh? Sounds sweet huh? Ya me knows it does. I talk good huh? Bro, I give you the best mo' deal ya eyes eva see. Hey, wiseguy. I need to feed my family, bro. Come on, buy huh? Bro, come on"

BOOM!!!

My new favorite song this week:

Superhero by Jane's Addiction

you were smiling by my table
had to call up everyone that day
beautiful mind and body
what a happy image i see
my mind had been enabled
in the memory you overflow
wanna be your super hero
even if i tumble fall

i'm ok
you have that affect on me
but i need you desperatly
you know i need you desperatly

brick stone
cannot hurt me
mad man
around the city goes
they attack
i bring 'em down
or make thier chances
super low
my, my pretty navel
dimple cheek,
her face i adore
wanna be your super hero
falling from a running horse

i'm ok
you have that affect on me
but i need you desperatly
you know i need you desperatly

i halted that illusion
i'm not your average guy

other guys
they won't dare to
join the line
and order you back
when i introduce me to you
my face had turned to super red
your steady
beck and call boy
playing on piano
wanna be your super hero
i'm not afraid to tumble or...

i'm ok
cause you have that affect on me
but i need you desperately
you know i need you desperately
i'm ok
you have that affect on me
but i need you desperatly
you know i need you desperatly

i wanna be your super hero
baby i wanna be your super hero