For all of my loyal readers (I'm looking at you, Melissa-and loving you too), I have been indisposed for the last few weeks. My computer was attacked, crashed and died. Wah Wah. So, I've moved on with a new computer that is faster and hopefully better. Goodbye Firefox, hello Chrome. Goodbye AVG, hello Microsoft Security Essentials. Let's hope I have a better run this time.
It's weird how a computer glitch like that can knock the socks off of you and derail all of your forward progress, but it did for a few weeks. So, now I'm back and better than ever. You heard me.
In more exciting news, I know you're DYING to know what I've been up to, so here goes:
1. The Psychopath Test: A Journey Through the Madness Industry by Jon Ronson
Without giving a full book report, I will simply state that I loved this book. This is a book that we read for book club (and part of the reason that I love book club); it's not a book that I would normally have read on my own volition. The book was witty, interesting and made me question the mental state of everyone I know. Like Jon Ronson, I would have reacted the same way...with intense interest and disturbing introspection. He finds that many of the most successful CEO's are indeed psychopaths. Interestingly enough, Wall Street loves psychopaths. One of the subjects, former Sunbeam CEO Al Dunlap, caused Sunbeam stock to catapult upon his hiring. Al was pretty fascinating. He seems fairly creepy and disassociated, but philanthropic as well. He donated a grip of cash to my alma mater Florida State University. I guess having a building named after you is a big deal to guys like this. I think the most fascinating person that he interviewed was Emmanuel "Toto" Constant, a Haitian rebel who likes to brag that he once "had dinner with Bill Clinton." It's pretty intriguing to watch how he tries so hard to make sure that Jon Ronson likes him, and that he honestly does come across as a somewhat likable guy - FOR A MASS MURDERER. Spoiler Alert: he's a psychopath.
I definitely recommend reading The Psychopath Test. If anything it gives you something really cool to talk about at dinner parties (and to secretly ponder as you sit on the other side of your boss in meetings).
2. Cults and Foster the People at The Wiltern
Last Tuesday I went to see Cults and Foster the People. Initially, I went just to see Cults. Their self-titled debut is still one of my favorite records of this year. I have to say that I was really impressed with their live show. I thought that the singer was really cute, and they sounded pretty tight live. What I wasn't expecting was to be blown away by Foster the People. I've heard their record once. I do love "Pumped Up Kicks," but I hear it all the time so it's kind of lost its luster. I know that these aren't the lyrics, but I like to pretend that it says: "Better run, better run....faster than my bubby." I did think it said that at first and it made me laugh out loud. I later found out it's bullet. Bubby is funnier. I digress. These kids put on a damn fine show. It's as though someone told them early on, "Always be moving." Because they all are pretty active on stage. They dance, they play lots of instruments and they really seem like they are loving what they do and are grateful for it. It shows. If they come to a town near you, I definitely recommend seeing them. For not knowing any of the music, I really really dug it.
3. Football
Oh Crikey. Where do I start? If you follow football at all, then you will know the weekends I have been having just based on my teams:
NCAA Football
#1 will always be Florida State - I went to school here and grew up in Tallahassee, so there ya go. We're 4-3. Not happy about that, but we're still "building" our team. Yeah, whatever. I just want to win again!!
NFL
Here's where things get sticky. I have more than one team, which is a little distressing to my fellow football watchers.
#1 - Detroit Lions - we started off hot as shit for a team that went DEFEATED two years ago. Not counting them out yet. We've got some pretty awesome players...Matt Stafford, Calvin Johnson and Suh. Love them! We're up against Tim Tebow and the Broncos this weekend, so I will enjoy rooting against them more than any other team this year.
#2 - Philadelphia Eagles - since the Lions sucked so hard, and the Bucs weren't doing so great either, I had to pick up another team to root for. A few of my besties are huge Eagles fans so it made it easy. And, I like the Eagles swagger...I am a huge fan of the __Seans: DeSean Jackson and LeSean McCoy. And, don't hate, but I like Mike Vick. I hate what he did, but he's a good player.
#3 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers - I had to pick a Florida team to root for, and they used to be staffed full of former Seminoles, so I got into them.
Recently added: #4: Minnesota Vikings - I'm not really a Vikings fan (unless they come to LA. Pleeeeease come to LA!!), but I am a HUUUUGE Christian Ponder fan since he was the quarterback for FSU. Love, love, love him. Now that he's starting (and did pretty well, I might add), I have another team to watch.
4. Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks at The Music Box
I'm sure I've mentioned this a few times before, but Steve Malkmus is my boyfriend. I could not live without him in my life, whether it be through Pavement or his solo work. I thought for a bit that I could just ignore his solo work and pretend that Pavement was where it all ended. But, after the Pavement reunion last fall, I was reminded how much I loved him. So, we're back together. I went to see him and The Jicks at The Music Box last Wednesday and the show was great as usual. Although he was complaining of back pain, he seemed to be in a good mood. He was cutting jokes. He danced. Ahem, he DANCED. I was bummed that I didn't get any pictures, but the show was awesome and I just wanted to mention it to remind everyone that his latest record, produced by Beck, is pretty boss.
WOW. Well, I think that's it for now. It's been a busy month away from writing and trying to get my life and hard drive back in order. Thanks for listening!!
