Coming: Video Blog This Week

I know I need to get back to posting, more for my own creative reasons than to satisfy your needs, but still...

I thought I'd post a video here where I answer any questions you may have about me and my life... Ask anything, it should be interesting! Hopefully, I can make this a regular video. "Gay Dude Answers 4 Life's Questions"

Shannara

 I have long avoided Terry Brooks' "Shannara" series. I am Tolkien fan through and through, and frankly, the original Shannara books read like a lame version of "The Lord of the Rings." Brooks' series is, in fact, epic. Spawing nearly 20 books, with more on the way, the world of Shannara spans thousands of years, and bridges our world to the world of magic, elves and demons. I won't tell you how, since I only know the basics.

I'm looking forward to exploring a lot more. this last week, I reread "First King of Shannara," "Sword of Shannara," and "Elfstones of Shannara." The further I read, the less Tolkien-esque the world appears. the books are not necessarily written chronologically, and that bugs me. It's a psychological problem I have. I love mythology and various lore, but I like to be able to relate it to other stories through the passing of time. I remember reading C.S. Lewis' "Magician's Nephew," and upon realizing that it was a prequel smack in the middle of a series, I think I may have said, "What the crap!?"

None of this takes away from the joy of reading these books. True, they are an easy read taken on their own. However, if you are like me when it comes to mythology, it quickly becomes a complex and thoroughly enjoyable experience. Prepare to return periodically to the map provided in the front of each novel. As time progresses and the stories become more involved, the map gets larger, piece by piece; in later books, I believe characters travel outside of the known lands, something Tolkien did not do in his epic (although there is some travel involved in his posthumous works).

If you're depressed that there is no "Harry Potter 8," and you crave some light but richly textured summer reading, I suggest checking out Terry Brooks' "Shannara" series. You can start with "First King of Shannara," or "Sword of Shannara," then be prepared to spend some time in the park, under a tree, watching for elves.

Music I'm Diggin

Thanks to Jeff, I have discovered a lot of music lately that I have really been jamming to. Here are a few, but not all of them are available on iTunes in the US, so I've had to buy imports :(


Take That: Progress/ Progressed
Not only has Take That been making music since the 90s, but they have sold out concerts all over Europe; sold out concerts even without Robbie Williams. I suggest checking out "Circus" as well.

Robyn: Body Talk
I may be late to this artist, but I must say, I have fallen in love. She is definitely not the Mickey Mouse Club style artist they marketed her as in 1997 with "Do You Know (What It Takes?)" This full album was released in 3 parts. Buy all 3, it's worth it.

BT: These Hopeful Machines

Jeff tells me these guy is considered the "Mozart of Electronic Music." I can see why. This album is mixed from the beginning, and plays seamlessly...for over an hour! And it's awesome music blare while driving!

     

Duck Sauce: Barbra Streisand
Ok, so I discovered this one on Glee. I understand how I missed it until then. It's not really something that makes a lot of sense. Still, when you feel down, and ashamed of something about yourself, just remember "Barbra Streisand."

 

Depeche Mode: Freelove (Flood Mix)

I have been listening to Depeche Mode my entire life. Literally, I was born in 1982. I don't recall this song growing up, but this mix is kickass. It gives the melancholy of DM just a little bit of spice. I definitely recommend it.

Daytime Television Ads

I love daytime TV. The People's Court, the random lawsuit ads for any drug you may have ever taken. And of course, who could pass up the opportunity to own Little Big Blueberry plants, Upside Down Tomatoes or a personal Indoor Banana Tree... Little Old Lady HEAVEN!

Dog-sitting Week: Day 4

Dogs hate eyedrops. That is all.

Dog-Sitting Week: Day Three

Captain's Log: Dogdate 20110621.

The Beast has pinkeye again from her doggy daycare; now Annika has it too. Let's be clear: I love the little pup! But I'm happy to kennel her if she insists on pooping on my floor, or if Annika is having stomach troubles and doesn't want to play. Such a mindset is difficult for me to get into, since I normally abhor the idea of kenneling a dog. After the first night, however, Molly Bean proved that she WANTS to sleep up in her kennel at night, so I don't feel it's a punishment. Until their vet appointments on Wednesday morning anytime Annika is eating, that pooch can chill in her own digs.

Have to start applying for a new job today, which sucks. I've never had such a run of bad luck with work, so it's left me feeling really funky. Still, I have to work. And I'll have to give up Diet Coke and Ben & Jerry's for a while (which I probably needed anyway, so that's cool....ugh).

Please hang with me this week. I'll have some pictures and maybe a vid or two in a couple days. I promise!

Dog-sitting Week: Day Two

Captain's Log: Dogdate 20110620.

I intended to continue writing about Sunday last night, but things did not go as planned. What actually ended up happening left me unable to stop crying, using my inhaler and eventually downing a bottle of wine. I know, it has breakup written all over it, huh? I don't remember the last time I felt so empty. But don't misunderstand me, nothing "bad" happened. It was just the far opposite of fun.

Meanwhile, I have a rash on my neck and shoulders from cuddling a cat when the dogs weren't nearby and I've torn through a box and a half of kleenex (a lot of which was allergy related). The Beast wouldn't stop whining to go upstairs, and once in her kennel, she went right to sleep. It felt strange to me, but if she wants to sleep alone upstairs and it keeps her calm and happy, that's fine by me!

My friend's asked me if there was anything I wanted them to look for while they vacation in Puerto Vallarta. Really? How about a cabana boy? I certainly am not asking them to smuggle any delicious Mexican fruit across the border. And I don't have any addictions that warrant traversing the jungle and unsavory barrios in crack towns. I'm thankful they thought of me though!

So, where does that leave me today? Well, I have plenty of animal control to do, and some laundry to fold. As for the rest, I have no idea. But I have time to myself to try and figure it all out.