Hairstyles of the Damned

Having just finished this book by Joe Meno, I'm still digesting it. But, I have to say it is a well done, differently written book about a boy coming of age in suburban Chicago. It centers around a character named Brian, trying to figure his life out. His life is all about hanging out with his friends, making out, listening to rock and trying to survive his all-boys catholic school and the impending divorce of his parents. Along the way, he tries to express his feelings of more-than-friendship to his chunky pal Gretchen, discovers punk and experiments with being a juvenile delinquent. Brian's story is typical, and yet it's not. We all want to belong, but at the same time, we want to stand out. Meno writes in such a way that I almost forget that he is not, at present, a teenager. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a different kind of story that everyone can relate to.

Love Monkey

I wasn't sold on this show when I watched the first episode. All those voice overs, explaining to me what was going on and who everybody was were frankly annoying. But, as the episode went on, I became more interested. I am a huge Tom Cavanagh fan, ever since Ed. And, I'm glad to see him back on a decent show. However, not all that excited about Jason Priestley. He's on a wait and see basis with me. Rounding out his circle of friends are the obligatory girl friend (not dating), the slick womanizer and the apparently gay ex-athlete. Cavanagh's character, named Tom, is a A & R guy at the big record label. He's idealistic and all about the music, so of course he loses his job. He toys with starting his own label, but gets hired by an indie, and meets a hot chick. Kind of cliche, especially since there is all kinds of tension between him and his friend Brandy (Judy Greer). Will Tom stay true to his musical soul, will he get the girl, will he hook up with Brandy? I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Corporate Propaganda

I got this at work the other day, it is just funny.

5 Things That Make People Extraordinary

1. Be passionate and excited about what we do.
-It's all about ATTITUDE! Make a decision to focus on the good.
-Create an Attitude List: The 10 things you are thankful for everyday.

2. Be Committed to What You Do.
-Do things others will not do.
-Give it all you've got every day. DON'T COAST! It can be scary knowing how much
potential you have.

3. Have a Vision for why you do things.
-Have a personal mission or vision statement.
-When you focus, you never fall.

4. Keep Learning
-"The Price of progress is the price of change"

5. Take Total responsibility for who we are.
-We are what we are and where we are because of the choices we make.

Muddled Images

So, today was just another day at work. I really don't like my job, but I don't know what else to do with my life. I sometimes feel like I am really missing that passionate, ambitious side of me that other people seem to have. There are things I like, but I don't know how long it's been since I've felt passionate about anything. Sometimes I worry that I just can't. I feel like I've been stuck at this kind of baseline ick for so long, that there are no more ups anymore. Just middle and lower. So, what to do? I don't know. But I feel like I'm wasting time. All I seem to feel now is irritated and angry. How do I get back to the other feelings?

Grey's Anatomy

How much do I love this show? I admit, I had been somewhat depressed after my two must-watch shows, Judging Amy and Joan of Arcadia were taken away from me. But, now, I have found a new home, on Sunday night. After I get my comedy fill with Family Guy and American Dad, I'm on to the hot halls of Seattle Grace Hospital and Grey's Anatomy. First of all, Patrick Dempsey=YUMMY!! And, then there are the wonderful Sandra Oh and T.R. Knight (who plays the cutie George). I am totally absorbed every week in the crazy patients, dysfunctional work place banter and of course, the will-they-or-won't-they drama of Drs. Sheppard and Grey. Now that the unfaithful and somewhat cold wife of Dr. Sheppard, Addison, is back, the story twists even further. Of course, they will keep stringing me along, but that is fine. I will keep coming back for more, as long as they keep me so thoroughly entertained.

Hey Mercedes: Loses Control

One of my greatest regrets was never getting to see the band live. I missed several chances to do so, and now that they are no more (they played their farewell show in Chicago in April '05) this record remains one that is burning up my iPod. I never get tired of hearing the powerful, chunky guitars and catchy melodies that fill this record. It also contains some of my favorite lyrics like "and in the madness of it all/there's a phone call coming/from a ragged Romeo in Jolliet." Their imagery and word choice makes you feel, without any of the emo snivel. I've heard this band and this record put into many categories, but whatever genre or subgenre you want to put it in, the record just rocks. Stand out tracks for me are "Lashing Out" and "Quality Revenge at Last." I'm sorry that they are gone, but Hey Mercedes "Loses Control" will be on my Top 25 most played for a long time to come.