Good Books

Even though I am a college graduate, I am still learning that there is a ton I do not know. I am thrilled that I now have time to read for fun. I am also finding reading a lot more enjoyable than watching TV.  However, I am realizing with the ability to read anything. I need to be more selective on what I am picking off the shelf. There are a ton of good books out there.

I want to be reading the really good books. I also want to do a better job of keeping up with the news. In addition, it would be great if they challenged my thoughts on the world. 

I just finished Water for Elephants. I highly recommend it. I am looking forward to seeing the movie but I am afraid it will not be as good! 

I hope everyone finds time to read.

Just A Fan

Today I realized that I am mostly just a fan.

There is some statistic: 20% of people make everything the rest (80%) of the population enjoys. It is funny how as fans we are all entitled to our opinions but when it comes down to it 

we just watch/listen/observe. 

We never create.

I would argue it is so much easier to judge than to get judged. I was recently given the opportunity to tell and artist about their latest music. Thinking about that experience, I could barely tell them in the right terms why I liked one song better than another. This is just one example but it is rather ironic that most of us have very little musical knowledge/background but here we are with all the power to choose what song gets played on the radio. Which songs top the charts and which songs are left off.  It almost seems like the creators who are more crazy/wild to watch are really the ones who have figured out how to captivate our attention and make the money. 

I am just curious what would happen if we evaluate anything on it's actual talent/merit or if all of what we watch is based on shock/awe/wild factor.

Bottom line for the most part I am just another fan.

Tsunami

Tsunami - is a word of Japanese origin. It is defined as a very large ocean wave caused by an underwater earthquake or volcanic eruption. After watching the footage from Japan recently it serves as a strong reminder how powerful the ocean and the forces of nature are. We are all at the mercy of it.

With this being said it is hard to believe I was in Japan this fall. I have no idea what condition all the buildings I saw are in. My heart goes out to all of those impacted by the earthquakes and the Tsunami. Japan is a beautiful country and I hope I can visit it, again. As I sit here comfortably,  I feel helpless in making an impact to the relief efforts. 

I leave you with a couple pictures from my trip to Japan. In the spirit of donating if you like the pictures please consider finding a way to contribute to the Tsunami relief efforts.

The Golden Pagoda

  Ryōan-ji

Karesansui (Dry Garden) 

 Buddha Statue on same property as Ryōan-ji

2011 Oscars

Well, I always try to watch the Oscars. I like the celebration associated with film. The fancy gowns and the acceptance speeches.  We all know who the critics picked. I am not going to bore you with how I feel about them. I am happy for Toy Story 3 and Alice in Wonderland. I feel both their Oscar wins were well deserved. I just want to take a moment to recognize some recent movies I have seen and enjoyed. In no particular order:

Love & Other Drugs - Yes there are several sex scene but it really is just a love story.

Morning Glory - Sometimes I feel a lot like Rachel McAdam's character.

No Strings Attached - It's a chick flick but it's good. It reminded me of 500 Days of Summer.
The Social Network - How many people are on Facebook now? Need I say more?

The Tourist - Clever. I want Angelina Jolie's wardrobe. If anyone has it, please send it to me.

RICE Thai Cuisine

First a thanks is do to my friend Brian. He pulled me out of my apartment for the night and we tried RICE Thai Cuisine. It was delicious. Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures of the food. We had flavored tea, Pad Thai and spicy orange curry.  I am always debating whether Thai food or Indian food is better. I have to say this place is swaying my vote to Thai. The restaurant had neat sky lights painted blue and fans. Fans like the one below.

I think I would like to have at least a couple in a place of my own. One more thing I ate the leftovers. For me that is a pretty big deal. Sometimes I let leftovers go bad. I hope to visit RICE again soon. If you are in the area I will take you.