bʊk (because I couldn't think of anything else)

Oh, how I love books. Recently, on a visit to D.C., I was able to see Thomas Jefferson's personal collection in the Library of Congress. Granted, a heap of it was lost in a fire, but what's left is still an exhibit worth seeing. I sincerely hope that one day in my own home, I have a magnificent library, complete with the Beauty and the Beast-esque ladder, filled with books from the Wilder Shores of Gastronomy to Notes from Underground to some book on ancient herbal remedies from Nepal. In my opinion, even with all the modern technology, there are not many things that truly exercise our brain and expand our intellectual capabilities as reading a good book. So, you say, "I know I should read, but I haven't read anything in awhile and I don't know where to start." Luckily for you, I'm here to offer a couple of my personal favorites to get you moving.

• Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky - I don't want to give too much away but essentially, it's a magnificent story, told from a killer's point of view, about the mental anguish that comes with committing a heinous crime. One of the most beautiful epilogues I have ever read.
• The Road by Cormac McCarthy - A post-apocalyptic novel that follows a father and son through the now ashy east Tennessee as they attempt to make their way to the coast. McCarthy's writing style is a story in itself. He blatantly and intentionally ignores the rules of grammar, which, if you haven't read any of his books before, can be a bit odd at first. Eventually, however, you will get used to it and even appreciate it's uniqueness and readability.
• The Reason For God by Timothy Keller - Finally! An intellectual Christian writer who wasn't born before 1900!
• Cather in the Rye by J.D. Salinger - One of my all-time favorite books; it follows Holden Caulfield, who after learning that he was expelled from yet another school, decides to take a trip to New York City for a couple of days before his parents find out. Salinger's sarcastic writing style is downright hilarious and one can't help but wonder if Holden is just a mirror image of himself as a teenager. On the outside it seems as if Holden hates everyone and everything, but the more you read, the more you realize that his heart is good and there are certain people he has the utmost respect for. "I felt like jumping out the window. I probably would've, too, if I'd been sure somebody'd cover me up as soon as I landed. I didn't want a bunch of stupid rubbernecks looking at me when I was all gory."
• Harry Potter (series) by J.K. Rowling - Love it or hate but, chances are, if you hate it, you probably haven't read it.
  

Can't Fall Asleep?

This should help. My own personal drowsy playlist, guaranteed to guide you into a peaceful slumber.

• Mazzy Star - Into Dust
• Trespassers William - Lie in the Sound
• Robert Plant & Alison Krauss - Sister Rosetta Goes Before Us
• Nickel Creek - The First and Last Waltz
• Iron & Wine - The Trapeze Swinger
• Coldplay - Sparks
• Damien Rice - 9 Crimes
• Natalie Walker - Waking Dream
• Mindy Smith - You Just Forgot
• Aqualung - Strange & Beautiful (I put a spell on you)
• Trespassers William - Different Stars
• Coldplay - We Never Change
• Feist - How My Heart Behaves
• Iron & Wine - Love and Some Verses
• Nancy Wilson - Elevator Beat
• Marketa Irglova - The Hill
• Imogen Heap - The Moment I Said It
• KT Tunstall - Silent Sea
• Alison Krauss - I Will
• Cat Power - The Greatest

If you like the songs please PURCHASE from iTunes or preferred store. Thanks.

Update.

Instead of posting a movie and song of the week, I may just try to post about 5 songs a week. Perhaps Monday - Friday and maybe a movie here and there. We'll just see how it goes.

Movie/Song of the Week

I've decided that I'm going to try to make a post of my favorite song and movie once every week. These movies and songs are not necessarily new, they are just my favorite or most played of that particular week.

January 21-27

Movie: The Orphanage - This movie is one of the more genuinely creepy movies I've seen in a long time. It's more psychological thriller than horror, but trust me there are plenty scenes to make you jump. This is the kind of film that would be fiercely terrifying to watch alone.
Song: Marketa Irlglova - The Hill - A sleepy tune featured on the film "Once" (see my first post) that is both haunting and beautiful alike. A definite must hear. Listen Here.

Cory's strike survival guide.

Recently, Entertainment Weekly published in one of their issues what they called a "Strike Survival Guide." And for those of you that have not lived in a cave these past few months, it's quite obvious what they are referring to. Anyway, EW gave me the idea to post my very own blog featuring 10 things to help you survive the strike. So, let's get started shall we?

10. Watch the Lord of the Rings Trilogy - Hey, by the time you get done with these 3 behemoths the strike may even be over.

9. YouTube.com - While this may be old news to most, YouTube happens to have some pretty stinkin' hilarious videos guaranteed to pass hours worth of television time.

8. Heroes - Purchase season 1 on DVD and enjoy. I've never seen it, but surely a show that critically acclaimed can't be all that bad. Unless it's Sex and the City. Or Scrubs.. Or Gilmore Girls.. um nevermind. If it's not good then just play online poker or watch American Idol instead

7. Wii - I recommend golf or tennis or even Mario Party 

6. Lost Season 1-3 - If you haven't experienced it yet, please don't procrastinate any longer.

5. Buy dvds of your favorite old shows - For example: Boy Meets World.

4. Listen to more music (New and Old) - At least the musicians didn't go on strike. I suggest starting with Air - Cherry Blossom Girl going into something like the Beach Boys - Wouldn't It Be Nice and working your way down to The White Stripes - Ball and Biscuit

3. Watch Conan O'Brien - A funny show not playing re-runs. What's not to like?

2. Start reading Harry Potter (again) - enough said

1. Lost Season 4 - Only 8 episodes finished so far, but oh how I hope that more will come in the very near future. As far as TV shows, they don't get much better than Lost.

once upon a time

On Friday, I was talking with my friend Brandon on the phone and I wanted to know if he would be joining us at a mutual friend's place for a birthday party later that evening. At that point Brandon proposed a friendly bribe that involved watching a movie I'd never heard of prior to the party. Needless to say I accepted and, before long, we were sitting in front of the television starting the film "Once". Now up to and even past this point I had no idea what this movie was about, but it didn't take long at all to catch my attention.
The main character, an Irishman, played by Glen Hansard is so real that at times you feel as though you are in a documentary on struggling musicians. The audience follows "Guy" as he humbly tries to make a living fixing vacuums and playing guitar on the streets of Dublin. We catch a glimpse of how charming and sympathetic this character is in the first scene, where he chases down a man who tried to steal change out of his guitar case, only to give the man a little of the aforementioned change. At this point he commands your admiration, given the assumption that nearly all of us would jab the guy before giving him a bit of money.
Shortly after that, we are introduced to "Girl", the awfully straightforward Czech immigrant who has such a captivating way about her that the audience (along with Boy) is drawn to her and enchanted by her (and her music). Which brings me to the next point. The music. If you absolutely do not want to see this movie, at least buy the soundtrack. It will be worth it. His rugged vocals and guitar accompanied by her haunting voice and piano is something I don't think I will tire of in the near future. All in all, if I had to describe the film in its entirety or at least the genre of the film I think I would say... Indie-musical? It's hard to describe. Just go rent it.