Neko

      ..what would they say?

Current Music: Spectrum - “How You Satisfy Me” then the rest of Soul Kiss (Glide Devine) album

WARNING: Just a right dosage to make a Nerd and/or Bookworm break-away from insomnia. This is gonna be long, so grab a cup or two of green tea.

   

What is your ideal book? Or… let me rephrase that.. What is the Greatest Book that you wanna read? Hold on to your answers tho.

Is it a novel? A collection of short stories? A biography of some great hero or heroine? A collection of poems? Fiction or Non-Fiction? Mystery? Drama? Or.. suspense, comedy, political, informative, Sci-Fi, Techie, boring, senseless, annoying, gruesome, blah blah, yakitty yak, etcetera.. etcetera..? Or a combination of all?

How would you know if you have found the greatest book? And yet not know that its just right in front of you waiting to be read?

Others crave for this knowledge (and i must confess, i do too) that we just grab as much as possible every great book that we chance upon. That, one even have a list of “books to look for” in the wallet sleeve, in a place where a credit card should be, and some more pieces of paper scattered inside the bag with an inscribed title or author’s name.

That, going to a public library or the local bookstore, after gaze-scanning and drooling over the rows and rows of books one accidentally forgets about holding one book in between one’s folders then left the establishment forgetting to officially declare the book’s about to leave the building. That the next time one comes back, the grim thought of deliberately getting a book “by accident” buzz in one’s mind so much a red face of flashing bubble clouds containing the word shoplifter looms over one’s head. But one took the strength to exit gracefully. Now am i holding something? Nhe…

That, one would even turn the world inside-out, upside-down, just to get hold of a particular printed copy. And at times, seeing the last one on the shelf in a seldom-visited-far-away bookstore in lala land, at the same time seeing how impossible to get that because of its unreasonable price (eh, unreasonable or just lack of money?). At times, one would stroll around a pile of second hand (third of fourth for that matter) books in large quantities of almost mold-smelling boxes and accidentally stumble upon a 29-pesos (less than half 1 Euro) hardbound book, and later discover how rare the book was, that there was not even a single paperback ever printed.

And after pre-maturely scanning and digging for hours, one would end up buying only a book or two to line in the “to be read” or “recently purchased books”. And one would even set a schedule for “day to rearrange bookshelves” marked with a red pen on the calendar. That was eventually missed because of reading too much online, or forgtting time, downloading too much audiobooks.

Then after the computer crashes multiple times, giving signals its time to let him rest, one looks around the room and got hit by the sore sight of how messy it was, that there’s barely enough space on the bed to actually sleep on. The pillow unconsciously transformed into books covered by the mis-aligned bed sheet or crumpled blanket.. No wonder i have insomnia!

And when there’s finally time that weekend to fix that bookshelf, one gets confused on how to re-arrange. Is it by genre? By size? (now, that is lame..) By author? (of course! erm.. hmm.. duh) By year acquired? Or by year printed? Owh! Just pile up the best to the “Favorites” shelf in the bedroom! And the rest that doesnt fit on the other shelves, goes to boxes on the second floor or attick or library. And suddenly wonder where the library is.. Oh, yeah.. forgot. i dont have one! Tssk.

Well, if books treated this way could talk, what would they say?

Would you rather have a book with blank pages that would eventually show in print the half-nano second you are reading the lines? A creepy deja vu of the Neverending Story huh? hmm.. That makes skipping some pages or chapter (even!) or scanning the pages without really reading the whole story is considered cheating.

Why do we skip pages anyway? Is the writer so lame he is predictable of what will happen, we go to the next page where we do not know whats going on? Or is the author so bad that skipping some pages wont affect the flow of the story? If he is, why read the book in the first place? Or duh even try to cintinue? And yeah, be that this post is taking too much of your time, some there would even skip some lines, right? haha! Dont deny it!

Ha! What is a great discovery? Reading a book then suddenly you encounter a line in italics and diferent in font asking you to flip the page to so and so instead of the next page? The fact was that, you have read this book like a hundred and one times already. But say, hey, i havent read this page before! Aha! The book is alive! Then you suddenly see thoughts and events that you never knew was ever written. When did this happen, when i actually see this book almost everyday?

Ooh! the mystery of words and pages! So from cover to cover you read it all again. And everytime, there is something new! Another page has been added. The book is literally growing! And these little discoveries make you wanna hold the book til the day you die. You’ll let others peek but nobody else will own it. You start to love the book more and more.. coz each time you open it.. its like a sunrise! Different and amazing, banale and tender, wild and microscopic, homely and orient, lost and all and not never…

And if books could speak, id like to say.. hold me til im all old, messy and gray.

—
note: Life is a book. Some are open, some are sealed.

 
 

Current Music: Billie Holiday - “Solitude”

    

      in my solitude.. you taunt me…
      with memories.. that never die…

uh.. ok.. this is not 60’s.. its.. 30’s lolol! eh.. there are even some reports that claim her first appearance to a compilation was released in 1920’s!

With her taunting lyrics and hypnotic melodies.. the purest vocals and a style all on her own, who would not love Billie? erm.. on second though.. i tried to play Solitude to a friend of mine years back.. and lol.. he just laughed within the first two lines.. thought i was joking when i said listen to this.. i luv this song.. then played it on his walkman.

eh…

Now recalling Billie Holiday’s life, the tragedie which probably sumed up this almost-perfect legendary blues goddess.. started young with separated parents, raised by uncaring relatives, sent to reform school at 10 after being raped, been a domestic help, prostitue at 15, a series of abusive relationships. A struggling artist, she fought the gory of racism and criticism she engulfed in the music industry; addictions from alcohol and marijuana, to opium then heroin, and lots of periods of depression and being arrested at 32 for possession of heroin. At 44, on her death bed, was arrested again for possession of heroin, in her private room. Died, after a month and a half, unable to fight withdrawal and heart and lung disease all at the same time. And Fame came only after her death.

Oh, that still makes me sad tho. But the cruelty in life is, the beauty in tragedie is sometimes the things considered to make a name live on forever.

Erm…

Last night my dad called. He’s with a friend who knows somebody who knows somebody that has a cousin who knows somebody who works in Araneta Coliseum. Yeah, the place where The Beach Boys will hold their concert. Oohh.. I could get backstage pass!???!!! Nope. Just reservations. Oh… pff!

Then i heard him announcing who’d like to come and watch. Eh, apparently, none of them were familiar of Beach Boys that they even asked me to sing a line of a famous song. Well, i did not, of course! But i mentioned some songs.. eh doesnt ring a bell. to anyone! And my ear drums have counted more than five voices.

Well, what year were they famous? One queried. I said 1960s. And they all laughed cheering ohh… thats even older than The Cascades! Who had a concert here weeks back. Eh i proudly said they’re even the influence of Beatles! And i think we all made each sides clear. They would rather watch that local female artist who sing like a cocatoo having a bad day after a long flight migrating from the south! Yay! And ehem, excuse me, I dont look like her! Pleeeeaaassseee!!!

I was not irritated actually, thinking these old greesers think im far out off this decade. One even hollered “Youd probably see most of the audience on wheelchairs and dextrose!” And “the concert hall will smell of soil!” (amoy lupa na!) Haa… even that made me laugh!

To those who dont know that Filipino joke, it meant people so old you can almost smell their graves!

Eh.. id still want to go. Besides, this maybe the last time they even land on Philippine soil!

Oh well, a simple “No, find another bunch of oldies to tag along” would be much easier. Some people just like to poke fun to the eccentric. Eh.. wait til they hear Billie Holiday! well, erm let me go back way back to Skip James… hehe “I’d rather be the devil, to be that woman’s man / Aw, nothin’ but the devil, changed my baby’s mind”..

—
note: Read and Listen to Billie Holiday’s Biography and audio samples

Last line was from Skip James’ song “Devil Got My Woman” …now that’s another story!

photo credit: DJ Chill

what decade does your personality live in?

quiz brought to you by lady interference, ltd

—
note: is this timely or what?? hehe

… hundred and seven thousand more

… to My Moogie stalker *.*

And so, you have found me!

Well, my last post didnt give justice to my adoration of Brian Wilson and his genius on Pet Sounds… so here are some quotes honouring this great man, and the Greatest Record of All Time:

Bob Dylan
… Jesus, that ear. He should donate it to The Smithsonian.

John Lennon
…Celophane flowers of yellow and green, towering over your head.

Paul McCartney
…It was Pet Sounds that blew me out of the water. I love the album so much. I’ve just bought my kids each a copy of it for their education in life … I figure no one is educated musically ’til they’ve heard that album … I love the orchestra, the arrangements … it may be going overboard to say it’s the classic of the century … but to me, it certainly is a total, classic record that is unbeatable in many ways … I’ve often played Pet Sounds and cried.

Neil Young
… His music definitely affected mine - the harmonies. Of course I never played in a band that could sing like that. He’s got the whole band retarding every once in awhile - he’s got a feel for it and he’s got everybody playing and it’s not something you naturally do. It’s something that he shows you where to lay back - where to slow down. You hear the band doing it just like it happens on the record - it’s no accident. I love you, Brian. I’m there for you.

John Cale, The Velvet Underground
… What Brian came to mean was an ideal of innocence and naivety that went beyond teenage life and sprang fully developed songs. Adult and childlike at the same time. I thought how it was difficult for me not to believe everything he said. There was something genuine in every lyric. That can be a very heavy burden for a songwriter.

Billy Corgan, The Smashing Pumpkins
… Brian Wilson the astronaut, peering down from the Heavens, cooly dreaming of California girls. An idealized pop utopia that widens the senses and soothes the ears. Lands the spaceship, finds nothing but disco and platform shoes and decided to take another trip around the moon for good measure and to search for the elusive lonely harmony. Landing back down for the millennium, our astronaut decided it’s time. Time to stop and hear what he’s brought back.

Read more Quotes of Brian Wilson on his Official Website

—
note: Now if Brian Wilson reads this, i hope he sends me a SMILE album! Dont forget to sign it, honey!

Current Music: The Beach Boys - “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” then the rest of the Petsounds album…

OMG! as in … OOoooOhh.. my.. Ghhoood!

Wasnt watching the TV when i over-heard an advertsiment.. a very very short one… (sadly, it was never repeated again, or do i need to open my telly more?)

Beach Boys, October 7
The 1960s American group the Beach Boys, an icon of the sun, surf and rock years, are visiting the Philippines next month. They have a concert in Manila on October 7 (8pm) at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

Tickets: 330 - 3,837 pesos through Ticketnet.
—
But when i read the news

Headed by lead vocalist and Beach Boys founding member Mike Love

.. okay, now that is just sooo biased!
.. i realized then, that Brian Wilson wont be around to play any of his stuff. Sadly, i doubt if they will even play any of Pet Sounds… which is the only album of them that i love. *sigh*

  

coz of Mike Love and Brian Wilson’s fight over royalties some years ago.. (erm, decades) because Wilson “wasn’t Beach Boys enough” huh?! hmm and Wislon’s release of SMILE album (2004). I doubt that they even have communication at all.. now i can imagine why he sounds tentative and forced when pressed to live performance, that he abruptly jolts “Hooray for the audience!” into a blank void.

Oh well im having doubts if the concert will turn out as i expect it to be.. hmm.. so maybe ill just grab me a copy of Pet Sounds Live by Wilson’s 2002 first solo tour of Europe and England. Just hope the CD do not conatin him saying in the concert :
Here’s an instrumental, with no voices, okay?

Brian Wilson: (then and now)

Anyway, anyone can still buy me a ticket.. hihihi

You Are 50% Boyish and 50% Girlish

You are pretty evenly split down the middle - a total eunuch. Okay, kidding about the eunuch part. But you do get along with both sexes. You reject traditional gender roles. However, you don’t actively fight them. You’re just you. You don’t try to be what people expect you to be.

—
yeah yeah.. i better try it again…

Current Music: Flying Saucer Attack - “Feedback Song“

  

“There is nothing that would sort you out
An interesting way of life
Deny yourself the benefits of being alive”
- Woman’s Realm, Belle and Sebastian

  

“You speak but your words find no voice. You look but your eyes find no light. You listen but your ears find only silence. You are in the presence of The Faceless One.” - The Faceless One

haunting.. are we all but looking to one side of the world when facing the mirror? or are we wishing it be a door to another dimension? are we truly seeing ourselves thru the reflection? or was it somebody else looking back?

just a thought…

now hit me in the head!

—
note: what im currently listening to is my suspected “Music from the Heavenly Spheres”… at the moment, cant find an actual downloadable link and i have yet to rip some from my cds, so just take a peek and listen to free samples of Flying Saucer Attack.
  
Required: any speed faster than a dial-up.
Facts: FSA at AMG (All Music Guide)
Still trying to Collect of FSA: DragCity Records list and Full Discography

Current Music: Slowdive - “Alison” - 9.4 MB
                    

Listen close, and don’t be stoned
I’ll be here in the morning
‘Cause I’m just floating

Your cigarette still burns
Your messed-up world will thrill me
Alison, I’m lost

Alison, I said we’re sinking
There’s nothing here but that’s okay
Outside your room, your sister’s spinning
But she lies, tells me she’s just fine
I guess she’s out there somewhere

And the sailors they strike poses
TV covered walls, and so slowly
With your talking and your pills
Your messed-up life still thrills me
Alison, I’m lost

Alison, I’ll drink your wine
I wear your clothes, when we’re both high
Alison, I said we’re sinking

But you laughter tells me it’s just fine
I guess she’s out there somewhere

—
note: This is the only video for a song off their second album, Souvlaki, this was released in june 1993 and it features members of the band with their friends at a private party.

Noticed i havent linked some music in my last post.. so here goes a FREE Video of Slowdive. I feel like getting stonned today.. feel like being Alison…

found a Free Tarot reading site.. hmm.. so i tried. (The main question i asked tho i choose to withhold)

(insert your question here)

The Relationship spread provides insight into the interaction between two people or entities. It is the spread of choice for questions about partnerships, be they in romance or business. The Lovecraft Tarot is a tribute to the gothic writings of the visionary H.P. Lovecraft. It is the deck of choice for explorers of the macabre, and for posing questions that should never be asked. See copies of the Lovecraft Tarot.

	The significator, not shown is the card you have chosen to embody your presence and the focus of the reading. Queen of Man (Harley Warren): The essence of water, such as a deep and placid lake: Spirituality, maturity, and grace. A natural counselor and healer, One whose relaxed presence seems to embody deep love and spirituality. A tranquil poet who reflects the nature of the observer. The embrace of all things dreamlike and receptive, such as perfect and unconditional love.
	The card at the top left represents how you see yourself. Ten of Artifacts (Mi-Go Brain Cylinder): Crushing defeat brought about by idle intellectualism divorced from reality. Sadness and desolation in the aftermath of a catastrophic and total collapse. A decisive conclusion brought about through the swift and merciless application of overwhelming force.
	The card at the top right represents how you see your partner. Ace of Man (H.P. Lovecraft), when reversed: The seed of a destructive relationship or spiritual collapse. A missed opportunity for joy, contentment, fertility, or enlightenment. Failing to understand the emotional needs of those around you. May represent an unexpected message, a chance meeting, or the start of a friendship or romance.
	The card in the center left represents how you feel about your partner. Hastur: Worldly authority and power. Social mastery and oratory. One who is intelligent, experienced, confident and reasonable. A patriarch or primary male influence. The motive force of politics and society. The ability to fulfill plans and use mental control over the emotions.
	The card in the center right represents what stands between you and your partner. Shub Niggurath: The essence of femininity and matriarchy. Creativity, productivity, and the foundation of civilization. Initiative and practical actions that promote prosperity, comfort and luxury. Fruitfulness and motherhood.
	The card in the lower left represents how your partner sees you. Three of Tomes (Unaussprechlichen Kulten), when reversed: Pride and arrogance. Convincing oneself that the ends justify the means. A great act of betrayal set in motion. Sinking to the level of an opponent. The vain quest for glory and a personal spotlight. Charity or friendship offered with intent of material gain.
	The card in the lower right represents what your partner feels about you. Ghoul: A major change or transformation, possibly traumatic and unexpected. Freedom from the shackles of the past. A new beginning. Death coupled with rebirth, usually related to consciousness and lifestyle.
	The card in the center represents the present status or challenge of the relationship. Queen of Sites (The Church on Federal Hill), when reversed: The dark essence of earth behaving as water, such as ice: A cold but generous host, driven by an overwhelming need for to accumulate and maintain opulence. A person so preoccupied with wealth and security that they can never stop to enjoy either. One who reflects the weaknesses of others, breeding suspicion and mistrust.

the question is.. Who is the partner he was talking about?
this is so fookin chilling… (and a good freebie for kicks)
try it: