Words and Books

" ... it's only words, and words are all I have ... "
The BeeGees

Whenever I walk through Barnes and Noble, I never cease to be amazed by the amount of books there are in one branch of that store, and the variety of topics that are covered. Another things that amazes me is how little time more and more people dedicate to reading. In the age of HD-TV, high-speed internet and all that other jazz, who really has time to open up a book and actually leaf through the pages? Indeed, I've heard one person ask, surprised, "you read the newspaper? Who has time for that anymore? Why don't you just watch the news in half an hour?" Or, "you're going to read that? But, the movie's in theatres!"

Couple of reasons why I prefer to read: First, the televised news doesn't cover everything. Hell, I have a friend who watched the news, and knew nothing about the protests in France. Second, I find I get so much more bang for my buck when I read (newspapers, and books). The only way people know what we're thinking is by communication. Words are the bridge to communication; and, when I read, I find that I fortify that bridge. I learn a new word almost everyday that can take the place of some inane phrase that I previously used, and gets my point across better. Third, reading is fun! It can be done anywhere, anytime, anyhow. Sitting in a park, riding on a bus, relaxing on your couch, wherever, whenever. Embrace a book today! See how entertaining it can be!

I've got a friend who loves to buy books, and although I try to get her to stop buying so much of them, I secretly admire her for reading so many books. She recently told me she had a book for home, a book for work, a book for the bus ride to work, and even maybe one for the bus ride BACK. I was astounded, but I was impressed. If only more people had a passion for reading like she does. I know she's reading this, so let me insert my disclaimer: "This is no excuse to buy the entire bookstore and break our pact! I am just saying that I think it's great you read so many books!"

-----------------------------

Something to ponder:

Following is an excerpt from Passionate Presence: Experiencing the Seven Qualities of Awakened Awareness by Catherine Ingram. It's in keeping with today's theme, and also relates to my earlier "Baked Nuts" post.

'" ... we also notice the power of words to condition perception. By naming things, we invoke a preconceived picture of the object or event and we therefore have a conditioned response to it, if only momentarily. Now, of course, language is a fantastic communications tool, necessary and useful. But it is helpful to know its place in our awareness and the limits of its usefulness. I often say, in paraphrasing Shakespeare, "A rose by no name at all would smell as sweet."

Twisted Logic

Even though it was my first modern-era rock concert, Coldplay's performance last night was phenomenal!

Unfortunately, we (my boss, his girlfriend and I) got there a little late, thanks to my addle mind and us having to return to my apartment to get my ticket. Thus, we missed the opening act, Fiona Apple. As I took my seat in the upper level, I could feel the crowd's excitement building in anticipation of the main act. Even though I was in the upper level, the view was magnificent. I managed to snag a seat in the front row, and just fore of the front edge of the stage.

After about half an hour of setup, the lights finally dimmed and the crowd was in an uproar. Then, the lights completely extinguished and the crowd went into a frenzy. The stage lit up, and the band members were at their positions with instruments in hand, with the exception of Chris Martin, who was at the back of the stage jumping up and down, psyching himself up even more.

They started of with Square One, following that up with Politik. I don't remember the exact order of the songs, but the majority of the songs performed were from their latest album. The entire playlist was as follows:

- From Parachutes
Yellow
Don't Panic
? (one other that I don't know the name of)

- From Rush of Blood to the Head
Politik
Clocks
The Scientist
God Put A Smile on Your Face

- From X&Y
Square One
What If
White Shadows
Talk
X&Y
Speed of Sound
Til Kingdon Come (a tribute to Johnny Cash, which was followed by a very nice rendition of Cash's Ring of Fire

For the encore, they performed (in order):
Swallowed in the Sea
In My Place
Fix You

1 hour, 45 minutes of great music. Chris Martin has an unbelievable stage presence; he was very energetic during his performances and really seemed to be enjoying himself. The drummer, Will Champion, also was quite enthusiastic while he's playing. He beat those drums with such force, that I swore he would have had to change the heads midway through the concert. The lead guitarist wasn't as animated, but at some points he was prancing around the stage too. The bassist was the quietest of all, and seemed content to remain at his "station" and pluck away on his guitar.

I didn't know how versatile the each of the members are: the drummer and the bassist also played keyboard during the show; the lead guitarist performed lead vocals, along with a touch on the keyboard; and the bassist also played a bit on the harmonica during Fix You.

All in all, a fantastic performance! What a great way to spend a Saturday night!! :)

Of § Bunnies

Congrats to my ex-room/house-mate. Two years of what looks like a blissful relationship!! I know you two had a few downs interspersed in all the ups, but you made it thus far, and I'm happy for both of you.