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This journal is mostly friends only.
But feel free to add me! I like making friends!
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Sticky: Mostly friends only!
Oct. 14th, 2037 02:00 amThis journal is mostly friends only.
But feel free to add me! I like making friends!
What I'm...
Currently reading:
Moby Dick by Herman Melville - Some spooky ghost stories that Ishmael swears is true because he swears on the bible.
Ginseng Roots: A Memoir by Craig Thompson - Z got me a !signed! copy of this graphic novel for me! This talks a lot about the author's childhood growing up picking ginseng in Marathon Wis. Apparently Wisconsin is known for its ginseng! I had no clue!
Finished reading:
Battle Angel Alita, Vol. 4 by Yukito Kishiro (Author, Illustrator) - So actually there was a big plot twist and she has actually been distracted by her yearning to find her creator that actually theres another model of cyborg or robot or something that is destroying stuff? Look the plot is a little thin here, but the art is pretty neat.
Monstress Volume 9: The Possessed by Marjorie Liu (Author), Sana Takeda (Illustrator) - So a lot of the plot threads are starting to come together, which is shocking because I remembered more than I thought I would. Maika and her little demon guy are separated and her dad has him and i think we're finally about to get to The Big Conflict and end this thing in 10 trades.
Listening:
The new pelican album is really good. Its special. https://pelican.bandcamp.com/album/flickering-resonance
Black metal band that I had picked up a while ago. I cant remember where. A Debt Paid in Blood by Marrow of Man https://marrowofmanbm.bandcamp.com/album/a-debt-paid-in-blood
The new Pelican album has me listening to old pelican too. https://pelicansl.bandcamp.com/album/ephemeral
Another black metal album, this time from panopticon's label, so its extra fucking good. The Harrow of the Lost by Ahamkara https://bindrunerecordings.bandcamp.com/album/the-harrow-of-the-lost
Watching:
Apple cider vinegar - Sam and I started watching this. Its kind of a reverse manchausen-by-proxy story, where a woman is saying "clean living" cured her cancer when it didn't. Its been a good story!
Scamanda - And so I've been super into this style of story for a week. This is another docuseries about someone who said they had conquered cancer and all these things, but it was just a lie. She deceives her church and such for money and all that.
Anatomy of lies - Same shtick with a cancer faker, but she also becomes a writer on Grey's Anatomy. This is such an egregious and wild ride. Like, its wild! Good, entertaining watch.
The AEW ppv - There was a lull in the middle to me, but overall this PPV was awesome. I really enjoyed it. I loved the final match's outcome. I didn't expect it!
Sports! Hockey! Basketball! I am rooting for the Oilers in hockey. And for basketball I like OKC, TWolves, and the Knicks, so I'll likely have someone to root for no matter how the conference finals shake out.
Playing:
Nothin rn! Just in a holding pattern until deltarune's new chapters come out (beginning of june!)
Currently reading:
Moby Dick by Herman Melville - Some spooky ghost stories that Ishmael swears is true because he swears on the bible.
Ginseng Roots: A Memoir by Craig Thompson - Z got me a !signed! copy of this graphic novel for me! This talks a lot about the author's childhood growing up picking ginseng in Marathon Wis. Apparently Wisconsin is known for its ginseng! I had no clue!
Finished reading:
Battle Angel Alita, Vol. 4 by Yukito Kishiro (Author, Illustrator) - So actually there was a big plot twist and she has actually been distracted by her yearning to find her creator that actually theres another model of cyborg or robot or something that is destroying stuff? Look the plot is a little thin here, but the art is pretty neat.
Monstress Volume 9: The Possessed by Marjorie Liu (Author), Sana Takeda (Illustrator) - So a lot of the plot threads are starting to come together, which is shocking because I remembered more than I thought I would. Maika and her little demon guy are separated and her dad has him and i think we're finally about to get to The Big Conflict and end this thing in 10 trades.
Listening:
The new pelican album is really good. Its special. https://pelican.bandcamp.com/album/flickering-resonance
Black metal band that I had picked up a while ago. I cant remember where. A Debt Paid in Blood by Marrow of Man https://marrowofmanbm.bandcamp.com/album/a-debt-paid-in-blood
The new Pelican album has me listening to old pelican too. https://pelicansl.bandcamp.com/album/ephemeral
Another black metal album, this time from panopticon's label, so its extra fucking good. The Harrow of the Lost by Ahamkara https://bindrunerecordings.bandcamp.com/album/the-harrow-of-the-lost
Watching:
Apple cider vinegar - Sam and I started watching this. Its kind of a reverse manchausen-by-proxy story, where a woman is saying "clean living" cured her cancer when it didn't. Its been a good story!
Scamanda - And so I've been super into this style of story for a week. This is another docuseries about someone who said they had conquered cancer and all these things, but it was just a lie. She deceives her church and such for money and all that.
Anatomy of lies - Same shtick with a cancer faker, but she also becomes a writer on Grey's Anatomy. This is such an egregious and wild ride. Like, its wild! Good, entertaining watch.
The AEW ppv - There was a lull in the middle to me, but overall this PPV was awesome. I really enjoyed it. I loved the final match's outcome. I didn't expect it!
Sports! Hockey! Basketball! I am rooting for the Oilers in hockey. And for basketball I like OKC, TWolves, and the Knicks, so I'll likely have someone to root for no matter how the conference finals shake out.
Playing:
Nothin rn! Just in a holding pattern until deltarune's new chapters come out (beginning of june!)
What I'm...
Reading:
Moby Dick by Herman Melville - A whale was spotted, and while they never straight up confirm it was Moby Dick, it sure did seem like it. It was a rough battle and the whale got away. So they're back looking out again.
Battle Angel Alita, Vol. 4 by Yukito Kishiro (Author, Illustrator) - Alita has a new guardian and has to defeat the next big bad to find out where her creator is. The art is gorgeous and also its nice to read comics again so I can remember that yes, I can indeed read things quickly lol
What I finished reading:
Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler - Her brother does wind up being an asshole and not letting Lauren have her kid unless she promises to raise it the American Christian way. The novel's version of maga dissolves after 1 term, and it seems sanity is restored quite quickly, and I do not expect that IRL. Earthseed goes to the stars. Lauren doesn't make it, but her ashes do.
Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products by Nir Eyal (Author), Ryan Hoover (Editor) - Another work book club book finished. Still hard to apply these demi-ethical slot machine things into our own software. Maybe my brain isn't creative enough, or maybe my brain is incapable of being that evil.
Something is Killing the Children Vol. 8 by James Tynion IV (Author), Werther Dell’Edera (Illustrator) - A series of short stories regarding Erica Slaughters early career fighting monsters. I guess this series was meant as an intro for folks before the start of the netflix series that is coming. Is it out yet? Idk. I'll only watch it if I hear it is good.
Watching:
SPORTS! Still lots of Hockey and Basketball. I took a break the last few days, and was shocked that the Pacers stomped the Cavs.
Still AEW. I'm still kinda meh on it, but I like wrestling.
I saw 40 acres and I liked it quite a bit!
Sam and I started watching Apple Cider Vinegar. I don't love it, but it has an interesting enough story that I don't want to stop watching it either.
Playing:
I'm still playing Balatro here and there. I want to play the homestar runner Dangeresque game here at some point, but it only seems to run on Windows, and I rarely touch that machine except as data storage these days? I really aughta find a way to get my music on a server somehow. That would be a fun project.
Listening:
The new deafheaven album is very good. I think I've said this already, but now I own it on vinyl www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-2pdpSTwN4
I saw Rezn and picked up an album too: https://rezzzn.bandcamp.com/album/burden
I've listened to the new model/actriz album a few times over now https://modelactriz.bandcamp.com/album/pirouette
I forgot I had bought this a couple months back and wow it rips so much https://oranssipazuzu.bandcamp.com/album/muuntautuja
I saw Stress Positions open for Converge and they fucking rule and got them on vinyl: https://stresspositions.bandcamp.com/album/human-zoo
Reading:
Moby Dick by Herman Melville - A whale was spotted, and while they never straight up confirm it was Moby Dick, it sure did seem like it. It was a rough battle and the whale got away. So they're back looking out again.
Battle Angel Alita, Vol. 4 by Yukito Kishiro (Author, Illustrator) - Alita has a new guardian and has to defeat the next big bad to find out where her creator is. The art is gorgeous and also its nice to read comics again so I can remember that yes, I can indeed read things quickly lol
What I finished reading:
Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler - Her brother does wind up being an asshole and not letting Lauren have her kid unless she promises to raise it the American Christian way. The novel's version of maga dissolves after 1 term, and it seems sanity is restored quite quickly, and I do not expect that IRL. Earthseed goes to the stars. Lauren doesn't make it, but her ashes do.
Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products by Nir Eyal (Author), Ryan Hoover (Editor) - Another work book club book finished. Still hard to apply these demi-ethical slot machine things into our own software. Maybe my brain isn't creative enough, or maybe my brain is incapable of being that evil.
Something is Killing the Children Vol. 8 by James Tynion IV (Author), Werther Dell’Edera (Illustrator) - A series of short stories regarding Erica Slaughters early career fighting monsters. I guess this series was meant as an intro for folks before the start of the netflix series that is coming. Is it out yet? Idk. I'll only watch it if I hear it is good.
Watching:
SPORTS! Still lots of Hockey and Basketball. I took a break the last few days, and was shocked that the Pacers stomped the Cavs.
Still AEW. I'm still kinda meh on it, but I like wrestling.
I saw 40 acres and I liked it quite a bit!
Sam and I started watching Apple Cider Vinegar. I don't love it, but it has an interesting enough story that I don't want to stop watching it either.
Playing:
I'm still playing Balatro here and there. I want to play the homestar runner Dangeresque game here at some point, but it only seems to run on Windows, and I rarely touch that machine except as data storage these days? I really aughta find a way to get my music on a server somehow. That would be a fun project.
Listening:
The new deafheaven album is very good. I think I've said this already, but now I own it on vinyl www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-2pdpSTwN4
I saw Rezn and picked up an album too: https://rezzzn.bandcamp.com/album/burden
I've listened to the new model/actriz album a few times over now https://modelactriz.bandcamp.com/album/pirouette
I forgot I had bought this a couple months back and wow it rips so much https://oranssipazuzu.bandcamp.com/album/muuntautuja
I saw Stress Positions open for Converge and they fucking rule and got them on vinyl: https://stresspositions.bandcamp.com/album/human-zoo
What media are you consuming Wednesday!
Apr. 30th, 2025 11:51 amWhat I'm...
Reading:
Moby Dick by Herman Melville - No progress this week. Two days ago a bunch of chapters dropped (I'm reading this at the pace of an email newsletter!) but I haven't read them yet. Its been busy.
Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler - I can't put this down, even though I know its an endless tragedy. Lauren is trying to find her child. She finds her brother who is now a christian america pastor. I don't trust him still. But she was able to talk to him and escape, although she was nearly jumped as she left. Now she hears her brother is now a CA pastor in Oregon, so she's on the road with another sharer to portland. There's only 50 pages left and I assume it ends in tragedy. This book is prophecy.
Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products by Nir Eyal (Author), Ryan Hoover (Editor) - No progress this week. I will pick it up once I'm done with Parable of the Talents, book club be damned; its way more interesting right now.
Watching:
Sports! Lots and lots and lots of hockey and nba playoffs. The bucks lost last night. I am for the pistons now. I also watched the Canes win their series last night.
I saw Sally at the film festival which was very good.
Playing:
Kinda nothing! NBA and NHL has stomped on my Balatro time. I'll come back to it.
Listening:
Man, the following albums I listened to on the way to Chicago and they all ripped:
https://mysticismproductions.bandcamp.com/album/folkstorm Gnipahålan - Ambient Black Metal
https://grails.bandcamp.com/album/the-burden-of-hope-remastered - lyricless post rock
https://cavesermon.bandcamp.com/album/fragile-wings melodic black metal/post metal. its so fucking pretty. This is likely going to be in my best-of albums at the end of the year too.
Reading:
Moby Dick by Herman Melville - No progress this week. Two days ago a bunch of chapters dropped (I'm reading this at the pace of an email newsletter!) but I haven't read them yet. Its been busy.
Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler - I can't put this down, even though I know its an endless tragedy. Lauren is trying to find her child. She finds her brother who is now a christian america pastor. I don't trust him still. But she was able to talk to him and escape, although she was nearly jumped as she left. Now she hears her brother is now a CA pastor in Oregon, so she's on the road with another sharer to portland. There's only 50 pages left and I assume it ends in tragedy. This book is prophecy.
Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products by Nir Eyal (Author), Ryan Hoover (Editor) - No progress this week. I will pick it up once I'm done with Parable of the Talents, book club be damned; its way more interesting right now.
Watching:
Sports! Lots and lots and lots of hockey and nba playoffs. The bucks lost last night. I am for the pistons now. I also watched the Canes win their series last night.
I saw Sally at the film festival which was very good.
Playing:
Kinda nothing! NBA and NHL has stomped on my Balatro time. I'll come back to it.
Listening:
Man, the following albums I listened to on the way to Chicago and they all ripped:
https://mysticismproductions.bandcamp.com/album/folkstorm Gnipahålan - Ambient Black Metal
https://grails.bandcamp.com/album/the-burden-of-hope-remastered - lyricless post rock
https://cavesermon.bandcamp.com/album/fragile-wings melodic black metal/post metal. its so fucking pretty. This is likely going to be in my best-of albums at the end of the year too.
What have you finished reading?
Nothing. Which is kind of embarrassing tbh. I've moved on from Stardew Valley, but now I'm playing Balatro which is absolutely cutting into my reading time.
What are you currently reading?
Moby Dick by Herman Melville - Ahab has announced they're going after Moby Dick, and while some of the crew recognizes this is Bad News, it seems folks who knew this was a bad idea were caught up in joining along to their doom anyway. There's also a whole chapter on the whole racist white = good thing.
Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler - After putting down Stardew, I am really back into this again. Despite, in theory, being written from the prespective of her daughter, it seems to still just continues to follow Lauren's journals. The book feels prophetic at times with the US president, Jarret, wanting to "make america great again" under a christofascist regime. I recognize Reagan was this too, but the book takes it to its logical conclusion, which is absolutely where we're at with Trump.
Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products by Nir Eyal (Author), Ryan Hoover (Editor) - The work book club is back at it. It really shows how evil software design can be. There is, supposedly, a chapter on the ethics of building software that resembles slot machines, but I can't imagine its going to redeem this book for me. Still, I guess its interesting in a sad way.
Nothing. Which is kind of embarrassing tbh. I've moved on from Stardew Valley, but now I'm playing Balatro which is absolutely cutting into my reading time.
What are you currently reading?
Moby Dick by Herman Melville - Ahab has announced they're going after Moby Dick, and while some of the crew recognizes this is Bad News, it seems folks who knew this was a bad idea were caught up in joining along to their doom anyway. There's also a whole chapter on the whole racist white = good thing.
Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler - After putting down Stardew, I am really back into this again. Despite, in theory, being written from the prespective of her daughter, it seems to still just continues to follow Lauren's journals. The book feels prophetic at times with the US president, Jarret, wanting to "make america great again" under a christofascist regime. I recognize Reagan was this too, but the book takes it to its logical conclusion, which is absolutely where we're at with Trump.
Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products by Nir Eyal (Author), Ryan Hoover (Editor) - The work book club is back at it. It really shows how evil software design can be. There is, supposedly, a chapter on the ethics of building software that resembles slot machines, but I can't imagine its going to redeem this book for me. Still, I guess its interesting in a sad way.
What have you finished reading?
Nothing.
What are you currently reading?
Moby Dick by Herman Melville - I'm behind a couple chapters right now, but I hope to catch up v soon! Which is an elaborate way of saying "No progress this week".
Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler - This is riveting and well written but its hard for me to understand the animosity the daughter has toward her mother. I get the last book was a creation story, and this is the deconstruction, but also I've been really into playing Stardew Valley right now, so I haven't been a good reader lately.
Nothing.
What are you currently reading?
Moby Dick by Herman Melville - I'm behind a couple chapters right now, but I hope to catch up v soon! Which is an elaborate way of saying "No progress this week".
Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler - This is riveting and well written but its hard for me to understand the animosity the daughter has toward her mother. I get the last book was a creation story, and this is the deconstruction, but also I've been really into playing Stardew Valley right now, so I haven't been a good reader lately.
What are you reading Wednesday?
Jan. 22nd, 2025 11:15 amWhat have you finished reading?
The Clearing by JJJJJerome Ellis - This was gorgeous. I consumed it twice: first as a book, second as the album, reading along with the book. The book is kind of mandatory. The art created with the letters and words that he stutters on is fascinating. This has got to be in contention for the best poetry I'll read this year. I'm so glad C wanted this and I'm glad I borrowed it. Its a delight. I believe he is performing at the poetry book store in a few months. I've gotta go!
Fourteen Poems issues 14 and 15 Edited by Ben Townley-Canning - Its poetry. Its queer. Issue 15 had a couple poems I hated though, which is usually unlike me. I wonder if its them, or if its me.
What are you currently reading?
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman (Author) - No progress this week. Starting the next two chapters tonight, probably, if stardew valley doesn't consume me.
Moby Dick by Herman Melville - I'm caught up except for the chapter(s) that came in the mail today. Just more talk about the second and third mates, and their harpooners. Its almost jarring how much Ishmael sings their praises, which makes me think that something terrible is going to happen to all of them.
The Clearing by JJJJJerome Ellis - This was gorgeous. I consumed it twice: first as a book, second as the album, reading along with the book. The book is kind of mandatory. The art created with the letters and words that he stutters on is fascinating. This has got to be in contention for the best poetry I'll read this year. I'm so glad C wanted this and I'm glad I borrowed it. Its a delight. I believe he is performing at the poetry book store in a few months. I've gotta go!
Fourteen Poems issues 14 and 15 Edited by Ben Townley-Canning - Its poetry. Its queer. Issue 15 had a couple poems I hated though, which is usually unlike me. I wonder if its them, or if its me.
What are you currently reading?
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman (Author) - No progress this week. Starting the next two chapters tonight, probably, if stardew valley doesn't consume me.
Moby Dick by Herman Melville - I'm caught up except for the chapter(s) that came in the mail today. Just more talk about the second and third mates, and their harpooners. Its almost jarring how much Ishmael sings their praises, which makes me think that something terrible is going to happen to all of them.
What are you reading Wednesday?
Jan. 15th, 2025 11:28 amWhat have you finished reading?
Nothin'
What are you currently reading?
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman (Author) - SOLVE PROBLEMS by talkin about it but don't talk about it too long.
Moby Dick by Herman Melville - Just a short chapter this week where we meet Starbuck. Is this the first person named starbuck in a novel? Are all other starbucks a reference? Fuck fact the coffee chain did get their name from the book which is kinda interesting.
The Clearing by JJJJJerome Ellis - Part album, part poetry. I bought this for C at the poetry book store but she hasn't ever read it, so I'm giving it a go. I am reading it first, and I'll listen and read the second time. It is an unapologetic embrace of the writer's extreme stutter. Its visually gorgeous.
Nothin'
What are you currently reading?
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman (Author) - SOLVE PROBLEMS by talkin about it but don't talk about it too long.
Moby Dick by Herman Melville - Just a short chapter this week where we meet Starbuck. Is this the first person named starbuck in a novel? Are all other starbucks a reference? Fuck fact the coffee chain did get their name from the book which is kinda interesting.
The Clearing by JJJJJerome Ellis - Part album, part poetry. I bought this for C at the poetry book store but she hasn't ever read it, so I'm giving it a go. I am reading it first, and I'll listen and read the second time. It is an unapologetic embrace of the writer's extreme stutter. Its visually gorgeous.
What have you finished reading?
Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler - This gripped me from beginning to end. I couldn't put it down. Occasionally, I found the prose lacking. But the story itself was fine just on its own. I strongly dislike the gap between the main character and her lover. I know this has a sequel so I need to get my ass to the used book shop and pick it up!
What are you currently reading?
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman (Author) - Oh boy. Use data. With data that isn't reactive you can get a better understanding of Business Stuff. This book is very basic in its principles, but I really do think a lot of small businesses don't do even half of this shit.
Moby Dick by Herman Melville - I am caught up! I am convinced Ishmael isn't a very reliable narrator after a few chapters. But it confirms he's absolutely a dork at the very least. Queequeg is absolutely fucking with him and he's falling for it hook, line, and sinker. And I can only assume he is in wayyyy over his head with this whaling expedition. We haven't met Captain Ahab yet which feels weird. either way, once I "get into the language", its a riveting book thats hard to put down.
Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler - This gripped me from beginning to end. I couldn't put it down. Occasionally, I found the prose lacking. But the story itself was fine just on its own. I strongly dislike the gap between the main character and her lover. I know this has a sequel so I need to get my ass to the used book shop and pick it up!
What are you currently reading?
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman (Author) - Oh boy. Use data. With data that isn't reactive you can get a better understanding of Business Stuff. This book is very basic in its principles, but I really do think a lot of small businesses don't do even half of this shit.
Moby Dick by Herman Melville - I am caught up! I am convinced Ishmael isn't a very reliable narrator after a few chapters. But it confirms he's absolutely a dork at the very least. Queequeg is absolutely fucking with him and he's falling for it hook, line, and sinker. And I can only assume he is in wayyyy over his head with this whaling expedition. We haven't met Captain Ahab yet which feels weird. either way, once I "get into the language", its a riveting book thats hard to put down.
What have you finished reading?
Nothin'
What are you currently reading?
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman (Author) - No progress this week.
Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler - This book has kept me up every evening, which is really delightful how good it is. The daughter clearly sees the world is fucked, and while she wants to make larger changes, and is influenced by her differing religion, her father wants slow, incremental change. However, shit has hit the fan, and it seems as if her brother has gotten their whole walled village in trouble, and I think change (god) is coming sooner rather than later.
Moby Dick by Herman Melville - I'm on chapter 13, when I'm supposed to be on 22. It kinda started at a breakneck pace, but I think I'll be able to catch up soon. Ishmael has met Queequeg and theyre basically besties for life. I find the whole "cannibal" talk so fucking cringe, but its like 1851 gets a slight pass lol. I've been reading the annotated version because a lot of the nautical terms are beyond my vocabulary, but I am enjoying it thus far. Its very pretty prose, although it makes me think that Ishmael is a bit of a dandy despite prior sailor experience.
=========================
And since its the last Reading Wednesday of the year, lets wrap this bad boy up!
This year I read:
books: 8
comics: 34
poetry: 8
for a total of: 50
This is apparently the lowest my reading has ever been. I knew dating A really affected how much I read, but damn. Still, since I've been with C, I really aught to be reading more, even if/when she doesn't. I need to stop watching youtube earlier and start reading before its close to my self-enforced bedtime.
Thinking about the best books I read, and a few came to mind
Blue Nights by Joan Didion? Maybe. But it wasn't exactly what I wanted it to be, even though ofc it was very good.
The Gulf: The Making of An American Sea by Jack E. Davis? This was great, but not the best.
The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera. Yes, bingo, this is easily the best book. Heartbreakingly devastating, beautifully written. Absolute A+ of a book and the best book-book I read this year.
---------------------
OK onto the best comics this year... And I think this is a three-way tie.
Do a Powerbomb by Daniel Warren Johnson - Murderfalcon already had me assume that Daniel Johnson is perfect and can do no wrong. This is another banger. Mixing pro-wrestling and grief. Its a great comic.
The Many Deaths of Laila Starr by Ram V (Author), Filipe Andrade (Illustrator)- A woman stuck in cycles of death. I loved this enough that I bought it. Its a really beautiful comic.
Prokaryote Season by Leo Fox - Love, loss, and obsession. I tend to damn near worship my partners at times, and this book was what I needed, and is still what I need. I'm glad it exists.
----------------------
And my red-headed stepchild, poetry. It usually gets wrapped up under books, even though I'd argue its harder and slower of a read than a book.
Full-metal Indigiqueer: Poems by Joshua Whitehead - This was really wonderful. I love the digital/analog comparisons, I love how queer it is, I love everything about it.
Unutterable Visions, Perishable Breath by Otamere Guobadia - The above would have been my best book of poetry, but this one existed too. They're both tied this year, beautiful and heartbreaking. Just amazing.
Sharks in the Rivers by Ada Limón (Author) - This is a very close second place from the above two. Fierce competition in poetry read this year. She uses a lot of nature in her poetry and its so pretty.
== And here's a look back at the past years ==
2023
17 books (including poetry)
83 comics
Total of 100
2022
28 books (includes poetry)
36 comics
total of 64
2021
22 books
79 comics
total of 101
2020
21 books
106 comics
total of 127
2019 (I couldn't find the URL and I'm lazy. Maybe I started doing wayrw this year, but not the full year)
17 books
106 comics
total of 123
Nothin'
What are you currently reading?
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman (Author) - No progress this week.
Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler - This book has kept me up every evening, which is really delightful how good it is. The daughter clearly sees the world is fucked, and while she wants to make larger changes, and is influenced by her differing religion, her father wants slow, incremental change. However, shit has hit the fan, and it seems as if her brother has gotten their whole walled village in trouble, and I think change (god) is coming sooner rather than later.
Moby Dick by Herman Melville - I'm on chapter 13, when I'm supposed to be on 22. It kinda started at a breakneck pace, but I think I'll be able to catch up soon. Ishmael has met Queequeg and theyre basically besties for life. I find the whole "cannibal" talk so fucking cringe, but its like 1851 gets a slight pass lol. I've been reading the annotated version because a lot of the nautical terms are beyond my vocabulary, but I am enjoying it thus far. Its very pretty prose, although it makes me think that Ishmael is a bit of a dandy despite prior sailor experience.
=========================
And since its the last Reading Wednesday of the year, lets wrap this bad boy up!
This year I read:
books: 8
comics: 34
poetry: 8
for a total of: 50
This is apparently the lowest my reading has ever been. I knew dating A really affected how much I read, but damn. Still, since I've been with C, I really aught to be reading more, even if/when she doesn't. I need to stop watching youtube earlier and start reading before its close to my self-enforced bedtime.
Thinking about the best books I read, and a few came to mind
Blue Nights by Joan Didion? Maybe. But it wasn't exactly what I wanted it to be, even though ofc it was very good.
The Gulf: The Making of An American Sea by Jack E. Davis? This was great, but not the best.
The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera. Yes, bingo, this is easily the best book. Heartbreakingly devastating, beautifully written. Absolute A+ of a book and the best book-book I read this year.
---------------------
OK onto the best comics this year... And I think this is a three-way tie.
Do a Powerbomb by Daniel Warren Johnson - Murderfalcon already had me assume that Daniel Johnson is perfect and can do no wrong. This is another banger. Mixing pro-wrestling and grief. Its a great comic.
The Many Deaths of Laila Starr by Ram V (Author), Filipe Andrade (Illustrator)- A woman stuck in cycles of death. I loved this enough that I bought it. Its a really beautiful comic.
Prokaryote Season by Leo Fox - Love, loss, and obsession. I tend to damn near worship my partners at times, and this book was what I needed, and is still what I need. I'm glad it exists.
----------------------
And my red-headed stepchild, poetry. It usually gets wrapped up under books, even though I'd argue its harder and slower of a read than a book.
Full-metal Indigiqueer: Poems by Joshua Whitehead - This was really wonderful. I love the digital/analog comparisons, I love how queer it is, I love everything about it.
Unutterable Visions, Perishable Breath by Otamere Guobadia - The above would have been my best book of poetry, but this one existed too. They're both tied this year, beautiful and heartbreaking. Just amazing.
Sharks in the Rivers by Ada Limón (Author) - This is a very close second place from the above two. Fierce competition in poetry read this year. She uses a lot of nature in her poetry and its so pretty.
== And here's a look back at the past years ==
2023
17 books (including poetry)
83 comics
Total of 100
2022
28 books (includes poetry)
36 comics
total of 64
2021
22 books
79 comics
total of 101
2020
21 books
106 comics
total of 127
2019 (I couldn't find the URL and I'm lazy. Maybe I started doing wayrw this year, but not the full year)
17 books
106 comics
total of 123
What are you reading Wednesday?
Dec. 18th, 2024 04:11 pmWhat have you finished reading?
Nothin'
What are you currently reading?
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman (Author) - No progress this week. I'll probably start reading it again in a few weeks, but I have a month until the next book club meeting to read two chapters.
Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler - A lot of stories about life in their wall, the poverty, community, and frustrations within. It seems like a bleak future and water is scarce. I haven't read as much as I'd've liked this week, but I'm hoping it'll pick up again.
Moby Dick by Herman Melville - I somehow missed the first chapter, and now I need to read to chapter 10. Bah! I'm already behind! At any rate, at some point Ishmael calls his depression "Being aware of his lungs" at one point and goddamn if depression don't feel that way.
Nothin'
What are you currently reading?
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman (Author) - No progress this week. I'll probably start reading it again in a few weeks, but I have a month until the next book club meeting to read two chapters.
Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler - A lot of stories about life in their wall, the poverty, community, and frustrations within. It seems like a bleak future and water is scarce. I haven't read as much as I'd've liked this week, but I'm hoping it'll pick up again.
Moby Dick by Herman Melville - I somehow missed the first chapter, and now I need to read to chapter 10. Bah! I'm already behind! At any rate, at some point Ishmael calls his depression "Being aware of his lungs" at one point and goddamn if depression don't feel that way.
What are you reading Wednesday?
Dec. 11th, 2024 12:24 pmWhat have you finished reading?
Full-metal Indigiqueer: Poems by Joshua Whitehead - I hope they have other poetry books out there because this was fantastic.
What are you currently reading?
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman (Author) - No progress this week again. I'll pick it up next week probably. I had just accidentally read ahead of the book club.
Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler - Her father is some kind of priest but it seems her views on god may vary. At one point, it says "God is change." and I think I'm inclined to agree.
Full-metal Indigiqueer: Poems by Joshua Whitehead - I hope they have other poetry books out there because this was fantastic.
What are you currently reading?
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman (Author) - No progress this week again. I'll pick it up next week probably. I had just accidentally read ahead of the book club.
Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler - Her father is some kind of priest but it seems her views on god may vary. At one point, it says "God is change." and I think I'm inclined to agree.
What have you finished reading?
Blackshirts & Reds by Michael Parenti - The last chapter focuses on ecological collapse and how Capitalism will never really address it. I'd like to argue that taxing the carbon could do /SOMETHING/ but it'll be too little, too late since we want to prioritize profits over saving the fucking planet we live on, I guess.
What are you currently reading?
Full-metal Indigiqueer: Poems by Joshua Whitehead - I think I'll finish it this week. I'm still really loving this. Probably my favorite book of poetry this year.
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman (Author) - No progress this week. (I am ahead in the book club rn lol)
Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler - I need a new fiction pick up because I can't fall asleep reading poetry. I hear its very timely, and hell it takes place in 2024 so best to start it this year, I guess. The book starts with a young empath (which is some kind of super power) leaving the confines of their walled village, to get baptized.
I reckon i should start compiling my favorite books and albums this year.
Blackshirts & Reds by Michael Parenti - The last chapter focuses on ecological collapse and how Capitalism will never really address it. I'd like to argue that taxing the carbon could do /SOMETHING/ but it'll be too little, too late since we want to prioritize profits over saving the fucking planet we live on, I guess.
What are you currently reading?
Full-metal Indigiqueer: Poems by Joshua Whitehead - I think I'll finish it this week. I'm still really loving this. Probably my favorite book of poetry this year.
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman (Author) - No progress this week. (I am ahead in the book club rn lol)
Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler - I need a new fiction pick up because I can't fall asleep reading poetry. I hear its very timely, and hell it takes place in 2024 so best to start it this year, I guess. The book starts with a young empath (which is some kind of super power) leaving the confines of their walled village, to get baptized.
I reckon i should start compiling my favorite books and albums this year.
Id like to pay it forward: At one point a random stranger, turned dw friend, bought me a year of paid DW service. DW is increasing its prices next year and I probably won't be able to do this again unless I start getting paid more.
But if you are a stranger, or a friend, or whatever, that would like a year of paid DW service, I'd like to give that for you. I can only do this once, and its first come, first served. And seriously its OK if you stumble on this entry randomly. Hell, maybe we'll even become friends. :) Just leave a comment and lmk :)
But if you are a stranger, or a friend, or whatever, that would like a year of paid DW service, I'd like to give that for you. I can only do this once, and its first come, first served. And seriously its OK if you stumble on this entry randomly. Hell, maybe we'll even become friends. :) Just leave a comment and lmk :)
What are you reading Wednesday?
Nov. 13th, 2024 10:20 amThe time change continues to eat into my reading time. But its starting to almost even out.
What have you finished reading?
Nothing.
What are you currently reading?
Full-metal Indigiqueer: Poems by Joshua Whitehead - No progress this week.
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman (Author) - Set priorities, set your core values, blah blah blah.
Blackshirts & Reds by Michael Parenti - Again, this is still putting me to sleep, and I feel bad about it, but maybe a slow burn is what I need. It was really starting to catch me last night though, so that's good.
What have you finished reading?
Nothing.
What are you currently reading?
Full-metal Indigiqueer: Poems by Joshua Whitehead - No progress this week.
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman (Author) - Set priorities, set your core values, blah blah blah.
Blackshirts & Reds by Michael Parenti - Again, this is still putting me to sleep, and I feel bad about it, but maybe a slow burn is what I need. It was really starting to catch me last night though, so that's good.
What are you reading Wednesday?
Nov. 6th, 2024 09:39 amLove y'all. Shit sucks. Take care of yourself and your mental health today.
What have you finished reading?
Nothin'
What are you currently reading?
Full-metal Indigiqueer: Poems by Joshua Whitehead - No progress this week, I don't think. Or if there was, I just read a few poems here or there.
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman (Author) - EVeryone needs a unified vision. I will say my company did have this problem for a very long time. I still think this book is kinda meh, but, again, its okay.
Blackshirts & Reds by Michael Parenti - I feel terrible but its pretty dense theory and reading 1 page puts me to sleep. Maybe the time change is making this hard? I hope it grabs me soon.
What have you finished reading?
Nothin'
What are you currently reading?
Full-metal Indigiqueer: Poems by Joshua Whitehead - No progress this week, I don't think. Or if there was, I just read a few poems here or there.
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman (Author) - EVeryone needs a unified vision. I will say my company did have this problem for a very long time. I still think this book is kinda meh, but, again, its okay.
Blackshirts & Reds by Michael Parenti - I feel terrible but its pretty dense theory and reading 1 page puts me to sleep. Maybe the time change is making this hard? I hope it grabs me soon.
What are you reading Wednesday?
Oct. 30th, 2024 01:28 pmWhat have you finished reading?
Do a Powerbomb by Daniel Warren Johnson (Author) - What a fucking delight. Come for the prowrestling, stay for the heartrending grief.
What are you currently reading?
Full-metal Indigiqueer: Poems by Joshua Whitehead - I read a lot of this poetry last week. It remains fantastic!
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman (Author) - I guess its not just trust the book, but get ready to make big changes too or whatever.
Blackshirts & Reds by Michael Parenti - I borrowed this from E (Communist Bike Mechanic) and I'm a little embarassed it took me so long to start reading it. I was worried it was going to be communism v anarchism by the title, but its actually about communism v fascism which is p appropriate right now.
Do a Powerbomb by Daniel Warren Johnson (Author) - What a fucking delight. Come for the prowrestling, stay for the heartrending grief.
What are you currently reading?
Full-metal Indigiqueer: Poems by Joshua Whitehead - I read a lot of this poetry last week. It remains fantastic!
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman (Author) - I guess its not just trust the book, but get ready to make big changes too or whatever.
Blackshirts & Reds by Michael Parenti - I borrowed this from E (Communist Bike Mechanic) and I'm a little embarassed it took me so long to start reading it. I was worried it was going to be communism v anarchism by the title, but its actually about communism v fascism which is p appropriate right now.
What have you finished reading?
My Favorite Thing Is Monsters Book Two by Emil Ferris (Author) - A great landing and a great story, but there was so much left to explore. Still a great halloween read and a good story involving queerness and always siding with the monsters. Also, their love of uptown Chicago shines through. I used to live in uptown so I'm very fond of it.
What are you currently reading?
Full-metal Indigiqueer: Poems by Joshua Whitehead - No progress this week (sorry!)
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman (Author) - This chapter is about just... blindly trusting the book, I guess. Whatever.
Do a Powerbomb by Daniel Warren Johnson (Author) - I haven't opened this yes, but the guy who wrote Murderfalcon made a comic about pro wrestling so ofc I need to find the author and marry him or something.
My Favorite Thing Is Monsters Book Two by Emil Ferris (Author) - A great landing and a great story, but there was so much left to explore. Still a great halloween read and a good story involving queerness and always siding with the monsters. Also, their love of uptown Chicago shines through. I used to live in uptown so I'm very fond of it.
What are you currently reading?
Full-metal Indigiqueer: Poems by Joshua Whitehead - No progress this week (sorry!)
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman (Author) - This chapter is about just... blindly trusting the book, I guess. Whatever.
Do a Powerbomb by Daniel Warren Johnson (Author) - I haven't opened this yes, but the guy who wrote Murderfalcon made a comic about pro wrestling so ofc I need to find the author and marry him or something.
What are you reading Wednesday?
Oct. 16th, 2024 03:10 pmWhat have you finished reading?
Tank Girl: King Tank Girl by Alan Martin (Author), Brett Parson (Illustrator) - Its like timequake for tank girl fans. And while I got a lot of the reference, I was still kinda bored by it. Maybe its because it took me so long to find this comic that it was always going to be kinda meh to me.
Unutterable Visions, Perishable Breath by Otamere Guobadia - The best poetry book I've read in quite some time. What a delight.
What are you currently reading?
Full-metal Indigiqueer: Poems by Joshua Whitehead - I only read a couple poems this week in between football because I got a LOT of sewing done. (football season is always battle jacket maintenance season too)
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman (Author) - This is the next book for the work book club. So far this book seems 100% removed from anything i do or care about at work, but thats fine I guess.
My Favorite Thing Is Monsters Book Two by Emil Ferris (Author) - Its been so long since book 1 came out, but it was my favorite comic of 2017 or 2018. I wish I had re-read the first one, but its such a tome that I really didn't want to. Either way, its doing a good job of reminding me of the plot beats and has been good thus far.
Tank Girl: King Tank Girl by Alan Martin (Author), Brett Parson (Illustrator) - Its like timequake for tank girl fans. And while I got a lot of the reference, I was still kinda bored by it. Maybe its because it took me so long to find this comic that it was always going to be kinda meh to me.
Unutterable Visions, Perishable Breath by Otamere Guobadia - The best poetry book I've read in quite some time. What a delight.
What are you currently reading?
Full-metal Indigiqueer: Poems by Joshua Whitehead - I only read a couple poems this week in between football because I got a LOT of sewing done. (football season is always battle jacket maintenance season too)
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman (Author) - This is the next book for the work book club. So far this book seems 100% removed from anything i do or care about at work, but thats fine I guess.
My Favorite Thing Is Monsters Book Two by Emil Ferris (Author) - Its been so long since book 1 came out, but it was my favorite comic of 2017 or 2018. I wish I had re-read the first one, but its such a tome that I really didn't want to. Either way, its doing a good job of reminding me of the plot beats and has been good thus far.
what have you finished reading?
Superman Smashes the Klan by Gene Luen Yang (Author), Gurihiru (Illustrator) - So, this graphic novel was based on a /real/ radio show involving superman. I had no clue. At any rate, superman smashes the racists, and the racism-curious kid, whose dad was The Big Racist, decided to reexamine his prejudices. It has all the superman stuff I hate, but knowing that it came from a real radio program changed my view.
Battle Angel Alita 3 by Yukito Kishiro - I'll be honest, this manga is so action packed that its hard to know where Alita is or what she's doing, but the art is gorgeous and the action is cool. I'm sure I'll pick up the 4th volume from the library soon.
Boy Island by Leo Fox - I pre-ordered this almost a month ago and finally got around to reading this. Its so so good and a great trans allegory. Tbh I love everything leo fox has made at this point, and I'd buy anything he made at this point.
Bottom's Up! by Barbara Benas - This is a short indie comic about a food blogger, but it went surreal pretty quickly, and while I loved the art, I found the story a little hard to follow. I suppose I could re-read it, but I'm fine. Milk, not a milkshake, but thats OK. If every porkchop were perfect we wouldn't have hotdogs.
Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Bounty Hunter and the Tea Brewer by Faith Erin Hicks (Author), Michael Dante DiMartino (Author), Bryan Konietzko (Author), Peter Wartman (Illustrator), Adele Matera (Illustrator) - This Avatar comic tries to square the circle of Uncle Iroh, a war criminal who should be tried for his crimes, and how he became a different person after his son died. It also involves him apologizing to the bounty hunter... whose name i'm forgetting... which is good because they treated her like shit when they paid her to capture Aang. I love the exploring and world builing the ATLA comics keep going. The Legend of Korra comics really just haven't compared. I heard they've announced a new Korra comic tho, so hopefully its good.
What are you currently reading?
Tank Girl: King Tank Girl by Alan Martin (Author), Brett Parson (Illustrator) - You know, each Tank Girl comic is kinda the same. It took forever to even find this comic and I'm just kinda bored with it. I kinda hope they take a break for a while. I mean, its fine, it just isn't anything new.
Full-metal Indigiqueer: Poems by Joshua Whitehead - This poetry book is about squaring the analog and the digital (heh...) and its really good. It does a lot of playful stuff with form. I've been reading this poems inbetween commercials when watching (american) football, which tbh, is the perfect format for a poem or two.
Unutterable Visions, Perishable Breath by Otamere Guobadia - This poetry book is PHENOMENAL. I bought it thanks to fucking instagram of all things. I read a poem and it hit like a semi and I found the author and their first book. I read some of the other sample poems, which also were gorgeous, haunting, delightful, and ... every emotion! I had to buy their poetry and I'm glad I did, because holy shit this is a book of fucking bangers. If you love poetry, look into this one.
Superman Smashes the Klan by Gene Luen Yang (Author), Gurihiru (Illustrator) - So, this graphic novel was based on a /real/ radio show involving superman. I had no clue. At any rate, superman smashes the racists, and the racism-curious kid, whose dad was The Big Racist, decided to reexamine his prejudices. It has all the superman stuff I hate, but knowing that it came from a real radio program changed my view.
Battle Angel Alita 3 by Yukito Kishiro - I'll be honest, this manga is so action packed that its hard to know where Alita is or what she's doing, but the art is gorgeous and the action is cool. I'm sure I'll pick up the 4th volume from the library soon.
Boy Island by Leo Fox - I pre-ordered this almost a month ago and finally got around to reading this. Its so so good and a great trans allegory. Tbh I love everything leo fox has made at this point, and I'd buy anything he made at this point.
Bottom's Up! by Barbara Benas - This is a short indie comic about a food blogger, but it went surreal pretty quickly, and while I loved the art, I found the story a little hard to follow. I suppose I could re-read it, but I'm fine. Milk, not a milkshake, but thats OK. If every porkchop were perfect we wouldn't have hotdogs.
Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Bounty Hunter and the Tea Brewer by Faith Erin Hicks (Author), Michael Dante DiMartino (Author), Bryan Konietzko (Author), Peter Wartman (Illustrator), Adele Matera (Illustrator) - This Avatar comic tries to square the circle of Uncle Iroh, a war criminal who should be tried for his crimes, and how he became a different person after his son died. It also involves him apologizing to the bounty hunter... whose name i'm forgetting... which is good because they treated her like shit when they paid her to capture Aang. I love the exploring and world builing the ATLA comics keep going. The Legend of Korra comics really just haven't compared. I heard they've announced a new Korra comic tho, so hopefully its good.
What are you currently reading?
Tank Girl: King Tank Girl by Alan Martin (Author), Brett Parson (Illustrator) - You know, each Tank Girl comic is kinda the same. It took forever to even find this comic and I'm just kinda bored with it. I kinda hope they take a break for a while. I mean, its fine, it just isn't anything new.
Full-metal Indigiqueer: Poems by Joshua Whitehead - This poetry book is about squaring the analog and the digital (heh...) and its really good. It does a lot of playful stuff with form. I've been reading this poems inbetween commercials when watching (american) football, which tbh, is the perfect format for a poem or two.
Unutterable Visions, Perishable Breath by Otamere Guobadia - This poetry book is PHENOMENAL. I bought it thanks to fucking instagram of all things. I read a poem and it hit like a semi and I found the author and their first book. I read some of the other sample poems, which also were gorgeous, haunting, delightful, and ... every emotion! I had to buy their poetry and I'm glad I did, because holy shit this is a book of fucking bangers. If you love poetry, look into this one.