Archive for July, 2009

When I actually get a chance to read (when away from making music, computer programming, Internet, DVDs, video games, cars and life) I like a mix of fact and fiction. The fact part currently is coming from a book by Phillip Lopate titled ‘Waterfront – A Walk Around Manhattan’ that I’ve been ‘reading’ for far too long now.

I got this in Christmas 2007 (along with some other books about the big apple inc a large hardback about the history and design of it’s famous skyscrapers) and I’m still reading it. It’s over 400 pages long and I’m somewhere around the mid 100s right now. I’m sure I’d have read it in a month had I not go so many other things calling for attention. Anyway it’s interesting if you are into the history, geography and architecture of Manhattan Island NYC. It goes beyond the glamour of the main streets and famous landmarks and covers virtually every foot of the perimeter of the island, warts and all.

Other ‘fact’ based books I’m reading ongoing include the Yamaha AN1x synthesizer manual. Very good bedtime reading, maybe not up there with ‘The Complete DX7 II’ by Howard Massey though.

Fiction wise I have a back log of Richard Laymon books to get through (and a few Dean Koontz also), I love horror books.. as throwaway as many of them are they are very easy to read quickly (Some Stephen King epics notwithstanding) and require some imagination as they veer off into the shadowy depths of life and the afterlife. They are quick blasts of virtual adrenaline and intrigue… and I wonder why I can’t go 3 days without having a nightmare?

Talking of horror, check out the US show ‘Ghost Adventures’ if you can. Watch it with an open mind and it will creep you out for sure. I’m a skeptic in most issues, I do require a modicum of proof and I guess I’m fairly scientific in my analysis of the supernatural. However, I can easily suspend disbelief for an hour and watch this show (similar to the more popular ‘ghost hunters’ and ‘most haunted’ – but somehow more addictive and creepy), and I’ll admit it’s played on my mind a few times. EVP and Night Vision cameras capturing voices and moving shadows is something I both love and fear in equal measures. I think it would be cool if ghosts did exist, but I don’t think I’d want them in my house thanks.

As I’ve been waking up at around 3-4am the past few days I aware I’m knee deep in the ‘witching hour’ and should be more careful what my brain absorbs, I fear that I could inadvertently open up some spiritual portal and come face to face with Mr Shadow Man some dark morning…

Happy Dreams

Paul