But, much like I have counted on you in the past for assistance (mostly related to make-outs, music recommendations, and fantasy baseball tips), I call upon you once more, my friends, as the battle is only half won. Yes, having a book actually in the stores and available from online retailers is a big, big step. A vital step, really. But as many of you know, my ultimate goal is nothing short of fame, fortune, a few (incredibly awkward) orgies, and a drug dealer with whom I have a “regular.”
(Wait, I kinda already have that last one. Although I think he’s dead or in jail or something because I haven’t heard from him in weeks.)
In order to help achieve this goal, I humbly ask for your help. There are two ways that you can make all of our dreams come true.
Buy a copy.
Seriously. This would help.
If you have the means, I would even suggest buying two, as the book makes a great gift for any person in your life who likes reading but not reading really hard stuff and enjoys seeing some pictures and maybe even laughing a little bit. Also, reasonably educated stoners. I bet they would like the book, too. And people who have “crazy” families.
So basically people who ... read more Read more »
(And hey, if I’m going to keep pimping myself and the book here, give me credit for at least trying to make it as interesting as possible, right?)
(Right?)
(Forget it.)
Six Songs
“Free Energy” Free Energy
Holy shitballs.
Seriously, holy shitballs.
It’s only February, but I’m almost ok with declaring this my 2010 theme song. Balls out party rock at its finest (and they’re from Philly! – though I don’t know them). They have a three-song EP on iTunes right now. I suggest you buy it, then email me immediately to say it’s the best $2.49 you’ve spent in years, and possibly ever. Because if this stuff doesn’t get you out of your seat, clapping your hands and pumping your fists (though not at the same time – that would be impossible), you, my friend, are dead. Both to me and probably literally.
“Don’t Forget Me” Neko Case
I’m a little biased, because I love Neko Case. But dang, this song, a Harry Nilsson cover, is just so purdy. I don’t know many lyricists or singers who can drop “cancer” in a line and pull it off, making you feel all warm and happy and love love love.
“Secret Heart” Ron Sexsmith
I knew this song, and was vaguely aware of this guy, but never really got into him until recently – and early returns are very good. Sensitive, slightly effeminate, and Canadian – all things that I love or aspire to be.
(And yes, ... read more
I, on the other hand, have never displayed any type of mechanical proclivities at all. I recently found a pre-K report card of mine, and it said I was bad at tying my shows, but good at expressing myself and during music time. To this day, I still tie my shoes with two loops (the “bunny ears” method) and don’t know the one loop standard method. About four weeks ago, I tried to learn how to tie a double-windsor knot. ... read more
As for the book, here’s my lame attempt to answer some of the most common questions that I’ve gotten about it so far:
- Canada (etc): This has been a popular topic, as the book is listed on the Amazon.ca site, but without an official release date (as of this writing). However, I can confirm that the book will be out in Canada on March 2, just like in the US, so our neighbors to the north can feel free to pre-order as they so desire.
(For those of you who asked about it in the UK, I’m still looking into this, though it’s listed on the Amazon.co.uk site without a release date, as well. To be continued…)
- Kindle: A Kindle edition is “in the works,” but that’s all I know. If you check out the Amazon.com page for the book, below the picture of the cover there’s a link to click to tell the publisher you want to read the book on Kindle. So if you want to read it on Kindle, click there. Power to the people, baby.
I’m rushing out of work now, but for a little light reading on this lovely Friday, go to TheRumpus.net to check out this interview I did with my former writing teacher (yes, I had a writing teacher) and excellent writer, Steve Almond, who, much to his surprise, ended up providing a lovely blurb for my book. See? It pays to not burn bridges with your old teachers, even if that tell you that, if they could have, they would have given you a nice C-.
[Have a good weekend.]