Cory Doctorow and His Publishing Experiment

Cory Doctorow is a writer, blogger, and culturist. He is embarking on a new project in which he will track how much money he makes by pushing DIY publishing to new levels. The plan is to compare the money he makes himself to that which he receives when he publishes traditionally. It's the smorgasbord approach and should be very interesting to follow. Doctorow will chronicle his experiment in a Publisher's Weekly column. Read the first article HERE detailing the experimental parts to the DIY project.

I hope that Cory is successful in exceeding any profits he would have made by going the traditional route. With the way the publishing world is changing it is an approach like Doctorow's that will likely become most prudent for writers, Known or Unknown 

Read PW article

Tokyo! RENT IT NOW!!

I was finally able to see Tokyo! It's set in my favorite city and the stories told are brilliant. However, my favorite is the opening story "Interior Design." This first short was directed by  Michael Gondry. You can get the synopsis on the movie website (link above). But, I found it very powerful in the way it made me think about my life and what my purpose is. Don't we all want to fill useful? The story starts simple enough but slowly develops into a almost fablelike ending.

There are two additional shorts that are compiled into the whole by directors Bong Joon-Ho (story about a recluse or 'hikimori) and Leos Carax (story about a manlike creature that lives in the Tokyo sewers). The film is similar to "Je Taime, Paris" but focused on Tokyo, of course. There is actually another "city" film coming out soon, focused on New York City.

Tokyo! captures the vibe of the city and of the Japanese people and their society. The stories are very intricate yet simple at the same time. It's facinating to see the take on the city by non-Japanese directors.

RENT IT NOW!

This American Life takes on Health Care

I just finished listening to a fascinating edition of This American Life on NPR. There is a lot being said these days in regards to the Health Care debate, and as the show has done many times before with other topics, This American Life has given us a more clear, in depth, and pertinent view on the issues that impact the American Health Care System (Click the link below to listen).

There are so many parts to the Health Care puzzle that must be considered when developing the best plan of action to SAVE the entire system. Costs are spinning out of control and all major parties seem to understand this fact, including the Insurance Companies who would arguably stand to reap greater profits if NOTHING changed. But, these companies, just as doctors, hospital systems, and patients themselves understand, the system will collapse completely if nothing changes. In the past decade, costs associated with Health Care have risen 130%. If nothing changes, we could face a reality in which HALF of our income goes toward Health Care. That is only 9 years away if nothing changes.

But, what are the main problems and how can they be addressed and corrected? This American Life gives us a nice perspective of some of these In the show, we hear from doctors, patients, insurance reps, and journalists who have followed the issue for decades. The show today was the first of two parts, because there is so much to cover.

If you want a better picture of this very important debate, CHECK OUT THE SHOW HERE.

It is CODE RED for our Health Care System and it's an issue that can no longer be ignored.


THIS AMERICAN LIFE: 391: More of Less

Too Fresh to Die

I would call this collaboration between choreographer Christophe Haleb and the photographer Cyrille Weiner (both from France) a choreographed photo essay. It features La Zouze, a theatrical/dance company from Marseille. There are some captions that may assist those who can read in French. But it is all about the actions and scenes depicted in the photos.

The piece tells a story of a troupe of characters indulging in Life and it's offerings while running from it's ultimate conclusion. This is entertaining

Start the FEATURE HERE

Freaky Fortnight on SLATE

Slate editor, Michael Agger, and his wife, Susan Burton, are in the midst of an experiment of sorts. They have swapped jobs for 2 weeks. The switch has just started and you can follow their entries on the topic on Twitter and Facebook, OR read the articles HERE.

I have just started to read and am truly intrigued and curious about how the experiment will turn out. I am a bit surprised by my interest. You see, Mike and Susan are Thirty-somethings, married, with children. I am definitely not any of those things, yet I find the perspective and thoughts the two are sharing entertaining and enlightening. The Park Slope parents seem to be happy with their current life, but tell about the difficult decisions they both have had to    make in regards to finding the work/life balance.

Being a bit younger, unmarried, and without children, I am taking notes as to the circumstances and subsequent outcomes of the couples decisions and challenges. I think there is some definite value in the articles Mike and Susan are writing.

CHECK IT OUT ON SLATE, HERE

Gentle Friendly

PRESS TO PLAY "RIP STATIC"

PRESS TO PLAY "CLEAN BREAKER"

Gentle Friendly is from London UK. Their MySpace page lists influences as: british invasion,kraut jerk,caveman techno,cavepunk,,huge glistening party anthem,,anything screwd & chopd,buddhist bubblegum music 

It is quite the mix, but done so well. Check'em out on their MySpace or the label site: UPSET THE RYTHM


The art, including lyrics (above) is product of Gentle Friendly