Literature

I really enjoy this quote by Mark Twain for two different reasons.  My first reason is the meaning that, at least I assume, it is trying to convey that reading bad books is no better than not being able to read.  However, the second reason I like this quote is that it brings up the idea of good vs bad in a literature sense. As students we are always taught that the classics by famous authors are almost always "good" books.  I may not enjoy reading some of the books, but I sometimes can understand their additions to the history of literature.  What defines a good book can really come across as an issue of perspective.  In high school I remember reading The Catcher and the Rye  because I had heard that it was a good book and I knew it was written by a notable author.  However, the entire time that I read the book I couldn't really get into it.  I didn't really relate with the characters and I felt like Holden just complained the entire time.

It is necessary to look at myself during the time that I read the book in order to understand my evaluation though.  The age and experiences of a reader can really impact how the book is perceived.  As a high school senior I thought the book was alright and a waste of time, but my opinion of the book now could be drastically different.  This can apply to many different subjects and not just literature but it brings up an interesting point of, "Did the book change, or did I".   The answer is most certainly that I changed, but then it spurs the questions of how and for better or for worse.

A Historical Mash-Up like I've Never Seen

There once was a man.  This opener is incredibly vague, and could go in any direction, but the direction I plan on taking it in involves Mikey Neumann.  I recently came across a set of books called The Returners which is written by Mr. Neumann.  I call them a set of books, but they are technically episodes for a single story.  The Returners focuses on a number of historical figures that have ended up being reincarnated with their old memories.  They go along living their new lives until someone decides to kill them off.  Mr. Neumann does a phenomenal job of emphasizing each historical figures' primary traits and how this these traits would be utilized in each modern scenario.  I know what you're thinking, "But Max, I am too busy to go out to a book store to read this book, and I don't have enough money to spend on a new book."  Well luckily for you and myself, the books are free to read online at http://bozpublishing.com/index.php and if you wish to take them with you they are available on the Amazon market for only a dollar!

My concerns with Facebook.

"What's on your mind?" 

A simple question that can often mean someone is trying to pick one's brain in an attempt to better understand that individual's current mood or actions.  That's how I would describe the phrase and its usage, but that seems pretty technical.  I might also consider the question as a modern day friendship test.

Today's society is, without a doubt, very connected.  Social networking has become a staple in many people's lives with many people turning to Facebook to stay connected to friends.  However, when forced to spend a lot of time with other people it becomes increasingly easier to find those peoples faults and find them irritated.  In today's society, Facebook plays a large part into this.  For instance I often talk to my friends who will mention something that popped up on their news feed that bothered them or thought was annoying, dumb, or frustrating.

I tend to sympathize with these people.  I often will come across a Facebook status or picture that I just shake my head and think to myself, "Why?"  I have no one to blame but myself though.  Facebook allows people to post things through a simple medium and question.  Facebook asks, "What's on your mind?" and all a person has to do is type whatever they want.  Its a question that can be incredibly dangerous.  I can't necessarily be mad at someone for posting what is on their mind because I too indulge in the luxury of posting my thoughts on Facebook.  People very well may think that the things that I post are a waste of time for them to read or that they can't believe that I would write something like that.

I sit hear listening to some Matt & Kim, while I try and think of a way to wrap up this nugget of information I compiled together, and I don't know necessarily how I want to do it.  Sometimes it is best to be frank, which leads me to say; to each their own.

Now Playing

I feel like I have really slacked when it comes down to my writing.  I take that back I don't feel,  I am one hundred percent sure that I have slacked.  Things get in the way and priorities may be misplaced, but I do truly enjoy writing and think that it keeps me sharp.  So, I am going to try and get more stuff up whether it be about something worth reading or just something to keep me sane during the stressful times that college can inflict.

Currently, I am preparing for my first class of the day.  I like to listen to music while I drink my coffee and prepare for the day.  Today my musical selection has focused upon the sounds of Johnny Flynn and Bohola. One of the things that I am actually happy to see from Spotify is the section where you can see what your friends are listening to, because that is how I came across Bohola.

Johnny Flynn's modern folk music conveys a sense of calmness.  When ever I hear his music I enter a sort of "rainy day philospher" mood.  Bohola, on the other hand, is a more up beat Celtic sound.  I started playing the violin in the fourth grade and I love the sound of Celtic strings.  The music just makes me happier.  So, today I am starting the day with sort of an analytic optimist