No Friends Yet

At times, writing a blog can feel like talking with your invisible friend. Your audience is a figment of your imagination, a creative polymorphic version of your idyllic self. I'm sure the famous bloggers out there have some level of appreciation for their audience. I was told that providing links on your blog to other blogs is a surefire way to increase readership. Apparently, excessive tagging is not.

I was talking to a like-minded virgin blogger the other day, and she was obsessed with getting onto Googles radar. Ambitious girl, I must say. Although it would be cool, I am much too apathetic. But, I wish her luck, and I appreciate her insight. 

My Excuse To Visit Used Book Stores (I Am Not A Hipster)

I must address a topic that has caught my attention as of late - the discovery that Chapters bookstore has a weakness! I've recently become interested in three authors, each known for their unconventional approach and writing style. Jeff Noon, Thom Jones, and Denis Johnson have written over 10 books between them, consequently, Vancouver Chapters' carry none of them. I felt like I had just discovered Santa Claus wasn't real; Chapters doesn't carry every book known to mankind? What this means for my reading future is unclear. Most likely, I will continue expanding my readership, inevitably venturing towards the lesser known authors. In turn, the likelihood that I shall encounter another situation at Chapters will increase, and I will then be forced either to brave the used bookstores, or order online. Used book stores have nothing to offer me. I live for the "new book smell". Amazon is ironically simple and, quite frankly, lacks the chase. Nothing substitutes wandering down the aisles of commodified wisdom that is the modern-day bookstore. I've got it. I just thought of where I can find those books. 

(Still crossing my fingers for my first blogger)

What's in a name?

I would like to kick off my new blog with a discussion about the up-coming American election. "Great, as if we haven't heard enough of this already" is probably what most of you are thinking. But, this is my blog and I can cry if I want to. I am Canadian, and I am conservative. With that being said, I would never in my life vote for John McCain. Don't get me wrong, I respect the old bastard - how could you not? As an individual he is very commendable, and his patriotism is unquestionable. But, John McCain represents everything that is wrong and immoral in the United States. Many of his supporters are the genuine embodiment of ignorance and American bigotry. I am talking about those who are convinced that Barack Obama is a terrorist. If you watch this video you will see exactly what I am talking about. A populace that will classify someone (and judge them accordingly) based solely on their name is not only immoral, but dangerous. Isn't that the same as judging someone based on their skin color? How many world conflicts involved such ignorance? 

Please watch this video and see for yourself what I am talking about. If you think this is an isolated incident then go browse youtube and see for yourself how often this occurs. In politics, a minority can quickly become a majority. 

I would love to have some dialogue on this issue. Please, feel free to comment on this video.