Myspace Celebrity February 28, 2006
Posted by Dustin in General Life.3 comments
It’ s encouraging to see David Lehre and Vendetta Productions capitalizing off of the absurdity Myspace. I’ve heard rumors that he has even been offered a directorial position at a major studio because of all the buzz this film has generated. Myspace: The Movie has been a long time coming.
Like A Virgin… February 26, 2006
Posted by Dustin in General Life.5 comments
Now that the second virginity I have so often joked about is a reality, I am at a bit of a loss. As is the entire male population because we are equipped with external genitalia. This technology arouses several questions: What is virginity? Is it physical? Is it spiritual? Is it a state of mind? At any rate, I’ve elected to hold on to my virgnity. I look forward to watching it increase in value over the next few years and perhaps one day auctioning it off and donating the proceeds to battle childhood obesity. I would recommend you start saving now…
School Shooting at Roseburg High February 23, 2006
Posted by Dustin in General Life.add a comment
The world grew a little bit smaller today as the violence we are so accustomed to hearing about on the news invaded southern Oregon. My thoughts and prayers go out to Joseph Monti and his family.
Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room February 18, 2006
Posted by Dustin in Movies.2 comments
In the event that you hadn’t noticed, I’m on a bit of an investment kick, (among others including fitness, acoustic guitar and radical lesbian feminism). As such, I rented this documentary and found it to be absolutely riveting. Did you ever wonder what caused those rolling blackouts down in California? They were the result of Enron energy traders systematically shutting down certain power grids, thus making billions of dollars. I was left with a strange admiration of the guile and deceit exhibited by Enron’s executives. They played the ultimate shell game, and with a straight face no less. Considering (due in part to their brilliant “ask why” advertising strategy) that I almost lost thousands of dollars on this stock, I found the details of Enron’s demise especially fascinating.
The Little Book That Beats The Market February 16, 2006
Posted by Dustin in Books.9 comments
I just finished reading this little gem of a book. In The Little Book That Beats The Market, Joel Greenblatt, an adjunct Columbia University professor explicates the inherent virtues of value-oriented investing. Essentially, Greenblatt championss using a distilled set of principles (affectionately referred to as the magic formula) to screen and purchase companies with bargain share prices and high prifitability. This outstanding investment primer epitomizes simplicity and can be read in a single afternoon. If you are curious and would like to see the magic formula in action, you can test it here.
Valentine’s Day Recovery February 15, 2006
Posted by Dustin in General Life.7 comments
Traditionally, Valentine’s day has not been to my liking (I’m more of an Easter kind of guy). And for the most part, today was no different. That was until I arrived home to find 3 lbs of exquisite Godiva chocolate waiting for me! Someone expended a great deal of effort (and approximately $100) and shattered my former opinion of this holiday. She will be handsomely rewarded (pun intended) as soon as I discover her true identity. Thus far, I’ve only enjoyed two pieces, but two pieces of chocolate divinity is enough to satisfy the majority of mortal souls.
Daily Brilliance February 13, 2006
Posted by Dustin in General Life.2 comments
Mimicry, it appears, is the most sincere form of flattery.
Meme: iTunes Statistics February 12, 2006
Posted by Dustin in Music.2 comments
How many songs: 5254
First artist: 10 Years
Last artist: Youth Group
First song title: ‘Til The Tide Creeps In – The Thrills
Last song title: Yr City’s A Sucker (Full Version) – LCD Soundsystem
Shortest song: Horn Intro – Modest Mouse (0:09)
Longest song: 9027 Km – OK Go (34:46)
First album: () – Sigur Ros
Last album: Your Favorite Weapon – Brand New
First song that comes up on shuffle: Cut Up Angels – The Used
Songs that come up when you search for sex: 24
Songs that come up when you search for death: 87 (DCFC is a favorite)
Songs that come up when you search for love: 264
Most frequently played song: Satisfaction – Benny Benassi
Most recently added album: Tales From Turnpike House – Saint Etienne
The Game February 7, 2006
Posted by Dustin in Books.8 comments
I recently finished reading The Game by Neil Strauss. The book, which resembles a Bible is subtitled Penetrating the Secret Society of Pickup Artists. Strauss, a former Rolling Stone writer and New York Times bestselling author undergoes a transformation from average frustrated chump (afc for short) to the master pickup artist (mpua) known as Style. As part narrative and part instruction manual, The Game is a fascinating read. In addition to many other topics, Strauss masterfully weaves accounts of sarging (or picking up) Paris Hilton and Britney Spears with comprehensive instructions on deflecting the let’s-just-be-friends speech. However, the book’s utility goes far beyond getting numbers or even kiss-closing. The details and observations about social dynamics and social evolution (in all its myriad forms) are as intriguing as they are useful. Since it won’t be on Oprah any time soon, I hereby deem it the first selection of Dustin’s Book Club.
