[TSS] In which I don't talk much about books

Hello Friends!

So generally, on my blog, I do not talk about my Real Life because so much of my life is not book-related and, well, the title of this blog is BookLust.  But today I shall give you a glimpse behind the magic (iron?) curtain because there are many non-literary things I'd like to share.

First:  I saw the movie The Ides of March this week.  Wow.  It's quite an eye-opening experience, and when I say "eye-opening," I mean, "eye-gouging."  (Well, except that Ryan Gosling and George Clooney are both quite easy on the eyes.)  When watching political movies, I often get very cynical about the entire election process and spend about 45 minutes mulling conspiracy theories and the high probability that they are correct because, for real, people can get manipulative and devious.  I thought this movie was very well done, except that I am not a fan of the main female character at all.  So stereotypical!  I can't really say anything else in here because I'm sure some of you guys are spoiler fanatics and would be very unhappy if I were to say much else.  I will almost certainly spend one Sunday Salon in the future talking about spoilers and how, IMHO, people have become out of control about them on the web, but today is not that day.  But if you do not mind spoilers, or if you have seen this movie and would like to discuss the objectification of women with me, PLEASE DO.  I have opinions.

Second:  Book blogosphere, I am disappointed with you.  You've given me so many books to put on my wish list.  You introduced me to the glory that is Dr. Who.  Actually, on Thursday night, I had a longer-than-necessary and fairly useless conversation with the head of campus recruiting, who just happens to wear bow ties.  But, I found out very quickly, but not quickly enough to evade the morass of unfruitful conversation, he does not wear a bow tie because of Matt Smith.  Have you ever tried describing Dr. Who to a non-science fiction/fantasy person?!  You end up sounding a little unbalanced, which is unfair because if you watch the show it all makes complete sense.  "Oh, well there's this guy.  Actually, he's not a guy, he's a time lord.  And he doesn't have a name.  Well, he has a name but he doesn't tell anyone what it is.  He calls himself the Doctor.  No, he's not really a doctor.  Anyway, the point is that he wears a bow tie.  Just like you!  Do you ever wear a fez?  You should consider it."

Anyway, I bring this up because I only found out about the glory of Dr. Who through blogosphere and so made the logical conclusion that I would learn about everything glorious through blogosphere.

BUT I do not remember anyone in blogosphere telling me about The Wire.  HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE?  The show is completely addicting.  You have no idea the trauma I have gone through over the past week trying to choose between watching Dr. Who and watching The Wire (I admit:  The Wire wins pretty much every time, but it's always quite close.)  In fact, I actually went through and did a search for "the wire" on my Google Reader and none of you has ever mentioned it, as far as the accuracy of Google search can tell me.  You are missing out.  The show is fantastic.  At least ten of my friends (I do not exaggerate) have told me that it is "the best show on television.  Ever."  I have only seen seven episodes of the first season, but I believe it.  It's set in Baltimore and is about a gang in the projects and the cops that are trying to crack down on the drug trade and murders and it is is so intense and so good that I urge all of you to go out and watch it right now.  There are five seasons, as far as I'm aware, so don't watch all of it right now, but make a commitment.  I mean, it's winter (for most of us), so there's no better time to be a couch potato.  Below is the DVD cover - does it not just ooze gritty intensity?!

Third:  Contrary to what the above might lead you to believe, I do other things with my time besides look at screens.  One of the most important things I did this week was help put on this conference.  It was so much work, but so successful at changing people's perceptions of Detroit that I feel quite accomplished about my part in it.  But whew, my inbox needs a break from frantic emails!  Isn't the below logo so cool?  It's the actual Detroit skyline.  Anyway, so here is my plug:  There are amazing people working in and amazing things happening in Detroit.  Go to there.

Fourth:  I am going to Ireland at the end of February!  I will be spending some time on a school project, but will have at least four days to frolic.  I am hoping to meet some friends, and will be over there with friends, too.  I'm spending most of my time in Limerick.  Any suggestions on what I should do or see or eat?  Please let me know!

Fifth:  BEA, anyone?  I want to go this year!  But...I am utterly befuddled by the registration process.  Too many options!  I gave up.