A Clash of Kings (Book)

A Clash of Kings George R.R. Martin

I really got into this one. The first half is a bit slow but that is expected as the last book ended on a climax but the second half was really exciting. This story keeps getting darker. Really liked the Theon chapters and grew to like Aryas, Brans and Catelyns chapters more than the last book.  I felt like there were too many Tyrion Chapters. Favourite Chapters are Dany at the House of the Undying, Tyrion and Kings landing Riot, Theon's last few. 

King, Warrior, Magician, Lover Review/Summary

King, Warrior, Magician, Lover: Rediscovering The Archetypes of the Mature Masculine Robert Moore, Douglas Gillette

As with much psychodynamic thought, there is no objective proof rather things that seem correct. This book is brief short and can be used as a simple guide for men looking for self-help. Worth reading if you ascribe to Jungian beliefs. I like how the duality of the archetypes are represented, each prime apex has an opposite, which is largely the result of failure to properly channel the correct archetype.

4 Archetypes must be developed which all must be integrated and all compliment each other 

King: Creates boundaries and rules for his kingdom. There must be order, "Dao" in the kings ways

The King blesses his subjects and rarely punishes them. Punishment should come in a form of shame of failing to standards of the kingdom, shaming yourself in the kings eyes. 

King give a sense of inner calm and authority.

Shadow: tyrant and weakling

- Avoid obsessing over rules and forcing your subjects but still have values that you yourself hold.

Warrior: An intense vigourous battle heavy nature to defend and expand the kingdom. The Warrior knows how finite his life is so he charges and takes it offensively. That Warrior is not afraid to use force to protect himself and his values.

Shadow: Sadist and Masocist

- Avoid cruelty and being a pushover, have control and value to your life that fuels your being.

Magician: The Magician is capable of the unknown, of profound knowledge. Like all magicians, be wary of exposing the source of your power. Keeps us centered and emotionally detached. The good Magician can initiate others.  

Shadow: Manipulator and Innocent Idiot

-Know the power and destruction of with holding information. Directing people to places they can't see. Taking people to the deep end when they cant swim. Avoid crushing those less knowledgeable than you in a field to satisfy your ego. Share a bit with others, don't isolate yourself Avoid acting like you don't have to learn, no Nihilism. Avoid stifling others because you are not as good as them.

Lover: Healthy pleasure without shame. A sense of playfulness is shown in the Lover and a sense of empathy for the world and others. The Lover makes other archetypes more humane. The Lover appreciates beauty in life.

Shadow: Addict and Impotent

-Avoid obsessively searching for an experience or being too consumed by an experience that it dictates your life. Don't become the victim of your senses. Don't block your ego from love and connection with others.

The Alchemist Review/Summary

The Alchemist Paulo Coelho

A simple story packed with specks of self-help advice. At times the story is captivating, the first ten pages are very promising from a story perspective and lure you in with the imagery and symbolism but this gimmick grows tiresome and at times story (which relies heavily on fables) is not as stimulating or novel. The book is largely allegorical and tries to sell wisdom, not a captivating story. Some of the wisdom sticks and the main message is "follow your dreams" but this is interpolated in different ways through different fables. Much of the advice is beneficial to people feeling unsure or stuck in life.

According to Coelho and my personal interpolations, everyone has their own Personal legend 

- Like Sartre said, people get caught in "bad faith" and forget what they are, assuming a role, baker, waiter etc forgetting their own personal legend.

- The personal Legend seems to be a healthy ego (healthy cherished Inner Child, Parent, Magician and Warrior or whatever) who understands what the individual needs. We must follow this path and allow others in our lives that can help us undergo this Personal Legend.

- Try to avoid envisioning your Legend (don't live in dreamland) instead enter the flow and do what you think is right. Avoid thinking too much.

JACKBOYS: Self Titled (2019) (Hip-hop,Trap)

JACKBOYS is one of many nonessential compilation albums. Travis and Co. give mild performances with an air of unearned pompous as the responsibility and authenticity of the record are diffused through members of the Cactus Jack Records. 



Best Tracks: OUT WEST, WHAT TO DO?, GATTI

D+



Hip-hop/Trap

Parasite (2019)

 Well acted and beautifully shot. Dialogue is top notch even with subtitles. Gradually becomes more and more suspenseful but the ending may seem overly simplistic leaving the audience having to reevaluate the ethos of the film. An overall social message is threaded through the film. Worth watching.

8/10 

Enya: Watermark (1988) (Pop)

A cohesive blend of ethereal Celtic New Age and experimental pop. Some songs are slower (Watermark, Evening Falls...) some more cheerful and jumpy (Orinoco Flow) others more stormy(Cursum Perficio, Storms in Africa pt1&2). Enya sings vocals in 3 different languages and uses them as elegant instruments, weaving with other instruments giving some occasional structure on some songs while crafting some powerful vocal performances when she chooses to make her voice the centre-piece. Though borrowing from classical and folk, most of the project has a bright electronic sheen. Most songs have a strong influence of ambient music allowing a lot of space, successfully creating an ethereal feeling. A lulling project, lush and bright dreamy canvas in a refreshing New Age paganesque experience.


Best Tracks: Watermark, Cursum Perficio, On Your Shore*, Storms in Africa*, Exile, Orinocco Flow*, River, The Longships*, Storms in Africa - Pt. II*

S



Forest Vibes/Ambient Pop/Celtic New Age/Experimental Pop

Amanaz: Africa (1975) (Rock)

Though the instrumentation is not captivating in technicality, and the songwriting can fall on Western cliches, there is a fun communal and incredibly raw aesthetic that is evoked in Africa that embodies aspects that make Zamrock worthwhile. A decent variety of instruments and effects are used occasionally crafting intriguing harmonies (especially the chaotic basslines). The ending of Kale is one of the strangest but most fulfilling moments on the album. Many songs have highlights: Khala My Friend, Nsunka Lwendo, Africa, Green Apple, Easy Street. 


Best Tracks: Khala My Friend*, Nsunka Lwendo, Africa*, Green Apple, Easy Street, Kale

B

Garage Rock/Zamrock