I'm writing from the hotel lobby in beautiful Si Valley for Aart's Aaward ceremony tonight. Travel usually means some reading and viewing... good and bad.

Book: "I hope they serve beer in hell" by Tucker Max
Review: 1 bill-star

What a waste... not only of $20 and 3 hours on a plane, but of a life. I thought this would be fun Bukowski-esque reading for my mini-vacation. Nope. This book doesn't deserve comparison to Bukowski, so I won't bother.

The book is about a young (20-something), smart (U of Chicago and Duke Law), handsome guy getting wasted and then being as obnoxious and abusive (mostly to women) as humanly possible.
All I'll say is it's a negative read about a negative guy and his negative life.

Please note... I'm not talking about someone who's depressed or going through hard times or a maniac (ala "American Psycho")... no, this is someone who has everything and chooses to spend it degrading himself and everyone around him. Blech! This isn't in the book, but I'll bet a dollar this guy has a "my rich Daddy didn't pay attention to me" rationale behind all this. (cough) (cough) ah... loser (cough)

And finally, for those in the know... yes, Tucker Max reminds me very much of Brian. Sigh.

Movie: "Pay It Forward"
Review: 5 bill-stars

I would normally disclaim how much I like this corny, schmatlzy movie. After reading Tucker Max, I don't apologize for any positive entertainment option that is available to me.
The last hour of "Pay It Forward" is uplifting and corny and positive... and the rough ending doesn't wreck things, rather it's validation.

Clarity through contrast: One hour of good movie is a lot more powerful, long-lasting effect than 3 hours of crappy book. Huzzah!

Another contrast... playing on this crappy hotel computer sucks compared to home.
The weather's nice though. He he.
positivity... yow, bill

PS - Since my initial review, I see that the Tucker Max book is being turned into a movie. So I now have two positives from this negative read: 1) I appreciated a few minutes of "Pay it Forward" more, and 2) I'm saving $20+ by not going anywhere near the movie. All good.

QOTD
"The only thing better than vacation is home."
- William T.

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