And So The World Goes…

Greetings, loyal readers; you’re a sight for sore eyes, that’s for sure.

First, I want to give you all a RAGAD update. As of a few weeks ago, RAGAD is a year old. It’s still cute and loveable, and it’s just now learning how to walk, and I swear that yesterday I heard it say it’s first words: HELP SAVE MCSWEENEY’S! As you may or may not know, McSweeney’s is in flux right now after their distributor went belly-up sometime last year. Saddled with something like 130,000 dollars in debt, they need your help recuperating losses, and as such are having some great sales on ALL their books. Check out the store and buy some stuff; don’t let McSweeney’s fall to the same fate as Punk Planet–for more on that, see the below post.

So, now back to RAGAD. The June issue is now posted and carries, appropriately, on this, our anniversary, stories by editors, former editors, hired-hands, and so on. Three stories this time, one by Sarah Marchese, Josh Stevens, and yours truly. Mine is called “Maybe Love Can Do That Too” and is about history-class parties, giant foam suits, and fire. Out of all my recent pieces, I’m quite fond of this one, so run by the website and give all the stories a good read. Also, if you haven’t heard yet, a very funky incarnation of RAGAD is going to be reading at MoJoe’s Hothouse on July 14th as a release reading for RAGAD #3 which is currently available at many fine venues and from the website. Spencer Dew, Peter Anderson, Josh Stevens, and now, as of late, Ben Tazner are going to be reading…

Speaking of Mr. Tanzer, a future RAGAD contributor, I had the pleasure of attending one of his readings Thursday night at the Book Cellar as part of their Local Author Series. A nicer gentleman I cannot recall. T’was good to meet him, and I look forward to many more interactions in the future. Ben’s debut novel Lucky Man follows four high school friends through their last days together. Told from four different viewpoints in the spirit of Faulkner’s best, and after reading the first few pages on the train the other day before having to shelve the book for a short time, I have to say that Lucky Man should be nothing short of stellar. I am reviewing the reading for Literago, and the piece should go live to their site later on this weekend.

To sum up, as this has been on my mind as of late, help support independent media. Even if you don’t read, support independent music, independent art, and independent spirit. Punk Planet was cranking for 13 years before this week, and it just goes to show you what can happen when good, determined people put their heads together. Save the word, indie-style.

Book recommendation: Bed by Tao Lin. Deep and twisting, cavernous, and beautiful.
CD recommendation: Although it’s over a year old, How We Operate by Gomez. Lush, poppy, and fun.
Film recommendation: Haven’t seen any good ones recently, so I guess this category was a waste of time…
Food recommendation: Cheeseburger and a Diet Coke. Simple, yes, but it put a smile on my face.