Mel's Choice

When I was 16, I took the Greyhound to visit friends in Ottawa, and on the way, we had a 3 hour wait in Sudbury, an eternity at that age.  Thankfully, the terminal had a small arcade, and one of those games was Mortal Combat which I loved and thought I had mastered until I had to play against this one ruthless kid.  He showed me no mercy and kicked my ass.   But the point of this story is the message that flashed across the screen when no one was playing,  “Knowledge is power.”  Simple, yet profound.  It struck me then how little I knew about anything, and thus began my first serious venture into the world of non-fiction.  I’d pick a subject then read up on it obsessively.  Coincidentally, it also started my obsession with quotes.  I am such a nerd.

Below is a list of some awesome non-fiction work that I deem worthy of mentioning. Yep, I just called books awesome. Check them out.

1.The Art of Seduction, by Robert Greene
No, not that kind of seduction, although… This book is usually found in the self-help section of book stores, and I have major issues with this. Want to know how to manipulate, convince, conive dazzle or seduce?  This is the book for you: 24 rules with historical references (for both positive and negative out comes) that will leave you feeling slightly evil but with a smile on your face.  Goodness all around.

2. Planet India, by Mira Kamdar
India is the world’s youngest country, by which I mean 62% of the population are under the age of 25. Telemarketers suck.  Telemarketers who can barely speak English suck even more.   Get used to it.

3. Letter to a Christian Nation, by Sam Harris
This cant be described as a book, more like a letter, as the title implies. He asks why Christians are often the most hostile, closed-minded and intolerant towards “non-believers”, and often to a murderous degree. Does anyone see any parallels here?

4. Generation Kill, by Evan Wright
I normally hate movies that originate from books, so this was a happy surprise. My first encounter with this title was an HBO series that blew my mind and yay for me, turned out to originate in book format. Every single stereotype that one can think of is represented. Did you know that soldiers receive a bill for the food consumed while on duty?  A definite most read for all the gritty facts and details that most don’t know about.

5. 50 Facts That Should Change The World, by Jessica Williams
This is a great book for someone who has the desire to be passionate and involved but no clue as to what to be passionate about. It’s a great introduction to the problems that not only affect us in North America, but also globally.  Child labour, forced prostitution, drugs, poverty, global warming, human trafficking …Its all represented in quick easy to read short chapters.  Read it, pick one and do more research to increase your knowledge, and get passionate.
 

By Melodie Taylor

What’s Playing on The Rad Zone Stereo

1. Kiss - Sonic Boom- Great New Disc, cross between Love Gun and Revenge. Glad to see this line-up came out with a new studio album

2. Lita Ford- Wicked Wonderland- Industrial Feel harder edge to this new disc from Lita.

3. Ace Frehley- Anomaly- The return of the SPace Ace, Great production and good songs. Still one of Len’s favourite Guitarists.

4. Lynch Mob- Smoke and Mirrors- Original vocalist ONi Logan is back with George Lynch, Great Disc!!

5. Garden of Bedlam - S/t - Local Metal band. These guys are all great musicians, highly recommended by Len

6.Megadeth- End Game- Dave Mustaine follows up United Abominations with another solid CD

7. Demics- s/t- One from Pauls own personal stash of classic punk.

8. Black Angels- Passover- This band from Texas has a great 60’s psych rock sound. Groovy Disc!!

9.Corb Lund- Acoustic- Awesome Awesome Awesome !!

10. Pink FLoyd- Redux- Various Arists. 7 Female Vocalist put there own signatures on FLoyd Classics, Very fresh sounding disc.

Anyone can see Len sure loves the hair-metal !!

By Len Ward