Battles With Boredom

Book Review: “The Way of the Superior Man”

Last year, my bible was “The 4 Hour Workweek” by Timothy Ferriss. Now I see that it is the “new testament,” and David Deida’s “The Way of the Superior Man,” is the old.

Continue reading Book Review: “The Way of the Superior Man”…

Book Review: Living the Martial Way

Earlier this year, my best friend recommended I read Living the Martial Way : A Manual for the Way a Modern Warrior Should Think, by Forrest E. Morgan. Later this year, another friend gave me a copy as a present for passing my nidan test, so I had no excuse not to read it. Continue reading Book Review: Living the Martial Way…

Shadows of the Samurai

Today I visited the Fleming Museum to see the exhibit “Shadows of the Samurai.” The pieces on display include full suits of samurai (侍) armor, katana (long swords), yari (spear), and yumi (bows), as well as other pieces including a tea set and theater masks. Continue reading Shadows of the Samurai…

They Might Be Gypsies

Last night I had the pleasure of seeing They Might Be Gypsies perform at the Bethel Town Hall. They Might Be Gypsies is a gypsy jazz band, the cornerstones being father and son Greg and Aidan Ryan.

The Ryans are each very accomplished guitarists, but Greg went out of his way to display the talent of his teenage son on several occasions throughout the evening as they performed. The band included a standup bass and drummer, and I’ve been told they will arrange themselves in various configurations, performing as a duo or up to a quintet, depending on the venue.

The concert, which was sponsored by the Bethel Historical Society, featured covers of songs by Django Reinhardt and others, as well as original tunes. I especially enjoyed the guitar work, which reminded me of Mexican Mariachi style music.

The band will be recording their second studio album later this year, and I’m looking forward to it’s release.

It’s (Almost) Go Time

I just finished burning through Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel by Rolf Potts. My hope was that this book would quash any remaining doubts I had about taking a leave of absence from work, aikido, and general everyday life here in my hometown. To that end, it succeeded. Continue reading It’s (Almost) Go Time…