"Cool Gardens" by Serj Tanakian

System of a down is by far one of my favorite bands of all time. For a very long time i asked my self why a band with such powerful political views could affect me in such away. The answer is simple, System is real.

In the same way that Serj depicts his views (on politics and commercial brain-washing) through his songs, lyrically(with the addition of the music which just embroiders the lyrics) Serj portrays them through a collection of poetry showing off the variety of poetic skills that create such surreal yet vivid images that truly affect ones outlook on the injustices of todays world.

Though some of his poems are rather, lets say, revolting, the majority is the kind that makes you think. This is a book i want to breath not read.

Band background: the band is Armenian, with roots(and homes) in Iraq, and two of the band members were born in Lebanon. They have witnessed so many hardships together. Including, the Armenian genocide, the "war against terror" in Iraq(that led to the bombing of Daron, lead guitarist, home) and the civil war in Lebanon and the recent summer attacks on Lebanon, which enraged deep set emotions in the bands recent tours.

The portrayal of these views is often shown within their music and well elaborated through their videos. Compare "BYOB" to Orwell's 1984, watch "toxicity" a gorgeous video, "Boom" a video that portrays more of the recent event occurring in the USA, and don't miss out on "sugar" one of the more hardcore videos(and songs)but its great.
I could go on forever, i love these guys!

Check this link out
http://wrestlingcasa.tripod.com/systemofadown/id174.html

iDoc

"Freakonomics"

So I've decided to make a new addition to our blog.. BOOK REVIEWS! Allow me to begin with a brief review of an exceptionally interesting book I just finished reading..

"Freakonomics"
By: Steven D. Levitt & Stephen J. Dubner

I've always had a fascination with the unknown. That hidden side of things that we rarely look into, the one that many people fear- it intrigues me. The authors of this book have explored that side from an economist's point of view, and put it into words. And I found it to be a really interesting book.. It's informative, and it enlightens you to look at the world differently, to find a deeper meaning in things, to broaden your horizons.
"Brilliant" is an understatement.

Just a FEW of my favorite quotes:
"Information is a beacon, a cudgel, an olive branch, a deterrent, depending on who wields it and how. Information is so powerful that the assumption of information, even if the information does not actually exist, can have a sobering effect."

"Has there ever been another art so devoutly converted into a science as the art of parenting?"

"An expert must be bold if he hopes to alchemize his homespun theory into conventional wisdom. His best chance of doing so is to engage the public's emotions, for emotion is the enemy of rational argument. And as emotions go, one of them-fear-is more potent than the rest."

"If morality represents an ideal world, then economics represents the actual world."

"The most likely result of having read this book is a simple one: you may find yourself asking a lot of questions. Many of them will lead to nothing. But some will produce answers that are interesting, even surprising."

p.s. This is NOT an attempt to copy "The Saudi Book Club" in any way.. I just thought it would be a cute and intellectual addition to our blog..

Savvy Doc.