If, by any strange coincidence, you happen to reside in the land of Germany...or will just BE there on October 9th...I instruct you to make your way to the Strychnine Gallery in Berlin. Upon entering you will be greeted by the works of one David Hochbaum whose exhibit thingy begins that night. In addition, and more importantly in my personal book, in the Vault part of Strychnine you will find the uber awesome sculptures of one Ver Mar. Go. Go now. They are freaking sweet. I unabashedly proclaim her awesomeness and sexiness from the mountains. So yes, go my friendly little imps and set your eyes upon the amazing sculpture works that Ver has been killing herself silly over in all of her non-work hours. Seriously, they are amazing; I've seen most of them in person in various stages of completeness and I don't mind telling you that you are missing out if you only ever behold them via photomograph. Don't touch them unless you has the funds to purchase one (or more) of said pieces though; but if you can afford one you will not be disappointed with such a purchase.

In reading news, I read the Golden Compass this morning. It was pretty good. Lord Asrael turned out to be the little bitch I suspected he would be though. Bastard. Took a few hours break and now I am starting The Subtle Knife. Also read the first book in the Book of The Long Sun tetralogy by Gene Wolfe; good so far, though I think I liked The Book of The Short Sun better. Severian was just a bit more interesting than Silk is, though that may change as the story progresses. **ponders** Maybe I'll squeeze in a quick Terry Pratchett book tomorrow to lighten the somber tones of the other two books I'm reading. **shrugs**

In new muzak news: The new Five Finger Death Punch album, "War is the Answer," is great. Just really great. More varied than their first outing (ie: he sings more) but still overall a very strong album. The new Dethklok album, "The Dethalbum II," is....ok. I feel like most of it was written to try and be a real band as opposed to a cartoonish mockery of a real band. It is not nearly as ridiculous as the first album and therefore less memorable and also the vocals are not as good (too many effects bcs he is trying to sing but it isn't pulled off as well as the guttural growls). The new Alice in Chains album is...forgettable. I don't know if it just lacks because Layne Stanly is no longer the vocalist (due to his unfortunate...well...death nearing a decade ago), or if Jerry Cantrell is just loosing his edge, but the songs are droning and hollow where once they were filled with a dirty and gloomy fire. The Dethklok album at least came with videos; the new Alice in Chains album just comes with disappointment.

Rounding back to my original point though...GO TO MY GIRLFRIEND'S FREAKING GALLERY EXHIBITION ALREADY!!! More info at [link]

Shit. I kinda want to go play more Symphony of the Night. Ahh killing vampires and demons...how fun you are. **dreamy, far-away look**

~fin