Does anyone else see the problem here?

So, I've been reading a couple of self-help books lately. GO AHEAD. Laugh it up. But isn't that the point of life? To improve ourselves so that we may better serve the collective harmony of the universe? Or something like that...we can talk about it on the other side.

I read a lot. I like anything from cookbooks to poetry books, books on philosophy, graphic novels, mysteries, and Twilight (yes, the series really is entertaining - the movie pales in comparison). I was sick of feeling tired and lazy, so I bought a book called "Skinny Bitch" (by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin) that has really helped me have a kickass healthy diet, and I feel GREAT! (Guys, you can read this one too...)
A couple years ago, I bought a book called "Win the Crowd", written by Steve Cohen, "The Millionaire's Magician" that has given me some major help in entertaining and life in general, which goes snugly along with being a musician.
And you know what else? I'm sick of being broke, so I checked out Robert Kiyosaki's "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" from the library and am trying to learn about finance online at CNNmoney.com and some other sites.
Last but not least, I checked out "Shut Up, Quit Whining, and Get a Life" by Larry Winget because I was sick of feeling sorry for myself in some aspects of my life.


You get the point. Information is abundant and accessible, especially with the existance of the internet. I recommend each of these books, and read with a highlighter so that you can capture anything that resounds with your own life philosophies.

So why aren't people jumping at the chance to get everything they want!? To figure out everything they need to know to achieve success in all realms of existence? And what about the "Obesity" label that our country has!? How can we worship the thin but consist of the fat and lazy? It's because most people don't read. Did you know that many of the people who buy books don't even read them? Book sales are up, but literacy is down. It's cool to OWN books, but really, who has the time to, like, read them. Ugh. Seriously.

This is what other "civilized" countries have that we don't. Literacy. Sure, kids in America are savvy on an iPhone, but mention a book at a party and, OMG, that is like, so not cool! ugh. seriously.
Literacy is the key to starting discussion, and THOUGHT PROCESS. Somewhere between 1900 and 2000, though, being academic got a new nickname - "nerdy". When did ignorance become a trait to be sought after? I remember the exact moment for me. It was in the sixth grade when the hot popular girls won the lip syncing contest by using nail filers as props while dancing to "Wannabe" by the Spice Girls. Suddenly pogs and chinese jumprope lost their appeal on the playground. Suddenly I was faced with this idea that being smart doesn't get you anywhere, but damn, if you're attractive you can bend the world to your will and WEILD IT AS THE QUEEN THAT YOU WERE BORN TO BEEEEEEEEE....!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oops, I got carried away. But not really. I remember feeling so much disappointment from not being able to look like the 1% of the population that appears in fashion ads. Well, guess what. NOW I CAN FEEL JUST AS SEXY BY USING THE INFORMATION AT HAND. I'm not going to starve myself, but being healthy and having your shit together is so much better than having Skeletor's reflection!

Yes, I have news for you. Being "nerdy" = health, wealth, and happiness.

Most people want to make the world a better place. I do. I hope you do. Reading and following your passions is the best way to do that, as I have learned from personal experience. It's all about doing what you love, and using that to put out good vibes, good actions, and good establishments.
I just felt the need to express my gratitude for rediscovering the joy and BENEFITS of reading, and to encourage everyone to read more. It's good for you, it makes you better at life, and it's fun. When you're two pages into an article about Tube vs. Solid State amplifiers, and you feel like you're unlocking some secret that nobody else knows about, your chances are excellent that you actually ARE unlocking some secret that nobody else knows about. Only 20% of adults read in the U.S. and with subjects aplenty, it's easy to become an expert.

So go get it, go get whatever you want. Become an expert. Find that niche and fill it like your life depends upon it! Your life does depend upon it! Go! Run to the library! Do it now!

Get your nerd on...