Intermission: Bonus Links

I know what you’re thinking: “Hey Griffin, where the hell is Part 2 to the Athens story you posted yesterday?” Well, assuming I don’t get trashed Friday and Saturday night, and spend the rest of the weekend in a hangover coma, it should be up bright and early for Monday.

In the meantime, I thought I’d ease your Friday along by tossing out some links that have caught my interest lately. Spread the love, as they say.

Life @ 160 is part of the Subtle Dig network. I originally came across the blog back when I was editing for Rudius. I highly recommend starting with The Saga, a brilliant work-in-progress that initially attracted me to the site. Think Patrick Bateman except with some self-awareness and no murder (yet). At first I thought Life@160 was writing a fictionalized persona, but the narrative is so consistent and personal I’m convinced it’s memoir. He’s recently added a few guest writers, and they are  updating regularly with all kinds of ridiculous material. And rumor has it subtle dig might pick up some of the orphaned Rudius blogs. When they started, all their blogs had legal themes but they’ve expanded their horizons. I have absolutely no inside information or any stake in the matter so I’ll be waiting to see how it plays out like the rest of you. (Here’s a brand new interview between Life@160 and a recently fired female “escort” writer. Hilarious).

Speaking of lawyers, Philadelphia Lawyer‘s book Happy Hour is for Amateurs has just been released in paperback. He’s giving away teasers at his site. If you have never read anything by Phila, I highly recommend you start with the book. Loyal readers will recognize bits and pieces from the past interwoven into the narrative, but there’s still enough fresh material that it’ll be enjoyable from cover to cover. I wrote a review for the hardcover version over at Amazon way back when I received a review copy. It should still be on the Amazon page if you’re interested in reading it.

If you’re looking for more serious reading be sure to stop into at Tremble the Devil. There is a ton of information available on this website, including an entire full length e-book. The thoroughly researched book revolves around terrorism and the many misconceptions associated with it, in large part due to inherent political/media/religious/etc. biases. When I think terrorists, I used to think evil brown people. Tremble the Devil will dispel these notions and open your eyes to a true understanding of why these people do what they do.  You’ll learn that terrorism tactics are common throughout history in all forms of warfare, including our own special forces. Once we move beyond terrorism’s stereotypical surface level connotations, we can begin to understand how they operate and more importantly how to prevent such attacks. All this is packaged up in a slick delivery with contemporary references much in the pop-intellectual vein of Freakonomics or works by Malcolm Gladwell. Between the modern day anecdotes and fascinating mini-narratives you may not even realize you’re learning something.

Despite Charlie Hoehn’s inability to effectively run game, he’s an incredibly smart young man. At 23, he’s worked with the likes of Seth Godin, Tim Ferris and has already accomplished more than I ever will before I die of liver failure in five years. Before embarking on tour, Charlie completed a highly praised (and now highly successful) ebook called the Recession Proof Graduate. I recommend it for anybody in school or recently graduated. Even seasoned veterans can benefit from the message. And best of all you can read the whole thing in 25 minutes.

In more ebook news, 50 Cent and Robert Greene just released a short ebook adaption of their new book The 50th Law. Check out the ebook, it’ll take you 5 minutes to read. Or buy the book. Or both. Or if you’re really crazy do both AT THE SAME TIME.

If writing, painting, drawing, sculpting, knitting, body mutilation (seriously) or basically any conceivable form of art is your passion, come stop by and sign up at the newly created Attention Crash forum. There are tons of successful and talented people from all corners of the artistic world — whether you’re looking to improve your craft or think you can help improve the crafts of others, your presence will be most welcomed.

That’s it for this edition of bonus links. And just because you realize there are tons of better ways to spend your time in internet land doesn’t mean I don’t want you to come back here. I would be lonely without people to read my stories and/or call me swear words in the comments section.