I also like to read during waiting-times when possible, but I'm easily distracted. I am the sort who does not multi-task. Sometimes I can multi-thread, but seldom multi-task. (That's hardcore geekspeak; if you don't get it, it's really OK.)
The problem with so many of these places is they're full of distracting noise. They feel they must put in a television and have the dratted thing set on some mind-destroying daytime show, or play music like Barbara Streisand, Neil Diamond, or worse... if there is worse.
Not only am I unable to read with that kind of noise, but my happy is all gone, and I can hear the shrieks of thousands of brain cells as they die in agony.
So I also load instrumental music on my iPod. I can read, if certain sorts of instrumental music are being my "gray noise." Now, it can't be a soundtrack to a movie I know well (any Lord of the Rings movie, Star Wars, etc.), because then I'll visualize the scene.
So here are two I use to that end, for any of you who care. They are both largely high-energy, guitar-driven jazz/rock fusion style. There are mellower tracks and diverse styles as well. Both
are helmed by Chicago's current lead guitarist, Keith Howland, a very talented young man. On the first, Chicago's current drummer (Tris Imboden) sets the beat. On the second, Howland is joined by lightning-fingered Chris Pinnick, who was one of the guitarists touring with Chicago after the death of the great Terry Kath. They are:The Howland/Imboden Project
Howland, Laug, Morrison & Pinnick
The link takes you to CD Baby, a company which seems to specialize in more obscure titles. When I bought the CD's, the communications I got from CD Baby were absolutely hysterical, very clever. It made me want to buy more just for the fun of it. If you do, get back to me on how it is now.
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6 comments:
I'm offended by your implication that there's anything wrong with Neil Diamond. The next thing I know you'll be denigrating the music of Barry Manilow.
Ungh!
"Sometimes I can multi-thread, but seldom multi-task."
Got it. Happens to me too (I am a geek as well. Systems developer).
Have you tried noise-cancelling headphones? I use mine while listening to Mac Arthur and Piper every day on my commuting to/from Toronto.
As a rule, the sound I get through the headphones is itself sufficient. I'm just saying I'm totally distracted otherwise, if it's just me and the TV/radio/chatter.
Do you have a link to the headphones you use?
MDR-NC6
In my opinion they are the least expensive that do a decent job.
No BOSE for sure. Out of my league.
I was just teaching some students about multi-threaded programming today! Woo Hoo!
Get your semaphore locks ready!
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