This week’s faves: Media Mix Up

This week has been incredibly busy. I worked more than 60 hours between my jobs, including full-time shifts of cops coverage at the R-J. I enjoy the busyness and good stories I have been able to chase, but that’s all I’ve had much time to love this week. Music, of course, is easily thrown in that mix though. Here’s what’s caught my attention this week.

#1: The Road of Lost Innocence

I highly recommend this book.

I actually finished this book last week but decided it was worth it to sneak into this post.

I found it tucked in the corner of Border’s in the store’s final going-out-of-business sale awhile back, and just had the chance to read the novel last week. I love memoirs, am drawn to tales of women’s struggles and have a good friend currently working in Cambodia, where the book takes place. I figured those were enough reasons to purchase it even though I’d never heard of the author. I’m glad I did. I couldn’t put it down and tore through its pages in a couple hours. Plus, part of the proceeds went to the author’s foundation to rescue girls from her country’s harsh brothels.

The Road of Lost Innocence is harrowing prose of horrifying tragedy and a testament to the strength of the human soul. Somaly Mam bravely tells her story of being sold into the Cambodian sex industry by her grandfather, her eventual escape and journey in becoming a determined force to save the thousands of girls still trapped.

The inspiring memoir was an eye-opener even to me, someone who has heard a dozen human trafficking stories before. I suggest you check out the book for yourself, or at the very least, Somaly Mam’s website on her efforts to make a difference.

#2: Teaches of Peaches

Peaches

Peaches, the Canadian electronic musician known for bending traditional gender roles, is of course awesome. I’m sure you know this already. Teaches of Peaches, which she released in 2000, is even on the Guardian’s list of 1,000 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. I’ve been shamelessly listening to the record all week.

#3: Jelli 96.7

jelli.com

Jelli 96.7 is a Vegas electronic dance music radio station that a good friend tuned me into this week. Love it.

I now have regular dance parties in my car. Don’t judge me. 😉

What’s really cool about the station is it’s 100 percent listener controlled. From your iPhone or its website, votes “rocket” songs to the front of the playlist. It streams live on jelli.com, so all my Renoites should check it, too.

—JDF