WAIST HIGH: Rob Sheffield's Talking To Girls About Duran Duran To Be Available July 15.

7/13/2010

**Rob Sheffield's Talking To Girls About Duran Duran To Be Available July 15.**

From duranduran.com: A terrific new book will be coming out on July 15th, Talking to Girls About Duran Duran: One Young Man's Quest for True Love and a Cooler Haircut. An unabashed Duran Duran fan, Rob Sheffield (author of Love Is a Mix Tape) has decided to play tribute to one of his musical heroes by sharing stories of how they aided him while growing up and learning all about girls. Publisher's Weekly says "…(in this) tuneful coming-of-age memoir, the glamorous New Wave band Duran Duran presides spiritually over the all-consuming teenage male efforts to comprehend the opposite sex...The result is a funny, poignant browse from a wonderful pop-culture evocateur."

According to Rob: "'Talking to girls about Duran Duran' is how I've spent my whole life! It always amazes me how huge this band is, and how much loyalty and ferocity they inspire in their listeners. They taught me a lot about music I never would have heard if not for them - stuff like Kraftwerk and Visage, Chic and Roxy Music. I remember watching MTV one night in 1983 when Simon and Nick were doing a guest VJ spot, for the world premiere of the 'Save a Prayer' video. Simon and Nick were playing all these obscure videos by brilliant artists I'd never heard of, stuff that MTV normally would never play. I’ll never forget that night.

"Like so many other American kids, I had my whole idea of music altered by Duran Duran. Simon's whole sense of wit and wordplay was way ahead of what my other favorite bands were doing at the time, along with the whole idea of blending punk and funk, which would've been unheard of for any American band.

"So I guess this book is my small attempt to pay homage to their massive presence in music and in pop culture over the years. We all owe them a lot."

Talking to Girls About Duran Duran: One Young Man’s Quest for True Love and a Cooler Haircut can be purchased at amazon.com.

Photo: amazon.com

CAST OF CHARACTERS

THE KERN COUNTY DRUNKARD
Everything at Waist High is a long story, and the story of The KCD is no exception. After this individual told Waist High in December of 2003 that she was going to kill her, "Waist High" the blog was born. Please do not tell Waist High the person that you are going to kill her or she will create "Waist High" the blog and write nasty things about you! Including the time you stunk up the bathroom at The Alley Cat. The "Kern County Drunkard Watch" detailed the drunken comings and goings of the live-in love interest of one of Waist High's most cherished male friends. Never has Waist High met anyone who drank as much as or as often as The KCD. The KCD, because she was an insecure drunk, hated Waist High for most of her decade long relationship with Waist High's most cherished male friend. She hated Waist High for the obvious reason: Waist High is hot. A one time source of much of the material for Waist High the blog, The "Kern County Drunkard Watch" was permanently retired in March 2005 when Waist High's most cherished male friend finally came to his senses and kicked her ass to the curb.

RAMPART
Rampart is the first ex-husband of Waist High. She refers to him as her first ex-husband because she knows there will eventually be a second. Rampart grew up on the mean streets of Bakersfield and claims to have been the co-discoverer of the well known 1980s dirt field party spot known as "The Place." Rampart's 1987 directive to Waist High, "Drink this six pack before I get back!" made both Waist High and Rampart parents at age 20. Rampart currently resides 4.5 miles from Waist High in the wilds of Oregon and is an enduring fixture at their local Cigs For Less shop. Once a Bakersfield Del Taco associate, Sail Thru Hamburgers drive up dude, and Wible Road AM/PM graveyard worker, Rampart claims to now net $49,000 per month. But only to impress people, not when required.

(THE FORMER) LOVELY TEENAGED DAUGHTER
Not your average 35 year old. Born to Waist High as a "Miracle on 34th Street" in Bakersfield Memorial Hospital on 34th Street, LTD is on the board of MAC cosmetics. Not really, but she swears allegiance only to them. When LTD's mother once purchased LTD some eye shadow from Target, LTD threatened to call the police. Sweeter than Tupelo Honey, with the attitude of a feral cat, LTD is disgusted with most things. Including being forced to live with Waist High from 1988-2005. The child at one time even had her own blog, "Living With Waist High," which detailed her misery. A graduate of the oldest institution in the Oregon University System, LTD kept her promise of not getting knocked up at age 20 like Waist High did.

THE STRANGER
Oh God bless The Stranger. The Stranger was one of Waist High's most loyal confidants during some of the darker periods of the blog. Although his fierce allegiance to really bad music was a great source of aggravation for Waist High, The Stranger gave her a much needed look at life. Through the eyes of someone not yet bitter. The Stranger was almost pushed out of a moving vehicle when he revealed to Waist High that not only did he not know who Barry Manilow, Captain & Tenille, or Spandau Ballet were, but that he literally had no clue what Trail Mix was.

"TRI-TIP"
Special Correspondent to Waist High, and one of Waist High's most cherished friends. Used to live with The Kern County Drunkard. Was a Special Correspondent to Waist High for 9 months before knowing it. Long story. This individual coined the ultimate mid '80s Bakersfield drinking phrase, "Lock hubs. Party!"

DESI
Waist High's former work spouse. Cares about Waist High so much that he once took Waist High with him on a smoke break the very next day after she spent $250 for hypnotherapy TO QUIT SMOKING. Was the first person in conversation to introduce Waist High to concepts like "The Dirty Sanchez," "Dog In A Bathtub," "Tea Bagging," and "The Shocker." Reminds Waist High as often as possible that if women "neglect the balls," their men will leave them.