During this year's Blogging From A to Z April Challenge, I'm highlighting things more people should know about. For the most part, I'll be ignoring the most popular and widely known items (and sometimes my personal favorites) in order to promote the unfamiliar and underappreciated.Let's delve into these, shall we?
FILM
Death at a Funeral
No, not the bland American remake with Chris Rock, Martin Lawrence, and Peter Dinklage. The original British version, with a bunch of blokes you've never heard of... and Peter Dinklage.1 We're treated to an afternoon filled with sibling rivalries, blackmail, unexpected death, and what every dark comedy should have: a hallucinating Alan Tudyk. As you might expect, the funeral spirals further and further toward unmitigated disaster. (Directed by the wizard F. Oz.)
TELEVISIONNo, not the bland American remake with Chris Rock, Martin Lawrence, and Peter Dinklage. The original British version, with a bunch of blokes you've never heard of... and Peter Dinklage.1 We're treated to an afternoon filled with sibling rivalries, blackmail, unexpected death, and what every dark comedy should have: a hallucinating Alan Tudyk. As you might expect, the funeral spirals further and further toward unmitigated disaster. (Directed by the wizard F. Oz.)
Dead Like Me
After being killed by a falling toilet seat, college dropout George Lass learns she has become a grim reaper, tasked to claim the souls of those who are moments from death. Sadly, she can't get out of it, and doesn't get paid for it, so she also must take a temp job to pay the bills. Oh, and did I mention her motley crew of reapers is helmed by Mandy Patinkin? That's right: In this show, even if you haven't killed his father, when you see Inigo Montoya you'd best prepare to die.
GAMEAfter being killed by a falling toilet seat, college dropout George Lass learns she has become a grim reaper, tasked to claim the souls of those who are moments from death. Sadly, she can't get out of it, and doesn't get paid for it, so she also must take a temp job to pay the bills. Oh, and did I mention her motley crew of reapers is helmed by Mandy Patinkin? That's right: In this show, even if you haven't killed his father, when you see Inigo Montoya you'd best prepare to die.
Dominion
If I could only recommend one game, this would be it. Every single person I've introduced it to, whether novice or hardcore gamer, has enjoyed it and come back for more. Even if they lose horribly every time — I did when I first started — they always want more. The base set has 25 varieties of kingdom cards, yet each game only uses 10 chosen at random, so it plays differently every time. You start with the same cards as everyone else, then build your deck as you go, buying and acquiring cards as you strive for the best combination to gain victory cards (and/or harm your opponents). If you likestrategy games, you owe it to yourself to give Dominion a try. (There are also currently 6 excellent expansions.)
MUSICIf I could only recommend one game, this would be it. Every single person I've introduced it to, whether novice or hardcore gamer, has enjoyed it and come back for more. Even if they lose horribly every time — I did when I first started — they always want more. The base set has 25 varieties of kingdom cards, yet each game only uses 10 chosen at random, so it plays differently every time. You start with the same cards as everyone else, then build your deck as you go, buying and acquiring cards as you strive for the best combination to gain victory cards (and/or harm your opponents). If you like
The Dandy Warhols
I'll say it: "Bohemian Like You" is the best song ever with "bohemian" in its title.2 An alternative rock group — and the first Americans on my A-to-Z list so far — the Warhols can do catchy pop tunes (such as "We Used To Be Friends") or just sit back and groove. Thirteen Tales From Urban Bohemia is excellent, weaving an array of song styles together into one cohesive album. And Come Down's no slouch, either.
I'll say it: "Bohemian Like You" is the best song ever with "bohemian" in its title.2 An alternative rock group — and the first Americans on my A-to-Z list so far — the Warhols can do catchy pop tunes (such as "We Used To Be Friends") or just sit back and groove. Thirteen Tales From Urban Bohemia is excellent, weaving an array of song styles together into one cohesive album. And Come Down's no slouch, either.
LITERATURE
The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham
In this sci-fi classic from 1951, people have been cultivating triffids worldwide for their rich oils, even though the plants can shuffle around and have the ability to kill (and eat) people when not controlled. All is well until everyone who witnessed a glorious meteor shower goes blind by morning. As the few whose sight remain try to band together and restart society in this altered world, the increasingly aggressive triffids take this as their cue to rise...
In this sci-fi classic from 1951, people have been cultivating triffids worldwide for their rich oils, even though the plants can shuffle around and have the ability to kill (and eat) people when not controlled. All is well until everyone who witnessed a glorious meteor shower goes blind by morning. As the few whose sight remain try to band together and restart society in this altered world, the increasingly aggressive triffids take this as their cue to rise...
Well, I'm done for the day. But if you have some suggestions for me, I'd be delighted.
1 What's that? You haven't heard of Peter Dinklage, either? Well, I'm glad I could fix that for you.
2 That is, unless you count the Muppets' version of "Rhapsody".
Just have to say " Your Letter graphics are excellent "
ReplyDeleteRJRdaydreamer
Thanks, John. I do believe the D might be my best for the month (even if I passed over my own dog for my brother-in-law's uncle's dog... no hard feelings, Sonya).
DeleteHi, Interesting choice of "D" words. Some I am familiar with. The card game, however, would drive me nuts, I fear. I like games where I don't have to bargain for cards or set a goal that I need to reach in order to win. Give me a good game of Aggravation or Dominoes any time. ha.
ReplyDeleteBest regards to you. Ruby
Actually, there's no bargaining -- the cards have a set price -- and the only goal you need to reach is more points than your opponent(s). But still, Dominion may not be your type of game. If you're hesitant, stick with dominoes; after all, I've been known to pass the time on cool summer nights with a game or two of chicken foot myself.
DeleteTyrion Lannister is in both versions of the film? Interesting.
ReplyDeleteHe's a little less impish in these, but yes, Tyrion's in both versions. He's the only one.
DeleteDeath by falling toilet seat. Now there's an ignominious way to die. Great suggestions.
ReplyDeleteLove your animal lettering, btw, very cool.
Thanks, Goddess! Alas, I get away from the animals starting at I and J; apparently I've never taken any photos of iguanas or ibises or jaguars or jackalopes.
DeleteD is for daily word count, and have you met yours? ;)
ReplyDeleteOf course I've met mine, don't be silly. Of course, I don't remember the occasion too well, as it was so long ago...
DeleteSci-fi classic? I must read that book!
ReplyDeleteThe Golden Eagle
The Eagle's Aerial Perspective
Then read it you shall! Just don't pause to watch any meteor showers on your way to pick it up.
DeleteAnd hey, you may want to come back for tomorrow's letter. My recommendations, who knows, but the letter is (warning: horrible pun ahead) your aerie of expertise.
You got me here, I am unfamiliar with all of these.
ReplyDeleteYes, but now that I've brought them to your attention, you can become familiar with them. Or, if they're not really your cup of tea, go have a cup of tea. Maybe tomorrow's will be more up your alley. (Make sure to bring your alley.)
DeleteThe Day of the Triffids sounds awesome!!
ReplyDeleteLook forward to your challenge run…
--Damyanti, Co-host A to Z Challenge April 2012
Twitter: @AprilA2Z
#atozchallenge
It is. It was one of a dozen books I read for a sci-fi class my freshman year of college. (I was supposed to read 13, but the first one was dreadfully boring.)
DeleteI drew a complete blank today. I wasn't familiar with any of those. :(
ReplyDeleteDL @ Cruising Altitude 2.0
Co-Host of the Blogging from A to Z Challenge.
Ooh, how did your blank turn out? Whenever I try to draw a blank, it always ends up pretty sketchy.
DeleteMusic for "D"
ReplyDeleteDaphne Loves Derby
Dave Barnes
The Decemberists
Movies for "D"
Dr. Strangelove - I know a lot of people know this movie, but it's so fantastic, more people should
Diggers - Ken Marino and Paul Rudd as clam fishermen in 70s MA. it's not as funny as you would think, but it's a good story
Dave - Kevin Kline at what I believe is his best(aside from his obvious Oscar-winning role in A Fish Called Wanda)
Dangerous Liaisons - the movie that Cruel Intentions was based on, but so much better.
Definitely, Maybe
Dark City - love this movie!
and I have to second Death at a Funeral(the original. It's hilarious.
I'd considered The Decemberists, Dave, and Dark City (and passed on the Peter Sellers threesome for the reason you mentioned). I tell you, the toughest part of my theme is sticking with just one (or even two or three) for each category.
Delete