The Center of Attention

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.

Now then, let's get to it.

FILM

A Night at the Opera
Everyone knows of the Marx Brothers. That's not the point. The point is most people will tell you Duck Soup is their best film, when it's actually this one. The trio tries to help a friend get the recognition he deserves as a singer, and get the girl, though like in any Marx Bros. flick the plot isn't the point. The point is... well, I've already told you the point. So point your remote at the TV and get to laughing.¹

TELEVISION

NewsRadio
If you've never seen this, it might surprise you anyone would recommend a show with either Andy Dick or Joe Rogan, let alone both of them. But when you've got (the amazing) Phil Hartman and (the insane) Stephen Root to balance things out, you may even find yourself starting to like Dick (and/or Rogan). A wonderful show. It would have lasted longer, but for Brynn Hartman robbing the world of her husband; Jon Lovitz can be quite good (*cough* The Critic *cough*), but he's no Phil Hartman.

GAME

Notre Dame
In the shadows of the Cathedral, you're vying for gold, prestige, and influence markers (to gain even more gold and prestige). Each turn, you get three action cards. Do you keep the one you want the most, or one you don't want your opponents to have? Oh, and don't forget about the rats. More arrive every turn, and if you don't keep those buggers at bay, they'll plague you. Literally. (For 2-5 players.)

MUSIC

Nehedar
The first time I heard Nehedar's music, it was through a stranger's headphones while on a bus to D.C. That stranger's name? Nehedar.² She was only working on her first album at the time, but now she's got five under her belt. Her songs have a great mix of styles that complement her beautiful voice, and you need to check out High Tide, just released last month. Fan. Tas. Tic.

LITERATURE

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
It was the best of books, it was the worst of books. I don't read a great deal of fantasy novels, since I can only take so much of characters named "Hrothgar, son of Prothisnar, Grand Vizier of the Council of Tiddlewazzle" fighting off thieves and then sitting around a fire eating stew. But this book isn't like that. Here, one character recounts his amazing life, from his childhood as a travelling performer through his transformation into a legendary (and notorious) magician. It truly is a riveting tale. But here's my problem: I knew this was the first of a series, but from the way it opened I assumed he'd tell his whole story and then the end of the book (as well as future books) would have him dealing with the current threat. Instead, it ends with him 1/3 of the way through his story. I'm not saying this to stop you from reading it. You should still read it. It's excellent. But now that you know what's what, you shouldn't reach the end with the same disappointment and frustration I did.

¹ Note: Pointing the remote might not be enough. Try clicking some buttons, too.
² Okay, technically her name is Emilia; she just records under Nehedar. But if I'd said, "That stranger's name? Emilia." you'd have all been like, "Who the hell is Emilia? Your wife? I thought your wife's name was Denise." and I'd have been like, "Whatever. I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that, since I didn't, seeing as how we're not actually talking right now. You're just reading my blog." and you'd have been like, "Well, I was reading your blog, but now we're just having an imaginary conversation in a footnote, and you're starting to piss me off." and I'd have been like, "La la la la la la la." So, it's good I said it the way I did.

A Kansas Auntie

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.

Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm Edition!
There are far too many great M's, and we get tomorrow off, so why not share an even dozen...

FILM

Miller's Crossing
If the Coen brothers have one film that's woefully underappreciated, this is it. During the prohibition era, two rival gangs vie for control of the city, with the Irish mob boss's right-hand man (Gabriel Byrne) caught in the middle. Ambushes, shifting loyalties, and powerful performances by a colorful array of characters make this one fantastic piece of noir.

The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
A Korean War vet (Frank Sinatra) investigates the cause of his recurring nightmares only to discover a war hero has been brainwashed to become a political assassin. Let me just say, when I first saw this film, two or three times I found myself thinking, "Holy crap! Did that just happen?! In a movie from the 60s?! Holy crap!" If you haven't seen it before, you need to watch this movie. You'll never look at Angela Lansbury the same way again.

Moon
After an accident near the end of his 3-year solo mission at a lunar station, Sam Bell makes an unexpected discovery, and begins to doubt first his sanity and then his true role at the station. Now, you may think a movie starring Sam Rockwell (and only Sam Rockwell) might not be that good, but you would be oh so very wrong.

M
The classic. Berlin police are having trouble catching a child murderer (the magnificent Peter Lorre, in one of his earliest roles), and since their search is disturbing the city's other criminals, the criminals decide to catch him for themselves. A cinematic masterpiece.

TELEVISION

Monty Python's Flying Circus
Of course, everyone's heard of Monty Python, but I suspect many of you only know the Holy Grail and a few of their most popular sketches. Let's take a poll. If you've never seen one of their episodes, raise your hand. Yeah, it's just as I thought: I can't see your hands through the monitor. Point is, the show is far better than any of their movies. So put your hands down and go watch some Flying Circus.

Murder One
One murder. The trial plays out over an entire season, with a young Hollywood actor known for his substance abuse accused of killing a teenage girl. The series featured excellent writing and a stellar cast (including Patricia Clarkson and Stanley Tucci in supporting roles), with enough twists and misdirection to make it a gripping legal thriller. (Note: The second season, which I gave up on partway through, covered three cases instead of one.)

GAME

Mr. Jack in New York
Jack the Ripper is loose in Manhattan, his identity narrowed down to 8 suspects. You play as either Mr. Jack or the Detective, and every round you each control two of the suspects, maneuvering them around the board and using their special abilities to either try to unveil and catch Jack, or to make your escape. A clever strategy game for two players.

MUSIC

Me First and the Gimme Gimmes
Behold! The ultimate punk rock cover band! Each album contains punk versions of a different type of music, from classic rock hits of the 60s and 70s to show tunes to R&B classics to country. In this fast-paced world, who has the time to listen to all those slower songs from decades past? Well, that's why God invented punk: you get twice the energy (and three times the fun) in half the time. Go ahead, check them out. And relive your old favorites.

Mountain Goats
I first came across this group when their song "Cotton" played at the end of an episode of Weeds. Singer John Darnielle combines fantastic lyrics with striking melodies to create some truly wonderful music. I especially enjoy the album The Sunset Tree, filled with autobiographical elements from his early childhood spent with an abusive stepfather.

The Mars Volta
Their debut, De-Loused at the Comatorium, is one of my favorite albums of all time. Now, there are several tried-and-true techniques — focusing on melody, rhythm, lyrics, etc. — which producers often employ to create hit songs. The Mars Volta ignore every single one of them, and the album's all the better for it. (Oh yeah, and their other albums are pretty good, too.)

LITERATURE

Mom's Marijuana by Dan Shapiro
The true story of how, when my cousin was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease, my aunt — a decidedly anti-drug woman — grew pot in the backyard of her suburban Connecticut home. A witty, emotional memoir of cancer-survival experiences that I still count among the best books I've ever read. (And yes, this was written by the same cousin who will be appearing in Great American Manhunt on the NatGeo channel starting 4/19.)

Monkeewrench by P.J. Tracy
In this debut mystery by mother-daughter writing team P.J. Tracy, a string of bizarre Minneapolis murders mirror those in a new online computer game, including ones on levels no player has yet reached. The software company's employees try to identify the next victims in order to stop the murders, but become suspects themselves as more and more secrets (and more and more bodies) are revealed. The characters are quirky, the plot twisted, and the wit wonderful. An excellent read.

My my my, that's a lot of recommendations. If you read them all, my hat's off to you. If you didn't, please notice my hat still sitting squarely on my head. (Yes, I have a square hat. What of it?)

Yet, even with all these M's, I'm sure I missed some. Enlighten me.

The Train in Chicago

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.

Double Hockey Stick Edition!
Why am I forcing myself to do twice as much work? Heck if I know.

FILM

Das Leben Der Anderen (The Lives of Others)
In East Berlin, before the fall of the Wall, a secret service agent conducts surveillance on individuals thought to have Western sentiments. But, just as his observations cause him to be increasingly drawn into their stories, you'll be increasingly drawn into his. A phenomenal film.

The Lookout
I had to get at least one Joseph Gordon-Levitt film in, and this might be my favorite role of his. Working as a night janitor at a bank after an accident leaves him with both physical ailments and a poor memory, he is recruited by a small gang to act as lookout as they rob the place. But when he tries to back out of the deal, the gang has other plans. A fantastic depiction of someone dealing with a traumatic brain injury,¹ with a great turn by Jeff Daniels as his blind roommate.

TELEVISION

Last Comic Standing
Not a great show, I admit, but how many season-long competition shows are?² Besides, I likes me some stand-up comedy.

Leverage
This one is so unfamiliar even I've never seen it. No, really. (In my defense, it is in my Netflix queue.) So, how does a show I've never seen make this list? Simple: My friend's wife is one of the writers. And with high-tech crooks attempting to steal from the wealthy and corrupt, it sounds like my type of show. You should watch it. (And so should I.)

GAME

Last Night On Earth
Surprisingly, my only zombie recommendation for the month. You choose your role: hero, or leader of the unending zombie horde. Heroes must coordinate to share supplies and fight for survival; the walking dead just get to keep going for the jugular.³ With various hero roles and end-game scenarios to choose from, a board with different possible layouts, and an array of cards to shift the balance, you can play these epic battles again and again long into the night. (Plays best with 2-5 players, and has multiple expansions.)

Lost Cities
By playing an expedition's cards in numeric order, you can make your way toward up to five different lost cities. But make your decisions wisely: Judicious play (and luck) can compound your success, but if an expedition fails to make much ground, you'll rack up negative points. A simple yet fun family game for 2 players.

MUSIC

The Levellers
A lively English band with both punk and traditional influences, the Levellers have always sounded somewhat Celtic to me, I suspect because of all the excellent fiddlin'. They may not be Celtic, but they are a blast. Have a listen.

Lenni Jabour
Frankly, I'll be astonished if even one of you has ever heard of her. I stumbled across a song of hers on some odd compilation 15 years ago, and sought out her first, self-titled album. It was just seven tracks of her and her piano, but it was brilliant. Her more recent stuff doesn't have quite the same feel, but I'll always be a fan.

LITERATURE

Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal by Christopher Moore
Christopher Moore is easily one of the funniest authors working today, and this is his finest work. It chronicles what Jesus may have done in all that time he wasn't in the Bible. You know, the first 30 years of his life. No matter your beliefs, this is a must read.

Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
Most people focus on the disturbing love affair between Humbert Humbert and young Lolita, but the real story here is Vladimir Nabokov's love affair with the English language. Hauntingly brilliant. No matter your level of squeamishness, a must read.

Lo and behold, we've reached the end at last. But if you have a suggestion for me, let 'er rip.


¹ He researched the role extensively to ensure he wouldn't be playing a caricature. You'll note he didn't show nearly the same dedication for G.I.Joe: Rise of the Cobra.
² My guess is two. And even that might be stretching it.
³ Or perhaps the cerebellum.

It's Alright, I Guess

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 kick this thing off right...

FILM

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
Robert Downey Jr.'s best film. Val Kilmer's best film.¹ A small-time crook who lucked into an acting job (Downey) is on a stakeout with a P.I. (Kilmer) to research his role when they stumble into the middle of a murder investigation involving his childhood crush. Fantastically witty, dripping with sarcasm, and playing on traditional action movie clichés, this film is perfect for when you've had enough drama for one day.

TELEVISION

Kids in the Hall
Sure, most of you probably already know of this five-man sketch comedy show. But I contend they're underappreciated, because they've been off the air for 18 years, and because they're Canadian. Besides, arguing with me won't do any good; if you try, I'll just crush your head.²

GAME

Killer Bunnies and the Quest for the Magical Carrot
Warning: This game is not for serious gamers. Try to kill your opponents' bunnies with weapons like European Robotic Titanium Termites, Bittersweet Chocolate-Covered Anti-Matter Raisins, and Ebola. Try to keep your bunnies alive with the Magic Spatula or a Large Prune Danish. And even if your bunnies survive till the end and you've collected the most carrots, it may all be for naught, for the winning carrot is chosen at random. Because it's not about winning. It's about how you play the game.³

MUSIC

Kaiser Chiefs
They're a band from Leeds (that's in Britain, for my geographically challenged readers) named after a South African (that's in Africa) football (as in soccer) club (something to beat people with). It's fun Britpop with great energy, and why am I still describing it? Have a listen and make up your mind for yourself.

LITERATURE

The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
Todd Hewitt can hear other people's thoughts. But then again, so can everyone else in town. When he gets close to finding out a terrible secret they've been keeping from him, he flees with his dog (who also thinks aloud), and comes across an eerily silent creature: a girl. The first he's ever seen. He's scared by her silence, she by his noise. But they must work together as they run for their lives. This is the first in a trilogy, and surprisingly, each book is better than the one preceding it. Ness gives us such nuanced, duplicitous characters,⁴ and such neat plot twists, the books are practically unputdownable. What? It's a word.

¹ I say it edges out Iron Man and Top Secret!, respectively. You may disagree, but I don't care.
² I also contend that 1994-95 saw the end of nearly all great sketch comedy on TV. That time saw the exit of (in my opinion) the last cast of SNL worth watching, as well as the end of Kids in the Hall, Exit 57 (my E show), The Vacant Lot (a similarly short-run affair), and another favorite of mine I'll be covering on S day. What's come since... Mad TV? Meh. Portlandia? Pass. Its-a-Sketch? Imaginary. I rest my case.
³ And, how many bunnies you kill. With the Nuclear Warhead, for instance, you might be able to take out every bunny on the board. Including your own. Good times.
⁴ Plus, twice in the series he made me care for a character I'd disliked originally, only to cause me even more pain. Novelists could learn a thing or three from him.

A Way of Walking

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.

Just five juicy tidbits...

FILM

JCVD
Yeah, you read that right. I'm recommending a John-Claude Van Damme film. In which he plays himself. Amidst tax problems and a custody battle, Van Damme gets caught in the middle of a bank robbery, and the robbers try to use his presence to their advantage. It's more drama than action (with touches of comedy), he gets to speak in his native tongue, and for once, he's not playing a one-dimensional character. The only Van Damme film ever worth watching.

TELEVISION

Jeeves and Wooster
Long before Hugh Laurie adopted an American accent and a limp, he used to hang out with Stephen Fry a bit and have a laugh. One such instance was this little show, based on the short stories of P.G. Wodehouse. Wealthy layabout Bertie Wooster (Laurie) would always find himself in a spot of bother, and his trusty valet Jeeves (Fry) had to bail him out. Absolutely fabulous.¹

GAME

Jaipur
If you're the first to sell a type of good, you make more money. Thus, you want to sell early. Yet, if you sell a larger amount of that good, your profit's even greater. Thus, you want to wait to sell until you've acquired more. It's a tough balance, especially when your opponent is vying for the exact same goods (and hoarding all the camels). A fun little card game for two players.

MUSIC

Jars of Clay
This Christian rock band is best known for their one mainstream hit, "Flood",² but despite little secular success, they're no one-hit wonder. Eight studio albums later, and they're still going strong, singing sweet melodies with great hooks and lyrics that consciously "shy away from... traditional religious literature." As a Jew-ish atheist, I applaud them, both for this sentiment, and for their wonderful music.³

LITERATURE

Jitterbug Perfume by Tom Collins
An 8th-century king escapes regicide, meets the goat-god Pan, falls in love with an Indian girl, and then masters immortality. A waitress in modern day New Orleans obsesses over recreating a fragrance from a 300-year-old bottle of perfume. Some other stuff happens, and then it all comes together at the end (as books are wont to do). And excellent book.

¹ And also far, far better than Absolutely Fabulous.
² You get it? Flood? Main stream? Thank you, thank you, I'll be here all month. Try the veal... and the loaves and fishes.
³ For those of you keeping track at home, I do realize this is the second Christian group I've listed so far, yet I've given no props to the home team (i.e. Judaism). Where oh where have all the Jewish bands gone? (Answer: They're all at home doting on their mothers, like the good boys they are.)

The Window to the Soul

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.

I Spy (With My Little I) Edition!
A kids' book somehow snuck its way onto today’s list, but it fit so well, I didn't even notice.¹

FILM

Infernal Affairs (Mou Gaan Dou)
The mob has a mole within the police. An undercover cop has infiltrated the mob. And each one is trying to identify his counterpart without blowing his own cover. If this premise sounds familiar, then you’ve probably seen the remake, a little movie called The Departed. But, in my opinion, this is the better film. Perhaps it’s because I feel the Hollywood version was weighed down by the personalities of its all-star cast, whereas the Hong Kong cast could give more understated performances. Or perhaps I just prefer the original ending (and originals to remakes). Well, whatever the reason, it’s worth a watch.

TELEVISION

Invader ZIM
A down-on-his-luck banished alien invader and his trusted insane robotic assistant (who sometimes disguises itself as a green dog) come to Earth to prepare for invasion. Only one person knows what Zim is up to, but no one will listen because he doesn't have any evidence is an annoying kid with a big head. If the show had aired on Cartoon Network or Comedy Central instead of Nickelodeon, it would have flourished, but alas, it lasted only a season and a half. It's quirky and clever and bizarre in all the best ways, and Gir (the robot, who loves pigs, tacos, and putting bacon into soap) is perhaps my favorite TV character of all time. Best. Invasion. Ever.

GAME

Ingenious
You get points for a color by placing tiles on a hexagonal board to make lines of that color. The more you have in a row, the better. But here’s what makes the game Ingenious: You don't win by getting the most total points or most in one color. You win by getting the most points in your worst color. Thus, you want to adopt a balanced approach; you could conceivably score all 15s except a 9 in yellow, and lose to someone who has 10s across the board. It may be hard to convince yourself to play this way, but with this game, sometimes the best offense is a good defense. (Plays up to 4.)

MUSIC

Itzhak Perlman
He may seem an odd pick for this list, since if you’re at all familiar with modern orchestral music, you’ve heard of him. But this time, it’s personal. When I was 3 or 4, I saw him perform on Sesame Street, and I was hooked. Over the years, I may have dabbled with the clarinet and the bass guitar and the kazoo,² but deep down I’ve always been a violinist. I have now played for 29 years, and it’s all because of this man. Thank you, Itzhak.

LITERATURE

Intensity by Dean Koontz
I went through a Dean Koontz phase in my early 20s, reading perhaps a half dozen of his novels. Each book began with an intriguing premise, but by the end I was always disappointed as the story devolved into dullness or utter peculiarity, possibly involving radioactive monkeys. And then: Intensity. The chapters swap between the perspectives of a serial killer and the young woman tracking him, trying to save her kidnapped friend. And the title fits perfectly: Neither the pace nor the stakes drop the entire way. The only work by Koontz I ever recommend.³

I Want My Hat Back by John Klassen
Bear has lost his hat, and no one seems to have seen it. Bear believes he may never see his hat again, but then he thinks back to his conversation with Rabbit... I'll have you know this is the only children’s book which, the moment I finished it, I had to own. It might not be my son’s favorite, but it is mine and my wife’s. Downright hilarious.

In closing, I like these items, and I hope you do, too. But feel free to share recommendations of your own, if you feel so inclined.


¹ What’s that? You say I must have noticed, since I’m mentioning it in today’s intro? That’s exactly what the book said you’d say! Now it’s obvious you’re the spy!
² And the spoons.
³ Also, the last work of his I’ll ever read. Usually I don’t know when to stop (as my garage door will attest), but for once, I quit while I was ahead. I should do that more often.

Jesus, Initially

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.

Here's what I have...

FILM

Harold and Maude
Harold is obsessed with death. He drives a hearse, attends funerals, and fakes his suicide in increasingly elaborate ways (to the detriment of his mother, and to the young women she keeps trying to set him up with). He and 79-year-old Maude (the fantastic Ruth Gordon) are drawn to each other by their mutual interest in death, but it’s through her carefree attitude and love for life that Harold finally learns to live. It may chronicle a May-December romance, but I’d watch this dark comedy any time of year.

TELEVISION

Herman's Head
In truth, I don’t remember much about this show beyond that I liked it, and that the opposing aspects of Herman’s psyche were personified (by actual persons!) whenever he had a thought. (Oh yeah, it also starred Lisa Simpson Yeardley Smith and Moe Szyslak Hank Azaria). Yet, despite its bizarre premise (and the fact that it aired on Fox), it somehow lasted 3 seasons and 72 episodes, more than every other show I’ve highlighted so far this month.

GAME

Hive
Kind of like chess, but without the board. Ants move around the edge of the hive; spiders move exactly three spaces per turn; grasshoppers jump over other tiles; beetles can climb on top. You win by completely surrounding your opponent’s queen, while protecting yours from the same fate. An excellent abstract strategy game for two players.¹

MUSIC

The Hold Steady
Craig Finn doesn’t look like your typical lead singer. He doesn’t sound like one either. In fact, more often than not, his singing sounds more like talking than singing. But combine his lyrical storytelling (about drugs and relationships and redemption and the like) with some fantastic classic rock-inspired orchestration, and this Brooklyn-based indie rock band shines.

LITERATURE

House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
This is like the Inception of books, only not in a way that will appeal to a mainstream audience. In this tome by Mark Z. Danielewski, a young man (Johnny Truant) presents a manuscript by a dead man (Zampanò) describing a video by a missing man (Will Navidson) about the inexplicable mysteries surrounding his new house (which may or may not have actually existed). Each narrator gets his own font, Truant gives his own story in the footnotes, and his editors sometimes chime in, too. And oh, the footnotes; this book has footnotes within footnotes within footnotes.² It gets more and more difficult to read (physically), as the narrator(s) — and the book itself — spiral into madness.

Well, that’s nearly all I have for you today. But I can’t leave without once again sharing my own short animation beginning with the letter H: The Hunt.

full desription | list of Easter Eggs⁵

Okay, now that’s all I have. Huzzah!


¹ Although, without a board, it’s not nearly as satisfying to sweep all the pieces away in anger when you lose.
² Within footnotes.^3
3 Within footnotes.^4
4 In fact, some pages are nothing but footnotes, in different sizes, placements, directions, etc. You might not believe it, but I, Footnote Grandmaster and Three-Time Reigning Champion, overdosed on them.
⁵ Alas, this is not a list of the eggs your family hid over the weekend. But I do have a tip on how to avoid having your home reek of utter rottenness in a month’s time: Move.