First off, favorite book: I had a lot of choices, I actually counted 47 books on my running list since I moved here. But if I had to choose only one, I'd go with Farewell to Arms. Such a great mixture of adventure, romance, traveling, and heartbreak, blended with Hemingway's incomparable style. At the same time, I read so many other great books that I just want to list them all. Alas, we must move on.
Favorite movie: the Room. Released in 2003, this movie is so bad (and I mean AWFUL) that it's fun to watch. Terrible script, atrocious acting, plot-holes left and right, unnecessary dubbing, the list goes on and on. It was written, directed, produced, and executive-produced by Tommy Wiseau, who happened to have the lead role. It's hilariously putrid, so if you have a chance, watch it. You will be disappointed. Runners-up: Armed and Dangerous, and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.
Favorite food: close call, but I stick with Flub a Dub Chubs. Perfect burgers, dogs, and fries, usually has a Cubs game on TV, right below a bar, and I've never had to wait in a line. Close second: Kuma's corner. Possibly better selection of burgers, nice beer selection, but there's always a long line and they only play death metal. Tough decision, but I stick with the Flub.
Favorite Album: this is another tough one, since nothing totally blew me away. I'll go with Boxer, by the National. Something about the cool, dark music plus the lead singer's deep, deep voice is the perfect combination. Nice mix of slow jams with some up-tempo hits too. Runner-up: the Suburbs by Arcade Fire.
Favorite Song: another tough call. I'll go with 11th Dimension by Julian Casablancas. Runners-up: Crystalised by the xx (for the record, I chose this song before I realized they don't have a real drummer) and Zebra by Beach House. Once again, something about that deep voice kills me. Wonder what Freud would say about that?
Favorite Concert: I'm gonna go with seeing the Quartet for the End of Time at our old rehearsal space. Such a phenomenal piece of music, played extremely well, in an intimate atmosphere. Runner-up: seeing the CSO play Beethoven 7 (they lost points for starting the concert with Beethoven 1).
Favorite spot in Chicago: this is a strange category I just came up with. Being on the glass balconies at the Willis Tower is pretty cool, but I'm leaning towards this one little spot as you walk under Lake Shore Drive. The acoustics and lighting always remind me of being in an aquarium, as if penguins were by your side. It's hard to explain, but I'll take you there next time you visit.
Now, I probably forgot some good ones, and I apologize. To make up for any mistakes, here are some puppies I walk:
This is Lexi, a new labradoodle.
And here's this wonderful dog I only got to walk for one day, but guess what his name is? Adam C! No joke. I've always wanted to say "Adam, stop licking yourself!" and "Adam, don't sniff her butt! Inappropriate!!"
Lastly, if there were an award for cutest puppies, they'd win in a heartbeat. I believe they're half poodle/half cocker spaniel. Get ready:
Yup, this is my life. They're named Toby and Charlie. And I could probably fit one in each of my pockets.
So yeah, Chicago is great. If I think of any other good awards or things that should have been nominated, I'll let you know.
As for my reading, Homage to Catalonia was intense. Gives me a whole new perspective on Barcelona and the Spanish Civil War that I never even imagined. After that I read Brave New World for the first time since 9th grade or something, brilliant stuff. Then I went for Palahniuk's newest offering, Tell All. Interesting take on fame and aging stars who date younger men, as always very dark and graphic. Next was Less Than Zero, Bret Easton Ellis' take on a college freshman coming home for winter break and all of the crazy (and I mean crazy) shit he and his LA friends get into. Love that guy's style, barely any emotion whatsoever, almost like it's narrated by a robot. And on dad's recommendation, I tried Cold Snap by Thom Jones. Great collection of short stories, dealing with everything from Peace Corps to drug addiction to boxing to mental health to sex to suicide. Both humorous and depressing at the same time, really great stuff.
Ok, time to wrap this mega-post up. Work is good, weather is good, friends are great, everything is superb. I've been able to sample some improv comedy, some free-jazz (not money-free, more like stream-of-consciousness-free), more barbecues, lots of great everything. Go Pats!
