Christmas Haul/2005 in Review
Dec. 26th, 2005 12:52 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
thehefnerYou know, there really should be some sort of law against springing bad news on a person before they've had breakfast. That off-handed insult or unwelcome bit of mail or daily irritation is a million times worse on an empty stomach within the first couple hours after waking. It can ruin your whole day.
So instead of sweating it, I'm just gonna chill and focus on the things I have. Namely, my newly-acquired material goods thanks to my father, who was particularly generous. Plus, Mom got me socks, boxers, and beef jerky. Always good. Oh, and silk Playboy boxers, since I need to live up to the family legacy and all. Which means I need to begin banging three utterly vapid scrubbed blondes on a reality show. But it wasn't just clothes and dried animal flesh for Heffie, no sir!
(bear in mind, Amazon hasn't yet shipped these, but I still wanna rant about 'em anyway)
FUCK. YEAH.
My all-time favorite musical as it was meant to be heard, live. With original Russian Tommy Korberg! I've only heard one track, the live version of "Endgame," which is the best version of that song I've ever heard, and that was enough to justify splurging my father's money.
You might balk at the very idea of this book, but based on what all the reviewers are saying, Jerry has become seriously humbled over the years. This book apparently is a very honest look at two very flawed men who loved each other desperately, and what went wrong. Jerry's whole intention in writing this book is to show to the world that Dean was the true comic genius, while he, Jerry, was just the monkey. I really look forward to reading this one.
Also features a second CD, "Live in Lake Tahoe." What else needs to be said? Dean's the man. He just is.
And a man among men, baby. I actually already bought this, but I'd lost it seemingly beyond all hope, so I went and bought it again. This is an essential for me. It's two live shows of the Rat Pack, one CD and one DVD, but it's not about the music. They hardly get a chance to finish a number. This is them on stage, goofing around, doing their schtick (which included lots of un-PC jokes at Sammy's expense), and interacting. This is Johnny Go gold, as well as a good time to be had by all. It's pluperfectly coo-coo, baby.
One of the greatest and most beloved cult movies in England is virtually unknown here. It's nearly impossible to describe, you kinda just need to see it. But for the sake of things, here, have the back cover:
It's insane. It's Richard E. Grant goodness. As if the cover art didn't tip you off, it's a must, an absolute must, for any Hunter S. Thompson, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas fan.
Next, three films from one of Japan's greatest filmmakers. Takeshi Kitano, AKA Beat Takeshi. Who is he, you may be asking yourself? You might know him as the co-host of Spike TV's "Extreme Action Challenge", that silly Japanese game show, as well as the badass bad guy from Battle Royale.
Yeah, see that guy? See him? That guy is one hardcore ass motherfucker. Calling him the Japanese De Niro doesn't even begin to cover it. The man's a hero to Tarantino, for example, and these three films are good reasons for that.
I first heard about this movie from my brother. It's about a retired cop whose wife is dying, so he takes her out to the gardens and the beach one last time, and all the while there are men who want him dead. Seeing him go from quietly tender to quietly badass and back again is just astounding. See this. Seriously.
One of Tarantino's personal selections. Imagine, if you will, Scorcese doing a gangster movie that slowly turns into a Beatles movie. Your brain has popped a new one, right? See it.
Perhaps his most recent film, Kitano took on one of Japan's most famous icons and gave it his own spin. Not having seen any Zatoichi the Blind Assassin movies before, I rather loved this in despite of, or maybe because of, the totally fake CGI blood. The weakest of the three films, but damn if I didn't dig it.
Why couldn't I find a better picture of the SIN CITY RECUT AND EXTENDED EDITION DVD? Weird. Ah well, this was a must for me.
Fuck the Sharon Stone remake. You didn't know there was a Sharon Stone movie with this title? Good, forget I said that. According to legend, Hitchcock was something like three minutes too late to secure the rights to make this film. With all due respect to the Master, this movie out-Hitchcock's Hitchcock. This is some disturbing, scary, fucked-up shit right here. An utterly brilliant thriller, even a horror movie in a way, this one right here is an absolute must to anyone's Must See Movies list.
Because it's important.
And also, here's a Year in Review meme gacked from the incomparable![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
jellied:
[1] What did you do in 2005 that you'd never done before?
Uhh... wow, kind of a general question, isn't it? Lost my virginity is the big one I suppose. Smoked up (that silly little phase is done with, I think). Went naked on May Day. Had an actual girlfriend. Performed a lead role in a Rude Mechanicals show. Umm... if I think of anything else notable, I'd re-edit it in later.
[2] Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I'm not fool enough to make one. But that doesn't mean I still don't plan to accomplish many things.
[3] Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yep! Michelle Disney, less than a week after we performed in THE CHERRY ORCHARD together. Good timing!
[4] Did anyone close to you die?
Not this year.
[5] What countries did you visit?
I'm a kid fresh out of college. I was lucky to make it up to Jersey!
[6] What would you like to have in 2006 that you lacked in 2005?
Common sense and dignity.
[7] What date(s) from 2005 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
February 12th: Misty, Dave, and I go see the Rudes' Comedy of Errors. Tammy is also there, which sends me into a tizzy for about the first act, then it's all good. My father calls me up, drunk and hateful, and for the first time I utterly explode at him. After a dubious cast party, we go back to my house. Misty and I are the first ones to sleep in my new queen-size bed. Waking up next to her is one of the nicest memories I have.
March 18th: After a strange and often wonderful evening of drinking, confusion, pain, laughter, and comic-book-roleplaying, Misty and I go back to my room and I lose my virginity. Then I threw up.
May 1st: Worst May Day ever.
May 3rd: Worst argument ever.
December 9th, 3:30AM: Smoking my pipe and watching the snow. One of the best moments of my life. That's what I want Heaven to be, a continuous loop of that half hour. I could happily spend eternity locked in that moment. I don't know if I shall ever see its like again.
[8] What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I think... probably Closer.
[9] What was your biggest failure?
Probably somewhere in between giving into temptation, being a big stupid male, and not knowing when to give the fuck up.
[10] Did you suffer any illness or injury?
My ego took a pretty good bruising, my pride is down for the count, and even I kinda kicked my self-esteem in the balls.
Oh, and I had one nasty ass flu.
[11] What was the best thing you bought?
No one particular thing comes to mind. Weird, as I am a Capitalist Whore.
[12] Whose behavior merited celebration?
The entire cast and crew of CLOSER... yes, all four of them (plus Jaki, Josh, and the Rudes Board of course), without whom one of my dream shows would have never reached fruition, and certainly not under my leadership.
[13] Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
The usual suspects- Misty, Clancy, my father, Richards, myself.
[14] Where did most of your money go?
Whores! Glorious, glorious whores! Plus the usual comics, DVDs, restaurant food (Caltort and Subway being the biggest recipients).
[15] What did you get really, really, really excited about?
SIN CITY. That was like a huge fucking event for me, there.
[16] What song will always remind you of 2005?
"Best of You," Foo Fighters.
[17] Compared to this time last year, are you
i. Happier or sadder? Happier. I wish the shit that went down hadn't, I wish I could have gotten what I didn't, I wish it could all have been made better if I tried hard enough. But none of that happened, so I dealt with it and I'm good again. Ready for further punishment, as Matt Greoning said.
ii. Thinner or fatter? Ten pounds fatter, I think. I'd kinda like to slim back down, but many people seem to prefer me to not be as thin as I was last year.
iii. Richer or poorer? Poorer. Into the high negatives, at one point.
[18] What do you wish you'd done more of?
Writing.
[19] What do you wish you'd done less of?
Worrying/pining.
[20] How will you be spending christmas?
Already did. Don't you read my LJ, Mr. Meme?
[22] Did you fall in love in 2005?
Insofar as I have personally come to understand love, yes. Yes, I did. Was it True Love? I doubt it. But it was love, and it was deep.
[23] How many one-night stands?
You might count my virginity loss as one.
[24] What was your favorite TV program?
Justice League Unlimited. Hands down.
[25] Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Clancy. It would have been easier not to if I didn't see his father's (and of course, his) name plastered in every book/movie/video game store I went into. But even that was irritation and frustration, not hatred. I don't think I've ever truly hated anyone.
[26] What was the best book you read?
Actual Novel: Hearts in Atlantis, by Stephen King. (Runner-Up: Black House, by King and Peter Straub)
Graphic Novel: The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck, Don Rosa.
[27] What was your greatest musical discovery?
Emm Gryner. If only for giving me a great Hefner Monologue.
[28] What did you want and get?
To produce CLOSER.
[29] What did you want and not get?
The girl. Ah well.
[30] What was your favorite film of this year?
Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang. And it was a *great* year.
[31] What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I don't think I did anything. It was just a typical day at college for me turning 22.
[32] What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Less drama. People, including myself, cooling the fuck down.
[33] how would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2005?
Frayed Metrosexual (wearing the same Metrosexual clothes a year after I bought them, so they're no longer new and stylish, but still kinda gay).
[34] What kept you sane?
Writing and acting. Acting lets me put it all out there, push me to the brink. Writing is what brings me back again. I honestly do not know if I'd have been able to cope with any of it if it weren't for Bub and Johnny Go and the Hefner Monologues. I really don't.
[35] Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Scarlett Johanssen when she's not all glamored-up. I completely lose all interest in even the most beautiful women once they leave the realm of down-to-earth and get gussied up in million-dollar dresses under caked makeup.
[36] What political issue stirred you the most?
It's horrible, but I've just been overtaken by political apathy after all the bullshit.
[37] Who did you miss?
My friends from WAC.
[38] Who was the best new person you met?
Lea.
[39] Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2005:
Sometimes, you have to let the wookie win.
[40] Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
"I'm walkin' down that long, lonesome road, babe
Where I'm bound, I can't tell
But goodbye's too good a word, gal
So I'll just say fare thee well
I ain't sayin' you treated me unkind
You could have done better but I don't mind
You just kinda wasted my precious time
But don't think twice, it's all right."
- Bob Dylan, "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right."
So instead of sweating it, I'm just gonna chill and focus on the things I have. Namely, my newly-acquired material goods thanks to my father, who was particularly generous. Plus, Mom got me socks, boxers, and beef jerky. Always good. Oh, and silk Playboy boxers, since I need to live up to the family legacy and all. Which means I need to begin banging three utterly vapid scrubbed blondes on a reality show. But it wasn't just clothes and dried animal flesh for Heffie, no sir!
(bear in mind, Amazon hasn't yet shipped these, but I still wanna rant about 'em anyway)
FUCK. YEAH.
My all-time favorite musical as it was meant to be heard, live. With original Russian Tommy Korberg! I've only heard one track, the live version of "Endgame," which is the best version of that song I've ever heard, and that was enough to justify splurging my father's money.
You might balk at the very idea of this book, but based on what all the reviewers are saying, Jerry has become seriously humbled over the years. This book apparently is a very honest look at two very flawed men who loved each other desperately, and what went wrong. Jerry's whole intention in writing this book is to show to the world that Dean was the true comic genius, while he, Jerry, was just the monkey. I really look forward to reading this one.
Also features a second CD, "Live in Lake Tahoe." What else needs to be said? Dean's the man. He just is.
And a man among men, baby. I actually already bought this, but I'd lost it seemingly beyond all hope, so I went and bought it again. This is an essential for me. It's two live shows of the Rat Pack, one CD and one DVD, but it's not about the music. They hardly get a chance to finish a number. This is them on stage, goofing around, doing their schtick (which included lots of un-PC jokes at Sammy's expense), and interacting. This is Johnny Go gold, as well as a good time to be had by all. It's pluperfectly coo-coo, baby.
One of the greatest and most beloved cult movies in England is virtually unknown here. It's nearly impossible to describe, you kinda just need to see it. But for the sake of things, here, have the back cover:
It's insane. It's Richard E. Grant goodness. As if the cover art didn't tip you off, it's a must, an absolute must, for any Hunter S. Thompson, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas fan.
Next, three films from one of Japan's greatest filmmakers. Takeshi Kitano, AKA Beat Takeshi. Who is he, you may be asking yourself? You might know him as the co-host of Spike TV's "Extreme Action Challenge", that silly Japanese game show, as well as the badass bad guy from Battle Royale.
Yeah, see that guy? See him? That guy is one hardcore ass motherfucker. Calling him the Japanese De Niro doesn't even begin to cover it. The man's a hero to Tarantino, for example, and these three films are good reasons for that.
I first heard about this movie from my brother. It's about a retired cop whose wife is dying, so he takes her out to the gardens and the beach one last time, and all the while there are men who want him dead. Seeing him go from quietly tender to quietly badass and back again is just astounding. See this. Seriously.
One of Tarantino's personal selections. Imagine, if you will, Scorcese doing a gangster movie that slowly turns into a Beatles movie. Your brain has popped a new one, right? See it.
Perhaps his most recent film, Kitano took on one of Japan's most famous icons and gave it his own spin. Not having seen any Zatoichi the Blind Assassin movies before, I rather loved this in despite of, or maybe because of, the totally fake CGI blood. The weakest of the three films, but damn if I didn't dig it.
Why couldn't I find a better picture of the SIN CITY RECUT AND EXTENDED EDITION DVD? Weird. Ah well, this was a must for me.
Fuck the Sharon Stone remake. You didn't know there was a Sharon Stone movie with this title? Good, forget I said that. According to legend, Hitchcock was something like three minutes too late to secure the rights to make this film. With all due respect to the Master, this movie out-Hitchcock's Hitchcock. This is some disturbing, scary, fucked-up shit right here. An utterly brilliant thriller, even a horror movie in a way, this one right here is an absolute must to anyone's Must See Movies list.
Because it's important.
And also, here's a Year in Review meme gacked from the incomparable
jellied:[1] What did you do in 2005 that you'd never done before?
Uhh... wow, kind of a general question, isn't it? Lost my virginity is the big one I suppose. Smoked up (that silly little phase is done with, I think). Went naked on May Day. Had an actual girlfriend. Performed a lead role in a Rude Mechanicals show. Umm... if I think of anything else notable, I'd re-edit it in later.
[2] Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I'm not fool enough to make one. But that doesn't mean I still don't plan to accomplish many things.
[3] Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yep! Michelle Disney, less than a week after we performed in THE CHERRY ORCHARD together. Good timing!
[4] Did anyone close to you die?
Not this year.
[5] What countries did you visit?
I'm a kid fresh out of college. I was lucky to make it up to Jersey!
[6] What would you like to have in 2006 that you lacked in 2005?
Common sense and dignity.
[7] What date(s) from 2005 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
February 12th: Misty, Dave, and I go see the Rudes' Comedy of Errors. Tammy is also there, which sends me into a tizzy for about the first act, then it's all good. My father calls me up, drunk and hateful, and for the first time I utterly explode at him. After a dubious cast party, we go back to my house. Misty and I are the first ones to sleep in my new queen-size bed. Waking up next to her is one of the nicest memories I have.
March 18th: After a strange and often wonderful evening of drinking, confusion, pain, laughter, and comic-book-roleplaying, Misty and I go back to my room and I lose my virginity. Then I threw up.
May 1st: Worst May Day ever.
May 3rd: Worst argument ever.
December 9th, 3:30AM: Smoking my pipe and watching the snow. One of the best moments of my life. That's what I want Heaven to be, a continuous loop of that half hour. I could happily spend eternity locked in that moment. I don't know if I shall ever see its like again.
[8] What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I think... probably Closer.
[9] What was your biggest failure?
Probably somewhere in between giving into temptation, being a big stupid male, and not knowing when to give the fuck up.
[10] Did you suffer any illness or injury?
My ego took a pretty good bruising, my pride is down for the count, and even I kinda kicked my self-esteem in the balls.
Oh, and I had one nasty ass flu.
[11] What was the best thing you bought?
No one particular thing comes to mind. Weird, as I am a Capitalist Whore.
[12] Whose behavior merited celebration?
The entire cast and crew of CLOSER... yes, all four of them (plus Jaki, Josh, and the Rudes Board of course), without whom one of my dream shows would have never reached fruition, and certainly not under my leadership.
[13] Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
The usual suspects- Misty, Clancy, my father, Richards, myself.
[14] Where did most of your money go?
Whores! Glorious, glorious whores! Plus the usual comics, DVDs, restaurant food (Caltort and Subway being the biggest recipients).
[15] What did you get really, really, really excited about?
SIN CITY. That was like a huge fucking event for me, there.
[16] What song will always remind you of 2005?
"Best of You," Foo Fighters.
[17] Compared to this time last year, are you
i. Happier or sadder? Happier. I wish the shit that went down hadn't, I wish I could have gotten what I didn't, I wish it could all have been made better if I tried hard enough. But none of that happened, so I dealt with it and I'm good again. Ready for further punishment, as Matt Greoning said.
ii. Thinner or fatter? Ten pounds fatter, I think. I'd kinda like to slim back down, but many people seem to prefer me to not be as thin as I was last year.
iii. Richer or poorer? Poorer. Into the high negatives, at one point.
[18] What do you wish you'd done more of?
Writing.
[19] What do you wish you'd done less of?
Worrying/pining.
[20] How will you be spending christmas?
Already did. Don't you read my LJ, Mr. Meme?
[22] Did you fall in love in 2005?
Insofar as I have personally come to understand love, yes. Yes, I did. Was it True Love? I doubt it. But it was love, and it was deep.
[23] How many one-night stands?
You might count my virginity loss as one.
[24] What was your favorite TV program?
Justice League Unlimited. Hands down.
[25] Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Clancy. It would have been easier not to if I didn't see his father's (and of course, his) name plastered in every book/movie/video game store I went into. But even that was irritation and frustration, not hatred. I don't think I've ever truly hated anyone.
[26] What was the best book you read?
Actual Novel: Hearts in Atlantis, by Stephen King. (Runner-Up: Black House, by King and Peter Straub)
Graphic Novel: The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck, Don Rosa.
[27] What was your greatest musical discovery?
Emm Gryner. If only for giving me a great Hefner Monologue.
[28] What did you want and get?
To produce CLOSER.
[29] What did you want and not get?
The girl. Ah well.
[30] What was your favorite film of this year?
Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang. And it was a *great* year.
[31] What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I don't think I did anything. It was just a typical day at college for me turning 22.
[32] What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Less drama. People, including myself, cooling the fuck down.
[33] how would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2005?
Frayed Metrosexual (wearing the same Metrosexual clothes a year after I bought them, so they're no longer new and stylish, but still kinda gay).
[34] What kept you sane?
Writing and acting. Acting lets me put it all out there, push me to the brink. Writing is what brings me back again. I honestly do not know if I'd have been able to cope with any of it if it weren't for Bub and Johnny Go and the Hefner Monologues. I really don't.
[35] Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Scarlett Johanssen when she's not all glamored-up. I completely lose all interest in even the most beautiful women once they leave the realm of down-to-earth and get gussied up in million-dollar dresses under caked makeup.
[36] What political issue stirred you the most?
It's horrible, but I've just been overtaken by political apathy after all the bullshit.
[37] Who did you miss?
My friends from WAC.
[38] Who was the best new person you met?
Lea.
[39] Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2005:
Sometimes, you have to let the wookie win.
[40] Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
"I'm walkin' down that long, lonesome road, babe
Where I'm bound, I can't tell
But goodbye's too good a word, gal
So I'll just say fare thee well
I ain't sayin' you treated me unkind
You could have done better but I don't mind
You just kinda wasted my precious time
But don't think twice, it's all right."
- Bob Dylan, "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right."
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2005-12-26 06:05 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-12-26 06:08 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-12-27 06:43 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-12-26 07:59 pm (UTC)Can't believe I forgot.
no subject
Date: 2005-12-26 08:09 pm (UTC)Have you seen their follow-up, HOW TO GET AHEAD IN ADVERTISING? I was about to get it too, but I wanted to wait and get the special Criterion Collection version.
no subject
Date: 2005-12-26 08:16 pm (UTC)So I looked it up.
no subject
Date: 2005-12-26 08:24 pm (UTC)Of course, I *have* been tempted to go fishing with a shotgun...
no subject
Date: 2005-12-27 04:45 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-12-27 04:30 pm (UTC)The worst/best part is that isn't the first time I've vomited after a sexual encounter, which will also be going in there.
no subject
Date: 2005-12-27 07:46 pm (UTC)