Book: “In Cold Blood” – Truman Capote – With his knack for capturing vivid emotions, Capote easily created the most interesting first-hand account of history I’ve ever read. Throughout the manhunt and trial of two men that killed a rural Kansas family, Capote took meticulous notes, eventually compiling them to create a book widely regarded as the best of its kind.
Movie: “I Heart Huckabees”– “Huckabees” is a movie that’s hard to describe, with a complex plot that’s worth the confusion. It includes Dustin Hoffman, as an existential detective, Mark Wahlberg, as an anti-petroleum firefighter, Jude Law, as a self-centered executive, and Jason Schwartzman, as a troubled environmentalist/poet, all colliding to create a philosophically mind-blowing movie. Wahlberg’s performance alone is enough to make this an instant classic.
TV: “Third Rock From the Sun”– This late 90s sitcom is centered on a group of extraterrestrials disguised as a family, sent to Earth to observe the behavior of humans. John Lithgow plays the charmingly childish “High Commander” and leader of the family, with an adorable, young, long-haired Joseph Gordon-Levitt playing his genius human “son.”
Music: “When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold” – Atmosphere– This hip-hop group from Minnesota consists of rapper, Slug, and producer, Ant. Their fifth studio album, “When Life Gives You Lemons…,” combines Slug’s story-telling lyrics and Ant’s powerful production to create almost an hour of compelling tales of life. My top songs: “Puppets,” “Shoulda Known,” “Your Glasshouse,” and “Guarantees.”
Game: Super Smash Bros. (N64)– There have been many sequels to this classic fighting game, but none come close to the original. Nothing beats the initial lineup, including my personal favorite: Link. Alongside Link are: Samus, Fox McCloud, Donkey Kong, and several others. Eventually, you are able to unlock Captain Falcon, Ness, Luigi, and the ever-useless Jiggleypuff. But most importantly, nothing beats “FAAALCON PUNCH!”
