Book- “Hope: A Tragedy” by Shalom Auslander In this hysterically depressing novel, Auslander’s main character Solomon Kugel discovers a long-thought deceased icon of Jewish suffering taking refuge in his attic and considers if it’s time to just forget the past.

Movie- “A Christmas Story” One day a year I brine myself in 24 hours of “A Christmas Story.” The great thing about this movie is that no matter when during the film I fall asleep, nor how many times I succumb, I can wake, glance at the TV to see Ralphie with his Red Ryder BB gun and know that all is right in the world.

TV- “Arrested Development” The original series from 2003 to 2006 was expertly-written. Tobias’ Never Nude cut-offs, Gob’s magic illusions (tricks are something a whore does for money), and Buster’s simple complexity, set up Michael’s best lines and perfect pauses in a quirky, and sometimes slightly dirty, sort of way. The netflix original episodes are “eh,” but still worth the watch.

Music- “Suedehead” This L.A.-based soul-pop band is reminiscent of the mod revival bands of the ‘70s and ‘80s, especially with their tracks “Small Town Hero” and “I Believe in Love.” Get this message to Rudie: Check out Suedehead.

Game- “Street Hoops” I am not good at many things, but I can get a beat-up basketball in a moving hoop from three feet away. Minimum scores take you to subsequent levels and eventually to the “play-off series.” I’m not “YouTube” good, but when I leave Chuck E. Cheese, my score is the high score.