I Love Her and Cigarettes So Much...

Sharing is caring... or so they say? So, on this frigid Thursday night, I'm here to share a few of my favorite things from the past few weeks.

Basically, what they call "recommendations".

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The Alcoholic (2009) - Jonathan Ames (Author) | Dean Haspiel (Illustrator)

A very kind new friend lent me this interesting biographical-drama graphic novel. Written by HBO Series Bored To Death writer Jonathan Ames, The Alcoholic explores the life, adventures, hardships and drunken, blackout mistakes of the self-titled character. This book is not your average graphic novel; no superpowers or nut-case villains (well, maybe some) are to be found here. Ames simply lays his (obviously glorified) life as an alcoholic on the line for all to read. There are parts that will make you chuckle, but for the most part, this ain't sunshine comedy. This is dark stuff about a man's dark troubles with alcoholism. You'll read about Ames losing everything from his family, his love, his hair, and his job ... and then you'll read about his compulsion with rehabbing himself back to consciousness, only to repeat this cycle. For such a short read (about 2 hours or so), Jonathan's story will force you to take a look at your own life and shortcomings with a new perspective; through the eyes of someone who continues to lose it all.

In simple terms, The Alcoholic is dark, honest, and strangely inspirational. Enjoy!
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Cheap Girls - Find Me a Drink Home (2008) and My Roaring 20's (2009)

Cheap Girls is that band that you are too cool to listen to; trust me, I understand. But listen to me when I say this band is worth a shot. Hailing from Lansing, MI, Cheap Girls aren't breaking boundaries. They aren'y making Radiohead look like amateurs. In fact, Cheap Girls owe more to 90's super-hit alternative rock than they do to any trendy hipster band. But really, who cares? This is feel good powerpop rock with the occasional croon of heartbreak. It's good stuff. If you are into Weezer, The Get Up Kids and 90's alternative rock, give these albums a chance (particulary My Roaring 20's, oh-my-god-so-good) with an open mind and I promise these songs will hit home and stay in your head while you wait for summer.

By the way, I've been a cigarette smoker for too long and have just recently quit (3 weeks strong!). However, Cheap Girls have a song on Find Me a Drink Home called "Her and Cigarettes". The song is simply about his two loves; his girl and his cigarettes. I know this feeling all too well and appreciate the song's simplistic concept. Anyway, can't stop / won't stop listening to this song, regardless of kickin' that nasty (yet incredible and satisfyinggggg) addiction. Listen to it here.


...yeah, these dudes rule.

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Lastly, I recommend that you all be super pissed that your New York Knick David Lee got the snub of the [basketball] year. Seriously, how is this guy not an all-star? If you are interested, take a look at his numbers and compare them to other forwards on the 2010 team. Unfortunate-Lee for him, snub or not, he's going to have to use this as motivation to progress as a player. If the guy can learn to block a shot or two, he'll be a star in the league for years to come.

That's it for now.

Until next time,
-RB