The BKteN Number 9

So, it's been way longer than I've wanted since I did one of these, and I hope it has been longer than you wanted. Also, on Monday, I plan to put out a double "I've Got Issues" for the last 2 weeks. So, here's to hoping that I get on a regular schedule with this stuff. The plan is to drop a "BKteN" on Mondays, and "I've Got Issues" on Thursdays, so we'll see how long I can keep that up. So, let's get into it!

1. TAKING BACK SUNDAY - So, last summer I was able to find a common love for COHEED AND CAMBRIA with some friends, and this summer, I have been able to discover a common love for TAKING BACK SUNDAY. It has been a while since I have listened to them, but hearing them again was totally awesome. Also awesome: having access to a sound system with a microphone so that I can scream along to "Cute Without the 'E' (Cut from the Team)" to an audience of 20 of my favorite people. It was a fun experience. (Bonus points or honerable mention to screaming out "A Decade Under the Influence" at almost 4 in the morning on a drunken return to the apartment.) Also, TBS was the first nonChristian mainstream concert I went to, and it was totes awesome!

2. UP - I had been hearing about this one since it came out, and I had some high expectations for it. And like Batman did for Joker when tested in THE DARK KNIGHT, it didn't disappoint. I can admit to having teared up a few times. The story was very heavy, but at the same time, it gave me so much joy. I really cannot recommend this movie highly enough. Thinking back on it, I think this may be my favorite movie so far this year. This movie was also one of the most original movies I have seen in quite some time, and was a nice breath of fresh air. On another note, this was probably the only time that I felt like seeing the movie in 3D was actually worth it. Probably because it was not a constant case of removing and putting on the glasses, and was instead a fully 3D experience. I even forgot several times that I was seeing it in 3D because I was really immersed in the film.

3. HACK/SLASH - Almost every horror movie ends with one girl having survived the night's terror. Ever wonder what happens next? What she does? Well, look no further. HACK/SLASH is a comic series that adopts such a premise. They put new twists on horror storytelling, and also bring in classic stories (both horror and non). I've been reading through and it is very interesting. Also, it does not hurt that Cassandra Hack (half of the comic's namesake) it totally fricking hott. For a drawing. Anyway, it is a fun read, and has some great Buffyesque humor throughout.

4. THIS AMERICAN LIFE ON SHOWTIME - I've seen 3 episodes of this program now, and I am really enjoying it. The stories are definitely compelling, and it makes me want to follow the series in its audio format. All I can say is that I love Netflix for its streaming shows, which has allowed me to feel like I'm watching it for free.

5. CYANIDE AND HAPPINESS - This is just a hilarious webcomic. They are completely irreverant, and without mercy. It makes me laugh very much. Check it out. explosm.net

6. THE HANGOVER - This may have been the funniest movie I have seen this summer. I was constantly laughing, and left the theater feeling so satisfied. All three of the leads in this one were just perfectly cast, and each did their part to make this movie work perfectly. I had so much fun in this movie. I don't know what else I can really say, except, go see this movie if you have not yet. It is absolutely worth your time. See it with friends. It will make it better. You're welcome.

7. PARTY DOWN - How did STARZ luck out on getting this show? I'm not sure, but I'm glad they did. This show had its first season recently, and it was pretty excellent. The show got better as each episode progressed. The cast is fantastic, and has such a great chemistry with one another throughout. Also, the guest stars in each episode are a riot. Having seen all of VERONICA MARS, it was nice to see most of that cast turn up in roles throughout the season. The show is really funny, and I am sure if you look, you can find someplace to watch it.

8. Y: THE LAST MAN - Yorrick Brown entered into a scenario that could be cliche or overdone, or handled very poorly. In an instant, he became the last man alive on Earth. I have read the first 2 story arcs of this series, and it is pretty awesome. It actually deals with the situation in a way that could be 100% believable. Also, this is a comic series, if you didn't know. It was written and co-created by Brian K. Vaughan, who also has done some work on LOST, co-writing some of my favorite episodes of the series. This series is only 60 issues long. It is also a quick read, even by comic book standards. So, that could be appealing. Oh, also, in addition to Yorrick, there is also Ampersand, Yorrick's pet monkey, who is also a male. The two of them get brought into a search to find out why there are no men left alive, and have much to deal with.

9. THE DOG OF NASHVILLE - What food is perfect for the summer? Hot dogs! Yes, hot dogs. This is a hot dog joint in Nashville off 21st, and it is freaking awesome. I've only eaten there once, but it was delicious. Also, they do 2 for 1s on beer after 5 every day, so that is totally appealing. I want to go back there soon, and have more hot dogs. Yes. Hot dog.

10. 80s BOWLING NIGHT - This would be when a group of people plan to get together an go bowling, and dress like a stereotypical 80s decade person. Bowling is fun, and looking goofy is fun, so this should be a no brainer. I got to do this in celebration of Orientation ending for the summer, and I just had a blast. Some highlights include screaming Creed at the top of our lungs, when we put it on the juke box, and moving back to Alex's home for dancing after. This was an all around fun night. I recommend you get your friends together to do one of these sometime soon.



Here endeth the lesson.