1) Bon Iver's For Emma, Forever Ago. I mean, just look at that brooding genius. I thought that nothing but bad things come from disgruntled men retreating to isolated cabins in the woods by themselves for long stretches of time (see: The Unabomber). This, however, is 33:52 of pure bliss. I liked it so much I went out and picked up his new EP Bloodbank as well. Good stuff there too.
2) The brief window of time between one's fantasy draft and the start of the season. Every year I feel invincible, like I've compiled the best fantasy team in the history of nerd-dom. Then the season starts and it all falls apart.
3) The Cool Kids' The Bake Sale. Critics are apparently calling it "hipster rap." I call it funny. These guys from Chicago rap about things that other rappers aren't willing to touch. Like how cool their bikes are. And having vintage Jordan V's. And buying a pager. In 2008, not 1992.
4) Frederick Buechner's The Sacred Journey. I've heard a lot of good things about Beuchner, but this memoir of his early years is fantastic (and it checks in at just over 100 pages). He writes prose like poetry.
5) Six Feet Under. Darcy and I are just about through the first season and I'm really liking this show. It's got all kinds of complex family dynamics going on, it's the best portrayal of a gay character that I've ever seen in the media anywhere, and it's rife with existential anxiety. Talk about compelling television. I'm glad we've got four more seasons to enjoy.
