I’ve been gone for a few days, eh? I’ve even considered placing the blog on an official hiatus since only four people read, but for now I am going to keep plugging away purely for my own benefit, which is probably the point, anyway. To be honest, I’m in a lot of pain right now, battling depression to the greatest extent I ever have, which is really saying something. That makes it really hard to be thankful for things, but I’m going to try, and hopefully I won’t get fired from my job before I can get healthy enough to be a real person again, or at least half a person.
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#16. Take Shelter
This movie was stunning. I could feel it, even through the pain of recent days. Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain were revelatory, giving performances of tremendous nuance and beauty. It was also, for its flaws, such a beautifully healthy marriage, which you almost never see in film. (Although, the trailer makes it seem like that’s not the case.)
The themes of mental illness and isolation in this movie, as well as the worry about becoming the same as a mentally ill parent, hit so close to home. Yet, it was comforting instead of overwhelming to see themes I feel lately projected before me.
One of the best films I’ve seen in a long time, while never giving away too much at one time. I wouldn’t be able to set up the film as well as the really well-crafted trailer lays it out, so just watch that if you’re curious:
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#17. The Gods Themselves – Isaac Asimov
“Against stupidity, the gods themselves contend in vain.” – Friedrich Schiller
A brilliant book by the man with the most prolific science fiction writing career of all time. His grasp of issues was way ahead of his time, in so many ways.
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#18. Community
A new episode may never air again, but I’ll always cherish the seasons we have. Until it is officially cancelled (it’s still just on hiatus, right?), it’s my favorite show on television.
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#19. Jeremy Lin
I’m a Knicks fan. Have been since my emergence from the womb. So, obviously I love watching this story unfold. This kid is electric.
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#20. Emily
My wife is the best. That’s all there is to it.