SteveCook.net

In the magazines/school-supplies/cleaning-supplies aisle of Albertson’s down the block, they have a rack of paper-back books.  Over the past couple years, they consistently have a David Sedaris book.  I know this because I remember seeing “Me Talk Pretty One Day” for months – and laughing every time I saw it.  But I never bought it.  I also saw “Naked” and “When Engulfed in Flames” – and I never bought those either.

When Uncle Alan would visit us here in Albuquerque, he’d occasionally ask (okay I think twice in 5 visits, but  he did ask) if I read any David Sedaris.  My response was the same both times he asked: “Oh yeah – I’ve seen those books – but no, I haven’t read any.”

A few weeks ago I was at a Barnes and Noble and they had a sale (buy 1 get on at half price) and I picked up a book that I wanted, and searched for one that I’d get for half price.  BOOM – When Engulfed In Flames.  I started reading it the next day, and laughed my (large) butt off.  He’s really funny – in a sometimes subtle, sometimes blunt way.  He uses words to give a very funny picture of situations and events.

I finally picked up “Me Talk Pretty One Day” and read it quickly as well – and I laughed more than I did reading WEIF.

The next time I see a David Sedaris book at the grocery store – I’ll pick it up

Over the past couple weeks I was recommended a couple of shows, and I finally decided to check them out.  I had actually never heard of either one (or more likely, I’d seen their ads multiple times, but was reading or working or just not paying attention), so I never even thought of watching/tivo-ing them.  Thanks to NetFlix (and a couple other online “methods”), I was able to see the first couple seasons of each, and they were very entertaining.

The first show, Leverage, with Timothy Hutton, is a “Con-Artists go Good” show (ala A-Team), that is a LOT like the U.K. show “Hustle”. I enjoyed Hustle, but I think the back story for the characters in Leverage is better, and the shows stick together a bit more.  I enjoyed both seasons.

The second show is Sons of Anarchy.  How in the WORLD did I miss the first season of this show?!  It’s like a Sopranos meets Hell’s Angels.  It’s an amazing show – very well written and very well acted – on par with Breakin’ Bad – I don’t know why they don’t have any Emmy nominations.    If you liked The Sopranos, you’ll really enjoy Sons of Anarchy as well.  The second season started a few weeks ago, and it’s getting very intense.

On a side note, my half-day on the set of Breaking Bad went swimmingly. As an “Extra w/ car”, my job was pretty simple – walk down the street a bunch of times – sometimes talking (without making any noise), and sometimes alone.  And definitely not taking notice of the two DEA agents discussing something in a Jeep.  So, on episode 3 of season 3, keep an eye out for a dude in khakis and a light blue shirt walking with a back-pack and talking (but not).  You may even be able to see the back of the 355 in the distance.

The crew of Breaking Bad – totally awesome.  The set I was on only had a couple of the famous actors (Just Hank and Gomez pretty much) and the rest of the crew, but it was very well organized.  The AD (that’s movie speak for an assistant director) in charge of “herding the extras” was really nice and helped us a lot. She mentioned that I’d be surprised at how many people can’t walk and NOT look at the camera and actors. She also answered a lot of questions and was really nice throughout the morning.  If the casting company calls for more extras – I’m there.  Janet was a bit sad that she didn’t get called, but they’ve got more episodes to shoot, so hopefully she’ll get the chance.   Oh, and I made a whopping $89 bucks!  BOOYAH! PURE PROFIT!