Stacked

Travels and work got in the way of me keeping up with everything on the tube this month, but here are the highlights:
*Nurse Jackie (Season 5) - This is probably my favorite show to binge watch. Even though this season involved more fall-out than new drama, Edie Falco continues to be worth watching.
*House of Cards (Season 2) - At the halfway mark, and the latest political crisis just doesn't hold attention like the other ones so far.
*Portlandia (Season 3) - Worth a few laughs.
*Good Wife (Season 5) - A day late watching last week's episode, I barely managed to avoid the spoilers about the big surprise. It felt like this season was in a lull until then, though I have to say, I found it pretty unbelievable, but it's also unbelievable that any attorney tries an exciting case every week.
*Simpsons (Season 25) - Back from the winter break, I begrudgingly continue the Sunday night tradition.
*Bob's Burgers (Season 5) - Also back from its break, I guess its popularity led FOX to move it to a new time slot. I am constantly forgetting leading me to catch back up on Hulu. Glad something still makes me laugh on Sundays.
*Colbert Report  - I laughed so hard at the object permanence bit about new social media zones of the morning news shows.
*Top Chef (Season 5) - Ugh. A nice reminder of why I don't watch much reality TV anymore. Is it actually getting worse, or is the contrast with good TV just getting greater?
*Bhutto - Part of Independent Lens' Women's History Month #shedocs, this is a magnificent portrait of an amazing woman and a fascinating country.
*All of Me - Another great #shedoc about a group of fat-positive women in Austin whose friendships and relationships are affected by the decision by some to undergo weight loss surgery.
*Girls (Season 3) - This season flew by way too fast. I was so sad when it was over to know I have to wait until next year for new episodes. I almost made it through one episode of Doll & Em, which I had mistakenly thought might fill the hole.
*True Detective (Season 1) - People kept talking about this and I was skeptical (nothing about the plot actually appealed to me), but then I finally took the dive and couldn't stop watching it. The philosophical ramblings of Rusty Cohle plus the portrayal of the deep South felt so real; true to the last episode.
Out in L.A. at the end of last month, I read two books set in CA. The Circle (Dave Eggers), a quicker read than the length suggests, is ok. With Inherent Vice (Thomas Pynchon), I continued my long tradition of sadly never having finished a Pynchon. I am still working on Americanah (Ngozi Adiche), which I really enjoy a lot, but have had trouble finding time to finish.

Bookbunny Black Hole

*House of Cards (Season 2) - I am still in the first 5 or 6 episodes, so I only know a couple of shockers. Lots of fun to watch mainly for the Baltimore backdrops, though this season I'm getting more drawn into the drama. I went back and re-watched the first and last episode of Season 1, too, just as a refresher.
*Portlandia (Season 3) - Is it possible to finally warm up to something after 3 seasons? I actually laughed at some of the jokes this time.
 *Compliance - Terrifying! And somehow the real story is even worse!
*Adventure Time - I am still watching this now and then when I need something short to finish knitting a row. It's nice, bite-sized background watching.
*Doc Martin - I really don't know why I tried to watch it. I think I lack the patience that British people enjoy.
*The Tudors - I still watch this from time to time when I'm desperate. I'm so close to the end, but it's just so terrible.
*Snow Patrol - A highlight of winter weather for sure is the absurdity of local newscasters trying to come up with more to say about snow. The best snippet I saw this year involved climbing onto a snow bank created by the snow shovels in order to drive home the point of how tall they are.
*Olympics - Can someone please explain to me why you can't watch the Olympics online somewhere? I would love to watch them with, say, Australian commentary. The American broadcasters are just intolerable. Why do they always assume we're rooting for America?
*Downton Abbey - I love that this was on during the Super Bowl, but I haven't been so tied to it this year. Sunday I completely forgot it was on and still haven't gone back to watch it online.
*Generation Like - I had high hopes for this Frontline, and while it was good and it led me to reading lots more of the interviews online, it somehow missed the mark because it was too focused on teenagers and the "kids these days" trope. I think it could have been a better documentary if they had broadened the focus to Internet marketing and social media more broadly. But then, maybe I'm just not a teen and not a parent and so it just didn't speak to me so much.
*Girls (Season 3)  - It's so exciting to have it back! And better than ever!
Mostly this month, my head's been stuck in all the best reads of 2013 list books that I can get the library to send me. Possibly the most deserving, which had me up all hours of the night wearing my headlamp and turning pages, was The Goldfinch. At first I thought I'd never finish all 700+ pages before it was due back, but I did finish with a week to spare because I couldn't stop reading it! This is the Story of a Happy Marriage is a collection of essays, which I don't normally enjoy, but liked quite a lot. Hyperbole and a Half is a webcomic-turned-book, quick and funny read (same goes for Alone Forever). Panopticon follows an adolescent in a group home/prison-type facility in Scotland. Clever, but not amazing.

Staycation

There's not a lot new out there, so I spent more time in movie theaters, tapping out, and catching up with friends than in front of the tube.
*Girls (Seasons 1 & 2) - I am re-watching the DVDs in preparation for the new season, which I am super excited about seeing.
*Black Books (Series 1-3) - This hilarious short British series about a misanthropic book shop owner and his wacky employee and neighbor is like finding a gem in the instant mines. It had been sitting on the queue for a while when I noticed an expiration date soon, so I'm glad I got to see it on instant while it was there.
*To Do List - Funny, but not great enough to see in the theaters.
*Dexter (Season 8)- Glad I finally made it through this series and here's hoping we see Michael C. Hall in something better soon.
*Portlandia - I only made it through hate-watching the first couple episodes.
*Adventure Time - It's like popcorn!
*Toxic Hot Seat - Really makes you not want to be sitting on your couch to watch this. A frustrating story of how lobbying leads legislation to contradict science.
*Boardwalk Empire -  It's turned from good liquor to vinegar.
*Getting On  - This show is so good; I keep looking for the British version it's based on, but I guess it's not available here.
*Treme - I am sad to see this go, though I think it's ending in a good place. The last season was great, and so far the mini-season is a fond farewell.
A Constellation of Vital Phenomena I picked up from one of the end-of-year best fiction lists and did not expect to enjoy it so much based on the setting of Chechnya, which I know next to nothing about. Its beautiful prose really enraptured me in the poignant story of a man who saves a young, precocious girl by placing in the care of a doctor who returns to Chechnya to work in a nearly-abandoned hospital.

Cold

Spending some time under the weather (and covers) meant time for more TV.
*Good Wife - The thrill of the initial episodes wore off a bit, but I am still really enjoying the new story line.
*Simpsons - What does it say that I can't really recall the last few episodes, and the announcement about a new season just made me sad? I'm mostly watching it looking forward to ...
*Bob's Burgers - I'm a sucker for toilet humor, so the Thanksgiving episode involving this was really funny. I went back and watched a few of the early episodes I somehow missed.
*Tudors (Season 3) -Jeez, how many wives does this king have anyway? Oh, right six. I think I might not make it through the last two. I wish they could have skipped some time and included more of the lady queens in the series, but I guess they weren't considered Tudors? I don't know much British royal history (obviously).
*Adventure Time - I saw one of these somewhere before, but came back to it. They're such wacky, nice bite-sized episodes.
*Miss Representation - A documentary about portrayal of women in the media and the importance of media literacy. A must-see if you have any young people in your life.
*Parks & Recreation - I gave this another go (I do enjoy a fluoride debate), but the characters and dynamics have just worn too thin.
*Colbert Report - Some really good bits on wealth inequality, and who wouldn't want Stephen over for Thanksgiving dinner?
*Frontline - A chilling documentary about domestic violence and the police.
*My Life as a Turkey - A pitch-perfect meditative reflection piece for the holiday on nature and wildlife with some truly insightful moments.
*Project Runway All Stars - Ehh...Not super exciting so far, but nice to see some familiar faces I guess.
*Boardwalk Empire - I keep putting off watching this; it just hasn't been as satisfying as I had hoped.
*Getting On - I think this one's going to be a really great one. I love when people find humor in sad circumstances.
*Treme - I caught up on this just in time for the new season. Last season was just so sad, so it was nice to see a few bright spots in this last season.
*Sarah Silverman: We are Miracles  - So funny!
Where'd You Go, Bernadette? follows a young girl trying to figure out where her mom disappeared to by piecing together emails and other information. It's a fun, quick read with some nice laugh-out-loud moments about moms. I only wish I'd read it while I was in the Pacific Northwest, where most of it is set. How Should a Person Be? is unusual; I'm only about half way through, but I'm really enjoying especially the philosophical parts. I wish I knew about her before I went to Toronto this summer!

Hurry up and Wait

Aside from a few bright spots, there's not much I'be heard about worth turning on the rabbit ears for.
*Good Wife - Off to an awesomely crazy start, this season's shaping up to be a good one.
*Simpsons - Started, but I'm too busy tapping out to notice much. The Homeland spoof was totally lost on me, and Treehouse of Horrors is always my least favorite one.
*Bob's Burgers - Also back, but only one gloriously adventurous episode so far (who doesn't love a good jab at the girl scouts?).
*Tudors (Season 2) - Forgot about this one for a while, but decided to finish out the season along with a sweater I was knitting.
*Skins (Season 7) - Well..it kind of peetered out after the first excitement to see the old friends again. I guess that's the thing about reunion shows.
*The Staircase - I kept reading online reviews raving about this, and maybe it's just dated, but I couldn't see what was so spectacular. Maybe I'll finish it out, but I am not sure I will bother.
*Project Runway - Fairly predictable result, but a fun ride nonetheless...
*Colbert Report - Oh, how could you leave us during the shutdown? I needed some laughs! I did really enjoy the PBS news anchor interview. What a funny juxtaposition.
*Frontline - As always, amazing investigations. Football and superbugs, definitely not high on my interest list, still fascinated me.
*The Waiting Room - An insightful documentary covering a day in a hospital waiting room, showing how gaps in our safety net and health insurance are handled by the compassionate caregivers of a general hospital.
*The Graduates - A bit of hopeful inspirational stories following a few latinas in their journey graduating from high school against the odds.
*Boardwalk Empire - Seems gratuitous this season, like a horror movie. A few good characters are left, and I want to give it time to warm up to the new ones, but part of me feels like giving up on it.
*Hello, Ladies - Should be "goodnight, ladies" because I fell asleep.
The Other Typist turned out a disappointment - trying to ride the wave of Mad Men-obsession with the Prohibition era, but really just not a very captivating story. Arcadia I picked up on a whim in NYC after passing it by several times before and absolutely loved it. The plot didn't appeal to me, but it's so well written and really captures something magical about youth. In the Aeroplane Over the Sea was a quick 33 1/3 I picked up after going to see Neutral Milk Hotel here in Baltimore and wondering more about the story behind the beloved record. I am not enough of a music nerd to care a whole lot about that sort of thing, but enjoyed knowing more of the mystery around the album.

Dry Season

There's not much to choose from in that final summer month, but here's what I watched and read.
*Boardwalk Empire (Season 3) - Ok, it totally came together in the last few episodes of the season. Sometimes you just have to trust the slow build.
*Project Runway - Oh, you know I can't resist it.
*Colbert Report- The Colbchella 2013 montage made the summer. Hilarious!
*Silk (Series 1) - When I was a kid, I always thought Masterpiece Theater was LAME and for old people. Well, I guess I'm now lame and old, because I am really enjoying this series. I do wish it was cut into shorter episodes, though. Who has an hour and a half to spare?
*Archer: (Season 3) - How in the world did I forget to finish this? I guess the novelty's worn off, but still pretty funny here and there.
*Brooklyn Castle - I thought this might just be a repeat of Spellbound, but it's really not. It follows a chess team from a Brooklyn school that wins national championships year after year. What's interesting, though, is following the plight of the team through State budget cuts. 
*Skins (Season 7) - I just started this but am super excited to see Effy and some favorite characters again. Who cares if it's completely unrealistic to learn high finance on a rooftop deck over a bottle of champagne? I certainly don't.
I did read a few books as well. I started out with Days of Destruction, Days of Revolt. I enjoyed the illustration, but the writing just didn't pull it together for me. Maybe I already knew a lot about the stories included and thought they could have been told better by another author. After that, I opted for some female authors. Dud Avocado is about the exploits of a young American in Paris; I put it down after it became a bit too tiresome and petty, but maybe I should give it another chance because it's well written. Dare Me lured me in with promises to reveal the "dark heart of the teenage girl's soul" through a tale about high school cheerleading. It was a page turner; a pleasurable summer read. I just got into The Other Typist about a police precinct typist during prohibition era. Like Dare Me, it's about a female friendship that ultimately leads to something bad, but I don't know what that is yet.

Floored

*Orange is the New Black - I binge-watched this entire show in a week, like everyone else. I couldn't stop. Bravo, Netflix streaming! It's not perfect, but pretty enjoyable and takes on some interesting issues  and presents some characters not often seen on TV.
*How to Make it in America - I just started this one, and it's just okay. I can see why it didn't make it for very long.
*Rectify - I picked this up after reading some really good reviews. It's a very quiet, reflective and incredibly intriguing show about a man released from death row. Even the cinematography's impressive.
*Star Trek: The Next Generation (Episode 1) - A little trip down memory lane one night I decided to watch an oldie but goodie. I didn't remember Picard being so stern. Maybe he softens later in the series.
*Boardwalk Empire (Season 3)- Boring Empire is more like it. Maybe they should have brought in more new characters at the beginning of this season after loosing so many last season.
*Pussy Riot: A Punk Prayer -  I loved this news story, and had high hopes, but the documentary was super disappointing.
*Project Runway - Ack. Terrible! They keep trying to introduce new tricks, and I just keep skipping as much of the in-show ads as I can and boil it down to a bit of the beginning, Tim's critique, and the runway.
*Two American Families - A very long, in-depth view of the economic situation for working Americans over the last quarter century, and how the economic recoveries have skipped over these two families.
*Life and Death in Assisted Living - As my grandpa says, "don't get old." Yikes!
I really enjoyed the rest of Tai Pei. It was so unusual and bizarre, it's always fun to see something so novel done in writing in our supposedly post-literary world. A Super Sad True Love Story was not super. I love a dystopia, and I don't mind imperfect characters, but I did not enjoy this book at all and I'm surprised it received so many accolades.