The last one of these was pretty heavy, thanks to a necessary reminder that we should treat all people with at least a modicum of respect. So since it is Friday, I shall bring the party back to it's normal tone and provide you with this list of things that are best.
But first, one final thought I had about the Andrew Shaw situation: I think we're being a little light on the hate-crime that was committed by the guy's barber, but I guess some people will always manage to skate.
Anyways here's that list.
1. Skinny Jeans. 2. When people look at their phone in the middle of talking to you. 3. Groin injuries.
wrong list.
Here's the real one:
1. Prince.
Prince is the best. What is cool about Prince is that in today's white-washed excuse for what constitutes mainstream media, the guy was simultaneously as weird and as popular as he was.
If you look at the very small list of acts - or any media, really - that were as big as Prince, there isn't a single one of them that is even close to being as weird as he was. And if you only know that hits and aren't up on the deep cuts, then you have no clue just how weird the guy could get.
2. The Playoffs
The Playoffs are really fun. Double/Triple headers every night, a ton of bottle deposit return money and some really good hockey.
Watching Nikita Kucherov turn into a franchise player before our eyes has been the highlight for me, but the San Jose and Chicago series have both been great too.
Whether or not the Leafs make it to the Playoffs, the best part of the hockey calendar is always the first round.
3. The Americans
I missed the rest of the Blues/Hawks game last night because I wanted to watch the Americans, which I think is the best.
4. Morrissey
Morrissey is perhaps the least properly appreciated singer in the history of the world, and, I bet you guessed it, he's also the best.
5. Reading
Specifically: my daughter, who is seven, has discovered Judy Blume and now that she can read novels on her own, is in the midst of a phase where that's all she wants to do. Yesterday she just came into my room with her book and wanted to read together. I finished the new Stephen King - he is also the best, consistently great even though he has over fifty books out. She finished Fudge Takes a Bath or whatever it's called. It was the highlight of my week, for sure.
Suffice to say, it was a great time and I am really excited that at least one of my kids seems to have inherited my love of reading. I've never been able to understand why more people aren't into novels.
Incidentally, I wrote a book. It's unlikely I'll find a publisher - since it's probably pretty weird - but I've been working on it off and on for six or seven years and it's somewhat exciting to be on the verge of finishing it.
6. The Coyotes I think getting to cover a hockey team for a part of my living is the best, but it's even better when the team is on the verge of being exciting.
After several years of losing and questionable moves by Don Maloney, the Coyotes are ready to be an interesting team. They have OEL, Duclair, Domi, a top pick in the draft and Dylan Strome. Plus a new GM! Things are looking up, finally.
7. Townes van Zandt
No explanation required.
Last night's performance by Malkin, grapefruits, sandwiches, late career Liam Neeson, especially the film Non-Stop, the movie Pay chack, finding out you owe less than half what you thought your tax bill was going to be, Merlot, and stopping at the record store on Fridays.
Thanks for reading.