A Fine Line Between Stupid and Clever

The audiobook of A Fine Line Between Stupid and Clever is a final gift from Rob Reiner. Read by the author, it seemingly answers every question a person (ahem, fan) would have about how Spinal Tap came together. What were the inspirations for all of the lyrics, all of the licks, all of the schtick? Your questions have been answered. Or mine, at least. The first few chapters made me want to break out the index cards and string to map out the connections between people. So much fun. Confession: I talk to myself sometimes while listening to audiobooks in the car. During one of my last books, "Next of Kin" by Gabrielle Hamilton, I groaned "You must hate me". None of that for this book. It's a hearty and Valley-inflected "Oh my GOD!" "Oh my GOD!" as each new and fascinating tidbit is revealed. No actual music is in the book, but it lives in my heart and possibly yours as well.

Year end photos!

This was the view from my bed this morning.

And from my sofa this evening.

Let's Bring Back The Book!

I'll admit it. The Internet is my favorite toy. I can't be apart from it for very long. It's my binkie.

But remember books? Those objects I keep buying and not finishing? This is the year. I want to finish books I've half-read. I want to buy books and not feel guilty. I want to reread a few things (because I have a brief attention span).

I'm starting my resolution by cheating. I read this first book before the first of the year:

Read this book and you will know more about Darrell Hammond than you ever wanted to. I say that not because he isn't interesting. He's fascinating. That someone survives a childhood as frightening as his and is able to function at all in society is remarkable. And except for the amazing focus he develops in his work, little of his adult life, fame included, seems at all enviable. His successes often turn into horrifying messes of his own making. His vulnerability to his demons leads to awful, sorrowful stories. I will always worry for him now, despite how well he seems to be doing.

Whoa. Hard first book.