MetroDad Recommends

Things are still a little hectic here at Casa Metro.  However, we'll have a lot of good stuff coming up later this week, including a guest post from the BossLady, some new Peanut photos, and a post about extra-marital blogging.  Meanwhile, here are a few things that I've been enjoying lately...

Film: "Little Miss Sunshine"

This dysfunctional-family road movie just might be my favorite film of the year.  The writing, the acting and the pacing are perfectly restrained in this touchingly beautiful film that centers around the understanding that a family is a wildly imperfect machine, made up of ill-fitting components and prone to malfunctions.  However, at the end of the day, your family is always going to be your family.  The ensemble cast includes Alan Arkin, Toni Collette, Greg Kinnear, and Steve Carell.  Seriously, run and go see this film.  It's totally weird, subversive, touching, and heartfelt...all at the same time.  The BossLady and I saw it on Saturday night and we were practically in tears.

Literature: "Absurdistan"

This novel by Gary Shteyngart follows his remarkable debut work, "The Russian Debutante's Daughter."  His latest effort follows Misha Vainberg, son of the 1,238th-richest man in Russia and lover of large portions of food and drink, rap music, and his Latina girlfriend whom he longs to rejoin in New York, if only the American INS would grant him a visa. Unfortunately, they won't and Misha remains stuck in Russia, dreaming of his beloved girlfriend, the South Bronx, and the freedom and lunacy of modern-day America.  I'm only halfway through the novel.  However, it's always fascinating to read a young writer who writes like a heavyweight and just might be able to back it up.  Whether you love him or hate him, Shteyngart is definitely one of the more interesting young novelists of our time. 

Music:  The Raconteurs

I have to admit that I never really LOVED The White Stripes.  Some of their music showed signs of brilliance but I always found them to be wildly inconsistent.  That being said, I love Jack White's newest side-project, The Raconteurs.  Their album "Broken Boy Soliders" is an amazing admixture of all the music that influenced the band's members since they were young:  rock-blues, Cat Stevens, acid rock, Neil Young, British pop, Steppenwolf, David Bowie and Smashing Pumpkins.  I just downloaded it recently and I think it might end up being my favorite album of the summer.

Eating:  Hibachi Grill

Like every other red-blooded American male, I love grilling food on a barbecue.  However, my lack of a backyard means that I can only barbecue on my building's communal roof deck.  And although I do this fairly regularly, it's always a hassle to prep/cook/clean for only two people.  This summer, I've fallen back in love with our old-school, gas-powered, indoor, cast-iron mini-Hibachi grill.  These are practically a staple in every Korean household.  And though most Asians traditionally have used these during the winter months to make hearty stews, teppanyaki or shabu-shabu, I've been using ours every single day to cook virtually everything: Korean barbecue, grilled scallops, roasted garlic, broiled shrimp, and pork bellies.  It's like a tailgate party every night. 

Sports:  Old Men in a Young Man's Game

When men like myself reach a certain age, they come to accept the fact that some of their childhood dreams may never come to fruition.  At the age of 37, my dream of playing shortstop for the NY Mets ended a long time ago.  The bones I broke in my foot act up on cold days.  My torn rotator cuff prevents me from even scratching my back.  And years of playing tennis on east coast hardcourts have left permanent knots in my back.  So what do I do?  I watch baseball and I cheer for the "old guys."  I root for 40-year-old Greg Maddux as he flirts with no-hitters for the Dodgers and continues to befuddle young hitters, using only his brain and a fastball that barely reaches 85 mph.  I root for NY Met Julio Franco, who at the age of 47 is batting close to .300 in his 22nd year in the majors!  And from the comfort of my couch, I watch and admire my fellow middle-aged compadres like Roger Clemens (44), Jamie Moyer (43), and Albert Belle (40).  Rock on, old dudes!

That's what's rocking my world these days, my friends.  What about all of you?  What are you enjoying this summer?  Got any good book/film/music recommendations? 

Comments

[Meg]

A fond memory: lighting up a Hibachi in a bridesmaid dress in the middle of a park to make burgers.

I always dress to grill, really.

[Mr. Big Dubya]

I, too, am digging The Raconteurs offering - some pretty fine stuff.

And since the only sport in which I can actually participate is golf, I must also cheer for the old guys as I sit on the couch icing my ankle and shoulder while applying a heating pad to my lower back. But I will age gracefully dammit, even if it hurts.

[Waya]

I don't know too many Asian men who love to grill, certainly not the men in my family anyway. I think they like their food prepared for them, you cook...me eat (neanderthal tone).

I'm 1/3 way in reading "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell, not summer reading choice but it's very fascinating all the same.

[CroutonBoy]

I'll second both the Raconteurs and Little Miss Sunshine...both are great.

[Sarah, Goon Squad Sarah]

Ian likes The Raconteurs too.

He was actually singing "Steady as She Goes" in the car the other day. It's a nice change from the theme song to "The Wonder Pets".

[Stuart]

I'm enjoying the new Augusten Burroughs book and the new Tom Petty CD. Both are much better than I thought they would be.

[Melissa]

Holy shit, I am not the 800th commenter. Dude, can I eat at your house?

We want to see that movie too. I love Greg Kinnear in everything I've ever seen him in.

On the old thing....well it happens to everyone. I will tell you, my shoulder kills me when the tempature changes too much. It was just too ingured not too. I can't wait to hear from the BossLady again soon. I hope your life calms down a bit.

[William]

I will check out the recomendations, except the grill. I live in Florida and I have a very nice grill in the backyeard which I can use year round. Hamburgers and Ribs for Christmas dinner.

[Maniacal]

*drool* Hibatchi BBQ!!!

Can't wait for the post from Boss Lady!

[Ian]

Love your eclectic tastes, MD. This list of what you're enjoying right now is so perfectly Metro! I love it.

[Leora]

Reading: collection of essays by Nora Ephron on aging.

Listening: new album with Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris.

Watching: too much reality TV!

[Tawnya]

Reading... hate to say it but some wonderfully trashy mystery novels that my mom sent me to get my mind off work, house hunting, etc.

Listening... Wolfmother, The Raconteurs, Joel Plasket, Ben Lee, Teagen and Sara, Panic! At The Disco, CBC Radio Three Podcasts.

Watching... old House episodes in rerun, the housing market, too much CBC Newsworld, My Super Sweet Sixteen (I can't tear myself away... it really is a bad car accident broadcast for the world to see!)

[Jason]

Reading: "A Long Way Down", Nick Hornby. Next up is "Fiasco: The American Military Adventure in Iraq" by Thomas Ricks. Curious to read his take on the war - his title is a bit obtuse.

Listening: Wolfmother and Muse have provided the soundtrack for my summer.

Watching: Believe it or not, EPL soccer. Go Liverpool!

[freezio]

Somehow, I missed Barton Fink the first time around. We rented it this past weekend, and it knocked my socks off. It's now my favorite Coen bro's film, even above Fargo.

I've got to get a hibatchi.

[Mom101]

I know I'm a "late adopter," so to speak, but Tipping Point is riveting. I'm all about the non-fiction these days.

[Oh, The Joys]

JUST saw LMS and could not stop laughing. So good.

[Phil]

Reading: Europe Central by William Vollman. An epic fever-dream about WWII. Fiction, but through the eyes of real players. I'm generally suspicious of "historical fiction", but this book puts you uncomfortably into the ethos and delusional rationales that cavorted disastrously through Europe in those years.

Geriatric sports: I can't help but notice that Randy Johnson is missing from your list..;-)

[dollymama]

I have added "Absurdistan" to the library reserve list and the movie to my Netflix cue. :) Thanks for the recommendations!

[dollymama]

oops. that's queue.....long day!

[Pickle's Papa]

I dont think you should mention 'rock' to Albert Belle. It may violate his parole.

[Glennia]

My mom used the mini cast iron Hibachi charcoal grill for years and years. In the winter, she'd be out on the back porch in a parka grilling up bulgogi and kalbi.

What not to read: I started to read "The Story of the World: History for the Classical Child" to my six year old but quickly determined that it should have been called "World History for Stupid Children Who Love Being Patronized." ("Ugga's family are nomads. Do you know what nomads are? They don't have houses to live in. They take their houses with them! Silly nomads!") We got up to the Phoenicians before my son begged me to Stop the Madness. We've opted back into the Magic Tree House series and we are both much happier for it.

Listening to: Lucinda Williams, Live at the Fillmore. Girlfriend rocks.

[ShotgunDaddy]

First, don't sell yourself short. I realize the Mets look pretty good right now, and José Reyes looks like the second coming of, I don't know, Bud Harrelson, but I'm sure they'll come back down to earth soon enough, at which point they might be in the market for a 37-year-old utility infielder -- keep the faith, brother.

I've also loved watching Clemens and Maddux and Franco, but I Albert Belle (http://tinyurl.com/4n62f) has been retired since 2000.

[L.L.]

Great recommendations, MD. I haven't seen LMS but all my friends are raving about it. And I've been loving the Raconteurs album. Meanwhile, have you listened to the new CDs by Jurassic 5 and DMX. I know you listen to rap/hip hop. Both of these are great.

[Suburban Turmoil]

I think Little Miss Sunshine is going to have to be our next Pregnancy Date Night (i.e., no liquor). Thanks for the recommendation!

[Mama Nabi]

I soooo want to see LMS - ever since I saw a preview. Since they now say that 40's is the new 30's, you're technically still 27 - I know, I said that to make ME feel better. Gawd, I wish I actually had something to recommend... but I don't think watching LN stomp around is actually considered entertainment.

[Pattie]

Glad to hear you loved LMS--it's on my must-see list. I've convinced the hubby to see it based on the draw known as Steve Carell.

You also wrote about a book on my must-read list; I read a review a few weeks ago and thought it sounded just fascinating. Hopefully I can pick up a copy soon as I'm between books.

I've actually got the Raconteurs' "Steady as She Goes" cued up for a song lyric of the day this week. Although, I have to admit, I've loved The White Stripes since I first heard them. You just don't find kick-ass bass lines like that in most groups today (RHCP notwithstanding).

Glad to know that if we ever manage to meet, we have a lot in common to talk about (I know--I shouldn't end a sentence with a preposition). Speaking of, the hubby and I are hoping to visit NYC the last week in October. Hope you and the BossLady will be around and available for a drink. :)

[Brent]

I've been listening to this band Arcade Fire and can not get enough of them. Best new band I've heard in awhile. Check 'em out.

[honglien123]

I'd never heard of Gary Shteyngart, but I will check him out. Thanks MD. These are the things I'm doing this summer:
-Psyching myself to quit my job so I can go back to school in the fall.
-Blogging to get back in the habit of writing something.
-Taking a week off and using precious vacation time/money that could be saved for when I'm unemployed to take my hubby and kids somewhere fun before my Little Goose starts kindergarten and the rest of her life.
-Reading The Cloud Atlas by Liam Callanan

[Deanna]

Film: "The Island", with Ewan McGregor (ahh, Ewan) and Scarlett Johanssen. It got panned by critics, but I actually enjoyed it quite a bit. It's on DVD now.

Literature: re-reading "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" - now available in paperback!

Music: the soundtrack to "Cars" - the Munchkin enjoys the Rascal Flatts' cover of "Life is a Highway."

[enygma]

I'm really digging Sufjan Stevens at the moment.

[sweatpantsmom]

Once, in college, we used a Hibachi to cook a turkey. Okay, we were drunk but it still tasted good.

I just got back from Japan where I had the most amazing grilled meals. For a carnivore like me, the sight of big hunks of beef cooking right before my eyes is tantamount to a holy sighting.

[landismom]

I'm pretty sure you jinxed the Mets by writing this post. How else do you explain the fact that they are being trounced by the Phils for the second consecutive game?

[Her Bad Mother]

The Coma, Alex Garland.

With you on the Raconteurs.

With you on Little Sunshine.

Food? I've been licking up WonderBaby's leftovers, or ordering in sashimi. Maybe I do need a Hibachi.

[s@bd]

Now why didn't I think of getting a BBQ for inside the house?!

GENIUS! PURE GENIUS!!

[concha]

meat. grill. good.

oh, and been listening to franz ferdinand and art brut. diggin on art brut.

[Richard]

Check out the new Keane CD. Even better than the first one.

[BossLady]

I second the Alex Garland recommendation. Just finished the Beach and I'm still on the adrenaline high. Currently, I'm trying to convince MD that we must go to Thailand.

[misfithausfrau]

Baby Girl sings "Steady as She Goes" in the car and does a mean air guitar solo!

[mo-wo]

Extra marital blogging? Is Boss Lady now available for bookings?? I am keen to arrange a guest post for ME, me ME! Especially if you can cater some of those scallops at publish time.

and, Alan Arkin? SOLD.

[mrs mogul]

Umm you know I HAVEN'T HAD TIME TO GO TO THE MOVIES!!! Been busy with the kid...It's just rentals for now, (IF I GET THE CHANCE!!) hey we're the same age!! I was always a Yankees girl even though I should have gone with Mets being a Queens girl and all..

[IFLYG]

I've been reading "Fox in Socks" by Dr. Seuss. Out loud. Over, and over, and over, and over, and over...

[Sassy]

Well we saw the film Brick last night with the guy from 3rd Rock from the Sun who I raved about in Mysterious Skin last year (or maybe this year?). It was fantastic. Gritty, believeable, sad, painful.

It's the best film I've seen in ages. Since Mysterious Skin actually.

[Velma]

This week, I am also listening to The Raconteurs, although I'm less "Steady As She Goes" and more "Level." I've also been blasting "American Idiot" at high volume while alone in the car, and think that perhaps I could carry off a nice karaoke of "Jesus of Suburbia" if enough red wine was involved.

Whilst on vacation, I was reading mysteries by Morag Joss. Set in modern day Bath, England, they feature a cellist and her complicated on-and-off relationship with a married police inspector. Very good on the characterization and atmosphere, less successful with the heavy-handed red herrings. I enjoyed them.

On the telly, we're all about "Fetch! With Ruff Ruffman" on PBS for the older kid, who lurves all the problem-solving and puzzles. Also, I've been enjoying the BBC's "Life on Mars," the one about the cop who goes into a coma and finds himself back in 1973? Yeah, well, it's good.

Also high on the list this week? Bacon.

Mmmmmmm. Baaacon.

[Kristen]

I'm just now reading Dave Eggers' "A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius" and loving it...I'm so behind the times, though.

[Uncle Frog]

I love wearing my "I eat meat" shirt when mixing it up with the new age vegans. Grilling makes me feel good about who I am. The taste of a nicely cooked hunk of flesh can't be beat. I think they have other stuff at CafePress.com/UncleFrog besides just shirts and mugs for those who love meat. Good luck!

[alice, uptown]

Grilling indoors -- and your smoke detector doesn't go off? Mine does if I burn something in the oven.

Love the recommendations. Love it even more that you can remember what you're reading or listening to. I have a few years on you, and the creeping disease of middle age: CRS (aka known as Can't Remember Shit). The most fun book I've read this summer is "Valley of the Dolls." Nothing like the 1960s version of sordid to accompany you on Amtrak, a barely 1940s mode of transportation itself.

[Tim]

Films: I have a daughter, I never get to see movies! But, I did manage to sneak out a few weekends ago and see Little Miss Sunshine. Stunningly funny, sweet, smart.

Literature: A Long Way Down, Nick Hornby's latest. Not as depressing as the subject matter would have you believe

Gomez: How We Operate. Yeah, it's that good. Why don't more people know of the Gomez? 'Tis beautiful

Eating: being in my 30's has forced me to eat soy-type products. I want to be young again. Dammit.

Sports: Football is back. Life is good. Daughter wants Dora on the big screen. I must disappoint.

Oh, and any sport that lets a man play well into his 40's might not be a sport. It might be a recreation event.

[ro84ck]

m907k bontril phentermine adipex - http://xanga.com/bontril_phentermine_adipex49 bontril phentermine adipex - http://xanga.com/bontril_phentermine_adipex49/613978248/bontril-phentermine-adipex.html bontril phentermine adipex - http://xanga.com/bontril_phentermine_adipex49/613978241/bontril-phentermine-adipex.html [url=http://xanga.com/bontril_phentermine_adipex49]bontril phentermine adipex[/url] bontril phentermine adipex