NOVEMBER REVIEWS

What I've Been Reading

Try Hard - Em Rusciano - I really enjoyed listening to Em's life so far, as told by her on the spoken word version I listened to. And she has had quite the life so far. Junior superstar in sport, Idol, radio star, stand up queen and whilst it is all big stuff and she is bloody hilarious, she also talks about the downs, which are quite low. This was fun, and enjoyable.

In Such Good Company by Carol Burnett - This was also a load of fun, pruely about her show, behind the scenes, and the players. This was also a talking book, narrated by Carol in that distinctive voice. It made me laugh, and I learnt a lot. Mostly about making TV during that time, how much sway she had, what she wanted, what she thought. She was honest too, but in a classy way. I guess this is for fans, but who isn't a fan of this ground breaking comedian.

The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku - everybody should read this book. Eddie died recently at 101! It is about his life as a Holocaust survivor and how he puts what he learnt into action for a better, happier life. It isn't a self-help book but each chapter outlines a theme. It is a memoir, it is small in words and pages making it an easyish read, but it is immense in heart and substance. It goes through his early life, Nazi takeover and how he managed to move in and out of concentration camps. He was terribly unlucky, but then amazingly lucky. But it is how he lived his life post-war life that is of most interest and use. Always positive and happy to be alive, he has made it his life's work to educate others in the hope such things never happen again. If you haven't read this, don't hold back, go and do it. You will be thankful.

Inside Out by Demi Moore - this was another talking book, read by Demi herself. About her life, she has had a lot of heart ache and problems, but ultimately lucky. I struggled with parts of it and feel she would be a difficult person to be around. But in all not a bad read.

What I've Been Watching

LA Story - been doing a few rewatches of old faves lately. Whilst some of this has dated - it was a snapshot of LA at the time - the story and acting holds up well. It is funny and poignant in that way that Steve Martin does so well. Sarah Jessica Parker is a shining light and Victoria Tennant divine. I always loved the roller skating in the art gallery scenes.

Best in Show - probably my favourite (after Spinal Tap) of Christopher Guest's mockumentaries. Set amongst a dog show, it follows a whole range of quirky characters and their dogs. To be seen, funny and poignant!

American Splendor- is the unusual biopic of Harvey Pekor, an underground graphic novelist. It star Paul Giamatti, in his break out role, and is really unusual as it also stars and cuts to the real life Harvey and other contemporaries that are portrayed on screen. It tell the life of Harvey and how he became the doyen of Graphic Novels

I am Big Bird - another rewatch, the brilliant documentary about Caroll Spinney, the man inside Big Bird. And what a beautiful man he was, kind and considerate, but also a man with quite the back story. He WAS Big Bird, but he was also Oscar the Grouch. Watch as Caroll becomes Big Bird, and see the impact he has on the world. Absolute International Treasure. This is one of the best documentaries I have seen.

The History of Swearing- a brilliant doco series, hosted by Nicolas Cage, that doesn't take itself too seriously. Each episode features a swear word looking at its place in history and popular culture. Cage is hilarious, as are everyone featured. It doesn't cover every bad word, so maybe a second season. This is something quirky for those that have watched everything!

Mr In Between S3 - This is one of my favourite shows and a real underrated gem. The action centres around Ray, a gun for hire, and his life. One moment he is a kind father, looking after his teenage daughter, the other he is tracking down someone to get money or put a hit on them. The show is tight, well written, suspenseful, dramatic and darkly funny. You will find yourself rooting for Ray, even though he is flawed, but probably because he IS flawed. Scott Ryan is Ray, the writer of the show and is absolutely charismatic and stunning in his first acting role. The supporting cast are a who's who of Australian character actors, the stories are great. You will be on the edge of your seat watching this and cheering along the whole way. S3 is sadly the last, but easily the best series of the 3. If you haven't watched this, go and find S1 and get into it!

What We Do In The Shadows S3  - this is easily one of the funniest shows on tele, a tale of Vampires living in a share household in contemporary Staten Island. S3 deals with a lot of escaping from their regular lives, trips, new jobs, new loves, new hilarity. When Nando falls for a cult leader, their lives are upturned. And they find out a terrible secret about Colin. If you are not watching this, you are missing out!!!

Frayed - the second season of this Aussie/UK show set in my hometown of Newcastle was hit and miss. S1 was brilliant and ended on a cliffhanger. S2 felt a little long and had some tedious episodes, but when it was good it was terrific. Funny, dark, and included some great Novocastrian history within. Totally worth hanging in there, but maybe not for everyone.

What I've Been Listening To

70s Music - Andrew and I have been making our way through my compilation albums of the 70s, there is so much fabulous and bad fabulous on them, it is a walk through my childhood!

The Cars - such an underrated band, great pop, great song writing. Been soaking up some vinyl and going down memory lane.

Jerry Seinfeld on Smartless - this was great fun, the boys were in their element with Jerry and he was a great guest. What more can I say, Seinfeld!!!

Jane Goodall on WTF - This was divine, Jane is always a great interview and Marc - at his best - is superb. Totally an odd mix, but it worked. He was in awe of her, but not enough to hinder his interviewing and a great couple was born, lol. This was a great listen, and a different take - due to Marc's curiosity - than you normally hear.

When you see yourself by Kings of Leon  - another good angsty pop-rock album, very enjoyable

Still woman enough by Loretta Lynn - new album from the Coal Miner's Daughter, she's still singing about her roots and still sounds wonderful.

Duets – Sting   this was a nice album, very chill and very Sting. A reworking of some his solo work and some standards as duets with others such as Melody Gardot, Shaggy, Annie Lennox, Herbie Hancock and so on.

We are by Jon Baptiste  - this was a cool, bluesy album from  Stephen Colbert's bandleader. I really like his style.