Greetings, hoopleheads.
- Since Amazon announced they were adding HBO shows to their Prime lineup, I’ve been geeked. I never finished watching Deadwood, Rome, or saw the very last episode of Carnivàle in its entirety. I’ve started watching Deadwood first — I’m only about five episodes in, but I love how much I still love this show. Despite the rampant cursing — maybe because of it — the writing is superb and Shakespearean in its complexity, nuance, and power. I’m chuckling at the newer reviews of the show on Amazon — so much swearing! They really need to read an interview with David Milch that addresses the reason for that (in short: your characters will sound like Yosemite Sam if you stick to historical profanities).
- Though things at work are quiet, I’m starting to get more of a feel for the actual work itself. I have two reports that are about to be done. I’m rather proud of both of them, though I know I’ll be cringing in a year when I read them and I shake my head at my style deviations. However, apparently I’m really good at translating complex information into layman’s terms. I’ve always said I’m good at that, but it’s nice to have independent confirmation on that front, hah.
- I must admit that the growing list for the 2014 National Book Festival contains no one I’m excited to see. That said it’ll be a wonderful opportunity to discover new authors. I’m also very much in love with the poster for this year — while I’m still not thrilled with the new location, I think the artist did a tremendous job making the change a fun and exciting thing in the poster. If you’re a book lover who’s been kept up by a great novel or biography, you know you’ve had that look on your face as you read late into the night (though I’m not sure if you were wearing the nightcap). I’m thinking I’ll get this one framed, too, and set it next to the one from last year (which looks marvelous in its frame, btw). Kind of like an old-to-new art set.
- I’m supposed to hit another Dysfunction, Inc., birthday happy hour tonight. I’m not going for long (a husband-wife pact to cut down on the beer for June plus the in-laws arriving tomorrow keeps me from getting my drink on). The head of HR might be in attendance — he of the HR Ambushes. I have no idea why my former colleague is inviting him. My husband observed that, as head of HR, it’s immensely stupid for him to attend happy hours and then proceed to defend the terrible bosses. I’m sure he reports back everything that happens, so it’s unwise to invite him. If he’s there tonight, I’ll do a one-eyebrow raise and say, “Oh. HR Person.” Then nod and say nothing more to him. I dislike him as much as I dislike the bosses.
- The in-laws arrive tomorrow. Eek!
I leave you, hoopleheads.