Before we get too far into the new year I thought I’d do a quick round-up of some of the best things from last year.
A major bummer of 2021 was dislocating my shoulder and spending over a 4th of the year wearing a sling. But, after six months of rehab I felt strong enough to play tennis for the first time in a decade. I’ve been playing consistently for three months and it feels great to return to an activity that I greatly enjoy.
Vermont - Last February we spent a few days in southern Vermont to celebrate our tenth anniversary. It snowed the entire time so we holed up in our cabin to read in front of the fire and enjoy some time without cell service. We loved it so much that we went back to Burlington over the summer. If you’ve never been to Vermont I highly recommend it!
Zion National Park - In July we spent four days hiking and exploring the canyons of Zion National Park. It’s one of my favorite places I’ve ever been.
Bo Burnham’s Inside was easily the best piece of art to come out of the pandemic. My favorite song was “All Eyes On Me”, but you should really watch the whole special for full context.
The latest season of Succession did not disappoint and it remains the best show on television.
Mare of Easttown was also fantastic and Kate Winslet was brilliant.
While recovering from surgery I rewatched the original Mission: Impossible TV series. And I started Twin Peaks.
Movie wise, I really enjoyed Edgar Wright’s Last Night In Soho and Guillermo del Toro’s Nighmare Alley.
I also watched a ton of classic films, some I’d seen before and others for the first time, including: Citizen Kane, E.T., Network, Dog Day Afternoon, 12 Angry Men, Anatomy of a Murder, Annie Hall, Chinatown, Taxi Driver, The French Connection, All The President’s Men, The Graduate, and more.
Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse
A World Without E-Mail by Cal Newport
Making Movies by Sidney Lumet
The Hardy Boys by Franklin W. Dixon - My favorite book series growing up. I set out during the past year to complete my personal set, searching for books at antique shops and discount stores. It’s been a fun quest and I have 5 more to go!
Live shows: Black Pumas, Hasan Minhaj, Louis C.K.
Music & Podcasts: Martin Sexton, Black Pumas, Jack Garratt, The Joe Rogan Experience, Tim Dillon, Bo Burnham, Girl Named Tom, John Mayer, Moby, Colin Hay.
The World Chess Championship was more epic and more impressive than you realize and I really enjoyed watching it.
I also took a woodworking class, got into 3D Printing, and worked more on cinematography and video editing. I have too many hobbies.
Finally, all of my shows feel like a blur over the past twelve months, but one that stands out is The Mystery Show back in January 2021. I spent way too much time working on that show but it was definitely worth it. A big thanks to Stephanie and Frank for their help behind-the-scenes to make it a huge success.