Three Things: Truly, Madly
A few years ago I decided I needed a page-a-day calendar in my life (safe bet this was pandemic-related) but I’ve never found the right one. I excitedly pull the trigger on one in December and then, inevitably, around mid-January, think, “I’ve made a terrible mistake.” I suppose I could switch horses mid-stream but this is still a society, people.
Last year, a Far Side calendar seemed a sure bet. Before you protest, stop and think of how many actual Far Side cartoons you’ve seen in the past couple of years. There are hilarious ones, make no mistake. But there were far more days in 2022 when every member of my household stared at a page and remarked, “That’s just not funny.” 2023 finds us with a calendar from the fine folks at Mental Floss, focused on literary trivia. (I’m also available for parties and events.)
And now we finally arrive at our point! This weekend’s page marks the anniversary of Hunter S. Thompson’s memorial service, on August 20, 2005, someone with whom I’ve had a lifelong obsession. He’s the reason I became a writer, the inspiration for this newsletter, and the namesake of my oldest child. He was so integral in shaping my brain that I considered traveling to Colorado to attend that memorial service—and I was 8 months pregnant at the time. My then-husband begged me not to go, for obvious reasons and, no joke, “because I’m not at all confident you’d come back.”
I do occasionally wonder what would have happened if I’d gone. Would I have moved into Woody Creek and raised my kids with his ex-wife? Would I have met Johnny Depp and saved him from turning into… whatever the fuck he’s turned into? The world will never know. So here are three things about obsession.
🎥 Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker’s Apocalypse (find a dvd to borrow)
I know it’s annoying that I’m recommending something that isn’t streaming, but put this on your list and grab it when the opportunity arises. A documentary by Eleanor Coppola about the filming of Apocalypse Now, this is a jaw-dropping account of what happened behind the scenes to make Francis Ford Coppola’s masterpiece, including a village-destroying typhoon, Martin Sheen suffering a massive heart attack on set, and Dennis Hopper so high that he could barely complete sentences. It’s a RIDE, man.
📖 End of the World House
This was a true page-turner for about the first quarter and then it became a little less urgent. But it’s still a good tale with several twists I didn’t foresee. Come for the time travel, stay for the obsessive relationships (more than one!) and art museums.
📺 Below Deck Down Under (Peacock)
This damn show is what made me start paying for Peacock. I don’t know why a reality show about a yacht crew is so compelling, but trust me when I say it is. And this season’s storyline features a doozy, which made headlines in actual news outlets. My female-identifying friends will likely be triggered, as it involves attempted sexual assault, but the way it’s handled is heartening.
Phew, I was mouthy today. I need a nap. Happy weekend, friends!