Tag!

1. Name a book that you want to share so much that you keep giving away copies.
Most recently, The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde. It’s a clever, funny, alternate universe chock full of literary jokes. I keep lending it because I want to talk to people about it. It’s the first in the "Thursday Next" series, and each book I’ve read so far is just as purely entertaining.
On my life’s list of books you should read…well, there are too many. Though everyone should read the Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett—sensationalistic plot described by clean sparse words. Oh, and if you are a writer, Ray Bradbury’s Zen and the Art of Writing: “You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you.” Oh and…no, there are too many.

2. Name a piece of music that changed the way you listen to music.
I suppose there was a time in my life that I was not aware of Frank Black’s existence, but it is not a time worth remembering. I love Frank Black. Frank Black is a supernaturally magnificent musical demigod. Teenager of the Year is the first album I really came to know him. (Yes, remarkably, I was introduced to Mr. Black before I first truly began to inhale the work of Black Francis in the Pixies.) I defy you to listen to “Freedom Rock” and not crave for more. Years later, listening to Frank Black’s Honeycomb and the musical ravishment is still there—“…hold my heartstrings and have yourself a strum…”

3. Name a film you can watch again and again without fatigue.
Were these meant to be essay questions? Do you have any idea my capacity to watch series like Star Wars, Matrix, Lord of the Rings? My geek abilities are very advanced. I have purposely watched movies multiple times so I can memorize dialog. If a movie is worth watching, it’s worth watching six times.
I’ll go with “Clue.” Been watching it since my early teens. Can quote every line in the movie. Like to do so as I watch it again. And again. And I think I’ll go watch it now. All three endings.

4. Name a performer for whom you suspend all disbelief.
Anything Cirque du Solei. I just love that crap. I have seen four already and I’ll see them again and I’ll see all the rest. Crazy gorgeous artistic sensory overload. Clowns are walking upside down on tightropes while singing in French. Sweet!

5. Name a work of art you’d like to live with.
A couple of museums just flashed through my mind. I have a poster of “La Pistoloa y El Corazon” by George Yepes on my wall. I love it, but it is nothing compared to the original painting as I first saw it. I wouldn’t mind having the real deal. Take a look:
www.georgeyepes.com

6. Name a work of fiction which has penetrated your real life.
I’m going with Star Wars on this one. No, stay with me on this one. I’ve never met anyone who couldn’t make conversation around the topic of Star Wars. Countless hours of my friend’s and family’s free time has been devoted to meaningful deliberations on good versus evil as portrayed by a shiny sci-fi series. Use the force; don’t give into the Dark Side; let the Wookie win; try not, do or do not; don’t get cocky; refer to everyone as your friend. Got it.

7. Name a punch line that always makes you laugh.
Mmmmmmmm, chicken.