Each Thursday (or Friday, since some weeks we seem to be running behind on everything), Needcoffee.com's staff of whackos will wrack our brains to give you interesting and new things to do over the weekend. Books, movies, whatever. We'll throw them out, you do with them what you will. And hey...if you have something you want to recommend--whatever it is--drop us a line.

Incidentally, we've provided links where we can for you to buy the stuff or find out more if you're interested, courtesy of those Amazon types. Hey, come on, we can't be totally selfless in this, can we?

May 4, 2002

Book of the Week: First Person Plural: My Life as a Multiple by Dr. Cameron West. Ever feel like your mind is overly crowded? Try fitting twenty-four other people in there. A true story of a multiple-turned-psychologist, First Person Plural tells the story of Dr. Cameron West and his struggle to completely re-define himself from the inside out without losing his family or his mind. Exciting, intriguing, frightening, and at times exceptionally sweet, this book is a great weekend read.

Graphic Novel of the Week: The Adventures of Barry Ween, Boy Genius by Judd Winick. What smack have I been croaking? I've had a Recommendations page for how long and not pointed you at The Ween? Well, please forgive me and go buy this book. He's ten. And he's the smartest kid on the planet. When he's not trying to keep his best friend Jeremy out of trouble, he's fighting off terrorists or dealing with a houseful of extra-dimensional refugees. Oh, and he swears enough to make a sailor blush. If you don't wet yourself laughing, you need serious help. Also, we're pointing you to the Oni Press website to buy it because the Amazon site says "limited availability" on this particular item. Bah. Fascists.

DVD of the Week: Putting It Together. You gotta love Sondheim. And you've heard his stuff, whether you're aware of it or not. Sure there's West Side Story, which everbody knows, but there's my personal faves of his, Into the Woods and Sweeney Todd as well--but oh, there's so much more. This musical revue stars Carol Burnett, George Hearn--and Bronson Pinchot(!), who can sing, who knew? Grab it on DVD, sit back and enjoy.

Off the Beaten Path VHS of the Week: Anne of the Thousand Days. Starring Richard Burton and Geneviève Bujold, this film tells the story of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn (Elizabeth I’s parents)… a tale of lust, adultery, greed, betrayal, and death. It is beautifully written and acted, with some particularly wonderful moments from Bujold. This is a movie well worth seeing, especially for a history buff.

CD of the Week: Almost Human by Voltaire. This Projekt release isn't as hysterically (and darkly) funny as his first CD, Devil's Bris, but it is just as interesting and lyrically complex. Many of the songs reference fallen angels and what it must be like to be eternally unforgiven--a more traditional take on goth music from the Clown Prince of Goth.

Beverage of the Week: Green Tea. Coming from tea leaves that have been steamed, but not fermented, green tea has less caffeine than black teas. The delicate flavor and celadon color have won over tea drinkers all over the world. If you like subtle flavor, try "Gunpowder," and if you prefer something more to get you started for the day, try "Imperial."

Zine of the Week: In(ner) Question, aka IQ. The brainchild of the gifted artist Elizabeth Badurina, IQ is one of the best art zines available today--hip and lively without a shred of pretension. While her focus is art journaling, every issue is packed with clever ideas that you could use in any aspect of your creative life. Past articles have included "Rutbusters!", "Artistamps," and "Sleepless: the Art of Drastic Change." Issues also include lists of journal prompts, zine reviews, art quotes to inspire and enlighten you, and more. Eliza also cranks out special issues periodically, like her current "How to Alter a Book" issue. Highly recommended.