So, not a whole lot going on lately.  Work, play, work, read a few books... a little school, a little internship. Ho-hum.

A couple weeks ago I finished Eight Men Out which I really enjoyed.  I started reading it during the playoffs.  I didn't know a tun about the 1919 Chicago Black Sox except what I remeber from "Field of Dreams".  It was very interesting to read about baseball, the way players were treated and the history of why gambling is so taboo even to this day. 

So, now I'm reading Three Nights in August which is about a three game series in 2003 between the Cardinals and Chicago Cubs looking at the series from Manager Tony LaRussa's point of view.  It's authored by the same guy who wrote Friday Night Lights.  I haven't plowed through it like I did Eight Men Out but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy it.  I tend to do this after going on a major reading spree... kind of slow down...

The reading has sort of taken a backseat to my latest obsession.  The best show no one is watching -- Arrested Development!  My brother and Mom have liked this show for quite a while but I have never really been able to watch it much.  The last two years it was on, on Sunday nights when I, of course, work.  Then this year they moved it to Monday night so finally I could watch!  But... baseball playoffs started and after airing two episodes it was basically put on hiatus (not that I minded because I think we all know I like baseball ).  So a couple of weeks ago it was back on. Hoorah! I was even more interested in watching the show when my brother's friend brought his newly bought collection of Season 2 DVDs.  I couldn't help but be drawn into the absolutely hilarious high-jinx of the incredibly selfish Bluth family.

Last week had to be the funniest hour of television I have seen in years! I mean it's up there with, if not above, Seinfeld it's so good.  Assuming you're not familiar with the show here's a quick update...

Jason Bateman (whom I have developed a mad crush on) plays Michael Bluth, the only 'sensible' son in this once super-rich family.  After his father is thrown in jail for some questionable accounting practices and some 'lighter' treasons he is charged with holding his family together and trying to get the family company back on track.  Of course this isn't so easy... A single father of his 14 year old son, George Michael (who has a bit of a secret crush on his cousin), he's also got to deal with his twin sister and her ambigiously gay, asipring actor, husband, Tobius, as well as there daughter Maibe.  Then there's Michael's older brother Gob (George Oscar Bluth, pronounced Jobe) a hilariously unsuccessful magician, who also thinks he is quite the playboy.  Buster, the youngest brother and proffessional student, lives with Mom and is just a little too attached... His mother an incredibly narcissitic woman who has a bit of a drinking problem.  And finally there's dad... George Bluth who is constantly trying to keep from going back to jail as well as destroy evidence whenever possible.

Currently, Michael has been dating the beautiful British bird Rita whom he just asked to runaway and marry him.  Of course, there's something he doesn't quite know about the 'smart, beautiful, witty' Rita... As was revealed in the last episode she's neither smart nor witty, but rather... we'll just say dumb as a box of rocks.

Trust me, even if my quick recap doesn't pique your interest give the show a chance! Yes, it's a little off beat but I haven't laughed so hard during a half hour sitcom in ages.  The jokes are dry, witty... and oh so original.  The constant play on words and cleverness of each episode will blow you away. 

The show has won 14 Emmys in the last 2 years and if judging by the 5 that have been shown this season it is destined to win more this year.  Too bad that FOX, who has given it very little promotion and stuck it in a crappy time slot has decided to cut the season to 13 episodes.  It once again appears that it will be headed for cancellation.    If you're looking for something original that will keep you engaged and rolling on the floor in laughter give it a shot before it's off the air.  It returns to FOX on December 5th at 8pm est. 

Oh and you can also buy Season 1 & 2 on DVD... Right now Amazon is selling them both for a total of $32!!