The medicine for holiday monotony
Sometimes you discover a piece of media that is like nothing you’ve ever experienced before.
It revolutionizes your cognition, motivates your desires, and redefines your perception. And it’s pretty damn entertaining.
If your family is getting on your nerves or you’re just bored this holiday season, I’ve got you covered.
Here’s a list of some current favorite artistic media I find innovative and entertaining.
TV
The Knick (season 1 & 2) – The anti-Grey’s Anatomy. The show tackles surgery in the early 20th century, as well as social issues of the time. Unbelievably well done. Watch it.
Master of None (season 1) – Aziz Ansari’s own series about being a low-budget actor in New York City. Does a good job of confronting many current social issues faced by millennials, and it’s pretty funny.
Fargo (season 1 & 2) – Murder and suspense in the backdrop of desolate North Dakota. If you liked the movie No Country For Old Men, you’ll love this. Explores many issues of morality. Unforgettable analogical stories given by the characters.
Last Man on Earth (season 1) – Really fun look at everybody’s fantasy of being the last person on earth. The first season was great, but the second season was trash.
Movies
Me, Earl and the Dying Girl – You get to see a typical high school student mature when faced with the complexities of life. Friendship, love, and death are the main themes.
Ex Machina – About the possible future of artificial intelligence and the ease that humanity is manipulated. Emotions often cloud judgement.
Nightcrawler – A chilling look at the way society creates and rewards immoral behaviors. The “charming sociopath” character (played by Jake Gyllenhaal) is fascinating.
Books
When the Air Hits Your Brain: Tales from Neurosurgery – Frank Vertosick Jr.
Unbroken – Laura Hillenbrand
How to Win Friends & Influence People – Dale Carnegie
Music
Logic – Under pressure -> The evolution of a high school drop-out from the projects to a hip-hop artist.
Frank Ocean – Channel Orange-> Like nothing I had ever heard before. Great commentary of social issues along with an innovative R&B sound.
FKA twigs – LP1 -> A female perspective of the fusion of R&B and electronica.
MGK – General Admission -> Not the most influential album, but it takes me back to my early 20s. Reminds me of the sort of attitude and what I struggled with at this age.
