Abel Brainz Digest, SPECIAL EDITION Year End Wrap Up - December 31, 2023
Welcome to my first year end wrap up! Had to get this out before the new year!
2023 was bonkers in good ways and bad. Here's some of the stuff I talked about and some stuff I read about and did not mention in the digest.
cool music stuff
By far, this was my favorite song of 2023 (even though it was released in 2021)
Here's a playlist of my best of 2023. If you want to listen to a lot of stuff that came out in 2023, check out this playlist
cool movie stuff
Having two kids limits going to the movies, but I did get to see Still during the Atlanta Film Festival. Michael J. Fox is an American treasure. Yes, I know he's Canadian.
I also saw Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem in the theatres and both my son and I enjoyed it very much. It's the best kind of "kid" movie - they just went out and made the best movie they could without trying to dumb it down. Quick example of programming/movies that try too hard:
- Blippi (the worst)
- Chicken Little (oof)
There's more, but I'll spare you the negativity.
Most Pixar is dope - they just go out and make the best movie possible. Anyway, that's just my opinion.
cool book stuff
I read 21 books?! Wow, I guess I read a lot. Isn't it crazy that the present and past tense of read are spelled the same? Just me?... K...
Stand outs are :
What It Is by Lynda Barry
Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon
4000 Weeks by Oliver Burkeman
Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
Blink by Malcolm Gladwell
The Creative Act by Rick Rubin
What Happened to You? by Bruce Perry
Click here for the complete list.
Other cool stuff
Kintsugi - the Japanese artform that fixes broken things with gold to highlight the imperfections. To me, this goes with what I like to say to classes: Your choices are enough. And I'm also loving the philosophy of wabi-sabi which is rooted in acceptance. Definitely going to learn more about each in 2024.
I recently discovered this baseball trivia game. My wife has never had a better time making fun of my nerdom.
If you like music, take a look at these channels on twitch. They're all DJ fun so take your pick:
https://www.twitch.tv/skratchbastid
https://www.twitch.tv/djjazzyjeff
https://www.twitch.tv/shortkut
Cool nostalgic stuff
Last week, I mentioned making the Pinata Chronicles 15 years ago. Click here if you missed it.
Fourteen years ago, the Abel and Reuben Show was born. Ahead of its time? Maybe. Ridiculous? Yes. But don't take my word for it. Click here for the debut episode.
cool shameless self-promotion stuff
On Jan 28th, I'm co-teaching with the lovely Tara Ochs. We've put together an Improv intensive that's going to focus on characters and character creation. For more info, click here and to sign up, click here.
RIP Paul Reubens
and the many tremendous talents we lost this year.
cool thanks and appreciation
I got to do a big run of shows at Horizon Theatre through Dad's Garage. Y'allmark Christmas was a blast and it was an honor to be a part of a talented group. Special thanks to Amber Nash and Topher Payne.
A big thanks to Dad's Garage and Drama Inc. These places have allowed me to flourish and evolve as a performer and a teacher and I'm most appreciative for the opportunity.
And of course, to those of you reading this- I'm very thankful and grateful for your trust and allowing me to be a part of your improv and acting journey. I hope to see all of you again soon.
Much love,
Abel