AKA Rex's Top Ten.
1) Josh Alan Friedman - When Sex was Dirty (Feral House)
A welcome companion volume to Friedman's essential Tales From Times Square. More about the Duece and his days at Screw. Includes some valuable advice from a hooker to young customer: "Smile more. Square girls like guys who smile." Dig.
2) Cozy Corner BBQ - Memphis, TN
Of the many BBQ meals enjoyed in the land of Dewey Phillips, this may have been the best. The Smoked Cornish Hen and all-you-can-drink sweet tea was inspiring on several levels. Check out the BBQ Oral History Project.
3) The Wonderful World of Bill Ward, King of the Glamour Girls (Tashen Books)
Definitive anthology of Ward's Women: Towering, full-busomed amazons who despise the slimy, whimpering men who worship them. Has a permanent home on the Fur-lined Fallout Shelter coffee table. More here.
4) Pies & Thighs - Williamsburg, NY
Worthy Southern cuisine actually does exist above the Mason/Dixon. Be sure to indulge in the savory sides and solid baked goods while feasting on the pulled pork. http://www.piesandthighs.com/
5) Cool & The Crazy Record Store
As the record industry crumbles along comes this cozy independent store that boasts the biggest Blow Fly selection in the Western Hemisphere. There is hope for us all. http://www.cryptrecords.com/
6) Big Itch Volume 8 (Mr Manicotti)
How do they do it? Why do they do it?
7) The Crooked Way
This prime period film noir just out on DVD features extensive scene stealing footage of Percy Helton as a diminutive snitch who lives in a wharf warehouse and talks to his cat. http://noirblog.com/film-noir-the-master-list
8) Stompin' Volumes 29-31
There is no better reissue source for insanely rare and rockin' blues and RnB slop than these CDs. Swipe some money out of your Mom's purse and buy them all.
9) The American Living Channel
This low-budg cable network runs old detective shows including FP faves like 77 Sunset Strip, Hawaiian Eye, Bourbon Street Beat, and Surfside Six. Study these programs to learn how sunglasses and cigarettes help solve crimes.
10) Hagerstown Suns Minor League Baseball
This past Summer I was granted the opportunity to do an inning of radio play-by-play and work the hand-operated scoreboard for the Single-A Hagerstown Suns. As a wise man once said: Keep your ambitions low and avoid disapointment.
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