My relevance is equalled by crapulence

I haven't had a chance to do anything crazy recently. Mostly just working and hanging around with friends in casual settings suitable for the sensitive ears of a near-one-year-old British/American ragamuffin.

Most of my activities are already on written record in the more populated areas of the blogosphere by the time I have a chance to get finger to keyboard so I don't find the need to write often.

Therefore I must focus on my unique experiences lest some other more motivated web journalist scoop me.

UNNECESSARY BOOK REVIEW

I finished Live From New York. It is a backstage look at SNL as told by the cast, writers, producers, etc. The book is mostly quotations from interviews performed with said individuals. The book follows chronologically starting with the formulation for the ideas of the first show, it's casting, the airing, and then follows along up to the end of the 2002 season.

The book was mostly enjoyable in a celebrity gossip kind of way. There are no brilliant insights or revelations of philosophical importance. It is mostly people just reflecting on a time in their life that they treasured and the people that they miss. There are a lot of funny stories told by the people involved which gives it a lot of appeal. The writers interject to introduce sections and mostly provide factual information.

The book does have its shortcomings. Just about everyone oversells the importance of SNL. I would be willing to bet that more than 75% of the people interviewed would rank it as not only their favorite TV show of all time but the most important of all time as well. They claim that it is the most politically subversive show and glorify Michaels' stance to let writers be as political as they desire. If it were just those interviewed being self-important it would be fine, but the writers seem to enjoy it as well. Most of the time they are editorializing it is to say how great Lorne Michaels' ass is or something.

I enjoyed the book. My recommendation is to read it if you find the people on the show funny (Murray, Belushi, Carvey, Rock, etc.) because they are mostly funny in the book. It makes a good toilet book because the quotes are neatly divided so it is very easy to pick up and put down at any point. Don't go out of your way to read it for a complete dissection of SNL culture. It's mostly talks about parties, drugs, and jerks.

Favorite stories/moments:
-Belushi and Akroyd were walking down the street one time and Belushi was hit by a truck. He got up and walked away.
-Steven Seagal and Robert Blake seem to be the consensus for biggest jerks ever to host the show.
-Steve Martin and Tom Hanks seem to be the consensus for best hosts. I would have to agree if only for the Brocktoon sketch.
-By far my favorite story is from when Chevy Chase came to host in the crappy season in the mid 80s. Apparently Chevy can be a real jerk to people when he comes back to host. Terry Sweeney was an openly gay actor in the cast. From Jon Lovitz:
"...there was a meeting of the writers and staff. So Chevy looks at Sweeney and goes, "You're gay, right?" Terry goes, "Yes, what would you like to do for you?" Chevy goes, "Well, you can start by licking my balls."

Indoor football tomorrow. Time to listen to speed metal at insane volumes for the next 36 hours to get jacked.