BOOK: "The Man Who Wrote The Book" by Erik Tarloff
Ezra Gordon, a professor in middle-of-nowhere California stuck in a lackluster relationship and a failing career, makes a fast-cash deal with a successful porn publisher to write a dirty book under the pseudonym E.A. Peau. When Ezra inadvertently writes the next Lolita, gaining acclaim from The New York Times, the press begins a national hunt for "the man who wrote the book." Ridiculousness ensues as Ezra fights to hide his one successful endeavor from conservative college administration. . - Jean Ellen Cowgill
MUSIC: "Pacer" by The Amps (1995)
Former Pixies bassist Kim Deal formed the Amps while her second band, the Breeders, were on hiatus. They released just one album, 1995's "Pacer," before Deal returned to the Breeders, but it's an album worth hearing -- twelve high-energy, beautifully crafted tracks. Deal transitions easily from haunting, melancholy songs like "Bragging Party" to tracks such as the stripped-down "Empty Glasses."--Liz Ellison
Movie: "Death to Smoochie" (2002)
Edward Norton's character, absurdly nave children's TV show host Sheldon Mopes (aka Smoochy the Rhino) bumps his corrupt rival Rainbow Reynolds (Robin Williams) from his prized time slot, and soon Smoochy must take on a whole crew of people -- including Rainbow, the Irish mob and a former kiddy show host turned drug addict -- who want him dead. --Liz Ellison
TV: "Dexter," Showtime, Sundays at 10 p.m.
Showtime takes us into the dark mind of Dexter, forensics analyst by day, serial killer by night. Raised by a police officer who taught him to direct his urges into the murders of heinous criminals, Dexter now fakes his way through daily interactions and human emotions. You may feel a little twisted yourself as you begin to root for the guy marveling over the beauty of dead body parts. -- Jean Ellen Cowgill
