Summer’s coming up, which means I want to sit back and relax a bit more with some good books and TV shows and movies. Since all my favorite shows are about to wrap up for the season (24, LOST, The Office), I’m gonna need something to help fill up my evenings. Luckily, I’ve been busy loading up my AppleTV with content for just this occasion. A few selections I’m looking forward to:

Arrested Development, Seasons 1-3
I’ve been a huge fan of this show since Season 2 and I was sad to see it cancelled. It’s some of the most brilliant humor I’ve ever seen and I’m looking forward to seeing the whole series over the summer. One of the best shows ever.

Curb Your Enthusiasm, Seasons 1-5
I’ve seen only a few episodes of this and I’m obviously interested in it because Larry David was the brain behind Seinfeld. The humor is very dark, which I love, but it doesn’t neccessarily leave you laughing out loud. The subject matter and language is also very R-rated often, so sometimes that can get in the way of a good laugh. Nevertheless, I’m excited about watching the whole series in order to make an informed decision on whther I’m a fan or not.

Sleeper Cell, Seasons 1-2
I’ve heard good things about this Showtime drama. It carries alot of the thematic elements of 24 (Islamic terrorism and a government agency trying to defeat them) but it’s much more of a “drama” versus “dramatic action/thriller”. I’m also a bit weary knowing that since it’s a Showtime production, there will inevitably be f-bombs and nudity sprinkled about each episode. I may not get into it, but from what I can tell, it looks to be like a great show.

The Office, UK Version, Seasons 1-2
I’ve already watched a few episodes of this original “Office” series and while it’s funny, it doesn’t make me laugh like the US version. I’m going to stick with it though and finish watching the series.

Books

I haven’t read a good book in quite some time. Work has simply taken over my life. I hope to fight some of that off this summer with my TV-free time. I’d like to do some reading on finance (time for me to grow up and start investing for the future, etc.), Christian-spirituality (there’s alot of lousy crap on those Christian bookstore shelves….I hope to cut through all the fluff and find something genuine and interesting), and something totally different, such as history, war history, biography, or some good fiction like a MIchael Crichton.

I’m always up for some reccomendations in this area. I’d be thrilled to read a book every 2 weeks, but that’s pretty optimistic for me. I’d like to altrnate from light stuff to heavy (e.g. - theology, then fiction, then history, etc.). If anyone has a book to reccomend, let me know. Here’s a few books, I’m kind of interested in:

America: The Last Best Hope (Volume I): From the Age of Discovery to a World at War
America: The Last Best Hope (Volume II): From a World at War to the Triumph of Freedom
Religious Affections
Next
Prey
Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places: A Conversation in Spiritual Theology
Happiness Is a Serious Problem: A Human Nature Repair Manual
The Road to Wealth: A Comprehensive Guide to Your Money

Movies

I don’t get to see a whole lot of movies at the theater thanks to our 10-month-old. But hopefully this summer, we’ll be able to have some friends/family babysit so Katy and I can catch some of the summer blockbusters coming out. A few films I’d be interested in seeing:

The Bourne Ultimatum - Love the Bourne movies, so I’m definitely into this one.
Rush Hour 3 - The first 2 were good fun, but I’m not sure if a 3rd will work. I’m willing to find out though.
Evan Almighty - I admit….I wasn’t crazy about Bruce Almighty, but I’m willing to go for this one due to the greatness of Steve Carrell.
Mr. Brooks - Will Kevin Costner ever make a good movie again? This one looks like it could be the ticket.
Ocean’s 13 - Again, the first 2 were good, but a third might be too much. But let’s face it — seeing the cast work together again is worth it alone.
Live Free or Die Hard - Now, no one loves Die Hard movies more than me, but a fourth installment? Really? My brain says no, but my gut says give it a chance.
Transformers - I’m not real eager about this one, but nobody delivers the over-the-top-summer-blockbuster like Michael Bay, so what the heck.
Rescue Dawn - I’m a big fan of Christian Bale and he picks great movies to be in, so I’m betting this one will be excellent.
The Simpsons Movie - Love the show…interested in seeing if it works on the big screen.

Wow, that’s more movies that I thought. Chances are, most will have to wait until DVD/iTMS release, which is fine by me since I’m always looking for an excuse to watch my new TV Anyone have any other book/tv/movie suggestions or reccomendations?