Thursday, October 18, 2018

Lovecraft Country

"In a place where tentacles run free...and an unspeakable monster that lurks in that cave...is a place called...Lovecraft Country." (*smokes a paperback*) You don't have to be a Lovecraft fan to enjoy this book. You should know that H.P. Lovecraft was racist. Like worse than "back in the day" racist. I know, it's not cool but he's dead so that helps. And it's not just a "not-so-fun" fact but a plot point in the book. Thanks for subscribing to Sad Facts!

While yes, this is a fantasy book, it is so much more. There is action, horror, a history lesson and even a tiny bit of sci-fi? If you liked that movie Get Out then this book is right up your alley. I actually thought Get Out should have won the Academy Award for best picture last year. I mean, the fish sex movie was ok...but it's more for a Troy McClure kind of person than me.

Set in the 50's this book feels super relevant. They are making an HBO series airing next year.  Both Jordan Peele and Courtney Vance are involved. Fingers crossed. I think you should both read the book and watch the series though. It's one of the standouts I've read this year.

I feel very shortchanged about this fall. It went from hot to cold so fast by blood cracked like a dish that went from the oven straight to the freezer.  Who knows what next week will bring so this Stone Wall cocktail sounds like a crisp fall drink that will work for hot or chilly: 1 ounce slice of peeled fresh ginger, 1 &1/2 tsp simple syrup, 1&1/2 ounces of aged rum, 1&1/2 ounces of apple cider.  Muddle the ginger and the simple syrup.  Add the rum and cider with ice and shake and strain.  Pour into a glass and top with a small amount of ginger beer, like 1-3 ounces, and garnish with a lime and apple wedge.



Wednesday, October 10, 2018

The Haunting of Hill House

Shirley Jackson is known for her psychological tension. While not your typical devil possessed haunting, Hill House kind of well....gaslights the guests. Poor Eleanor.

Eleanor: Does anyone smell that?

HH: you farted and are a stinky ugly witch...

Eleanor: What? Is that the house? Have you been writing in blood on the walls?

HH:...no, you did that... everyone thinks you are on your period.....

Eleanor: It says "I Like Beer."

HH:....who doesn't?...woooo-wooooo.

Eleanor: Well then, how do you explain the dick pics?

HH: (spooky chuckle)...woooooo--whoooo did you like what you saw? wooo

Eleanor: No, I did not. In fact I'm going to give you a terrible review on Air B&B.

HH: Booo!!Booo!! No one will believe you...

Eleanor: Well. You have a reputation as being haunted.

HH: Faaake Neeeews.

Maybe we'll not drink beer with this one. Let's make punch for a crowd that is called, and I kid you not: A Touch of Evil Punch: 4 lemons, 3/4 sugar, 1/2 cup raspberries, 3/4 lemon juice, 2 1/2 cups gin, 1/2 cup mezcal.  Make an ice block the day before and while you are at it, infuse that sugar with lemon peel oil in a jar.  Muddle the raspberries and peel-sugar and add the lemon juice.  Strain and add the alcohol and put in the fridge.  Put this mix, a liter of sparkling water and the ice block. If the house starts talking to you then stop.