COOL, CALM & CONTENTIOUS * BEHIND THE CANDELABRA

Cool, Calm & Contentious by Merrill Markoe - I love books by comedy writers.  Merrill Markoe writes about growing up, college, "dating", guys, dogs and other stuff.  She makes the best observations and even gives some advice.  I needed a book like this when I was twenty. This was the perfect followup to The Art of Racing in the Rain, because she writes about conversations with her dogs, who aren't as smart as Enzo, but who definitely have a viewpoint.  Funny and enjoyable.  I think I want to read the rest of her books.Behind the Candelabra - Michael Douglas plays Liberace and Matt Damon plays his lover, Scott, in this sparkly don't miss HBO movie. The movie is surreal in terms of these actors playing these roles; and then the story, the acting and the Liberace lifestyle are all over the top.  It's a great, albeit strange story, and it feels a bit voyeuristic to watch.  Which is what probably makes it so compelling.  The clothes!  The diamonds!  The cars!  The pianos!  The decorating! Who doesn't love Liberace?  And P.S., how about Rob Lowe?