(from usatoday.com
Pop Candy)


We're already covered the music, so now it's time to look at the TV shows, books and other things that helped me make it through the week. Per usual, these go to 11:

1. This American Life's "Call for Help" episode. The show has produced some great episodes lately (I also enjoyed "I Was So High"), and the latest is definitely worth a listen. In it, we hear stories of people in serious trouble, including the parents of two young children who needed to be rescued at sea a few weeks ago. They were hugely criticized for their actions, and Ira Glass was the first and only person to interview them about it.

2. Peter Dinklage on Game of Thrones. I have mixed feelings about the HBO series, but I'm certain about one thing, which is that Dinklage ties the whole thing together. His performance on Sunday's episode was devastating and riveting.

3. Wanna Cook?: The Complete, Unofficial Companion to Breaking Bad by Ensley F. Guffey and K. Dale Koontz. If you still can't get enough of the show, you may want to take a look at this new book, which goes deep inside its themes and details.

4. Marc Maron's interview with Shepard Fairey. This is one of my all-time favorite episodes of WTF. Maron speaks to the artist about his career, influences and the power of appropriating images.

5. The Art of Neil Gaiman by Hayley Campbell. The new hardcover, published by Harper Design, offers an inside look at the writer's inspirations, as well as peeks at his early work and personal notebooks. I'm thinking most of you either want it or know someone who would.

6. Marty Stuart's photographs. I'd love to see this new exhibit, which showcases Stuart's images of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris and other country greats. (Stuart himself, of course, is a music legend in his own right.) Flip through the gallery in the story, then consider buying the upcoming book of his best shots.

7. The Dinner Party Download. Among this week's notable podcasts is a cool installment of this one, which features Marc Maron and cartoonist Mimi Pond.

8. The Americans. This week I got an early look at the May 21 finale, in which a bunch of elements finally come together and we learn next season's likely theme. If you're a few episodes behind, it's worth spending the weekend catching up.

9. This preview of Twin Peaks on Blu-ray. Just when we thought we'd seen everything related to the series comes David Lynch's huge compilation of deleted scenes. Oh, man. (It goes on sale July 29.)

The Missing Pieces Preview

10. Seth Kushner. The talented photographer and comics writer needs a bone marrow transplant. Here's how we can help.

11. Mmmhops. The Hanson brothers' new beer went on sale this week. They say their Pale Ale "goes down easy and continues to surprise you with toasted richness."


*Blogger's note: I am very excited about the Neil Gaiman book. I have been collecting his comic books since the late 80s and LOVE the artwork. I also loved the trailer for The Missing Pieces. Excited about that too. Did you see anything on this list you liked or are excited about? Comment below - talk to me I want to know! :)