Riding with Rickey

This is where Rickey posts recommendations of noteworthy consumables, practices, and pastimes that have been deemed invaluable for the reader’s betterment. All products and advice listed herein have been Rickey tested and approved. Enjoy this week's installment of:

RICKEY RECOMMENDS:

Dressing up like Batman occasionally. There really doesn't need to be any reason for it. Just do it and see what happens. Remember: you're Batman goddamnit, and no one can ever take that away from you.

A decent set of kitchen knives. Those industrious Germans certainly do know how to forge sharp blades. Are we sure they aren't preparing for something again? Sharp instruments cut through food better, thus greatly reducing time spent in the kitchen. Just don't cut your thumb off, ok?

Gears of War. Hey there space marine, want to save the world? Well then check out this ridiculously bombastic splatterfest of a game. It's loaded with cheesy action/horror movie cliches which are rolled up into one fantastic third person perspective shoot 'em up experience. One of the weapons is a gun with a chainsaw bayonet. I'll repeat that: A freaking chainsaw is attached to the end of your gun. Words cannot describe the awesomeness that occurs when this puppy is put to use. Nobel Prizes need to be handed out for concepts like this.

Acoustic Spot. Alright, so maybe the trashcan fire was a bad idea. But if you're looking for yet more ways to entertain yourself while at the office, check out this resource. Its chock full 'o music goodness. Just don't let the boss catch you listening to any "Bloodhound Gang" songs.

Watching "The 1/2 Hour News Hour" this Sunday night. Why is Rickey advising you watch this Fox News conservative ripoff of "The Daily Show?" Well, mostly because you need to realize how tragically unfunny conservative humor really is. Memo to Fox News: satire only works when the disfranchised mock those in power, not the other way around. I give these idiots about 4 episodes before they're making racially insensitive comments and taunting minorities. Tune in this Sunday and watch the glorious train wreck occur.

The musical stylings of Guster. Tufts University grads, (go Jumbos!) this folksy band whips up some very good songs. Think of them as Wilco, only without the rabid fanbase. In Rickey's humble opinion, Parachute and Goldfly are their best albums.

SCUBA Diving. Next time you’re vacationing somewhere warm, why not nurture your inner Jacques Cousteau? Rickey suggests that you enjoy some of the few remaining few coral reefs in the world before BP/Amoco discovers that there’s oil in them. Best of all, you’re allowed to go on dives armed to the teeth--carrying diving knives and spear guns along to fend off scary sea monsters. Thank you very much, underwater division of the N.R.A.

Owning bookcases. Get one, now. Bookcases make you seem all brainy and whatnot. They’re relatively cheap and a newly purchased bookcase will inspire you to buy more books. It’s a win-win situation people.

Aaron Sorkin’s “Sports Night.” Tired of the soap opera that “Studio 60” has devolved into? Why not check out some vintage Sorkin? Think of it as ESPN’s Sportscenter meets “Studio 60,” and it makes for some damn fine entertainment. The fact that ABC cancelled this show after only two seasons is a travesty of epic proportions.