Just kidding. But it got you to read, didn’t it? Exactly my point. Have you ever noticed how you can use a product for months or even years sans problem, then wake up one morning and read an article about how a preservative (coloring agent, emollient, whatever) in it is probably slowly poisoning you? It’s one of my pet peeves about health-based media. They latch onto a study or two and turn whatever ingredient it is into some kind of cosmetic “untouchable”, and next thing you know, your grandma is freaking out and throwing away all her perfume. (Or maybe that’s just me). Here, I’ll be talking about some of the current ingredients everybody’s gone phobic over. Guys, this applies to you too, as these alleged poisons are also lurking in your face wash/deodorant/toothpaste/whatever.
First, a note: Animals are very different from humans, which is one of the reasons that animal testing of ingredients has fallen under such scrutiny lately. I certainly don’t agree with it. That being said, if your mascara gave a rat a tumor, you might not want to keep it around your eyes.*
Diethanolamine (DEA) + Triethanolamine (TEA): This scary-sounding one has been shown to induce tumors in test mice and inhibit fetal development in mouse brains, and cause eye and nose irritation. It’s mainly used as a lubricant in cosmetic products.
Parabens- Parabens have shown to affect the reproductive health of test animals, and high concentrations of parabens have been found in human breast tumors. The study that has found said concentrations is a little iffy, from what I’ve heard, but never hurts to be safe.
Sodium Laurel/Laureth Sulfate- This one seems, to me, to be a true example of the health media getting crazaaay. Sodium Laurel/Laureth Sulfate is a foaming agent in many cleansers. If you google it, you’ll see about a thousand people saying, “Guess what, guys? It’s also in your FLOOR CLEANER!” To which I reply, “Know what else is in my floor cleaner? Orange extract. Guess I should stop eating oranges too, as they are obviously evil.” SLS is said to be too “harsh” and “stripping” but it’s not associated with any health issues besides eye irritation, so if you’re using it and not having any problem, go you.
Synthetic anything- Have you ever heard of the “naturalistic fallacy”? A fallacy is a deceptive, misleading, or false belief. The naturalistic fallacy goes something like this. “If it’s natural, it’s good for you. If it’s not natural, it’s bad for you.” Have you ever heard ladies with acrylic nails rejecting some food or beauty product because it’s got “synthetic ingredients”? Not only is this silly, it’s pretty dangerous too. For example, penicillin isn’t “natural” but it’s pretty helpful to us as a species. Likewise, talc exists as is in nature, but talc powder has linked with cancer in several studies. Lesson learned: take each ingredient on a case-by-case basis, and don’t grant products a blanket pass just because they’re marketed as “natural”. Synthetic ingredients, if they are safe, can actually be a godsend for people with allergies or sensitivities. Personally, it’s easy for me to get carried away with the whole natural products thing (because I love them) so I try to keep the above information in mind.
*Ironically, most of the ingredients that have been shown to be carcinogenic to test animals are still being used by the cosmetic companies that paid so much money to run the tests in the first place. This begs the question, why bother even testing the stuff for potential side effects if you’re just going to use it anyway? If you give a mouse a tumor… you’ll be lawsuit free?
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Back to school: haircuts, hummus, and bulbonic plague- oh my!
You may have noticed I haven’t been blogging the past few days.*That’s because I’ve been devoting blood sweat and tears to studying for that evil monolith of standardized testing, the GRE. Honestly, you think having an entire undergraduate career would be indicative of your readiness for grad school, but NO- they can’t charge you an extra $160 for real-world academic experience. That’s why they need a standardized test. Bitterness aside, I made the trek out to the testing center this morning, which happens to be located in my dear Alma Mater, University of Pittsburgh, where today was the first day of classes. All that hustle and bustle, the neverending crowds… needless to say, it was like stepping into a Petri dish of plague. Awesome.
It never fails. My immune system has the uncanny ability to stave off sickness until literally 5 minutes after a test, when I feel the beginnings of a sore throat along with the wave of relief. Thanks, evolutionary responses! As such, my more boisterous plans for celebrating freedom will have to go on backburner as I nurse an illness the likes of which I haven't felt since my undergraduate career.**
Here’s MY lesson plan for the week. It’s what I’ll be doing/what I recommend you doing if you feel like taking a moment of personal time during this hectic first week of classes, or if you're an old-timer like me who wants to kick-it old school (no pun intended).
Seminar in Historical American Culture (HISTORY 001- 5 credits): Buffy the Vampire Slayer: They may not have the whole series, but they have the first few episodes. You owe it to yourself to check this out- not only does it have corny side effects, piffy late-nineties dialogue, and RIDICULOUS fashion, but it’s a total blast from the past for anyone who is a late 80’s baby like myself. Seriously, it’s of great cultural significance, especially the super-dark lipstick.
Preventative Health Science (BIOLOGY 0500- 3 credits): Here’s my recipe for the aptly named “Sick day Hummus”. Warning: it’s seriously garlicky, but it seriously works. It’s loaded with vitamin C to boost your germ resistance, plus tons of garlic, which has natural antiseptic properties. Use this to fortify your immune system for the long winter ahead. It also has the welcome side effect of warding off vampires- trust me, I haven’t seen one yet.
1 15-ounce can chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
3 cloves of garlic, peeled and diced
2-3 tablespoons lemon juice (add as needed)
A pinch of salt (to taste)
Rinse and strain the chickpeas. Toss them in your blender, add the diced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and the salt, and puree. If the mixture isn’t getting as smooth as you would like, add a bit of water or more lemon juice (your choice) and keep blending. Pause once in a while to scrape the sides of the blender to mix the hummus, add more lemon juice or water, and keep blending till the mixture has the consistency of loose peanut butter. Eat it on a sandwich, with tortilla chips or pita, with a side salad or with rice… any way you want, this stuff is super versatile.
Home Economics (ECON 0020- 4 credits) A fashionable, yet affordable haircut at Salvatore Puccini’s Hair Design in Oakland. Puccini’s has a walk-in discount of $18-$32 if you drop by without a scheduled appointment, plus many other bonuses- check the link. The different hairstylists have different… well, styles, but if you are clear about what you want, you’ll generally walk away quite pleased. I’ve had comparable haircuts that cost me much more. Which leads me to:
How to get a happy haircut:
-Know what you want. Go in with specific ideas for styles. If you want the same style, that’s fine, just know that that’s what you want. It seems simple, but many don’t realize that just a little planning can make a routine haircut a much happier experience.
-Bring in a picture of what you want. If you have your heart set on looking like Sookie Stackhouse, you can tell them as such. But what if the stylist doesn’t have HBO? Print out a picture that shows exactly what you want- it spares you trying to explain and her trying to understand. For extra credit, say what it is about the style that you like ("I like that it frames the face.")If you can’t find a picture, proceed to step two.
- Get versed in hairstyling terminology. “Layering” is a hair technique that involves the hair being cut into variegated layers to create body. “Crisping” is when you have all your layers left the same, but trimmed for split ends. A “weave” is a hairpiece that is woven into the rest of your hair to create more volume. And on, and on, and on. The more specific you can be about what you want, the more likely it is that you’ll get out of there with your dignity intact. Check this website for a helpful hair terms list: http://www.leestafford.com/uk/thelook/glossary/
-Be specific. If you’re like me and you like long layers, say so. If you’re growing out your bangs or all your hair, tell them... preferably before they start cutting. You may feel like you’re being a bossy bitch (bastard?) but most of the stylists I’ve spoken to prefer direction and clear communication to a silent customer that later comes back demanding a refund.
So that’s it. School’s out!
*Or maybe you haven’t- if a tree falls in a forest with no one there to hear it, does it make a sound?
**A whole four months ago!
It never fails. My immune system has the uncanny ability to stave off sickness until literally 5 minutes after a test, when I feel the beginnings of a sore throat along with the wave of relief. Thanks, evolutionary responses! As such, my more boisterous plans for celebrating freedom will have to go on backburner as I nurse an illness the likes of which I haven't felt since my undergraduate career.**
Here’s MY lesson plan for the week. It’s what I’ll be doing/what I recommend you doing if you feel like taking a moment of personal time during this hectic first week of classes, or if you're an old-timer like me who wants to kick-it old school (no pun intended).
Seminar in Historical American Culture (HISTORY 001- 5 credits): Buffy the Vampire Slayer: They may not have the whole series, but they have the first few episodes. You owe it to yourself to check this out- not only does it have corny side effects, piffy late-nineties dialogue, and RIDICULOUS fashion, but it’s a total blast from the past for anyone who is a late 80’s baby like myself. Seriously, it’s of great cultural significance, especially the super-dark lipstick.
Preventative Health Science (BIOLOGY 0500- 3 credits): Here’s my recipe for the aptly named “Sick day Hummus”. Warning: it’s seriously garlicky, but it seriously works. It’s loaded with vitamin C to boost your germ resistance, plus tons of garlic, which has natural antiseptic properties. Use this to fortify your immune system for the long winter ahead. It also has the welcome side effect of warding off vampires- trust me, I haven’t seen one yet.
1 15-ounce can chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
3 cloves of garlic, peeled and diced
2-3 tablespoons lemon juice (add as needed)
A pinch of salt (to taste)
Rinse and strain the chickpeas. Toss them in your blender, add the diced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and the salt, and puree. If the mixture isn’t getting as smooth as you would like, add a bit of water or more lemon juice (your choice) and keep blending. Pause once in a while to scrape the sides of the blender to mix the hummus, add more lemon juice or water, and keep blending till the mixture has the consistency of loose peanut butter. Eat it on a sandwich, with tortilla chips or pita, with a side salad or with rice… any way you want, this stuff is super versatile.
Home Economics (ECON 0020- 4 credits) A fashionable, yet affordable haircut at Salvatore Puccini’s Hair Design in Oakland. Puccini’s has a walk-in discount of $18-$32 if you drop by without a scheduled appointment, plus many other bonuses- check the link. The different hairstylists have different… well, styles, but if you are clear about what you want, you’ll generally walk away quite pleased. I’ve had comparable haircuts that cost me much more. Which leads me to:
How to get a happy haircut:
-Know what you want. Go in with specific ideas for styles. If you want the same style, that’s fine, just know that that’s what you want. It seems simple, but many don’t realize that just a little planning can make a routine haircut a much happier experience.
-Bring in a picture of what you want. If you have your heart set on looking like Sookie Stackhouse, you can tell them as such. But what if the stylist doesn’t have HBO? Print out a picture that shows exactly what you want- it spares you trying to explain and her trying to understand. For extra credit, say what it is about the style that you like ("I like that it frames the face.")If you can’t find a picture, proceed to step two.
- Get versed in hairstyling terminology. “Layering” is a hair technique that involves the hair being cut into variegated layers to create body. “Crisping” is when you have all your layers left the same, but trimmed for split ends. A “weave” is a hairpiece that is woven into the rest of your hair to create more volume. And on, and on, and on. The more specific you can be about what you want, the more likely it is that you’ll get out of there with your dignity intact. Check this website for a helpful hair terms list: http://www.leestafford.com/uk/thelook/glossary/
-Be specific. If you’re like me and you like long layers, say so. If you’re growing out your bangs or all your hair, tell them... preferably before they start cutting. You may feel like you’re being a bossy bitch (bastard?) but most of the stylists I’ve spoken to prefer direction and clear communication to a silent customer that later comes back demanding a refund.
So that’s it. School’s out!
*Or maybe you haven’t- if a tree falls in a forest with no one there to hear it, does it make a sound?
**A whole four months ago!
Friday, August 27, 2010
This little piggy goes to market
I’ll say it once, I’ll say it a thousand times. Buy local, and cook food from fresh ingredients. Seriously. It’s better for the environment, the economy, the farmers, and your upper arms (not to mention your overall health). That being said, I’m pretty happy with the number of people who have quit hiding behind paltry excuses (“I don’t have time because I’m taking 18 credits” or “I keep such crazy work hours and I don’t know how to cook!”) and have started to prioritize slow food as opposed to fast. For those who are hesitant to take the step, don’t worry. I may come off as a little harsh, but come on, this is a blog. In all reality, I would love to spread my love of food to all of you :).
This entry is due to popular demand. (I use the term loosely, as a unanimous request is easy when you have two whole blog readers). I’ve heard way too whining about the lack of farmers markets in this city. Whaaaat? Pittsburgh is stuffed with vegetable markets and amazing restaurants- the city is totally surrounded by farms, for God’s sake. In case you are also suffering under this apparently common misconception, here’s a little ditty intended to enlighten you. I’ve highlighted some of the better farmer’s markets and included some tips about how to make fresh meals on the cheap.
Good Apples-The interweb. Good Apples is an online produce shopping service which combines the ease of Amazon.com with the great prices and quality of a farmer’s market. You can order your items and pick them up at one of the pickup centers, or even get them delivered to your house. It really doesn’t get any easier. This service was a lifesaver when I was in college.
Market Square Farmer’s Market- Downtown. I’ve written about this before, but it bears repeating- every Thursday during the summer, 10am-2pm, a bunch of local vendors drag their wares all the way to Market Square, just for all us busy office workers. There are also homemade pies, jellies, cheeses, wines, and pierogies so you can get lunch while you’re stocking your larder.
Farmers@Firehouse- Strip District. This one is my absolute favorite. You can check online each week to see what delicious offerings will be there on Saturday, then make the trek there to mingle with the crowds, talk to the vendors, and get fistfuls of lovely green, for minimal amount of yours. TIP: While you’re in the Strip, you can always pick up some great-priced spices at Pennsylvania Macaroni Company and live herb plants at Roxanne’s Dried Flowers for the ultimate DIY meal plan. Growing your own herbs is one way to really cut down on meal costs, since herbs are so expensive. One plant will usually run you $3-$7 for an everlasting supply till the plant dies, while one “portion” of fresh cut herbs at the supermarket will run you around $3. You do the math. Seeds are even cheaper, but it’s way harder.
TIP FOR OAKLANDITES: If you are a Pitt or CMU student marooned in the market-less wasteland of Oakland, try Bombay Mart on Center and Craig (Indian), Merante Groceria on Bates (Italian), Halal Meats on South Bouquet St (Halal/Middle Eastern), Ginza (Korean and Japanese) on Atwood, or Seoul Mart (Korean, duh) on Neville. All will offer prices comparable or better than that ghastly place on Forbes… unless, of course, you’re in the market for Kraft Mac and Cheese. Good Apples (see first entry on the list) has a drop-off point very close to Pitt, so check that out too.
TIP: Always check any ethnic markets close to you if you’re in a pinch. The produce may not be local, but it will definitely be cheaper than Giant Eagle. Did you know that when Giant Eagle introduced its “Fuel Perks” program, it raised all the prices of its in-store stock? So if you shop there to save money with Fuel Perks, you’re not really saving anything at all, except Giant Eagle’s stockholders.
This entry is due to popular demand. (I use the term loosely, as a unanimous request is easy when you have two whole blog readers). I’ve heard way too whining about the lack of farmers markets in this city. Whaaaat? Pittsburgh is stuffed with vegetable markets and amazing restaurants- the city is totally surrounded by farms, for God’s sake. In case you are also suffering under this apparently common misconception, here’s a little ditty intended to enlighten you. I’ve highlighted some of the better farmer’s markets and included some tips about how to make fresh meals on the cheap.
Good Apples-The interweb. Good Apples is an online produce shopping service which combines the ease of Amazon.com with the great prices and quality of a farmer’s market. You can order your items and pick them up at one of the pickup centers, or even get them delivered to your house. It really doesn’t get any easier. This service was a lifesaver when I was in college.
Market Square Farmer’s Market- Downtown. I’ve written about this before, but it bears repeating- every Thursday during the summer, 10am-2pm, a bunch of local vendors drag their wares all the way to Market Square, just for all us busy office workers. There are also homemade pies, jellies, cheeses, wines, and pierogies so you can get lunch while you’re stocking your larder.
Farmers@Firehouse- Strip District. This one is my absolute favorite. You can check online each week to see what delicious offerings will be there on Saturday, then make the trek there to mingle with the crowds, talk to the vendors, and get fistfuls of lovely green, for minimal amount of yours. TIP: While you’re in the Strip, you can always pick up some great-priced spices at Pennsylvania Macaroni Company and live herb plants at Roxanne’s Dried Flowers for the ultimate DIY meal plan. Growing your own herbs is one way to really cut down on meal costs, since herbs are so expensive. One plant will usually run you $3-$7 for an everlasting supply till the plant dies, while one “portion” of fresh cut herbs at the supermarket will run you around $3. You do the math. Seeds are even cheaper, but it’s way harder.
TIP FOR OAKLANDITES: If you are a Pitt or CMU student marooned in the market-less wasteland of Oakland, try Bombay Mart on Center and Craig (Indian), Merante Groceria on Bates (Italian), Halal Meats on South Bouquet St (Halal/Middle Eastern), Ginza (Korean and Japanese) on Atwood, or Seoul Mart (Korean, duh) on Neville. All will offer prices comparable or better than that ghastly place on Forbes… unless, of course, you’re in the market for Kraft Mac and Cheese. Good Apples (see first entry on the list) has a drop-off point very close to Pitt, so check that out too.
TIP: Always check any ethnic markets close to you if you’re in a pinch. The produce may not be local, but it will definitely be cheaper than Giant Eagle. Did you know that when Giant Eagle introduced its “Fuel Perks” program, it raised all the prices of its in-store stock? So if you shop there to save money with Fuel Perks, you’re not really saving anything at all, except Giant Eagle’s stockholders.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Our Ladies of LoLa
Recently (as a matter of fact, yesterday) it was brought to my attention that the area I live in has a name… and no, it’s not “Lawrenceville”. It’s LoLa, or “Lower Lawrenceville” which denotes specifically the span of Butler Street between 34th and 40th Street. Now, I’m not necessarily averse to cutesy nicknames, but I wish someone had told be BEFORE I moved that I would be living in an area that sounds like a Disney character/porn star and is reminiscent of ‘hocho’ (hot chocolate) or ‘froyo’ (frozen yogurt). It’s moments like these that I fear that my descent into yuppiedom is accelerating.
To be fair, “LoLa” (ugh) is a pretty nice place to live- there’s always something new or groovy going down, and it usually involves alcohol. For example, August 26-August 28 (from 4-8 each day) is the Our Lady of the Angels Parish festival. I grew up in a mainly Roman Catholic area of NY, and I must say, I love a good feast day. This one’s got all the standard fare: funnel cake, raffles, inflatable bouncy castle, and rubber duck races. When I was there, I got a high five from a giant pierogie and heard a little bit of live music. It’s not the liveliest scene in the world, but it was worth it for the nostalgia factor- at least for me. If you’re a Larrytown resident, stop by and buy a $1 raffle ticket and make the little old ladies smile. It’s good for the soul- promise.
To be fair, “LoLa” (ugh) is a pretty nice place to live- there’s always something new or groovy going down, and it usually involves alcohol. For example, August 26-August 28 (from 4-8 each day) is the Our Lady of the Angels Parish festival. I grew up in a mainly Roman Catholic area of NY, and I must say, I love a good feast day. This one’s got all the standard fare: funnel cake, raffles, inflatable bouncy castle, and rubber duck races. When I was there, I got a high five from a giant pierogie and heard a little bit of live music. It’s not the liveliest scene in the world, but it was worth it for the nostalgia factor- at least for me. If you’re a Larrytown resident, stop by and buy a $1 raffle ticket and make the little old ladies smile. It’s good for the soul- promise.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
RIP, Satoshi Kon
Hello all,
I had a different entry planned for today, but as usual, I got distracted. Unlike usual, this won’t really be a piffy or lighthearted entry. Sadly, it’s commemorating something that I couldn’t in good conscience let pass unnoticed.
As some of you may know, I was a French and Japanese major in college. While I’m not a huge anime* freak, I still enjoy some of the more skillful anime in an artistic sense. And I’m sad to spread the news that Satoshi Kon, one of the masters of the genre, has passed away.
For those of you who are not familiar, Satoshi Kon’s animated movies deal with human subject matter, so much so that he could have easily chosen live-action as a medium. But instead, he preferred the artistic freedom that was afforded by anime. Needless to say, he paid excruciating attention to the intricacy of his drawings. Unlike many animes where characters look like a bunch of identical blobs with different hairstyles and eye colors, Satoshi Kon’s figures were so realistic that watching his movies is like watching a living, moving portrait. He directed one of my favorite movies of all time, Millennium Actress (Sennen joyu in Japanese), a haunting love story that questions reality and the objectivity of perspective and memory.
If you have a free evening and you like foreign films or if you’ve been meaning to break out of your usual filmic monotony, rent Paprika, Tokyo Godfathers, or one of his many other fine films this week. Give a little kudos to a fine artist and innovator.
*Anime is a catch-all term for any animated movie that comes out of Japan. Much like non-animated western movies, an anime movie can be about anything from porn to the story of the life of the Buddha to a kid’s cartoon. Most of the people in the States who enjoy anime also enjoy video games, hanging out on online forums, having detailed debates about obscure Japan or video-game related topics, and hats with furry animal ears on them. (I know this because as a Japanese major I had to spend WAY too much time in the company of such people.) Because of this, anime gets an underserved bad rap. In Japan it’s a lot less stigmatized.
I had a different entry planned for today, but as usual, I got distracted. Unlike usual, this won’t really be a piffy or lighthearted entry. Sadly, it’s commemorating something that I couldn’t in good conscience let pass unnoticed.
As some of you may know, I was a French and Japanese major in college. While I’m not a huge anime* freak, I still enjoy some of the more skillful anime in an artistic sense. And I’m sad to spread the news that Satoshi Kon, one of the masters of the genre, has passed away.
For those of you who are not familiar, Satoshi Kon’s animated movies deal with human subject matter, so much so that he could have easily chosen live-action as a medium. But instead, he preferred the artistic freedom that was afforded by anime. Needless to say, he paid excruciating attention to the intricacy of his drawings. Unlike many animes where characters look like a bunch of identical blobs with different hairstyles and eye colors, Satoshi Kon’s figures were so realistic that watching his movies is like watching a living, moving portrait. He directed one of my favorite movies of all time, Millennium Actress (Sennen joyu in Japanese), a haunting love story that questions reality and the objectivity of perspective and memory.
If you have a free evening and you like foreign films or if you’ve been meaning to break out of your usual filmic monotony, rent Paprika, Tokyo Godfathers, or one of his many other fine films this week. Give a little kudos to a fine artist and innovator.
*Anime is a catch-all term for any animated movie that comes out of Japan. Much like non-animated western movies, an anime movie can be about anything from porn to the story of the life of the Buddha to a kid’s cartoon. Most of the people in the States who enjoy anime also enjoy video games, hanging out on online forums, having detailed debates about obscure Japan or video-game related topics, and hats with furry animal ears on them. (I know this because as a Japanese major I had to spend WAY too much time in the company of such people.) Because of this, anime gets an underserved bad rap. In Japan it’s a lot less stigmatized.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Book report
Remember back in elementary and middle school when you were assigned a list of summer reading books choices at the end of each school year? I do, probably because it was utterly traumatic. Dashing jubilantly out of your last test, ready to head home to a nice popsicle and some cartoons, only to be tapped rudely on the shoulder and handed a nasty yellowed sheet of paper with a billion book titles on it. I loved to read (still do) and probably would have read all summer anyway, but let’s just say my ideal reading list in fifth grade would not have included The Communist Manifesto. BUZZKILL.
It may seem unseasonable to write about summer reading right as the beach season ends, and I suppose it is. But I would much rather pass along to you a list of books I’ve read and loved than saddle you with some dry titles based on secondhand recommendations (do you think any of your English teachers would really have enjoyed sitting down with some tea and Night by Elie Wiesel? Come on, it’s not exactly an upper). Keep these in mind if you have a spare minute during the year. Pleasure reading is truly the best therapy.
P.S. You may notice that stuff on this reading list isn’t quite what you would see recommended in your monthly Glamour. While I like to make myself look good, doing so is unfortunately not the purpose of this list. For the record, I also dig the Gossip Girl novels and a good True Blood marathon.
Who Wrote the Bible by Richard Elliot Friedman- Nonfiction. This book is an academic examination of the various historical and cultural forces that influenced the writing of the Old Testament/Torah. I started reading this knowing nothing about ancient Israel or its government and culture, and I came out of it both informed and enlightened. It’s not your typical easy read, but totally worth it if you’re curious about the forces that shaped the bestselling book of all time.
Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman by Haruki Murakami- Fiction. Haruki Murakami does it again in yet another compilation of intriguing short stories. He places his characters in fantastical situations (or places fantastical characters in everyday situations) for stories that, at their core, are not just complex modern-day fairy tales, but moving portrayals of the human condition. Be warned, they can also be seriously weird.
In Defense of Food by Michael Pollon- Nonfiction. The author of The Omnivore’s Dilemma, Micheal Pollon wrote this “Eater’s Manifesto” in response to fan’s inquiries about what he deemed fit for consumption. The book is a detailed, yet easy-to-read history of the evolution of American cultural attitudes (and governmental policies) towards food. If you’ve been looking to overhaul your pantries, read this gem first.
The Best of Roald Dahl- Fiction. Yup, an adult can read Roald Dahl without having to be a parent, English teacher, or a pedophile. He’s best known for his children’s books, but he shows his satirical (or sometimes humorous, naughty, or scary) side in his short stories that are definitely for grown-ups.
It may seem unseasonable to write about summer reading right as the beach season ends, and I suppose it is. But I would much rather pass along to you a list of books I’ve read and loved than saddle you with some dry titles based on secondhand recommendations (do you think any of your English teachers would really have enjoyed sitting down with some tea and Night by Elie Wiesel? Come on, it’s not exactly an upper). Keep these in mind if you have a spare minute during the year. Pleasure reading is truly the best therapy.
P.S. You may notice that stuff on this reading list isn’t quite what you would see recommended in your monthly Glamour. While I like to make myself look good, doing so is unfortunately not the purpose of this list. For the record, I also dig the Gossip Girl novels and a good True Blood marathon.
Who Wrote the Bible by Richard Elliot Friedman- Nonfiction. This book is an academic examination of the various historical and cultural forces that influenced the writing of the Old Testament/Torah. I started reading this knowing nothing about ancient Israel or its government and culture, and I came out of it both informed and enlightened. It’s not your typical easy read, but totally worth it if you’re curious about the forces that shaped the bestselling book of all time.
Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman by Haruki Murakami- Fiction. Haruki Murakami does it again in yet another compilation of intriguing short stories. He places his characters in fantastical situations (or places fantastical characters in everyday situations) for stories that, at their core, are not just complex modern-day fairy tales, but moving portrayals of the human condition. Be warned, they can also be seriously weird.
In Defense of Food by Michael Pollon- Nonfiction. The author of The Omnivore’s Dilemma, Micheal Pollon wrote this “Eater’s Manifesto” in response to fan’s inquiries about what he deemed fit for consumption. The book is a detailed, yet easy-to-read history of the evolution of American cultural attitudes (and governmental policies) towards food. If you’ve been looking to overhaul your pantries, read this gem first.
The Best of Roald Dahl- Fiction. Yup, an adult can read Roald Dahl without having to be a parent, English teacher, or a pedophile. He’s best known for his children’s books, but he shows his satirical (or sometimes humorous, naughty, or scary) side in his short stories that are definitely for grown-ups.
Monday, August 23, 2010
For art geek eyes only
Today, I thought I give all of you a heads-up on a groovy artist who's currently living and working in the 'burgh. Christian Breitkreutz's art plays on cartoon/illustration type lines, with subject matter ranging from the comical to the fantastical to the haunting. It combines the ghastliness of a Grimm's fairy tale with the sinister air of a deck of cobwebby tarot cards. He's pretty skilled (and for the record, a damn nice guy). Check the Crazy Mocha in Bloomfield next month for a display of his original work, or Etsy.com if you ball hard (fiscally, that is) and you're craving a painting. I certainly can't afford to buy any of his stuff now, but hey, the website's an art geek's eye candy.
http://www.christianbreitkreutz.com/index.html
http://www.christianbreitkreutz.com/index.html
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