Team Chianti

A Clash of Kings

2011-08-15T13:38:00.003-04:00

Author: George R. R. Martin

Number two in the series. As good as the first, maybe even better since it's really made me look forward to the next season of the show on HBO. There are some new and interesting characters, some good old character developments, and the fantasy element definitely gets a boost in this one.

And I'm already onto the third...

A Game of Thrones

2011-08-15T13:20:00.003-04:00

Author: George R. R. Martin

Sure, I had heard of the show on HBO and seen maybe 10 minutes of one episode while Pink was watching. But I didn't add it to my already busting viewing schedule. I'm a pretty loyal viewer so my schedule doesn't leave a lot of room for newbies.

About two weeks ago I read in my Entertainment Weekly magazine about the release of GRRM's latest book, the 5th in the Fire and Ice series, of which A Game of Thrones is the first. I didn't realize the show was based on a book, let alone a series as revered as this one. I've never dabbled in the fantasy genre before but this last book was getting such amazing reviews that I committed myself to reading the series from the beginning.

So began an interesting experience for me - reading the book and staggering the HBO episodes such that I had already read whatever was in that episode. While I was a little disappointed when small things deviated from the book, I'm not sure I would have connected all the dots between characters if I hadn't read the book first. I even ended up filling in a few important details for Pink who just watched the show.

Even though the books are intimidatingly long, I almost feel like some of the plot lines didn't get to develop completely and were cut way too short. Maybe he knew he had a lot more books to write. Overall, though, I really enjoyed both the book and the show - good characters, good plot lines, and lots of imagination.

Someone Knows My Name

2011-07-14T14:36:00.003-04:00

Author: Lawrence Hill

Interesting.

Mockingjay

2011-07-14T14:34:00.004-04:00

Author: Suzanne Collins

Sadness.

Catching Fire

2011-07-14T14:34:00.001-04:00

Author: Suzanne Collins

Clever.

Hunger Games

2011-07-14T14:31:00.003-04:00

Author: Suzanne Collins

Candy!!

Unbroken

2011-07-14T14:29:00.003-04:00

Author: Laura Hillenbrand

Inspiring.

The Zookeeper's Wife

2011-07-14T14:28:00.002-04:00

Author: Diane Ackerman

Disjointed.

The Other Queen

2011-07-14T14:28:00.001-04:00

Author: Philippa Gregory

Historical.

Anvil of Stars

2011-07-14T14:28:00.000-04:00

Author: Greg Bear

Mediocre.

Shogun

2011-07-14T14:26:00.000-04:00

Author: James Clavell

Engrossing.

Book Catch-up

2011-07-14T14:21:00.003-04:00

It's been a while since a post, but we've certainly been busy. Aside from reading a bunch, we were lucky enough to have Hudson at the end of June, two days after his brother's birthday.

Since then days have been filled with "milking the baby," as my sister says, watching tv, and reading...a LOT. Since there are a few to post about I'm just going to use one word to describe each out of sheer laziness.

Lift

2011-03-06T19:37:00.002-05:00

Author: Kelly Corrigan

Boring. But at least it was short so I didn't waste too much time.

Snow Day!

2011-01-10T09:38:00.003-05:00

Jack is having his first real snow day - school and work closed for everyone! I'm not sure we'll ever see this much snow in Atlanta again.

The morning started with sledding down the driveway on a Little Mermaid pool raft (which Pink popped on the initial test run) and was completed with a snowman and Jack's first hot chocolate. Pretty sure this has been a good day for him - and us!

Beef Wellington Christmas 2010

2010-12-31T07:27:00.003-05:00

After reading an article in Fine Cooking and after much debate with my mom we were inspired to try it out. Now I had not made Beef Wellington since being at The Culinary Institute of America 10 years ago, and my mom had not since the 80's. After some research on the internet and looking through a few books we came up with our game plan.

We decided not to do the labor intensive process of traditional puff pastry and instead we used Nick Malgieri Instant Puff Pastry, from his book Modern Baker. Now this does not puff as much as the traditional puff, but for Wellington it works great.

Next we knew from previous experience we needed to protect the pastry from getting soggy from the cooking and resting process. To solve this problem we did three things. Pan seared the whole tenderloin and let it cool completely. Then we wrapped the duxelles coated tenderloin in prosciutto and then a crepe with dry savory. The result was super crispy pastry.

All in all I would do this again.

Cutting for Stone

2010-10-13T22:10:00.003-04:00

Author: Abraham Verghese

Again, I've let so much time pass before posting my reads so this is the only one I'm actually going to say anything about.

This book was suggested to me by my dad's physician. I then suggested it for book club since I was going to read it anyway. It was a pretty unanimously enjoyed read. I thought this book was an absolutely incredible story - so well-written.

Read it. For real. Read it.

The Many Deaths of the Firefly Brothers

2010-10-13T21:23:00.006-04:00

Author: Thomas Mullen

I'm afraid this review may be a little biased. For book club several months ago we read Tom's first book, The Last Town on Earth. Then, the very week after our little group discussed it, we had a new member join - Tom's wife.

I'll admit that I've been pretty star-struck by the nearness of celebrity even though they seem like the most normal down to earth people. Ok, she does - I haven't met him. But I felt that I urgently needed to read his second book because what excuse could I have for not?

I was fairly distracted in the beginning of the book thinking about how I almost knew him and was trying to compare it to his first book, even though they are miles apart as far as story. But eventually the hysteria in my brain calmed down enough for me to actually enjoy the book.

Afterwards I was still trying to resolve which one I liked better, perhaps thinking at some point if I ever met him maybe he would ask. I don't know - it doesn't seem likely (the asking, not the meeting, well maybe both) that he would be that self-centered as to want to talk about his books or assume anyone else did. Either way I'm sure the diplomatic reply of liking them both the same would seem like I didn't read either so the jury's still out.

Truthfully, though, the book was good. The ending left a little room for interpretation which I enjoyed. It's nice to still be thinking of a book for a few days or a week after you've closed the cover.

Re-Elect

2010-10-04T12:19:00.004-04:00

On our way back from South Bend, IN last month, we stop for a break at a gas station in Bowling Green, KY and saw this. Oh it was paid by Steve Snodgrass. WOW!!!

Freedom

2010-09-25T15:26:00.000-04:00

Author: Jonathan Franzen

In 2001 I read The Corrections, which introduced Franzen to most literate people. It was one of those books that I remember really loving but right now couldn't tell you a thing about it.

After nine years he's finally published another novel, Freedom. He came to Decatur as the keynote speaking for the Decatur Book Festival over Labor Day weekend. My fabulous friend, Marilyn, hooked me up with a ticket to see him speak and he read from his book to us.

This was a new experience for me - I don't recall ever going to hear an author read his work before. In a way it was nice, later on when I read the book, to know how intended certain characters to speak, their inflection, and cadence.

After the reading I stood in this incredibly enormous line to get him to sign my copy of Freedom, which thankfully I didn't purchase for my iPad the day before as I had been contemplating. The line took so long because everyone wanted to have their moment of conversation with him. I almost gave up twice. But I was determined not to say a word to him when I finally reached the table so as not to earn the scorn of the hundred or so people behind me still waiting. I know I'm not important to him so I don't need him to pretend for me.

A clever little trick they do is write your name on a sticky note and put it on the page he's going to sign so he doesn't spell your name wrong. I thought this was brilliant because no one spells my name right after I say it. Finally at the table, he opened my book, looked at my sticky note, and said, "To Gina?" To which I of course responded with the correct pronunciation of my name. Normally people at this point apologize and get on with their business. But Mr. Franzen just stared at me for a beat, like I was the one who was wrong.

Eventually he came out of his trance and apologized, to which I said that it was okay, nobody ever got it right. Then he signed my book and I was on my way. So, I guess I had a few more words with him than I was intending.

Partway into his book I realized the reason for his perplexed and staring pause creating our awkward moment: Jenna is in Freedom. I wonder if he thinks now he should have spelled it my way.

Long anecdote for the shortest of reviews: READ IT. You won't be sorry.

the crack that is television

2010-09-14T20:28:00.004-04:00

As the end of the television season comes to a close before summer I look forward to it more than Christmas. I can practically taste the moment when I will be set free from its chains so that I can be some semblance of the literate person that I actually am. The stack of books waits as impatiently as I do. The day the DVR is clear is the pinnacle of relief.

All summer I cram as many books into my brain as possible, to the point of anxiety because I know I will read a third of my ambitions. But for those three months or so I feel like the nerd I am and love.

And now. The encroaching tv season is slithering its way back into my life, cleverly presenting me with only three premiers this week - just enough to solidify the illusion that I don't have a problem. I hate that I love television so much.

And so it gloriously (and simultaneously shamefully) begins - the weeks of endless DVRing, "catching up", and fast-forwarding through commercials. The not-so-tiny hard drive will bring me much happiness but with it comes oppression as well, until next summer when I'll be free for a little while again and can prove to myself that all of my intelligence hasn't evaporated.

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner

2010-09-01T20:01:00.004-04:00

Author: Stephanie Meyer

This is a novella from a single character's perspective who is briefly touched on in the Eclipse novel. For the most part it was childishly entertaining but the last 30 pages or so brought forth some interesting revelations. I either wasn't paying attention when I read Eclipse or it was so long ago that some details have evaporated from my brain.

Either way, the finish was good and it was altogether a pretty small investment of my time.

The Pillars of the Earth

2010-08-28T14:44:00.003-04:00

Author: Ken Follett

Epic. Architecturally fascinating. Masterfully assembled.

I have resisted this book for quite some time. It's really long and so popular that I immediately shrugged it off. I sometimes have difficulty reading things I feel I must. Nonetheless, I read this, not quite at my usual pace, but with a constant hunger.

My immediate interest was in the architecture but I quickly realized how truly perfectly this novel was sewn together. It was a puzzle of enormous proportions and I kept thinking how brilliant Follett was to set up each part of the story hundreds of pages before, without the slightest hint of his intention. Even seemingly insignificant roles would float to the surface much later and make my stomach lurch in anticipation and dread.

But my admiration for him goes further.

Follett took an actual event in history (the sinking of the White Ship) and created a fictional history around this single event. The ability to weave such an epic tale, while maintaining some sense of historical accuracy, is astounding to me. Think of the massive amount of research he must have done to get it right.

The other thing I am impressed with is the power of Oprah. Follett wrote this book in 1989. Twenty-one years ago. In 2007 it was selected for Oprah's book club and I suspect it has enjoyed vastly more success since then than when it was originally published. Her influence is terrifying.

Normally I'm drawn to certain books because I become emotionally invested in the characters but not so much this time. Don't get me wrong - of course I was interested in them and wanted to follow their paths, but as I continued to read I was more impressed by the blueprint of the story and Follett's ability to build it flawlessly. I don't think I can recall another book where the structural integrity of the novel is so absolutely unwaveringly solid. No detail was overlooked and every sentence has a distinct purpose. Completely efficient in its enormity. Brilliant.

Ellen's Okra

2010-08-24T23:30:00.002-04:00

We spent our night canning okra from Ellen's house in Statesboro, GA. She brought us SO MUCH beautiful okra so we pickled 12 jars and I'm planning on making some tomato and okra soup. W is planning on making some gumbo. After all that I still think we'll have enough okra to do it all over again.

Bistro 217...and Elvis

2010-08-11T21:20:00.004-04:00

New factoid: it's illegal to wear a thong in South Carolina. Any kind of thong, either sex.

On one of our last nights of vacation we opted to go out to dinner and were trying to choose between Chive Blossom, a highly recommended place, and Bistro 217, a place mom heard about from the woman who did her hair last week.

We ended up at Bistro 217. Despite the sweltering weather, we ate outside on the cutest patio under a tent (it turned out it wasn't much cooler inside anyway), with lots of fans and misting water.

Our Albanian waiter, Elvis, with his soft eyes and French/Eastern European melting pot of an accent, was the perfect accompaniment to the most fabulous meal we've had in the two years we've been here.

First, the food. All apologies to Mary James but the shrimp and grits were beyond perfect. Instead of a bowl of grits the seared shrimp were served over a jalapeno grit cake that stayed crispy all the way through the andouille sausage, okra, and tomato espanole sauce. So perfectly fabulous and not like I had ever had it before.

But Heidi won the app contest with her seared tuna Napoleon: three layers of seared tuna on a crispy won ton piece with an avocado salad. Holy crap, this thing was amazing. Other apps included crab bisque (clearly the weather did not affect Baguer's choice) and carpaccio (the only disappointment of the meal).

Entrees: I had Jack's favorite fish to say - humu-humu-nuka-nuka-apuaa, or triggerfish. It was pecan crusted and served over a fried crab and rice cake with a coconut cream sauce and bok choy. The bok choy was quite tedious and the crab in the cake completely unnecessary but the rest was unbelievable. Cris ordered the biggest lamb shank I've ever seen, and ate every bite of it. Baguer got the flounder which looked good, and Heidi got the special halibut over a bevvy of sauteed vegetables. Mom had the carpaccio and Dad had the Asian BBQ ribs. Everyone was happy.

Now, Elvis, our server. We took bets that he spoke 4 languages. We were wrong. Six: Albanian, Italian, French, German, English, and Spanish. And as Heidi liked to say, he had bedroom eyes. After dinner Heidi and fam stopped to get us some ice cream at Latte Litchfield, a sweet little place Heidi and I found earlier in the day when we needed an iced caffeinated beverage to quell my headache.

As Heidi was chatting up the girl who had helped us earlier in the day, she was saying how we blew off dessert at Bistro 217 to come there instead. After being asked, Heidi was describing who our waiter had been and the girl behind the counter finally said, "Oh, the gigolo with the bun-wrap." Apparently, Elvis prefers the European beachwear style. This is when Heidi found out from the state trooper in Latte Litchfield that thongs were illegal in South Carolina.

What a truly fabulous night.

Mansfield Park

2010-08-10T16:57:00.003-04:00

Author: Jane Austen

I sincerely struggled through the first half of the story but as soon as we were past all the formalities of character development the story was so civilized. I wish I lived in Mansfield Park. Loved it. I'm not sure if I loved it more than Pride & Prejudice but I think there's no doubt that Austen has quickly become one of my favorite authors.

Pandora

2010-08-10T16:50:00.003-04:00

Author: Anne Rice

A little bit of brain candy sprinkled in the literature is a good thing. And sometimes, the candy ends up being more than you would have hoped for.

Anne Rice proves again that she is a great storyteller - not just about vampires and witches - but in the way she weaves history into her adventures. Not to spoil anything, but I don't even think Pandora becomes a vampire until two-thirds of the way through the book. This book is so clearly not about being a vampire.

The story centers around Lydia (later to become Pandora) and her life in ancient Rome. I felt like I was watching the prematurely aborted masterpiece Rome that was on HBO. The history of the worship of Isis got a little old but was necessary I suppose.

If you like Anne Rice, this was a very pleasant return to her magical storytelling skills that have been adrift since the early days of Louis and Lestat.

The Caliph's House

2010-08-10T11:44:00.003-04:00

Author: Tahir Shah

Book Club Selection

Written in the spirit of A Year in Provence and Under the Tuscan Sun, this tale of adventure and cultural adaptation was set in Casablanca.

I absolutely loved this book, perhaps even more than either of the two in whose footsteps it traces. For me it was the absolute stark contrasts in culture from his London upbringing that proved most entertaining.

Definitely recommended.

Gena: Day 1

2010-07-17T09:22:00.004-04:00

After almost a year I finally got back on Helix yesterday. Shockingly, I'm not as out of shape as I thought - only a couple mphs off where I was last summer. However great that may have been, the 12% grade that is my driveway is always going to suck. And I couldn't find my gloves which also sucked.

I'm debating whether to take the bike to the beach or not. Pink got me to buy some fancy running shoes so it's either run or bike at the beach - I've got to do something to counteract all the calories I'm going to be drinking. Don't laugh at my stats below - I'm pretty slow.

7/16/10

10.02 miles

0:40:24

14.8 mph av

33.0 mph max

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

2010-07-16T19:43:00.003-04:00

Author: Lewis Carroll

Believe it or not I have never read this story. This was the first book I read on my new iPad, which is totally the bomb by the way. But it's strange to read a story for the first time and already know everything that happens from other book/movie references and pop culture.

Spy

2010-07-16T19:39:00.001-04:00

Author: Ted Bell

Waste of my time. Sorry, Dad.

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest

2010-07-16T19:35:00.001-04:00

Author: Stieg Larsson

A brilliant finale to one of the best trilogies I've ever read. I am so sad my time with Blomkvist and Lisbeth is over.

Tess of the d'Urbervilles

2010-07-16T17:01:00.001-04:00

Author: Thomas Hardy

I am so far behind on my book posts so these are all going to be short...

I don't know why but I've been into classic books lately. Maybe because they are mostly about times so far past that it's like walking through another world.

I recently read an article asking the question if "classic" books were written today would they still be considered "classics." I don't know the answer to that but I thought it was interesting.

I really enjoyed this story despite all the formalities and strange awkward behavior but I guess that's just how it was back then.

Cupcake Destroyer: Jack's 3rd Birthday

2010-06-19T10:44:00.002-04:00

Well I know for a fact that this will be the quietest birthday Jack will every have. Just Papa and Jack chillin out. We started our day out @ Chamblee Farmers Market, we picked some fresh heirloom tomatoes, corn, fennel, and fresh butter beans. Also grabbed some pickled okra and muscandine jam. Next it was off to Toys R Us. Amazingly I found Thomas the Train named Emily, which we had been looking for months now. Lastly we stopped at Publix for a cupcake, which I think you will see that he enjoyed very much. Once he gets up from his nap, it will be off to the pool. Enjoy the video.

2010-06-05T09:15:00.002-04:00

The great Toad in a Hole I know there are many names for this great breakfast treat but any other will not do. Jack enjoyed his very first this morning and ate every bit of it. Some of you might be wondering why so long, well I don't really have an answer to that.

The Great Gatsby

2010-05-27T16:49:00.002-04:00

Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald

No, I never read this high school, although I'm sure I was supposed to. This book is referenced a few times in The Tender Bar so I decided it must be necessary for me to read it now.

I loved it, but I've been into the classic stuff these days anyway. There's something about how uncomplicated and simple that period of time seemed to me, at least in the context of this story. People did what they wanted without much forethought of the consequences. Carefree. Seemingly jobless yet with an endless supply of money. Nothing to do but socialize and play tennis.

Perhaps I'm just envious.

Fox cubs

2010-04-19T10:04:00.002-04:00

So we have a fox birthing den in our backyard. I caught the cubs playing this morning just outside of the den. Enjoy

The Girl Who Played with Fire

2010-04-12T13:47:00.004-04:00

Author: Stieg Larsson

Where the first book seemed to take about a week and a half to wrap up, the last page of this one snuck right up and slapped me in the face. Shockingly abrupt. So abrupt that when I had about two pages left I actually thought I must be physically missing some pages. I was cursing the airport in Amsterdam for selling me a bunk copy.

Wrong. Cliffhanger.

And also opposite of its predecessor, this story took off from the first page without all the getting to know you pleasantries. It's a great story with lots of new details about the main character and very well executed on the plot front. It's still hard for me to keep track of all the Swedish names and decide up front who's important to remember and who's not and I definitely don't care about the routes through Sweden which each character takes. But those are minor complaints for a pretty good payoff.

The last book in the series comes out in May so I suspect it will make my summer reading list. I'm quite sad Mr. Larsson is dead - it would have been great to see more stories about Lisbeth Salander and I think it would have been nice for him to know how popular his books have become - he never had a chance to enjoy his international success.

Real Easter Eggs

2010-03-30T13:11:00.004-04:00

Today after months of waiting and thinking that our two new chickens were egg laying duds, we got two eggs from them. The new chickens are a breed called Araucanas and they lay blue-green eggs, or real Easter eggs. Also our other ladies were very productive as well. This is 1 1/2 days worth of eggs.

The Last Town on Earth

2010-03-29T11:25:00.000-04:00

Author: Thomas Mullen

This is one of the best selections we've read for book club. Maybe even better than The Help. Our brave new member, Sarah, made this suggestion after reading an article in Atlanta Magazine about the author, who apparently now resides here.

A small northwestern logging town decides to quarantine itself at the onset of the 1918 flu epidemic. Despite a vigilant effort to contain itself and keep insiders out, the flu gets in, among other things.

The characters were so well developed and the crippling descriptions of the flu were truly terrific. Despite being used to tie a pretty bow around the ending, I felt like the focus on the unions and labor issues were a tired attempt to impart an historical and social significance that the story didn't really need to be successful.

In the end, though, it was a good book with some good moral considerations and well written.

The Forge of God

2010-03-28T21:40:00.004-04:00

Author: Greg Bear

At the beach this summer I passed on to my Dad The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I tried and tried and tried to convince him it was worth reading. He ignored me every time. But when someone else told him he had to read it he did. Hmm. Nonetheless, he loved it, like I said he would.

The Forge of God was his payback to me. I'm sure he gave me this book some time last year and I just stacked it away with all the rest of the science fiction I didn't have time for. Last weekend he made me promise to read it before anything else since he had finally fulfilled his end of the bargain (what bargain?). In a drunken stupor I agreed (huh?).

One week later I'm glad I read it. Not as good as his Darwin's Radio but still totally worth reading. I loved that there's no super human to come save the day when the Earth is about to be exploded by alien invaders. I love how the world ends each time for each character (or not). I love to see how they react, where they go, who they think about it. To me, the feelings and reactions were as realistic as you could expect them to be.

The Tender Bar

2010-03-28T17:45:00.003-04:00

Author: JR Moehringer

Passed on to me by my Dad, this was a great read. Because I'm too lazy to write my own review you can read his here.

the strain

2010-02-22T22:11:00.000-05:00

Author: Guillermo del Toro and someone else

I like reading about vampires. I'll admit it. Anne Rice created the vampire world for me (and probably most of the vampire-reading population) so in my head she represents the truest of the vampire lore. Everything else I read is compared to the world of Louis and Lestat.

Other vampire worlds that have only minor modifications to hers don't bother me as long as the core set of values remains the same and most of the same rules apply.

The Strain is like the vampire alternate universe and I don't buy it. As far as vampires go this book stinks. Being a vampire is the result of a "worm" that multiplies and circulates in the body (i.e the strain), vampires can't cross bodies of water unless assisted by a human, and they don't even bite you with teeth! They have a stinger that shoots 6 feet out of their mouth to suck your blood. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong.

Guillermo, I love your warped brain but this is absurd. You've messed with a genre that has been messed with too much already. If you called them zombies it would have been more appropriate. You can call them what you want, but if I'm going to read the next two books in the trilogy they're not going to be vampires to me.

That being said, this book was way more entertaining than the two bombs we tried to read for book club: Tropic of Cancer (beyond torture) and the Diary of Anais Nin (beyond boring).

2010 and me

2010-02-22T20:02:00.008-05:00

Last year I had two goals for myself: losing weight (winning the contest, really) and reading 19 books. I did both - I overachieved on the reading and wasn't quite as successful as I would have liked with the other (but I still won). So when this new year started I was trying to figure out how many books I could reasonably read and how much weight I could reasonably lose. And then I remembered something - I wanted to be a writer, once. I should concentrate on writing this year.

A couple of years ago I decided science was something I just did because I was good at it - but if I could have any career it would be that of an author. But, even after that epiphany, I just continued my status quo because I knew it would take me too long to be good at writing for a living. I am impatient and practical.

Rewind two decades plus - I was about 12. Growing up my family was very close friends with Mary Higgins Clark and her family. I used to swim in her above ground pool and fetch pennies off the bottom where you could feel the bumpy blemishes of the ground it sat on. She lived in a pretty average house on a pretty average street in New Jersey. We lived a few blocks away.

One night at a cocktail party at Mary's house I told her that I liked to write stories. I used to write all the time. And I mean all the time. I wrote stories and poems and filled fractions of different journals galore (never once filled one up all the way, though). She bent down and whispered in my ear, "Never show them to anyone!" The grin on her face made me feel like she had just told me the greatest secret in the whole world and we were the only ones who knew it. And my response was, "I know!"

Sometime in college I remembered that moment and couldn't reconcile why she said that and why I agreed with her. And even a couple of years ago I was trying to decipher that moment again. How could I so completely understand what she meant when I was 12 but not now? Then last week happened.

I was reading an article about JD Salinger after he passed away (I will always and forever link him in my mind to an old school friend, Col, because she was the first person I knew who read Franny & Zooey and Catcher in the Rye and told me how it was a banned book. I even remember looking at Catcher in the Hillsdale library thinking I was going to get in trouble or something). At some point in history he said, "Publishing is a terrible invasion of privacy...I love to write. But I write just for myself and my own pleasure."

I had forgotten what I liked about writing - reading and re-reading what I wrote and the feeling I got from it: not having to grow up. Each piece takes me back to the moment in time when it came together and I smile. I didn't need anyone else to read those stories to get out of them what I needed. And Mary knew that a 12 year-old wasn't writing for an audience and apparently 12 year-old me knew that, too.

So I finally understand what Mary meant that night - probably my only clear memory of her: standing in the hallway with the parkay floor on my way to the den with a drink for my Dad, thinking my parents were so cool to let me come to the party because I was the youngest kid there.

Would I ever show those stories from my youth to anyone? Probably not. I would be embarrassed but mostly because no one else would get the inside jokes. Those are just for me and they still make me smile.

So the reality is that I don't want to be a publishing author (blogs don't count - these are just opinions and certainly no one is paying to read them). It's not something I want as a career. I just want those moments back where I can make myself stuck in time.

hoarders

2010-01-18T17:20:00.003-05:00

I don't think any description I give is going to fully impress exactly how I feel, deep in my core, when/after I watch this show. This is maybe the second or third time in my life that an emotional response to something has made me physically feel sick, like a fist is lodged in the center of my chest, pushing its nubby little thumb toward my spine. It's dark in there. And I don't know why I do this to myself.

The first time I watched this show I was simply and utterly mesmerized, mostly in shock, I think, that people who lived in this fashion existed in reality. Well, at least in the reality most of us are a part of. They clearly don't have the same perception of said reality.

I've seen 4 episodes and there seems to be two types of hoarders: those who are lazy, want someone to pay attention to them, or simply don't give a shit to clean up their mess, and then those who are unequivocally mentally ill and absolutely cannot detach themselves from even the minutest of possessions. Sometimes we are even treated to the historical event that may have started the landslide. A single robust memory extricated from the mounds of plastic bottles, rotting food, and even feces, like a strand of creased tinsel.

This show makes me feel guilty for every insignificant memento I might keep. I am instantly compelled to clean something in the house, throw something away, get rid of any extraneous magazines. I actually and irrationally worry that I could sink into such an abyss.

I can see how it might start, with an odd bag of clothes you forgot to drop off at the Salvation Army so you toss it into the spare closet. Soon lots of forgotten things are added to the closet that never make it to where they are supposed to go.

But I can't see all the in-between stages where it starts to overflow from the closet to the bedroom to the hallway to the bathroom and on and on ad nauseam until you have to carve a path through the towering stacks of filth to get to the kitchen to use the microwave to heat up dinner because the stove is cluttered with dirty pans, empty glass jars, and feces.

Yes, feces. I have seen two episodes with multiple dead critters (two dead cats buried in the rubble and several crusty rats) and layers of feces (human and animal). This is usually when I start to have an anxiety attack because HONESTLY, who wouldn't notice they were missing one of their cats, let alone two? How are the red flags in these people's minds not screaming through bullhorns at this point?

So I turn off the show, tidy up the tv room, put away every single toy, and tell myself I won't watch another episode because that fist never fails to return. And then I do because I'm an idiot.

the deed is done

2010-01-06T19:34:00.008-05:00

Here are some pictures of my first chicken slaughter. It will now become dinner tonight in the form of Coq a Vin. Only if I had a rooster.

Bleeding out

Tools of the trade

Plucked and ready to be eviscerated

Looks just like the one I brought at the supermarket not too long ago, just a few more steps to get there.

Ready for the Le Cresuset pot

Notice how much more fat is on this bird and the color of the thigh meat. I am sure that has to do with the fact it lived a little longer than a meat bird.

holy facial hair, batman!

2009-12-31T20:28:00.001-05:00

Baguer sports his modified Fu Manchu. Happy New Year, everyone!

what train table?

2009-12-29T17:19:00.001-05:00

Why play with my trains on the train table I got for Christmas when
I've got the whole kitchen floor?

Ah, vacation

2009-12-29T14:59:00.001-05:00

Facts about today:
- At 2:59 pm Heidi, Emma & I still have our pajamas on.
- Cocktails thus far: bloody marys, screwdrivers, and Shirley Temples.
- Baguer is as obsessed with the birds as I am.
- Games thus far: bananagrams and scattergories, the dreaded monopoly
on the horizon (if we can tear Cris away from the PS3 for five seconds).
- Music thus far: lots of Jack Johnson, the Kooks, and Cold War Kids.
- Food thus far: bagels, bialyes, popcorn, keilbasa.
- Best part of today: the laziness
- Worst part of today: Pinky's working :(

wine wars

2009-12-26T23:13:00.001-05:00

As expected, Pink kicked everyone's ass at the game my mom brought
with her, Wine Wars.

Christmas in Atl

2009-12-26T19:42:00.001-05:00

Jack is LOVIN all his time with his cousins, Cris and Emmie.
Seriously, he is going to be miserable when they have to leave.

2009-12-21T07:45:00.002-05:00

Yes that is a full pie from Trivial Pursuit. Yes my mom and I did beat my wife and our friend Jimmy at this game. You might be thinking, why post this? Well it probably won't happen again in a long time.

Pink

feeding frenzy

2009-12-20T16:56:00.004-05:00

I might possibly be the biggest dork ever but I don't care. I saw SIXTEEN different birds on my feeder within an hour. So freakin cool. In the picture, clockwise from right: Eastern Bluebird, female Purple Finch (I think, on house feeder), and a Carolina Chickadee. Here's the total breakdown:

Familiar faces - Blue Jay, male and female Eastern Towhees, Brown Thrasher, Tufted Titmouse, Eastern Bluebird, Carolina Chickadee, Carolina Wren, American Goldfinch, Mourning Dove, Cardinal, Downy Woodpecker, male House Finch, and the female Red-bellied Woodpecker.

Just here for the winter - Dark-eyed Junco, female Purple Finch, and the White-breasted Nuthatch.

no power

2009-12-09T20:50:00.000-05:00

Camping lamps and headlights out!

Seriously?

2009-12-03T17:49:00.001-05:00

> Tonight is the first night of vball practice so of course I'm stuck
> in traffic. And as usual I see some pretty interesting things, like
> the silver balls hanging down from the baby blue Hummer below.
> Seriously?
>

Woodfire Grill

2009-12-02T11:14:00.002-05:00

Last night our friend Jimmy (the half-Chinese, half-Korean dude with the snowman from the previous post) took Pink and me out to dinner at Woodfire Grill as a belated wedding gift. In short, it was amazing. We expected nothing less and were not disappointed.

We all opted for the 5-course Chef's Tasting Menu and I'll do my best to reconstruct the meal here. But we had a lot of wine and neglected to take pictures or write anything down for fear of looking like losers so I know I am missing critical pieces of each dish.

Amuse-bouche: Roasted(?) pink lady apple with a sliver of marinated celery (this part was sweet and juicy). It was really light and crisp, perfect way to start.

1st course: Tempura fried chanterelle and oyster mushrooms over a chevre sauce. Super rich and delicious. And this was only the beginning.

2nd course: Salmon, seared on one side and raw on the other served over a red salsa and capped with a green olive tapenade (they called it a salsa but we all disagreed, it was a tapenade). This was the most melt-in-your mouth, perfectly cooked piece of salmon I have ever eaten. The salsa was a little too acidic for Pink but Chino and I loved it.

Intermezzo (?): Ever-so-slightly roasted oyster (just enough to open up the shell) served with some kind of light sauce, topped with small bits of sauteed bacon. We all agreed we could eat a hundred of these and nothing else. This was when the meal started to crescendo.

3rd course: Barbecue roasted bob white quail, pork belly, and roasted root vegetables including carrots, turnips, and parsnips (I think). Unanimously this was our favorite course. While Pink and Chino salivated over the pork belly I loved my perfect little bird the best.

Intermezzo (?): A melon-ball sized scoop of apple sorbet which tasted like cool crisp apple cider shaved ice.

4th course: Sous vide antelope served over a cranberry reduction smear and a drizzle of coffee syrup, with farro and shaved Brussels sprouts. The meat was totally tender and cooked just right, but because of the method there's no roasted flavor on the skin, but it was so good anyway. The coffee syrup was the piece that made this dish for me.

5th course: This was the dessert course. Chino and I both were served chocolate-lava crepes with chocolate sauce and a dollop of cacao whipped cream. Pink was served a pink lady apple bread pudding with a meringue cap. All of it was great. Personally, I could have done without a sweet dessert course and had another savory course or cheese course.

In the end, it was a phenomenal meal where every plate came out perfectly cooked. It was so great that we all had the same dishes because we shared our own personal experience with each course. It wouldn't have been as great an experience otherwise so I'm now convinced that if you're going to blow it out, a Chef's tasting menu is the only way to go for the whole table.

In keeping with the Top Chef theme, we're going to hit Eli's place, Eno, some time in January. This is actually where Pink and I had our rehearsal dinner (5 years ago) but with a different chef. I don't think we've been there since so it should be great.

Thanksgiving in Atl

2009-11-29T10:06:00.003-05:00

The Virgin's Lover

2009-11-24T11:55:00.004-05:00

Author: Philippa Gregory
Category: cheats

I read this book while I was in Africa and completely forgot to post it. As with most of her books, I was definitely engaged and loved the storytelling. Every time I read one of her books I learn a ton so it always feels like it's worth my time.

This story focuses on Queen Elizabeth, the daughter of Henry and Anne Boleyn. The feel of the court at this time reminded me most of the first book in the series, The Other Boleyn Girl, which made it completely entertaining.

The Wolfen

2009-11-23T09:55:00.003-05:00

Author: Whitley Strieber
Category: cheats

Dougie Fresh told me this was the only book to ever give him nightmares. Written in 1978 and made into a movie, I'd say that it was moderately scary. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised, given how en vogue werewolves and the undead are, if this movie were resurrected by Hollywood. The story itself was pretty good. The only thing I didn't like was that some of the dialogue seemed really disjointed, like I had missed a paragraph or even skipped a page.

super pathetic cheater

2009-11-19T13:09:00.004-05:00

I'm not even going to log this as a book I've read this year for a couple of reasons. One, I've read it already. And two, it only took me 2 days so it really hasn't put a dent in my progress of my other books. And three, do I really need to admit with a post title that I've read New Moon, again?

And just like a true glutton for punishment (see here) my three girlfriends and I have secured our New Moon tickets for tomorrow afternoon. At least we're not as pathetic as my sister who is going at midnight tonight. H, I hope you enjoy all the screaming teenagers and don't feel as old as we really are.

i'm a dork II

2009-11-17T10:01:00.012-05:00

Hands down, this is the best show on television right now. If you haven't seen it, you must.

I can't remember the last time I watched a tv show and had a smile plastered on my face for all 45 minutes of it. Truly, this show is pure happiness - my best time spent watching tv each week.

And since when did Fox starting kicking NBC's ass in the show department? I think my routine schedule is about 4:1 Fox programming, although the idiotic cancelling of Dollhouse has pissed me off. You're telling me they're going to keep that creep Gordon Ramsey around in TWO shows (at least one being total crap) and send Joss Whedon's genius to the trash can? What the hell, man!

I want to create a tv station that airs all the programming that gets needlessly canned because the average American is too stupid to understand or appreciate. Showcased would be the greatest of all prematurely cancelled shows and the originator of ridiculously fast bantering between characters (later toned down in West Wing), Sports Night. Never has a smarter show been so under appreciated. Never heard of it? Come over and we'll watch the dvds.

Joss Whedon would find refuge for his Firefly and Dollhouse series. I suppose I could be convinced to throw in Buffy the Vampire Slayer to give him a trifecta although I've never seen it and I don't think that show met an early end, but it might appeal to those nerdy tweens (wow, can't believe I just used that word).

Others in the lineup: Arrested Development, Dirty Sexy Money (not a smart show per se, just entertaining and cancelled too soon), Sunset Boulevard or whatever the re-packaged Sports Night on the set of a make believe SNL was called, and My So Called Life for nostalgia (who doesn't love Claire Danes and Jared Leto in their awkward phases?).

Current shows that have the potential to get cancelled just because I like them: Fringe (why did they move this show to Thursday night?), Big Bang Theory (second only to Glee, the other best 30 minutes of my tv routine each week), and FlashForward (viva Charlie and Penny!).

And of course, once Lost gets wrapped up this year it would be the ultimate in too smart television, but surprisingly has been allowed to runs its course. This show is even too convoluted for me and yet I still come back, despite hardly ever getting answers to anything that happens. Surely Matthew Fox can't be that much of a draw? Oh wait, he's not, it's the Josh dude who's so hot.

should he stay or should he go?

2009-11-15T14:51:00.002-05:00

This is the question that has been debated between myself and a few colleagues at work who are actual Notre Dame alumni, unlike myself. My status, however, makes me no less disgusted with the defense (or more appropriately, lack of) that the Irish have been showcasing lately.

And now one of the worst scenarios was set in motion yesterday with the Irish loss to the #1 defensive ranked team of Pitt. It would have been easier if they just got their asses kicked a la Navy style, but no, they actually had to play respectable defense in the first half. But true to form, we seemed to have forgotten how to tackle a guy that runs right up the middle in the second half. What's Claussen supposed to do? Admittedly, though, not his best game either with that interception.

So the best scenario might have been a complete waxing by Pitt, which didn't fully happen. This might have promoted the kind of situation where Charlie would be sent packing at season's end. But now, if the Irish win out the rest of the season and it is perceived that this week's debacle was an improvement over last week's, then how can they afford to buy him out? Honestly, how are they going to afford that anyway? Bags, better get ready for some serious alumni contribution solicitations.

Thoughts?

The Lost Symbol

2009-11-15T14:43:00.003-05:00

Author: Dan Brown

Category: cheats

Cool facts. Lame ending. I'm done with him.

i'm a dork

2009-11-12T19:29:00.004-05:00

On Sunday I went with Pink to Afternoon in the Country. It was like Taste of Atlanta except better food, better place, higher social class. I was there under the guise of assisting at Sherlock's table but all I really did was eat, drink, and stalk celebrity chefs.

Kevin from Woodfire Grill and me (it will be a travesty if he doesn't win Top Chef).

Pink even got in on the action with Hector from Pura Vida.

Q19 update and parking deck

2009-10-29T11:06:00.004-04:00

With my last post I have surpassed my goal of reading 19 books in 2009. However, not all of them were the intended 19 so I'm not sure there's cause for celebration yet. I've still got 3 books from last Christmas to get through before the end of the year.

Honestly, I know I'll finish the Vonnegut books on schedule but I don't see it happening for The Selfish Gene. Man, this book is going slowly. Right now I feel like I'm reading a basic biology text. I love science. LOVE science. But somehow I just can't get excited about this book. Maybe it will get better. But I've got at least two more books I'd rather read and self-discipline is not my strongest suit as evidenced by the raided bag of Halloween candy at my house.

On the other hand, I'm concurrently reading Welcome to the Monkey House which is mildly entertaining, so I've got that going for me.

On the parking deck: is there much worse than being stuck behind someone who goes the required 7 mph through a parking deck up to the 5th floor? I got through 3 songs (~8 minutes!) and never got out of first gear before getting to a spot.

The Elegance of the Hedgehog

2009-10-29T11:00:00.004-04:00

Author: Muriel Barbery
Category: book club

Most of this book was slightly over-intellectual but the underlying story is amazing. Once you brush away all the fancy words, analogies, and references a beautiful and inevitable sadness is delivered perfectly. It could have been written no other way.

2009-10-17T11:12:00.001-04:00

Testing mobile blogging

there's no place like home

2009-10-05T09:16:00.002-04:00

Rather cliche, but never more true.

Back from my adventure and I've decided I need a day at home to recuperate before heading to work. Here's my agenda for the day:

- wear my pajamas until I have to leave the house

- drink my second cup of tea, and possibly a third (learned behavior from my trip)

- catch up on Gossip Girl, Glee, and Fringe (slightly ambitious, may have to ax Fringe from the plans)

- catch up on 3 weeks of EW (1 down, 2 to go)

- laundry (just a touch of real-world responsibility)

- figure out how to get my cat to stop pissing in my dining room (also slightly ambitious)

- get rice for dinner (the only thing I will leave the house for today) and make black beans

And it's been raining since early morning which makes it even more perfect to be holed up inside. Things couldn't have worked out more brilliantly, well, except for the cat pee.

"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort." ~Jane Austen

Kenya: Day 9

2009-09-25T04:02:00.003-04:00

This is the view of the sunset over Lake Victoria from my hotel. There are plenty of buildings in front to obscure the view, but with a little zoom they can be avoided. This was one of my first nights here in Kisumu - I haven't been back to the hotel by sunset since.

Yesterday we saw a terrible accident where a motorbike (piki piki) got hit by a car. The entire windshield was smashed and you could even see where the piki piki rider's head went through the windshield into the car. We got there some time after it had happened so we only saw the car, thankfully. Point of fact, I'd say about 85% of the motorcyclists don't wear helmets, even though I think John said it was a law.

The driving here is definitely scary. We've taken as much precaution as possible not to be driving from anywhere far after it gets dark. The roads are littered with bicyclists who transport people from place to place via a cushion over the rear wheel instead of a rack (boda bodas) and the drivers of the cars and matatus (minivan-like buses) don't care much for their safety and barely honk when they pass them. At least once I've seen a guy on a boda boda drive off into the ditch to get out of the way.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

2009-09-24T01:49:00.003-04:00

Author: Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith
Category: purchases

So, this book was pretty fun. Part of me thinks I might have liked it a little more if I hadn't read the original so recently. The second half was better than the first where I feel like he deviated from the original a little more and made it like a new story for me. Perhaps if I was a crazy Jane Austen fan I would have been offended but I think both versions merit some praise.

Kenya: Day 7?

2009-09-24T01:29:00.004-04:00

I’m now around my 7th day here is Kisumu. It’s supposed to be the dry season right now but it has rained ridiculously hard for the last four days in a row. While people in Atlanta are dealing with crazy flooding, it is not lost upon me while I’m here in Kenya.

Sunday night we went out to dinner at Mon Ami restaurant in Mega City. Mega City is a giant mall with a super market (Nakamutt) and then across the parking lot is Mon Ami which has a huge covered patio where we were trying to eat.

It started to rain while we were waiting for our bitings (starters for you non-Africans) and all of a sudden it felt like we were caught in a hurricane. The wind was spraying the rain at least 25 feet – there was nowhere safe on the patio. All of us patrons were crammed up against the wall by the pass thru to the kitchen until it let up enough for us to sit back down at our damp tables and chairs.

The picture is not that great but this was taken from the car as we were stuck in traffic to get out of the parking lot and onto Nairobi Road, which was a complete river. The car in the picture has stalled in the middle of the road creating all sorts of problems in addition to the massive amounts of water flowing. You can see how high the water is on the wheel of the bicycle on the left of the shot.

The craziest part of the night, though, happened when the lot adjacent to the patio flooded and two monitor lizards came flying across the road to go swimming. John actually thought they were trying to get away from the water but got kind of stuck in the wading pool. And then there were at least 2 cars that tried to drive through 3+ feet of water and got stuck. Every time someone attempted to make it through, all 10 people in the restaurant got up and ran over to the side of the patio to watch the debacle.

Kenya: Day 2

2009-09-24T01:23:00.001-04:00

Here's the picture I tried to post the other day of the Kisumu airport.

Kenya: Days 1 & 2

2009-09-18T01:56:00.003-04:00

I can't promise how long I'll be able to keep up posting...I've only got internet access while I'm at the field station, which I suppose shouldn't really be a surprise. But hey, at least I've got a cell phone...

So after two longs flights we arrived safely in Nairobi on Wednesday evening. After skipping through customs (special passports at least get you to the front of the line) and turning in our H1N1 health forms to an empty and dark desk under the Ministry of Health sign, we got in a cab to head to the hotel.

Those of you who went on the Italy trip, and I guess anyone who's been to Rome, will understand me when I say that driving in Nairobi (at night) is like like driving in Roma (at rush hour), and having to dodge bicyclists as well as motorcylists. Holy crap. Bags, that close call in Roma that you got on video was like the Easter Parade compared to the navigating the Death Race last night. People ride their BIKES on the highway. And it appears that you can pass anyone anytime you want - even when there's oncoming traffic as long as you can squeeze between the two vehicles.

I tried to post a picture of the airport in Kisumu where we arrived at this morning but my computer is having some trouble with that. It reminded me of landing in Belize when I was in high school. There was no baggage claim, just you getting your bag that the plane guys (I really don't have a name for them) tossed to the ground from the cart they brought it in across the fifty yards of asphalt between you and the runway. Brilliant. But I'm thankful that we got here safely and with all of ours bags - that was certainly an unexpected bonus.

The Help

2009-09-02T21:21:00.001-04:00

Author: Kathryn Stockett

Category: book club

For a little while now the book club had been tossing around the idea of reading some southern lit but no one had really offered up any suggestions. Shelley read about The Help somewhere and we all agreed that would work.

This story was really well told, with each chapter from a different character's perspective a la Poisonwood Bible. It takes place in the early 60's in Mississippi and focuses on the black women who care for the white babies in the midst of the racial turmoil. It was enlightening and sad to know that such a time and such behavior is not a myth.

My only complaint is that the end seemed a little rushed and almost a little too happy ending-ish but other than that I really enjoyed it and think it will make for a good discussion for book club.

The Penultimate Truth

2009-09-02T20:53:00.004-04:00

Author: Philip K. Dick

Category: Cheats

I know, two cheats in a row. Doug-e-fresh passed this on to me a while ago and it's been sitting in my pile for months. Since I already started on the path of cheating why stop now? If you're not cheatin you're not tryin, right Bags?

But on to the book.

Dad, please, don't do this to me again. Books that use made-up words and define them at some later date in the story (if at all) infuriate me. It was almost like Neuromancer all over again. Ok, not THAT bad, but not good.

Once I understood the vocab list, or didn't care anymore, the story got interesting. But I felt like his humor was a weak attempt to emulate my favorite, Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. Anyway, it's done. Sorry I didn't like it as much as you, Daddy.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

2009-09-02T20:37:00.004-04:00

Author: Stieg Larsson

Category: Cheats

So, yeah, I got a little of course with this one. When I was at the bookstore buying Wuthering Heights for my sister I just couldn't leave without buying myself a book. I figured the odds were pretty good that I was going to meet my goal this year so I gave in. I'm lucky I made it out of there with just one...

As soon as the two stories meshed into one this became a good book. I'm sure all the separate background was necessary but still kind of annoying. But I did totally enjoy it after it finally came together and loved the two main characters. I don't normally do mystery/detective novels but this was sufficiently entertaining that it worked for me - so much so that I'll probably read the sequel.

The Road

2009-09-02T20:16:00.004-04:00

Author: Cormac McCarthy

Category: Purchases

You might think I've disappeared. Well, sort of. It's been a rough last 4 weeks being on vacation 97% of the time. So I'm a little behind on posting my reads, but believe me, there have been plenty.

I started reading Cormac McCarthy several years ago when I picked up Child of God. I then became mildly obsessed with him and read four other books which led me to All The Pretty Horses. But after that one I lost interest and haven't picked him up until now.

As one of my friend's remarked, The Road was his most universally accessible book. It frightened me and broke my heart. His sparse language was a reflection of the world he so successfully portrayed. And I believed it - I truly believed this world he described could exist in our future. Like I said, scary. Very well done. Recommended. Sad.

Being Self Sufficient

2009-08-01T06:52:00.004-04:00

Yesterday morning I pick 6 tomatoes and made a batch of fig jam. Then the chickens produce 4 eggs. Since Sunday the chickens have produce almost 2 dozen, amazing little creatures. All of which came off of our property. It occur to me that is pretty cool.

Wuthering Heights

2009-07-30T11:30:00.004-04:00

Author: Emily Bronte
Category: library

Wow. These are some mean and crazy people in here. Who behaves like that? Did people really act like such animals back in 19th century England? Heathcliff is the true original bastard, for sure.

I enjoyed this classic quite a bit. I don't know what's gotten me into all these old school novels but it's definitely been worth my time. The only thing I didn't have patience for were the rants by Joseph in his crazy dialect. I just couldn't take the time to try to translate that mess of letters and apostrophes into something coherent.

Mmmm...black beans

2009-07-09T22:11:00.001-04:00

The Reach of a Chef

2009-07-08T15:31:00.005-04:00

Author: Michael Ruhlman
Category: stacks

My boss is an entomologist whose hobby is being a foodie and cooking a killer paella. He's actually very good friends with the owner of the store Pink works for and teaches an occasional cooking class or two. I think we probably talk more about food and wine than we do about real work-related material. I'm reminded of this when I think of an email exchange we had:

Gena writes: Can you approve the attached purchase request, please? PS - Warner is wondering how to keep the bottom of the paella from burning and if it's supposed to be crispy or not. Thanks.

Boss replies: Important things first, the crust is called the "socratto"...

He enthusiastically lent me the above book maybe 2 years ago and I've finally just gotten around to reading it. He was right - it was great! The author starts by going back to the CIA (Culinary Institute of America) to see how things have changed since he's been there, which by itself is an interesting commentary on the attitude/role of the student in general these days. Then he moves to the meat of his book, how the image of the chef has changed and how "branding" plays a major role now in measuring success.

I loved it because I knew about several of the chefs he highlighted and enjoyed learning about those I hadn't heard of before. I loved knowing I had at eaten at some of the restaurants he mentions (okay, really only three) and picking up where I'd love to go for our next over-the-top meal ($500 sushi, anyone?). It would be completely entertaining for any foodie.

He talks about food television and how that has played a major role in the chef coming out of the kitchen, so to speak, and capturing the attention of millions of people at a time - something never imagined for a chef. If you're into food and restaurants (or maybe even marketing), then I'm sure you'll find this sufficiently entertaining.

Hot, Flat, & Crowded

2009-07-08T09:52:00.005-04:00

Author: Thomas Friedman
Category: Christmas

I finished this book over a week ago but I guess I've been trying to collect my thoughts about it.

I started out my undergrad career focusing on a degree in Environmental Science (during a college interview, the wise dean at Florida Institute of Tech convinced me that there are only so many jobs at Sea World and that I should pass on marine biology as a major, thus landing me at Albright College instead). Because at the time I loved learning about science and didn't want to waste my time on religion (that hasn't changed) or history (that has changed) all my electives were science courses whether they related to my degree or not. In the end, I came home with two degrees: one in Environmental Science and one in Biology.

Most of my working career has revolved around straight biology and it's only been recently that I've recognized my passion probably lies elsewhere within science. The environment is important to me. The concept of social responsibility is important to me. People who take the environment for granted and don't do what they can to cut their consumption are like people who don't vaccinate their kids - they illustrate no concept of the greater good. Sure, it's hard work, but isn't almost everything worthwhile hard work? More on this at a later date...

There are lots of good points to this book. It was a little too long, though, and for a lot of it I felt like I was being reprimanded, that he was standing there shaking his finger at me. But maybe that's the point. I'm convinced that we need to cut our consumption of oil and that ethanol is not the answer, mostly because it takes up the space we should be using to grow better food for our country. That's a whole other topic that has been at the forefront of my mind lately. We eat so much processed shit in this country and high fructose corn syrup is in everything. It should be no secret why Americans are fat and why they're getting fatter and dying of preventable diseases. But I digress.

If nothing else, maybe Friedman's scare tactics will work on some people. His bit about the auto industry is great, how he emphasizes that we have so many smart and talented people in our midst - we just need to let them into the game. Let the innovators play!

Definitely recommended if you can get over reading his tag line in every other paragraph.

Pink's Road Race

2009-07-06T16:09:00.003-04:00

Pink ran the infamous Peachtree Road Race this year, all for the tee. Check out his results. Nice job, dude.

It's unfortunate, however, that he hasn't really been able to walk the last two days, though.

[Edit: Road Race results page isn't working anymore. Hmm.]

Amphigorey

2009-07-02T08:55:00.008-04:00

Author: Edward Gorey
Category: Christmas
When I was in grad school one of my roommates had a book called The Gashlycrumb Tinies. It was an alphabet of tots meeting intensely creative (and more often than not cruel) ends.

This started my fascination with Edward Gorey. I loved it so much I had to buy my own copy when I moved out. As one reviewer said, he appeals to, "anyone with a taste for morbid absurdity." I guess you learn something new about yourself everyday.

A lot of his books are hard to come by in their original form so several of them (if not all) are compiled into 4 anthologies: Amphigorey, Amphigorey Too, Amphigorey Also, and Amphigorey Again. Amphigorey contains 15 of his works, including the Gashlycrumb Tinies, but there is a lot of good stuff in there. Some of my other favorites from this book are The Bug Book, The Curious Sofa, and The Willowdale Handcar.

Google Edward Gorey and you'll likely see a good representation of his artwork and you'll instantly be able to recognize his work from that point on. It is utterly unique and fascinating, to say the least. Enjoy!

eggs!

2009-06-27T14:25:00.002-04:00

I can't believe I forgot to blog about this - our chickens have started laying eggs! We got the first one last Sunday, the 21st. Since then we've had three more, all of them already eaten.

Right now Pink thinks that only one lady is laying but we expect the others to join in shortly.

The Queen's Fool

2009-06-27T12:39:00.004-04:00

Author: Philippa Gregory

Category: stacks

Chronologically this is the fourth book in the series whose most recognized novel is The Other Boleyn Girl. While I feel like the story's enchantment was lacking in the third in the series, The Boleyn Inheritance, it was resurrected with The Queen's Fool and makes pushing through to it completely worth the time.

This part of the epic focuses on Queen Mary, King Henry's "bastard" daughter by Queen Katherine, her most sad life and troubled ascent to the throne of England. It also serves to rightly introduce perhaps the most well-known beside Henry himself, the queen-to-be Princess Elizabeth, daughter of King Henry and Anne Boleyn.

I think the beauty of Gregory's novels is that there is real history involved but made utterly compelling by her fabulous imagination. Once I clear out the rest of the queue I'll definitely be putting the next in the series, The Virgin's Lover, at the top of my to-read list!

redneck shower

2009-06-22T22:25:00.002-04:00

Birthday Boy

2009-06-22T22:17:00.002-04:00

Happy 2nd birthday, little bear!

Dreams From My Father

2009-06-08T09:34:00.006-04:00

Author: Barack Obama
Category: Purchases

This book was selected for the book club I didn't want to be in. I'm actually going to make it to the discussion this time so bravo for me, and I guess it also means I should start showing some unconditioned allegiance. Henceforth, it shall simply be referred to as, "book club."

Obama was asked to write this after being selected as the first African-American editor of the Harvard Law Review, a fact that escaped me before now. As my Dad would chide me for never reading or watching the news (which I do actually do now, occasionally), I likewise didn't pay much attention to things besides a few key issues during the election so it's no surprise to me that this book was teeming with new information that most of the rest of the world probably already knows. It was like meeting someone for the second time without all the social awkwardness and with all the familiarity of an old friend.

I guess I particularly liked the candidness (is that a word?) with which I felt he wrote. It was published in 1995 so it's pretty clear to me that he had no idea or intentions of being the President, which I think made this a more honest account of his personal history than it may have been otherwise, or if a different kind of person was writing it.

He's a great storyteller and a rather good writer. And my opinion of his massive intelligence is completely solidified. I was going to say that I was less interested in his personal struggle (the main theme of the book) and more in his personal history, but of course one gives way to the other and by the end the two were indistinguishable. Extraordinarily educational and highly recommended.

EDIT: Changed the category to Book Club.

Slapstick

2009-06-01T11:11:00.004-04:00

Author: Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
Category: Christmas

KVJ is my most favorite author (my cats are named Kilgore and Trout, and certainly by no accident). Several years ago I read just about everything I could get my hands on by him. I had heard that his greatest work had been the Sirens of Titan so I saved that book for maybe 3 or 4 years - the best for last, so to speak (although it clearly turned out I had missed a few others).

Finally, some time early in 2007 I just couldn't hold out any longer so I read it. And then the unimaginable happened. I killed my hero.

Within weeks of my finishing Sirens KVJ passed away. Who knew I had been keeping him alive all along by starving myself of his greatest work? I was devastated, literally.

But alas, I hadn't quite been as completely read in KVJ as I had thought. Missing from my library was not only Slapstick, but also Welcome to the Monkey House, both of which I received first editions for Christmas from my most wonderful Pink.

Slapstick was one of the most heartfelt books I've read by him, even drawing tears in the introduction. For this particular edition KVJ described more about him personally than I ever knew and elicited such tears of sadness. The INTRODUCTION! The story itself, of course, had the usual expected quirkiness of a Vonnegut story, but knowing the basis for which he wrote it made it more meaningful and less satiric for me, slipping it in just behind Cat's Cradle on my list of Vonnegut favorites.

Crazy Memorial Day, Part II

2009-05-26T19:31:00.002-04:00

As promised, the next bit of craziness for Monday. I swear, it's like Wild Kingdom at our house these days.

Pink came upon this situation in the backyard last night. It took him (the black rat snake) 30 minutes from start to finish. For the 7 1/2 minute video version check out the YouTube link below (sorry, it's a little shaky).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2a3H1Xh5lEg

Bad Day. Good Day.

2009-05-26T19:25:00.003-04:00

Bad day. Got completely soaked on my ride this afternoon.

Good day. My new camera got here and it is effing sweet. The inaugural picture is below.

W iPhone snap: DFM on Monday

2009-05-26T11:28:00.004-04:00

Might be hard to see, but yes, those are some gnarly looking dreads we spotted at the farmers' market. Just one part of the craziness that was Memorial Day...more to come later on.

Pride & Prejudice

2009-05-20T10:44:00.006-04:00

Author: Jane Austen
Category: stacks

So, the real reason I read this classic was so I could read this later on this summer without feeling like a cheater.

I have to admit, at first I was just going through the motions to assuage any impending guilt but it turns out I was pleasantly surprised at how much I truly enjoyed it. Towards the end all I really wanted to know was if Lizzie and Darcy would be together (as I assume everyone does) which kept me reading at a furious pace.

Gosh, who knew I was such a romantic?

lake. big lake.

2009-05-19T17:40:00.004-04:00

I'm not a mind reader. But if I were I might have known this was what Jack was thinking as he ominously pointed at the lake for the camera:

"I will now simultaneously prove that walking on water is a ridiculous notion while at the same time scaring the shiz out of my parents."

"Success!"

W iPhone snap: this guy is freakin out

2009-04-30T15:18:00.001-04:00

in the hole!

2009-04-26T22:50:00.004-04:00

Last week I swore I saw a fox in the backyard. Pink thought I saw a coyote (honestly, who's the biologist here? I think I know the difference...).

Last night I discovered the FOX den in our backyard and saw the three little pups peeping their heads out of the foxholes. So cute. But haven't seen mama fox since last week...and yes, we still have all four chickens...for now.

Unaccustomed Earth

2009-04-22T20:10:00.005-04:00

Author: Jhumpa Lahiri

Category: Acquisitions

Remember that book club that I didn't want to join? The one that showed me I could enjoy the world of perfume on a non-olfactory level? Lahiri's book was the second one selected by our group but alas, volleyball had me so slammed that I couldn't actually make it to the rendezvous. But being the team player I am, I read it anyway.

Lahiri is not new to me - I read her book The Namesake which was passed on to me by my sister some time last year or the year before.

Unaccustomed Earth is a collection of short stories and the second part is three stories about the same two characters - by far my favorites. I love the way she develops her characters. She spends an almost ridiculous time building them up so you understand them before you get to the meat of the story, but it's fantastic.

Note: this is my last acquisition until I clear out the rest of the categories - yikes!

caladium & sylvan ramble

2009-04-17T10:57:00.002-04:00

This is what 50+ mph winds in Atlanta did on Monday at an intersection in our neighborhood. You can't see from this picture but the tree's base is probably another 60 ft to the right. It fell across the owner's whole lawn and then across the street onto their neighbor's lawn, taking the power lines with it.

Picture courtesy of Pink.

jaded

2009-04-16T12:32:00.004-04:00

Disclaimer: I'm a food snob. I fully admit that. I definitely have my weaknesses, though, like Cracker Barrel. But that guilty pleasure aside, I have grown accustomed to my culinary-trained husband's amazing food so much that eating at home is almost always better than going out.

Where am I going with this? My cousin gave us some gift cards to Outback a few Christmases in a row and we never used them. We finally decided to cash them in at one of the other restaurants the monster chain owns, Roy's. Roy's Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine.

On the surface this seemed like a good idea. There was lots of fish on the menu and we've been avoiding meat lately. As we sat there and ate we both thought it was okay. Nothing great. Probably wouldn't choose to go back there, but still okay, especially since most of the meal was a gift.

But the next day, reflecting back on our meal, I decided that no, it wasn't okay. Despite that I felt sick all the following day, here's why: just like most other chain restaurants, they think all Americans want huge portions slathered in some kind of creamy sauce.

We both ordered fish. Pink's mahi mahi had a lobster Cognac butter sauce, my butterfish had a sweet thick soy glaze on it - there honestly wasn't a fish on the menu that didn't have some kind of rich sauce with it. When I eat fish I want to feel clean and fresh when I'm done, not like I just ate a jar of mayonnaise. Even the sushi we ordered for an app had a sauce on the plate. Sushi.

And the portions were probably three times the amount we would normally eat for a meal. The best part of my dish was the bok choy because even sauteed in butter it was the most unadulterated food on the table the whole night.

termites and trees

2009-04-15T11:42:00.003-04:00

The joys of home ownership.

Easter Sunday. Doing laundry. Somewhere between my third and fourth loads the termites in the basement decided to swarm. Seriously, the swarmers were swarming. All these winged things sneaking out from under the fake wood paneling and climbing upward.

I started screaming. Warner ran down thinking I cut off an appendage or something. Jack started screaming and practically shoved his entire head through the cat door to keep his eyes on us (totally wish I had a picture of that).

Monday. The very next day. 50+ mile per hour straight line winds in the Atlanta area, shockingly without any sign of a tornado. Pink's fancy weather station registered 54 mph at our house. At lunch he suggested I go home and make sure a tree didn't fall on the house. Thankfully enough, not on the house, but still one huge pine and one oak bit it, suspended only by the other trees they blew into, ends completely uprooted.

Nothing money can't fix, right?