American Studies

Confession. I only checked this book out because a friend asked if I was on the cover. I am pretty sure it is not me, as I would never be caught dead wearing those harem pants. But I am really enjoying the essays. It is filled with real nail-biters like, "t.s. Eliot and the Jews" and "the mind of al gore" but the essays are written with such clarity and precision, marked with great humor and an intellectual curiosity not muddled with academic pomposity. I usually find most cultural essayists onerous bores, but I get the sense that Menand would be a great dinner guest. Plus it makes me feel smug to read it on the subway. I keep my "hunger games trilogy" safely hidden on the kindle.
And the end.

A mother's prayer for it's Daughter

I just love this so much.

The Trip

If someone can get the DVD of this BBC show, please let me know. I've been watching the clips on you tube, and it is amazing. I am totally in love with Steve Coogan, and have been for years, but am also now in love with Rob Brydon. I can't figure out how to add a clip of this show on the iPad, but if someone can tell me how, i will be deeply indebted. If you liked Tristram Shandy, then you will adore this.
genius.

Wien

I love this town, even when it is frigid cold and pitch dark by 4pm. Arriving here on Monday was like returning to one's college campus years after graduation. The elegant stately buildings are still here. The sounds are the same. The faces vaguely familiar. But like any lost time, it holds something sad in its return. Memory is a tricky mistress. I love the memories, but not sure I want to reconnect on Facebook. I'm using an iPad so I'm not yet sure how to add photos.