the life and times of kit

This Is It

2006-03-13T17:39:00.000-05:00

This is a little sad, but I do believe it's time for me to stop pretending. The days of the life and times of kit blog have come to an end. I suppose there's always the chance I'll pick back up here one day in the future, but right now it just doesn't feel like it.

I'm still writing at my food blog, of course. But for whatever reason, I've just gotten tired of the whole capturing-random-thoughts thing.

So that's it. Goodbye!

From the Sports Guy

2006-01-24T13:02:00.000-05:00

(This pretty much sums up my train of thought as I watched The Gauntlet last night. Except for the part about AC Slater. I think that's just a gratuitous SBTB mention.)

Q: For most of my life, the greatest athlete I had ever seen was A.C. Slater, but now I am pretty positive it is Alton Williams from the "The Gauntlet." Have you seen him? When I watch, I feel like an 8-year-old thinking Magic Johnson can do anything again. If Alton ends up losing somehow, I won't have anything to believe in anymore.-- Shaun Tygart, Salem, Ore.

SG: Quite simply, Alton is lifting us all to a higher place. There's nothing much more to say. He's the modern-day Jim Thorpe. Other than host T.J. Lavin saying the sentence, "That was a very challenging challenge," Alton's heroics have been the highlight of the season so far.
But here's my question: Why hasn't some name nonfiction writer spent a season with all of these MTV crazy people for a sweeping opus about celebrity and fame in the 21st century? I mean, this is a cottage industry at this point -- you have all of these unemployed rejects making enough money to survive in Los Angeles, partying all of the time, being treated like real celebs, hooking up with one another and getting into various forms of trouble. And that's basically their life. It's a life in which it's totally OK to scream at another person, throw that person's suitcase of clothes in a swimming pool, go dancing six nights a week and compete in challenges when you're wearing a thong and transferring body paint by rubbing it from your body onto someone else's body. Am I the only one who finds this interesting? What are their goals? What do their families think? How did they get to this point? At what age does someone like Mark (who's legitimately in his mid-30s) say to himself, "Maybe I should think about doing something else?" Do they keep coming on these shows because they like being quasicelebrities, or because they can't think of anything else to do for a living? Don't we need someone like Malcolm Gladwell to make sense of everything here?

In Case You Were Wondering

2006-01-10T11:31:00.000-05:00

I haven't abandoned this blog completely. Only partially.

The truth is, even without much of a job, it's hard to keep up with three blogs. Lately, most of my effort is going to the food blog, and that's probably how it's going to stay, at least for a while.

I'm sorry if I'm disappointing any of the five of you...

Timewasters for the Self-Involved

2006-01-04T15:27:00.000-05:00

The perfect game for narcissists: the My Heritage facial recognition web site. Upload a photo of yourself, and the software analyzes your facial structure, comparing it to the facial structures of thousands of celebrities.

Self-involved as I am, I tried two different pictures of me. Apparently I either look most like Julia Roberts, or like Mariah Carey (and I don't look anything like either). The only person who showed up during both tries was Janet Leigh (though Chelsea Clinton popped up in one, and Hillary in the other. Neither comforted me.)

Cooper is, apparently, a little more androgynous. I ran two pictures of him, as well, cropped from the same larger photographs as the two pics of me. The first photo, the older one, matched him to Patrick Stewart and Hilary Swank. I suppose she's sort of manly looking. Patrick Stewart showed up in his second photo scan, too...so did Gene Hackman. And Kirsten Dunst. Of course.

I could spend hours with this.

Funniest Part of Our Trip to NYC

2005-12-28T10:57:00.000-05:00

Erin and I went to New York for the day yesterday, so she could do some thesis research and we could eat and shop.

Funniest moment of the entire day - by far - was the minute that she and I both realized, simultaneously, that all of the art in one room at the MOMA had been underwritten by Stavros.

I'm 30.

2005-12-22T09:16:00.000-05:00

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (December 22). You are honored this year for being what many consider to be the rock of their group. You don't mind that others depend on you, because inwardly, you know you're strong enough to share. Financial rewards come in April. Romance blossoms when you're open and vulnerable in February. Scorpio and Cancer make sweet partners. Your lucky numbers are: 3, 28, 5, 44 and 20.

Yeah, financial rewards in April.

The Egg People

2005-12-13T08:40:00.000-05:00

Last summer, Cooper and I bought ourselves a housewarming gift (we like to give ourselves presents): a painting called the Drinknapper. The artist is the wife of Cooper's hair stylist (yes, stylist) and the painting is extremely cool. It shows two "egg people" embroiled in some drama involving a martini. The colors are bright - turquoise, pink, green - and it is definitely the centerpiece of our kitchen. I love it.

Last night, Cooper got his hair cut. When he got home, he showed me this web site. Apparently it's pretty old - I know for a fact that some of those pictures have been sold, as we tried to buy one of them - but it is still cool. In person, though, totally cooler. The big paintings are REALLY big and when you see them in a restaurant or bar (we've been to two shows) they're sort of subtly dominant. They are so big that you can't help but notice them, but the colors and texture (they're VERY smooth and the lines are crisp) keep them from feeling overbearing or imposing.

Plus, the artist is super, super nice. Which is just icing, really.

Songbook

2005-12-12T08:54:00.000-05:00

Althouse posts about a song that she loves in part because it reminds her of a specific time and place. Between the posts and the comments, it's very Songbook, which is very cool. Plus, the song whe writes about is I Can't Explain, which is one of my favorite songs EVER.

Holidays and Hons

2005-12-08T16:09:00.000-05:00

hamden10
Originally uploaded by Kit Pollard.

Last night Cooper and I met some friends in Hamden to visit Baltimore's own Miracle on 34th Street. It wasn't too crowded - it was very, very cold - but the lights were out in full force, as always.

I took a bunch of pictures, but the one I wanted most didn't turn out quite right. One house, around the corner from the famous block, decorates their entire house around a Christmas Story-esque leg lamp. Unfortunately, it was too dark around the house to really capture the essence of the lamp.

But...I captured a lot of other essences...

Lit and glittery pink flamingos are out in full force in Hamden this time of year. A shop window down the street from the lights:

hamden9
Originally uploaded by Kit Pollard.

All the Whos down in Whoville really were singing:

hamden8
Originally uploaded by Kit Pollard.

This big, crazy half-religious, half-Santa yard is a good example of what how most of the houses on 34th Street decorate:

hamden6
Originally uploaded by Kit Pollard.

Local artist Jim Pollock opens his home/studio during the Christmas season. He's got some CRAZY metal sculptures inside his house. Some are, um, kind of disturbing, especially juxtaposed with the Santas and Grinches outside. But in addition to the darker work, he uses a lot of Baltimore imagery, such as metal crabs, Old Bay tins and Natty Boh cans.

This Christmas tree sits in his front yard:

hamden5
Originally uploaded by Kit Pollard.

A close-up of the tree:

hamden4
Originally uploaded by Kit Pollard.

The second-to-last house is usually open to the public, but it wasn't last night. The train wasn't running either:

hamden2
Originally uploaded by Kit Pollard.

And, finally, the view from the porch of the last (or first, if you go the other way) house. The owners of this house display a bunch of certificates of thanks they've received from mayors and the city. There's also a guestbook, and a note that says that the family who lived in that house (until recently), the Hoziers, started the tradition of the over-the-top lights in 1947.

hamden1
Originally uploaded by Kit Pollard.

Looking at the lights doesn't actually take a very long time, especially on a night like last night, when it's not crowded. It is such a fun Christmassy thing to do, though. Afterwards, we retired to the bar at Cafe Hon, finishing out the night with super-cheap beer and Irish music. Good times overall.

Intrigue

2005-12-07T15:04:00.002-05:00

How awesome is this: two long-missing Heinrich Burkel paintings resurfaced at a recent auction. The paintings went missing after being removed from a museum during WWII and apparently made their way to a man in Pennsylvania, who bequeathed them to his daughter. She put them up for auction, completely unaware of their history.

Also super-cool: the FBI has a new art crimes team. Apparently they believe the market for stolen art is growing, so there's a need for an art-specific group. Right now I am imagining a whole bunch of Sean Connerys and Catherine Zeta-Joneses squirreled away in an historic Philadelphia house, using state-of-the-art technology and brilliant cunning to nab art thieves, all while in black-tie attire. LOVE IT.

I wish I'd known about this job when I was in college. Fortunately, my sister is an art history major, so I might be able to live vicariously through her. Erin, get on it. For real.

G2 vs. LB

2005-12-07T10:14:00.000-05:00

G2 would be my abbreviation for The Gauntlet Part Deux.
Well-I have to admit, although I have only been watching Laguna Beach this season, I felt sort of sad when it was over. I really enjoyed looking forward to it every week and then chatting about it with the girls (and my husband).
But I found something to replace the emptiness I felt after Laguna Beach was over... Real World/Road Rules Challenge- The Gauntlet II. It just started this week, and already there was more drama than in one month worth of Laguna Beach! In just the first episode, there was wrestling, blood, drunken hook-ups, tears, flashing, fighting, partying, verbal assaults, calling of the local authorities and trash talking. What more could you want? The preview for the entire season only fueled my fire. What a season it is going to be! Even with a few of the most dramatic veterans missing (Veronica, Tonya, Abram and The Miz-we will miss you) the show still has extreme potential for conflict and hook-ups with a cast of extremely attractive, yet unbalanced, horny, twenty-somethings (with a few pathetic thirty-somethings) ready to do anything for money.
The void in my life was not only filled, it was overflowing with fighting, hooking up and talking trash as I watched the first show! I am a whole person again. Thank you MTV.

RIP

2005-11-30T10:56:00.000-05:00

bears forget their manners
Originally uploaded by Kit Pollard.

Stan Berenstain, author of a zillion books read and loved by the Waskom family, died last Saturday at age 82.

During the late 80's, when my sister was little, I probably had all of these books memorized. We read them so often.

The Post article is a nice one. I was surprised, though, to read that Charles Krauthammer thought Papa Berenstain was "wimpy" and emasculating. Obviously not so emasculating that the books changed the caveman-like attitudes of the Waskom males...

Very sad. But the books are timeless.

The Good Writer

2005-11-29T11:06:00.000-05:00

Today's Washington Post includes an interview with Alexander McCall Smith, the Scottish author of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series of books (among other things). His books are some of the few that I consistently read straight through, with no jumps to read the end, and based on the personality that comes through in the interview, I (and millions of other people) couldn't be reading a nicer man's work.

His books are easy to read, clearly written, and somewhat light, though they're not fluffy. They don't have intense action or a fast pace, but they do have extremely likable, easygoing characters. Thematically, the books focus on morales, on understanding what's right in murky situations. They're not exactly morality tales, however. The characters, for all of their good points, are flawed.

I've always gotten the sense, in reading, that McCall Smith is philosophically interested in questions of morality and ethics, and that as he writes, he's thinking through his positions. In the interview, he confirms this, saying he's always been interested in applied ethics (the field of the heroine of his Sunday Philosophy Club series, and a not-very-disguised theme in his other books). He also says, of writing, that much of it "is a response to some personal sense of loss and separation," though it sounds as though he tries not to delve too deep into himself, partially because he wants to keep writing - and if he resolves his problems, he might lose his creative edge.

I've developed a mental picture of McCall Smith as a likable, hardworking, jolly sort of man. I can't say I'm not a little jealous, though - he seems to be a totally unself-conscious writer, one who can just sit down and write without all the second guessing that usually goes into the process. Like a blogger, I suppose, but a blogger who's sold zillions of books all over the world.

Bitterness & Guilt in My Quiet Suburban Life

2005-11-28T11:38:00.000-05:00

I have a Body Flow* nemesis. We've never spoken (neither one of us talks much at the gym) but there is something about her that totally rubs me the wrong way. It's some combination of the competitive glare she assumes during the class (she watches everyone out of the corner of her eye), the way she overextends on certain stretches (show-off), and that I once saw her park her fancy Mercedes in between two parking spaces in the (very small) parking lot. I hate that.

When she put her mat down next to mine this morning, I'm sure everyone could see my disappointment and annoyance -she'd be watching me, comparing, for the whole class. I braced myself.

And then, I noticed it. She's missing a toe - the fourth toe on her right foot. Which is just great. The shame of my uncharitable thoughts is washing over me.

*Body Flow is the yoga/tai chi/Pilates class I take on Mondays and Thursdays. Theoretically, it makes me a better, calmer person. In reality, there's a chance I'm a little more flexible and have better balance as a result, but obviously I'm missing some of it's mind/body benefits.

Holidays and Milestones

2005-11-27T12:28:00.000-05:00

It was a big weekend for the Pollard-Waskom family. Though Cooper and I showed our age by choosing not to go anywhere near any bars on Thanksgiving Eve, we more than proved that we're still social the night after Thanksgiving, when my sister and brother and his girlfriend came to Towson. It was a fairly typical night - we met Alicia and Mike and Owen and Megan at the wine bar, had snacks and drinks, then retired to Alicia and Mike's house to play with their iPod and break things.

Saturday wasn't easy for anyone, I don't think. I eased my headache by sitting on the sofa, watching ten straight episodes of My Super Sweet 16. I still think VH1 should do a similar show about 30th birthdays.

Speaking of thirtieth birthdays, we spent last night at the Spy Club celebrating my friend Mandy's. Despite the sometimes oppressive heat, we had a good time - it was a cool space and we got to hang out with a bunch of Severna Park friends we don't see all the time. I especially enjoyed the super geeky part of the night, when Paul and Ryan and I used Paul's PDA to show each other our web sites. There was some mocking of us by others. I suppose that's understandable.

Now that Thanksgiving and Mandy's birthday are behind us, we're officially into Christmas and Kit & Cooper's Birthday Season (Mandy's birthday is exactly one month before mine, so it's arrival sends me into high alert every year.) Generally, this season brings me the usual joy, along with the also usual elevated levels of stress and panic that I've gotten one year older. We'll see how that goes this year. Maybe turning thirty will be a turning point for me. Or maybe I'll cry all month.

Hoping, obviously, for the former.

Silly Borat

2005-11-25T10:18:00.000-05:00

I find the whole Kazakhstan-suing-Ali G thing pretty hilarious. Borat is definitely my favorite character (and is definitely Cooper's favorite), and assuming that Sascha Baron Cohen doesn't actually lose the lawsuit, this can only be a good thing for the fans.

The Duty to Suggest Behavior

2005-11-22T11:26:00.000-05:00

So says Renzo Piano, the architect made famous by his role in the design of Paris' Pompidou Centre, of the discipline of architecture itself.

In an interview with the Guardian, Piano touches on the role architecture plays in the Paris riots. While he acknowledges that architecture alone is not enough to solve social problems, he suggests that the creation of the ghetto bears some responsibility for the disenfranchisement of Paris' upset minorities.

Piano barely touches on what this means for America, but that's an interesting question, especially considering the recent rise of the exurb. American suburbs and exerbs aren't usually built around town centers, but Piano's theory suggests that they really should be.

Towson provides a good case study. It's a suburb of Baltimore, yes, but also very, very close to the city, and a college town in it's own right. It's also aging and has felt commercial strain. Development Design Group, a Baltimore-based architecture firm with a ton of cred in urban redevelopment has the task of updating the Towson circle area, the core of the town center.

It'll be interesting to see how DDG applies principles of urban redevelopment to a suburban community. I'd like to see that happen with new building, too, in areas that are just slated for development.

From what I've read, many of the people who are interested in both social policy and architecture focus their efforts in redevelopment. But it definitely seems as though there are opportunities to branch out and help new developers do things right the first time.

Craziness

2005-11-22T11:14:00.000-05:00

The Italian Art and Psychology Association has conducted a year-long study to understand the emotional and physiological impact viewing Michelangelo's David has on some viewers. Apparently some people are so overcome by the great work of art that they feel dizzy or faint, or might even be vulnerable to panic attacks or "temporary bouts of madness."

The agony and the ecstasy, indeed.

Breaking Local News

2005-11-20T17:07:00.000-05:00

The cover story in the Towson Times this week is on a schoolteacher who irons to relax. Seriously.

I guess I'm glad I live somewhere that doesn't have more pressing news.

Just Heard

2005-11-20T17:03:00.000-05:00

"Photograph" by Nickelback. I'd never actually listened to the words before (or to the whole song, for that matter.) It sounds an awful lot like something I would write on this blog. Something I would've written last Wednesday, to be more specific.

And, with that, I realized just how truly, unironically cheesy I am.

But, Mama, That's Where the Fun Is

2005-11-16T16:08:00.000-05:00

You know that scene at the end of TV shows, where the young heroine drives off, towards her new life, with a deeply meaning-charged song playing in the background? Of course you do, not only did you just see it at the end of Laguna Beach, you also saw it last summer on the final episode of Six Feet Under.

Well, today, I lived it. On my way down to Annapolis today, to get my hair cut, I spent a lot of time thinking about - what else? - myself. During one particularly boring stretch of the drive, I reminisced with myself about all the great times I've had in my twenties: the days I lived in Canton; the six months before my brother left for law school; the amazing view I had from the roof of my last place in Annapolis; the list went on and on.

Lost in my reverie, I barely noticed the radio until, magically, I snapped back to the dulcet tones of Manfred Mann’s “Blinded by the Light.” For the next few miles, I continued on in my daydream, self-consciously laughing about that music as the theme song for my twenties.

After my haircut, I hopped back in the car, looking for a similar song to start my drive back home. Unfortunately, I found nothing. Instead, I found myself remembering the most random moments, all made personal and, somehow private, by songs.

…a few days before leaving for college, sitting at the Ben Oaks beach with my friends, listening to Love Rescue Me on someone’s car stereo…staring at my stereo play Losing My Religion just like Brenda did after she and Dylan broke up...dancing on a chair to Nelly’s Ride With Me (sorry - Ride WIT me) in a club in London’s Soho…dancing on another chair to Living on a Prayer on New Year’s Eve 1999/2000 and watching my friend Bill take a tumble that, we learned later, broke his collarbone…being in the middle of a thousand hippies jumping up and down to Bouncing around the Room at a Phish show in 1994…playing Anna Begins and So Cruel over and over again at parties my first summer home from college…singing Filter’s Take a Picture on the steps of a house in Canton with my friends from Europe, just after the trip…waiting for the mix CD to play Beast of Burden on Sunday nights with Alison, sitting at the front bar at Claddagh’s…blasting Chemical Brothers in my brother’s car after a Widespread concert…hearing Me & Bobby McGee at my wedding reception, just like I’d imagined since I was little…

I have so many more memories exactly like that, from the time I was a very little girl all the way up through today. Compared to a lot of people I know, I’m not very into music. I don’t know a lot about it, and I don’t really care that I don’t know much. In fact, I’d rather not know a lot. Why would I want to replace what I have – completely emotional memories – with a bunch of knowledge? The second I break music down into facts, or that I start wanting to know what’s new first, that’s when music would stop being purely emotional for me. And purely enjoyable.

P.S. I know the Phish and Widespread references make me sound like a hippie. Honestly, I never even really went through a preppy hippie phase. I just hung out with people who did. People like my brother.

More Celebration

2005-11-16T10:10:00.000-05:00

Now that I have the long, involved, "why I blog" post off my shoulders, it's time for a little blog-birthday celebration: an announcement.

As I just mentioned, the days of the daily book topic have gone by the wayside. But that doesn't mean I've completely given up the dream of writing for a living. That dream has just shifted. As I've chronicled here, over the past six or so months, I've become nearly obsessed with food writing. So obsessed that I decided that, when I grow up, I want to write about food.

So, naturally, I did what I know best: I started a blog. Now, here comes the full disclosure: starting blogs is really easy, and it is sort of addictive. Kind of like getting tatoos, or so I hear. Just open up the Blogger Dashboard, click on "new blog" and you're nearly there. I've done it more times than I care to admit.

Fortunately, Blogger also has a "delete blog" button, for the blogs that never make it past three posts.

This time, though, was different. I've been writing Mango & Ginger for over two months; it has become a part of my routine. I still like it, even though it's lost it's new blog sheen.

So, there it is. My new, food-related blog. I write about food I cook, food I eat, food I read about, whatever, as long as it's somewhat food related. Hope you all enjoy.

Today

2005-11-16T09:38:00.000-05:00

(Warning: This is a long, self-involved post.)

It's a big day for me: the first birthday of this blog.

That's right, it all started, right here, exactly a year ago. November 15, 2004, I read the internet (for hours), aimlessly. November 16th, I had a purpose. I was a blogger.

Rereading my first post makes me laugh. I went on, at length, about my "book topic du jour." Ah, I remember those days. When I thought I was going to write a book. I really did have a new idea every three or four days. Not so much anymore. Apparently blogging has sucked that out of me. Or, probably more likely, has helped me run through my interest in all those fleeting ideas a lot more efficiently.

As I've mentioned before, I'm prone to self-analysis, especially around birthdays and anniversaries (which, for those of you who have celebrated a birthday with me, is why I cry.) This week has been pretty much par for the course in that arena: no tears, but a lot of self-absorption.

One of the reasons why I started this blog was to get a better understanding of what interests me, and how I think about things. And apparently the answer to that is twofold: Laguna Beach and red wine. Kidding. Sort of.

This week, I've been thinking a lot about, well, me. What I like to write, what I do write, what I want to write. I often think about a conversation I had a few years ago, with a high school friend of my brother’s. He’s a writer (the kind who gets paid) and there’s little I enjoy more than talking about writing with people who write. In the course of a long, involved discussion of the writer’s life, I crossed over into the land of extreme egotism, explaining that I just knew, deep down, that I had to write something major. It was my destiny. In the same breath, I told him that my biggest fear was waking up one day with a Volvo, country club membership, and no book. This was four and a half years ago.

Last week, the conversation came back to me, all in a flash. A flash that occurred while I was sitting in my Volvo station wagon, outside the gym, reaching into the back to grab my yoga mat at 9:30 on a Monday morning: I have become my nightmare.

Later that day, reading my afternoon blogs, it occurred to me that it wouldn’t be that hard to write a blog that evolved into a book. I read Clublife, Opinionistas, Mimi in NY. They each have a unique voice and perspective, but they also each follow the book deal formula: position yourself as an outsider, expose your surroundings. Think like an anthropologist. Exoticize. I could totally do the same, but with the quiet suburban life I lead. Chick-lit agents would come calling.

Except that I don’t want to. And in recognizing that, I also realized that I haven’t fallen into my nightmare situation, as described in early 2001. I’ve walked into it, consciously, by choice. And it’s not really so bad.

Plus, I might not have a book deal, and I might not be profiled in the New York Times, but that wasn’t why I started this blog in the first place. So I’ll continue to write about Laguna Beach, and the Poconos, and whatever I come across on the internet. And I’ll be happy with that.

Plus, going to the gym in the middle of the day is pretty sweet. And Volvos are nice, too.

Of Course I Like Harry Potter

2005-11-15T12:50:00.000-05:00

I'm a libertarian.

This heavily-footnoted Michigan Law Review article by Benjamin Barton (I found it at Instapundit) convinces me that Harry Potter is a libertarian. Of course, I'm inclined to believe that anyway, as I'd like to think that I have something in common with a smart, brave wizard. I don't think it's all my self-involvement, though.

Barton's article is well-researched: not only did he reread all the HP books with an eye Rowling's depiction of government, his argument is solidly backed by texts about libertarianism. His conclusion, "that Rowling may do more for libertarianism than anyone since John Stuart Mill," seems overwhelmingly logical, considering the strength of his argument...and the strength of her market share.

As a side note, my admiration for JK Rowling knows pretty much no bounds at this point. Not only has she written an interesting, engaging story, she's elevated the level of complexity in kids books (the fact that she respects kids as readers is fantastic) and she's created a world and a story that serves as a seemingly endless source of analysis. I've read numerous articles discussing the social and political characteristics of the wizarding world, exploring connections to our world, looking for answers, reasons, clues. I can imagine future dissertations on the subject: comparing HP to the current geopolitical situation in two years, ten, or fifty.

Truly, truly amazing.

Thoughts on Laguna

2005-11-14T23:57:00.000-05:00

1. The finale was...eh. I know it's bittersweet to leave your friends and family, take the next step, whatever, but really. Most of these kids just moved to LA. Not exactly far from each other, or far from Laguna.

2. We're supposed to get misty at the Ste-phen and Kristin montage? I'm pretty sure that she wasn't thinking about Stephen while she was wistfully staring at the water. They've been so over for so long. And they're moving to the same city. Maybe I could find that scene a tiny bit believable if I didn't know that Stephen did or did not hook up with Paris and Kristin's dating Brody Jenner. But I do, so I don't.

3. I hate Alex M.'s stripper nails.

4. I predict that season three will sputter and die. The cast just doesn't seem pretty enough. Or, more accurately, the girls in the cast just don't seem pretty enough. They don't have that California girl, all-American look. They look hard. Like Jenna Jameson. And I don't mean that in a good way.

5. However, I also predict that LC's spinoff will be fantastic. After two seasons of LBHS, maybe I'm ready to move on, just like she is. I think it has potential. And maybe we'll find out what's going on with Jason. Where was he in this episode? I guess that's what happens when you finish editing several months before the show airs.

6. And, finally, where is Kristin's spinoff? I might be Team LC, but I know who makes good TV. And Kristin does.

Overall, I'm sad the season is over. I really am. But I'm also feeling like Liz Gately let me down a little. Guess I'll just have to hold out until The Hills premieres this spring.

The Universal "My Generation"

2005-11-14T11:06:00.000-05:00

Today, the WaPo reports on a new "phenomenon": high school kids who are into classic rock. Specifically, the author talks with a bunch of music dorks at TJ (a magnet school in northern VA) who have started a "classic rock club" (leave it to the dorky kids to find a way to turn any hobby into something to write on a college application.)

The article is interesting, especially in that it touches on the role of radio and music downloads in kids' newfound interest in classic rock, though it doesn't reveal anything particularly surprising. And I'm happy to read that there is interest in classic rock among high school kids. When my sister was in high school, none of her friends were into that type of music at all.

But it what world is it "new" that high school kids discover classic rock? I was in high school during the high grunge years, yet my mix tapes are dominated by Zeppelin, Creedence and the Who. I've always thought that classic rock is kind of like sex: every generation likes to think they invent it, though it is, by it's very nature, old.

UPDATE: A lot of Stereogum's commenters agree with me. And I agree with a lot of them. Except for all the blabbing about Death Cab vs. Zeppelin. I am so wholely uninterested in mainstream indie rock (boring!) that I wouldn't know a DCFC song if it hit me in the face while I was watching the OC. Which I don't actually watch, though, given my other interests, I probably should.

Silverman Worship

2005-11-14T10:15:00.000-05:00

Slate is all over Sarah Silverman today, with three front-page articles about her, her humor and her new movie.

a) I love Sarah Silverman - I think she's hilarious. And I do think she's thin. And,
b) I'm all for dissection and analysis.

But...as sort of interesting as it can be to read about the social drivers of pop culture, is there anything more tired and boring and unfunny than reading about why comedians are funny/relevant/etc.? Especially for, like, the fifth time in a month? Slate's a little behind in these articles. They're not going to do better than the New Yorker did a few weeks ago. I'm not sure I would've tried.

And maybe it's just me, but every time I read about how Silverman pushes the edge of what's acceptable in humor, about just how offensive she is, I can't help but think that most journalists live awfully sheltered lives. Yes, she is very funny and yes, she's pretty enough to make it OK to laugh at racist jokes. But she's not that hardcore. She's not saying things other people don't say. What's interesting about Sarah Silverman is not that she says those things, or even that she says them with such a straight face. It's that she says those things on TV.

What I want to know is: where's the article that compares her to Eminem? That seems, to me, highly apt. A harmless looking public figure with a dirty mouth, who's willing to say things in public that most people would only say to their friends.

Seriously, not to take anything away from Sarah Silverman. I really do think she's hilarious. But I've read one too many of the same article this month.

"Maybe if you don't spend time journaling (or blogging?) you have more time to gain experience."

2005-11-14T09:16:00.000-05:00

So says Richard Lawrence Cohen, in the comments section of a post on reading old journals, and starting new ones.

When I travel, I take a lot of notes (over 90 pages on my first trip to Europe and 80 pages on my honeymoon). I'm a note-taker, though, and I've never felt like my experience was limited or diminished because of the notes I took. In fact, for me, it's just the opposite. I remember SO much more of my honeymoon because I wrote it all down. And since I took notes during Cooper's nap times, I don't think I missed out on any experience-having.

I also love reading old journals, though. I'm sure I've mentioned here before that a few years ago, I spent a very emotional and embarrassed few weeks rereading my high school diaries (I was writing a book proposal - that went nowhere - based on them).

Anyway. This navel-gazing is a long-winded way of announcing what is sure to be a very navel-gazey week. This Wednesday happens to be this blog's first birthday.

I'm pretty into birthdays and anniversaries, and this one is no different. So I'll apologize in advance for all of the self-involved blathering that is likely to go on here for the next few days. A year's a long time, though, so I feel a little entitled.

And I promise I'll go back to not really posting, or only posting about Laguna (FINALE TONIGHT!) as soon as the week is over.

Things I Love about the Poconos

2005-11-10T16:32:00.000-05:00

pocs outside
Originally uploaded by Kit Pollard.

"We have such a great life."

Saturday morning I took an hour-long walk around the lake at Skytop Lodge with Sarah, Amy and Gretchen. It was nearly 70 degrees and the trees were bright and beautiful - amazing for November. It was almost unnecessary for Sarah to mention how great our lives are: it's so obvious at times like that. Nice, though, to remember not to take it for granted.

I spent the rest of the weekend feeling sappily lucky that I have such great friends and that I get to have weekends like this last one. As I've mentioned here before, the two weekends a year we spend at Sarah's family's cottage in the Pocs are some of my most highly anticipated and favorite.

This weekend, not surprisingly, didn't disappoint. The weather really was perfect, so we did nearly everything outside. While the boys played golf we took our walk, picked up some treats and did a little ethnography of the local color at Wal-Mart. When we all got back home, Sarah and I sat outside and read (I finished this - very entertaining) while Amy baked pumpkin bread and an apple crisp. After some lounging, we had a surprisingly good dinner at a local restaurant, where the entire clientele sang a rousing round of Happy Birthday to Brian (much to our surprise - we started out singing quite quietly, so as not to cause a scene).

We wrapped up the night with a little red wine by our outdoor firepit (one of the best engagement gifts ever). When we retired to our (twin) beds, we got to fall asleep listening to the waterfall, completely relaxed.

Such a great life, indeed. Plus, we talked about Laguna Beach all weekend. LOVE IT.

Real Posting to Follow

2005-11-10T09:11:00.000-05:00

I promise that I have not completely forsaken this blog. I've just had a crazy week. Had to buy a new computer on Monday, as our old computer's screen decided not to work anymore. Transferring four years worth of work and pictures and music and other stuff takes a long time. And yesterday, as I was getting ready to start blogging, I got a work-related call...and that always takes precedence.

It was only then that I realized I don't have PowerPoint on my shiny brand new laptop. Wireless, yes, but no PowerPoint. Only the software most important to my work. Needless to say, yesterday was annoying, work-wise. Today, I go buy Office 2003.

And then I blog. For real.

In the meantime, my brother's girlfriend has started a new blog. If you like Laguna...you will really, really like this.

Lbs in the LB

2005-11-08T10:30:00.000-05:00

Is it just me, or is Jessica starting to put on her freshman 15 a little early? I don't really have room to talk, as my freshman 15 was, well, definitely more than 15. But I also wasn't on a major TV show...

Purple America

2005-11-06T18:56:00.000-05:00

lc and kristin
Originally uploaded by Kit Pollard.

Much has been written about the famous red state/blue state divide. However, not nearly enough ink has been devoted (yet) to an almost equally important debate: LC or Kristin.

Jason or no, I've been a vocal member of Team LC since the beginning. I might have gotten my hair cut to look like Kristin's...but my heart lies with LC.

Unfortunately, I can't say that all my friends share my good taste. Especially the male ones. Doug might be great at emailing LB articles and moderating involved discussions on subjects pertinent to a deep understanding of LB (who does live in the trailer?)...but he's also firmly planted in Kristin's corner.

Fortunately, this weekend we were able to look past our differences, and to focus on what brings us together. A common love and appreciation for the LB, and the light it brings to all of our lives.

P.S. I know that's not a very good picture of me. But didn't I do a nice job making Doug's shirt?

Not Quite Sure What They're Going for Here

2005-11-04T08:52:00.000-05:00

This Ad Age article talks about a study on the effects of alcohol advertising that will appear in the January issue of Psychology Science. The study purportedly connects the viewing of images related to alcohol (such as beer bottles) with an enhanced feeling of aggression.

Now, I'm not a psychologist, and I can't claim to have a really strong understanding of how psychologists conduct research. But I am a research analyst and based on that, I think I'm qualified to say that the people doing this study haven't completely thought through their findings.

The study included a couple of different methods and the overall finding was that people connect images of alcohol to aggressive behavior. What the study does not find, however, is that alcohol-related images encourage aggressive behavior. In fact, what it actually finds is that people who already think that alcohol is connected to aggressive behavior are more likely to identify certain behaviors as aggressive after they've looked at pictures of beer bottles.

Ad Age reports on this, and rightly so, because it could, down the road, have an effect on beer and liquor advertising. The researchers say they didn't set out with that intention...but they wouldn't have. Watchdog groups, though, will probably latch onto these findings, though they don't actually deal with alcohol advertising at all.

Lies, damn lies and statistics is right. Research can be a scary, loose thing when it's being used against you.

Family Tree

2005-11-03T16:27:00.000-05:00

Last night we had dinner with my parents, grandmother and aunt and uncle visiting from Texas. During dinner, I learned something new about the fam. Apparently, my great-grandfather (mom's dad's dad) has a university named after him. It's a religious school (he was a missionary) and, yes, it's in Nigeria, but still.

My mom's other grandfather was a jockey (that part of the family is tiny - all I got from them was my hair color). Number 13. He raised fighting gamecocks after he retired from horse racing.

Colorful family, indeed.

Crossing Over

2005-11-03T12:58:00.000-05:00

There's an article about Kristin in Salon today. It's about being a teenager and life lessons and such.

Does this mean that Laguna Beach has crossed over from guilty pleasure into sociological phenomenon? Is it leaving the world of "mentioned in a Chuck Klosterman book" to join with other pop culture dissertation topics? Has it surpassed the influence of Saved by the Bell?

I'm so selfish

2005-11-02T13:29:00.000-05:00

I want nearly everything from this store. Especially the Mibo floral lamps...

Lucky

2005-11-01T13:38:00.000-05:00

For some reason, on the way home from the store a few minutes ago, I started thinking about how really, really glad I am that blogs were not a part of mainstream culture until fairly recently. Because I am so, so happy that I have no public documentation of my actions between 1996 (when I graduated) and 2001 (when I met Cooper).

Though I also recognize that certain periods - most notably August 2000-September 2001 - would be awfully entertaining reading. The year I spent more time at Claddagh's than at work.

Oh, good times. Good times best kept off the internets.

A Disgrace to Hippies Everywhere

2005-11-01T13:34:00.000-05:00

I was just in line behind the rudest, most unfriendly hippie at Trader Joe's. She dropped something, I picked it up to hand it to her, and she just looked at me like I knocked it over and said, "is that mine?" No thank you at all.

Then she was noticeably unfriendly to the cashier, who was a nice older lady. THEN she took the messy sandwich she'd just bought, unwrapped it, and started eating while she was trying to pay. She was so hungry she couldn't wait the 30 seconds until she made it to the parking lot?

Trader Joe's is always full of the crunchy underbelly of northern Baltimore, of course. But usually, they're at least nice, if not perfectly polite. Doesn't it seem like there should be some sort of requirement that if you wear Birkenstocks, you are morally bound to be friendly?

How could I NOT be Team LC...

2005-10-31T22:35:00.000-05:00

When she is soooo good at not letting Jason make her look bad on TV? The way she managed not to cry...that was fantastic. When I was 19, I didn't know many girls with that type of composure and self-restraint. And I certainly wasn't one of them.

Go LC!

Very Interesting

2005-10-31T08:34:00.000-05:00

I've been getting the Daily Candy emails forever. Recently, the company launched a DC-specific email, which is nice...even though I don't actually live in DC, I could, ostensibly, go there from time to time to shop or have dinner.

Anyway, that's not what's interesting. What is interesting is that today I got a Daily Candy DC Dedicated Email (that's what they call the ones that are ads, not editorial)...and it was for the Times Select service.

Quite creative on the NYT's part, actually. Not that I would ever, ever consider paying $50 a year for columnists I only read in excerpt anyway...but I'm a little impressed with their focus and targeting.

My Dream World

2005-10-26T10:16:00.000-04:00

Last night, I dreamt that Jessica and Ashlee Simpson went to the LBHS prom.

With Jason Schwartzman, who actually made me realize it was a dream.

Clearly, I spend too much time with the internets and the MTV.

Something My Sister Is Right About

2005-10-25T18:14:00.000-04:00

"Hung Up" by Madonna is an awesome song.

BTW

2005-10-24T17:58:00.000-04:00

I will resume posting more regularly sometime this week. Just not today and possibly not tomorrow either. I've been busier with work these past two weeks than I have been since I started consulting. Which is a good thing. But leaves me feeling more than a little blog-deprived.

The Writer's "Rough Brand of Radical Chic"

2005-10-24T17:40:00.000-04:00

At some point during the past few years, I've come to terms with the fact that I'm never going to be a literary powerhouse. I am not my generation's Salinger. I will not be writing the Great American Novel. This used to upset me. Now I'm OK with it.

Starting last November, though, just after the election, I started to wonder if my inability to write in that way - that way being: fiction, commercially viable and adored by the literary community, self-conscious but not overly so, zeitgeisty and classic all at once - if my inability to write like that was somehow related to my politics. Was my hawkish idealism, my unwavering patriotism, my unabashed capitalism getting in the way of a certain type of creativity?

This New Yorker review of a book on Hemingway and Dos Passos in Spain during the revolution makes me think that yes - for whatever reason, my political sensibilities cannot coexist with the literary person I'd hoped to be.

While the author states that Hemingway "lacked a sense of politics," his appreciation of the romance of communism and taking a side - his "rough brand of radical chic" - gel perfectly with the absolutist, realpolitiky qualities that make me love his writing.

I know that I could never compromise myself politically (I am too much of an idealist for that) to help myself succeed creatively. But that certainly doesn't keep the major pangs of jealousy at bay. Hemingway's life - Paris, Cuba, Key West, Africa, Spain (not necessarily in that order) - and the salon-like community of expatriates - it all makes my Power Point presentations and office in Towson (nice and sunny as it is) feel very small.

At the same time, the author mentions that Hemingway seemingly had to destroy a marriage or a close friendship every few years, just to keep it fresh. That sounds painfully selfish and lonely to me.

And not worth it. I suppose.

I'm nearly illiterate.

2005-10-21T11:43:00.000-04:00

Erin just pointed out that I've actually read more books on that Time list than I thought. I definitely read the Grapes of Wrath the summer before tenth grade. Again, for Miss Brady.

What does it say about my reading comprehension skills that I missed a book in a list?

And what does it say about America's reading comprehension skills that I actually scored high in reading comprehension on standardized tests?

9%

2005-10-19T15:53:00.000-04:00

That's what I would get on a test that scores how many of Time's 100 greatest novels I've read. Nine of them. What does that say about me, as someone who theoretically likes reading more than the average person?

1. I'm lazy, even about what I read.
2. I like trashy writing.
3. I'm idiosynchratic.

Also, it suggests that maybe only including books written after 1923 is sort of limiting. Why even publish the list if you're not going to do the job right? Or, at the very least, make it since 1900?

Just for the record, of the nine, I read five of them for high school. But I'd actually read two of those on my own already. Actually, I'd read six of them before ninth grade. Just for the record, the nine are:

Are You There God, It's Me, Margaret (obviously, I read this in fourth grade, just like every other girl since 1963, when it was published)

Catcher in the Rye (summer after eighth grade)

Gone with the Wind (I think that was also the summer after eighth grade, though I can't actually remember finishing the book)

Great Gatsby (spring of eighth grade)

Native Son (tenth grade - and anyone who had Miss Brady for English will agree that writing the in-class essay for this was one of the most memorable academic experiences EVER)

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (also in Miss Brady's tenth grade class)

The Sound and the Fury (read this at the beginning of AP English. Damn, it was hard.)

The Sun Also Rises (another eighth grade read...though I'm pretty sure I also wrote a paper on this at some point)

To Kill a Mockingbird (read this on the interminable trip my family took the summer after I was in eighth grade. Also of note: Cooper and my friend Ryan both named their dogs Scout after the main character)

Reading back through this list, it's pretty clear that eighth grade was a major reading year for me. During that year, I also remember polishing off the entire John Jakes historical fiction series the Kent Family Chronicles. Guess that's what happens when you take a sullen thirteen year old on a three-week family RV tour of the Rocky Mountain states...

Disappointment of the Weekend

2005-10-17T16:18:00.000-04:00

We had a really fun night on Friday. My sister and one of her roommates came up (they were home for fall break) and we met a bunch of people out for the last happy hour of the year at Belvedere Square. Now that the weather's getting colder, the outdoor evenings wind down.

Post-happy hour, we spent a few hours at the wine bar, entertaining the bartenders (especially Erin and Lis) and celebrating Bill's birthday. When we got home, Cooper made a fire in our copper fire pit (first one all year!) and we hung out in the backyard for a bit.

Unfortunately, I must have enjoyed the fire a little too much. Granted, Cooper nearly drowned all of the wood in lighter fluid - most of it was so damp from the rain last week that it never would've ignited otherwise. And I did realize that, as a result, the fire was particularly sparky. But it wasn't until we got back inside, in the light, that I noticed that my shirt had caught on fire.

It went out, actually, before I really noticed. And, to be fair, the shirt was tissue paper thin. And only $10. But I got it in Paris! Now it looks like someone stuck a lit cigarette right in the middle of my chest...I don't think there's any way to hide it.

So until cigarette burny shirts become a mainstream fashion statement, I guess it's retired...

Well, I didn't win.

2005-10-17T11:23:00.000-04:00

...the Manolo essay contest. But that's OK. It was good practice for me to write the essay (300 words is NOT VERY LONG and requires lots of editing skills). Plus, it was worth me paying attention just to read the essay that came in second place. I loved it - it epitomizes the kind of writing I love, hope to do, and actually think I could do if I just got it together and tried a little harder.

In related news, I'm reading a new book that I loooove, purchased especially for me by my mother-in-law on her recent trip to the Culinary Institute of America. It's an anthology of the best food writing of 2005 - just a simple collection of essays. I've read some of them before (several are from Food & Wine), and some of them are better than others, of course, but overall, it's pretty fantastic. The short essays hold my attention for just the right amount of time, and the subject matter makes me constantly hungry, and influences my behavior in an embarrassingly direct way.

On Saturday, I read an essay about Murray's Cheese Shop. I then went to our cheese shop, Atwater's, and bought of a bunch of fancy cheese, some of which is so, um, fragrant that even I have a hard time eating it (it is delicious, but the musty, damp sock odor is tough).

Good food weekend, though. So at least I could drown my writerly sorrows in high-fat-content foods...

Look What I Got!!!

2005-10-13T08:49:00.000-04:00

LC Shirt
Originally uploaded by Kit Pollard.

Impatient

2005-10-12T14:07:00.000-04:00

Cooper's cousin Emily works at Hollister (she's in college) and told me last night that she got me one of the last Team LC shirts in her store.

She's supposed to drop it off to me today. CAN'T WAIT.

Word Verification

2005-10-12T13:27:00.000-04:00

For the two or three of you who sometimes leave comments...I've turned on word verification. I know it's annoying - and I'm sorry about that - but it's less annoying than all of the comment spam I've been getting lately.

I can only imagine how bad the spam would be if I had more than 10 readers...

Reprise

2005-10-12T12:19:00.000-04:00

Anyone who's trying to maintain a minimum level of interest in Harry Potter until the next book comes out - which feels like it won't be forever - should be reading this blog. I've linked to the author's HP analysis before. She has an amazing ability to pay attention to small details and to really back up her claims. English teacher's dream.

Recently, she's been poring through all of the HP books and has developed a list of "set-ups" - ideas, characters, and elements Rowling has introduced that will likely lead to "pay-offs" - new information - in the final book. Very interesting for anyone who's into the series - and especially impressive considering she has a real job and kids.

Hottttttt

2005-10-11T11:56:00.000-04:00

I do not cruise for transvestites in my expensive sports car.

Very funny. I have a great deal of respect for this guy, despite the fact that he let a short, nameless woman convince him to buy a pair of leather pants. I'm glad he's sold them for over $100.

I actually also own a pair of leather pants. But I am a girl. And I have actually only worn them twice - both times during the fall of 2000 (that was my party girl phase). Unfortunately, even if I wanted to wear them these days (and they are still hanging in my closet), they are a size 4. I haven't been anything close to a size 4 since, well, the fall of 2000. I was so young then. Young and resilient. And thin.

Those days feel so long ago. At least I have the pants to remember them by.

One More Thing

2005-10-10T12:11:00.000-04:00

HUGE congratulations to my brother, who spent the weekend in NYC, trying out for Jeopardy. He, along with only three others out of the pool of 50, made the show. Now we just need to keep our fingers crossed that he actually gets called up. He's on a list of about 600, about 400 of whom will be asked to be on the show over the course of the next year.

Obviously, the entire Waskom family is extremely excited and proud.

I will be back.

2005-10-10T12:07:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the very, very light posting lately. I was crazy last week, preparing for our weekend guests and housewarming festivities (all a big success, no thanks to the weather). More on that later. And more on other things as well...but not until after I finish some work. I have a lot of "real work" to do between now and Wednesday, but hopefully I'll squeeze in a little bloggy time here and there...

And then I should be back to my regular, light, flexible schedule. So I can blog all I want.

Question about This Whole Harriet Miers Thing

2005-10-05T13:36:00.000-04:00

How long will it be before someone suggests that Bush doesn't actually want Miers confirmed? That the nomination is all a Rovian plot to make Harry Reid feel "heard" by the administration? And that Bush's real nominee will be the next one - the one who comes after the public is tired of hearing about the confirmation process and just wants resolution?

Unbelievable.

2005-10-04T23:35:00.000-04:00

I was a little sister of the Epsilon Iota chapter of Sigma Nu.

My brother sent me this link, with a note that said "an Onion article about the Sigma Nus at W&M." I thought he was making fun of my frat-boy hippie college friends. Then I read the article and I realized that, actually, the Onion staff is making fun of my frat-boy hippie college friends.

Ridiculous. And so, so true.

Blinking and Tipping

2005-10-04T17:43:00.000-04:00

I haven't read any of Malcolm Gladwell's books. But I know I really ought to. For one thing, people who have read them keep telling me I should (including my Uncle Larry, just this past weekend). For another, every time I read something Gladwell has written, I'm impressed.

Like this New Yorker essay on the anatomy and social ramifications of the Ivy League admissions process.

Everyone who knows me also knows that I am kind of a school snob (kind of? I'm sure you're all saying) and that I am maybe over-proud of my own alma mater. So naturally, I read the article, assuming that the W&M admissions process is at least roughly similar to that of the Ivies (except, of course, that W&M has that pesky in-state requirement). After reading the article in its entirety, I think I'm right to think so.

Very interesting article, especially since I can't get enough of the subject. Unfortunately, my thoughts on it have jumped all over the place - they're not even close to coherent. So here they are, in no particular order.

1. Love it when social science and brand management intersect. More people outside of traditional marketing departments should think about what they're doing in terms of marketing. Wrote about it on the other (KPC) blog...here.

2. Reading this article on the heels of the one I just read (the review of Capote, which I posted about below) was especially interesting. I'd just noted that Capote and Harper Lee were friends, and wondered about the relationship between success and accident of who you know.

If Ivy admissions are all about admitting students who will become superstars after college, they must think about the fact that their superstars will help one another rise to the top just by the virtue of being friends - even if that help is intangible. This is undoubtedly true for Harvard - everyone knows that Tommy Lee Jones and Al Gore were roommates there. Along the same lines, my cousin John was Chris Moore's roommate there freshman year, and ended up investing in Good Will Hunting as a result. That type of thing happens all the time.

Gladwell gives this phenomenon short shrift, however. He posits that families encouraging their kids to attend Ivies are misguided in the belief that going to an Ivy (over another school) will result in those kids becoming superstars after college. (And he has some fairly convincing statistical evidence backing up his claim). The reason for this misguidance is in admissions: the philosophy of the Ivies (admitting those who are already poised to become stars) is in direct contrast to that of, say, the Marines (trusting that the environment will shape stars - or good Marines).

In all this discussion, though, he doesn't even mention the value of social networking at an Ivy. And I know that's got to fit in somewhere.

3. Definitely interesting to read about Harvard's alleged "happy bottom quarter" approach. Within my first few days at W&M, the president made a scary yet obvious speech to the incoming freshman, explaining that though 85 or 90% of the new freshman class had been in the top 20% of their class in high school, that type of relative success simply wasn't possible anymore. Never forgot that speech. It totally shaped the academic fear and misery that W&M loves to foster.

4. My parents were right that team sports are really important to include on college applications.

5. Finally, at the risk of sounding cocky (and it's not even a risk - it's a certainty), after reading this article, I started thinking that maybe I should've applied to Princeton. Part of the reason I didn't was because I knew who else was applying from my high school, and I knew they had (slightly) better grades and scores. However, I'm nearly certain I was more well-rounded...less dorky (and believe me, I was a dork. Just less so than some of the others.)

Then again, why go to Princeton? I had a great college experience, both socially and academically. And I'm not sure what would be different about my life right now if I'd gone to an Ivy. It's possible that I'd be in the exact same place: sitting in Baltimore, blogging instead of working, increasingly content without superstardom.

I guess I'll just always have to wonder...

Interesting

2005-10-04T16:56:00.000-04:00

I didn't know that Truman Capote and Harper Lee were childhood friends. (I guess if I knew more about either one of them, I would have.)

Makes me think about how success happens. About the role of determination and ambition and actual talent vs. the accident of place or birth. I suppose that the fact that they found each other as children and stayed friends means they probably saw something genius in the other, and encouraged that. But maybe one of them was more genius, and the other wouldn't have done much if it weren't for the friendship.

And, of course, it makes me think of all of my friends, especially the doctors. Not that any of us is a Capote or a Lee (but maybe?)...but I have always thought that my grades in high school had a lot to do with having smart, driven friends.

Kitchen Confidential

2005-10-04T14:27:00.000-04:00

As soon as I heard about this show, I thought, "I will love this." And then I totally forgot about it until I was flipping through the DirecTV guide last night. And once again, I thought, "I will love this."

And I should love it. I have got to be the EXACT target audience for it. I read the book, laughing out loud like a jackass for much of it. I develop crushes on male celebrity chefs (but not Rocco DiSpirito). I want to be a female celebrity chef (but NOT Rachel Ray). For whatever reason, life behind a stove actually seems glamorous to me.

So I watched it. And I...liked it. The acting is fine. The characters are straight out of the book. The jokes were pretty funny, for a sitcom. But I didn't looooove it.

Maybe it's because it was an early episode, so the cast is still gelling and the writers are still laying groundwork. Or maybe it's because it was on just after Arrested Development, which is written unlike any other show on TV. (Though I've read a few critics of yesterday's episode. Maybe it's because I don't watch it all the time, but I thought it was funny.)

Anyway, I will continue to try Kitchen Confidential, but I really hope it gets better. Or maybe I'll have to work on lowering my expectations.

I <3 Condi

2005-10-01T10:07:00.000-04:00

Is it weird to have a girl crush on the Secretary of State? I hope not.

I know that I am a big IR geek (actually, that's not quite true. I went to college with a lot of big IR geeks. Comparatively, I know next to nothing about current foreign policy and international happenings. But I digress.)

Anyway, Condi spoke yesterday at Princeton's school of international affairs (to which I almost applied...but the application involved two brand new essays and I probably wouldn't have gotten in anyway). Tigerhawk describes the speech and links to the transcript here. Likemost other speeches that touch on turning democratic political ideals into reality, it gave me goose bumps.

She makes it clear that we are living in times of extraordinary potential. At the same time, she explains that we're not the first generation to be living in such times, and that the political climate our grandparents dealt with (the Depression, WWII, communism) was in many ways much bleaker than our own. Whenever I read things like that, I'm reminded that it is pretty remarkable that during the part of my lifetime when I could comprehend politics, I've seen the fall of communism throughout most of the world, plus the beginnings of what I believe will be a massive shift towards democracy in the middle east. Even China will most likely succumb entirely to capitalism in my lifetime.

The fact that all of these changes have happened in the last 15 years is unprecedented. Entire past generations lived without seeing a fraction of what we've experienced since I was a freshman in high school.

All of which, of course, is why I majored in international relations in the first place (good thing I have that degree to help me comprehend what I read on the internet...since that's about all I use it for).

Extraordinary times, indeed.

Paris

2005-09-30T11:03:00.000-04:00

the girls in paris
Originally uploaded by Kit Pollard.

I seem to have finally overcome my jet lag long enough to stay awake all day...and post about my trip to Paris. It was a great week - lots of shopping and walking and eating and even some sight-seeing.

The picture above was taking our last night in Paris (photo credit: Sarah/Thierry), just outside Cafe Marly overlooking, obviously, the Louvre pyramid. At this point, we were all tired - and very, very hungry - but don't we look happy just to be in Paris?

I'm going to post a bunch of pictures, rather than transcribe all of my notes from the whole trip...even I don't find reading a bunch of my own inside jokes particularly funny. But pictures of Paris? Always welcome.

Les chambres sont petits.

2005-09-30T11:00:00.000-04:00

tiny room
Originally uploaded by Kit Pollard.

Our flight to Paris (through Atlanta) was exhausting, thanks mostly to a miniature Serbian man who thought he was very, very funny and apparently didn't need sleep. So when we arrived at the hotel to learn that our rooms weren't ready, we weren't in the best shape. But we made the best of it and walked to the Monoprix (i.e. French Walmart) to stock up on snacks.

When we arrived back at the hotel - more than an hour later - we learned that Gilly and Sarah's room was ready, but Missy's and mine was not yet. No matter, we'll all have a snack in the room that was ready.

Little did we know that the room wasn't going to be big enough for the four of us at once. Especially not with all our luggage. Sarah had to go into the all to take this picture, which doesn't even really do justice to just how petit the room was.

It's a good thing we weren't there for the accommodations.

Shopping on the Rue

2005-09-30T10:59:00.000-04:00

le metro
Originally uploaded by Kit Pollard.

After a big first night out in Paris, celebrating an American's 70th birthday, we punished ourselves by deciding to walk the zillion miles down the Rue de Rivoli to the Marais. Unfortunately, we didn't make it much past our block - we had to stop and have lunch, then nap, and go to the Monoprix. Then have Thai for dinner. Then not sleep at all, thanks to jet lag.

The following day, though, we got up early-ish and got out to go to the Marais. The day wasn't kind to anyone's feet (especially not poor Sarah) but it was nice out, and we all did end up with a lot of pretty new things.

Plus, I got a chance to take a few pictures of metro stops for my sister. She's writing her senior thesis on something that has to do with the art nouveau metro stops in Paris...hopefully some of what I got on film will help her.

Loving Monet Again

2005-09-30T10:58:00.000-04:00

musee d'orsay
Originally uploaded by Kit Pollard.

After our walk down the Rue, we had a wonderful dinner Chez Yvette et Claude...a restaurant Sarah and Gilly's grandparents started visiting years ago. Then we had another big, huge night, followed by another tough day.

As punishment this time, we decided to do some hardcore sightseeing - not just shopping. So we went to the Musee D'Orsay, then, for some unknown reason, walked across the left bank to the Eiffel Tower. It was a pretty day, but hard. Probably not surprisingly, we all went to bed early that night.

Despite my extreme levels of tiredness, this day might have been my favorite...because of Monet. Monet was my, like everyone's, favorite artist when I was in eighth grade. But by the time I got a little older, the water lilies were so ubiquitous that my art snob self wrote them off. Not so anymore. Now that I've seen the Rouen series and some of the Giverny work in person, I'll never roll my eyes at a water lilies coffee mug again.

Plus, I got to see Manet's Emile Zola and Olympia. Totally breathtaking, especially when considered in the context of the sociopolitical climate of Manet's Paris. Which is how I considered them all through college.

Then, of course, the walk to the Eiffel, which was way too long, took us through all of the cute streets of Paris, lined with flower shops and cafes. That might be what I love most about Paris...that the streets actually look like the pages of my French III book.

La Tour Eiffel

2005-09-30T10:56:00.000-04:00

la tour eiffel
Originally uploaded by Kit Pollard.

Sarah took this picture as we approached the Eiffel Tower - after several hours of thinking we were so close.

It's hard to comprehend just how large the tower actually is. The one in Vegas is an exact replica, one-quarter of the size, and that even looks enormous. But in real life...well, let's just say that it seems close enough to walk to from very, very far away.

Sous de la Tour Eiffel

2005-09-30T10:55:00.000-04:00

under the eiffel tower
Originally uploaded by Kit Pollard.

Sarah (clearly a much better photographer than I am) took this photo from just under the tower. I'm almost dizzy just looking at it.

Clearly, during this portion of the trip, several TomKat references were made.

Sacre Coeur

2005-09-30T10:54:00.000-04:00

sacre coeur from the eiffel tower
Originally uploaded by Kit Pollard.

If you squint, you can see Sacre Coeur, one of the most beautiful churches I've ever seen, on the horizon. Sarah took this picture, too, from the second etage.

We didn't go all the way to the top of the tower, but even this middle section made me feel a little sick. (Which is interesting because last time I was in Paris, I went all the way to the top and had no problem. All mental, clearly).

La Protest

2005-09-30T10:53:00.001-04:00

Seen on the Boulevard de Madeleine a few days into our trip.

protest
Originally uploaded by Kit Pollard.

I wasn't actually a part of this protest - I didn't even see it. Sarah, Missy and Gilly did, though. It had something to do with illegal immigration...and a lot of gendarmes.

What I find most interesting about this picture is the little girl, sticking her face in the big sign. Parisian kids fascinate me in so many ways - for some reason I'm amazed that little kids grow up speaking French and living in such a fantastic city. I'm even more obsessed with this little girl - is she growing up as a part of a protesting culture and in Paris?

La Seine

2005-09-30T10:53:00.000-04:00

the seine from the eiffel tower
Originally uploaded by Kit Pollard.

Taken (again by Sarah) from the premier etage of the Eiffel Tower. This is a remarkably clear view of the Seine and buildings on the right bank.

At this point, I was really not feeling very well. I think I need to eat and sleep...at a lower altitude.

Not All Protests and Politics

2005-09-30T10:52:00.000-04:00

toothbrush holders
Originally uploaded by Kit Pollard.

Post-protest, we did spend some time asking around to figure out what was going on. At this point in the trip, fairly last in the week, we also realized that we had no idea what was happening in America. On Thursday, we met a couple from Texas in the hotel lobby. They told us they'd been on a trip in Vienna and were unable to go home because Hurricane Rita hit Houston...so they had to spend a few days in Paris, waiting for relief efforts to begin.

Hearing this definitely made me a little homesick and I started to feel unsettled and out of touch. I talked to Cooper every day, but I was definitely missing my daily blog-reading. Plus, after almost a week without a to-do list, I was getting a little antsy.

Fortunately, a quick list of things I had left to buy, along with a visit to a very fun, colorful, very French shop put me back in a good mood. Sarah bought the little toothbrush holders in the picture at that shop...they're so cute and ridiculous and exactly what I needed to see at that point in the trip.

French men are so thoughtful.

2005-09-30T10:51:00.000-04:00

flowers for Gilly
Originally uploaded by Kit Pollard.

Gilly was lucky enough to meet a very cute, very nice, not very English speaking Frenchman during our week in Paris. Thierry, new best friend to all of us, drove a velo and was charming in all the right ways - he even found Gilly's hotel and delivered beautiful flowers with a note.

Tres sympathique!

"But that is too much food."

2005-09-30T10:50:00.000-04:00

seafood
Originally uploaded by Kit Pollard.

On our last day, Sarah, Missy and I went to the Puce - the flea market at Saint Ouen. After several hours of clutching my purse to avoid pickpockets and a sketchy metro ride, we made it back home with lots of great buys we couldn't have found at home.

Then we ended the week just like we started it: eating. Our last night in Paris, we did our best to eat everything French we hadn't yet had. We went to a brasserie just around the corner from our hotel and ordered (with Thierry's help): oysters (served with a delicious vinegar and shallot sauce), shrimp, bulots (we think they're periwinkles, served with homemade mayonnaise), steak au poivre, escargots, and multiple desserts. Plus, of course, cafe au lait and chocolat chaud.

Our American-ness was never more obvious than it was at this dinner. Asking Thierry where we should eat, we explained that we wanted both oysters and meat. He said, "but that is too much food!" We laughed. Then we ate everything we were served.

Why anyone wonders why Americans are fatter than the French is a mystery to me.

Really, though, this was a great and fitting end to the trip. The next morning, we were bleary-eyed and a little sad to go to the airport, but at least we felt like we'd done everything we came to do (even if we missed out on a little sight-seeing we'd planned).

Our flight home wasn't great - it was delayed and we missed our connection in Atlanta. But it was well worth it - both for the going and the coming home.

I still have an Event Staff t-shirt.

2005-09-29T12:45:00.000-04:00

Stereogum is right - I think we can laugh at this Onion article. Especially everyone who went to college in Virginia, because everyone knows that if you went to school in VA, you were a real Dave Matthews fan. There at the beginning. My first show was at Lake Matoaka, October 1993. Sponsored by Sigma Nu and Theta Delt. Dude. Awesome.

Of course, it was actually pretty amazing, as were all the other times I saw DMB live after that. Until Nissan, sometime around 1999. Then it was too crowded, too far away, and too young. Or really, I was too old. At 23.

OK, now I'm shifting from thinking that article was funny to it making me sad that my college days are so far behind me. Where did my desire to see jam bands go? Or any band, for that matter. I haven't been to a real concert - the kind I bought tickets to in advance - since Bela Fleck in 2003. And that was all kinds of grownup. It was at the Lyric. We sat in our seats. We went out to a nice dinner beforehand.

It's like I don't even know myself anymore. Maybe lighting a little patchouli incense will make me snap out of it. (just kidding. That's probably half the reason I don't go to concerts.)

Design Lust

2005-09-29T08:23:00.000-04:00

What began as mild interest sometime around 1998 has evolved into a full-fledged case of covet. I want an Eames lounge chair so badly I can practically taste it.

It all started with an issue of Flaunt. Every copy of the magazine includes some type of toy. One of those toys was a pop-up doll style Eames chair and ottoman. That sat on my desk at work for a year or two, then migrated to my house, then to an apartment, but was finally jettisoned (it was pretty ratty) when I moved in with Cooper. But I never forgot the love.

In December 2003, I began working in a Mies van der Rohe building in downtown Baltimore (the link is not to a picture of the Baltimore building, but to one that looks just like it, only bigger). The lobby was decorated just as Mies intended: with Barcelona chairs. Somehow, that intensified my appreciation for the Eames lounge (I like the Barcelona, too - I think its because they're in the same design family.)

Then came March of 2004. Two trips to Herman Miller. Cementing my desire. I sat in Eames chairs. I observed them in their natural habitats. I was on complete sensory overload for the entirety of both trips. The HM headquarters is spread out over several buildings - I've visited three (plus an intensely cool small hotel open only to HM visitors). One of the buildings is a showpiece for potential clients and includes a bunch of showroom-like spaces. The ones that highlighted the HM classics designed for the home nearly made me salivate.

Fast forward to last Sunday. I spent the day walking around a flea market in Paris (les puces de saint ouen), surrounded by some amazing french stuff. But what caught my eye? Anything mid-century American-modern. I just can't get enough of it.

Which all brings me to this morning: spent searching for Eames chairs on eBay. Alas, they are still way too expensive for Cooper to stomach. (I floated it with him last night. He looked like he swallowed something bad when I said $2000.)

Sigh. Maybe one day. Like when he retires.

Je suis chez moi

2005-09-27T08:18:00.000-04:00

I'm back! And probably less French than ever. My accent managed to get worse while I was in Paris. My first night, I was all "je voudrais" this and "j'ai besoin de" that. But by the second to last night, I tried to say something (en francais) to a French girl, who then looked at me blankly and said, "I'm sorry, I don't speak English."

C'est la vie, je suppose. I did have a fantastic time and more detailed posts (with pics) will follow. Plus, I am very appreciative that Erin picked up my slack in my absence, though I didn't do quite as good a job taking pictures for her thesis as I'd hoped (I have some, though). And I'm not going to be quite over this Marty-JD INXS situation for a while (I have the episode on DVR. Not sure now if I'm going to watch it).

For now, I have what feels like about six weeks of laundry to do, a messy house, and a zillion emails. But such is the life of the jet-setter...

I'm pretty sure FOX is genius

2005-09-23T09:40:00.000-04:00

last night on the OC i think there was a vague arrested development reference. when discussing whether or not to hide ryan out, seth says "well you didn't really like that model home idea." that is a total reference to george sr. hiding out in the bluth company's model home, is it not? is fox trying to encourage viewership of arrested development by plugging it in their more popular shows? probably not since no one would get that ref unless you already watch arrested development. however, it is a little reward for those who do watch. surely every arrested fan is crazy enough about the show to notice the reference. and of course seth coen would watch arrested development. he's an outcast at harbour high and since there's only about five dozen people who watch the show, seth just has to be one of them. all i know is that my night got a little better last night because of that moment.

hot

2005-09-22T18:05:00.000-04:00

my roomates and i recently purchased a brit brit poster to put in our beirut room. it came today and it's so awesome. it's the first poster that comes up on allposters.com when you search britney spears (i couldn't link it for some reason) i can't decide if this makes us gay or just obsessed with trashiness.

I know I shouldn't dwell but...

2005-09-22T17:58:00.000-04:00

Shirley Manson agrees with me:

"It isn't INXS without Michael Hutchence," said Manson. "I feel like in life you have to be prepared to let go of something in order for new growth to occur in your life. And I think it is unhealthy to be constantly coming back to recreate the past," she added. "You should forge forward instead of being sentimental about things that have gone by."

She clearly wanted Mary Casey to win too. He would have taken them into the future. I think I need to let this go. I don't even like INXS that much. At least not as much as Kit. In Kit's words about every band that came out prior to 1997, "I'm too young to fully appreciate them." I disagree on that with a lot of bands, ie U2, Radiohead, and pretty much every band I listen to, to name a few, but I really think it's because I didn't have an obsessive crush on Michael Hutchence and kiss my INXS poster every night when I was 13.

The Inevitable Rockstar:INXS Post

2005-09-21T09:35:00.000-04:00

Last night I sat in front of my computer for a good thirty minutes trying to think of something to blog about. Afterall, Kit asked that I keep the blog up to date while she's in Paris and she is helping me out a lot with my thesis while she's over there (she's taking lots of pictures and probably even more notes) on my topic. Anyway, so like I said, I was pretty much staring at the computer screen, three hours before rockstar:INXS came on, at a complete loss for words. So what did I do? I went over to my friend's house to play one on one beirut to sharpen up our skills until my show came on. I love college.

It's a good thing I was drinking before INXS though because it certainly did not turn out how I wanted. I've been watching the show all summer; Kit didn't start until about half way through when I finally convinced her that it is a really entertaining show and who cares if Michael Hutchence is rolling over in his grave. I mean, yeah I guess that matters, but all of the people were just so entertaining to watch. Except the guy who won. Who I HATE. I totally agree with Kit that Marty Casey should have won because while every performer on the show was talented, Marty was the only one who had a real vision for the band. Several weeks ago when he was asked why he kept choosing newer songs by The Killers and such to perform, I think he gave a great answer. He said that INXS influenced the bands whose songs he performs on the show now and that's where their style of music has progressed to over the years. I think he's right. However, INXS choosing JD shows that they aren't quite ready to give up exactly what they were in the 80's--something that I think is a bad move. Music isn't something that remains stagnant over the years. A style progresses and changes with every new band/artist that comes along. That's why Marty is a better choice than JD, but I guess that isn't what INXS wants. JD just wants to make INXS what it was in 1988. He's too much like Michael Hutchence, only not as good looking (in my and I'm sure Kit's opinion). He's also really really cheesy. There's something fake about him and I don't think he's all that entertaining to watch. Last night my roomate and I talked all the way through his performance of "You Can't Always Get What You Want" but watched MiG and Marty's performances. But alas, INXS thinks he's right for their band.

I do have to say that I hope a lot of the people on the show go on to make records because I would totally buy some of them. My favorite person on the show was Jordis and although I never though she would be right for the band, I do hope she'll become successful just because I like her so much. She's so talented and her voice is just so unique. It can be sweet and soft and then one second later can be harsh and gritty. I love it. The same goes for Marty and Suzie. Maybe Ty. In a way I'm glad none of these people won because now they can go on to do their own thing and not have to worry about being INXS' monkey who does everything the way they want.

I am really sad the show is over though. Every Tuesday it was like watching a really great concert of some of the best songs ever written each performed by a different incredibly talented singer. I kind of don't know what I'm going to do with myself now, but I'm in college, so I guess there's always Beirut practice.

Au Revoir pour Maintenant

2005-09-19T08:22:00.000-04:00

I'm leaving today for my week in Paris with Cooper's sister and two of his cousins. I'll be back next Monday night, surely fluent in French and possessing that intangible Parisian style. And not fat, of course. Because French women don't get fat.

In my absence, my sister will pick up my blogging slack. As she is in college, I'll expect her to use her free time wisely, scouring the web for pictures of Britney baby gifts and such.

See you next week!

FCC Police State?

2005-09-16T16:35:00.000-04:00

I, like a lot of people, thought that the entire brouhaha surrounding the Janet Jackson Superbowl episode was unecessary and overdone (I was watching the show, and didn't even notice that anything had slipped).

But after what I saw at the gym today, it'll be a while before I feel that the FCC is being dramatic again. I'm pretty sure we've got all the leniency we need.

Because what I saw was...American Psycho on USA at 2:30 in the afternoon. That's right, an incredibly disturbing movie on basic cable, just in time for kids getting home from school.

Surely they could've found a stray episode of SVU to air, couldn't they? Or just have shown My Cousin Vinny again? Everybody loves Joe Pesci. Everybody.

"Swords for 200, Alex"

2005-09-15T14:38:00.000-04:00

In an effort to brush up on his knowledge of every single thing that ever happened ever prior to his upcoming Jeopardy tryout, my brother has been reading some sort of book on cultural literacy. I mentioned that he should also review the periodic table and some sciencey stuff. But now I realize the advice I should have given him: some of that time would be wisely spent memorizing the SNL Celebrity Jeopardy skits. Here they are.

If Tom makes it on Jeopardy, I expect him to work really hard to be funny, rather than lame, as is the standard, while he's talking to Alex. I am fairly certain a Sean Connery impression would be appropriate, though it should be a slightly subtle and obscure, to avoid being rude and unfunny.

In addition, I would like to hear the words "no talent ass clowns", or even NTAC, coupled with "my sister and her friends won $1000 in a bar trivia tournament - despite entering several weeks late."

Or even just a simple "Glen Stolfi has weird fingers."

And possibly a "my sisters and I have beaten my parents at holiday Trivial Pursuit twice in a row, making our record 3-50ish."

So much opportunity in those few moments on the Jeopardy stage. Not to be squandered.

Unsurprising

2005-09-15T09:37:00.000-04:00

But sad nonetheless. Suzie went home last night. As good as she was, she really wasn't the right lead singer for INXS.

I was very happy, though, to see that Marty was #1. Sort of heartening that the rest of the viewers agree with me...

Everything Is Nothing Is Something Is Illuminated Is Close and Loud and What Is My Favorite Book?

2005-09-14T10:39:00.000-04:00

After posting on the magic of the Traveling Pants series yesterday, I finished the second book. I'll be moving onto the third today.

Unfortunately, I don't have the third yet. The library was out. Instead, I filled my evening with my other new library book, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer. Cooper's cousin recommended it to me - she read it earlier this summer - and I'd read about it a few other places, so I thought I'd give it a try.

And it was OK. In all fairness, I only read the first 112 and the last 20 pages. That's pretty good, though, for me. After the first chunk, though, I couldn't pay attention to the story because I kept wondering if JSF consciously set out to write a post-Eggers version of Catcher in the Rye, or if it happened by accident.

I learned something, though. I learned that Catcher in the Rye is not my favorite book, though for years and years I've thought it was. I wish I could've found my copy last month, when I wanted to reread it. If I had, I would've realized then that, while it was my favorite book from eighth through twelfth grades, and while it did help me do well on the AP English test, and while it obviously stands up to the test of time, it just doesn't do it for me like it used to.

I'm a little lost now, though. I live in a world of absolutes and favorites. I make a lot of lists and cross things off - that gives me comfort. It also gives me comfort to be able to say "Bobby McGee is my favorite song and Catcher in the Rye is my favorite book." Even if those are both predictable choices, they've helped me define myself (to myself) for a long time.

So now I'm all adrift. I'm looking around my office at tons of books that I love, but none worthy of being my "favorite." Lots of Mr. Brightsides and even Tangerines, but no Janis.

So the search begins...

Last Night's Rockstar

2005-09-14T10:18:00.000-04:00

We learned last night that the whole show will wrap up next week. INXS will choose from the final three and a new band will be born.

And I will be in Paris, far away from American network TV. Quelle desappointement.

Anyway, last night's show. First of all, while I like JD's song Pretty Vegas, it's not exactly versatile. He sounds exactly the same every time he sings it. And I'm not falling for the "softer side of JD" they tried to show. AND what was up with his kissing Dave Navarro's cheek? Totally weak version of that famous Navarro-Farrell tongue kiss from the mid-nineties.

I just don't like JD.

But I don't like Mig so much either, and he's the other pretty boy contestant. He seems nice enough, harmless. And his voice is fine. But I certainly wasn't surprised to learn that he'd been in Rent. His performances are so polished - they really feel like performances, not concerts. Last night he had the opportunity to sing "darker" songs. And his voice was dead on, but the spirit behind it just wasn't there. He's just not soulful.

Suzie and Marty, though...they are versatile and soulful. While I think that Suzie is wildly talented - probably the most talented contestant at this point - I don't think she's the next singer of INXS. I don't think they'll take the risk of going with a woman, and I don't think she has the right kind of voice for the group.

But Marty...I am officially over the David Spade-Hansen-Beck lookalike issue. If Suzie is the most talented, Marty is the biggest rock star on that show. I thought he was fantastic last night, I thought Trees translated really well into acoustic and it was super smart of him to change it up like that, and I thought that he was brilliant to talk to INXS about the next generation of the band, even if he sounded opinionated. His intensity (which was so apparent when he sang Creep) is exactly what INXS needs, in my humble opinion.

If INXS chooses Marty, I'll be impressed and I will know that they're dedicated to being the best band they can be today - that they're not interested in merely creating a mildly updated version of INXS circa 1988. Unfortunately, I'll also be surprised. Just as I don't think they'd risk choosing a woman, I don't know that they'll go for someone who's not an overt sex symbol. Great music or not, Michael Hutchence's appearance was important to the success of the original band.

My gut - and I hope I'm wrong - is that they're trying to convince themselves that going with JD would be OK. That it wouldn't be self-destructive.

I guess we'll see next week, though (and tonight). Or, rather, everyone else in America will see next week. I'll be setting my TiVo.

I am a thirteen year old girl.

2005-09-13T15:23:00.000-04:00

Apparently, at least. A few weeks ago, a friend gave me her copy of Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. She'd read it for a book club and thought I'd like it (especially since she knows about all of my aborted efforts to write for young adult girls). I didn't pick it up right away - I had to finish the Jeffrey Steingarten book, then I got wrapped up in the Sunday Philosophy Club book.

Day before yesterday, though, I started it. And I finished it yesterday. This morning I went to the library and got the second in the series. I'm almost finished with that one now. They are so good.

They're not delicately and preciously written like the expatriates, or intricate and layered as Harry Potter. Or about food, like all the other books I've been obsessed with lately. They're just really good books about teenage girl relationships - friendships, relationships with parents, and with guys. They are also exactly the type of book I wish I could write for teenage girls.

Frighteningly like reading my diary, circa 1990.

The Good Kind of Gossip

2005-09-12T16:41:00.000-04:00

My senior year in high school, I was nominated for "Class Gossip." Fortunately, I lost to my friend Cindy. I thought it was funny to be nominated, but I'm also well aware that "she's such a gossip" isn't a compliment.

But I still love a juicy story. And because of that, I am so thankful to be living in the days of celebreality. Between a handful of blogs and Us Weekly, gossip has become a nearly victimless crime (I mean, except for the paparazzi-plagued celebrities. But they get PAID FOR IT.)

Imagine - in the Middle Ages, gossipy women had only their immediate neighbors and leaders to talk about. I suppose over the next century or two, that circle expanded a bit, but not too much. At the turn of this century, movie stars began to emerge as public figures, but access to information about their lives - especially their personal lives - was still minimal. All those years, gossiping about neighbors was much more satisfying than talking about the famous.

But all that's changed now. I don't need to potentially hurt my friends' feelings by speculating on the health of their marriages or the cost of their jewelry. Not when Jessica is drunk and Paris is...Paris.

Sigh. The internet is so fantastic.

A Very Difficult Question

2005-09-12T16:16:00.000-04:00

rothko
Originally uploaded by Kit Pollard.

The UK seems to be in some sort of "vote for the best of" frenzy these days. This Guardian article talks lists a ton of recent popular contests in which callers or emailers cast their votes for the "best" work of British art, "best" song, etc. I suppose this is highbrow meeting lowbrow in the very most current way.

The real purpose of the article, though, is to announce that one of the more popular contests - best artwork - is coming to America. Soon, the masses will have an opportunity to share their thoughts on what is the very best work of art in the world.

I'll apologize in advance for being a cultural elitist and art snob, but in what world is the American Idol viewership qualified to comment on this? The question is not "What is your favorite work of art?" - it is "What is the BEST work of art?"

And there is a huge difference. This Rothko happens to be my favorite work of art. I like the color, it makes me happy, etc., etc. But I certainly wouldn't call it "the best ever." That superlative should be reserved for something that's both beautiful to look at and intellectually riveting. Something that had an impact beyond the aesthetic.

Sure, a Rothko fan could make the argument that he was daring in his use of color, that his paintings had deeper meaning. Certainly I think they are full of emotion. But they're not Guernica.

I'm not suggesting that I'm qualified to make a "best ever" decision, either. Maybe if I spent the next twenty years studying art, maybe then I could offer an opinion.

And I am, truly, all for democratizing most things. But call me a cultural oligarchist, I just think that some opinions are best voiced by those with some knowledge about the subject. Anything else dumbs down the discourse.

September 11th

2005-09-11T23:39:00.000-04:00

All day today I've been wondering whether I'd post about the fourth anniversary of September 11th. I had a nice, regular day eating dinner and reading Us Weekly with my friends - very September 10th. What happened four years ago has been in the back of my mind all day, but it's only been at the front for brief moments, like when I drove past a flag at half-mast.

Just a few minutes ago, though, I read something that made me want to post. Trent, in a very solemn tribute, listed the names of everyone who died in the attacks. It is a very, very long list. Scrolling through has much the same effect as visiting the Vietnam memorial - it's devastating in a quiet way.

My friend Greg Trost is on the list and even though I've known since about a week after the attacks that he was in the WTC that day, it's still a little shocking to see his name.

I don't really have anything new or insightful to say about September 11th. But after reading the list, I just didn't want the whole day to pass without saying anything at all.

Note to Tom and Erin

2005-09-10T23:50:00.000-04:00

Get ready for Bennifer sightings.

I Can't Believe I'm about to Write These Words

2005-09-08T15:04:00.000-04:00

This is an Ashlee Simpson song and I really like it. And I think that I will probably grow to like it even more as I hear it on the radio. It's catchy.

I am not a music snob AT ALL. And despite her alleged fall from grace I am still in awe of Jessica. But I just can't deal with Ashleeeeee. Until now. Maybe this is a turning point. Or maybe I can pretend to be ironic when I listen to the song.

Sounds a little like someplace Britney could go with her music, if she stopped being crazy. (OK, maybe even if she continues her WT crusade. But as long as she's barefoot and pregnant in gas stations, I can't let myself listen to her).

Maybe Ashlee is my new Brit? I have been feeling the lack of pop starlet in my musical life lately...

Somewhat Against My Better Judgment

2005-09-07T17:32:00.000-04:00

I have gotten very involved in the INXS show. And I think it's SO good. I didn't watch for the first few weeks, out of respect for my eighth grade self (my obsession with Michael Hutchence can only be compared to young girls' 1986 Bon Jovi worship). Then, when I finally tuned in, I expected to see a train wreck.

I was so wrong. I mean, Dave Navarro is the very definition of "train wreck" - if he has any rock cred left after his cheesy "good job guys" role, I'll be very surprised. But the rest of INXS comes off as fairly serious and not nearly as opportunistic as having reality show suggests.

And the contestants. They're awesome. Since I came to the game late, I probably missed some of the less talented ones, but overall, I am so impressed with the people involved. They've got tons of musical talent and stage presence and truly seem different than standard reality "stars." I guess I expected the contestanst to be more Say What Karaoke than stadium-ready. I'm quite pleasantly surprised.

I would like to see JD given the boot, though. Must be a sign of maturity that his bad boy faux swagger does nothing for me except make me think he'd detract from the band's success. I think they must be keeping him around because he creates conflict and makes good TV. (Though I did think he put on a good show last night. I also thought his original song sounded pretty INXS-y...though maybe more mid-80's INXS than today.)

This week, I'm sorry to day, I'm almost positive that Jordis will be sent home. She tripped a little last night - and she can't afford to do that at this point in the game. I think things are looking better and better for Marty than they have for quite a while. He was good enough last night that I almost got past his eery resemblance to David Spade. Or the Hanson boys. Or Beck. Take your pick.

Just Read

2005-09-07T15:18:00.000-04:00

Over the weekend, I finished yet another non-fiction book about food (must be my fifth or sixth this year). This one, The Man Who Ate Everything by Jeffrey Steingarten (food writer for Vogue), was recommended by my brother's girlfriend. And I'd pass the recommendation along.

It was not quite as speedy a read as some of the other books I've read this year, especially the Ruth Reichl memoirs. However, I can say without hesitation that I learned a lot from it - it's much more than just a collection of good short stories. Instead, it's a collection of interesting, engaging essays about finding the best food there is. Sometimes Steingarten is traveling, like when he's exploring Alsace in search of true sauerkraut. But sometimes he doesn't leave his own kitchen, where he does his best (usually eventually successfully) to make all different types of foods.

The book certainly has a scientific edge to it, which reminded me that there's a whole side to food that is more chemical than aesthetic. Sometimes, when I'm making up my own recipes, I focus so much on how food will look on a plate that I forget that theoretically, I could gain the knowledge necessary to develop meals that taste good, too. (At the same time, if I thought as much about molecular binding as Steingarten, I'd never make mashed potatoes again.)

I'm on to a new book this week. The Sunday Philosophy Club by Alexander McCall. Totally different - sort of a mild mystery. But food does play a role. Which makes me happy.

The Weather

2005-09-07T13:13:00.000-04:00

Walking outside this morning, I thought the exact same thing I've thought on every nice day for the past four years: today is just like September 11th. Impossibly clear skies, sun shining, low humidity, eighty degrees. Perfect. But fragile.

This morning, and for the past week and a half, the beautiful weather has been even more poignant. Is it fair to enjoy it when there are thousands and thousands of people struggling in the south?

I'm trying to remember, now, when, after September 11th, it became OK to appreciate small good things, like the weather. But I can't. I do remember Giuliani going on SNL and telling Lorne Michaels that it was OK to laugh again. That was two weeks after the attacks. But I can't put my finger on when every moment of every day shifted from being mostly bad, sad and angry to mostly good and hopeful again.

The aftermath of this disaster is different, of course. Destruction on a much larger scale, and without an enemy to blame (though there certainly doesn't seem to be a shortage of people looking for someone to blame). Does that mean we mourn longer? Shorter? The same?

The one thing I do know is that I'll never experience another perfect early fall day without appreciating just how fragile it is.

Posting Will Resume...

2005-09-06T17:19:00.000-04:00

Shortly. For real. After being at the beach for five days, I've had a lot of internet to catch up on. I'm exhausted.

Weird Mood

2005-08-31T09:24:00.000-04:00

The other night, James Lileks had a dream about Hello Kitty drowning. Somehow that perfectly captures the kind of mood I've been in for the past few days. I think it must have something to do with reading so much about the devastation left by Katrina, and trying to imagine how I'd feel if Annapolis was under water, instead of New Orleans.

Probably also doesn't help that my mom calls me Katrina fairly often.

And that I read about 2 pounds of this months mammoth Vogue last night, leaving me with a desperate desire for thighs thinner than I could ever possibly have, draped in clothes more expensive than my house.

Even odder: in the two minutes it took me to type this, I got a phone call (wrong number) from a priest working at St. Mary's. Where we got married. He was very nice (as priests should be).

I'm going to do my best to take that as a good omen and cheer up.

Thesis in the Making

2005-08-30T13:56:00.000-04:00

Rock stars and their visual art...

YuppiePunk grades various rock stars' artistic efforts. It's definitely an interesting collection, but I don't necessarily agree with the given grades. They seem awfully influenced by taste (both musical and visual) and by what's "cool" (it's hot right now to put down the Stones). I also can't tell if the grade is for one piece, or for an entire collection.

Plus, it's impossible to grade any artist just on one expression of creativity. Especially if that artist is David Byrne.

Hurricanes

2005-08-29T14:45:00.000-04:00

I have never been to New Orleans, but it has been on my short list of places I want to go ever since I started my list of places I want to go. In the ten or so years in between, I've knocked off a bunch of places that require a longish plane ride (Paris, San Francisco, Lisbon), but for some reason, I've never made the much shorter trip to New Orleans. And now it looks like I'm going to have to wait a while longer.

As I've read about Katrina's destruction in New Orleans, I tried to comprehend it, but just couldn't. Two years ago, when Hurricane Isabelle hit Annapolis and Baltimore, the downed trees, flooded cars and power outages seemed like absolute chaos. But that was nothing compared to what's happening in New Orleans right now. At least we were above sea level, even if not by much.

I haven't read any new news in a little while, but I'll continue to hope that the few reports I read that suggested Katrina was veering slightly off course hold true...

Seedy

2005-08-29T14:36:00.000-04:00

I am a huge, huge fan of most types of jellies and jams. (The lone exception is plain grape jelly. It does nothing for me.) They taste good and they come in cute packages. So imagine my disappointment today when I went to the store and couldn't find the one type of jelly I wanted: blackberry with seeds.

When I was little, my grandfather (dad's side) had a small number of culinary talents, but what he did, he did very, very well. He caught and cooked crabs, and he made homemade blackberry jelly (I believe the blackberries came from his backyard, but I could just be romanticizing the story.)

So I grew up eating blackberry jelly with seeds (he wasn't exactly the de-seeding type.) As a result, that is exactly how I like it. Smooth blackberry jelly just doesn't taste right. Actually, smooth jelly of any kind seems weird and synthetic to me, which might explain the aversion to grape.

Anyway, all I wanted to buy today was a little old-fashioned Waskom blackberry jelly. But no. I stood in the jelly aisle and counted nearly 70 different types of jelly (OK, I counted to 40 and estimated from there - people were looking at me funny). And probably 10 different seedless blackberries. But not one with seeds.

I don't think I'm overreacting to take this as an affront to my family. Clearly, jelly-makers have no respect for history or tradition. So disappointing.