It’s so painful to watch this film – Ponette, the little girl, loses her mother in a car accident but survives it herself, because of which she becomes withdrawn. I felt myself squirming in my seat a lot because all the disenchantment and grief is right there in the open. It shows how this little family deals with loss and it doesn’t tie it up in a pretty little bow at the end – which I like.

I’ve just started reading this and am enjoying it so far, although I’m just into the second chapter and already the metaphors and puns are wearing a little thin. I’m all for making any subject fun and approachable – especially science – but I don’t mind straight talk every once in a while. It also feels like she keeps trying to “sell” science, so to speak – like she wants to prove that science is a worthwhile subject that even the layman can understand. I think if someone has bought her book that means they are probably pretty open to science already, and don’t need to be sold on it.

Never a fan of book-turned-movie, but as I hadn’t ever read the book I decided to give this a go – especially considering it was a free outdoor showing in lower Manhattan.
The movie itself it sweet, and Audrey is deliciously Audrey. I think ambience of the screening added in large part to my enjoyment, and I probably wouldn’t get the same utterly romantic notions I was feeling were I to watch it at home, but still…

This is one of those albums that just wound-up on my iPod. I have no recollection of having purchased this album, and now I feel a little guilty because it’s awesomely good, and they’re local to boot!

The sound is like a chill mix between bluegrass-indie with a mad-mash of vocals reminiscent of Gillian Welch and Cat Power.

And too make up for my guilt at possibly having “stolen” this album from a friend’s iPod, I’m gonna purchase their other albums. I’m all about supporting the local bands.

From Kapuściński’s vast list of writings that I’ve read, this one ranks as one of my favorites. At times it reads more like a travelogue than historical work – but he’s a journalist so he does it well. The only thing that I never quite get over is his lack of citations and bibliography. I know he talked and traveled a lot, so much of his writing comes from just knowing things but he had to have done some research. All in all – good read.

A back-to-the-basics rock album and although one song opens with the line “forget about the sixties” there is an apparent sixties and seventies influence on their sound…like a less tweaked-out male version of Jefferson Airplane. But the gritty rock song makes it much more enjoyable.

Creepily cool voice. I discovered this cat on Pandora on my Beirut channel, which sent me seeking out more from him and also led me down a rabbit-hole of other wicked finds. NPR just podcasted his DC concert – check it out.

Although, the songs get a little monotonous after a spell, as they all sound very similar.

I have an aversion to short stories. They feel so non-committal and I can never get wrapped up in them. But these, these my friends, are awesome. The perfect antidote to my overactive imagination and short attention span.

I’ve read a few of Proust’s works, but I haven’t read much about his personal life, and the way this is written – Albaret assumes the reader has. It’s still enjoyable nonetheless, and I don’t think I’ve encountered someone so blinded by allegiance as dear Celeste.

After seeing “The New York Howl” tagged all over the city I finally googled it, and made the most excellent find. Just an easy on the ears rock band that has a lot going on, but does it well.