I’ve watched this pair of documentaries in the wrong order – Grey Gardens was released way before The Beales of Grey Gardens, and I still haven’t watched Grey Gardens (but have requested it from the library).

The women featured in this documentary are fantastically eccentric – in every clichéd way (they are cat women) and then some. It’s hard to watch this without laughing out loud.

I really enjoyed Barbara Kingsolver’s Prodigal Summer. It’s perfect pre-summer reading for anyone interested in relationships between people, and between people and their environment. I listened to the audiobook version, which is read well by the author.

Michael Pollan has written an “Eater’s Manifesto” that it well-researched and a pleasure to read. His advice – “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” – is simple and easy to follow. It has changed the way I think about food choices, shopping, and consumption. It’s written with an American audience in mind, but I think that anyone eating a “western” diet can take away something useful from this book.

This vegetarian cookbook is full of delicious recipes. I particularly enjoyed the Summer Risotto with Tomatoes, Leeks, and Fresh Corn.

This story of a father’s experience with his son’s meth addiction is an honest account of a difficult situation. As well as providing an insight to some of the universal aspect of addiction, it is also full of well-researched information.

Caution: if you read this book you may find yourself reconsidering how you use your money. Singer makes a compelling argument that those of us lucky enough to live in “rich” countries have a moral responsibility to help those living in 3rd world poverty. Singer makes his argument with with hard data and ethical reasoning, and provides information and a frame work for deciding which charities to donate your money to.

The Lonely Planet guide books are the best – and this one is no exception: tons of suggested walking routes, beautiful photos to inspire you, and clear, well-organized information.

Fantastic inspiration for a gardener itching to take advantage of spring!

I’m going to see Lily Allen on Saturday night in San Francisco (thank you craigslist), and in preparation I’ve been listening to her most recent album, It’s Not Me, It’s You.

“It’s Not Me, It’s You” ... is a stronger and more coherent record than her début, though it’s not necessarily more “mature,” a word that floats around every time a young musician manages to make a good second record. ...her voice is the center, in every sense. She’s no more polite than before, but she’s more empathic, and her mind ranges beyond her life in London.

Do you think he’s any good at remembering people’s names
Do you think he’s ever taken smack or cocaine
I don’t imagine he’s ever been suicidal
His favourite band is Creedence Clearwater Revival

Gilroy told me, “A reversal is just anything that’s a surprise. It’s a way of keeping the audience interested.” A camera follows a man as he goes up the stairs to an apartment; we see his wedding ring as he pulls out his keys. He pushes open the door, slowly—a husband coming home, trudging up the stairs with his briefcase. But a woman in black lingerie greets him: he’s seeing his mistress! That is a reversal.

Beyond the co-incidence of watching a film so soon after reading an article about it, Michael Clayton is an excellent film. The DVD case describes it as a thriller, but it’s so much more than that. It reminded me a little of The Firm, albeit faster paced, and much more subtle. There’s remarkably little violence or use of special effects, no inclusion of a forced love interest (which is a bit of a relief, really) and the plot twists and turns (all those reversals!) so well that you’re constantly engaged.