• migraine

    I don’t want to feel like this any longer

    I had a lousy night at work and if you watched the debate, you know why. Missed it? Oh boy, do I envy you. Imagine watching a train wreck of public policy, one that’s on par with “Jersey Shore” and “Fear Factor.” Then, realize that the whole circus was broadcast live around the world.

    So embarrassing.

    In general, the current crop of candidates running for president has no interest in becoming true public servants. They’re not dedicated to improving the economy, safeguarding the citizenry, running a superpower in a responsible manner, saving the planet or raising the level of debate. They’re just trying to score points by pandering to the lowest common denominator.

    Unfortunately, such behavior is not new. Twenty years ago, Aaron Sorkin made a similar point in “The American President”:

    “We have serious problems to solve, and we need serious people to solve them. And whatever your particular problem is, I promise you Bob Rumson is not the least bit interested in solving it. He is interested in two things, and two things only: making you afraid of it, and telling you who’s to blame for it. That, ladies and gentlemen, is how you win elections.”

    By the end of my shift, I was utterly disheartened. To decompress, I turned to one of my favorite past-times: baking. After whipping up a batch of oatmeal chip cookies, I brewed some tea and watched a few BuzzFeed videos on YouTube.

    The BuzzFeed video team is creative, funny and generally fearless in their work, which makes watching their endeavors even more delightful. If you also viewed the debate last night, and feel as disgusted as I do, here’s a palate cleanser. Enjoy:

  • My top 10 favs of 2015: A year spent reading, watching and listening to intriguing stories

    This year, I consumed 43 books, 24 movies, dozens of TV programs and many podcasts. Herein are my favorites.

    (Note: Not all were released during the past 365 days.)

    MY FAVORITE BOOKS
     

    1. “Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania” by Erik Larson
    2. “Rest in Pieces: The Curious Fates of Famous Corpses” by Bess Lovejoy
    3. “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes: And Other Lessons from the Crematory” by Caitlin Doughty
    4. “Finders Keepers” by Stephen King
    5. “A Walk in the Woods” by Bill Bryson
    6. “The Last American Vampire” by Seth Grahame-Smith
    7. “The Killing Kind” by Chris Holm
    8. “The Blonde” by Duane Swierczynski
    9. “Mockingbird” by Chuck Wendig
    10. “Keep Moving: And Other Tips About Old Age” by Dick Van Dyke

    (Honorable mentions: “Between You & Me: Confessions of a Comma Queen” by Mary Norris, “The Martian” by Andy Weir, “Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography” by Neil Patrick Harris, “The Best Of Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! More Famous People Play ‘Not My Job'” by Peter Sagal, “A Curious Mind: The Secret to a Bigger Life” by Brian Grazer, “The Peculiar Life of a Lonely Postman” by Denis Thériault, “Fraud” by David Rakoff, “The Magician’s Lie” by Greer Macallister and “The Killer Ascendant” by Barry Eisler)

    MY FAVORITE TV SHOWS
     

    1. Sense8
    2. Penny Dreadful
    3. Daredevil
    4. Jessica Jones
    5. Agent Carter
    6. Ruth & Erica
    7. Leverage
    8. Grace & Frankie
    9. Supernatural
    10. Forever

    (Honorable mentions: House of Cards, Grimm, True Detective, Mr. Robot, Castle, The Americans, Person of Interest, Elementary, CSI: NY, White Collar, The Good Wife, Galavant, The Following, NCIS, Haven, Sleepy Hollow, Covert Affairs and Marvel: Agents of Shield)

     

    MY FAVORITE MOVIES
     

    1. The Age of Adaline
    2. I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story
    3. The Martian
    4. A Walk In The Woods
    5. The Ghost and Mrs. Muir
    6. The Intern
    7. Bridge of Spies
    8. Avengers: Age of Ultron
    9. Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation
    10. The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

    (Honorable mentions: Jurassic World, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, San Andreas and Back In Time)

     

    MY FAVORITE PODCASTS
     

    1. The Vinyl Cafe
    2. Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!
    3. 99% Invisible
    4. Death, Sex & Money
    5. Dear Hank & John
    6. Criminal
    7. Radiolab
    8. Nocturne
    9. Fresh Air
    10. America’s Test Kitchen

    (Honorable mentions: Tavis Smiley/PBS, The Sporkful, The Nerdist, NPR Books, WTF with Marc Maron, BackStory, I Was There Too and How To Do Everything)

  • Interview/microphone

    I’m in need of podcasting practice

    I’ve long wanted to launch an interview podcast. Think Terri Gross meets Tavis Smiley meets Studs Terkel. Everyone has a story and generally I only get to write it after a person is dead. This podcast is meant to give me the opportunity to share tales from people who are still breathing.

    Have an interesting story? A passion you’re proud of? Are you willing to be a practice subject while I work through the kinks of the podcast’s format? If so, let me know.

  • These are a few of my favorite things (2015 edition)

    The holidays are here again, and everyone is crazy busy. My shopping is nearly done for the year, but if you’re still looking for that perfect gift, let me offer a few suggestions, à la Oprah. Dear readers, these are a few of my favorite things:

    bake mug

    FOR THE TEA DRINKER: White Ceramic Bake Mug

    My favorite mugs are all quite large; they’re the kind you fill with delicious drinks and use to warm cold hands. This mug, which I received for my birthday, is perfect for tea, coffee, cocoa or any liquid you intend to imbibe.

    csa

    FOR FOODIES: Farmbox Direct

    Ever thought about joining a CSA? Or perhaps your friends/family just want access to more fresh fruits and veg without the hassle of trekking to the grocery store. Then check out Farmbox Direct. I use this service every other week and I just love it. Not only is the product seasonal and organic, each box also comes with free recipes featuring the included ingredients.

    garlic press

    FOR THE GADGET GURU: Kuhn Rikon Epicurean Garlic Press

    My old garlic press bit the dust this year. America’s Test Kitchen recommended the Kuhn Rikon Epicurean Garlic Press, and after several months of usage, it has not disappointed.

    roomba

    FOR THE PET LOVER: iRobot Roomba 595 Pet Vacuum Cleaning Robot

    We have a lot of pets, and come springtime, shedding season will begin in force. That’s when you really need one of these ‘bots. Just turn it on, let it run and once the room is hair-free, it’ll return to its base for charging. You can even schedule up to seven cleaning sessions a week.

    fitbit charm

    FOR THE FASHIONISTA: Charms for Fitbit Charge & Fitbit Charge HR

    Dress up your Fitbit with slide-on jewelry created by Mary Beth Neyland. I picked up four of these charms and every time I wear one, I receive compliments.

    back to the future memorabilia

    FOR THE LONGTIME FAN OF “BACK TO THE FUTURE”: “Back to the Future” Paper Prop Set

    Created by Nina Bergeron, these props are the perfect gift for someone who’s a big fan of the time travel flick, “Back to the Future.”

    flannel sheets

    FOR THE INSOMNIAC: Ultrasoft Comfort Flannel Sheet Set

    As many of you know, I adore cold weather. One way I know winter has arrived is when I take these flannel sheets from Portugal and place them on the bed (or, to be more precise, when M does so for me). This set is soft, warm and it holds the heat you generate while sleeping.

    wrist rest

    FOR THE PERSON WHO SPENDS FAR TOO MUCH TIME AT A DESK: 3M Gel Wrist Rest

    Ease aching wrists with this gel-filled wrist rest. I prefer the 18-inch model, but you can buy a smaller one for typing on a tablet or a bigger one for use with full-size keyboards.

    fran's mint thins

    FOR THE CHOCOLATE LOVER: Fran’s Mint Thins

    Fran’s is, by far, my favorite chocolatier. Whenever I’m in Seattle, I stop by her shop to buy the most scrumptious chocolate mint cookies. Alas, these treats are not available for sale online, but her mint thins are a delicious substitute. The dark bittersweet truffles and the dark salted caramels are divine as well.

  • 5 confessions of a jaded mind

    * Yes, I really did travel to Scotland and place my hands on standing stones in hopes that I would be whisked back in time.

    * My least favorite color is yellow.

    * I’ve been known to dog-ear books, but I never use a highlighter on the pages.

    * When I’m sad, I generally don’t want to be touched. I just need time to deal with the situation.

    * Despite the world’s best efforts, I continue to revel in the holidays.