Anthony Bourdain of Parts Unknown, Mind of a chef and formerly of No Reservations and many many other television ventures is a wry, outspoken and passionate window into the world of cooking and travel. Medium Raw is a slightly less angry follow up to the much earlier published Kitchen Confidential, both could easily become a staple on any one's shelf who is curious or devoted to behind the scenes chefery. The food descriptions alone would make this book a worthwhile read, but the story-telling, the listed heroes and villians, and the insight into the restaurant business and restaurant politics make it all the more rewarding.
Published by Harper Collins
Available on Barnes&Noble.com and other fine book resellers
Sigur Ros has always carried an incredibly unique sound. Their music falls under the Post-Rock genre classification, but that may be an oversimplification. With the incorporations of classical music elements and use of unique instruments. I find them to be artist-giants, not to be ignored or overlooked. Their song, All Alright is comprised of lyrics in english, icelandic, and hopelandic, a constructed language based on sounds, and not literal words.
This lovely song may be found for the time being, here.
The album may be purchased at Sigur Ros's site.
Beasts of the Southern Wild is a beautifully shot, masterpiece of a film. Tackling difficult topics in a lengthy, grandfather's story by the fire, tall-tale sort of way, it shares a story that comes down to heroism at its core. The protagonist, Hushpuppy is a reminder of how as children, in spite of a world crashing down around us, there can still be hope, magic and resilience.
It's a contemplative, powerful thing, this film, and there is no wonder why it got the academy award nominations it did.
Rent or Purchase the film here.
I have long time been a fan of Joe Sorren's whimsical artwork. His pieces are dreamlike and emotional, yet I feel they are widely approachable. A longtime favorite of mine has always been La Luna, a painted oil on canvas.
Joe Sorren's work may be purchased from AFA Gallery.
Mr. Sorren's site may be viewed here.
