Last night, at the end of a long work week, on a whim, I stopped at Black and Read in Arvada. I'd not been there for a year, maybe longer. I'd thought of it, many times, but there was always a reason not to. I was too tired. It was cold, and the air smelled like it would snow before I got home. There was nothing in particular I wanted. Or there were things in particular I wanted, but amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com were searchable and more convenient and I can get online and select what I want and not get distracted by other books (not at all true, but I keep telling myself that.) But I had a whim. And feeling whimmy (not quite the same as "whimsical", but in needing a particular word and not finding it, I made one up) I got off the bus and walked in. Walking out an hour later with seven books and a CC receipt for $34.56 (notice both numbers: Magical, no?) I thought of a possible additional reason why I'd not been there for awhile: Black and Read is a dangerous place.
It's also a very wonderful place. Basically, the store is divided in two, each with its own entrance but connected by narrow paths and doorways which may or may not meet fire codes. (There are ceiling sprinklers all over, and with that much book paper, one fervently hopes they would work if ever needed.) They have at least one of everything. You might have a difficult time finding it, but it's probably there. They probably have Inkheart - and I don't mean Cornelia Funke's Inkheart, I mean the book Inkheart that book is about, which young Meggie and her father Mo search so desperately for, before the evil Capricorn finds it. I would not be at all surprised to find a copy in Black and Read. Whatever you are looking for, you might very well find it there; it is like a very compact Amazon.com. You might find your book in the mystery section, the young adult section, or the classics section. Every section has floor to ceiling bookcases, with only head-high cases in the center, presumably so you can orient yourself without the aid of a compass or GPS device. Paperbacks, book club edition hardcovers, leather-bound volumes; hundred year old books and current best-sellers (i.e., a stack of "The Hunger Games" at the checkout counter - I resisted!) DVDs and VHS (78% of the world's remaining videocassettes have ended up in that store.) Music CDs, cassettes, and LPs. Books on gardening, history, the occult; comics and Harvard Classics and dime store thrillers. Yep, a little of everything. In short, it is a booklover's dream.
I went in specifically looking for two things: first, some of those Bantam leatherette bound Agatha Christie from the eighties. At one time the store had a whole bunch of them, when i didn't want them. Now I do, and they don't. So I move on. I was also in the mood for old books. Lest anyone think purchasing new (or new-old) books at a time I'm trying to declutter, is incongruous with that goal, be it known that I am trying to send three books out the door for every new or new-used book I bring in. I think I am closer to one-for-two than one-for-three, but that is my goal. These old books can be new treasures. Books previously loved and cherished which for reasons unknown but temptingly worth speculating about, have ended up in used book stores. Tonight I might have not found the Agatha Christie I was looking for, but I found a number of gems and pearls which insisted I adopt them.
First I found "World's Great Detective Stories" from Walter J. Black's Readers Service, 1928. In the early eighties I'd bought a couple of volumes from this now-defunct service but really wasn't pleased with the tan faux leather bindings and bright lettering stamped unto the cover and gilded top page edge; the combination produced an overall effect of gaudiness. A few years ago I came across an earlier edition of the Works of Victor Hugo, bound in red cloth, minus the gilding, making for a more attractive, and my my own comparison, a more durable volume. I'd searched in vain for more of these volumes, but until tonight had come up empty. The story titles I didn't recognize although I knew the authors: Twain, Poe, Doyle, Kipling, Stevenson, Chekhov, and Dumas and others. But my curiosity was most piqued by "D'Artagnan, Detective". A Musketeer moonlighting as a detective? This sounds promising...
Next, "The Four Million", by the master of the short story, O. Henry. It is the volume containing two of my favorites, "The Gift of the Magi" and "The Cop and the Anthem". This edition was printed in 1910, red cloth, with only the merest hint of separation of pages. A steal at four dollars. There is however more to treasure in an old book than hand-sewn bindings and copyright dates older than one's parents. This particular volume had a little yellow stamp inside the front cover, a stamp which made me think of trading stamps my mother collected when I was a kid. The stamp reads:
"From the P.O. News Stand
27 W Park Street
BUTTE, MONT.
Books, Stationery,
Magazines, News,
Novelties & Cigars"
and this in turn sparked my imagination about what kind of place this was, and when this place was (before zip codes, it would seem?) - and it caused me to recollect Christopher Morley's "The Haunted Bookshop" and its pipe smoking proprietor. I'm not at all fond of the smell of tobacco however it is smoked, but that stamp inside the book calls up another time as well as another place - and suggests a story or two behind the initial owners of this book.
Three more O. Henry volumes, green cloth, 1917 printings of "The Trimmed Lamp" (hosting a couple more of my favorites, "The Last Leaf" and "The Purple Dress"), "The Voice of the City", and "Sixes and Sevens". Each in decent condition, each a bargain at two dollars each - two bucks for 95 year old books! But wait - there's more! Again, there's some history attached to these older tomes. A previous owner or two lived five miles from my current residence. I do not know if it is one or two people; there are two addresses on the same block, one written in ink as H.H. ____ and the other stamped in ink as Harold H. Same person, in a new residence? How many years later? Father and son? In the same hand as the written ex libris are the words "Cambridge Mass. Feb. 20 1919." I wonder about inscriptions like that. I wonder about the people who wrote them; what led this person to this particular school, what course of study was his? I know he had great taste in literature (for he liked the same books as I) and I wonder if someday someone will wonder about what I wrote in my books. I wonder how many in-between owners there might have been - if others, like me, felt there's something not quite right about scribbling out 93 year old inscriptions to write in my own name. It's almost like lending someone a book and when it is returned you discover that not only did this person highlight your book, the highlighted the wrong passages!
Next I found "The D.A. Calls it Murder" a non- Perry Mason mystery by Erle Stanley Gardner. No special attachment here, it merely looked interesting. Excellent condition for being 22 years old. Probably sat on a shelf because it looked pretty - but maybe the previous owner simple read their books with great care.
Finally, a small little volume of "A Texas Ranger" by N.A. Jennings. It will be 20 years old this Christmas; I looked up the publisher, Lakeside Press, and learned they've publish one book every Christmas since 1903 and they don't sell them to the public but rather give them as gifts to their employees. Boss gives you a book for Christmas? Awesome! The book itself is a book on a recommended reading list I read last year for reluctant boy readers. Well, I've never been reluctant to read, but the experiences of an eighteen year old doing border patrol in 1875 sounded like a darn good read.
Now all I need is the time to read...
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Penguins and Chocolate
A couple of weeks ago a friend mailed me a late Christmas present, generous portions of chocolate, and a couple penguins: a stack-the-penguins game and a penguin wall calendar. A wonderful combination, in my opinion.
"Why penguins" you ask? Well, it's become a bit of a tradition between my friend and me. I'm not sure how or when it started. It may have started when I began using the expression, "colder than penguin snot" to describe some of the brumal winter walks I endure. Or it may have started when I read Daniel Amen's "Change Your Brain, Change Your Life", a wonderful book on brain health. It explains in great detail, but not difficult to understand language, how the brain works when it is healthy, and when it is not, whether due to injury, illness or addiction.
In one chapter he tells of the day he and his son watched a penguin performing stunts at an amusement park. Dr. Amen, frustrated with his son's behavior, asked the trainer how she got the penguins to follow all her directions. The trainer replied that unlike people, she noticed and rewarded positive rather than negative behavior. Shortly thereafter Dr. Amen started collecting penguins as a reminder to himself to notice good things about people.
Now, I'd not intended to start collecting penguins. For years I had already been collected frogs, turtles and Snoopys. But whatever the impetus, my friend sent me some penguins. I retaliated in kind. And every birthday and Christmas since then has included a penguin or two.
As for the chocolate... well, you don't need a brain book to be reminded how good the person who gave you chocolate is.
"Why penguins" you ask? Well, it's become a bit of a tradition between my friend and me. I'm not sure how or when it started. It may have started when I began using the expression, "colder than penguin snot" to describe some of the brumal winter walks I endure. Or it may have started when I read Daniel Amen's "Change Your Brain, Change Your Life", a wonderful book on brain health. It explains in great detail, but not difficult to understand language, how the brain works when it is healthy, and when it is not, whether due to injury, illness or addiction.
In one chapter he tells of the day he and his son watched a penguin performing stunts at an amusement park. Dr. Amen, frustrated with his son's behavior, asked the trainer how she got the penguins to follow all her directions. The trainer replied that unlike people, she noticed and rewarded positive rather than negative behavior. Shortly thereafter Dr. Amen started collecting penguins as a reminder to himself to notice good things about people.
Now, I'd not intended to start collecting penguins. For years I had already been collected frogs, turtles and Snoopys. But whatever the impetus, my friend sent me some penguins. I retaliated in kind. And every birthday and Christmas since then has included a penguin or two.
As for the chocolate... well, you don't need a brain book to be reminded how good the person who gave you chocolate is.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Cookies and the Recession
Today I read proof that for whatever gains the country's economy has made, the recession isn't quite over.
The Girl Scouts of America has announced that the price of their cookies will be going up to $4.00 a box.
I'm sure I'll buy just as many cookies as I have in years past.
It's important to do our bit to stimulate the economy. It's important to support programs such as Girl Scouts of America, who this year is celebrating 100 years of helping build girls of strong courage, confidence and character. It's vital that such programs exist, empowering girls through enriching experiences, community service, cultural exchanges and environmental stewardships. It's an American Institution. It's a pivotal part of women's history. And yes, I did steal - um, borrow - these phrases from their official website. But I totally agree anyway.
Plus the cookies are yummy.
Not to mention the fact I for one have absolutely no resistance to cute little kids ambushing me the second I step outside a grocery store. All attempts to avoid eye contact with them have proven futile. They're worse than the Borg.
The Girl Scouts of America has announced that the price of their cookies will be going up to $4.00 a box.
I'm sure I'll buy just as many cookies as I have in years past.
It's important to do our bit to stimulate the economy. It's important to support programs such as Girl Scouts of America, who this year is celebrating 100 years of helping build girls of strong courage, confidence and character. It's vital that such programs exist, empowering girls through enriching experiences, community service, cultural exchanges and environmental stewardships. It's an American Institution. It's a pivotal part of women's history. And yes, I did steal - um, borrow - these phrases from their official website. But I totally agree anyway.
Plus the cookies are yummy.
Not to mention the fact I for one have absolutely no resistance to cute little kids ambushing me the second I step outside a grocery store. All attempts to avoid eye contact with them have proven futile. They're worse than the Borg.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Harry Potter's Supporting Cast
Last weekend I watched "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2" on DVD. I'd seen it twice at the theaters, the first on my own, the second with friends. It's the end of an era, a piece of cinematic history. Not all movie series end on such a high note. This one did. It is a very satisfying conclusion to a very satisfying series.I left the theater really wanting to read the books again. For I was thinking about one of the reasons I have enjoyed the movies so, and the books even more so, is the characters. Harry Potter got top billing, but it is members of his supporting cast who shine the brightest. They do it quietly, sometimes behind the scenes, ofttimes unrecognized. Kind of like life -- where would any of us in the real world be without our supporting cast?
I was introduced to Harry Potter shortly before the third book was released. Despite being a fan of children's and young adult literature all my life, not just the childhood part of it, if I'd seen or heard of the books prior to all the kerfuffle over their supposed evil influence over impressionable young minds, I'd not seen enough to have my curiosity piqued. I fully admit I wasn't a fan until I learned being a fan was a bad thing. I admit that were it not for the fervor, I might have continued in ignorance. Hooray for the naysayers: for I found some gems. I've read many books that inspired the ire of others, I've read many banned and challenged books, and many of those I failed to see the badness which was seemingly so apparent to others. Similarly, I've read many books that elicited accolades which left me wondering if time travel is possible, and if so, could I please have those eight or so hours of my life back?
I digress. Harry Potter's supporting cast. Can I pick a favorite? I don't think so, but maybe I can pick a handful. Hermione Granger, of course. How could anyone fail to love her? Smart as a whip, compassionate, loyal, brave, slightly neurotic -- don't you just want to adopt her or something? And Ron, of course, the trusty sidekick, Harry's first friend, loyal to the end and saving Harry's bacon almost as many times as Hermione did.
But beyond the obvious trio around which the epic centers, are those characters who are there on the sidelines, teaching, cheering, chastising, worrying, fussing. Mrs. Weasley, from the time her character was introduced, reminded me of the mother of one of my first friends. Don't mess with her children. Especially not at the final battle. Neville Longbottom is easily overlooked as shy and clumsy and possessing of a last name which practically demands mocking -- but by series end he shows himself to be a valiant and loyal knight. Luna Lovegood lives up to her nickname "Loony", but like many of the other characters, there is more to her than meets the eye; in her own way, she's as sharp as Hermione, and her willingness to accept things which the rest of the world doesn't understand gives her insights which are crucial to the outcome of many of the battles, not just the final one.
There's even more to Professor Snape than meets the eye, which anyone who has read the entire series or seen all the movies knows. I'd always thought there was, simply because Professor Dumbledore trusted Snape. Still, it was nice to learn I was was right. I'd scheduled a portion of my vacation in the summer of 2007 to coincide with the final book's release. Laugh if you will, but reading is an excellent way to spend one's vacation. Anyway, little hints about Snape's true character, scattered throughout each of the books, came to a satisfying conclusion in the final tome, and a complex character becomes a very sympathetic one. J. K. Rowling reports that she cried when she wrote of Snape's death. I did too, when I read it, but I'm pretty sure that was allergies, what with it being summer and all.
The problem with thinking of Harry's supporting cast is simply that that cast is so large. There isn't a single character, hero or villain, which doesn't profoundly affect Harry's life. Professor Snape was profoundly disliked by Harry (and most of the Hogwarts children) but were it not for his badgering, Harry could not have achieved what he did, even with Hermione's and Ron's help; he didn't have the drive himself. Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall were Harry's mentors even when they were being secretive. But he was also taught much by his enemies as well. Draco Malfoy was also a multifaceted character, and I always suspected he was more than just a bully.
And then of course there is Voldemort. Here is a villain up to par with Darth Vader and Maleficent from Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty. Right up to the end Harry gave his nemesis the opportunity to redeem himself, and He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named didn't take that opportunity. Which of course sealed his final fate and made him perhaps the most tragic figure of all. But I think it also further defined Harry. As Professor Dumbledore told Harry early on, it is our choices that show who we truly are. And despite all the good stuff from the books which the movies left out, not many movie series present these themes so splendidly.
I was introduced to Harry Potter shortly before the third book was released. Despite being a fan of children's and young adult literature all my life, not just the childhood part of it, if I'd seen or heard of the books prior to all the kerfuffle over their supposed evil influence over impressionable young minds, I'd not seen enough to have my curiosity piqued. I fully admit I wasn't a fan until I learned being a fan was a bad thing. I admit that were it not for the fervor, I might have continued in ignorance. Hooray for the naysayers: for I found some gems. I've read many books that inspired the ire of others, I've read many banned and challenged books, and many of those I failed to see the badness which was seemingly so apparent to others. Similarly, I've read many books that elicited accolades which left me wondering if time travel is possible, and if so, could I please have those eight or so hours of my life back?
I digress. Harry Potter's supporting cast. Can I pick a favorite? I don't think so, but maybe I can pick a handful. Hermione Granger, of course. How could anyone fail to love her? Smart as a whip, compassionate, loyal, brave, slightly neurotic -- don't you just want to adopt her or something? And Ron, of course, the trusty sidekick, Harry's first friend, loyal to the end and saving Harry's bacon almost as many times as Hermione did.
But beyond the obvious trio around which the epic centers, are those characters who are there on the sidelines, teaching, cheering, chastising, worrying, fussing. Mrs. Weasley, from the time her character was introduced, reminded me of the mother of one of my first friends. Don't mess with her children. Especially not at the final battle. Neville Longbottom is easily overlooked as shy and clumsy and possessing of a last name which practically demands mocking -- but by series end he shows himself to be a valiant and loyal knight. Luna Lovegood lives up to her nickname "Loony", but like many of the other characters, there is more to her than meets the eye; in her own way, she's as sharp as Hermione, and her willingness to accept things which the rest of the world doesn't understand gives her insights which are crucial to the outcome of many of the battles, not just the final one.
There's even more to Professor Snape than meets the eye, which anyone who has read the entire series or seen all the movies knows. I'd always thought there was, simply because Professor Dumbledore trusted Snape. Still, it was nice to learn I was was right. I'd scheduled a portion of my vacation in the summer of 2007 to coincide with the final book's release. Laugh if you will, but reading is an excellent way to spend one's vacation. Anyway, little hints about Snape's true character, scattered throughout each of the books, came to a satisfying conclusion in the final tome, and a complex character becomes a very sympathetic one. J. K. Rowling reports that she cried when she wrote of Snape's death. I did too, when I read it, but I'm pretty sure that was allergies, what with it being summer and all.
The problem with thinking of Harry's supporting cast is simply that that cast is so large. There isn't a single character, hero or villain, which doesn't profoundly affect Harry's life. Professor Snape was profoundly disliked by Harry (and most of the Hogwarts children) but were it not for his badgering, Harry could not have achieved what he did, even with Hermione's and Ron's help; he didn't have the drive himself. Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall were Harry's mentors even when they were being secretive. But he was also taught much by his enemies as well. Draco Malfoy was also a multifaceted character, and I always suspected he was more than just a bully.
And then of course there is Voldemort. Here is a villain up to par with Darth Vader and Maleficent from Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty. Right up to the end Harry gave his nemesis the opportunity to redeem himself, and He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named didn't take that opportunity. Which of course sealed his final fate and made him perhaps the most tragic figure of all. But I think it also further defined Harry. As Professor Dumbledore told Harry early on, it is our choices that show who we truly are. And despite all the good stuff from the books which the movies left out, not many movie series present these themes so splendidly.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Geoffrey's "Best of Denver" restaurants
Okay, regional magazine and newspapers do it, so why can't I? I can't see me creating a yearly updated list of the best restaurants, as I'm not that organized.and consistent. And since I'm the only voter in this case - magazines and newspapers creating polls beforehand - undoubtedly people will disagree with my picks. Come to think of it, I read some of those lists and wonder how so many people could pick the wrong things, so what good does a vote do? That's not to say if my readers think I need to be educated, I won't welcome suggestions. Bring them on! I'm always looking for a good meal!
Geoffrey's picks for the best eats in the Denver metro area (some of these have more than one location; I've listed the one I frequent most):
Best ice cream: Little Man, Highlands neighborhood
Best milkshakes: Big Daddy's Pizza, Lakewood
Best cheese steak: Taste of Philly, Lakewood
Best subs: Mr Goodcents, Arvada
Best fast food style Mexican food: Big Burrito, Arvada
Best sit-down style Mexican food: Gregorios, Lakewood
Best chocolate treats: Rheinlander's German Bakery, Arvada
Best cheap cheeseburger: Griff's, Arvada
Best French fries: Griff's, Arvada
Best Phở : Vina Phở and Grill, Edgewater
Best Thai food: Jumbo Thai, Lakewood
Best Deli: Smiling Moose Deli, Arvada
Best Gyros: Yianni's Gyros Place, Lakewood
Best French Onion soup: La Vie En Rose, Lakewood
Best Lasagne: Borriello Brothers, Lakewood
Best Cheesecake: Cheesecake Therapy, Arvada
Best personal pan sized pizzas: My Pie, Wheat Ridge
Honorable mention goes to this restaurant which sadly is no longer in business. I am open to all restaurant suggestions, but especially to the following category which I declare officially "open" and ready to be extensively researched, especially if someone wishes to accompany me as my research assistant:
Best gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches: (WAS) Chez Cheese, Larimer Square, Downtown Denver ... (NEW) ________________
Geoffrey's picks for the best eats in the Denver metro area (some of these have more than one location; I've listed the one I frequent most):
Best ice cream: Little Man, Highlands neighborhood
Best milkshakes: Big Daddy's Pizza, Lakewood
Best cheese steak: Taste of Philly, Lakewood
Best subs: Mr Goodcents, Arvada
Best fast food style Mexican food: Big Burrito, Arvada
Best sit-down style Mexican food: Gregorios, Lakewood
Best chocolate treats: Rheinlander's German Bakery, Arvada
Best cheap cheeseburger: Griff's, Arvada
Best French fries: Griff's, Arvada
Best Phở : Vina Phở and Grill, Edgewater
Best Thai food: Jumbo Thai, Lakewood
Best Deli: Smiling Moose Deli, Arvada
Best Gyros: Yianni's Gyros Place, Lakewood
Best French Onion soup: La Vie En Rose, Lakewood
Best Lasagne: Borriello Brothers, Lakewood
Best Cheesecake: Cheesecake Therapy, Arvada
Best personal pan sized pizzas: My Pie, Wheat Ridge
Honorable mention goes to this restaurant which sadly is no longer in business. I am open to all restaurant suggestions, but especially to the following category which I declare officially "open" and ready to be extensively researched, especially if someone wishes to accompany me as my research assistant:
Best gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches: (WAS) Chez Cheese, Larimer Square, Downtown Denver ... (NEW) ________________
Friday, November 4, 2011
La Vie En Rose
Last Friday night I made a happy discovery. I was heading home after a week of Mondays,and intended to stop at the dollar-thirty-five a scoop Chinese place. I didn't feel like cooking or even microwaving; and the place is cheap and conveniently located halfway between my bus stop and home.
Two doors down I saw the sign, "La Vie En Rose", proclaiming tea, gifts, catering, take out, and music. That sounded intriguing, so I figured I could pop in and have a quick look-see. I think the music playing on the CD player was Edith Piaf. A small blackboard on an easel advertising the daily specials; one of those was broiled salmon.
And I knew I was staying.
Chiffon, the owner came out and greeted me warmly. When I asked how long she'd been there I was surprised to learn she'd been there for a couple of months. I walk past that shopping center every weeknight and had never noticed it. It's a small place located next to a nail salon, which could account for why I'd looked past it.
First out was fresh French bread with homemade garlic butter. I would've been happy to stop there, I think. The debate rages on over which is healthier or less unhealthy, margarine or butter. My palate is only concerned with taste and wants butter. And who doesn't like garlic? Well, okay, a lot of people don't, but we're all God's children, so we can let such idiosyncrasies slide. Fact is, is was a great way to start my meal.
Next, the "house salad". Now, a "house salad" is generally a few large leaves of iceberg lettuce, two pieces of not-quite-ripe tomato, and a very few shredded carrot bits, right? Not so here. Romaine lettuce (crisp!), two hearty slices, halved, of perfectly ripened (as in, "did you just pick this from your garden out back?") tomato with Italian seasoning, slices of white onion and the best vinaigrette I've had at any restaurant -just enough to season the salad without drowning it. I could have stopped there, too.
Whether my timing, the cook's or the waitress's, I do not know, but I was finishing the last bite of salad when the entree arrived. I didn't realize how important timing was until I was the happy benefactor of it in its perfect mode. Saffron rice accompanied a very large piece of salmon - larger than any of the chain restaurants have ever served me, and at a lesser price. Capers on the side.
A unique thing about this restaurant was how homey it felt. Besides myself, the only other diners were a couple who obviously knew the proprietress well, judging by their friendly banter. The man wondered aloud what capers were. The jar was called for from the kitchen, but yielded no clues; he complained that he couldn't read the ingredients because they were in Italian. It was the type of complaining that one does in a family, and it was fun to listen to them. By this time my own curiosity had gotten the better of me; I'd eaten capers once before this but I too really didn't know what they were. Since I'd come from work, I had my organizer and e-reader with me, I looked it up and shared with them the definition: the pickled buds of a flowery southern European shrub. Chiffon told the man he owed me for that definition, as information is valuable. I told him the first definition is free.
At the end of my meal I took home a smaller portion than I generally do at a restaurant, not because the portions were smaller, as they weren't, but because the food was... well, as I'm not a professional restaurant reviewer, I think I am allowed to use the descriptor yummy.
I stopped in again tonight and tried the onion soup, which was incredibly good. I cannot remember the last time I had an onion soup so hearty. And I'm sure the amount of cheese topping the bowl raised my cholesterol levels. But it was worth it.
Two doors down I saw the sign, "La Vie En Rose", proclaiming tea, gifts, catering, take out, and music. That sounded intriguing, so I figured I could pop in and have a quick look-see. I think the music playing on the CD player was Edith Piaf. A small blackboard on an easel advertising the daily specials; one of those was broiled salmon.
And I knew I was staying.
Chiffon, the owner came out and greeted me warmly. When I asked how long she'd been there I was surprised to learn she'd been there for a couple of months. I walk past that shopping center every weeknight and had never noticed it. It's a small place located next to a nail salon, which could account for why I'd looked past it.
First out was fresh French bread with homemade garlic butter. I would've been happy to stop there, I think. The debate rages on over which is healthier or less unhealthy, margarine or butter. My palate is only concerned with taste and wants butter. And who doesn't like garlic? Well, okay, a lot of people don't, but we're all God's children, so we can let such idiosyncrasies slide. Fact is, is was a great way to start my meal.
Next, the "house salad". Now, a "house salad" is generally a few large leaves of iceberg lettuce, two pieces of not-quite-ripe tomato, and a very few shredded carrot bits, right? Not so here. Romaine lettuce (crisp!), two hearty slices, halved, of perfectly ripened (as in, "did you just pick this from your garden out back?") tomato with Italian seasoning, slices of white onion and the best vinaigrette I've had at any restaurant -just enough to season the salad without drowning it. I could have stopped there, too.
Whether my timing, the cook's or the waitress's, I do not know, but I was finishing the last bite of salad when the entree arrived. I didn't realize how important timing was until I was the happy benefactor of it in its perfect mode. Saffron rice accompanied a very large piece of salmon - larger than any of the chain restaurants have ever served me, and at a lesser price. Capers on the side.
A unique thing about this restaurant was how homey it felt. Besides myself, the only other diners were a couple who obviously knew the proprietress well, judging by their friendly banter. The man wondered aloud what capers were. The jar was called for from the kitchen, but yielded no clues; he complained that he couldn't read the ingredients because they were in Italian. It was the type of complaining that one does in a family, and it was fun to listen to them. By this time my own curiosity had gotten the better of me; I'd eaten capers once before this but I too really didn't know what they were. Since I'd come from work, I had my organizer and e-reader with me, I looked it up and shared with them the definition: the pickled buds of a flowery southern European shrub. Chiffon told the man he owed me for that definition, as information is valuable. I told him the first definition is free.
At the end of my meal I took home a smaller portion than I generally do at a restaurant, not because the portions were smaller, as they weren't, but because the food was... well, as I'm not a professional restaurant reviewer, I think I am allowed to use the descriptor yummy.
I stopped in again tonight and tried the onion soup, which was incredibly good. I cannot remember the last time I had an onion soup so hearty. And I'm sure the amount of cheese topping the bowl raised my cholesterol levels. But it was worth it.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
To Ban or Not to Ban
The American Library Association's Banned Books is held every year the last week of September. Like most years, it came and went without my noticing. When I worked within walking distance of a bookstore and had a friend who worked in that bookstore, it didn't escape my notice because the posters would be up in the store and the past year's banned and challenged books would be taped to the counter for all to read while making their purchases. And every year I was surprised to see something I'd read, blissfully unaware I wasn't supposed to. But since I now do most my book shopping online, I miss those reminders.
For the record, I think the only censorship or banning of books that should be engaged in is in what one bans from their own personal library. Or if you are a parent, you have the right to say what don't want your children to read due to the values you wish to instill in them. Those are private matters. But no one else has a right to tell you or me we "can't" or "shan't" read something, nor do we have the right to say so to anyone else.
Thanks to the ALA, most books that are challenged are prevented from being outright banned. There are many books which I personally find distasteful or simply a waste of trees. But I dislike the notion of telling people they cannot or should not protest, even if they are protesting my own favorites. They have the same right to their opinions as I have to mine or the authors have to theirs. I often disagree with their conclusions, but they still have the right to those conclusions. My disagreement with them does not equate with me thinking they are "uneducated", "unenlightened", "bigoted", "evil" or anything else they are generally called by those who think that their freedom of expression trumps everyone else's.
On the flip side, I believe that genuine concerns, such as "inappropriate for the targeted age group", "anti-religion", "anti-establishment", "hate speech", "unduly violent", or any number of other reasons which affect not just one's own family but potentially the greater community -- I believe those things can and should be brought to attention. Whether I see it the same way or not is moot -- anything that affects other members of the community ultimately affects me as well.
Challenging ideals contrary to your own is itself the free expression of an ideal -- and should not be denied. The First Amendment which gives people the right to express ideals considered by some or even most individuals as unorthodox, controversial or just plain wrong -- that same amendment guarantees another person's right to say that ideal is unorthodox, controversial or just plain wrong
"I read banned books!" is often the rallying cry of those who participate in Banned Books Week. And I support the right to display and promote the use of bumper stickers and posters and tee shirts proclaiming that message. But I won't sport the slogan myself. I have read a number of banned books -- some before I was aware they were challenged or banned and some after -- but always because I wanted to read them, not simply because they were banned and I had "the right to". That's silly. There are so many books I want to read, and a limited amount of time in which to read them, that I'm not going to waste my time reading something I have no interest in simply because someone said I cannot or should not. Nor will I read something that I already know I disagree with just to tick off someone who doesn't want to read it for the same reasons I don't. That is equally silly. (Don't get me wrong -- people have the right to be silly, if they so chose.)
Some of those challenged and banned books I have read I didn't care for, although for different reasons than the official ones. But as far as I know, no one ever tried to remove a book from a school or public library because it was tedious or pedantic. Other books I hadn't even heard of until their challenged status landed them in the news. I must confess that there's a part of me that hopes if I am ever a published author, someone will take umbrage at my work for one reason or another, so I can benefit from the free publicity.
The crux of the matter is this. I applaud the efforts of the ALA to protect my intellectual freedom. But I don't think society is on the brink of destruction because someone is protesting a book. On the contrary, I will be far more worried for society when people stop protesting. Because contrary to popular belief, "everything goes" is the most false of ideas. There is no intellectual freedom without intellectual thought.
For the record, I think the only censorship or banning of books that should be engaged in is in what one bans from their own personal library. Or if you are a parent, you have the right to say what don't want your children to read due to the values you wish to instill in them. Those are private matters. But no one else has a right to tell you or me we "can't" or "shan't" read something, nor do we have the right to say so to anyone else.
Thanks to the ALA, most books that are challenged are prevented from being outright banned. There are many books which I personally find distasteful or simply a waste of trees. But I dislike the notion of telling people they cannot or should not protest, even if they are protesting my own favorites. They have the same right to their opinions as I have to mine or the authors have to theirs. I often disagree with their conclusions, but they still have the right to those conclusions. My disagreement with them does not equate with me thinking they are "uneducated", "unenlightened", "bigoted", "evil" or anything else they are generally called by those who think that their freedom of expression trumps everyone else's.
On the flip side, I believe that genuine concerns, such as "inappropriate for the targeted age group", "anti-religion", "anti-establishment", "hate speech", "unduly violent", or any number of other reasons which affect not just one's own family but potentially the greater community -- I believe those things can and should be brought to attention. Whether I see it the same way or not is moot -- anything that affects other members of the community ultimately affects me as well.
Challenging ideals contrary to your own is itself the free expression of an ideal -- and should not be denied. The First Amendment which gives people the right to express ideals considered by some or even most individuals as unorthodox, controversial or just plain wrong -- that same amendment guarantees another person's right to say that ideal is unorthodox, controversial or just plain wrong
"I read banned books!" is often the rallying cry of those who participate in Banned Books Week. And I support the right to display and promote the use of bumper stickers and posters and tee shirts proclaiming that message. But I won't sport the slogan myself. I have read a number of banned books -- some before I was aware they were challenged or banned and some after -- but always because I wanted to read them, not simply because they were banned and I had "the right to". That's silly. There are so many books I want to read, and a limited amount of time in which to read them, that I'm not going to waste my time reading something I have no interest in simply because someone said I cannot or should not. Nor will I read something that I already know I disagree with just to tick off someone who doesn't want to read it for the same reasons I don't. That is equally silly. (Don't get me wrong -- people have the right to be silly, if they so chose.)
Some of those challenged and banned books I have read I didn't care for, although for different reasons than the official ones. But as far as I know, no one ever tried to remove a book from a school or public library because it was tedious or pedantic. Other books I hadn't even heard of until their challenged status landed them in the news. I must confess that there's a part of me that hopes if I am ever a published author, someone will take umbrage at my work for one reason or another, so I can benefit from the free publicity.
The crux of the matter is this. I applaud the efforts of the ALA to protect my intellectual freedom. But I don't think society is on the brink of destruction because someone is protesting a book. On the contrary, I will be far more worried for society when people stop protesting. Because contrary to popular belief, "everything goes" is the most false of ideas. There is no intellectual freedom without intellectual thought.
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