Last night, I had the most amazing experience driving. It may have been one of the few times in my driving years that I've actually enjoyed being behind the wheel. The experience was downright transcendent.
Let me set the scene...
It's Sunday night, around 9pm. I'm driving on virtually empty streets, store fronts starting to turn their lights off, and I'm on my way to see my boyfriend. I'm already in a good mood. Foo Fighters' "Everlong" is playing on my iPod, and all of a sudden I realize I'm hitting EVERY green light! Not only that, but the music and my driving are synching up in time.
As the song comes to a close, and I sit, still reveling in the tiny miracle I just experienced, and await the next song to play from the shuffle. To my amazement, it's The Police, "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic." Wow.
And it's still playing in time to the speed that I'm driving. Even the red lights.
Oh yeah, and then I got a prime parking spot at the boy's house. Suh-weet.
I hope that each and every one of you gets to experience this kind of magic at least one time in your lives.
A journey down the rabbit hole to find out why a raven is like a writing desk...
Monday, January 30, 2012
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Eat Me!: The Gorbals
Hello lovely Wonderers, and welcome to the first edition of Eat Me! In this blog segment (column? thing?) I'll be taking on the role of amateur food critic, and sharing with you my opinions on the food I have the good (or not-so-good) fortune to shovel into my belly. Like a lady, of course.
For my first restaurant, I'll be reviewing The Gorbals in Downtown, LA. I am lucky to have such a wonderful boyfriend who takes me on "secret dinners" to really great eateries. This was our first secret dinner, and it was all the way back in November. Cue the low lights, white cloth napkins, and a candle... perfection.
A little bit about the restaurant:
The Gorbals is the brain child of chef, Ilan Hall. He was the winner of the second season of Bravo's Top Chef. He uses various international cuisines and makes some of the most delicious "mash-up" creations you may never imagine. Like, for example, bacon-wrapped matzo balls.
The menu is frequently updated with seasonal delights and new dishes. It is also organized by the main type of ingredient (Pig, Cow, Bird, etc.). They have a selection of wines, and the staff can usually give you advice on nice pairings with your meal, however, Boyfriend brought a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon (my favorite) and paid a corkage fee. Everything is served in tapas size, and is likely meant to be shared, so that the diner can taste from several sections of the menu. Even if that's not the case, and I'm making it up... that's what we did. We also ordered everything at the top of the meal, so the courses came out as soon as they were ready. Luckily, everything we ate on our excursion is still on the menu, so I can tell you all about all of it. A word to the wise: several of the creations on The Gorbals' menu are very rich, so it's really easy to over-order and feel like you might explode if you eat just one more drool-worthy bite. It is, however, totally worth that over-full feeling.
We started our meal with Bacon-wrapped matzo balls, found under the "Pig" section. As a Jew, this dish blew my mind. Not that I keep Kosher, but this is definitely some sort of blasphemy in the Jewish religion. Bacon is a definite no-no for good Jews, but to then wrap it around a dense matzo ball (what would be known as a "sinker" when immersed in soup) and then set them in a pile over horseradish cream sauce? Mixing meat and milk on the same plate? Unheard of!! Nevertheless, it was quite the taste explosion, and I very much enjoyed being the best-worst Jew I could possibly be. There is a picture on the website here, but just so you know, when we had it the horseradish sauce was white, and they didn't have as much of the garnish on them. De-lish, (or as my boyfriend might say. "Yum-mo!").
Next came Broccoli, soy, chilies & vinegar from the "Herbivore" section of the menu. I'll admit, even after years of living in San Diego and all the spicy Mexican cuisine it has to offer, I'm still very wary of "chilies" as an ingredient. I was a little nervous that it might be too spicy for me (I was still trying to impress the boy), but actually, this dish had just the right amount of heat. It came to the table in a simple white bowl, overflowing with broccoli that was sitting in a pool of the soy-chili-vinegar sauce. The broccoli was crispy, and it drank in the marinade beautifully. I could have eaten several bowls of this, alone.
After that, we ate the Burger, onion six ways from the "Cow" section of the menu. Despite onions usually being a "no-go" on dates, this was too intriguing to pass up. The burger itself was cooked to medium, pink perfection. When paired with all the different onions (including grilled, caramelized, raw, and fried), juicy doesn't even begin to cover it. The bun starts to get soggy toward the end, and the juices are impossible to keep from dripping down your arm, but it's delicious to the very last bite.
Following the burger, we had Barley risotto with fall squash, also from the "Herbivore" section. I don't remember it including feta and pepitas, as it is currently featured on the menu, but since it was back in November, who's to say those things weren't there. Anyway. I must say I'm a fan of just about any risotto out there, but it does have a tendency to be a rich, stick-to-your-ribs kind of dish, so on this outing, it may have been overkill. The fall squash (which might have been acorn squash, if I'm not mistaken) is a nice addition to the risotto, providing a different mouth-feel to the rich, creamy texture of the barley itself. If you're going to order a dish like this, I would do so toward the beginning of your meal, so you may be able to prevent yourself from ordering too much.
After the risotto (or maybe even after the burger), we added the Gribenes, lettuce, tomato sandwich from the "Bird" section to our long list of goodies. For those of you who don't know what gribenes is, it's chicken skin fried to a crisp, and it's very yummy. This sandwich is HUGE. It was served on what appeared to be maybe sourdough and pumpernickel or squaw swirl bread. It also had a very horseradish-y 
spread, which was a nice, sharp flavor contrast to the rich gribenes. Unfortunately, these are the only pictures of food I have from that night. Fortunately, it looks pretty spectacular!
We finished our meal with Sticky toffee pudding, ice cream, maldon salt for dessert. It's in a section titled "Sweet" on the menu, but it's the only offering in it's category. It's a baked pudding, so when it comes to the table in it's little rectangular ramekin, it looks more like a tiny loaf cake, or a large brownie. It was served with chocolate ice cream (chocolate is, after all, a lovely, and classic compliment to toffee) in a small scoop to the side. By this time, I was feeling pretty full, but I managed to swallow a few bites of pudding before I officially put down my fork for the evening. It was chewy, gooey, and delicious. The salt also cuts into the richness, and sweetness of the pudding, preventing an otherwise overwhelming bite.
All in all, I would absolutely recommend eating at The Gorbals. Judging by this particular meal, I have absolute confidence in all of Hall's creative dishes. The music, the food, and even the staff combine to make a great atmosphere for a nice evening out without being too dressy. I will definitely be returning!
*ADDENDUM*
The Gorbals can be found at:
501 South Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
213.488.3408
For my first restaurant, I'll be reviewing The Gorbals in Downtown, LA. I am lucky to have such a wonderful boyfriend who takes me on "secret dinners" to really great eateries. This was our first secret dinner, and it was all the way back in November. Cue the low lights, white cloth napkins, and a candle... perfection.
 | ||
| I really wish I had a more "romantic-looking" picture of the table. |
The Gorbals is the brain child of chef, Ilan Hall. He was the winner of the second season of Bravo's Top Chef. He uses various international cuisines and makes some of the most delicious "mash-up" creations you may never imagine. Like, for example, bacon-wrapped matzo balls.
The menu is frequently updated with seasonal delights and new dishes. It is also organized by the main type of ingredient (Pig, Cow, Bird, etc.). They have a selection of wines, and the staff can usually give you advice on nice pairings with your meal, however, Boyfriend brought a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon (my favorite) and paid a corkage fee. Everything is served in tapas size, and is likely meant to be shared, so that the diner can taste from several sections of the menu. Even if that's not the case, and I'm making it up... that's what we did. We also ordered everything at the top of the meal, so the courses came out as soon as they were ready. Luckily, everything we ate on our excursion is still on the menu, so I can tell you all about all of it. A word to the wise: several of the creations on The Gorbals' menu are very rich, so it's really easy to over-order and feel like you might explode if you eat just one more drool-worthy bite. It is, however, totally worth that over-full feeling.
We started our meal with Bacon-wrapped matzo balls, found under the "Pig" section. As a Jew, this dish blew my mind. Not that I keep Kosher, but this is definitely some sort of blasphemy in the Jewish religion. Bacon is a definite no-no for good Jews, but to then wrap it around a dense matzo ball (what would be known as a "sinker" when immersed in soup) and then set them in a pile over horseradish cream sauce? Mixing meat and milk on the same plate? Unheard of!! Nevertheless, it was quite the taste explosion, and I very much enjoyed being the best-worst Jew I could possibly be. There is a picture on the website here, but just so you know, when we had it the horseradish sauce was white, and they didn't have as much of the garnish on them. De-lish, (or as my boyfriend might say. "Yum-mo!").
Next came Broccoli, soy, chilies & vinegar from the "Herbivore" section of the menu. I'll admit, even after years of living in San Diego and all the spicy Mexican cuisine it has to offer, I'm still very wary of "chilies" as an ingredient. I was a little nervous that it might be too spicy for me (I was still trying to impress the boy), but actually, this dish had just the right amount of heat. It came to the table in a simple white bowl, overflowing with broccoli that was sitting in a pool of the soy-chili-vinegar sauce. The broccoli was crispy, and it drank in the marinade beautifully. I could have eaten several bowls of this, alone.
After that, we ate the Burger, onion six ways from the "Cow" section of the menu. Despite onions usually being a "no-go" on dates, this was too intriguing to pass up. The burger itself was cooked to medium, pink perfection. When paired with all the different onions (including grilled, caramelized, raw, and fried), juicy doesn't even begin to cover it. The bun starts to get soggy toward the end, and the juices are impossible to keep from dripping down your arm, but it's delicious to the very last bite.
Following the burger, we had Barley risotto with fall squash, also from the "Herbivore" section. I don't remember it including feta and pepitas, as it is currently featured on the menu, but since it was back in November, who's to say those things weren't there. Anyway. I must say I'm a fan of just about any risotto out there, but it does have a tendency to be a rich, stick-to-your-ribs kind of dish, so on this outing, it may have been overkill. The fall squash (which might have been acorn squash, if I'm not mistaken) is a nice addition to the risotto, providing a different mouth-feel to the rich, creamy texture of the barley itself. If you're going to order a dish like this, I would do so toward the beginning of your meal, so you may be able to prevent yourself from ordering too much.
After the risotto (or maybe even after the burger), we added the Gribenes, lettuce, tomato sandwich from the "Bird" section to our long list of goodies. For those of you who don't know what gribenes is, it's chicken skin fried to a crisp, and it's very yummy. This sandwich is HUGE. It was served on what appeared to be maybe sourdough and pumpernickel or squaw swirl bread. It also had a very horseradish-y 
spread, which was a nice, sharp flavor contrast to the rich gribenes. Unfortunately, these are the only pictures of food I have from that night. Fortunately, it looks pretty spectacular!We finished our meal with Sticky toffee pudding, ice cream, maldon salt for dessert. It's in a section titled "Sweet" on the menu, but it's the only offering in it's category. It's a baked pudding, so when it comes to the table in it's little rectangular ramekin, it looks more like a tiny loaf cake, or a large brownie. It was served with chocolate ice cream (chocolate is, after all, a lovely, and classic compliment to toffee) in a small scoop to the side. By this time, I was feeling pretty full, but I managed to swallow a few bites of pudding before I officially put down my fork for the evening. It was chewy, gooey, and delicious. The salt also cuts into the richness, and sweetness of the pudding, preventing an otherwise overwhelming bite.
All in all, I would absolutely recommend eating at The Gorbals. Judging by this particular meal, I have absolute confidence in all of Hall's creative dishes. The music, the food, and even the staff combine to make a great atmosphere for a nice evening out without being too dressy. I will definitely be returning!
*ADDENDUM*
The Gorbals can be found at:
501 South Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
213.488.3408
*Thanks for the tip, Ash. ;) *
Friday, January 20, 2012
For Etta...
Etta James passed away today at just 73 years old. Not that 73 isn't old... but when your grandmothers are 92 and 98, 73 still seems too young.
Etta, you are my heart and soul of standard songs, and I want to dedicate this post to you and your wonder(fulness).
Much love, Etta... I know you're singing on a big stage in the sky for the best audience in the world. Say hi to my Papa for me. Grampa too.
Etta, you are my heart and soul of standard songs, and I want to dedicate this post to you and your wonder(fulness).
Much love, Etta... I know you're singing on a big stage in the sky for the best audience in the world. Say hi to my Papa for me. Grampa too.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
What's New, Cheshire Cat?
Wonderers! I have missed you! Like the Cheshire Cat, I disappeared for a while, but I have returned, and this time I will make an effort to actually keep up with this thing.
Just to get a little caught up here...
On the job front... I am still looking for that elusive, regular position. However, I am currently reading books for money and tutoring children for just enough money to cover the few regular expenses I have (like gas, and makeup). It's not a lot, but it's better than zero.
On last year's resolution... all I have to say is oops. I was predicting that by the end of last year I would have a job, and my own apartment -- therefore, my own kitchen -- but alas, I'm still under my parents' roof. Incidentally, we also lost the use of our oven, and our dishwasher, which makes re-creating recipes a bit more difficult. But I'm fine. *twitch*
On romance... the last time I checked in, I was just coming out of my all-to-familiar "woe is me" phase, and taking on a new, optimistic outlook. Well... as it happens, guess who has herself a boyfriend? Yup! Yours Truly. *Note: it took a lot to refrain from using "what has two thumbs?" * He is amazing... and that's not even an exaggeration. I waited a long time to be this puke-worthy and saccharin. I'm quite the happy girl these days.
All that being said, I really want to make an effort to blog more this year. I have a few ides that I'm tossing around in my head for recurring -- for lack of a better word -- columns, that might make me post more often. One idea is to have a column called "Eat Me" where I review the restaurants at which I have the pleasure of dining. I already have one review in mind (bacon-wrapped matzo balls... what?), and two more potentially in the works to follow. I'd also like to have some sort of weekly thing to "force" me to update, but nothing really jumps out at me. Perhaps I should ask my lovely friend and blog-veteran, Ashley for some ideas...
Now, as I've been wracking my brain for the last hour about how to wrap up this post... I think I'll just give you two clips that have had me in stitches for days now...
One: The trailer for Madagascar 3. I liked the first one, had no interest in the second one, and really didn't want anything to do with any sequel that followed. However, Chris Rock sold me (start at 2:00) on the latest chapter in the Madagascar saga...
Two: The Big Bang Theory. Freshly addicted to this show, I love it more with every episode. This week, Amy Ferrah Fowler (a.k.a. Mayim Bialik, a.k.a. Blossom) took first place in my heart (and it will be very obvious why)...
Just to get a little caught up here...
On the job front... I am still looking for that elusive, regular position. However, I am currently reading books for money and tutoring children for just enough money to cover the few regular expenses I have (like gas, and makeup). It's not a lot, but it's better than zero.
On last year's resolution... all I have to say is oops. I was predicting that by the end of last year I would have a job, and my own apartment -- therefore, my own kitchen -- but alas, I'm still under my parents' roof. Incidentally, we also lost the use of our oven, and our dishwasher, which makes re-creating recipes a bit more difficult. But I'm fine. *twitch*
 | ||
| Gross, right? I know. :D Photo by Ashley Jeanson |
All that being said, I really want to make an effort to blog more this year. I have a few ides that I'm tossing around in my head for recurring -- for lack of a better word -- columns, that might make me post more often. One idea is to have a column called "Eat Me" where I review the restaurants at which I have the pleasure of dining. I already have one review in mind (bacon-wrapped matzo balls... what?), and two more potentially in the works to follow. I'd also like to have some sort of weekly thing to "force" me to update, but nothing really jumps out at me. Perhaps I should ask my lovely friend and blog-veteran, Ashley for some ideas...
Now, as I've been wracking my brain for the last hour about how to wrap up this post... I think I'll just give you two clips that have had me in stitches for days now...
One: The trailer for Madagascar 3. I liked the first one, had no interest in the second one, and really didn't want anything to do with any sequel that followed. However, Chris Rock sold me (start at 2:00) on the latest chapter in the Madagascar saga...
Two: The Big Bang Theory. Freshly addicted to this show, I love it more with every episode. This week, Amy Ferrah Fowler (a.k.a. Mayim Bialik, a.k.a. Blossom) took first place in my heart (and it will be very obvious why)...
That's it for now. But never fear, I'll be back before you know it!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Getting Back in a Groove...
Hello Wonderers!! It has been quite a while since I last wrote a post. I've been in a tailspin with some family stuff, and I'm just now getting back into a decent, almost normal state of mind.
Plus I had this big plan for my Blogiversary, which was back on the 22nd of September. As it turns out, had things happened on schedule, it also could have been my 50th post (so much for that). I won't spoil anything, I'll just have to write an Un-Blogiversary post when my plan comes together. 'Cause I'm Allison Wonderland, and I can do that.
However, since I'm feeling extra confident today, it felt appropriate to come back and share some truly nifty things.
Truly Nifty Thing No.1:
I fixed my car today! Chewy (so named because he made some unsettling noises not unlike Chewbacca when I first got it) has had several problems lately because he is 17 years old and has seen a lot of miles. The most recent, was the battery. I had to jump my car every time I drove it, and finally, it gave up. I was hoping it wasn't the alternator, because we've already put too much money into repairing this car, compared to what it's worth. But today, we took a chance, and bought a new battery to change ourselves. My dad helped me get the old battery out, but then he had an appointment and had to leave, so I was left to finish the job myself. AND I DID IT!! He even called to make sure I was doing it right, after I had already done it, and it turns out, I did it exactly the way I should. I'm so proud.
Truly Nifty Thing No. 2:
I made chili! It took three days, but I made a big pot of some delicious chili. I'll give you the glamor shot now, and save another post for a full blown chili extravaganza.
Truly Nifty Thing No. 3:
I attended a 90s themed party with a good friend of mine. I have been in such a nostalgic place lately, what with Teen Nick showing old 90s Nickelodeon shows, and living in my old room at my parents' house, and it seemed like so much fun to go live out the parties I had watched in movies like Clueless, and Can't Hardly Wait (which is technically 2000, I think).
After searching through my mom's closet for some totally fly gear, and googling images of Jessie Spano, I had managed to put together a decent (though not entirely practical) outfit. Hint: Never wear a leotard to a party where you intend to drink. You will lose that battle with your bladder. Unless you have magical powers, or something.
I even had a pager and a brick cell phone. It was even better when we got to the party. The hosts went all out, with decorations, music, and even games. I played a rousing round of Pogs for the first time since... I don't remember when. I even ran into Daria. I also had my fortune told via Cootie Catcher. I get to be made over by Cher and Dion. Score! They handed out slap bracelets at the door, played 90s television shows on loop, and they set up a green screen to take pictures.
I think that's all I've got for right now. Coming soon: Chili Blog, and more Music Challenge!
Plus I had this big plan for my Blogiversary, which was back on the 22nd of September. As it turns out, had things happened on schedule, it also could have been my 50th post (so much for that). I won't spoil anything, I'll just have to write an Un-Blogiversary post when my plan comes together. 'Cause I'm Allison Wonderland, and I can do that.
However, since I'm feeling extra confident today, it felt appropriate to come back and share some truly nifty things.
Truly Nifty Thing No.1:
I fixed my car today! Chewy (so named because he made some unsettling noises not unlike Chewbacca when I first got it) has had several problems lately because he is 17 years old and has seen a lot of miles. The most recent, was the battery. I had to jump my car every time I drove it, and finally, it gave up. I was hoping it wasn't the alternator, because we've already put too much money into repairing this car, compared to what it's worth. But today, we took a chance, and bought a new battery to change ourselves. My dad helped me get the old battery out, but then he had an appointment and had to leave, so I was left to finish the job myself. AND I DID IT!! He even called to make sure I was doing it right, after I had already done it, and it turns out, I did it exactly the way I should. I'm so proud.
 | |||
| You can't even see the chili... but it was magnificent. |
I made chili! It took three days, but I made a big pot of some delicious chili. I'll give you the glamor shot now, and save another post for a full blown chili extravaganza.
Truly Nifty Thing No. 3:
 | ||
| Prom photo... wish my pager was showing. |
After searching through my mom's closet for some totally fly gear, and googling images of Jessie Spano, I had managed to put together a decent (though not entirely practical) outfit. Hint: Never wear a leotard to a party where you intend to drink. You will lose that battle with your bladder. Unless you have magical powers, or something.
I even had a pager and a brick cell phone. It was even better when we got to the party. The hosts went all out, with decorations, music, and even games. I played a rousing round of Pogs for the first time since... I don't remember when. I even ran into Daria. I also had my fortune told via Cootie Catcher. I get to be made over by Cher and Dion. Score! They handed out slap bracelets at the door, played 90s television shows on loop, and they set up a green screen to take pictures.
I think that's all I've got for right now. Coming soon: Chili Blog, and more Music Challenge!
Saturday, September 17, 2011
"In My Day, The Internet Was Called 'Books!'"
Okay, so maybe I paraphrased Peter Falk's statement from The Princess Bride, but in this case, I feel it's appropriate.
I don't really know what spawned the idea in my head. I think it's because my cousin's kids (who are really the closest thing I have to a niece and nephew) are getting older, and will soon have homework that will include written reports, which reminds me of that time in my own life.
It occurred to me that when I was their age (maybe a year older), I was writing reports without using the internet. The closest thing I had to the internet was this new program they called "Encarta."
That got me thinking. With the recent, and exponentially growing innovations in technology, we are in fact, dumbing ourselves down as a society. Let me state for the record that I am NOT dissing the internet. I LOVE the internet. I'm all over the internet. I mean, come on. I have a blog.
However...
There are basic skills that I learned as a kid that I think should still be taught today. How to write a research report without the use of the internet, for example. And it worries me to think that institutions like the public library will die out.
Much in the way my friends down in San Diego are trying to "reach a younger generation of theatre-goer," I think it would be great if elementary school students were required at some point early in their education to write a report using only hard copy sources. And by hard copy, I mean books, not a printout of an internet source, reputable or otherwise.
Not only would it prepare them for any event in which the internet may crash, but I also believe it would teach them associated life lessons. It would give them a new kind of respect for those who came before them. To know that before information was readily available to anyone with two hands and a computer, there was a time when if you wanted information, you had to actually leave the house and look for it.
And no, a field trip to the library to learn how it works, doesn't count. The only real way to learn how to use a public library, is to actually have to use it.
I realize this notion goes against the grain in this "green" and "paperless" world, but I do think that knowing how to use a public library is a really good skill for everyone to have. There's something very grounding about holding an actual book in your hands and copying down information on a separate piece of paper. It's all very academic, and I, for one, feel smarter for having done so.
I suppose this fits in with my last rant on television. And it definitely plays into my love of the movie Idiocracy. Seriously, watch it. Society is being sucked into the virtual world, and we are losing our grip on reality. So as I step down from my soap box, I'll leave you with this bit of wordplay. A last little rant on our slowly stupefying society.
Watch the beginning of Idiocracy. The devolution of Fuddruckers. Then take a look at this place.
LA's newest restaurant addition, branching from the Vegas food truck: Fukuburger
Japanese inspired burgers. But tell me you didn't read it the way I did. Yeah, and their slogan is "Get Lucky."
Don't even get me started on all the things they can do with Pho restaurants.
It's happening, ladies and gents. Idiocracy... is upon us.
I don't really know what spawned the idea in my head. I think it's because my cousin's kids (who are really the closest thing I have to a niece and nephew) are getting older, and will soon have homework that will include written reports, which reminds me of that time in my own life.
It occurred to me that when I was their age (maybe a year older), I was writing reports without using the internet. The closest thing I had to the internet was this new program they called "Encarta."
That got me thinking. With the recent, and exponentially growing innovations in technology, we are in fact, dumbing ourselves down as a society. Let me state for the record that I am NOT dissing the internet. I LOVE the internet. I'm all over the internet. I mean, come on. I have a blog.
However...
There are basic skills that I learned as a kid that I think should still be taught today. How to write a research report without the use of the internet, for example. And it worries me to think that institutions like the public library will die out.
Much in the way my friends down in San Diego are trying to "reach a younger generation of theatre-goer," I think it would be great if elementary school students were required at some point early in their education to write a report using only hard copy sources. And by hard copy, I mean books, not a printout of an internet source, reputable or otherwise.
Not only would it prepare them for any event in which the internet may crash, but I also believe it would teach them associated life lessons. It would give them a new kind of respect for those who came before them. To know that before information was readily available to anyone with two hands and a computer, there was a time when if you wanted information, you had to actually leave the house and look for it.
And no, a field trip to the library to learn how it works, doesn't count. The only real way to learn how to use a public library, is to actually have to use it.
I realize this notion goes against the grain in this "green" and "paperless" world, but I do think that knowing how to use a public library is a really good skill for everyone to have. There's something very grounding about holding an actual book in your hands and copying down information on a separate piece of paper. It's all very academic, and I, for one, feel smarter for having done so.
I suppose this fits in with my last rant on television. And it definitely plays into my love of the movie Idiocracy. Seriously, watch it. Society is being sucked into the virtual world, and we are losing our grip on reality. So as I step down from my soap box, I'll leave you with this bit of wordplay. A last little rant on our slowly stupefying society.
Watch the beginning of Idiocracy. The devolution of Fuddruckers. Then take a look at this place.
LA's newest restaurant addition, branching from the Vegas food truck: Fukuburger
 |
| *credit* |
Don't even get me started on all the things they can do with Pho restaurants.
It's happening, ladies and gents. Idiocracy... is upon us.
Some really great quotes...
I would not have stumbled across these quotes if I had not been having a chat (okay, more of a soap-boxy rant) about television with my parents this morning. We actually had a discussion that allowed me to hold the floor for a whole hour while the television was paused on a football game (what else?) and talk about a number of different subjects, and there is another post to follow.
I have already explained to Ashley that I am feeling "Blogolicious" today.
So on with it.
I was explaining to my parents my feelings about television. Don't get me wrong, I love television. I even have shows that I can't live without. But I also hate television. I miss having conversations with people. And having conversations with people while the the TV's on is often very difficult. Much the way it is when someone whips out their smart phone mid-conversation. And even I'm guilty of that.
I think the Art of Intelligent Conversation should be practiced more often, lest we all make ourselves dumber, Idiocracy style. I don't wan't my future children to go to law school at Costco and watch shows like "Ow, My Balls!" *Do yourselves a favor and watch this movie. The humor may be sophomoric comedy, riddled with gratuity and bathroom humor, but the message is actually pretty important, and well executed in its dichotomy.
I once had a syllabus for a theatre class with a cover page that read "Theatre is Life. Cinema is Art, Television is Furniture." That has stuck with me for years. I just think it's so interesting, and accurate in it's abstraction.
So I looked up the quote to see who had said it, and found this page of other quotes about television from some very prominent people (whose names, even if you don't know who they are, will likely sound familiar anyway).
The Quote Garden
I'll leave you with one of my favorites on the page:
I have already explained to Ashley that I am feeling "Blogolicious" today.
So on with it.
I was explaining to my parents my feelings about television. Don't get me wrong, I love television. I even have shows that I can't live without. But I also hate television. I miss having conversations with people. And having conversations with people while the the TV's on is often very difficult. Much the way it is when someone whips out their smart phone mid-conversation. And even I'm guilty of that.
I think the Art of Intelligent Conversation should be practiced more often, lest we all make ourselves dumber, Idiocracy style. I don't wan't my future children to go to law school at Costco and watch shows like "Ow, My Balls!" *Do yourselves a favor and watch this movie. The humor may be sophomoric comedy, riddled with gratuity and bathroom humor, but the message is actually pretty important, and well executed in its dichotomy.
I once had a syllabus for a theatre class with a cover page that read "Theatre is Life. Cinema is Art, Television is Furniture." That has stuck with me for years. I just think it's so interesting, and accurate in it's abstraction.
So I looked up the quote to see who had said it, and found this page of other quotes about television from some very prominent people (whose names, even if you don't know who they are, will likely sound familiar anyway).
The Quote Garden
I'll leave you with one of my favorites on the page:
When television came roaring in after the war (World War II) they did a little school survey asking children which they preferred and why - television or radio. And there was this 7-year-old boy who said he preferred radio "because the pictures were better."
~Alistair Cooke
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