Because there are so many incredibly cool things out there, we decided in the Reviews Section last issue to include a new column, "Eclectica Reviewers Recommend." Purely subjective and highly opinionated, but hey, that's the point. Here's another look at our favorite things.
Scott Malby wants the world to know he's an idealist.
The world to me is a cracked shell I love to be stuck in. I like flea markets and making something out of nothing, like the large but chipped plaster bust of George Washington I bought and covered in pennies. My third favorite book is The Maclise Portrait Gallery of Illustrious Literary Characters with Memoirs; Biographical, Critical, Bibliographical, and Anecdotal Illustrative of the Literature of the Former Half of the Present Century, published by Chatto & Windus, 1898, and compiled by Bates. The volume consists of eighty-one literary portraits of English artists. The material was first published in Fraser's Magazine from 1830-38. I'm going to make it available for everyone on the internet when I get the time and money.
The Expressionism of Munch and the written work of Strindberg are my current art interests of the moment. Like Tolstoy, Strindberg never received the Nobel Prize for literature.
The next time you're up for a Bloody Mary, toss some good green olives in to keep the celery company. I'm tempted to throw the drink away just for the celery and olives— it's an interesting form of salad dressing. I'm listening to the Kronos Quartet as I write. Music helps me in the development of a sense of literary rhythm.
Elizabeth Glixman has an interest in pet psychology.
Do you ever wonder what your dog or cat thinks about or why they act in a certain way like peeing outside of the litter box or chewing your slippers—or even if they like you at all? Dawn Allen is a modern day Dr. Dolittle who can help you with many of these questions. She talks to the animals and they tell her how they feel. In a half hour phone consultation I found the reasons why my kitty was behaving strangely and a few other surprises. My cat had lots to say. Allen is also the John Edwards of the animal kingdom. She talked to Sammie, the love of my life cat, who is now on the other side. She told me things only Sammie would have known and for you cynics out there I gave her no information or even a hint of anything that would let her know these things. A couple of friends called her and they were able to help their animals with the information she relayed.
Here are some oldie but goodie movies: Primal Fear stars Richard Gere, and even if you already suspected, this movie will confirm how the bad guys get off in our judicial system. Jumanji, based on a children's book by Chris Van Allsburg, stars Robin Williams as someone who was trapped in a board game for 26 years—the game must be finished with the two original players and some new players to bring the town back to normal. Strange things are happening for everyone, and it is all great fun!
In Chicago Jen Finstrom recommends Joy Yee's pan-asian noodle house.
Wonderful food—my favorite dish includes lots of Thai basil—and a wide variety of bubble drinks. One whole wall of the restaurant is covered with fresh fruit. I have been to the locations in both Chinatown and Evanston. Also in Chicago, try Metropolis Coffee Company on West Granville. They roast their own coffee—it's the best I've ever had—and the people and atmosphere are great. There is a constantly changing display of local artwork.
For books, D'Aulaire's Book of Greek Myths is one of the first books that I checked out of the library. I never wanted to return it and my grandmother eventually bought a copy for me. It is large, lavishly illustrated, and the stories are well told. It isn't just for children; anyone with an interest in myth will love this book. Also, anything by Madeleine L'Engle whether her young adult Time Quartet titles," or any other fiction. She is so certain that the world is a good place, despite everything, that she makes me feel the same way.
Finally, for products, shop The Body Shop for cosmetics and skin care. Everything smells great and is attractively packaged. No animal testing and no animal products used. Their commitment to human rights and environmental concerns make me happy to shop there."
Maryanne Snell has a book she keeps going back to again and again: Misfortune by Wesley Stace.
It's a lush, beautiful novel about a baby boy found by a reclusive Lord and brought up to be the daughter the Lord always dreamed of. What happens when she finds out the truth and goes in search of the truth behind her birth is truly captivating. I am also loving Andi Watson and Simon Gane's new comic Paris, about two women in post WWII France.
I've been listening to British pop band Girls Aloud; their new album Chemistry is unabashedly fun get on your feet and dance music. And inspired by the film, I'm listening to the Rent Soundtrack (the complete Broadway version of course) and Jonathan Larson's other work, Tick, Tick... Boom for the millionth time.
Pamela Mackey went shopping on the Internet this winter, and she thinks everyone else should too. Here are her favorite museum tips:
