Whine & Cheese

A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius (#2)

The 2nd book I read last year was Dave Eggers' What Is The What.  So when I was looking at my pile of "to be read" books for my 2nd book of this year... I figured, what the heck... why not go with Eggers again!?!

...and the book that put him on the literary map, his Pulitzer Prize nominated personal memoir... A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius.  This is another one of those books that had been on my radar for a loooonnng time... but as often happens, I procrastinate so long that the author comes out with another book... and rather than read the book that originally garnered my attention, I read the "new" one... and if I like the "new" book, I typically get back to the "old" book.  So here we are!

One problem in holding off on a book, particularly a buzz-worthy one, is that the raised expectations... and that's even taking into consideration that the book is self-described/titled as "staggering genius."  Can we say "hype?"  While I usually keep my "research" on a book to a minimum before reading a book, I knew enough about this one to know that folks either loved or hated it.  Being my wishy-washy self, I'm somewhere in the middle... but leaning towards "like." 

It's not giving much away to tell you the impetus of the story is the death of Eggers' parents, both to cancer within six months of each other.  The first quarter of the book are those final months in their childhood, Chicago suburb home... the rest, a young 20-something Eggers and siblings moving to California to start life anew. 

However, before getting into any of this, there is a rather lengthy introduction/prologue.  Breaking down the "fourth wall," Eggers speaks directly to the reader about what they are about to read.  It's all a bit self-indulgent and very cool/hip.  How one feels about this part of the book is a pretty good indicator of how one will feel about the entire work.  I enjoyed it to an extent, but after a while it got a bit "whatever"/"okay, okay I get it." 

I compare it to those reality show contestants that let the audience "in" that they're lying... so when they do lie, what is normally an unacceptable behavior is kinda fun and acceptable.  In this prologue, Eggers lets us in on some of the jokes.  In a pre-Oprah/James Frey world, he fesses up to the use of creative license... gives a tongue-in-cheek explanation for the book's title... and is so bold to tell readers that beyond page 123 "the book thereafter is kind of uneven."  So when the book does lose its focus, can you really fault Eggers?

All in all, it's an entertaining read even though I did not find myself relating to/empathizing with that 20-something "I'm gonna rule the world" bravado.  Ultimately, all of Eggers literary trickery and "hip"-pery do seem to unveil themselves as a defense mechanisms of sorts in dealing with the death of his parents and coming of age/finding himself... a tad over-hyped, though one can hardly blame Eggers for that.

(I know this is a pretty popular book.  Just two years after the publication of the book, the family experienced yet another tragedy... mentioned quite briefly in the "Life" section of Eggers' Wikipedia entry.)

2008 1-2-3-4-5 Reading Challenge: + 469 Pages (Total: 818 pages - Finished: 1/14/2008)
140 (+97 change) pages ahead of pace.

What A Difference...

a year makes?   Or not.

Much is being made of the below picture taken prior to last night's State of the Union address as Hillary Clinton, I am quite certain, warmly greets Ted Kennedy while his new BFF Barack Obama's attention is elsewhere... Obama reports he waved to Clinton earlier in the evening.

But wouldn't you have loved to have been that woman in the glasses? 

Bet she's thinking... Awwwwk-ward!

That reminded me of a picture I posted from last year's SotU address of the now leading Democratic nominees for President... 

Hmmm... seems even more appropriate today!

Though you might want to skip that post (though it does funny for some "Aunt Linda" pictures from Saturday Night Live)...since I kinda sorta mention my gut telling me I didn't think either of them would be the next President.

Let's hope I'm wrong and that one of them will be standing the entire time for next year's State of the Union. 

Addicted To Therapy

... on television, that is.

Is there a 12-Step program to get over therapy-centric television?  And no worries, I am not talking Dr. Phil or others in the talk show ilk... and oh, it's mostly fake.

It all started innocently and slyly enough with the occasional, but always interesting, therapy sessions between the delightfully monotone Dr. Jennifer Melfi and Tony Soprano on, of course, HBO's The Sopranos.  Next, we shifted over to Showtime's documentary series, Sexual Healing with Dr. Laura Berman... and of late, it's been back to HBO and the fictional couch.

Although it wrapped in October, we're still working our way through the first season of Tell Me You Love Me.  It has taken so long to get through this couples therapy show since each episode is pretty emotionally draining (Todd opts for the more succinct "depressing").  We took the holidays "off" and now  we're on an "episode every other week" schedule.  While it's hard to call it "entertaining," it is pretty fascinating and quite well-done. 

The show got a lot of attention because of the explicit sex (we no longer have to imagine what sex with Ian Somerhalder, formerly Boone of Lost, would look like!).  I admit that even through a half-dozen episodes, I still find them jaw-dropping. I think it's just the juxtaposition... not very often you get softcore porn in the midst of a quality drama.  The sex scenes are (pardon the pun) very revealing... while the extent and length of them might be a tad gratuitous, they tell us a lot about the character and move along the plot.   

I'm guessing this next show will be more therapy, less sex and nudity...

Last night, HBO premiered a new series... In Treatment.

It is an interesting premise, but it's probably a good thing we got that new TiVo expander. It's a half-hour nightly drama series... that's 5 nights a week for 9 weeks! 

For 4 of the nights, it will be the doctor (played by Gabriel Byrne) dishing out the advice. Each night features a different patient.  For example, every Tuesday is a session with Alex (Blair Underwood), a Navy pilot recently home from Iraq.

On Fridays, the tables are turned and it's "physician heal thyself" with Byrne's character off to his own therapy session (with Dianne Wiest).

Other cast members (at least that I am aware of going into the show) are Josh Charles (of TV's Sports Night and the movie Threesome) as one half of a troubled marriage (the Thursday "appointment")... and Michelle Forbes (Battlestar Galactica and 24) as Byrne's wife.

I haven't had a chance to watch the first episode yet (nor do I know when that'll be), but I suspect it will be good and I'm not sure there's been original programming on HBO that I haven't liked.

I shouldn't really be too intimidated quantity/time-wise.  The schedule is really no different from a daytime soap... even a tad less, given that a hour-long soap would notch about 40 "TiVo minutes" and this should come in under 30 minutes even without commercials.

Why this addiction to these shows?  I guess it is vicarious therapy... and while I won't suggest I wouldn't benefit from therapy (who wouldn't!?!), it could just be that these shows make me feel a whole lot better about my life, my mental health and my relationship!

Spin (Re-)Cycle

We watch a decent amount of politics-oriented television... and try to stay even keel, some things just drive me nuts after awhile.

Thanks to this past weekend's Democratic South Carolina Primary we heard a lot about the black vote. Apparently I was supposed to feel a mix of shock and awe that Obama received a vast majority of the black vote... and how devastating it is to the Clinton campaign, who have always received backing from the African American community.  The punditry places much of the blame on allegedly divisive comments made by the Clintons, rather than the "Duh?!" reality that, to the best of my knowledge, neither Clinton has never run against an African American opponent and had competition for this traditionally Democratic voting bloc. 

Now it's true that Clinton had the lead among African American voters in early polls... but this was before a vote was ever cast and before Obama became (in a rapid manner) a viable candidate -- the ever popular, everybody loves a winner/bandwagon syndrome.  I don't see how this is surprising or unexpected.  Likewise, and on the flip side, I don't read much into Obama not getting much of the SC white vote.

Now I am not naive enough to think that race and gender issues are not in play, but I think are being over-stated.  When there is a nominee, how many Democrats will flip to the Republican Party?  I am voting Clinton in the upcoming primary... that said, there is absolutely no doubt that I will vote for whoever the ultimate Democratic nominee is... Obama... Edwards... heck, Gravel (he's still in it right?!).  While our preferences for the Democratic nominee are more passionate than I can ever recall, I don't see a whole heck of lot of votes in the (D) column in jeopardy.  (Again, this is not saying that I don't have my worries about the outcome of the election)

That leads me to my other pet peeve, the "half glass empty" spin.  After the New Hampshire primary, one very well-known journalist (of the "household name" variety... well, I guess... depending on the household) said of Clinton's 39% victory that subtext was that "over 50% of Democratic voters rejected Clinton."  Huh?!?!  Beyond the one vote for their preferred candidate, I had not realized that NH voters were asked whether or not they would never vote for a particular candidate if they were the party nominee?!?

Before going to bed last night, we also caught some of a CNN special where they noted how political polls are used (or mis-used) in the same way.  Their example was a poll question from a prestigious newspaper asking respondents "Who is the best leader?"... Candidate A gets 57%, B 22%, C 18%.  So is it wrong or misleading when Candidate B's political ad states (without ever citing these actual numbers)... "In a recent poll, over 40% of respondents do not think Candidate A would be the best leader for our country."

While I am not "PollyAnna" enough to think that the presidential or any political race is about issues or qualifications, some of this stuff does bug me.  While it's easy to blame the media, it has only become a phenomenon given that it works (or the perception that it works!)... and that "news" channels have to fill-up 24 hours a day one way or another...   

... whether its the lack of context for a quote turned sound-bite, a tear-less "crying" episode, how a poll question may be asked (or the results presented), an "outburst" that didn't involve a raised voice, how you would act if your "first choice" is not the nominee, that 5 might not be the conclusion when presented with the hypothesis of 2 + 2... stop and think... pretty often "doing the math" really ain't that hard.

Express Lane: Issue 43

Broadway's 'The Color Purple' Will Close Feb. 24 - The show comes to an end after a 2 1/2 year run... guess Fantasia really was a big box office draw. (1/24/08)

Amazing Race 12's Jen and Nate are Still Together - Well, knock me me over with a feather!  After a post-Race break, the two say things have "never been better" (though that's was a pretty low bar). (1/16/08)

Clinton Chooses Dancing Over Singing - Asked by Tyra Banks what reality show she would prefer to compete on, Clinton chooses 'Dancing With the Stars' - now once I know where Obama and Edwards stand on this issue, I think I will finally be able to make up my mind. (1/15/08)

Oprah Winfrey Getting Her Own TV Network - Perhaps ticked that Ellen Replaced Her As Favorite TV Star the Discovery Health channel will become her OWN... OWN as in Oprah Winfrey Network.  Yes, that's the name... not making this stuff up! (1/15/08)

Woman Who Made Hillary Cry Votes Obama - A pretty funny footnote... ok, I'll give you "emotional moment," but frick sake she didn't cry! (1/9/08)

'Big Brother' Returns to Showtime - Wasn't sure 'After Dark' would return for the first non-summer BB edition... sinc the premium channels are hurting for programming like the networks, but the wildly addictive (and unedited) 3 hour nightly block returns to ShoToo. (1/8/08)

Djok's On Me

As I said last week-ish, it is often hard to predict how the Australian Open will shake out.  It's the start of a new tennis year, so not a whole lot of momentum or match-toughness going on.

That said, my prognostications were more miserable than even I could imagine.

While both ranked in the Top 5, I had neither Ana Ivanovic or Maria Sharapova tagged for the finals.

Silly me thought Sharapova would go down to new mom Lindsay Davenport in the 2nd round.   What was I thinking?  Sure Davenport has had quite a bit success in her comeback but it was at lower level tournaments, so it's not like she had been knocking off top ranked opponents in the past few months. Still Sharapova's path was tough - through two higher ranked opponents,  #1 Justine Henin and #3 Jelena Jankovic (the alternative to Jankovic was the dangerous, but enigmatic, Serena Williams).  But Sharapova seems to have overcome her physical problems that played havoc with her serve in the past year or so and looks to be a Grand Slam contender going forward.

While Ivanovic is ranked higher, the Serb is the underdog going into the final.  Working in her favor is having defeated Sharapova on the way to her first Grand Slam final at last year's French Open. 

But I have to say this has got to be one of the most "beautiful" Grand Slam finals in the Open era... though unlike some other of the "pretty faces" that occasionally come onto the scene... these gals got game!

Two weeks ago, f you told me that the Aussie Open women's final was going to be Sharapova - Ivanovic, I would have believed you... however, if you then added that the men's finalists would be Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Novak Djokovic... well, I would have laughed in your face.

While the first letter of both their names are silent, this final match-up is certainly making a lot of noise in the tennis world!

Both eliminated the Top 2 players in exclamation mark-worthy straight sets... Tsonga dismantling Rafael Nadal and Djokovic in a slightly tighter scoreline vs. Roger Federer.... but still earth shattering ... I am sure the tennis pundit Federer "the sky is falling" hysteria will now commence... Federer had not lost a Grand Slam match in straight sets since 2004... and oh, had made the finals the last 10 Slams.

I'll forgive myself for missing Tsonga.  The Frenchman is ranked #38 and this is his first final at any tennis tournament, let alone a Slam.  Depressingly enough for me, Tsonga is the oldest of any of the finalists (both the men and women) at age 22!   I had predicted Tsonga losing in the first round to Brit Andy Murray.  But still, even if I had him past that match I am not sure I would have even placed this until now pretty undistinguished player into the second week.

I am kicking myself more over Djokovic.  I am in this on-going tennis prediction competition and I have certainly dug myself a hole for the rest of the year by not picking the #3 ranked Serb (Serbs are everywhere!).  It was a case of pre-Slam gullibility.  In an country vs. country team exhibition prior to the Open, "Nole" was flat on his stomach... trainers working on his bad back, etc., etc... it's happened before with him, so while I felt he could make it to the 2nd week, I figured he'd be toast at some point... certainly not having lost even a set going into the final.  Oh well!

It will be a first Grand Slam champion whoever wins... and for the first time in 3 years (the 2005 Australian Open), someone without the last name of Federer or Nadal... while I am a fan of both those players, it is still nice to finally see some new faces... perhaps it is the beginning of the end of the "lack of depth" complaint that had so often plagued the women's tour.  (Now there I go with the Federer "sky is falling" hysteria!)

Sign #27 That Your Political Campaign Is In Trouble

... sharing the hour on Larry King Live (Caller!) with Cojo!

Weapon of Giraffe Destruction

While still adorable and friendly, our Boston Rocky is a menace when it comes to plush doggie toys. 

On yesterday's pet food run, it was time to replenish some toys... again! 

Just for kicks, I decided to do my own little wildlife documentary.

WARNING:  Some of the images below may be disturbing for some readers.

Meet Mr. Giraffe, shiny and new.

At approximately 4:15pm, while Rocky was outside, I put Mr. Giraffe (and the other new toy) in his pile of toys (since his arrival, Rocky is the only pet that has toys).  Beyond being a "survival/let's see how long it lasts" test,  it was also an experiment to see if he would notice the new toys in the bunch... and I thought not making a big deal out of the new toy may increase its life span.

Meet Mr. Giraffe... pretty much gutted and de-squeaker'd (I warned you it may be disturbing!)... and are you ready for this...

This picture was taken at 5:41 pm!

Record time or pretty darn close!   Now, I know what you're saying, why do I keep on buying these toys?   Wouldn't it just be easier to sprinkle $5 bills around the house and be done with it? 

The thing is some of these toys have lasted... heck, we still have Rocky's original giraffe (given its curren condition, it is most certainly not being photographed).  So we try to replace some of his favorites, but even what appears to be the same exact toy, often does make it beyond a day... or a couple of days at most.  That said, if it keeps him from munching on stuff he's not supposed to be munching on, I really don't mind (well, kinda).

Here's the little marauder... in action... and quite agreeable to be photographed.

It's kind of like our own in-house cartoon version of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom.

Forced Vacation

I thought I may have jumped the gun yesterday.  Our probable vacation plans were in jeopardy just mere moments after I posted it to the blog.

I am pretty sure I have blogged about this before, but it is frustrating each and every time it happens... and the majority of the time potentially screwing with our plans, which given my inability to make up my mind is a pretty big deal... so the blog is a good method of venting. 

Ever so often (but with increasing frequency), Todd's company forces him to take vacation time.  Now, this is not done in the benevolent "aww, you need a break and deserve a rest" spirit.  It is all about profits and usually short-term/quarterly profits.

If I understand it correctly, vacation time is a pre-paid expense at the start of the year... so when vacation time is taken, it is not a new output of cash.  It's the equivalent of taking money out of the "Christmas Club" vs. the checking account... and all Wall Street cares about is the checking account.

Yesterday's directive was that all employees must take 40 hours of vacation prior to then end of first quarter.  The end of first quarter is March 28th... and yesterday was January 21st... meaning that by the end of this week, first quarter will be more than 25% over!   

Ok, I can understand company's controlling it a bit... say not allowing or limiting "rollover" vacation time on an annual basis... but in general, I think it is crappy to play around with people's (earned!!) vacation time at all...  and mondo craptastic to force it over such a short time period... particularly for those with kids in school.

Before we went into full panic, Todd figured out he had enough time built up and will accrue enough in the interim to not put our anticipated late springtime vacation into the dumper.  I guess one of the "advantages" of what has become a typical 60+ hour work week for Todd is feeling he can't take vacation time... thus the nice surplus... though he "joked" that this "vacation" will likely end up being telecommuting vs. going into the office.   

Vacation '08: Declaring A Winner

As you may recall, we narrowed down this year's vacation plans to the Canadian Rockies, Hawaii, and Europe.

The Canadian Rockies were the first to go (always the bridesmaid!) and with Europe seeming to be overwhelming in so many ways (where to go, booking all the parts, where to begin, etc.) so...

Hawaii (more specifically, Maui and the Big Island) vaulted into the immediate lead... besides being a no-brainer destination... largely thanks to our past experience with the Pleasant Holidays website.  It's so easy to use... booking air, hotel, and car all in one place and price (with decent savings)... hassle-free multi-island planning... flexibility to change hotels, change room from mountain view to ocean front, upgrade from economy car to convertible, get a later/earlier flight with instant updates to the total package price. 

I lamented... if only there was a website like this for Europe?!?

A couple days after pricing a quite lovely Hawaii vacation, I stumbled upon European Destinations and... voila!!... below is this past weekend's bookstore purchases... 

Like Pleasant Holidays, the European Destinations website makes multi-destination travel planning a breeze... lots of flight and hotel options... and with "package" savings.  We priced a direct flight from Phoenix to Heathrow on the British Airways website and it cost more than an entire week-long flight/hotel package on European Destinations.

I have never been to Europe, so where to go was a huge, but happy, dilemma.  My original thought was two cities, one "biggie" and then something smaller and unexpected.  The "biggie" focal point became Paris.... Paris/Amsterdam, Paris/Berlin, Paris/Barcelona...

The prices were pretty much in-line with what we were looking at for Hawaii.  A big surprise given the not-so nice combo of a declining US$ and climbing air fares due to fuel prices.

After trying out dozens of city combinations, kind of on a whim priced the triad of London - Paris - Amsterdam and it was not a crazy amount more... so heck, while we are all the way over there... why not see more?!   Granted it will be whirlwind... London and Paris, in particular, are a full-course meals... but a healthy plate of appetizers is just as good!

I particularly like the order of the destinations.  While they don't tawk "American," English speaking London seems a good toe-dip into Europe.  Paris is the crazy middle, overwhelming in so many ways.  And laid-back, liberal and even naughtier than I thought Amsterdam... a place to catch one's breath before the trip home.

Another thing that made this particular package desirable was high-speed train rides between the European cities... while not Big Ben or the Eiffel Tower, a ride on the Eurostar through the "chunnel" is a pretty cool thing to check off the travel "bucket list."

We haven't booked anything yet, though I am guessing pretty soon.  One of the big reasons I did this "announcement" post today, was for some reader input. 

I am open to hearing "what to do"... but given that we'll be in each city for 2-3 days, I am anticipating that not being an issue.  I am most hoping for is "where to stay" advice... either specific hotels or areas, particularly in London and Paris.  We did stumble on to cool hotel in Amsterdam (free mini-bar?!?!), so I think we are fine there.