Archive for the ‘Jane Granville’ Category

Hallelujah

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009
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It is my untested and unscientific observation that Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” is the most covered song I’ve ever heard. It’s also one of my favorites. It’s interesting to listen to, and compare, different versions. As much as I love Regina Spektor, her version disappointed me. Rufus Wainwright’s is undeniably fabulous, and Brandi Carlile’s voice adds a unique take on it.

I recently stumbled across a new version I hadn’t heard before, in the video above. I wasn’t familiar with Kate Voegele before this song, but I think it’s made a fan out of me.

What’s your favorite rendition of “Hallelujah?”

Stuff White People Like

Friday, October 23rd, 2009

Wait. Don’t freak out. I’m not racist.

Stuff White People Like is the absolutely brilliant, hilarious, and politically incorrect blog and book created by Christian Lander. The 128-item list of Stuff White People Like includes Sushi, Facebook, Political Prisoners, Whole Foods and Grocery Co-ops, Making You Feel Bad About Not Going Outside, Public Radio, and Black Music that Black People Don’t Listen To Anymore. (Of course to be more accurate, replace “white people” with “the elitist young hipster liberal upper-middle class.”) If you are a bit sensitive to this kind of thing, then skip this link and forget I even mentioned it. Of course it’s all based on stereotypes. It’s a little bit offensive. It requires an ironic eye to get through an entry without being horrified. But if you get past that, it’s possibly among the funniest things I’ve ever read. (more…)

A Wedding, Suburban Dramz, and Drug-Dealing School Nurses

Friday, October 9th, 2009
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Funny how the year I’m outside the United States is the year I’ve gotten the most into the fall TV season.  This year, I’ve been absolutely obsessed with three shows: Bones, The Office, and a newcomer that’s making huge waves, Glee.  And this week was a winner for all three shows.  Beware:  if you haven’t seen the episodes of these shows from this past week, stop here.

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Cooking on a Budget

Friday, September 25th, 2009

Not going to lie: I’m sort of cheap.

I also really enjoy cooking good food. I’ve been experimenting with making simple but delicious meals. My biggest success so far is a pasta dish with onion, garlic, peas, sardines, and tomato paste. It’s easy to make (Boil pasta. Saute onions. Add peas, sardines, and tomato sauce), and quite inexpensive– which is a huge plus, living in one of the most expensive cities in the world. I’m always looking for new recipes for good meals that won’t break the bank. Any suggestions?

Back to Bones

Friday, September 18th, 2009

Over the summer, I fell in love with Fox’s Bones.  And ever since, I’ve been anxiously awaiting the premier of season five — which aired last night.

I was one of those few people who actually enjoyed the season four finale.  Maybe I’m just a sucker for romance, but I LOVED seeing Booth and Brennan together like that.  So I, like all other fans, went into Season Five with the burning question:  will they or won’t they?

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Greetings from London

Monday, September 7th, 2009

I have a new home for the next several months, and that home is the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.  So far it hasn’t rained, I’m still irritated with the exchange rate, and I’ve gotten much better at crossing the street.  I’ve gone on several strolls through Hyde Park, walked through Mayfair, and had a lovely time envisioning London of the 19th century, as depicted in so many of my favorite romance novels.  Next up:  the Tower of London!

And then tomorrow, the vacation stops– it’s time for class.  My classes should all be interesting:  British Life and Cultures, British History, and British Politics.  All the better to appreciate the intricacies of Regency and Victorian England!

Musicians I Love

Friday, August 28th, 2009
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Occasionally I blog about musicians I’ve been listening to lately, and today’s installment is Ingrid Michaelson.  Thank God for Pandora, who introduced me to such a beautiful singer.

Bargain Clothes Shopping

Monday, August 17th, 2009

The past few days, I’ve visited a few local thrift and consignment shops.  I’ve never been a big consignment store buyer, but I heard about a good one in the next town over so I decided to check it out– and I am so glad I did.  I found a great skirt, a fabulous pair of navy blue pumps, and a tank top; at another shop I visited, I found two beautiful silk scarves, one of them Oscar de la Renta.  My total from both shops? $23.

Most shops I’ve visited in the past have had much more of the oversized 90’s fashions than anything I’d rather wear today (or, on the other side of the spectrum, designer labels with designer prices), but this shop (Your Other Closet in Vernon, NJ if you’re curious) had a number of cute tops, skirts, pants, shoes, handbags, and jewelry — and all reasonably priced.  Your Other Closet was a true find, and I can’t wait to go back.

One of the many things I’m looking forward to in London is their plethora of charity shops — stores with used books, clothes, housewares, etc. operated by organizations like Oxfam or area hospitals.  There’s one in the neighborhood where I’ll be living, and you can bet I’ll be doing some thrifty shopping while I’m there.

Do you shop at consignment shops or thrift stores?  What’s your best find?

Therapeutic Knitting

Monday, August 10th, 2009

I have decided that I am going to learn how to knit. I knew once upon a time, years ago, but I’ve since forgotten. My mom’s co-worker is going to cast me on and teach me tomorrow. The reason I’m learning is because I have trichotillomania, an anxiety disorder similar to OCD that makes you pull out your own hair. (I know it sounds strange, but if you’d like more information visit the TLC or feel free to ask me.) I’ve heard knitting is a good way to keep your hands busy to stop pulling and release the anxiety or stress that causes it. Plus, I love scarves. I’m sure my scarves will be fairly messy at first, but I honestly don’t care—I’ll wear them anyway. I already bought some really nice pink and green yarn that I think will make a great, colorful scarf. The potential for Christmas presents is boundless.

My question for you all: do you have any knitting tips? I’ve also heard about special knitting needles that are airplane-friendly; as I have a 7-plus hour flight coming up, I’d like to be able to do some knitting, without my needles being taken away by the TSA. Do you have any other ideas on how to keep my hands busy while watching T.V., on the bus, or reading? How do you deal with stress and anxiety?

(500) Days of Summer

Wednesday, August 5th, 2009

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A week or two ago, I saw (500) Days of Summer with some friends.  It is the ultimate hipster-indie-rom com.  Of course, quite firmly they insist (and accurately so), “This is not a love story. It is a story about love.”

The story follows a young man who falls desperately in love with Summer, played by Zooey Deschanel.  They date, they’re happy, then everything implodes.  Somehow it manages to be bittersweet, with far more sweet than bitter.  There’s an absolutely fantastic dance number, lots of good music including some by my girl Regina Spektor, and some totally cute romantic moments.  It sort of turns the traditional romance set-up on its head, but do I recommend it?  Absolutely.  As much as I love romantic movies, it’s refreshing to see one that isn’t predictable.

Have you seen (500) Days of Summer?  What did you think?  If not, are you planning on seeing it?