Friday, May 19, 2006

Lipstick & Magazines #56: Great

Great new...

Book: Sweet and Low: A Family History by Rich Cohen - a voyeuristic treat, Sweet and Low finds Cohen playing the investigative reporter, trying to suss out the truth of his own family, whose patriarch started the company that would go on to create and package the pretty pink packets of sugar substitute. Cohen's wing of the family, or rather his mother and "her issue," as his grandmother's will refers to them, is disinherited, freeing him to dig deep into the complex, strange, and juicy history of his Brooklyn-based Jewish family.

Movie: Prime - written and directed by Ben Younger, who also made the wonderful Boiler Room, this "romantic comedy" is truly refreshing - real chemistry between older woman Uma Thurman and younger guy Bryan Greenberg, an excellent Jewish therapist mother played by Meryl Streep, and an overall tight, sophisticated, stylish and poignant film.

Website: Dive - you gotta love an SF-based food blog that includes the SF Dept. of Public Health on its link list. But seriously, strong writing, a true sense of place, and great photos of food that's not necessarily served up asking to be photographed.

Idea: Eau du PLAY-DOH - I can vouch for their Orange Creamsicle scent; now Demeter Fragrance has created a limited edition Play-Doh fragrance to celebrate the company's 50th anniversary. I must admit, I still enjoy a good whiff of Play-Doh, so I'm very intrigued.

Revival: The Babysitter's Club~graphic novels - Props to my former middle school classmate Raina Telgemeier for scoring this cool gig - she's the cartoonist drawing these adorable new versions of the 80's classic pre-teen girl reads. How fun.

No comments: