Words, Words, Words
a.k.a.,
the stuff inside
Nirvana and noodles in aisle nine
Scary but true tales from the toilet
Would the real Erica please stand up?
Diary of a slave to New Jersey Transit
The best import since the Camry
Solitaire only looks sweet and innocent
Seen and heard: Nifty stuff in the news
Stuff that rocks just like Lenny Kravits
Invisible
Man
Ralph Ellison
Vintage Books, 1990
First a disclaimer. Just because the book isn't new to the market this week, doesn't mean I can't review it. With that in mind, I finally finished Invisible Man, required reading for my Introduction to African American studies class in college. At the time, I didn't get more than 150 pages into it because I firmly believe that assigning a book for a class takes all the fun out of it. But since I never finished the darn book, but I shelled out my hard earned dollars for it, I kept the novel on the bookshelf. After all, it made me look smart to have a great American novel in my possession. After about four years and six moves, I finally picked up Invisible Man to read on the bus in the mornings.
This book finally makes sense to me. My 20-year-old mind wasn't ready for Ellison's message. I hadn't lived enough to get it (I still haven't lived enough but that is a different story).
Yes, Ralph, I get it. The novel is the story of a young man, full of idealism and "yes, sir." He wins a scholarship to a southern black university but after a disgrace is forced to leave for New York City. In Harlem, the narrator joins a social movement with the belief he is working for the good of his people. But that ends when on of the "brothers" is killed by a police officer while selling paper toys on a street corner.
Ellison was a master at documenting the black experience in post-War America. His message of intolerance and injustice can be understood by people of all races. The prose and imagery are timeless. It feels like the narrator is an actor playing the prescribed role given to him by the white powers that be. The only time he can break out of that role is when he becomes an Invisible Man.
I highly recommend this book to those who wish to find conclusions about the hate crimes in today's America by looking at the crimes of the past. Explore what it was like to be black in post-war America and ask yourself, has it really changed so much?
Crispy
M&Ms
M&M Mars Co.
The best way I know to describe these tasty little chocolate confections is as the best post-lunch sweet. Lighter than their original cousins, but still as sweet, you feel like you are eating something healthy. After all, aren't Rice Krispies good for you? And yet, Crispy M&M's don't leave messy chocolate smears on your desk like Nestle's Buncha Cruncha. The rainbow of colors, including the controversial blue, provide hours of entertainment while being on hold or waiting for a program on my computer to open.
My one complaint is that the pale blue packaging is similar in color to Tropical Fruit Skittles, which are delicious in their own right but often sick to your teeth.
Spirit
Jewel
Atlantic Records
Not that I am biased or anything, but I am half tempted to diss this CD based simply on the fact that Jewel is blond and cute. But then we have to take into consideration the crooked teeth. But the be honest, I've done most of this zine, listening to Jewel.
I can really only highly recommend two songs, "Hands" and" Down So Long." The tunes are catchy and you'll find yourself walking down the street singing about having "a plastic Jesus and a cordless telephone for every corner of my room." I promise. Mark my words.
Let's face it, as a lyricist, Jewel was probably a standout in her high school literary magazine, but Maya Angelou (speaking of people who rock) she ain't. Her latest effort doesn't match up to her first work, Pieces of You, but it's worth a spin in your Discman, even if you skip back and forth between only two songs.
So, Spirit doesn't suck just because Jewel is cute. After all, I'm kind of cute too, but my teeth are straight.
L. L. Bean
Leather-bottom backpack
Freeport, Maine
I've had this thing since I was in high school. That was like seven years ago. My God, am I really that old? I guess I am. Anyway, its made of green nylon with brown leather accents. Although I usually wouldn't recommend green and brown as a color combination, it works for me. I carried this thing through several states and even across an ocean and a few European countries. Maybe the reason I still have it is because it's too ugly to be stolen and it won't give up the fight. But it holds several books, notebooks, pens, tampons and the junk that I require to function on a daily basis. There aren't too many pockets and zippers so my very essential stuff doesn't get lost (do I really need a special pocket for a calculator? I don't think so). The leather bottom has stood up to all the abuse I can dish out. My only problem is that it is not waterproof and during Hurricane Floyd last fall, everything inside got soaked.
Thank you Mr. Bean, for years of being able to tote my life on my back. It was the best $40 my parents ever spent.
Jill's Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
This is my sister's famous cookie recipe. She makes it so much that she has memorized the recipe. But for those without the powers of ESP, here it is:
2/3
cup shorting 1/2 cup butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons of vanilla
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
12 ounces of chocolate chips
Combine shorting, butter, sugars eggs and vanilla in a mixing bowl until smooth. Sift the dry ingredients together and add to the wet ingredients until combined. Add chips. Drop onto baking sheets and bake for 8 to 10 minutes at 375 degrees.