Diary of a Dilettante

Just in case you cared, here's a place where you can find out a little bit about everything that I know a little bit about.

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Location: Los Angeles, CA

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Monday, October 31

The Ivy Pinkerton Files

 

Rochas Fall 2005 Collection Dresses

Every few years I come across a picture of a truly splendid item of clothing and I save it. Years later, I find the pictures tucked away in bedside table or desk drawers. I recently came across a picture of a Karl Lagerfeld dress I had saved. It was a timeless dress, odd, creative, luxurious, and not abiding to any trends of the season. It was modeled upon a trench coat, but not in a kitschy way, rather in a beautiful, sculptural way, that was ingenious and superbly flattering. It’s hard to explain. I threw the picture out finally because I have a new obsession: the Rochas Fall 2005 Collection dresses.

They do not look like any other dresses. They are light as air, but sculpted to the skin, sometimes demure, but almost gothic. The silhouettes are simple but the construction is intensely masterful. I saw one in person but did not dare try it on for fear of doing something rash, like purchasing it. Instead, I will tuck a picture away somewhere safe, like a treasure. --IP



Ed. note: once again, the Dabbler is NOT Ivy Pinkerton...

Trick or Treat

 

Our garage PM, Olive, has really gotten into the holiday spirit. Much to the Dabbler's surprise, she showed up bright and early this morning fully costumed. Not wanting her enthusiasm to be wasted on me alone, she asked that I extend a happy Halloween to all of her devoted fans. Unfortunately she can't eat the chocolate that is often distributed on this day, as she and her canine counterparts are highly allergic to the confection.


If you sense any irritation in her facial expression, it has nothing to do with the bovine duds. I swear they were of her choosing. Perhaps her annoyance has to do with the piles behind her, evidence of the Dabbler's inability to properly file and maintain her office. Olive wishes she had opposable thumbs so she could be PM of that vast project as well.

Boo! (Or should I say moo? Or ruff?)

Friday, October 28

Wine of the Week

 

Fontafredda Langhe Eremo Rosso, 2002

A reader told me that I couldn't consider myself any sort of wine critic without occasionally badmouthing a bottle, and I understand that position. Mostly, though, my palate isn't so developed that I can actually discern the subtle differences between an okay wine, a good wine, an outstanding wine and so on.

My level of expertise, or philosophy, or whatever you want to call it, is that I know what I like, and I know what I don't. So right now I'm going to list a bottle of wine that I disliked despite having been recommended to me by the quaint Du Vin on San Vincente. The wine in question? Fontafredda Langhe Eremo Rosso, 2002.

A Nebbiolo/Barbera red blend from the Piedmont region of Italy, the wine was tangy with too much of a peppery aftertaste. Maybe we opened the bottle too soon, maybe we should have decanted it, maybe it was corked. I couldn't tell you. All I know is I didn't like it, I don't recommend it, and I would avoid it if I were you. Go to Du Vin and buy something else. Usually their recommendations are excellent.

Next week, I will present you with a bottle that I actually enjoyed.

Thursday, October 27

The Dangers of Blogging

 


Last night I attended my monthly book club meeting. As is often the case, more time was spent discussing the goings on in each member's life than the book selection itself (that's why I love my book club so much, considering I'm post-literate). It just so happens that a good percentage of the Dabbler's dedicated readers are in this particular social group, and fairly early on into the evening I had a startling revelation.

Basically, everything that I might have contributed to the conversation that could have been of interest to my peers -- about the Garage Project, about restaurants, about movies or TV, etc. -- had already been written about in my blog; and most people in attendance (bless their hearts) had read my musings. Anything I wanted to say had already been said, ad infinitum, available to my friends and family at the click of a mouse! This left me, for the first time in as long as I can remember, speechless.

Uh oh. Given my bumbling social skills and limited capacity in the conversational arts in the first place, I might have to rethink this blog thing. Blogs may represent the end of the Dabbler's ability to engage in small talk. I can deal with being post-literate. But post-conversationalist? I don't think so.

Then again, maybe I used to talk too much, and my blog has offered a much needed reprieve to others (in the book club, not to mention in other parts of my life) who, before, could never get a word in edgewise.

Please feel free to leave your thoughts and comments here so the Dabbler can figure out what to do. To post, or not to post?

Monday, October 24

Tivo Travails - Carver update

 

So I can't drop "Nip/Tuck" from my Season Pass. The show is still ludicrous and verges occasionally on the pornographic. But the Carver mystery is keeping me hooked. My brash statement that the smarmy new doctor was the obvious criminal may need to be rethought. I mean, now that the Dabbler has brushed up on all the "Nip/Tuck" forums and bulletin boards out there (and there are many of these), she sees that a number of other characters -- Liz, Kit, Kimber, Sean, Julia, and even Matt for starters-- might have access to the information/materials that the true Carver would need in order to have both murdered the woman who faked being carved, as well as plant a condom filled with Christian's love juice at the crime scene.

Sheesh. Did the Dabbler fall so easily for the most obvious of red herrings? Or is the Dabbler simply brilliant? More analysis on this subject to come.

On another TIVO note, all HGTV programming has been dropped from the Season Pass. Who needs to watch other peoples' home improvements when you're doing your own? "ER" keeps its slot for the time being, but "Desperate Housewives" is on the brink of extinction. As soon as something decent comes back to HBO Sundays (read, something other than "Rome"), it's bye bye Wisteria Lane. The Of Mice and Men plotline revealed last night is just so wrong.

The Garage Project

 

Episode 2

I don't feel like being witty today, so this is going to be a pithy, straightforward entry. Sorry folks. I know I've really set the bar high on previous posts...

Construction (or deconstruction) has officially begun. We got a storage unit. We emptied our garage. Salvation Army is coming on Wednesday to pick up the rest of the stuff.

As you can see in the photos, the concrete driveway has been partially removed to make way for the pipes that will extend the sewer line into the garage, allowing us to put a bathroom in the new space. You can also see our project manager, Olive, sitting proudly next to her work. She's a very good digger, but did express a mild amount of disappointment that there were no badgers burrowing underground.


Also, we have ordered glass mosaic tile for the tub surround (pictured below, left) as well as bamboo flooring that will extend from the office area into the bathroom (pictured below, right). At some point (when I am feeling more energetic, and hopefully more jocular too) I will elaborate on the subject of where to find the best materials for the least amount of money. But, alas, today is not that day.

Friday, October 21

Movie of the Week

 

Good Night, and Good Luck, directed by George Clooney. 2005

This will be a quickie (much like the film, which only runs 93 minutes).

For a change, the Dabbler will be recommending a movie currently in theaters, rather than the classics of weeks past. It's merely a coincidence that this particular film is set during the same Cold War decade in which both previous selections were made. Good Night, and Good Luck is simply a worthy movie deserving of your ten bucks.

Much more assured than Clooney's directorial debut, the flawed and overly ambitious Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, GN+GL is a controlled, modest but enjoyable, well-crafted piece of filmmaking. Especially noteworthy is the diegetic use of archival footage -- of the McCarthy hearings and CBS News clips -- which flows seamlessly into the meticulously production-designed narrative. Acting is understated but almost flawless from the entire cast. Though it easily could have, the movie never preaches or becomes overly didactic. Go see it!

Thursday, October 20

Runway Report

 


A word of warning: this may not be the most articulate post, since fashion is not really the Dabbler's forte and she doesn't have the vocabulary to truly do it justice. Please accept an advance apology. Without further ado...

Well, the Dabbler has finally dabbled in high fashion. If you could call it that. The event for Rock & Republic, which turns out is the clothing label of Posh Spice (aka Mrs. Becks), ranged between runway show and strip club. At certain points, the shirts and short shorts unintentionally revealed parts so private, the models wearing (or not wearing) them looked confused and demoralized; however, a few models actually embraced the lack of coverage and virtually went topless, with an occasional hint of Basic Instinct. There was one wearable outfit in about the 40 shown.

But this was not the surreal part of the evening. Because I was accompanying a V.I.P., we were given choice seating in the second row (right behind the V.V.I.P.s), and were placed next to Jonathan Silverman (of Weekend at Bernie's fame) and his Shiksa-appealing fiancee, Jennifer Finnigan, star of the new TV show "Close to Home" -- which, incidentally, I now feel obligated to add to my Tivo. They were both very nice and friendly, and since Jennifer owns a mini-dachshund she must be really cool too.

But that still wasn't the surreal part of the evening. That would have to have been the intense combination of all the aforementioned items, the 25 piece orchestra doing its best to be heard over the blaringly loud Duran Duran tunes piped through the PA system, and -- the coup de grace -- sitting directly behind both Serena Williams, the most muscular woman I have ever seen (sinewy ripples literally bulging through her shirt), and Paris Hilton, who attracted a lot of attention for the five minutes she could sit still, all the while incessantly text messaging friends on her Sidekick.

Being driven home in a chauffered Humvee, after nine years of living in Los Angeles, I finally felt like I had arrived; though, I suppose covertly taking camera phone pics of semi-celebrities could constitute strong evidence to the contrary. Here are pics to prove whatever there is to prove...Serena on left, Paris on right with trusty Sidekick visible, Runway above.

Wednesday, October 19

Dabbler to attend Fashion Week event!

 

This just in: the very unfashionable Dabbler has somehow managed to get invited to a "must-attend" LA Fashion Week event, the runway show for Rock & Republic jeans.* How on earth did this happen? Ivy, could you please tell the Dabbler what to wear? Help!

The after party will feature tunes spun by "famed" DJ AM (which means the incredible shrinking Nicole Richie shouldn't be far behind), and is sponsored by the likes of Absolut Vodka, Nars, Game Boy and Porsche.* God I hope there's a Boxster in the goodie bag...

*Both "must-attend" and "famed" status designated humbly by unbiased B|W|R Public Relations, in their press release for the event.

Wine of the Week

 

Edge Napa Valley 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon

K&L Wine Merchants in Northern California says the following about this well priced Napa Cab:

The deeply fruited nose opens to black currant and vanilla. The medium full-bodied palate continues with these flavors of ripe cassis, vanilla and hints of blackberry. The long finish is accentuated by the soft silky tannins. This wine was sourced from grapes grown near St. Helena and in the Oak Knoll district of the Napa Valley. The vineyards were planted in the 1980s and are vertically trellised to allow the grapes maximum sunlight exposure. The result is a rich supple Cabernet Sauvignon without green flavors or harsh tannins.

The Dabbler says the following:

While on a trip to the Central Coast, a wine purveyor tipped the Dabbler off that a highly accomplished vintner is responsible for the robust Edge Cabernet. In fact, he alluded to Heidi Peterson Barrett of Screaming Eagle fame, though he could not identify her with complete certainty (Edge's website says only that it is "blended by a notable winemaker" but will not name its maker). At $18 or so per bottle, it's worth the risk that it's a scam. Screaming Eagle is nearly impossible to get unless you're on its very closed mailing list, and when you do come across a bottle at either auction or a restaurant, it will run you in the hundreds of dollars. Buy a bottle and drink this with a rib-eye steak and truffled mashed potatoes. Whether or not it's a cult counterfeit or the real thing, it remains a value wine worth every penny.

Available at the aforementioned K&L Wine Merchants ($17.99), LA's Wine House ($16.95) and in New York at Liquid Discount Wine & Spirits ($18.99).

Also rumored to be a Screaming Eagle second label, but with far less substantiation and more controversy, is Whispering Dove. More likely, with clever-ish naming (Whispering in place of Screaming, Dove in place of Eagle; as well as the vintage name "Alter Eagle") it's an ethically suspect marketing ploy. But, you never know. And Whispering Dove is also well priced compared to its reference point, at $30 a bottle for the 2003 release.

Tuesday, October 18

The Ivy Pinkerton Files

 

From New York, Ivy reports:

About four years ago, I found a pair of black, wool, beautifully tailored knickers that were so sublime. But I didn’t have the guts. As I stared at myself in the mirror I feared feeling as if I were wearing a costume, impersonating an eight year old English schoolboy perhaps, for no one else in the world at that time was wearing knickers.

But now they are back, officially, from Zac Posen (pictured right) to Chloe, (pictured left) and peppering the store windows of Soho. Knickers and culottes (the knicker’s shy pants-masquerading-as-a-skirt cousin), are reemerging in their once every 17 year cycle, much like the North American cicada.

Perfect with this year’s smorgasbord of boots, knickers give welcome variation to a skirt and pants-laden wardrobe. Give these odd half-pants a chance before the window of opportunity closes once again! --IP

Clarification for those new to DoD: The Dabbler is NOT Ivy Pinkerton. Ivy is a fashion aficianado working, living and playing on Manhattan Island, USA. I bet she's sad not to be in Los Angeles for Fashion Week...

The Squeamish Gourmet

 

When I graduated from college, I didn't have a job lined up. Instead, I took three months and traveled around South East Asia, to countries -- such as Indonesia and Malaysia -- that I might not go to at present day with my husband, let alone as a woman traveling solo. This was all in a pre-Osama, -jihad, -war-in-Iraq world (well, at least pre-Gulf War 2).

I was adventurous, daring, and one might say naïve, when it came to all sorts of matters, from getting on the back of a local's motorcycle upon arrival in Ubud, believing his claim that he would take me to "beautiful bungalow accomodations" that would cost me only $5.00 a night including breakfast (he was telling the truth, though prices seem to have gone up since), to eating meals from street vendors, never once thinking that I wasn't consuming said chicken that the cart-proprietor claimed to be proffering (in retrospect who knows what I was actually eating, and I did get sick with some amount of frequency).

I was careful, of course, not to chew gum in Singapore, lest I get caned. But otherwise I was a free spirit with few fears, especially when it came to food; though I admit, I never tried Durian and I am not so thrilled to see that Whole Foods has recently begun peddling the stinky, spiky fruit. (Durian smells so bad that many hotels, posting warning signage outside, won't even allow it on their premises. See image to left.)

Now, a mere twelve years later -- yikes, has it been twelve years? -- I will hardly enter a restaurant with a B letter grade from the Los Angeles County Health Department. What has happened to the daring, adventurous foodie in me? I have grown to become a timid, squeamish eater. I admit I have even had actual nightmares where I find myself eating in a restaurant, only to discover mid-meal that I'm in a C-rated enterprise! Is this the adult, yuppie version of the bad dream in which you realize you have a final exam that day for a French or math class you haven't attended all semester? (I still have those, too, by the way.)

All of this makes it difficult for the Dabbler to really claim any expertise as far as dining goes, since, as reported in the Los Angeles Times two weeks ago, the more authentic ethnic establishments are the ones that most commonly receive health scores of B and C. But I consider myself somewhat of a bon vivant nonetheless.

Following is a list of some interesting LA area restaurants that get A scores (at least at last inspection), and that the Dabbler highly recommends for the persnickety diners out there who still consider themselves gastronomes:

BCD Tofu House: There are several locations for this chain of 'soon-tofu' restauraunts, but the only one currently receiving an A grade (and consistently so) is located at 1201 S. Los Angeles Street, 90015. I have never been to this particular location (apparently the ones I normally frequent, at Wilshire and Kingsley, and at Olympic and Western, have only B scores at the moment) but I can tell you that the food at BCD is quite good. Soon tofu is a stew served in a stone pot, containing a spicy broth, meat, fish or kimchee depending upon your preference, egg, and of course the eponymous tofu which is silky soft and homemade. You can also get bulgogi, bibimbap and other Korean dishes for those uninterested in soy stew.

Chosun Galbee: This Korean barbecue joint is probably the poshest of them all, with the most technically advanced and powerful exhaust system around, so patrons don't leave smelling like smoked meats. Everything here is excellent, and the food is relatively reasonably priced. While scores have fluctuated between B's and A's, Chosun Galbee's current score of 90 puts them in the A category. This is a joint that I give the benefit of the doubt. The outdoor patio is especially lovely.

Tere's Mexican Grill: While I'm sure there is plenty of lard used to make the food here, it's as good as (if not better than) any Mexican east of Western Avenue. It beats the overrated Loteria stand at the Farmer's Market, which is now practically a cafeteria, by miles. Particularly delectable is the chile relleno burrito.

La Buca: My favorite neighborhood joint, this small Italian storefront is like eating in somebody's home in Northern Italy. In fact, the owner's mother even illegally enters the country for part of the year to run the kitchen. Even without 'Mama' around, the food is excellent, as is the $0 corkage. Menu highlights: any homemade pasta, especially the gnocchi. And they've gotten straight A's on their last four health inspections (this is as far back as the health department goes on their website)!

Sunnin Lebanese Cafe: This hole in the wall on Westwood Boulevard currently gets a 95 score from the health department, and I would give it that for food quality as well. It must be the cooking of "famous chef" and "much loved Em-Toni" (text taken from the restaurant's website -- does every restaurant, except for Tere's, have a website these days?). They prepare the best falafel I've ever had; and the labneh with garlic, a thick and creamy, yogurty, almost cream cheese-like dip, is indescribably scrumptious. Note, Gayot.com states that it's a hang-out for "homesick expats from Lebanon, Iran and Egypt" so there is always the possibility that you'll be dining alongside an Al-Qaeda operative. Not that I'm paranoid or racist or anything like that...

Posh on Pico: Guess what? They have their own website too! I have only been here twice, but both experiences were positive. There's now a place to get Cuban food other than Versailles (not that there's anything wrong with Versailles), and the menu includes items from the inventive (the "Latina cheeseburger") to the traditional (the "Cuban sandwich" pictured here). The owner is ultra-friendly so expect to be engaged in conversation whether you like it or not. It comes with the territory.

Torafuku: This is the first outlet of a Japanese chain specializing in Kamado rice. According to Torafuku's website (yes, of course they have one), "the Kamado originated in ancient Japan, approximately 2000 years ago during the Kofun Era. It consisted of a large earthen oven with a metal pot that was horizontally inserted, then heated from the bottom using wood for fuel. The Kamado, being quite versatile, was used to cook rice and other foods, as well as to boil miso (soy bean) soup and hot water for tea. In some cases, the heat that it generated was used to heat the home during the winter months. Over time, the Kamado evolved into steel rice cookers inserted into a stone frame, like the one you see here at Torafuku, known as the Ishikamado. It is through the use of the Ishikamado, where the Japanese perfected the art of cooking rice. The end result is sweeter, fluffier rice that is better than any rice you've experienced before." They also have been very picky to import only what they consider the finest rice to cook in these gigantic stone pots. One word of advice...don't go here for dinner. At lunch you can get incredible bento boxes and set menus for an average price of ten to twelve measly bucks. A veritable bargain.

Monday, October 17

Free movies at the Arclight!

 


Here's a tip for Los Angeles denizens...you're sort of supposed to be both a Variety subscriber and a guild member of some type to qualify, but even if you're not, you can still find your way on the guest list for the Variety Screening Series at the Arclight.

Yay! No matter how jaded I get in so many other ways, I will never stop enjoying a comped movie ticket, to the city's best screening venue no less.

To RSVP to screenings, go to this secret website. Click on the RSVP radials for the movies you desire (up to three at a time), and then enter the requested information.

I happen to be a Variety subscriber so I don't know what will happen if you're not. But I'm certainly not a guild member, and it still worked for me. The inane Q&A sessions with cast and/or director following the screeenings, in addition to the $2.50 parking fee, are but small prices to pay for the pleasure of cuffo cellluloid.

Tonight Jarhead is screening, though it is listed as sold out.

Friday, October 14

Wine of the Week

 

2001 Finca Allende Rioja, Spain

Robert Parker's tasting notes: "Bottled unfiltered for the USA market, the 2001 Allende exhibits a dense ruby/purple color along with a sumptuous nose of figs, black currants, blackberries, cigar box, and smoky vanilla. Full-bodied, rich, and opulent, with great purity, density, and length, it should be consumed over the next 6-7 years". 93 points.

Dabbler's tasting notes: "Mmmmmmmmm. Yummy." Two thumbs and one big toe up.

Available at Wine House in Los Angeles, or at PJs Wine in New York. $20

Thursday, October 13

Art Galleries -- free booze and culture reminder!

 


Gallery openings this Saturday evening. My pick is Neil Farber (work shown above) at Richard Heller in Bergamot Station. See earlier post for details of the fun that can be had at such events.

The Garage Project

 

I warned you I'd be writing about home improvements at some point, and the time has come. Next week will mark the beginning of the latest Dabbler renovation, which shall be dubbed 'The Garage Project'. Interested in tracking progress along with me? Well then, it's your lucky day! This column will be sort of like that Dream House show on HGTV, but on a smaller, hopefully less annoyingly yuppified scale.

First up, the photo you see below of the garage door is currently on Craig's List, in an effort to secure partial financing for the project. If anybody here wants to buy it, just mention this blog and you'll get a special deal. Without further ado, the 'before' photos. More to follow soon. I bet you can't wait!


Wednesday, October 12

Tivo Travails

 

I don't know about you, but when I first got TIVO it was liberating. I could watch what I wanted, when I wanted to. Skipping the ads of course, and saving time. My TV habit went from around 10 hours of programming a week down to maybe 6 or 7 -- nicely squeezed into two sessions or tube time a week.

However, I now find myself enslaved by TIVO. I can't keep pace with it. TIVO records things faster than I can watch them, 2 shows at once even. And there is no way I can just erase shows without having viewed them. The OCD freak in me won't allow for that.

In any case, the programs are accumulating at such a rapid pace I'm afraid I may FILL UP MY HARD DRIVE! All 35 hours of HD/250 hours of non-HD memory. With the new fall season, especially, I find that my TIVO has been pushing me to try every show at least once. "Bones", "Head Cases", "Just Legal", "Twins", you name it, my trusty TIVO has recorded it (thankfully some of these shows have been cancelled already). It even convinced me I had to give "Joey" another chance. What this adds up to is far more than the 10 hours of week I once indulged in. Let's say 20 to be conservative.

TIVO is pushing me to not just dabble in TV but to become a TV expert. Well, addict is probably more apt. And as any addict not yet ready to go cold turkey and get off the sauce might do, I have decided to just cut back a bit. I've begun this process by purging several programs from Season Pass status, and I thought you might be interested in what and why.

1. "The OC" - let's face it. Seen one episode, seen them all. Ryan and Marissa have trouble communicating, Seth and Summer exchange rapid fire flirtatious quips, Seth's dialogue clever, Summer's cute. Parties, fights, blah blah blah. Much more satisfying (though perhaps faltering slightly in its second season) is "Veronica Mars", similarly set in a posh Southern California enclave but with far more complexity and intrigue than "The OC" could ever hope for. It's "James at 15" for the 21st Century (see photo, right). Please, folks, WATCH "VERONICA MARS"!

2. "Survivor", "The Amazing Race", and pretty much all other reality fare. What can I say? My tribe has spoken, and it's putting an end to Jeff Probst et al (though I am curious how the former show will address the catastrophe in Guatemala, where it was allowed to film in ancient ruins in hopes of boosting the tourism trade, something that will likely continue to elude the country).

3. "Everwood" - should I even be admitting that it was once on my season pass? I don't even know what night it's on anymore. I can't stand to watch Ephram get any more greasy looking from season to season, Bright and Dr. Brown get any chunkier, Amy continue to say "aboot" and "oot" like she's just off the bus from Toronto, and Scott Wolf fail to live up to the promise of his "Party of Five" days. I am not sure why I ever watched this. Oh, I know. A friend of mine was on a few episodes way back when.

On the edge of TIVO-extinction are the following:

"Nip/Tuck" - we all know that smarmy new doctor is the Carver, and having Dr. Troy thrown in jail for an episode or two is just delaying the inevitable. Plus, the cases each week are getting more and more on the nose (or should I say, on the 'nose job'?)

"The Real World" - since its inception, I have been a fair-weather fan of this series, watching New York and San Francisco, skipping London and Chicago, coming back for Hawaii and Seattle, abandoning Boston. Austin is barely holding my interest. Maybe I'm just getting old, but these kids seem more hard-bodied and more retarded (or as Danny might say, 'retahded') than ever. It's getting too painful.

"The Apprentice" - similar to "The Real World", anybody who would want to compete on the the show is pretty much 'retahded' (though a contestant from last season has joined the law firm where I'm represented, which is a somewhat scary thought). Donald is really annoying, especially with his fake business transaction phone calls. I wish George and Carolyn would stage a coup. And enough with the product placement. I'm sure Lamborghini will make tons of sales from its hour of free advertising on the show. Not.

"Rome" - I tried. I really tried. Then I fell asleep. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.

"Malcolm in the Middle" - I really really really like this show. A lot. But its unibrow plagued midget star, Frankie Muniz, is starting to creep me out. I think this one is past its prime.

"ER" - two seasons ago the show had real life in it, but then most of the veteran actors and characters were either written off the show or quit. Last year, the stories were anemic and cast unseasoned. I was ready to call it quits. But the show, on life support, seems to be pulling through and I can't cut it just yet. Especially since they hired my friend for a couple of episodes. Yup, the same one who was on "Everwood".

Shows I will never give up include "Curb Your Enthusiasm", "Arrested Development", and newly added "My Name is Earl" and "The Office". I didn't want to, but I quite like "Grey's Anatomy". A contender for season pass status is "Everybody Hates Chris". And when the brilliant "Kath and Kim" shows up on the Sundance Channel it will definitely get a berth. It's the bees knees. That should leave me with about 15 hours a week, give or take.

Movie of the Week

 

The Day the Earth Stood Still, directed by Robert Wise. 1951

You might get the idea that every movie I like has to do with nuclear catastrophe. I do have a penchant for apocalyptic cinema, but the fact that this film is as much a product of Cold War paranoia as Kiss Me Deadly (last week's pick) is semi-coincidental.

Directed with flourish by Robert Wise -- the same guy who brought us The Sound of Music -- Earth is packed with incredible details, from fantastic warbly futuristic music, care of master composer Bernard Herrmann, to the aesthetic triumph of robot Gort (he's no Tin Man), to a young Patricia Neal in one of her earliest performances.

Yes, it's dated. Yes, it's preachy. But it also somehow seems relevant. Personally, I wouldn't mind an alien life form landing in Washington and knocking some sense into Dubya. Klaatu barada nikto to you! (If you want to know what that means, rent the movie.)

Tuesday, October 11

The Ivy Pinkerton Files

 

The Dabbler knows nothing about fashion. In fact, since buying a house several years ago, any funds once allocated to clothing and such were diverted to home improvements (to which the dabbler is addicted; no doubt you will soon hear about bamboo flooring and other things related to her latest renovation).

As such, Diary of a Dilettante is happy to introduce you to guest fashion correspondent Ivy Pinkerton, who will occasionally share her thoughts on trends in the shmatteh business. First up, low rise pants. From the streets of New York, Ivy reports:

"Thank god for Nicolas Ghesquiere. In 2002, Balenciaga started showing high rise pants [ed., see image to right]. I became hopeful, thinking that my butt crack-showing days were over. Perhaps more importantly, I thought the sausage-midriff look that low rise pants create on most people more than 105 lbs, all too common, would graciously depart the streets of New York. Not so fast. I am still waiting three years later.

But perhaps relief is in sight? An article in a decidedly non-cutting edge fashion paper seems to suggest that the end is already upon us.

Are my jean tugging days gone and will I finally be able to bend over without fear? Will my fellow citizens’ bellies be safely contained once again?"
--IP

The Dabbler guesses that Ivy would not welcome the return of Lee 'jeans for her', remarkably, still on the market, [see picture on left] but is hoping for a middle ground of some sort.

In the future, Ivy will need no introduction and any column titled "The Ivy Pinkerton Files" will contain no editorial framing by the Dabbler.

Friday, October 7

Wine of the Week

 

2004 Box Car Syrah


Red Car Wine Company, in its short life, has quickly attained cult status. Specializing in Pinot Noir and Syrah varietals, its least expensive offering, Some Like It Red, retails for $30 on up. Most Red Car releases are in the $60 to $80 range.

But Red Car has a secret, in the form of a second label, Box Car. Though there is no reference to its parent (or would it be sibling?) on the label, Box Car is decidedly Red Car, capturing the same intensity, complexity and richness that characterizes the California coastal fruit from which it's made. It just happens to accomplish all of this at a lower price point.

At under $20 a bottle, the Box Car Syrah is a huge bargain, especially if purchased at Hi-Time Wine Cellars in Costa Mesa, which has probably the best overall wine prices in Southern California. There, it's a mere $14.95 a bottle. Elsewhere (John & Pete's, Wine House) it can be found for between $17 and $20. Stock up, this goes fast.

Thursday, October 6

Movie of the Week

 

Kiss Me Deadly, directed by Robert Aldrich. 1955

AFI has their 100 Years, 100 whatever series. The Academy has the Oscars. Ebert and Roeper have thumbs.

I have opinions. Strong ones. And you will hear them. Possibly weekly, possibly not.

And without further ado, here is entry #1 (which is to say, here is my first entry. "#1" does not signify that it is the best, most important, scariest of them all, etc., since the order of these postings will be entirely arbitrary):

Kiss Me Deadly
is a classic film noir -- some even say the last of the genre cycle -- featuring Ralph Meeker as low rent private eye Mike Hammer. In the opening scene, a young and sexy Cloris Leachman (yes, she was once both young and sexy, believe it or not) runs out into traffic, frantically calling for help. The car she stops belongs to Hammer, whose willingness to give the escaped mental patient a ride entangles him in a mystery much more intriguing than the crappy divorce cases that make up the bulk of his business.

What Hammer and all the bad guys (and there are a lot of bad guys in this movie) are after is something they refer to as "the great whatzit". And how great this "whatzit" is. It's no McGuffin, it's the real deal.

In fact, in the original Mickey Spillane book upon which this film is based, the "whatzit" was illegal narcotics of some sort. But due to the Production Code that ruled post-war Hollywood, the producers were told to come up with an alternative to drugs for their adaptation. What they replace the maryjane with is so shocking, bleak and hyper-political that I theorize it had to have been the plan all along, the producers pulling a bait and switch on the censors so they could make a brash, controversial statement in a tense, Cold War environment. Liberal Hollywood, there you go again.

Something else that makes this film special is the great period Los Angeles location shooting, with Bunker Hill prominently featured, and a shot that may or may not include David Geffen's large parcel of beachfront property in Malibu. And check out Mike Hammer's reel-to-reel proto-answering machine! Super cool.

Finally, the DVD contains two endings to the film: Robert Aldrich's original ending, which was cut off by accident, or possibly on purpose, nobody really knows; and the more abrupt ending with which the film was released. Watch both. Rent it and lemme know whatcha think.

Wednesday, October 5

Acidophilus Angst

 

There may not be many of us around, but we exist. I speak of those who prefer yogurt that tastes like, well, yogurt. Plain. Tart. Just a hint of sweetness.

Frozen yogurt, especially, suffers from extreme self-esteem issues, constantly trying to mask itself with hyper-sweetened, artificial flavors. It's like a high school kid on the edge of popular trying way too hard to fit in, hoping that maybe, just maybe, her new pair of parachute pants, or scoring tickets to the Wham concert, or getting drunk on the orchestra trip -- and subsequently suspended -- will help her gain entry into the in-crowd (none of this is based on personal experience. I swear. Really).

In Japan and in Europe this is not the case. In these far away lands, yogurt that tastes like yogurt fits in just fine. It's not the ugly step-sister to ice cream. It's proud to be plain, with no bitterness to speak of. It has a natural, refreshing zest to it. It's sweet but not saccharine. And it's readily available, found at gelaterias in Italy ('yoghurt' flavor), and in in Japan's supermarket aisles in containers that include a sugar packet on the side, so you can determine the perfect balance of sweet to tart yourself.

On my last trip to Japan, I made a further discovery which left me entering every Lawson's Station and 7-11 in greater Tokyo looking for Haagen-Daz's "Rich and Plain" flavor (now cleverly renamed "Rich Milk"). Rich and Plain is a creamy, but decidedly yogurty flavored, cup of deliciousness. That sojourn was in 2001, and since then I have been on a quest to find a US equivalent. I even wrote to Haagen-Daz pleading for them to add this to their stateside flavor line-up, but I guess they didn't see a market for "Rich and Plain" or the slightly more appetizingly named "Rich Milk" flavor here.



All is not lost, however. In my search, I seem to have found several alternatives. For all you 'yogurt that tastes like yogurt' fans out there, here they are:

1. Dannon 'Danactive' (formerly called 'Actimel' -- I take full credit for the renaming, since I filled out their online survey and told them that nothing called 'Actimel' would ever catch on here; in Europe, it's still called Actimel). This is a probiotic liquid that comes in small two ounce servings. It tastes good, and apparently it's good for you. Research shows that "probiotics enhance the digestion and absorption of protein, fat, calcium and phosphorus". The bottle says it's an immune system booster. Mostly, it's yummy. Unfortunately the serving size is pretty small, Danactive's greatest liability. And it is only available at Whole Foods Supermarkets for the most part.

2. Baby Yogurt -- this is not just for babies. In fact, I have no idea why it's called Baby Yogurt. Available at the Beverly Hills Gelateria 'Il Cono', this Italian import is a non-fat soft-serve yogurt that has exactly the right flavor. However, it melts very quickly and is a little soupy. But it'll do. Additionally, Il Cono serves Yoghurt flavored gelato which is quite good. If you are so moved, you can apparently open your own Baby Yogurt franchise.

3. Pink Berry -- in West Hollywood, this is the standout of the bunch! Just the right consistency, this product reminds me of the soft serve Columbo Fro-Yo I had as a kid. It's more tart than sweet, and comes only in two flavors, plain and green tea. Both are good. Toppings ranging from fresh fruit to fruity pebbles are offered, and if selected they are placed carefully around the perimeter of the yogurt, an aesthetically pleasing as well as practical solution as it allows the consumer to determine the exact desired ratio of topping to yogurt on his or her own. The charming little storefront makes you feel like you're in Singapore or Tokyo, until you're jolted back to LA when you notice the clientele, dominated by really buff men of a particular lifestyle, and skinny actress types.

So, even with Humphrey Yogart out of business, Angelenos (and for those with Whole Foods or a Baby Yogurt franchise near you) can delight in pure, unadulterated acidophilus, crossing the proliferation of overly sweetened yogurt off our list of things to talk about in therapy.

Blockage Cleared

 

New post to arrive shortly. Yay.

Tuesday, October 4

Writer's Block, Ice Cream and Stuff

 

For those (one or two) of you checking my blog, this is how much of a dabbler I am: After merely 3 weeks of life in the blogosphere, I can't even think of a subject to post about! But I promise, my foray into blogging will continue shortly, upon removal of this blockage thingy.

In the meantime, I leave you with something to do on this Tuesday evening since there will be nothing for you to read here. Go get ice cream. $1 cones at 31 Flavors. This Tuesday. Every Tuesday. Woo hoo.



(P.S. For those East coasters who prefer Carvel -- pronounced Cah-Vel -- we now have our very own LA outlet, on Santa Monica just west of Sepulveda. Fudgy the Whale, Whale of a Dad and Cookie Puss, here I come!)