On the Shelf 10.8.12

Reading:

I started The Fault in Our Stars this week after hearing nothing but positive reviews from my nerdfighter friends. Granted, I usually take their recommendations with a grain of salt, but this week I was feeling like some fluffy romance with an aesop buried somewhere.

October also marked an uptake in my feminist literature intake. I started off with a brief article on Thor which quickly lead into a study on the The Bechdel Test, which is a simple set of criteria (1. It includes at least two women, who 2. have at least one conversation where they 3. talk about something other than men) that serves as litmus test for female presence in literature. Despite the deceptively simple requirements it is embarrassing how many prominent films have utterly failed to pass this test (Transformers, Star Wars IV through VI, Iron Man, etc.).

Watching:

The first episode of Elementary was sorely disappointing. It seems unfair to compare the program to the BBC's highly acclaimed show, Sherlock, but for the level of fame Elementary seemed to strive for, it utterly failed to meet the mark.

Following:

The tumblog nerdyfacts, a lovely collection of, as the name implies, nerdy facts. I'm stuck between feeling proud I know most of the facts related to my fandoms or disappointed the Simpson counts as 'nerd material'. We're better than that, folks.


Listening:

Thanks to tumblr I was indirectly exposed to the wonder that is Max Raabe. This brilliant man manages to create the most delightful blend of nasal and smooth singing. I wasn't aware it was possible to make songs like "Party Rock" "Oops I did it again"  and "Mambo No. 5" classy, yet somehow this musical genius manages to make even the crudest songs seem like they wouldn't be out of place in Harmonia Gardens.

Eating:

Panera's customary chips. They have a delightful thick texture that never fails to taste fantastic. Also my aunt's tuxedo cake, made for my grandfather's 73^rd birthday, with an almost sinful amount of dark chocolate.