Q3 2007 Bookshelf
Getting my Q3 reading list up has not been a priority, but with some time this morning I pulled it together. Highlights are definitely Thomas Barnett and a couple of biographies (one on Einstein and another on Oppenheimer).Einstein’s God
While reading Walter Isaacson’s majestic biography of Albert Einstein I was deeply moved by his description of Einstein’s view of the universe, and the question of origins as seen by most people in the question of God. In a day of vacillating extremes between the devoutly religious and the disdainful atheists, it is helpful to remember that the very biggest minds this world has ever known were content to wallow in the utter mystery of human existence. To desire certainty may drive us to find solutions, and the only progress we know as beings comes with dissatisfaction at the world as it is, including our explanations and understanding of reality. But certainty can and in may ...Club Noma
Having grown up in the South Bend area, when I now return to the area I am always curious to see how the area has changed. The ubiquitous growth of suburbia and the surrounding new shopping areas aside, watching how my hometown’s downtown area has changed over the last several years has been an interesting commentary on how many smaller cities are working to revitalize their downtowns. What makes most downtown renovations interesting is that the changes typically made when the area is renovated occur at a level which allows for creative ideas and entrepreneurs to open interesting restaurants, clubs, stores and shopping. South Bend has always had a blend of the college town feel due to ...40 Sardines Restaurant
Debbie Gold, former wife and partner of Michael Smith, has received numerous awards for her restaurant 40 Sardines. This week I was able to have dinner at the restaurant, while Debbie was in the kitchen cooking (i.e. the “chef was in”). My first impression was that the restaurant was larger than I was expecting; consequently, it was a little less intimate than I prefer when dining in what is considered a fine dining establishment. The décor is very post-modern, with eclectic choices in art lining the walls. Electing to start with one of Gold’s signature dishes, the Crispy Potato Wrapped Portuguese Sardines stuffed w/ chorizo, black olive & onion, pickled carrots & salsa verde, was ...Bourdain on Hung
Maybe it's because of my recent trip to Vietnam, but Bourdain's most recent post at his Top Chef blog (the show among my guilty pleasures) is probably some of his best writing in the last year. It's him at his best - avoiding postmodern liberal "cultural" sympathies and actually having something insightful to say about the interplay that is culture and food.Saigon & The Mekong Delta, Vietnam
I had a fantastic weekend in Vietnam and took some interesting pictures. The people are an interesting reminder of the power of forgiveness and moving beyond past traumas - they are incredibly kind and open, even to Americans. Pictures here.Cuisine in China
I am writing this as a celebration of some really great meals the last week while in Guangzhou in particular. It's also intended to be a reminder that those who think Chinese food consists of fried nuggets of chicken meat of indeterminate origins coupled to sauces that are a vague concoction of soy, hoison and maybe some chili oil misrepresent the incredible opportunities within Chinese cuisine. Derivations of this misunderstanding revolve around what Americans call stir-fries – thrown in sliced bamboo from a can (along with the not so complimentary taste of aluminum), assorted nuts on the top, maybe even a number of mushrooms: that’s a pretty good primer on how Americans view Chinese food. Too ...Boa Mo Garden
This afternoon after our meeting, my hosts took me to Bao Mo Garden. They also provided the ubiquitous moon cake for celebrations. This is, as near as I can tell, a take on Elmer's Glue in the form of a lotus root cake with egg yolk embedded. I had flashbacks to kindergarten, eating boogers and tasting from the glue bottle. The garden was beautiful, and more than made up for the moon cake. Pictures of the Bao Mo are here.Nanjing, China 2007
If you have ever read Iris Chang's The Rape of Nanking you will know the ghosts which haunt Nanjing. I briefly visited the city last week and have some pictures posted for your enjoyment.Shanghai Pictures
Some of my pictures from Shanghai this past week can be seen here on Flickr. Enjoy! « Previous Entries Next Entries »About MysteriousFaith
“If anyone can show me, and prove to me, that I am wrong in thought or deed, I will gladly change. I seek the truth, which never yet hurt anybody. It is only persistence in self-delusion and ignorance which does harm.”
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