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ByGD

Taste of Iceland at Cuoco

Taste of Iceland 2018 menuTaste of Iceland is an annual tradition for me. But I never attended the tasting. This annual international chef collaboration isn’t cheap, and it always features lamb – how could an event celebrating Icelandic cuisine exclude lamb? – so I skipped the dinner in favor of the museum exhibits, concerts, laser shows, and literary events. Until last year. Last year I attended the press preview for the titular tasting event. I got to sample everything on the menu. I even tasted the meat. (Yes it was good.) This year I was lucky to be invited again. I was unlucky to be unwell on the day and missed it.

But unless you too are under the weather, it’s not too late for you to get a Taste of Iceland.

(sorry not sorry)

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ByGD

Presidential Succession – Constitution Article 2 §1.6

ConstitutionThese days I’m studying Article 2 of the Constitution, which deals with the executive branch of government. I knew contemporary politics is enraging, but I’ve been surprised at how many clauses of the Constitution are disappointing. Last week, Article 2 §1.5, which determines eligibility for the presidency, got me hot under the collar. Article 2 §1.6 is about presidential succession. Maybe it will restore my faith in America.

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Music I Liked – Black Belt Eagle Scout to Un

Black Belt Eagle Scout album coverI listened to a lot of music last week. Some of it was actually two weeks ago, and I put off writing about it because of the Amorphis concert. But I did a lot of digging through the blogosphere last week and ended up with so much music to recommend: Black Belt Eagle Scout, C418, Sarah Davachi, Forest of Stars, Glenn Jones, Knife Knights, Pig Destroyer, Piledriver, Spectral Lore, and Un. Read More

ByGD

Night Shopping Circus

I think the Atrium City shopping street in Qingdao is meant to be experienced at night. It seemed pretty dead when I visited in midday on a trip in 2015. But if the shopping left me underwhelmed, the fake night sky and sense of otherworldliness did impress. I hadn’t read the book The Night Circus yet, but looking back at the pictures, that’s what Atrium City’s night sky reminds me of today.

ByGD

Because I’ve Read: Covering Islam

Covering Islam book coverIt’s a record! I have stuck with a book club for three books. I’m at least a month late, but I finished the third #BecauseWe’veRead book club choice, Covering Islam. Political-fashion blogger Hoda Katebi started the #BecauseWe’veRead after giving a TV interview. The host replied to a factual statement by Katebi with the claim she “didn’t sound like an American.” Katebi laughed it off with, “That’s because I’ve read!” Then she went home and started a virtual book club about the rest of the world. If “sounding American” means ignorance of facts about the rest of the world, I don’t want to sound American.

Because We’ve Read started with a focus on colonialism: Assata; Black Skin, White Masks; and Covering Islam. I’d been meaning to read Assata for literally decades. Black Skin, White Masks was a challenge. The premise was sound, and there is certainly value in exposure to different perspectives on colonialism and race than the American one. But dense social science language – in translation – and a pre-civil rights movement world view made it feel more like a historical curiosity than significant civil rights work.

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