/fin
Friday, December 30, 2011
Monday, December 26, 2011
Baddest Bitches 2011: Part Zwei
More inspiring women who influenced me in 2011.
Joan Didion
Joan Didion has influenced me as a writer more than anyone else I've ever read. I can say without a hint of hyperbole that my intellectual life began the first time I read The White Album. Didion's writing style was unlike anything I'd ever been exposed to up until then, and I couldn't believe that someone could write anything as pithy as "James Pike, American" or "The Getty". That book blew my mind, until I read Slouching Toward Bethlehem and it was blown all over again. Didion is the most talented writer alive right now, second only to maybe Toni Morrison. She released Blue Nights, new book of essays this year, and while it's not my favorite, it's clear that her talent has not faded over time.
Mona ElTahawy
ElTahawy is an Egyptian-born journalist whose work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and pretty much any other newspaper or magazine you can think of. She's a feminist and a secularist and has been a notable part of the protests in the Middle East: she was recently arrested [later released] in Tahrir Square and has been outspoken about her disapproval of the Syrian regime, as well as the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt. I attended a conversation between her and Gloria Steinem a few months ago, and she's just as brilliant and inspiring in person as she is in writing.
Nigella Lawson
God bless Nigella Lawson for being the only person on the Food Network that I can stomach. I'm averse to all of the show hosts who are bursting with enthusiasm and personality. Like, I personally don't find it necessary to have a mock orgasm over the smell of garlic roasting in olive oil, but I guess that's just me. Lawson is the only person on the Food Network who seems like someone I wouldn't want to throttle on instinct if I ever encountered them on the street. Her recipes are easy to follow and are not a one-way ticket to Heart Attack City, unlike say, Paula Deen. Thanks to her, I've prepared several dishes that I'd normally shy away from (two current faves: Greek Lamb Stew and Mughlai Chicken.)
Joan Didion
Joan Didion has influenced me as a writer more than anyone else I've ever read. I can say without a hint of hyperbole that my intellectual life began the first time I read The White Album. Didion's writing style was unlike anything I'd ever been exposed to up until then, and I couldn't believe that someone could write anything as pithy as "James Pike, American" or "The Getty". That book blew my mind, until I read Slouching Toward Bethlehem and it was blown all over again. Didion is the most talented writer alive right now, second only to maybe Toni Morrison. She released Blue Nights, new book of essays this year, and while it's not my favorite, it's clear that her talent has not faded over time.Mona ElTahawy
ElTahawy is an Egyptian-born journalist whose work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and pretty much any other newspaper or magazine you can think of. She's a feminist and a secularist and has been a notable part of the protests in the Middle East: she was recently arrested [later released] in Tahrir Square and has been outspoken about her disapproval of the Syrian regime, as well as the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt. I attended a conversation between her and Gloria Steinem a few months ago, and she's just as brilliant and inspiring in person as she is in writing.Nigella Lawson
God bless Nigella Lawson for being the only person on the Food Network that I can stomach. I'm averse to all of the show hosts who are bursting with enthusiasm and personality. Like, I personally don't find it necessary to have a mock orgasm over the smell of garlic roasting in olive oil, but I guess that's just me. Lawson is the only person on the Food Network who seems like someone I wouldn't want to throttle on instinct if I ever encountered them on the street. Her recipes are easy to follow and are not a one-way ticket to Heart Attack City, unlike say, Paula Deen. Thanks to her, I've prepared several dishes that I'd normally shy away from (two current faves: Greek Lamb Stew and Mughlai Chicken.)
Baddest Bitches 2011: Part Eins
Let me start off by saying that I know end of year lists are hackneyed and whatnot, but i'm doing one anyway. Breaking the rules, you know how I do. Anyway, these are the women who rocked my world in 2011.
Rihanna
Rihanna was the driving force behind my decision to stop listening to strictly rock music from the 60s and 70s and give top 40 a chance. Her songs are catchy and the accompanying videos almost never disappoint. Her lyrics are just raunchy enough to get you to unleash your inner bad girl. Her music is fabulous, but it's her killer fashion sense that sold me on her. She is the owner of a wardrobe that I covet in its entirety-seriously, Riri, can I please raid your closet?
Tacita Dean
I was never able to get into Dean's work until I read a profile on her a few months ago. She was the featured artist at Tate Modern's Turbine Hall this year and did an installation shot using 35 mm film. Dean is a crusader for analog film and her piece, entitled "FILM", is a loving homage to the medium. About the exhibit, Dean says, "FILM is a visual poem. I found the rhythms and metre from the material itself, relying not only on the images I had but on what is normally considered waste: the picture fading at the end of a roll, the shimmering metamorphosis of a filter change and the flash frames of over-exposure as the camera stops and starts. FILM is about film and in the end I let the material’s intrinsic magic be my guide.”
Nancy Pelosi
As we all know, the tides turned during the midterm elections and Pelosi was ousted as Speaker of the House at the beginning of this year. However, given how adept John Boehner is at being simultaneously intransigent and feckless, Pelosi has never looked better. No matter what qualms you may have with her, it has to be said that she was able to keep her party in line. The so-called "Blue Dogs" weren't able to get shit done on her watch, unlike the Tea Party under Boehner. Pelosi was also an crucial part of getting the healthcare bill passed, and continues to be the only person in Washington, D.C. with even a modicum of fashion sense, which is reason enough for her to be on this list.
the Fug Girls
I've been a follower of the Fug Girls, Jessica Morgan and Heather Cocks, since way back in the day, and their site continues to be one of my favorites. Everybody and their next door neighbor has a blog where they they make fun of celebrities or politicians, but what sets them apart is that their brand of snark is relatively innocuous. It's clear that their comments come from a place of bemusement rather than malice. Their commentary showcases their caustic wit while still maintaining a lighthearted tone, which is harder to do than it sounds. They're probably the only people who regularly reference Aaron Spelling dramas from the 1990s, and that alone earns them a special place in my heart. Morgan and Cocks published a young adult novel this year called Spoiled, which has received great reviews so far, and they reportedly have a sequel in the works.
Rihanna
Rihanna was the driving force behind my decision to stop listening to strictly rock music from the 60s and 70s and give top 40 a chance. Her songs are catchy and the accompanying videos almost never disappoint. Her lyrics are just raunchy enough to get you to unleash your inner bad girl. Her music is fabulous, but it's her killer fashion sense that sold me on her. She is the owner of a wardrobe that I covet in its entirety-seriously, Riri, can I please raid your closet?Tacita Dean
I was never able to get into Dean's work until I read a profile on her a few months ago. She was the featured artist at Tate Modern's Turbine Hall this year and did an installation shot using 35 mm film. Dean is a crusader for analog film and her piece, entitled "FILM", is a loving homage to the medium. About the exhibit, Dean says, "FILM is a visual poem. I found the rhythms and metre from the material itself, relying not only on the images I had but on what is normally considered waste: the picture fading at the end of a roll, the shimmering metamorphosis of a filter change and the flash frames of over-exposure as the camera stops and starts. FILM is about film and in the end I let the material’s intrinsic magic be my guide.”Nancy Pelosi
As we all know, the tides turned during the midterm elections and Pelosi was ousted as Speaker of the House at the beginning of this year. However, given how adept John Boehner is at being simultaneously intransigent and feckless, Pelosi has never looked better. No matter what qualms you may have with her, it has to be said that she was able to keep her party in line. The so-called "Blue Dogs" weren't able to get shit done on her watch, unlike the Tea Party under Boehner. Pelosi was also an crucial part of getting the healthcare bill passed, and continues to be the only person in Washington, D.C. with even a modicum of fashion sense, which is reason enough for her to be on this list.the Fug Girls
I've been a follower of the Fug Girls, Jessica Morgan and Heather Cocks, since way back in the day, and their site continues to be one of my favorites. Everybody and their next door neighbor has a blog where they they make fun of celebrities or politicians, but what sets them apart is that their brand of snark is relatively innocuous. It's clear that their comments come from a place of bemusement rather than malice. Their commentary showcases their caustic wit while still maintaining a lighthearted tone, which is harder to do than it sounds. They're probably the only people who regularly reference Aaron Spelling dramas from the 1990s, and that alone earns them a special place in my heart. Morgan and Cocks published a young adult novel this year called Spoiled, which has received great reviews so far, and they reportedly have a sequel in the works.
"Don't sleep with people who don't read!"
I've recently rediscovered the unebbing eccentricity of John Waters. For those who aren't familiar, John Waters is the filmmaker from Baltimore who wrote and directed Pink Flamingos, Serial Mom, Hairspray, and a handful of other kitschy cult classics. He is unparalleled in his ability to be both utterly creepy and totally rational at the same time. I came across his book "Role Models" and couldn't put it down. It's a memoir with a series of profiles on people he admires, hence the title, and it's a goldmine of Watersy witticisms. A few of his gems:“We need to make books cool again. If you go home with somebody and they don't have books, don't fuck them. Don't sleep with people who don't read!”
“The only insult I've ever received in my adult life was when someone asked me, "Do you have a hobby?" A HOBBY?! DO I LOOK LIKE A FUCKING DABBLER?!”
“I could never kill myself. I approve of suicide if you have horrible health. Otherwise it's the ultimate hissy fit.”
“You should never read just for "enjoyment." Read to make yourself smarter! Less judgmental. More apt to understand your friends' insane behavior, or better yet, your own. Pick "hard books." Ones you have to concentrate on while reading. And for god's sake, don't let me ever hear you say, "I can't read fiction. I only have time for the truth." Fiction is the truth, fool! Ever hear of "literature"? That means fiction, too, stupid.”
“If you’re not sure you could love your children, please don’t have them, because they might grow up and kill us.”
Waters' profiles range from Cy Twombly to former Manson family member Leslie Van Houten, and manages to be completely hilarious throughout. There's something to be said for people who are unabashed about their weird obsessions and unpopular stances. I mean, how can you not love the man who said "sometimes I wish I was a woman, just so I could have an abortion"? I think the reason I admire him is because I too have quite a few obsessions and don't believe in doing things halfway. Dabbling is just not my style.
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