'the world's in tune'

In contrast to Tripp's temporarily lagging literary life, mine is thriving. I went to Powell's last night and picked up a small stack of new books, including Saul Williams' s/he, the new edition of Stolen Sharpie Revolution, and a biography of Lucrezia Borgia, each of which I'm looking forward to immensely. As it stands, I'm making my way through lots of gender theory, loads of poetry, and the obligatory light novel (Jonathan Ames' Wake Up, Sir!). And, of course, a bunch of reference books on various obscure, dry topics.

On top of all that, I'm damn near finished with a new collection of poems that will hopefully be out within the next week. For the first time in over a year, I think I'm going to advertise it, send copies for consideration to distros and bookstores, and the like. Let me know if you'd like a copy. Next up: a collection of plays, which is about halfway done and will definitely be out this summer.

In my continuing attempts at musical proselytization, I'd like to recommend Marianne Faithfull's Before the Poison (coproduced by Nick Cave, PJ Harvey, and Jon Brion) and Tom Brosseau's What I Mean to Say is Goodbye, both of which are available on iTunes.

Though I know I'm terribly late, I do have a recipe for panzanella, which is wicked tasty. Here's what you do: slice a loaf of rustic white bread. Brush the slices with garlic-infused olive oil, then grill until they're toasted. Cube the bread. Toss it with about ten chopped tomatoes, a good red or white wine vinaigrette, and as much chopped basil and sliced red onion as you like. If you want, you can salt it or crumble cheese over the top (feta and chevre work fabulously).

The other fake-salad option is a caprese, in which you slice tomatoes and fresh mozzarella and layer them on a plate with whole fresh basil leaves. Top with olive oil and balsamic vinegar and you're all set. It's basic and probably fairly pedestrian at this point, but hot damn, it's good. And in a sandwich, like the ones they make at Elephants? Forget it. Amazing.

See? Now I've got to go make myself some lunch.