Objects in Mirror: November 21, 2007 Archive

Love cookbooks? Love stories? How about cookbooks with stories?

Posted at 8:20 AM on November 21, 2007 by Julia Schrenkler

Greta Cunningham interviewed America's Test Kitchen's Christopher Kimball about his new book, "America's Best Lost Recipes." The book focuses on those old familiar dishes created by real people for their families and friends. My favorite quote from the feature:

"These are recipes that have a story. They're like little short stories. So we were looking for recipes that were stories, narratives -- and also the food is good," Kimball said.

That should satisfy cooks and readers both. (Not to mention anyone hungry for a little nostalgia trip...) Catch the entire audio or transcript for Lost recipes find home in a new book.

MPR headlines: Planes, trains, Metro-Transit-mobiles

Posted at 9:32 AM on November 21, 2007 by Julia Schrenkler

Considering travel this holiday weekend? Hot off MPR.org:

Pilot won't be charged after arrest on suspicion he was drinking

All aboard Amtrak's Empire Builder

BusTales and other transit adventures

MPR News: Adults with fetal alcohol syndrome face huge challenges

Posted at 1:36 PM on November 21, 2007 by Julia Schrenkler

MPR's Tom Robertson has a fresh feature online, Adults with fetal alcohol syndrome face huge challenges. Robertson allows the individuals to speak for themselves, and it is worth a listen.

This is a new addition to the MPR News series Fetal alcohol syndrome: The invisible disorder. Revisit our online discussion: How can we better prevent and treat fetal alcohol disorders?

News discussion topics for the 11/21/2007 Thanksgiving Weekend

Posted at 2:54 PM on November 21, 2007 by Julia Schrenkler

Don't be caught this holiday weekend without a topic!
My notes in italics.

Safe topics for all ages:

*The Weather. Especially if the forecast is good. (Updraft)
*Train travel. Amtrak says ridership is increasing. When was the last time [insert relative's name here] took a long distance train trip? (MPR)
*What are a few of your favorite things? The G-rated warm woolen mitten variety. (Discussion on Gather.com)

...My take: These topics are most LIKELY safe. You know your family & friends.

For deeper consideration:

*Artists find new uses for old things Trash, treasure, perspective. (MPR News)
*How to record your own family's oral history Who knows what secrets your family holds. (MPR Midday)
*Do we buy ethanol (in Minnesota) because we have to? What octane level does your favorite gearhead recommend? (MPR News)

...My advice: Keep an ear open for tangents, these could go either way.

Take the gloves off:
*Iraq war funding and the presidential campaign Self-explanatory. (MPR Midmorning)
*How to narrow the gap between the haves and have nots Self-explanatory. (MPR Midmorning)
*Drinking beyond limits Self-explanatory. (Again with that MPR Midmorning crew)

...My disclaimer: Don't come crying to me next Monday if you ruined the dinner for everyone.

Share your own conversation-starters suitable for making small talk with a third cousin you don't really see all that much, to alleviate tension while the officer approaches the car door, or to while away time waiting for the turkey to be carved.