Things to read

Courtesy of David Lebovitz, I bring you an article in Salon from Anthony Bourdain and Michael Ruhlman -- two of my personal favorite food writers -- on the ridiculousness and, yes, the danger of the rash of foie gras bans floating around the country.  It's a stupendous read, showcasing what good food writing can be: not only a bare-bones discussion of the foie gras nonsense, but also a meditation on culture and history.  Plus it's pretty fun to read, because Bourdain's characteristic loose-cannon tongue is well on display here.

For extra credit, you can also read this Q&A with Bourdain, wherein he lambastes both Rachael Ray and vegans, in full-color biting sarcasm.

NB: I don't necessarily agree whole-heartedly with Bourdain on all points, but (1) I do tend to, in general and (2) even when you disagree with him you have to acknowledge his style.

NB #2: You may have to click-thru an ad to get access to the full text of one or both articles.  As if you should really care.

ETA: D'oh. In fact the link wasn't from David Lebovitz, it was from Michael Ruhlman's new blog, linked to from The Amateur Gourmet. Sheesh.

I hate money so much

I just looked at my bank account, and I had a strong urge to vomit.  Now admittedly, it's the first week of the month, when everything comes due and bank accounts just hemorrhage money, but this is completely beyond.  I have to really, finally, come to terms with the fact that I am beyond horrible with money and do something about it.  I've been lucky the last few years to have had a ridiculously large income, but that's no longer the case.  I spend far too much on... everything.  Eating out, random purchases I don't need, 'treats' that I rationalize far too readily, just everything.  I need to sit down tonight and make out a hard-core budget, and then --here's the clincher -- stick to it.  There is absolutely no way this can go on.  This month may already be shot, but savings can fill in the gaps there.  Can't keep doing that for three years, though...