1. In a sort of brilliant synthesis of a whole week of Monty Python and Sunday night's episode of Mad Men, during the scene at the kitchen table where Betty's grilling Don about his past, Jack said, "No one expects the Presbyterian Inquisition."
2. I have a post up on the PBS website about their show about Michael Pollan's wonderful and amazing book, "The Botany of Desire," which airs tonight! Michael Pollan is kind of hot stuff, in a wordy, organic, things-are-bad-but-don't-give-up-yet! kind of way. So two thumbs up for his brand of science-based, as opposed to guilt-based, environmental urgency.
3. I'm doing this thing where I'm not buying clothes for a year. I actually hadn't bought any clothes or shoes or anything since February, right before my job started, until I broke my streak by purchasing two new long-sleeved t-shirts at the Gap in September. Yes, I've read about the woman who's pledged to wear the same dress every day for a year, and while the idea certainly appeals, I don't actually own anything sturdy or versatile enough to wear 365 days in a row. I'm also kind of over trying to contribute my every pitiful outfit to the Wardrobe Remix pool. So I'm just going to wear my boring clothes and shoes and not shop for anything new until October 1, 2010. Exceptions to this rule include clothing gifts (I am currently accepting Prada boots and antique whalebone corsets, if you're interested in donating) and knitting projects that I began before January 1, 2009 but have only recently completed:
Why am I doing this? Because not only do I hate shopping, I have more than enough clothes for the purpose of sitting in bed and writing all day. Shopping is a terrible form of entertainment and I've nearly broken myself of the habit but I really want total control over that "but wouldn't it cheer me up to have something new to wear?" impulse.