Science! I say science again!

I love good science writing, and Sam Kean is my second favorite author* in this genre. His newest book, The Violinist’s Thumb, is about genetics and draws its title from an amazing violinist whose skill is due in part to very flexible fingers. Think Yakitate! Japan where Azuma gets into that finger wiggling contest with the 3 brothers. 

My library system has 6 copies, all of which have been perpetually on hold for however many months since the book has been out. Sucks! I will have to make due with Chuck Palahniuk’s new book, Damned. It’s about a girl who dies and it’s set in Hell, sort of like if The Lovely Bones had been 10x darker. Darker than a rape-homicide. I haven’t started it yet because October is being a record month for huge-ass projects, but I’ll probably have time to read it on MUNI and tell you how I like it soonish.

I’ve decided to make weekends my days for not-so-sciencey posts, so feel free to tune me out. Weekend posts will probably be about cats, books, cute things, and cooking. Did you guys know that butternut squashes are only $1.99 each** at Trader Joe’s right now? I picked up the fattest sucker I could find, and plan on making it into risotto and gnocchi. Initially there were worries about cutting it, but my Henckels made short work of it. I’ve never actually worked with it anywhere outside of the hospice kitchens or made gnocchi, so here’s hoping it turns out well.

My boyfriend and I adopted a basil plant*** Friday and it is embarrassing how much I’m already doting on Lil’ Pesto. Since it’s been too chilly to put him outside during the daylight hours, I stationed Lil’ Pesto on a rolling chair next to the only window. This window happens to be in my bathroom, so it’s like having an Italian restaurant-scented air freshener. After the sun goes down, I wheel him back into the main room to keep me company. I recently read an article about how giving elderly people a plant to care for improved their outlook more than having a plant maintained by caretakers. I feel ya old folks, it’s nice not being the only living thing in the apartment anymore.  

*Mary Roach being the absolute first. Gulp is due in early 2013!! 

**not even per lb! Deal of the year cause that thing was like 4 lbs.

***He wanted to name it Basilpressin. Like vasopressin, but terrible. $2.99 per plant at TJ’s right now.