CURRENTLY READING: EASTER ISLAND, by Jennifer Vanderbes, is a wonderful novel about two women who travel to Easter Island to do scientific research. One is from America in contemporary times who is studying botany, and the other is from England during World War I who is studying linguistics. The novel is rich in both the culture of the island and scientific investigation, similarly to the works of Andrea Barrett. The characterization of the women themselves is also wonderful.

CURRENTLY LISTENING: OH, MERCY, by Bob Dylan, is his 1989 album which rightfully convinced many long-time fans that he was definitely not over the hill.

SONGS FOR THE DEAF, by Queens of the Stone Age, is good old-fashioned hard rock and roll which is loud enough to do its title justice.