Book Review—The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

by Sheena Pradhan

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls is a memoir of the author’s life and social commentary on different lifestyles that exist in the U.S. The book follows Jeannette from her innocent childhood view of her nomadic family as constantly living an adventure into her jaded teen years as she becomes more aware of her parents’ poverty, which lead to her leaving her family home, and finally to getting over the embarrassment about her parents’ lifestyles and to accept her past.

            The book is a coming of age story, as well as the story of a girl’s changing relationship with her parents. It focuses on the ability to forgive, to love and to prosper despite great obstacles. It is a modern-day Jack Kerouac-esq tale, with incredible symbolism into Jeannette’s family’s life. The struggles, compassion, adventures, and overcome misfortunes in this story will move the reader to know and feel for the Walls’ family. While reading the book, I became incredibly attached to the story and was driven to tears at the end by Jeannette’s revelations and family events. Finding humor in her past and confronting past anger, Jeannette Walls writes a brilliant memoir that engages all human emotions. Anyone who has ever believed in following their dreams and their heart will fall in love with The Glass Castle.

Restaurant Review - Locally Grown in Richmond, VA: Urban Farmhouse

 by Sheena Pradhan

Downtown Richmond is definitely slowly but surely catching onto the local and organic trend. On a walk through the farmers’ market downtown on 17^th street, I was disappointed to only see two farm stands selling local produce, paling in comparison to Philly’s farmers’ markets that dominate the city. Despite this, Richmond redeemed itself when I found the Urban Farmhouse Market and Café. It is basically a typical trendy sandwich shop with a selection of smoothies. The shop claims to use mostly local ingredients for their sandwiches and I didn’t see too many ingredients on the menu items that couldn’t be grown in Virginia. The sandwiches all came with potato chips and carrot sticks. Good for the health conscience! They also sell local bottles of Virginia wine—much of it comes from organically grown grapes and all of these claim to be from no further than ninety miles of the Urban Farmhouse itself! For any aspiring musicians in VA, they also have an open mic night. I had a pepper pesto and goat cheese sandwich and a coffee. Yum! This spot is great for lunch, a coffee break or just a chill Sunday afternoon on the café tables outside!

Princeton… Artsy?

by Sheena Pradhan

            A hidden gem in Princeton, NJ, the Princeton University Art Museum houses a great collection of great American works from impressionist to abstract art, as well as, an incredible collection of works from ancient world cultures. After a night in downtown Princeton’s “Sports Bar,” this Sunday’s rainy disposition called for some indoor adventure. With some text messages from some new friends, I was lured out of my house to check out some art at the Princeton University Art Museum. Starting in the main lobby, modern works ranging from Andy Warhol to other 20^th century artists greeted us. Downstairs are works of Ancient Asian, Egyptian, African, Roman, and South American Art.

            Upstairs greets collections from different eras of “western” art from Europe and the United States. It has a great collection of impressionist and post-impressionist works such as that of Cezanne, Lautrec and Manet (my favorites!). If one delves deeper into the upstairs area of the Princeton University Art Museum, one will find newer more abstract works from the 1900s and 2000s.

            The art museum is a hidden gem of Princeton University’s campus and is a must see on any visit to Princeton! It is also FREE for all people and open to the public so is great for all of you art lovers out there!

For more information about the Art Museum hours, please check out: http://artmuseum.princeton.edu/

On a Scale of Dobby to Voldemort, How Much of a D-Bag is he?

In life and while out and about, Sheena and I have encountered a significant number of “D-bags”. It is admittedly unfair on the D-bags to classify them all as the same D-bag since we all know there are different kinds of D-bags… some are more “Douchey” than others. Hence, on one of our Sundays, the “Douche-o-meter” was born. This week figure out how much of a Douche he is on a scale of Dobby to Voldermort.

As for Sheena and I, if you’re even questioning whether or not you’ve ever been one of the D-Bags in our lives, you are. And if you’re wondering where you are on the scale, we’ll kindly put your minds at ease: it’s safe to assume you’re a perfect 10. J

**Spoiler alert!!** If you haven’t read all the books, you might not want to read this… if you only watch the movies and haven’t seen all the movies and get annoyed when people spoil harry potter for you, go read the books, you’re my biggest pet peeve. =P

0.            Dobby

Dobby, the House Elf, is the most noble and loyal character of all in Harry Potter. (Though Hedwig was a contender for this spot, as well.) Since no man could possibly be 0% D-bag, the 0 spot on the douche-o-meter will never be occupied by an actual man/woman/person. RIP Dobby (and Hedwig)

1.            Rubeus Hagrid/ Neville Longbottom

Rubeus Hagrid and Neville Longbottom tie for the first spot. Hagrid is the kind-hearted half giant responsible for bringing Harry Potter to Hogwarts and introducing him to all things magical. Neville Longbottom is one of the most genuine and faithful Gryffindors, and a close friend of Hermione, Ron, and Harry’s. As we find out in the Chamber of Secrets, he is also one of the bravest characters because he is able to not only stand up to his enemies, but also his friends. Both Hagrid and Neville are faithful to the end, something we hope for in all men!

2.            Severus Snape

Severus Snape is undoubtedly one of the strongest characters in the series. His undying love for Lily Potter makes us swoon. He strives to protect Harry while leading a double life as a death eater. His warm, loyal, passionate character is made clear posthumously, making him one of the most admirable heroes of the series.

3.            Ronald Weasley

It’s really hard to dislike the funny ginger. He is Harry Potter’s faithful best friend right from the beginning, had a wholesome upbringing on a farm in a big, loving family, and is always providing comical relief. He has a douche streak in the seventh novel, but we love him enough to overlook that.

4.            Albus Dumbledore

Albus Dumbledore is the most powerful wizard in the world until his unfortunate and devastating death. He is critical, if not, fundamental, in guiding and preparing Harry for his duel and ultimate destruction of Voldemort. His legacy is one of the greatest headmasters of Hogwarts and wizards of all time; however, his path to power was ridden with douche-baggery.

5.            Harry Potter

Harry Potter gets the middle spot on the Douche-o-meter. He is noble, brave, and of course, he saves the wizarding world from the brutal reign of the biggest D-bag, Lord Voldemort. Our hearts can’t help but pine for the orphaned, nerdy looking hero. However, he never let anyone forget he is the “chosen one” and is at times selfish and pig-headed.

6.            Draco Malfoy

Malfoy is Harry’s classmate and arch nemesis of the Slytherin house. He is the only child in one of the wealthiest, pure blood families in the Wizarding world. Him and his parents are not surprisingly Death Eaters and are staunch advocates of bigotry towards muggle-borns. Draco disarms Dumbledore before the headmaster is ultimately killed by Snape. He also pisses off buckbeak with his douche-bagging ways. He has weak character and succumbs to family pressure… the base ingredients for any D-Bag.

7.            Peter Pettigrew/ Wormtail

Peter Pettigrew (Wormtail) is the ultimate betrayer. A former close school friend of James Potter’s during his Hogwarts days and a Potter family confidante during the dark years of Voldemort’s early reign. He aides Voldemort in finding the Potters, and is partly to blame for the deaths of James and Lily Potter. Pettigrew is the Weasley family’s pet rat before Voldemort’s resurgence. He is a pathetic lowlife. His animagus is deformed vermon, and it suits this D-bag perfectly. 

8. Fenrir Greyback

Fenrir is an extremely ugly death eater werewolf. He is the meanest werewolf in the world and is responsible for the deaths of many. MAJOR D-Bag.

9.            Bellatrix Lestrange

Bellatrix is Voldemort’s sidekick and co-conspirator. She kills without reservation (taking joy in it) and possesses few, if any, morals. Bellatrix is responsible for the deaths of many, but particularly the death of Sirius Black, Harry’s Godfather.

10.   Voldemort

Concluding remarks:

This entry is in part a tribute to Harry Potter- Sheena and I are clearly fans and the Harry Potter series (both books and movies) hold a dear place in our heart. We were both sad to bid it farewell last month. :( Also, Hermione didn't get a place on this because she's awesome. Also, side note: Bellatrix is evil but fabulous. Girl Power! 

“He who must not be named” is such a douche no one wants use his name. In fact he needs no explanation nor is he worth even a second of our time. Thankfully we can rest assured knowing that this D-Bag’s merciless quest for power concludes with his brutal demise and destruction. 

Help! I’m caught in a Rip Current!: Beach Safety in Ocean City, Maryland

By Sheena Pradhan

            Ocean City, Maryland is all about safety first! If one feigns drowning, in a mere moment, there is a lifeguard to help before one can scream “Help! I’m caught in a rip current!” My first experience swimming in Ocean City was some of the choppiest water I had ever seen! There must have been a hurricane or storm off shore that made the water simply maniacal! To match, the lifeguard chairs lining the beach all had antsy and alert tan muscled men standing on the ledges of their chairs, awaiting any potential beachgoer in need of saving. With my comrade, Karina, and a few other thrill-seeking swimmers, I swam in merriment of the wild and rocky water. We played in the waves for a while. The rush of rolling wave, after crashing wave, after hard-packed cloud of briny water, enveloped our bodies and senses. We were unknowingly blocked from anything beyond the water. Karina and I did not notice that all of the other swimmers surrounding us had fled to the shore. Nor did I notice that there was a current slowly pulling us further out into the ocean; however, Karina did notice. With a word to me, Karina began to swim to shore. I followed her suite. Before long, we noticed that there was a lifeguard whistling to us from shore, standing with all of those swimmers that were with us in the water. The other swimmers had apparently swum to shore without any notice to us. Once we reached the hot sandy beach, we were informed that there was a rip current pulling us out. We had survived a rip current! We also realized that one of those tan muscled men would probably have come in after us had we continued swimming and frolicking in our oblivion. That same life guard explained to our other comrades how to spot a rip current.

            On my “Hungover Sunday” with another good Ocean City comrade and co-author of this blog, Sara, I truly grasped how much Ocean City truly embraces beach safety. Every time a child strayed from his family who gamboled in the ocean close to him, there would be a lifeguard in the water to guide them back to his parents. Again, when the tide got strong, the lifeguards made sure that any swimmers were evacuated out of the water. To top it all off, at each lifeguard post there is a safety lesson on the beach, about the beach. Not only did they inform us about the rip current, but also about the rules of the beach, such as no bottled alcoholic beverages! They were also very humorous and amiable guys.

Here’s what I learned:

            There is no such thing as a “rip tide.” It is called a “rip current” because it is a current. A rip current is a narrow stream of water flowing from the shore to the sea. When there is an excess of water close to the shore and further from the sea this can occur. Rip currents are often seen by a break in a sand bar. Rip currents also frequently occur close to structures in the water such as jetties, groins and piers. Rip currents can be between 10 and 200 feet wide and tend to slow down as they move offshore, but sometimes extend hundreds of feet past the surf line. They can vary in speed, but have been measured to be up to 5 mph. Not so bad, if you are a decent swimmer AND know what to do in case you get caught in one.

How to spot a rip current:

-          Breaks in the wave pattern

-          “Brown Water” or any area of color difference in the water

-          Channel of rough water

If you get caught in a rip tide:

            Swim across the current, parallel to shore. Once one is out of the rip current, one can swim at an angle to the shore. Swimming in the opposite direction of the rip tide towards the shore, will use one’s energy inefficiently.

http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov/signs-brochures.shtml

Conclusion:

            To review, a hangover is caused by dehydration from excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages. Spending time in the sun and swimming in the ocean may distract a person from a hangover, but it will only further dehydrate and tire a person who is not refueling with proper food and water and taking adequate rest.

            Please stay hydrated, fed and rested when you are hung over on the beach! 

For more information on beach safety and rip currents, please visit:

http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov

http://www.usla.org/ripcurrents

http://www.weather.gov/nwr/

References:

1. “Rip Currents.” Washington’s Coast. Washington State Department of Ecology. Date accessed    12 August 2011. Retrieved from: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/coast/waves/ripcurrents.html

2. “Rip Currents: What they are, the dangers, how to escape.” National Oceanic and Atmospheric    Administration. Date accessed 12 August 2011. Retrieved from:       http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov.



We Got Crabs!

by Sara Milner

Maryland blue crabs! This kind of crab is obviously local to Maryland and extremely popular in Ocean City. Shortly after deciding our hangover was only worsened by the high sun exposure and salt water intake on the beach we saw a plane advertisement for “Higgins Crab House” which happened to be located only about a block from where we were. Neither Sheena nor I had ever had steamed crabs before and we figured it was only appropriate to experience them in the state famous for their crabs.

So, we got crabs!

There are many options for crab houses in Ocean City. In fact, it seems there is at least one on every corner. Since we had never been to a crab house before, it was hard to judge the authenticity of the crab house. The outside of the restaurant was painted in a bright blue, and the inside seemed to be inspired by maybe a fisherman’s shack. It was exactly how I expected a crab place to be! I read on the back of the menu that the restaurant is family owned and the crabs are bought every morning from local crab farmers. We were seated at one of the picnic tables by one of the many windows in the back of the restaurant. We ordered the special which was an “all you can eat crabs and corn”. It was $22.99 per person, significantly cheaper than most of the other crab and seafood dishes. I didn’t really know what to expect, but I love crabcakes and California rolls, so I figured I’d enjoy it.

About ten minutes after ordering, the server (her name was Sarah!) arrived with the crabs. She placed a platter of about nine crabs, eyeballs, antennae, and everything in front of us! Um, what?!?! Were we supposed to know what to do with these things?? I looked around and it seemed like everyone else knew exactly what they were doing. I felt like Sheena and I were the foreign people from New Jersey who had no idea how to eat crabs. We figured they probably got people like us all the time, so we asked Sarah to explain to us the art of eating a blue crab. (Which by the way, the crabs were red, not blue, refer to the factoid below for more on this) She said she instructed customers about eating crabs all the time. It was kind of like dissecting frogs…we got the hang of it pretty fast.

So if you’re ever in our situation, here is how it’s done:

1.      Empty out the bucket they put on the table. It’ll have some knives, mallots, and whatever condiments you opted for. (in our case, melted butter, and vinegar). The emptied bucket will be used for all the crab shells, and crab insides not for eating, like lungs, intestines, etc.

2.      There will also be a bucket of paper towels in the middle of the table, I figured out that it was best to lay out one for preparing the crab, lay out another next to it for the meat you will eat, and another as a napkin, because it gets messy.

3.      Pick up one of the crabs. (Don’t get attached, yes, the crab was probably alive that morning, but it’s best to get over this)

4.      Snap off all the claws/legs. Throw out all the smaller ones and put to the side the two large claws. (They have meat in them)

5.      If you turn the crab on its back and look at its belly there is a part in the middle that is kind of in the shape of a T. I was never a huge fan of science or anatomy, so I only assumed this was the spine. Please refer to the ventral diagram of the crab to see what I am talking about (the locking spine, I think) Slide your knife under this and peel the spine back. It should peel back easily and reveal two antenna sort of things which are apparently pleopods. Rip off the spine and and the pleopods.

6.      Slide the knife behind the crab shell, in the middle and pull it back so the shell snaps off the entire crab.

7.      The intestines and all that stuff will be in the middle of the crab. Stick your finger in and scrape that stuff out. What will be left will be the lungs on either side of the crabs. They are said to not be edible. Sheena did eat one and is still alive and said it tasted “filial” (I think?).

8.      The meat is a little bit underneath and above the lungs. Either use your finger or a knife to get the meat out.

9.      Grab the claws you set aside earlier.

10.  Snap each of the claws at their joints.

11.  Take the mallot (This is fun) and hit the meaty parts of the claws (two parts on each). The shell will crack and the meat will be easy to pull out.

12.  EATTTT… I mixed my crab with butter and vinegar. It was delish and amazing, I’m a HUGE fan and so is Sheena!!

We spent about 3 hours eating crabs and enjoyed every second. I will be traveling back to OCMD specifically for the crabs. If you have never eaten Maryland blue crabs, do it! I plan on trying other kinds of crabs as soon as I can. Hopefully I can find a decent place for crabs in New Jersey so I won’t have to travel 4 hours!

FUN FACTOID: Blue crab turns the red-orange color when cooked because "the red pigment is the most stable component of the coloring in a crab shell. The greens, blues, and browns which darken the shell in a live crab are destroyed by cooking. The red pigment common to all shrimp, crab, and lobster shells is astaxanthin, a carotenoid (e.g., like Beta-carotene, the pigment that makes fruits red-orange). Astaxanthin was first identified in the exoskeletons of crayfish (Astacidea), hence its name. In crabs, as in many decapods, astaxanthin is not a free pigment, but is complexed with a protein called Alpha-crustacyanin, which alters the resonance of astaxanthin such that the complex acts as a blue-green pigment. As mentioned above, astaxanthin is heat stable, while the Alpha-crustacyanin protein is not, so boiling the crab shell denatures the blue-green Alpha-crustacyanin releasing the red-orange astaxanthin.” (www.bluecrabinfo.com)

Ventral Crab Anatomy (ventral is the stomach side, dorsal is the back shell side):

http://webs.lander.edu/rsfox/invertebrates/callinectes.html

 

Higgin’s Crab House is located on 31^st Street in Ocean City, MD- it was an awesome experience! We left exhausted from cutting up all the crabs, but with no hangover. So maybe crabs cure hangovers?

In conclusion: Maryland blue crabs are great on Sunday afternoons after a night out in Ocean City, MD. Other kinds of crabs probably are not such a great thing to have after a night out. J