Returning the NY books to BPL

Originally uploaded by Raymond Yee.

I highly recommend the Berkeley Public Library as a source of fravel books. Instead of buying guides that I'm not likely to ever use again, I like to go to the BPL where I can often pick up the most current edition.

I also learned in this recent trip to New York that physically compact guides are the most useful on the road, especially those with restaurant recommendations. It is when I'm up and about that I need information that I couldn't have prepared ahead of time.

After I got back from New York, I finally made it to the Berkeley Public Library to get my hands on some books on Henri Matisse. This latest kick all started when I read an essay by Hilary Spurling in the New York Review of Books. I did look for online resources, both free and commercially licensed, but have come to the conclusion that electronic coverage is superficial, certainly compared to the wealth of printed materials. Of course, there is nothing like seeing the works themselves -- but I don't quite have the time or money to start a world-wide trek for Matisse's art. At least not yet.

A word on the Matisse and Picasso theme here. I saw a number of books and a reference on the Wikipedia to the complex rivalry between the two major artist. Even though I was looking particularly for more insight into Matisse, I couldn't help seeing a lot of Picasso in New York. So I figure it might be helpful to try to understand both artists in order to better understand Matisse. Narratives involving conflict or back-and-forth between mighty figures are usually a lot of fun too!

-- from Raymond Yee - (?)

It's good to know that there are those who are comfortable enough to sleep in broad daylight on the Berkeley campus.

I find it fun to read about Chinese food, especially how it is expanding in its conception. Craving Hyphenated Chinese - New York Times:

"I call them second-generation Chinese restaurants," said Cheuk Kwan, who has directed a documentary film about the spread of Chinese restaurants around the world. "These restaurants always have a hyphen: Chinese-Venezuelan, Chinese-Norwegian, Chinese-Mexican.

It's pumpkin season!

Originally uploaded by Raymond Yee.

Only a little while ago, it was watermelon season. Now the pumpkins have taken over.

What is A2Z?

Originally uploaded by Raymond Yee.

Careers @ amazon.com | A2Z Development Center gives some hints

"Don't Just Cry Uncle" spotted at Eastwind Books

Originally uploaded by Raymond Yee.

Don't Just Cry Uncle: How Chinese Tell In-Laws From Out-Laws might be just want I have needed for decades: a guidebook on how to address my relatives properly! The rules are complicated -- and I find it tough to remember them. I need something written to help.

maybe I should stop putting sugar into my tea

Originally uploaded by Raymond Yee.

I don't generally think that a teaspoon of sugar in my cup of Darjeeling tea is that much sugar. But realizing that I can go through a bag of sugar by myself in less than I am used to thinking was a sobering realization. Little bits add up.

Dancers in the rain in Pittsburgh

Originally uploaded by Raymond Yee.

On the way to a coffee shop, Laura and I came across a group of dancers, smiling and moving in the drizzle.

Hooters Air at the Pittsburgh Airport?

Originally uploaded by Raymond Yee.

Who knew that Hooters Air is a real thing?