The Know-It-Somewhat

Books

The Know-It-All by A.J. Jacobs – I've always been drawn to the idea of intensive reading or studying. As a generalist by training and profession, I crave the chance to become an expert in something. You know those montages in movies where the smart lead character is preparing for a test—love them! When I watch Real Genius, I find myself wishing I were right there with them—and that's before they explode the professor's house using a military laser and popcorn. In real life, of course, studying and learning lacks the cool background music and time-shifting that gives it a near-romantic appeal, but the idea of learning and feeling smart is still captivating. That's why I was drawn to Jacobs' humorous memoir about his attempt to read the entire Encyclopaedia Britannica. I've just started reading, so this is not a review, but rather an introduction.

Jacobs's inspiration was simple. Although he once considered himself smart as he pursued an Ivy League education, he felt his intelligence slipping away over the years, in part due to his stint as writer at Entertainment Weekly. (Full disclosure: I have much love for EW, so I'm torn about this statement.) In any case, as Jacobs's brain filled up with pop culture knowledge, he felt the gaps in his academic understanding widen. So with limited support from his wife, friends, and father (who had also attempted this same feat once), he purchased the full leather-bound set and began with "A." As he plods along through his reading, Jacobs shares some of the facts that he learns and the personal connections he makes to the information, as well as his attempts to share this knowledge with friends and coworkers. So far I've learned that Bud Abbott stepped in when Lou Costello's regular straight man fell ill—and managed to turn it into a permanent gig (lesson to be learned: never call in sick) and that the Britannica isn't short on sex and violence. How can you not want to know more?!

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen – I'd like to acknowledge the recent 200^th anniversary (January 28, 2013) of my favorite book of all time. I reread this novel at least once a year. Like mac & cheese for the soul, it comforts me when reality has me staring into darkness. Suddenly, there is light in the form of clever Eliza Bennet and the remarkable story that she inhabits. It also doesn't hurt to occasionally picture Colin Firth while reading. That's a comfort all its own.

Real Houseparty Guests Get Paid

TV

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills – This show has turned into a display of odd personal rituals (psychics, cleanses, life coaches) and dinner parties from hell. In seasons past, there were only a few events horrific enough to be considered hellish. (The episode with Camille Grammer's dinner party was officially titled "Dinner Party From Hell.") But this year it seems that every event featuring more than three cast members is automatically destined to become an explosive fight. Call me uninspired, but if I knew there was a good chance I'd be verbally attacked at a party, I'm pretty sure I'd stay home. Which begs the question: why do the Housewives keep showing up? 

The obvious answer that my reality-show-dulled brain finally hit upon is this: it's their job. The cast members are paid for their participation, both in money and publicity. I don't know what they are contractually obligated to do, but their status on the show won't last if they sit out from the dinner parties, garden parties, and psychic parties to which they are constantly inviting one another. Brandi Glanville, the source of much of the fighting this season, continues to diligently attend every event, despite the fact that she is likely to get verbally attacked and demeaned each time. It's telling that Brandi is the least wealthy of these women, having no family fortune, successful business, or rich husband. And so, this single mom and jilted ex-wife of Eddie Cibrian will likely continue to show up to party after party so that she can stay relevant and earn enough money to remain in this zip code. 

As for me, perhaps I shouldn't speak so quickly about the likelihood of me attending such events. After all, the money is a big reason why I show up for meetings at work...especially the unpleasant ones. And even if my meetings have snacks, they are nothing compared to the cuisine and wine (lots of wine) that the Housewives enjoy during their shouting matches. So maybe I would be willing to attend events featuring vicious personal attacks if I am then rewarded with a large paycheck and fancy cheeses. I'd do nearly anything for a good cheese.