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Thursday playlist: Rachel’s holiday mix ‘07 edition

by Rachel Berkowitz

1. “I Was Dancing in a Lesbian Bar” — Jonathan Richman
2. “Giddy Stratospheres” — The Long Blondes
3. “Chain Reaction” — U.S. Funk Team
4. “You Got Your Cherry Bomb” — Spoon
5. “All the Things That Go to Make Heaven and Earth” — The New Pornographers
6. “My Piano” — Hot Chip
7. “Princess” — Datarock
8. “Budos Rising” — […]

Rome, part 2: La bella figura

by Rachel Berkowitz

( Food and Geography and Life and Philosophy )

I am still trying to wrap my head around the concept of “fare bella figura.” It literally means “to make a beautiful figure,” but most people would translate it as “a good impression.” Truthfully, it’s a little of both—and it’s singularly Italian.
In order to possess a bella figura, you must look put-together. […]

Rome, part 1: Voi siete qui

by Rachel Berkowitz

Rome is everything you’ve heard and more. Compared to other European cities, it’s dirty, chaotic, and corrupt. It’s also one of the most glorious and seductive places on earth, a feast for the senses and the home of more beauty than anyone can comprehend.
My partner and I recently returned from two fabulous weeks […]

Live music roundup

by Rachel Berkowitz

I couldn’t escape the feeling, growing up in northern New England, that life was happening elsewhere. Somewhere, surely, people drank espresso, had brilliant ideas, made art, circulated in galleries and concert halls, strolled boulevards crowded with boutiques and creatively-dressed bohemians, invented cocktails with clever names, and discussed the Meaning Of Life—but not in my […]

Quest for fire

by Rachel Berkowitz

( Love )

What’s the dumbest thing you’ve ever done for a girl (or guy, if that’s what lights your candle)? When have you done something so contrary to your normal routine — so against your very sense of self — that a miniature you hovered over your shoulder shrieking, “I can’t believe it! What are you thinking?” […]