Montparnasse 25

We went to Montparnasse 25 for dinner.  It was sad, because the Starwood management has just converted the hotel to a Sheraton & decided to close this Michelin-starred restaurant that we love.   The chef, Christian Moine & the waitstaff that my husband knows from years of dining there were all still in shock from the announcement (even though they've been under threat of the axe for 2 years).

Food was very good, as usual, and I imagine we'll make it back a few times in the next months, but it will probably be going downhill fast since the best of the serving & kitchen staff will go for greener pastures as soon an they are able.

Get a Life, Nadine Gordimer

I had never read anything by Nobel-prize winning Nadine Gordimer, but I found Get a Life at a used bookshop & picked it up.   Interesting character study, but the story seemed flat and poorly developed to me.  Grade : B-

Mona Lisa Smile

I watched Mona Lisa Smile as a  99c rental from iTunes on the train today.  As is often the case w 99c movies, I feel I got a good deal.  It was at least 3$ worth of entertainment.  I enjoyed seeing a chick flick that kept me occupied for 2 hours.   Grade : B

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

A and I went to see this (while E worked).   In 3D.  The 3D effects were, as is often the case, pretty uneven, but the story was entertaining for this genre of film - although less funny for adults than many kids movies are.  I'd grade it a B-.

The Healing of America - T.R. Reid

I've long looked for a good rapid overview of multiple health systems -- this book completely fits the bill, and hopefully will even make a big enough impact to make serious changes to the US healthcare system.  A quick and easy read, it was also interesting & written by a reporter who understood his subject but simplified things for easy access for anyone.

Time Will Darken It - William Maxwell

This book was loaned to me by my mom, who loved it and had post it flags & underlining all over it. Despite that being extremely annoying, the book was beautifully written, and really made me wonder why Maxwell is not better known. Reading more of his work is high on my priority list now.

Les Bouddas de Shandong, Musée Cernuchi

My sister & I went to the Cernuchi museum, a small Asian arts museum which is near my office.  There was a special exhibit on these buddhas, which were a fun cultural stop in the day.