Journalism Sample: Short Reviews

Holidays on Ice (book)

What kind of present do you buy for the person who thinks Holiday glee is an advanced form of viral infection, and that family gatherings are about as enjoyable as an ice pick in the eye? David Sedaris’ humorous short story collection, Holidays on Ice, is a good bet. Sedaris, the short story king of dry sarcasm, is both mocking and politically incorrect without being in-your-face obnoxious. His prose is at times so perversely funny it’s certain to induce tears of laughter out of even the most Scrooge-like holiday-haters. This collection features “Santaland Diaries”, which is based on Sedaris’ real-life experience working as an Christmas elf at Macy’s at age 35. It’s the kind of stocking stuffer you just may have more fun stealing than giving away. 

Chump Change (book)

We’ve all been told that self-pity is never attractive, but in those rare times that it’s narrated with the perfect balance of objectivity, sarcasm and mastery of style, it can actually be rather endearing. David Henry, the protagonist in David Eddie’s Chump Change, may have trouble fitting into the conventional working world, but he has no trouble making you laugh. He’s that stereotypical writer type who just wants to booze it up and pretend he’s above needing to earn an income by non-artistic means. The way he explains with complete honesty–never abandoning a chance to degrade himself – the events that unfold in his (uncertain) life will evoke more than just a few smiles (and eyerolls) from the sympathetic, or just plain judgemental, reader. Chump Change is a novel for anyone who’s ever felt like a “superior outcast” and wondered which path – money or integrity – was the wiser one to choose. 

Tap on Sushi (restaurant)

You’re thinking sushi and beer, right? Wrong – that would be too ordinary. Upon being seated, you don’t think much of that wooden stage area near the bar until you recognize your server tap-dancing on it, heels clicking up with glee. Yes, that’s right, sushi Fred Astaire-style. Along with bringing you tasty sushi platters, the waiters and waitresses at this unique restaurant perform dance routines at 8:00 and 9:30 PM every Friday and Saturday night. Tap dancing and sushi – who would’ve thought the two would ever share the same room – or even the same sentence for that matter? Although this unlikely combination may not be as ground-breaking as the peanut butter and jelly union must’ve been at it’s time, it’s sure makes a fun way to spend an
offbeat dinner. 

Old Focals (store)

At times the film industry may look at the world through rose-colored glasses, but at least it knows where to find them. Old Focals Eye Wear Gallery is one of the Industry’s best kept secrets for finding all types of vintage eye wear from around the world. Located in Pasadena, Old Focals houses a vast collection of affordable, stylish eyeglass frames from all genres of the 20th century. If the small but quaint storefront doesn’t fully accommodate your specific eye wear needs, Russ Campbell, the gregarious owner, will happily retreat to his warehouse – full of literally thousands more eyeglass frames–and find you just that pair you had in mind. 

Journalism Sample: Short Reviews

Holidays on Ice (book)

What kind of present do you buy for the person who thinks Holiday glee is an advanced form of viral infection, and that family gatherings are about as enjoyable as an ice pick in the eye? David Sedaris’ humorous short story collection, Holidays on Ice, is a good bet. Sedaris, the short story king of dry sarcasm, is both mocking and politically incorrect without being in-your-face obnoxious. His prose is at times so perversely funny it’s certain to induce tears of laughter out of even the most Scrooge-like holiday-haters. This collection features “Santaland Diaries”, which is based on Sedaris’ real-life experience working as an Christmas elf at Macy’s at age 35. It’s the kind of stocking stuffer you just may have more fun stealing than giving away. 

Chump Change (book)

We’ve all been told that self-pity is never attractive, but in those rare times that it’s narrated with the perfect balance of objectivity, sarcasm and mastery of style, it can actually be rather endearing. David Henry, the protagonist in David Eddie’s Chump Change, may have trouble fitting into the conventional working world, but he has no trouble making you laugh. He’s that stereotypical writer type who just wants to booze it up and pretend he’s above needing to earn an income by non-artistic means. The way he explains with complete honesty–never abandoning a chance to degrade himself – the events that unfold in his (uncertain) life will evoke more than just a few smiles (and eyerolls) from the sympathetic, or just plain judgemental, reader. Chump Change is a novel for anyone who’s ever felt like a “superior outcast” and wondered which path – money or integrity – was the wiser one
to choose. 

Tap on Sushi (restaurant)

You’re thinking sushi and beer, right? Wrong – that would be too ordinary. Upon being seated, you don’t think much of that wooden stage area near the bar until you recognize your server tap-dancing on it, heels clicking up with glee. Yes, that’s right, sushi Fred Astaire-style. Along with bringing you tasty sushi platters, the waiters and waitresses at this unique restaurant perform dance routines at 8:00 and 9:30 PM every Friday and Saturday night. Tap dancing and sushi – who would’ve thought the two would ever share the same room – or even the same sentence
for that matter? Although this unlikely combination may not be as ground-breaking as the peanut butter and jelly union must’ve been at it’s time, it’s sure makes a fun way to spend an offbeat dinner. 

Old Focals (store)

At times the film industry may look at the world through rose-colored glasses, but at least it knows where to find them. Old Focals Eye Wear Gallery is one of the Industry’s best kept secrets for finding all types of vintage eye wear from around the world. Located in Pasadena, Old Focals houses a vast collection of affordable, stylish eyeglass frames from all genres of the 20th century. If the small but quaint storefront doesn’t fully accommodate your specific eye wear needs, Russ Campbell, the gregarious owner, will happily retreat to his warehouse – full of literally thousands more eyeglass frames–and find you just that pair you had
in mind.