April's Six

Image Credits: upper-right tile via refinery29.com, lower-left tile via Noblescore, lower-right tile via @cavesingers.

The aim of this series is to corral some favorite things and share them in a short and sweet post. Whether it’s a song, book, recipe, tip, or product, hopefully you will find some inspiration in this list.    

1. Nature recently published a fantastic article on the problem of “statistical significance” in terms of its use and the often careless interpretation of it. If you’re a student of the sciences or social sciences, you may be particularly interested in the argument. Find it here. My takeaway? In the authors’ words: “Embrace uncertainty” and “Be humble.”

2. Podcasts abound these days and as a former 180 mile/day commuter, I so appreciate when someone directs me to a good one. In that spirit, I have two recommendations: Dr. Death and The Dropout. I am recommending them together because there is something eerily similar about their outrageous subjects. My sister promised me that the story of Christopher Duntsch (a.k.a. Dr. Death) would keep me completely engrossed on a long car ride. Without giving anything away, I will just say that she was absolutely correct—and, the podcast is perfectly named. The Dropout follows the rise and fall of Theranos-founder Elizabeth Holmes. Like Duntsch, she is a master-manipulator and fraud in the medical industry, although the similarities don’t end there. Their extreme narcissism, disregard for consequences, and at times ludicrous delusion, will blow you away. Listen to both and let us know what you think! Find Dr. Death here and The Dropout here.

3. They say that trends have a tendency to make repeated comebacks. While this isn’t always a good thing (for the love of all things holy, I never want to see “low-rider” jeans again), I am here for one particular rebirth: the barrette. There are so many great options, from this cool, geometric style to this affordable ($3), faux-pearl style.

4. For a decidedly much less trendy accessory, I present to you the most functional visor, here in several color options for $16. I battle fairly serious melasma (hormonal hyper-pigmentation) so sun-protection is key. I know it’s dorky, but since my hair is always in a bun or pony, the visor style is necessary. Bonus: this particular option folds up so you can tuck it in your bag.

5. One of my all-time favorite restaurants, The Back Abbey, is famous for its beer and burgers. While neither disappoint, there are several unsung heroes on their menu that are also worth a try. One of which is a really simple sandwich that I have recreated— with great success!—at home. You’ll need a high-quality baguette, butter (Kerrygold is a good butter option and you can find it basically everywhere), prosciutto, Maldon salt, and arugula. Slice the baguette open, spread with butter on both sides, add a sprinkle of Maldon salt flakes, prosciutto, and a generous pile of arugula. That’s it! Since this sandwich is so simple, the final result depends a lot on using good-quality ingredients. But, it couldn’t be easier to assemble or more delicious.

6. There is something about “Swim Club” by the Cave Singers that I just love. The lyrics are opaque, but not annoyingly so, and will just get to you. Case and point: “I can feel the future just fine/I can feel the future, baby/It's tumbling down your cheek.” Listen to it here.

Alison