BACK TO SCHOOL IS SO COOL

When I was in college back in ye olde days of yore, my dorm room interior design was limited to plastic milk crates and bookshelves made of cinder blocks. These days, however, kids get all the cool stuff, from ’60s-inspired decor at Urban Outfitters to fun and functional storage like these Day-Glo nested woven nylon bins from The Container Store. The colors are so yummy you’ll want to run your tongue over them. But, please, buy them first.

A BRIGHT IDEA

You don’t have to be Einstein to have a comprehensive picture of American history. Just take an hour or two to walk through the Amon Carter’s “100 Great American Photographs” exhibit. From one of the earliest images made in America (a 1840 daguerreotype) to digital photos, this show contains 100 of the most interesting in the AC’s 30,000-image collection. We mentioned it in the current issue’s calendar, so you may have–good D Home readers that you are–already seen it. But if you (like me until this past weekend) have delayed, I implore you, go!

A few highlights: Einstein (by Clara Sipprell, shown), JFK and Jackie campaigning in Boston, Geronimo, Abraham Lincoln, Civil Rights and Great Depression shots, and a favorite of mine, Keith Carter’s “Fireflies,” an enchanting dream-like evocation of summer. And, don’t forget to read the captions, or you’ll miss fascinating stories about the photographers and their subjects. This one made me laugh: Photographer Arthur Fellig who became known as “Weegee” for his ability to predict the site of every disaster and who prided himself on his ability to arrive before police officers at a scene, in fact had a police scanner in his trunk. Good stuff.

ATTEMPTS TO BECOME MORE CHEFLY

So you’ve acquired the proper attire, the toque blanche, and perhaps you’ve splurged and purchased the official chef tools–maybe one of Pete Yavner’s rolling pins (see post “Wood Work for Food”). Well now it’s time to get in the kitchen. No, not your own. Wouldn’t you rather learn in a state-of-the-art private dining room kitchen? (That way you won’t have to clean up afterward.) And why not learn from a master? Stephan Pyles is teaching six cooking classes at Stephan Pyles, the restaurant, starting this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Devotees of the founding father of Southwestern cuisine will learn recipes and techniques, and the best part: The demo includes a 4-course meal with matching wines or beverages. Contact Melinda Lawson at 214-999-1229 ext. 103 for reservations.