Products |
Weekend Butler: Josh Ritter would like to gift you 2 tickets. Now will you read the Pulitzer-winning novel? Phrase of the week: “malignant narcissism.” How rich is King Charles? A one-pot dinner. And more.
By
Published: May 10, 2023
Category:
Weekend
THE PULITZER
“Trust” just won the Pulitzer Prize, shared — for the first time in the history of these awards —with “Demon Copperhead.” The citation: “A riveting novel set in a bygone America that explores family, wealth and ambition through linked narratives rendered in different literary styles, a complex examination of love and power in a country where capitalism is king.” For my review and Amazon links, click here.
THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR: JOSH RITTER WOULD LIKE TO GIFT A BUTLER READER TWO TICKETS
Twenty years of friendship and some nice words on last weekend’s Butler translate to a gift of two tickets to Josh’s New York concert: Saturday night, May 20, 8 PM, the Beacon Theatre, 75th Street and Broadway. Who will get them? Someone who is the first to write me at HeadButlerNYC@AOL.com and, in 25 words or less, answer one question: Why I should get them.Runner-up prizes: If you buy a ticket to the Beacon show and would like me to buy you a drink at intermission, write me and tell me that.
PHRASE OF THE WEEK: “MALIGNANT NARCISSISM
I’ve been hearing it a lot. No mystery why it’s in the national conversation. Consider the definition.
A malignant narcissist will display traits such as arrogance, a need for recognition, and tendencies to use or exploit others for selfish reasons. Malignant narcissism is used to describe those with symptoms of both narcissistic personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder. Combined, these conditions can interfere with one’s relationships and is considered largely untreatable.
Being extremely arrogant and self-centered
Disregarding the feelings and needs of other people
Manipulating, using, or exploiting others for personal gain or pleasure
Having an extreme need for power
Acts of revenge against those who criticize them
Fantasizing about ways to obtain more power or dominance over others
Lacking conscience, regret, or remorse for their actions
Being cruel and taking pleasure in the pain of others
High levels of aggression towards other people
Paranoia or mistrust of others.
Scroll down for “Ten Signs of a Malignant Narcissist.” As you go down the list, you may conclude — as I did — that, at most, you’ve got some tendencies. But do you enjoy hurting people? Do you look for opportunities to be cruel? You don’t. But I bet you can think of some people who get off on other people’s pain.
THE KENT STATE UNIVERSITY CHOIR
On May 4, 1970, members of the Ohio National Guard fired into a crowd of Kent State University demonstrators, killing four and wounding nine. Neil Young wrote a song you’ve heard often. You’ve never heard it like this.
AS SEEN ON TWITTER
“My friend has a date tonight. She wore high heels, a silk dress and a long coat with a matching tiny bag. The man texted her to ‘remind’ her to bring her wallet because they’ll be splitting the bill. She changed into sneakers, jeans and a sweater.”
HOW RICH IS KING CHARLES?
The first crown King Charles III wore at his May 6 coronation is five pounds of solid gold, velvet, ermine and gems. The second is adorned with 2,868 diamonds. He also technically owns all the swans in England and Wales, and a surprising number of sea creatures, including the whales, dolphins and porpoises in the waters around the United Kingdom. And then there’s the land the Royals own. For the tally, click here.
HAIRS RISING ON THE BACK OF YOUR NECK
Baba Yetu. Click here.
WEEKEND POEM
“Once in the 40’s,” by William Stafford
We were alone one night on a long
road in Montana. This was in winter, a big
night, far to the stars. We had hitched,
my wife and I, and left our ride at
a crossing to go on. Tired and cold—but
brave—we trudged along. This, we said,
was our life, watched over, allowed to go
where we wanted. We said we’d come back some time
when we got rich. We’d leave the others and find
a night like this, whatever we had to give,
and no matter how far, to be so happy again.
WEEKEND RECIPE
In good weather, do you really want to cook something fancy? In good weather, do you want to rush the season and grill grill grill? Here’s an easy compromise..
One-Pot Spaghetti With Cherry Tomatoes and Kale
From Tejal Rao, of the New York Times: In this simple recipe, raw pasta and cherry tomatoes are simmered together in a single pan, cooking the pasta and forming a thick, starchy sauce at the same time. The technique is easy to master and endlessly adaptable: When you add the kale, you could also toss in a couple of anchovies and a generous pinch of red-pepper flakes. When you season and top with cheese, you could add a pile of fresh chopped herbs, like mint, basil or oregano.
Yield: 4 servings
1 pound spaghetti
1 pound cherry tomatoes, halved (about 2 pints)
2 lemons, zested
¼ cup plus 3 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
1 bunch kale or spinach, leaves only, washed and chopped
Black pepper
Parmesan
Bring just over a quart of water to a boil. Meanwhile, place spaghetti, tomatoes, lemon zest, oil and 2 teaspoons kosher salt in a large, dry, shallow pan. (The pan should be large enough that the dry spaghetti can lie flat.)
Carefully add the boiling water to the pan with the spaghetti. Cover pan and bring water to a boil. Remove lid and simmer for about 6 minutes, using tongs to move the spaghetti around now and then so it doesn’t stick. Add kale or spinach and continue cooking until remaining liquid has reduced to a sauce and the pasta is cooked through. Taste, season with salt and pepper, and top with Parmesan.
WEEKEND GORGEOUS
My local station is suddenly playing Nick Drake in quantity. One song will tell you why.
