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A Sense of Time
It’s the 180th anniversary of the founding of the tiny fishing community on the Cranberry Isles in Maine, where the 5th-generation lobstermen depicted in The Secret Life of Lobsters live and work. Here’s the commemorative postmark, showing the small boat that still ferries passengers and brings the islanders their daily mail. Hard to believe I…
Read MoreFood for Thought
If there’s one thing I learned while researching and writing The Story of Sushi, it’s that the history of sushi has been one of surprisingly constant change and evolution, both in Japan and internationally. The book’s subtitle isn’t “An Unlikely Saga of Raw Fish and Rice” for nothing. The other day I had the honor…
Read MoreIn a Surprise Move, Apple Computer Enters the Highly Competitive Sushi/Sashimi Serving Tray Market
In case you missed the Japanese gadget geek who decided his new iPad could serve as the perfect interchangeable serving platter for sushi and sashimi, here you go. His iPhone makes a delightful appearance as well. (This has been featured on a number of blogs already, but few of them highlighted the English translation provided…
Read MoreHow to Talk about Bestiality on NPR
My exceptionally embarrassing interview with WNYC’s RadioLab has just been beamed around the world. The topic? The mysterious phenomenon of large lobster rescues. Here’s a sample from the conversation: Robert Krulwich: “Was it its beauty?” Trevor Corson: “I actually think that lobsters are very attractive.” Robert Krulwich: “Do you always think that?” Trevor Corson: “I…
Read MoreIndignant Dignity
I am searching for the words that could describe this dog’s expression. Something that combines reproach with bewilderment at the human sense of humor. Source: Buzzfeed.
Read MoreDream Car
Now here is a cure for the minivan blues–the “Crushstation,” a lobster-themed monster truck. Hell yeah. Check out the video.
Read MoreMiss Sushi
Have you ever struggled with something you’re not good at? Have you ever wrestled with a sense of inadequacy in the face of daunting challenges that seem easily mastered by others? Have you ever persevered only to encounter widespread prejudice against you? Kate Murray, pictured above, had never cooked much more than scrambled eggs and…
Read MoreIf You’re Looking for Crustacean Porn
Then look no further than the new “Summer Issue” of New York magazine, which describes a lobster-sex-tape viewing session with yours truly. If you find that the least bit interesting, you’re probably a prime candidate for putting The Secret Life of Lobsters on your summer reading list. Here’s what the Associated Press had to say: In passages…
Read MoreLobster Trivia
In honor of “National Lobster Day,” here’s some lobster trivia from The Secret Life of Lobsters, as printed in a publication called “Out & About in Downeast Maine”: • Maine fishermen catch and sell between 55 million and 60 million pounds of lobster a year. • It takes the average lobster from five to seven years…
Read MoreA Civilized Crustacean
I snapped this photo over the weekend. I was visiting my friends at the Red Hook Lobster Pound in Brooklyn to be interviewed for a radio documentary about The Secret Life of Lobsters. I thought I’d show the reporter the power of the lobster’s crusher claw, so I encouraged this lobster to squeeze a plastic…
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