I LOVE the Oscars! It’s a great mix of the high and pop culture I adore. Though I do have to ask why, oh why, does Miley Cyrus have to be at every awards show? That agent of hers better be getting a massive cut of her paycheck.

Anyway, I thought the show was great, except for the interpretive dance thing they do every year to the film scores. Poppin to Avatar music – I’m not feeling it. The set was gorgeous, the hosts fun, Neil Patrick Harris’ opening smashing, the speeches pretty good (with the exception of one…more on that below.)

As always, there are some heartfelt shout-outs to moms and some lovely mom arm-candy accompanying a nominated child. I picked out a few of my favorite mom-related moments from the 2010 Oscars:

Gabourey Sidibe turns down Oprah and sticks to just showing up with her mom
Oprah asked Sidibe if she wanted to ride together and Sidibe declined saying “People will think we’re too cool.” I’m not sure what that means, but I like it when moms feel important. (btw Oprah, I’m free to ride with you next year.)

Sandra Bullock martyrizes moms
Every mom last night during Bullock’s speech was like “Totally, right on!” Continue Reading at Metro magazine

I don’t know what’s going on, but bananas seem to be invading my life.

Yesterday, on a blog called Eat Me Daily, I was reading about artist Adriana Lara’s installation at last year’s “Younger Than Jesus” exhibition at the New Museum. For Lara’s piece, “Installation (Banana Peel),” a museum employee was instructed to eat a banana and throw the peel on the floor somewhere in the exhibition space. A guard would then stand near to protect it. It’s hilarious and silly and irreverant — this piece of trash among the beautiful artwork. Lara seems to be a modern day Dadaist. Here it is at the museum:

adriana lara banana peel at the New Museum

…and in case you needed to see a close up:

Then, today, I happened upon another banana thing. It seems banana peels can whiten teeth! Apparently, if you rub the white part of the peel against your teeth for 2 minutes, the calcium, potassium and Vitamin D will help to whiten. I don’t think I’ll try it, but if you do let me know if your pearly whites sparkle.

bev shot's american amber ale

As its website says, “Bev Shots are posh prints of beers, wines and cocktails photographed under a microscope and featured as modern art.” Look what can happen when science gets creative.

In honor of this week’s artist, Stephanie Izard, and the selection of craft beers and global wines at her soon-to-open restaurant, Girl & the Goat, I’m featuring Bev Shots. Whether through the lens of a camera or beer goggles, alcohol can make things interesting. Thanks to the site my gourmet connection for letting me know about Bev Shots.

bev shot's whiskey