Today’s interviewee is the author of the sad, delicious and fascinating memoir All Gone: A Memoir of My Mother's Dementia. With Refreshments, which is a heartbreaking account of the author’s smart and strong mother “disappearing from sight” while honoring her traditions by sharing her comforting recipes. She is also a staff writer for The New York Times Magazine and originated the “Feed Me” column for the Times Dining section. She has contributed to New York, Vogue, Elle, and Ladies’ Home Journal, among other publications. The author of three previous books, she lives in New York.
The Alex Witchel Interview
Jan. 25, 2013Today’s interviewee is the author of the sad, delicious and fascinating memoir All Gone: A Memoir of My Mother's Dementia. With Refreshments, which is a heartbreaking account of the author’s smart and strong mother “disappearing from sight” while honoring her traditions by sharing her comforting recipes. She is also a staff writer for The New York Times Magazine and originated the “Feed Me” column for the Times Dining section. She has contributed to New York, Vogue, Elle, and Ladies’ Home Journal, among other publications. The author of three previous books, she lives in New York.Is there a time and a place for fur?
Jan. 24, 2013
A few weeks ago my colleague Leah Pickett wrote a blog post about how to stay warm yet remain fashionable when the temperatures dip, suggesting, to my chagrin, that black puffer coats are démodé (I got one for Christmas and I LOVE it. You will literally have to pry it from my cold, dead hands.)I think there are small ways one can try to perk up a winter wardrobe (I choose to express myself with a pair of outlandish teal leather gloves) but at a certain temperature (26 degrees Fahrenheit), it all goes out the window. Earlier this week I walked the dog while wearing polka dot pajama pants over wicking running pants for an extra layer of warmth. Hat head is a small price to pay for an insulated noggin. The company Sorel has launched a successful campaign convincing women that bulky, furry snowboots are a fashion statement (successful in that yours truly owns a pair of Helen of Tundra boots a few years ago and will wear them over said pajama pants.)
Zulkey bits and pieces
Jan. 23, 2013There are some little bits and pieces I would like to share with the Internet but none of them can really be turned into a whole post, so here you go: it’s potpourri day.
1.) Funny Ha-Ha is returning next month with a fabulous lineup! Check it all out in our gorgeous poster right here. 
2.) My husband Steve Delahoyde made a very nice short (as in three minutes long) piece about the origins of the poetry slam right here in Chicago (see below). You’ll probably like it.
3.) I wrote this piece for the Hairpin called “That Baby Wants to Break You Up.” It should be noted that a.) Coincidentally, life seemed to get a lot easier right after I wrote it and b.) It’s not meant as a cautionary tale against having children. I’m just not likely to write a piece called “Here Are All The Ways I Love My Adorable Baby.” It’s just meant as catharsis first, and maybe commiseration, second.
4.) Finally, Michelle Obama’s bangs! I don’t have much to say about them (they’re fine?
Tentative plans for the Zulkey inauguration
Jan. 22, 2013
There will be constant Air Force jet flyovers with colored smoke, because those are awesome. Nobody will be able to hear anything but they will be too thrilled to care.I will be preceded by marching band with a thousand male baton twirlers, because that would be interesting and unexpected.
I will ride up in a magnificent carriage pulled by twelve gorgeous horses, because why don’t we do things with horses anymore in America? Why do only British weddings get this?
I will request that my friend Abraham Levitan make up a humorous, inspiring song about me and my special day and that everyone in attendance memorize the lyrics and sing along.
I will be wearing a gigantic hat as will everyone else in attendance since they will be mandatory. Hats will be provided if audience members don’t bring their own.
Hugh Jackman, Joel McHale and Conan O’Brien will all simultaneously hold the Bible I swear in on.
Paul McCartney will then sing “Hey Jude” but change the lyrics to “Hey Claire.”
The Matt Besser Interview
Jan. 18, 2013
Today I chat with one of the founding members of the beloved sketch comedy troupe Upright Citizens Brigade, who had their own show on Comedy Central from 1998-2000 which you can now find on DVD. Recently, Last year his film Freak Dance, a parody of dancing face-off movies of the past, was released on DVD. Currently, you can enjoy his funny web series "Inside the Master Class," about what it’s like to study improv from a master (played by its creator). He’s got a new comedy album out now called "The Six Most Important Sets In The History of Of Stand Up," plus you can also enjoy him through your earphones via his podcast Improv4Humans.
What are some of your favorite memories of DJ’ing comedy radio? Do you recall any particularly well-timed song plays?
Oprah! I'll confess too
Jan. 16, 2013
Dear Oprah:I need some cash. Daycare is expensive as are hospital bills and our dumb dog got hurt and so there are now vet bills and the house isn’t getting paid off for about 26 years and I have a Pier One credit card bill (who has a Pier One credit card?! Me.) because Christmas made me insane and I had to go and buy little smelly candles for my friends and did you know they charge extra for gift boxes?
I know you’re not in the habit of just handing out money these days but I think I know a way we can help each other out. I will come on your show and confess some secrets.
Don’t tell me that Lance Armstrong came to you to confess that he started doping just because he likes you and wanted to get a few things off his chest. You paid him some big bucks, bucks he’s probably going to be hurting for now that people suddenly realize that those yellow bracelets don’t really go with their outfits.
List: Bestelling Book Cellar titles written by Zulkey interviewees
Jan. 15, 2013
The Fault In Our Stars by John Green
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Looking For Alaska by John Green
Visit From the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan
If You Were Here by Jen Lancaster
You are welcome, authors and Book Cellar! I’m happy to be solely responsible for your success.
Calling for an end to the slow-motion cancel
Jan. 14, 2013
This weekend I had lunch with a friend of mine who lamented a strange social phenomenon she fell victim to earlier this month. She was hosting a dinner party, and one guest, instead of merely attending or canceling, began texting her in the morning to warn her that she might not be able to attend, due to a sick child. “I’ll let you know what happens,” the guest promised the hostess, and then, on about an hourly basis, provided updates, informing her that things weren’t looking so good due to Junior and his cold. Eventually, exactly at dinnertime, the guest sent a text saying “Looks like I can’t make it after all. Have fun though!!”*