What I'm reading: How to Live Forever and 34 Other Really Interesting Uses of Science by Alok Jha. I go through a lot of very dense writings for my research, so for leisure I try to read something a little lighter. This book is the perfect vehicle for procrastination - I'm now up to the chapter on how to grow faster than your twin.

What I'm watching: Season three of Rupaul's Drag Race. In a nutshell, it's a reality TV series in the lineage of American Idol, except they're looking for a drag superstar instead of a pop idol. I like how drag is portrayed in the series - it's seen as a performing art practice with integrity and serious artistic intent. Some of the contestants are truly stunning.

What I'm listening to: Victoire's Cathedral City, released by the awesome new music label New Amsterdam. Victoire is a classically inspired pop-rock band headed by composer Missy Mizzoli. This album is full of glittering textures and lush harmonies; the marriage of pop and classical is done very tastefully and with plenty of compositional nuance.