This Book is a Lot of Things
"This Book is a Planetarium" is a lot of things, and a pop up book at that!
"This Book is a Planetarium" includes a cellphone-driven.... planetarium!
Chronicle Books' "This Book is a Planetarium" is a lot of things. In fact, six different things, all wrapped up into one pop up book for children and design-loving adults to enjoy and interact with.
The author, Kelli Anderson, notes that all six demonstrations, carefully crafted of paper, show the work of science, with "Why it Works" sidebars discussing the background of each. The simplest is a two-sided insert with a decoder ring and a perpetual calendar sharing one pop up.
Sounds are the focus of two pop ups, including a "speaker" that amplifies a cellphone's music, and a five string musical instrument. Clever demonstrations and designs, although I'll note that the tension on the strings is a bit too loose to provide a good enough sound to completely pull off the concept. The cone does, in fact, amplify the sound, but it's probably a stretch to call it a "speaker" in any technical sense.
The pop up holds the cellphone at the cone, which amplifies the sound level of the playing music.
I was excited to see the inclusion of the spiralgraph, a paper version of the Spirograph toy many of us loved as kids. Sadly, I found it very difficult to keep the gears in the proper positions while drawing.
The title piece, the planetarium, is the highlight of the book, and works surprisingly well, using the light of a cellphone's "flashlight" app. Impressive design and concept, pulled off. A lot of fun.
"This Book is a Planetarium"
by Kelli Anderson
Chronicle Books
Published 2017
Amazon Link (I am an Amazon affiliate, and would receive a small amount from a purchase using this link.)
Pros:
• Excellent concept and construction
• Attractively designed
• Planetarium is well crafted and fun
Cons:
• Decoder and Calendar are a bit more simplistic than the other items
• Questionable use of "speaker" for the one pop up
• Spiralgraph is challenging to use
• Somewhat lacking a sense of cohesiveness of popups included
Kitchen Recommendations for the Home Cook
As a food and cooking hobbyist, I've run across a few simple kitchen items that I tend to reach for and depend upon. Catch them here.
Food is something I've always enjoyed, and cooking is often the best way to get the food that you want. As I've widened my experience with cooking, I've gradually obtained some kitchen items that are "must-haves" for me, and I tend to reach for these items often. I have no particular expertise other than interest, but perhaps you'll find something in this list that would help you or make a great gift, and I try to take cost and value into consideration. I'll update this article as new items reach the qualifications above.
• Cuisinart ICE-211.5 Quart Ice Cream Maker
I'm an avid fan of homemade ice cream; so much better than commercial or even most of what you'll find at ice cream parlors! Many of the ice cream themed cookbooks give recipes sized for the 1.5 quart ice cream makers that don't need ice or salt, and while I've had and used the larger old fashioned makers, the convenience of the no ice models means you'll most likely use it more often.
I've been using the standard Cuisinart model for quite a few years now, and have given a number as wedding gifts.
Price at publishing: $47.97
• OXO Good Grips V-Blade Mandoline Slicer
America's Test Kitchen chose this as one of their suggested slicers, and I've been very pleased with mine, particularly with the value. Slicing vegetables thinly and consistently is quite easy, and thicknesses can range from 1/16th to 1/4th of an inch.
This is quite sharp, so be certain to use the enclosed food holder.
Price at publishing: $39.95
• EatSmart Precision Pro Digital Kitchen Scale
As your baking experience grows you'll most likely run into an increasing number of recipes that rely on the accuracy of weight measurement, and a small but reliable scale will become useful. This scale fits the bill and measures in ounces, pounds, grams and kilograms, and easily tares to account for the plate or bowl used to hold the ingredient.
Price at publishing: $19.95
• Ateco 690 Pastry Cloth & Rolling Pin Cover
And speaking of baking, why fight dough moving or sticking as you attempt to work with it? This inexpensive cloth, at 25 x 20 inches, solves the problem for you. Place it on any flat surface and you have a new work area.
Price at publishing: $7.49
Bodum Brazil 8-Cup French Press Coffee Maker with Coffee from Hanover's (PA) Merlin's Coffee
• Bodum Brazil 8-Cup French Press Coffee Maker
After all of those homemade baked goods, you'll want some great home-brewed coffee. Unless you're making it for a bunch of guests, now with a french press for great results.
Price at publishing: $19.99
• Oster 18-Quart Roaster Oven with Buffet Server
With limited kitchen space, having items that serve more than one purpose is a necessity. You'll use this roaster for pork loins, chickens and roasts, but you'll also see how handy it as a three tub buffet server to keep foods warm and safe for guests. Fill the roaster with water a half hour before serving and easily control the food temperature throughout your meal, or keep food out a bit longer safely.
Price at publishing: $51.04
• Lodge Seasoned 12 Inch Cast Iron Skillet
The most-used item on our stove and in the oven is the legendary cast iron pan. I have two 12 pans handy and often in use. Versatile and easy to clean.
Price at publishing: $31.89
Norpro Frozen Ice Pop Maker (Previous Model)
• Norpro Frozen Ice Pop Maker
After a great meal comes dessert, and popsicles are a great choice; homemade are even better.
Price at publishing: $9.51
• OXO Good Grips Fish Turner
The ability to get under food and flip it seems so simplistic, yet so few designs do it well. With the delicacy of fish, another twist is thrown in. This turner will work for many dishes you'll make.
Price at publishing: $12.95
• Cutlery
One of the best investments in the kitchen are quality knives, but the costs can seem astonishing. Are there better knifes available if you have the money? Probably, but listed below are the knives I've found to be the best value for the cost, from the large chef's knife to the steak knife at the table.
Victorinox 8 Inch Fibrox Pro Chef's Knife
Price at publishing: $44.95
Amazon Link
Victorinox 125th Anniversary 4 ½ Inch Tomato/Bagel Knife
This knife is currently not available, but appears to be similar to the Victorinox 4 ½ Inch Utility Knife
Price at publishing: $10.49
Amazon Link
Victorinox Cutlery 3-Piece Paring Knife Set
Price at publishing: $18.31
Amazon Link
Misen Chef's Knife
Review by Serious Eats' Kenji Lopez-Alt
Price at publishing: $65.00
Misen Link
Chicago Cutlery 4-Piece Tradition Steak Knife Set
Price at publishing: $21.71
Amazon Link
And my favorite item is...
• StarPack Premium Silicone Spoon/Spatula Spoon
There is a bit of a price range for the items above, but my favorite kitchen item is one of the cheapest. The silicone is stiff enough for serious stirring, yet flexible at the edges to scrape the pot without scratching. Perfect size and weight; this is the first item to buy.
Price at publishing: $7.49
Amazon Link
Hopefully you'll find something here to help in your kitchen or as a gift; I'll update the list as necessary to keep my favorites where you can find them.
As an Amazon Affiliate, purchases from the Amazon links provided will earn this web site a small commission fee, which helps support this web site.
Hanover Restaurant Recommendations
Hanover (Pennsylvania) is a major retail hub in the area, and this brings with it a boatload of places to eat. But which are worth stopping at?
While there are many that I'm sure are worthwhile that I've not listed here, this list includes some of my favorites that I personally recommend. Facebook (restaurant name) and website links are included...
Submitted by visualrealia on Wed, 05/25/2016 - 12:35
Hanover (Pennsylvania) is a major retail hub in the area, and this brings with it a boatload of places to eat. But which are worth stopping at?
While there are many that I'm sure are worthwhile that I've not listed here, this list includes some of my favorites that I personally recommend. Facebook (restaurant name) and website links are included. (This list is updated frequently - last updated 1/27/24.)
Hanover Restaurants - My Suggestions:
• Coffee
Ghouls and Grinds
455 Carlisle Street - Takeout Only
701 Third Street - Seating
Ghouls is the popular “to go” spot and themed drinks are the strong point for many visitors. The name sets a matching, fun vibe. The new Third Street location adds seating options.
• Brewpubs & Contemporary Casual
Something Wicked Brewing Company
34 Broadway
Website
Hanover already has a good collection of breweries with more on the way. They all have their strong points and are worth a visit. Read more about this popular spot in this Culture On The Line article.
Warehouse Gourmet
7 Pennsylvania Avenue
Website
Good lunch spot for sandwiches and soups, as well as homemade breads. Nice place to meet with friends.
Fat Bat Brewing
10 North Railroad Street
Website
Family-owned microbrewery with a nice variety of styles. Right beside Something Wicked, so hit two spots in one trip.
Oak Artisan Cookery
40 Broadway
Website
Pizza and pasta from a wood-fired oven add a nice addition to the downtown area and right in the microbrewery neighborhood.
• Sandwich/Burger
Hanover has good food in a number of different categories, but perhaps the town’s traditional middle class background lends itself to burgers and hot dogs. If you can’t find a sandwich in Hanover that you like, you aren’t looking.
Hotel Hanover
15 Center Square
Website
Sandwiches, wings, salads—all great stuff. Large, homemade portions.
Texas Hot Weiner Lunch
38 Carlisle Street
Hanover is the home (I don’t care what anyone else says) of hotdogs and hamburgers with the works, including a (bean free) chili sauce and enough onions to kill a man. Hanover has two different longtime places, including this downtown icon. Awesome traditional fries.
Want to know a secret? Life is more than just burgers and hot dogs. Texas HWL bakes and slices its own hams for the ham and cheese sandwiches — with everything, of course!
Famous Hot Weiner
101 Broadway - and
160 Dart Drive
Website
And the other “weiner shop” in town is just as much a hit. When Hanoverians return to town, they stop at one of these two places within the first few minutes of crossing the border. While the hot dog seems to be mentioned the most, go for the cheeseburger with everything.
The Homedog
Mobile - Follow the Facebook page for location.
Very popular hot dog cart. Grab the local smoked dog with whatever toppings you love.
Shultz's Delicatessen
918 Carlisle Street
Website
In addition to a large variety of deli-style sandwiches, wraps and salads, take home a container of their cheddar, bacon and horseradish spread. This place is a Hanover institution, having served the town since 1939.
• Asian
Korean Gardens
in the Markets at Hanover
1649 Broadway
Website (Markets at Hanover)
Korean Gardens resides in the center section of the Markets at Hanover at the north end of Hanover as heading toward Abbottstown. Great spot for pho and bibimbap. The pho broth is amazing.
Full Moon
1418 Baltimore Street
Website
Full Moon has an excellent menu of sushi and sashimi, as well as intriguing special rolls.
Blue Koi
805 Baltimore Street
Website
Slightly more upscale, with a good selection of sushi.
Aki
1150 Carlisle Street
Website
Stop here for lunch and enjoy a bento box for a good value.
• Baked Goods
Jacquelyn's Bakeshop & Cafe
1785 Baltimore Pike
Grab a nice variety of baked goods and some very worthy wraps for a light lunch.
Cake Bar
22 Carlisle Street
Just want one slice? They can do that and serve it to you with coffee or milk!
• Diner/American
Dutch Country Restaurant (No FB Page)
946 Baltimore Street
Website
The parking lot is always full, which tells all when looking at where to go for good diner food.
• Chain
LongHorn Steakhouse
20 Wilson Avenue
I am definitely a local kind of guy, supporting locally-owned businesses. I can’t deny, however, that Hanover’s LongHorn location has given us consistently good meals and service. Go for the Flo’s Filet.
• Ice Cream
York Street Treat
881 York Street
Looking for soft ice cream? Raspberry ice cream on York Street is the answer.
Paleteria Y Neveria Tocumbo
1000 Carlisle Street
(Tucked in a corner near Subway.)
This Delaware company's hand-dipped ice cream and popsicles are the best in town. Try the coffee or vanilla flavored ice creams, as well as the wonderful aguas frescas.
• Must-Stop on Saturday Mornings
Moon’s Cafe
at the Hanover Market House
210 East Chestnut Street
Website (Hanover Market House)
My Saturday morning breakfast is a spring roll from Moon’s at Hanover’s Saturday market. Very friendly place with equally tasty egg rolls and wontons. Tell them Andy sent you.
• Not in Hanover, But Close Enough…
Gateau Monique Bakery
5 South Queen Street, Littlestown
Website
Scones, cupcakes, cheesecake, tarts, you name it... you'll love it here. Worth a morning drive from wherever you're at.
C&D Bar & Grill
6465 York Road, New Oxford
Website
A local favorite for higher end meals. Also very good at adapting or creating items for those with special dietary needs.
Inn 94
4805 Carlisle Pike, New Oxford
Website
Looking for a traditional steak and seafood place with consistently good food? You’ll find it here. The Greek desserts are a bonus.
This post will be updated as required. Stop back and share it with friends! Last updated 12/19/24.