This video serves as a kind of introduction to our next book, A Cook's Tour, which we'll start discussing next week. Be sure to do the questions in the post BELOW this one for next week (and read the chapters specified in the post).
For now, watch this short video and respond to the question as a comment, and please put your name somewhere in the comment so I can give you credit! :) And make sure you WATCH the video--don't just try to answer the question using other people's comments (I think some of you are misunderstanding the prompt--so be careful!)
If I had the money I would spend an absurd amount of money on travel. Traveling is one of my favorite things to do and I want to travel all over the world and experience new things. A full guided tour of a country, any country, with a full cultural immersion I would pay any amount of money for something like that.
ReplyDeleteWell, lucky for you we have this class! So you can travel to all of these places for free in books! Ha, not quite the same thing, I guess. But still, you can learn a lot about places before you go...and avoid some of the big mistakes and humiliations. :)
DeleteI would spend the extra money to build a house. I know a lot of people just want to rent or buy homes. While I don't think those are bad things and I would be okay with doing them myself in the short term, one day I want to spend the money to build my own house on my own piece of land so everything can be exactly how I dram it up to be.
ReplyDeleteGood response; what makes a custom-built house different than a normal house, rented or bought? What would it allow you do that you couldn't otherwise do in a pre-made house? How is a house an 'art form' rather than simply a place to hang your hat?
DeleteIf I had an absurd amount of money I would spend it on purchasing a grand piano. I personally enjoy playing the piano and I feel you would want to purchase something that you could use for a lifetime or that others could use. Playing music is worthwhile to me so I consider this a great decision even though others may not agree.
ReplyDelete~Andrew Ambrosoli
Good response--since many people would say, just buy a $200 keyboard and you can play whatever you want! (which of course isn't true, anyway). What kind of piano and what would it change in your music? Why is the right piano just as important as the music itself?
DeleteIf I had an absurd amount of money, I would save it for my future family and travel a little bit. I like to be prepared for the future and with the money saved it will make like a cushion in case of emergencies. I has always been curious about Norway, Switzerland, many other countries. The love the scenery of mountains, rolling hills, and the sunset. Being there in the moment and being able to experience the beautiful atmosphere for days or weeks sounds like a dream. -Nora Gayler
ReplyDeleteBe careful--the prompt didn't ask you if you had any amount of money what would you do...it was a little more specific than that. Be sure you're watching the video so you can get the gist of the question. I think travel is a good response, though, and you gave a good explanation as to why you see travel more as an art form than merely moving from place to place.
DeleteIf I had an absurd amount of money, I take what I need for my college and put that in a specific bank account. Whatever is left over, I'd use to buy my favorite shoes. Some AirMags, Dior x Air Force 1's, all that stuff. I use to not care about shoes at all, but it all changed my freshman year of high school when I saw a pair of Air Jordan 6's "Be Like Mike". Now, I love shoes. Everything from Vans, to Nikes, to Jordans, I want them all. - Parker Milligan
ReplyDeleteRemember, the prompt wasn't about having an absurd amount of money--it's just what thing are you so devoted to that you see it as an 'art,' and not just a thing (the way the Japanese see muskmelons)? So shoes work here, so just focus on that...what made you see them as an art form, rather than just footwear?
DeleteIf I had an absurd amount of money I would invest it and pay off all of my student debts. If there was any money left over I would buy my mom a new car because the car she has right now is super old and she deserves a new car because she works so hard. I would also take my family on a vacation to Hawaii because we have never really been on an actual vacation. -Nayeli Delgado
ReplyDeleteRemember, the question wasn't if you had an absurd amount of money, but what one thing are you so obsessed with that you would spend any amount of money on it--something you consider an 'art,' even though other people don't see it that way. I applaud your response here, since it's a great thing to spend money on, but it's a little different than the prompt.
DeleteIf I had an absurd amount of money I would buy the perfect guitar setup, the guitar of my dreams alone is $4800. I would have all my effects pedals commissioned and custom built, and a custom amp rack. Most people don't bother to see the benefits of a fully custom setup, but as someone who uses a modded amp and modded pedals, having fully custom built pedals and amp rack would be an absolute dream. I could probably spend millions buying instruments and still want more.
ReplyDeleteGood response--and I can relate! It IS very expensive, and some would see it as crazy to spend so much on just a customized series of sounds. And yet, that's how you create your unique thumbprint as a musician. It is seeing music more as an art than mere entertainment.
DeleteI think the one thing I always make an exception to spending a lot of money on is skin care. I used to have bad skin so now when ever something comes out that has great reviews and says that it will work wonders on my skin, I don't hesitate to buy it. I don't really care if it is an absurd amount of money, if the product does what it claims to do I think it is worth every penny. I think another reason why I don't hesitate to spend a good amount of money on skin care products is the experience that comes with pampering yourself with a good old face mask. And the added bonus to the relaxing "me time" is that your skin will in return thank you and look ten times better. In my opinion that experience is worth every single penny. -Anmarie Dominick
ReplyDeleteYes, great response...for some people, it would seem crazy (especially if it didn't perform as advertised!), but I can understand, since we only get one face, and that face IS us. So why wouldn't you want to spend as much time making it the face you want to see every day. After all, no one has to see it as much as we do!
DeleteIf I had an absurd amount of money, I would put it away for my future family plans. I would use some to buy or build my dream family home. I would also like to have some spare so that we can go holiday or go to Disneyland. Disneyland is one of my favourite places to go so I would love to be able to go as a family with my kids. I also love travelling and seeing new places so I would love to be able to use some of the money to travel to new countries like Greece of the Phillipines.
ReplyDelete- Paige Jones
Yes, good response; some people see travel as a waste of money (since it's often a LOT of money), and yet, there are some things you simply can't see anywhere else. Greece is only in Greece. Disneyland is only...well, it's in Florida, too (and Paris)! But there's nothing like seeing something for the first time that you didn't know existed, and it's even more exciting doing that with your own kids. So it's an experience worth spending money on (maybe the experience MOST worth spending money on?).
DeleteThe only thing I would ever spend money on to add to one of my collections is shoes. No I do not know much about them but what I do know is that they go up in value as time goes on. It is something I used to laugh at because I would think to myself "why would anyone buy shoes to keep them in a box?". As time has gone on I have been able to buy and sell shoes for almost double the price I bought them for, just because people are dying to have the. People look at it as a waste of money but I look at it as investments.
ReplyDeleteYes, this is a great response, since some people definitely will not understand the idea of buying shoes you don't wear. But it seems you understand the art so well that you've become a kind of 'chef' of shoes--you understand their value, so that you can almost make a career out of buying them! THat's fascinating, and it's something that most of us will never truly see.
DeleteA food item I would spend good money on is sushi. I absolutely love sushi and when I get GOOD sushi it's all I talk about for weeks. Fresh sushi is so good and a refreshing change to fried foods. I've actually been wanting some sushi for a few weeks now and I hope I can have some this weekend. I used to be so scared of trying it but I'm so glad my mom kept pushing. A few more items I would spend GOOD money on are clothes and video games.
ReplyDeleteYes, I can definitely relate! And sushi is expensive...you have to be willing to pay to get the really good stuff (or sometimes, even the cheap stuff!). That's something we lose in this society, the willingness to pay for good experiences that change your life, rather than have a series of cheap, mediocre meals.
DeleteThis is probably pretty silly, but it is the first thing that popped into my mind. If I had an absurd amount of money I would spend it on coffee. If someone told me it was the best cup of coffee in the world I would probably spend $100 on it just to get that experience because I love coffee. I know a lot of people would disagree and say that it's such a waste of money, which I agree it kind of is but at the same time I wouldn't care I would need that experience in my life.
ReplyDeleteNot at all! Coffee is an art form--people spend their entire lives trying to cultivate it, get the best beans, craft the best coffee, and experience all the different flavors (one of my former students founded a coffee company and calls himself a coffee evangelist!). To someone who only sees it as a drink, sure, it's a waste of money...but you're able to see it as an art form, a way to experience different flavors and emotions. And there's so many different kinds out there to try!
DeleteIf I had a lot of extra money, I would spend it on my car. I'm always in my car and there is always something that I need for it. Also I just love upgrading anything to make my car look or operate better. That's what I am obsessed with.
ReplyDeleteGreat response--you can see the 'art' and the endless possibilities in your car, which is no longer just a mode of transportation. It becomes an extension of your own personality, a way of exhibiting that personality, and a work of art in its own right.
DeleteIm heavy cannabis user and Im also pretty conscious with my money but if I had the extra money to spend I would spend it on high quality THC products because I have a high tolerance and I know the extra cost is gonna make up in the quality of my high.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great example, since many people would say, "you would spend it on drugs?!" But of course you see the 'art' in cannabis and understand that it's not merely something 'bad,' the way Bourdain shows us that other parts of the animal that we find disgusting are also delicious and worthy of making it to our tables. And like a great chef, you can understand the difference between inferior and superior ingredients, and want to make the best 'meal' possible. It would be interesting for you to try to explain this to the Naysayers sometime!
DeleteI would not consider myself a collector. But, I do know what I would do if I had the money at the time I needed it. I would buy land. Land my kids and their dogs to play on, and for us to farm and live on. I would build my dream house with a huge living room and kitchen to hold all the family events and holidays at. I would make it just the way I wanted, and allow my kids to decorate it they way they wanted with little restrictions. I would make this land and house out forever home. That is my dream, for a home everyone can feel comfortable in, even friends of friends. I know that is not something you "collect" as you said, but that is most definitely what I would spend my money on.
ReplyDeleteActually, that works perfectly, since most people would scoff at the idea of buying land--an empty space that needs to be built on and added to. But you can see the 'art' in an empty space, and are able to imagine an entire life there, and want your children to actively contribute to this life. That's a great thing to collect!
DeleteI would spend an absurd amount of money on the best pair of shoes. I love shoes and I love to buy them. I am guilty of spending $150+ on Dr. Martins because I know they last. They are comfortable and dependable, so I don't feel bad about spending that much. I could have a good pair of shoes for 10+ years. I rationalize the cost by thinking about how many pairs of shoes that are around $30 that I buy and end up not liking. I consider my shoes the centerpiece of my outfits, so they are definitely art to me.
ReplyDeleteGreat response--shoes are seen as just something to wear for some, but for many people, they're part of our identity. Nothing changes your style or how you feel than a good pair of shoes. For me, it's a good pair of Vans...but I used to be a big Dr. Martin fan, too. It's worth spending a lot on a pair of shoes that will always make you feel good about yourself. After all, you can see your shoes in a way you can't see your shirt or your pants or whatever else...they're always in your line of sight when you look down.
DeleteI would spend an absurd amount of money on DVDs of my favorite shows. So far I have bought all twelve season of Bones, even though it is available on multiple streaming services. The reason I purchased them is so that I always am able to watch them, even though I rarely do. With growing technology, I know that DVD players will probably be a thing of the past but, its nice to know that I can pass them down to my kids as memories.
ReplyDeleteYes, I completely agree--I still have hundreds of DVDs and close to a thousand CDs. And while people see them as worthless and obsolete, when the internet goes down, it's a godsend! Also, it's your forever, and it's a precious object...when you love a show, you want more than the show, you want something you can collect and keep and own. And as you say, pass down as an heirloom to your own kids. Plus, they'll be worth tons in the future!
DeleteI would spend an absurd amount of money on a custom built house. I have this idea of my "dream home" in my mind that I do not think I can just buy. Although it is cheaper to buy a home, building one ensures me that I have everything I want where I want it and leaves out the issue of having to remodel an old one. On top of that, it is an investment that will last me my whole life.
ReplyDeleteGreat response...and trust me, you'll never find the home that's just right for you unless you make it yourself. I bought a house, which I love, but there are so many things that still aren't right and that I can never fix. It really might be worth it to simply lay down the money to get the perfect house...as long as you know you don't plan to move anytime soon!
Deleteif I was to spend an absurd amount of money on something that most people would say is not worth it is a nice designer purse the most I have ever spent is 180$ and many people even for that small amount said that they could never spend that much money on a purse and I do agree that it's probably not worth it but I would love to own an expensive high fashion purse that I could and would use forever.
ReplyDeleteYes, this is a great example of something most people (guys) simply won't understand. Imagine trying to explain this to a guy, or your significant other (current or future). Yet my wife has explained this to me many times, and I've come to understand why it's so important, and why there's an art to buying just the right purse--one that remains in fashion for years and years so you don't have to buy another one! (well, maybe not one this expensive, at least...there's always another one to buy!).
DeleteIf I have an absurd amount of money I would spend it on my dogs. I absolutely love my dogs and I've always wanted to give them everything they could have and not have a bad life. I would give them as much toys, treats, food, anything you could think of to give your animals. I have a good life but, if I have a bunch of money it would go to my fur babies, for some people this wouldn't be worth it but I see it as to giving them the perfect life.
ReplyDeleteA good thing to spend it on! While many might think it foolish to spend money on animals, some of us know better! :) The ability to give an animal a better life that it normally would is a very noble thing, but it's something many people simply can't understand. But compassion is the noblest art of all.
DeleteIf I had an absurd amount of money I would buy a supercar. Supercars are not only fast but for the most part they are works of pure art. It takes many years for the car to go form the concept to the street and so that everything is perfect. What makes them so appealing to me and why they cost so much is that many of these cars come with a story. A reason someone put so much time and so much effort in them. For example Bugatti made a special Veyron model a "Rembrandt Veyron" this car was a tribute to Rembrandt Bugatti the founder of Bugatti's brother. It was finished in a "coffee and brown" color palette and featured bronze elephants as Rembrandt was a renowned bronze elephant sculptor. (I had typed this previously but it seems it never posted) - Eriq Clark
ReplyDeleteSomething that I would be willing to spend an absurd amount of money on is high quality food. Like you said in the video food is like art, I've always been a "foodie" and take every chance I get to spend a little extra money on quality food. More specifically Mexican food, that's my favorite type of food and I enjoy when I am able step out of my normal places around Ada, such as taco bell, La Fiesta, or Polos and splurge on Authentic Mexican food.
ReplyDeleteI don’t really like “things”. I mean my boyfriend and I have been talking about marriage and rings, and I just don’t understand why people would buy a piece of metal shaped in a circle and covered in rocks for thousands of dollars. I makes zero sense to me. I would much rather a “place” to share with those I love. So, I would spend an absurd amount of money on a home/land— that way I may be able to build and live in a perfect place for me and my family to grow.
ReplyDeleteI don’t really like “things”. I mean my boyfriend and I have been talking about marriage and rings, and I just don’t understand why people would buy a piece of metal shaped in a circle and covered in rocks for thousands of dollars. I makes zero sense to me. I would much rather a “place” to share with those I love. So, I would spend an absurd amount of money on a home/land— that way I may be able to build and live in a perfect place for me and my family to grow.
ReplyDeleteI would pay high dollar for a very good gaming set up. This would have to be made of a few different pieces, a 4K screen to show picture at the highest resolution, 5G internet so I don't have to worry about lag on online games or download times for updates, and tons of space too. The most important part however, would be the versatility of what games I can run. It'd probably end up being a computer tower at it's core. I'd be able to download and run games off of Steam and other distributers that PC users are able to get games off of, but this would be able to run console games as well. I'd be able to download any PlayStation and Xbox games I wanted and I wouldn't have to worry about trying to get the next gen consoles. Something like this is useless for most, so it's not hard to imagine why others might think it a waste of money. I'd be willing to spend so much on this because I've always valued the entertainment and artistry games have added to my life. They're like books and movies but much more interactive. You can explore the world they take you to much more, you can fight monsters and save kingdoms, you can even create worlds in some. They provide hours of entertainment and excellent opportunities to explore worlds you would otherwise never have access to. I'd love to have something like this, especially since consoles are starting to have more exclusive games to try and boost sales.
ReplyDeleteI would spend an absurd amount of money a home stereo system. I've already over 1000 dollars on my speakers, and I don't think I'm done yet. When you finally listen to something on quality speakers, you begin to notice things like a vibraphone player singing along quietly to an improvised solo. There's no way I could ever go back to listening to my music with some cheap subpar equipment ever again.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what I would be willing to spend an absurd amount of money at the moment. When I was younger though, I spent (or at least the money that was spent on me) a lot on baseball equipment. I bought everything from bats and helmets, to gloves and cleats. Two of the gloves I still use today cost a combined $700. I bought most of the items each time, upgrading from the older ones. I have not really ever been criticized for it because most people that know me, know it is something I love. -Braden S.
ReplyDeleteI spent a ridiculous amount of money on my tattoo. (around 300 for 2 hours) and I absolutely would again. In fact, I plan on having full sleeves and covering most of the rest of my body. Some estimates to that have revealed it will cost upwards of 5,000 in my life time, but I find it so worth it. Nothing like a new tattoo makes me feel better about myself.
ReplyDelete