From game shows to shows where we literally watch people run errands and do their regular day work we are enthralled. We want to know how Kim Kardashian got ready for her big shoot? Or how the housewives of New Jersey spend their “hard earned” money on ridiculously lavish children’s birthday parties. We are a culture obsessed with watching, judging and analyzing the ways that other people live their lives. To say that reality television has taken over our airwaves is a vast understatement. Every channel, every station and every billboard is telling us to tune into the shows. We are desperate to know what people are doing and how they are doing it.
In a celebrity obsessed society it is no wonder as to why we watch the many series where cameras follow around our favorite celebrities (washed up or not) but the real question is why are we so interested in the lives of regular people like us?
Our culture has become obsessed with looking into the lives and following the day-to-day routines of other people. When we are able to see into the homes and lives of other people, especially celebrities we use what wesee as guidelines and almost reassurance that our lives are ‘normal’. We measure up our daily routines with those of the Jersey Shore and The Real Housewives and feel as though our drama and pettiness does not even compare to the craziness that these people live. We all know how hard the editing team works to make the “reality” much more interesting yet we want to believe that people actually live this way and when we believe this we feel that we have much more sane existences then they do. If you consider a television show such as TLC’s 19 Kids and Counting, we are looking into the world of a Mormon family with 19 children. We are so curious as to how a family could have so many children this day and age, with activities and school plays it is a real puzzle as to how two parents do it? (Without a Park Avenue nanny) The curiosity is what draws in the large crowds to these shows. As humans we are always comparing ourselves to other people and sizing up our lifestyle to the life choices of others. Watching other people through a literal lens can help us to feel better about ourselves. It makes our troubles feel less and if only for that hour time slot we can feel as though our lives are really not that bad.

A STUDY IN SCARLET — You would have to be hidden under a rock for the last century and a half if you haven’t heard of Mr. Sherlock Holmes! Assuming that you were not, I will make no attempts whatsoever to introduce this unique and often times irksome character. A Study in Scarlet was Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s first novel in the series of novels and short story compilations written about Mr. Holmes. The story is narrated by the ever faithful sidekick/chronicler Dr. John Watson, who describes a brief history of how he came about to be Sherlock Holmes’ roommate at their ever famous lodgings, No. 221B Baker Street.
Watson has no inkling as to his roommate’s profession and is constantly intrigued by his incredible knowledge of chemistry as well as sensational literature (the man has memorized all the crimes perpetrated in the last century) and keeps wondering what it all leads to. Holmes tells Watson that he is a “consulting detective” and is approached by his clients when they are facing a particularly peculiar problem. He shows Watson a new case that has been forwarded to him from Inspector Lestrade of the Scotland Yard. Thus, begins the case of “A Study in Scarlet”.
Holmes has been called in to investigate the homicide of a Mr. Drebber, murdered in an empty house on Brixton Rd. Written with blood; on the wall where the body was found is the word RACHE meaning revenge in German. Holmes swiftly and in his own unique way ferrets out the all the evidence he can and within three days apprehends the murderer in his own house, all the while keeping all the pertinent information from the Scotland Yard detectives, allowing them to run on their own wild goose chase. The second part of the novel is the back story of the murderer and his motivation for hunting down and killing Drebber. The final chapter is dedicated to how Holmes unraveled the mystery. He also points out the paper which gives the Scotland Yard officials all the credit for solving the murder which enrages Watson so much that he decides to chronicle Holmes’ cases and publish them himself. Thus, begins Dr. John Watson’s journey in the mysterious and murky world of Mr. Sherlock Holmes.
If reading novels is not your thing then you must definitely look into picking up one of one or all of the 4 short story collections. The language and style of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is inimitable. His story telling prowess is only triumphed by the fantastic characters he has created for this epic series of crime investigation. A definite must read.
Film adaptations: Catch Robert Downey Jr. as Sherlock Holmes and Jude Law as Dr. Watson, yet again, in Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, releasing on December 16 2011. Don’t forget to watch the first part before you go in for this treat.
*Enjoy the books for free on your iPad by downloading them for free on iBooks

BIG BOOK OF FASHION — WOW! This is the bible for every fashion enthusiast, professionals in the industry, fashion lovers and really an encyclopedia of 150 years of couturiers, designers and labels. The vast amount of information provided by Charlotte Seeling is quite overwhelming and it’s gratifying to know that this book encompasses all that and more. It is a signature piece in any office space or home library. Learning through the profiles, the history and the images make this book an FW Fave.

VACATION HOMES AND THE PERFECT WEEKEND HIDEAWAYS — Karen Howes has put together an amazing book of hideaways, getaways and vacation homes for rent all over the world. It also features a contact list at the end and offers readers the option to visit these homes. Truly fantastic collection of homes for every kind of person- mountain lover, cultural buff, sea side cottages and much more. She explains the concept of escape in such a way that it almost seems parallel to a dream life running in another dimension of your life. This book will help anyone to plan their next vacation.