What do the majority of people in your life call you?
Bridge
Do you still talk to the person you were dating 6 months ago?
I wasn't dating anyone 6 months ago. I was between dates.
What were you doing at 8 am this morning?
Sleeping, heavily.
Have you cried in the last 24 hours?
This one's a heartbreaker. I wanted to try to jump start my car but didn't know where to put the cables and started to say to Rene, "I'll go call my dad--" Kill me. Sometimes I just forget, you know?
Is anyone jealous of you?
I think that there may be some jealous people out there. I understand where they're coming from. I'm pretty awesome.
How do you feel about chocolate covered strawberries?
I feel they are tasty.
Would you move to another state to be with the one you love?
Sure.
Are any of your friends taller than you?
A couple.
Are you good at hiding your feelings?
Not really.
Who are you closest to in your family?
All of my immediate family members.
Do you usually tell people when they hurt your feelings?
Well, it depends. I am comfortable sharing my feelings. I think its important to be honest.
Do you like to cuddle?
Yes.
Does the thought of marriage scare you?
Not scary but I'm not interested in it for right now.
Did you wake up in the middle of the night last night?
No, but I couldn't fall asleep until late.
Do you hate anybody?
Nazis, hate mongers, racists, things like that
What are you listening to?
The OC
What is your current mood?
Happy, serene
Are you easily excited?
Yes, absolutely. That's what makes me fun.
Do you want to have children?
Yes, absolutely
What city was your last taxi cab ride in?
Chelsea, if that was even a real cab
Person that last said they loved you?
someone in my family, but I don't know who
Last Movie watched in a theater?
Frost/Nixon
How many pillows do you sleep with?
One
How is it different when girls smoke than guys smoking?
It's not, unless you're a guy who's into watching girls smoke, then it's very different...
Did you & your ex have an amazing relationship?
If it were amazing, then he wouldn't be my ex, would he?
In winter, would you rather wear jackets or hoodies?
Jackets. Too cold for anything less.
Do you have a best friend?
I have one from each stage of my life I think.
How long does it take for you to get ready?
For fricken ever. I don't even know why. I'm amazed with people who take no more than a few minutes. It takes me 10 minutes to get my bangs right.
Do you believe in love at first sight?
Not love but strong attraction does occur within the first moments, and that does play a part in connection
Are your toe nails painted pink?
not painted
Is there someone who meant a lot to you at one point, and aren't around much anymore?
Sure. I think that's a natural part of life, of moving around, stuff like that
Do you like Canada?
This is a weird question, but I will say that I have enjoyed all of my visits to Canada - Toronto, Niagra, Quebec. I would like to go to Nova Scotia some time, too.
Libraries in Peril
The mayor of Philadelphia wanted to close ELEVEN libraries in an effort to "save money". Thankfully, a judge has halted this closing.
Favorite Christmas Movies - Love Actually
Merry Christmas Everyone!
Here's a clip from one of my all time favorite movies, which is also one of my favorite Christmas movies.
Here's a clip from one of my all time favorite movies, which is also one of my favorite Christmas movies.
Favorite Christmas Song - Otis Redding White Christmas
I am pretty sure I've posted this video before, like last Christmas, but anyway, here is my favorite Christmas song, Otis Redding's "White Christmas".
Another New Book - 187 Men to Avoid, by Dan Brown
In light of my becoming a "Manizer" (like Britney's "Womanizer", only with men as victim and me, the female, as predatory perpetrator), Nan cy got me the following for Christmas:
187 Men To Avoid was written by Dan Brown (yes, THAT Dan Brown) during the early 90s under the pen name "Danielle Brown" and has some funny tid bits of advice on types of men to avoid, like:
Men who swallow goldfish
Men who use spritz, mousse, or gel (There goes the prospects in East Boston!!!)
Men who are too cool to dance
and 184 more!!! We had fin reading through it before N left for the night. I forgot to bring her gift, which is hilarious and sitting in the dining room. After Christmas, I guess, since we're on break until Jan 20!
Holla
187 Men To Avoid was written by Dan Brown (yes, THAT Dan Brown) during the early 90s under the pen name "Danielle Brown" and has some funny tid bits of advice on types of men to avoid, like:
Men who swallow goldfish
Men who use spritz, mousse, or gel (There goes the prospects in East Boston!!!)
Men who are too cool to dance
and 184 more!!! We had fin reading through it before N left for the night. I forgot to bring her gift, which is hilarious and sitting in the dining room. After Christmas, I guess, since we're on break until Jan 20!
Holla
The Other Blog
I have a few blogs, this is just the one I post to most regularly. Today's post here, though, is just a link to my other blog:
http://neophytepoetics.blogspot.com/search/label/project
In preparation for next month's graduation presentation at school, I posted my third semester project in toto on the blog I started keeping to go along with the project.
It was a long journey to get through this thing - 10 parts with 11 illustrations! But, I'm happy I did it. I learned a lot and it will prove useful in my future as a writer, a reader and as a teacher.
Enjoy! Or, if you could care less about poetry and the study of literature, ignore!
http://neophytepoetics.blogspot.com/search/label/project
In preparation for next month's graduation presentation at school, I posted my third semester project in toto on the blog I started keeping to go along with the project.
It was a long journey to get through this thing - 10 parts with 11 illustrations! But, I'm happy I did it. I learned a lot and it will prove useful in my future as a writer, a reader and as a teacher.
Enjoy! Or, if you could care less about poetry and the study of literature, ignore!
Belated Review - Loves Labour Lost
Kenneth Brannaugh reimagines Shakespeare in a lovely way, yet again, in this fun musical movie, now available On Demand! (That's why I can watch it.)Among the stars of the film are Kenneth Brannaugh, Alicia Silverstone (totally love her), Matthew Lilley (he does a good job; unscarred by Scooby!) and Nathan Lane, among others. Including the guy from "Primary Colors".
Brannaugh mixes contemporary music with the LLLs original script and sets the play in late 30s Spain. It's a fun thing to watch, and my
favorite are the costumes. Every couple wears their color throughout; red, orange, green and blue. I love little details like that.Nathan Lane is hilarious as the corny jokester. Alicia Silverstone is sweet and clever as the sweet and clever sovereign of France.
If you're a Brannaugh's Shakespeare fan, you won't be disappointed.
Recipe: White Bean and Spinach Soup
White Bean and Spinach Soup
1 tbs evoo
1 tsp minced garlic
1 sml onion, chopped
1/2 c. mushrooms, chopped
1/2 package of spinach, chopped
1/2 c. white wine
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can white beans
1/2 tsp basil leaf
1/2 tsp dill weed
1 bouillon cube
1 qt of water
salt & pepper to taste
In large pot, heat evoo at med high heat. Add garlic and onion, stir occasionally. When onion begins to get clear, add mushrooms. Stir. Let mushrooms wilt a little. Add chopped spinach, stir well. Pour wine, sprinkling back and forth, over sauteed veggies. Stir well. Let spinach wilt and alcohol cook off, about 3-5 minutes. Add tomato, beans, bouillon and water. Stir well. Bring to rolling boil. Cover and simmer 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve hot.
It's really really good. One of my favorite recipes.
1 tbs evoo
1 tsp minced garlic
1 sml onion, chopped
1/2 c. mushrooms, chopped
1/2 package of spinach, chopped
1/2 c. white wine
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can white beans
1/2 tsp basil leaf
1/2 tsp dill weed
1 bouillon cube
1 qt of water
salt & pepper to taste
In large pot, heat evoo at med high heat. Add garlic and onion, stir occasionally. When onion begins to get clear, add mushrooms. Stir. Let mushrooms wilt a little. Add chopped spinach, stir well. Pour wine, sprinkling back and forth, over sauteed veggies. Stir well. Let spinach wilt and alcohol cook off, about 3-5 minutes. Add tomato, beans, bouillon and water. Stir well. Bring to rolling boil. Cover and simmer 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve hot.
It's really really good. One of my favorite recipes.
Recipe: Lemon Pepper Tuna Casserole with brown rice
Lemon Pepper Tuna Casserole with brown rice
1 c. uncooked brown rice (yields 3 cooked cups)
2 1/2 c. water
1 bouillon cube
1 tbs evoo
1 tsp minced garlic
1/2 c. chopped mushroom
1 c. chopped spinach
1/2 c. of lemon pepper marinade (any brand)
1 can of tuna, drained
1-2 tbs "bacon" bits
1 tsp dill weed
half packet of whole wheat Ritz crackers
sprinkle of garlic powder
sprinkle of parsley
salt & pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
In medium sauce pan, add water, rice and bouillon cube. Bring to a rolling boil, stir, then simmer on low heat for 40 minutes or until broth is evaporated.
Heat frying pan at med high heat, add evoo when oil begins smoking, add garlic & mushroom, salt and pepper. Saute until mushroom limp. Add chopped spinach, let spinach wilt a little then add 3 tbs of marinade. Stir. When spinach is fairly wilted, remove from heat.
In large mixing bowl, add tuna. Mash with fork to break apart. Add bacon bits and rest of marinade. Stir ingredients well. Add sauteed veggies and brown rice, mix well. Spread mixtured into 9x9 glass baking dish.
Crumb crackers. Add to small bowl. Sprinkle with parsley, garlic powder and salt and pepper. Spread cracker crust over top of dish.
Bake in over for 20-30 min until top is brown.
1 c. uncooked brown rice (yields 3 cooked cups)2 1/2 c. water
1 bouillon cube
1 tbs evoo
1 tsp minced garlic
1/2 c. chopped mushroom
1 c. chopped spinach
1/2 c. of lemon pepper marinade (any brand)
1 can of tuna, drained
1-2 tbs "bacon" bits
1 tsp dill weed
half packet of whole wheat Ritz crackers
sprinkle of garlic powder
sprinkle of parsley
salt & pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
In medium sauce pan, add water, rice and bouillon cube. Bring to a rolling boil, stir, then simmer on low heat for 40 minutes or until broth is evaporated.
Heat frying pan at med high heat, add evoo when oil begins smoking, add garlic & mushroom, salt and pepper. Saute until mushroom limp. Add chopped spinach, let spinach wilt a little then add 3 tbs of marinade. Stir. When spinach is fairly wilted, remove from heat.
In large mixing bowl, add tuna. Mash with fork to break apart. Add bacon bits and rest of marinade. Stir ingredients well. Add sauteed veggies and brown rice, mix well. Spread mixtured into 9x9 glass baking dish.
Crumb crackers. Add to small bowl. Sprinkle with parsley, garlic powder and salt and pepper. Spread cracker crust over top of dish.
Bake in over for 20-30 min until top is brown.
The Clever North Wind
All night long, I'd wake up from the loud gusts of wind against the window. Every time I heard the loud "whoosh", it made me think of one of my favorite movies. I woke at 6:30 this morning and could not fall asleep. I settled on the couch and turned on the TV. Guess what movie I found on Encore Love?
Chocolat
The movie I kept thinking about all night long! Kismet! I have watched it perhaps a dozen times now, maybe not from beginning to end, and I still love it. If you ever get the chance, you should see this movie.
UPDATE: Of course I love a movie that quotes Rimbaud! The grandmother (Judi Dench) gives her estranged grandson, Luc, a book of poetry. She asks, "Do you like poetry?" Luc lies and says yes. Grandmere replies, "Me neither. It's not that kind of poetry." And then reads from "The Drunken Boat". How awesome. I can't wait to be a spunky grandmother that reads Rimbaud adolescent poetry to my grandchildren to corrupt them. :)
National Day without a Gay Day
If I had a (full time) job, I'd call in gay today. Because allies are also encouraged to participate. If you notice a lot of missing people at work today, they may be participating in Day without a Gay, to show the people around us how many gays and allies there are out there, and that we support Equal Rights for All, including the right to marry the person you love.
Link Post - Frank Schaeffer "Crazy for God"
Sorry to do a lazy post, but I've been busy with grad school work so all I can say is: listen to this interview with Frank Schaeffer, son of evangelical preacher Francis Schaeffer. Once again Terry Gross does one of those enrapturing interviews that gets to everyone, including the interviewed, who is very emotional at the end. It was one of those hours (well, 40 minutes) that I know I'll be able to remember almost every bit of years from now, because it was so moving.
SNOW!!!!
Boston's first snow fall is occuring right now. The Tobin is half missing in the cloud cover and looks amazing with light frosting of snow and the snow lined trees along the land part of it.In sadder news: it's Pearl Harbor Day.
In happier news, Happy Birthday to Liz, one of the best teachers and one of my favorite works friends and plain old friend friend in the world. She was born on the actual Pearl Harbor Day and I hope she's have a good birthday. I will call her later to check.
If you're in the area, enjoy the first snow fall.
Keynesian Approach
Robert Reich has an abridged bio on John Maynard Keynes, economic advisor from the Depression Era. Here's an excerpt:
Governor Palin, on the other hand, is promoting (see her statements during the infamous turkey video) the idea that failed so very miserably during the Great Depression -- that government has to cut spending and balance budgets during an economic downturn. See the full Reich blog on John Maynard Keyes as to why that is a very stupid thing to think. Or, actually, simply look at the colossal failure of the Hoover Adminstration.
Keynes' basic idea was simple. In order to keep people fully employed, governments have to run deficits when the economy is slowing. That's because the private sector won't invest enough. As their markets become saturated, businesses reduce their investments, setting in motion a dangerous cycle: less investment, fewer jobs, less consumption and even less reason for business to invest. The economy may reach perfect balance, but at a cost of high unemployment and social misery. Better for governments to avoid the pain in the first place by taking up the slack.Keynes was the mastermind behind the idea that government funding of jobs and getting the people to work helps in a recessed/depressed economy. That is why Obama is proposing 2.5 million jobs (see Presidental [elect] address posted below) for infrastucture development and greenification of government buildings & schools. AND LIBRARIES!!!
Governor Palin, on the other hand, is promoting (see her statements during the infamous turkey video) the idea that failed so very miserably during the Great Depression -- that government has to cut spending and balance budgets during an economic downturn. See the full Reich blog on John Maynard Keyes as to why that is a very stupid thing to think. Or, actually, simply look at the colossal failure of the Hoover Adminstration.
This Week in WTF - Live and Die By the Sox
This is a real thing. It's from Eternal Image.
Hear the full story about how you can take your undying devotion to the Red Sox with you to the grave, from WBUR's "Here and Now," here.
I'm not interested in the casket, because when I go, I'd like to be cremated and have a really pretty portrait of me (so many to choose from, too!) for everyone to look at, but I'll take the urn, in Red Sox, of course.
New Fav Fast Food Place: Ufood Grill
New discovery: Ufood Grill - healthy, cheap fast food - in Downtown Crossing
Yesterday, on my way to 6B on Beacon Street to celebrate Alicia's birthday, I got off at Downtown Crossing in hopes of finding a place to get a quick bite to eat, as I hadn't eaten since breakfast. What a fortuitous place to have wandered around for something fast and healthy. (I knew it would be; I know my city.)
Ufood Grill at 530 Washington Street in Downtown Crossing is cheap, fast and healthy. I got a tasty veggie burger for four bucks. The menu has tons of vegetarian options, so I want to try more. They also have a kids' menu and something called "UnFries" because they're baked not fried fries. I want to try those as well.
There's a few UFoods in the Boston area and other cities across the country. Check out the website for details.
President Elect Weekly Address & the "L" Word
OMG OMG OMG!!!! He actually SAYS the "L" word at 3:49!!! This is sooooo exciting.
Libraries, that is. Yes, I am really that excited about the mere mention of libraries in a presidential (elect) address from Obama. We're often so very neglected; to get that nod is as exciting as, say, going back in time and actually meeting and having tea or something with Jane Austen. Yes, yes. It's THAT exciting. (Library joke, as -- on the whole -- we're a bunch of fanatics when it comes to dear old Jane.)
Okay, I think I've been about as dorky as possible here. So, ouila: your weekly address from President Hope, featuring minute 3:50 or so when Obama actually mentions the "library" word. Shivering with excitement. Shivering.
Libraries, that is. Yes, I am really that excited about the mere mention of libraries in a presidential (elect) address from Obama. We're often so very neglected; to get that nod is as exciting as, say, going back in time and actually meeting and having tea or something with Jane Austen. Yes, yes. It's THAT exciting. (Library joke, as -- on the whole -- we're a bunch of fanatics when it comes to dear old Jane.)
Okay, I think I've been about as dorky as possible here. So, ouila: your weekly address from President Hope, featuring minute 3:50 or so when Obama actually mentions the "library" word. Shivering with excitement. Shivering.
My BFF at NPR has a blog now
My best friend forever at National Public Radio is Ken Rudin. He now has a blog.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/politicaljunkie/
I call him my bff @ npr because sometimes he answers my harassing emails about how much the Yankees suck, plus we're friends on Facebook.
(I'm also friends with Korva Coleman, Peter Sagal, Carl Kassel and a bunch of other people I've never met but worship because I have an unhealthly addiction to NPR but I don't ever email those people about anything and none of them is the "political junkie" so they're not as, um, cool [said sarcastically] as Ken.)
It's nice that Ken has finally stepped into the aughts and started a Political Junkie blog. This is just as he was recovering from his big leap into the late 90s by moving from print column to digital column. But that's the way the tech cookie crumbles. Progress! Change! Onward! Excellent!
http://www.npr.org/blogs/politicaljunkie/
I call him my bff @ npr because sometimes he answers my harassing emails about how much the Yankees suck, plus we're friends on Facebook.
(I'm also friends with Korva Coleman, Peter Sagal, Carl Kassel and a bunch of other people I've never met but worship because I have an unhealthly addiction to NPR but I don't ever email those people about anything and none of them is the "political junkie" so they're not as, um, cool [said sarcastically] as Ken.)It's nice that Ken has finally stepped into the aughts and started a Political Junkie blog. This is just as he was recovering from his big leap into the late 90s by moving from print column to digital column. But that's the way the tech cookie crumbles. Progress! Change! Onward! Excellent!
Recipe: Vegetarian Mushroom Gravy
I made this for Thanksgiving, since I don't eat turkey but I need some gravy on my potatoes and stuffing (non bird stuffing, of course) and green bean caserole, etc.
Mushroom Vegetarian Gravy
1/2 cup finely chopped baby portabella mushrooms
1 minced garlic clove
1 veggie boullion cube, mushed up
1/2 tbs butter (vegetable oil if you're vegan)
1 tbs evoo
2 tbs flour
2 c. water (preferably the drained water from the carrots or squash that you boiled as part of the meal prep, for added flavor)
1/2 tsp gravy master
1/4 tsp thyme
1/4 tsp parsley
salt and pepper to taste
Add butter and evoo to sauce pan. Heat pan to med high heat. As butter begins to melt and get hot, add garlic and mushrooms. Stir. After oil, butter, garlic and mushrooms are well incorporated, add mushed up boullion cube. Stir often until mushrooms begin to tender. Sprinkle flour over mixture, slowly, constantly stirring. Add 3/4 cup of water and spices & gravy master. Stir well. Bring to a boil, stirring often. Once gravy begins to bubble, reduce heat. When settled, check for consistency.
If too thick - increase heat, add more water (eyeball it), bring to a boil then simmer over low heat. Note that gravy will thicken upon standing.
If too thin - in a small jar with lid, mix 1 tbs flour, 1/4 c boiling water. Slowly pour in starchy water into gravy mixture, mixing well. Bring to boil then simmer over low heat.
Serve while hot for best taste and consistency.
Note: The trick with a good vegetarian gravy is that you have to find a way to simulate the "pan drippings" start of a standard gravy. This comes from a mix of hearty flavors - in this case portabello mushrooms, vegetable boullion cube and garlic - and some sort of fat - in this case, part butter, part evoo. This gravy recipe isn't "smooth" like a standard gravy because its base consists of chopped mushrooms. However, if chopped finely, and once thoroughly cooked, the "lumps" aren't too bad and the gravy adds great flavor to your dinner. It's also a little less fatty.
Substitutions/ variations: If you're not a fan of mushroom, other hearty flavored veggies will also work, like shallots, onion, carrot (though this is far more mild), or just plain garlic. You can also add red or white wine to the beginning veggie sauteeing stage. Wait until the alcholo has burned off before adding the flour, water, etc.
And this is the end to the gravy lessons learned over 17 years of vegetarian holiday feasting.
Mushroom Vegetarian Gravy
1/2 cup finely chopped baby portabella mushrooms
1 minced garlic clove
1 veggie boullion cube, mushed up
1/2 tbs butter (vegetable oil if you're vegan)
1 tbs evoo
2 tbs flour
2 c. water (preferably the drained water from the carrots or squash that you boiled as part of the meal prep, for added flavor)
1/2 tsp gravy master
1/4 tsp thyme
1/4 tsp parsley
salt and pepper to taste
Add butter and evoo to sauce pan. Heat pan to med high heat. As butter begins to melt and get hot, add garlic and mushrooms. Stir. After oil, butter, garlic and mushrooms are well incorporated, add mushed up boullion cube. Stir often until mushrooms begin to tender. Sprinkle flour over mixture, slowly, constantly stirring. Add 3/4 cup of water and spices & gravy master. Stir well. Bring to a boil, stirring often. Once gravy begins to bubble, reduce heat. When settled, check for consistency.
If too thick - increase heat, add more water (eyeball it), bring to a boil then simmer over low heat. Note that gravy will thicken upon standing.
If too thin - in a small jar with lid, mix 1 tbs flour, 1/4 c boiling water. Slowly pour in starchy water into gravy mixture, mixing well. Bring to boil then simmer over low heat.
Serve while hot for best taste and consistency.
Note: The trick with a good vegetarian gravy is that you have to find a way to simulate the "pan drippings" start of a standard gravy. This comes from a mix of hearty flavors - in this case portabello mushrooms, vegetable boullion cube and garlic - and some sort of fat - in this case, part butter, part evoo. This gravy recipe isn't "smooth" like a standard gravy because its base consists of chopped mushrooms. However, if chopped finely, and once thoroughly cooked, the "lumps" aren't too bad and the gravy adds great flavor to your dinner. It's also a little less fatty.
Substitutions/ variations: If you're not a fan of mushroom, other hearty flavored veggies will also work, like shallots, onion, carrot (though this is far more mild), or just plain garlic. You can also add red or white wine to the beginning veggie sauteeing stage. Wait until the alcholo has burned off before adding the flour, water, etc.
And this is the end to the gravy lessons learned over 17 years of vegetarian holiday feasting.
Recipe: Pear & Boston Lettuce Salad
I just made this up off the top of my head! It's delicious.
1 head of Boston lettuce, washed and drained (but don't worry about too much draining because a little bit of water will be good to help with the dressing), and chopped
1 plum tomato, sliced and quartered
1 half Anjou pear, sliced and halved
2 tbs crumbled bleu cheese
2 tbs evoo
2 tbs fig infused vinegar
1/2 tsp dill weed
1/2 tsp parsley
spinkle of garlic powder (to taste)
salt & pepper to taste
To start, mix the vinegar, evoo, dill weed, parsley, pepper, salt and garlic powder and whisk at the bottom of the bowl. Then add the tomato, pears, chopped lettuce and bleu cheese then toss and serve.
1 head of Boston lettuce, washed and drained (but don't worry about too much draining because a little bit of water will be good to help with the dressing), and chopped
1 plum tomato, sliced and quartered
1 half Anjou pear, sliced and halved
2 tbs crumbled bleu cheese
2 tbs evoo
2 tbs fig infused vinegar
1/2 tsp dill weed
1/2 tsp parsley
spinkle of garlic powder (to taste)
salt & pepper to taste
To start, mix the vinegar, evoo, dill weed, parsley, pepper, salt and garlic powder and whisk at the bottom of the bowl. Then add the tomato, pears, chopped lettuce and bleu cheese then toss and serve.
My Angophile Fix - Monarchy on PBS
Uh, for some reason there was no Skins episode on BBC last night. I was heartbroken...until I turned to PBS and found that they were airing a series on the British monarchy called -- what else? -- "Monarchy". After reading The Uncommon Reader it was the perfect antidote to my withdrawal symptoms from my Anglophile fix due to the absent "Skins" (though not nearly as epicurean).
This woman named Pearl who was invited to a garden party, with hundreds of other guests, at Buckingham Palace to honor her charity work was one of the chosen guests that got to actually meet and speak to the Queen. Afterward, she remarked to the camera that Her Majesty had the most beautiful porcelain skin. I remarked aloud, "That is exactly what Ozzie Osborne mumbled after meeting the Queen at her birthday concert!" I can't believe I knew that off the top of my head.
The series was fun to watch. I liked when Camilla and Charles went to the organic cattle farm and interacted with the lay people so adorably. They looked like old hippies, actually. And also, I loved the part when Harry went to a meeting at his favorite charity, Sentebale. Harry is my favorite of all the Windsors. He's fun and valiant and my inappropriate crush. Plus, I like that he's a ginger head.
The whole thing was fun, especially if you're a nerd like me and wild about the Windsors and all things British. The series will be running on PBS for a while so check your local listings.
Adventures in Dessert - Mochi Japanese Rice Cakes
Yesterday I tried mochi - a Japanese sweet treat (not officially called a dessert) with different colored rice balls and a sweet red bean paste in the center.
Ever since I tried Red Bean Ice Cream and loved it, I've decided to be adventurous with Japanese "desserts", if you will, when I get sushi.
The verdict: I like the ice cream more, so I would rather try the other flavors offered, like green tea or mango, before I went back to mochi. But it was fun to try. And, from what I can tell, less calroies and fat than things like chocolate mint sticks or pie, which was available in abundance these last few days...
Thanksgiving Hippie Tradition
This is a good movie, too, by the way.
"You can get anything you want
at Alice's Restaurant"
"You can get anything you want
at Alice's Restaurant"
This Week in WTF - Uh, what else would it be but this fiasco
Honestly. 47% of America was ready to let this woman be one malignant skin lesion away from the presidency.
Sweet sweet Jesus.
Sweet sweet Jesus.
Heaven in a Glass - Apple Pie Beer
Oh lordy. I'd heard about this possibility before and finally tried it for tonight: the apple pie beer.
Huh?
One half Harpoon Winter Warmer + one half Harpoon Cider = Apple Pie Beer
Mad. Good. Drink. Mom and I have had two while cleaning* the house for tomorrow.
(*So far I painted some trim and moved furniture. She's dusted a table**. We're making excellent progress.)
(**After I read this draft to her she protested to say, "[sucking of teeth] I did more than dust a table!!!" So I will clarify: dusted a table, rearranged the furniture -- by slight centimeters -- I put in place & moved picture frames around.)
(***Read updated draft and her response was, "[Laughter], [sigh], you're a jerk." Now she's going to bed.****)
(****Meaning she'll hobble around on her boot -- bad ankle bones -- for a half hour, moving the clutter from the kitchen table to her bedroom on the side of the bed no one will see should they poke their head in her room.)
(*****Oh crap, good thing she doesn't read this blog. She'd be PO'd.)
Huh?
One half Harpoon Winter Warmer + one half Harpoon Cider = Apple Pie Beer
Mad. Good. Drink. Mom and I have had two while cleaning* the house for tomorrow.
(*So far I painted some trim and moved furniture. She's dusted a table**. We're making excellent progress.)
(**After I read this draft to her she protested to say, "[sucking of teeth] I did more than dust a table!!!" So I will clarify: dusted a table, rearranged the furniture -- by slight centimeters -- I put in place & moved picture frames around.)
(***Read updated draft and her response was, "[Laughter], [sigh], you're a jerk." Now she's going to bed.****)
(****Meaning she'll hobble around on her boot -- bad ankle bones -- for a half hour, moving the clutter from the kitchen table to her bedroom on the side of the bed no one will see should they poke their head in her room.)
(*****Oh crap, good thing she doesn't read this blog. She'd be PO'd.)
happy eat food and drink booze day
Watch out for pardoned turkeys. They're not always as grateful as you'd think they'd be.
This is what happens when you wage two wars while the economy tanks.
This is what happens when you wage two wars while the economy tanks.
Book Review: The Uncommon Reader
It's hard to imagine a book that makes you laugh your derriere off at the same time it makes you want to read Proust. The two things seem disparate, but that is precisely how I felt upon finishing this delicious novella.It took me less than a day to finish -- because I couldn't put it down & because it moved so quickly -- and what a great day it was. To be wrapped up in the insular world of the Queen of England, however fictionalized it may be, was so much fun, especially for this Anglophile. It's even more fun than watching a marathon of "Skins" on BBC! And you can barely beat that.
Though I could have used a dictionary of British-isms -- and believe me, I'm well studied in most British-isms -- to help me out with some of the England-y references, that's about the only criticism I have. The rest of my reading experience was all positive.
The cliff hanger ending makes me want to hear what happens after the Queen moves on from her reading and into her new adventure. I'll keep the new adventure a secret, but it's a good one. So, I'm hoping for a sequel.
Auntie B's - Excellent Breakfast & Lunch Diner
I walk by Auntie B's on Centre St almost every day but had never gone in, until this morning. I don't know; I was just feelin' hungry. I'm so glad I did, too.
They have a fantastic menu with really tasty items. I ordered OJ, coffee and Eggs Alaska - poached eggs on english muffin with smoked salmon, capers and hollandaise. The whole meals cost less than $15 dollars, and I got one of the more expensive specials. Granted, it wasn't very low-fat, but it's not like I'll spend the rest of the week overeating--oh crap! It's Thanksgiving... Anyway, I was just warming up for Thanksgiving is what I was doing...Yeah, that's it. Regardless of caloric gluttony, it was so good.
And they have lighter fare, too. Avacado, tomato & asparagus omelet. Or if you're more traditional, the traditional Irish breakfast with grilled tomatoes, sausage, eggs, toast.
And, because it's a diner, all prices are very reasonable from $6 to $13 depending on what you get.They also serve a ton of diffent pancake and other sweet-toothy breakfasts. That's not usually my thing, but the raspberry and sweet cream pancakes sounded good enough to make me change my mind.
Bread is from Fornax Bakery in Roslindale. All the beef was something better for you - like no hormones and fed whole grains. I can't remember because as a vegetarian/pescetarian I don't pay close attention to those things.
My service was friendly and prompt and the poor waitress was the only one on duty at that time, even. The place is small -- about 8 booths and a long counter (that's where I sat) -- but it's really friendly.
Lunch gets served after 11. I'll have to save that entry for another time, after another visit.
Auntie B's - 1881 Centre St, West Roxbury; Open every day 7 until 2
Feature article here.
Citi gets a sweet sweet deal
I'm a subscriber to Robert Reich's blog. Today he posted this about Citi Corp getting a bail out:
He had previously posted an item about Citi versus the The Big Three Automakers (GM, Ford & Chrysler) and why Citi should not be favored over the The Big Three. Citi's failure effects the market; automakers' failure effect that proverbial "Main St", meaning working and middle class peoples.
If you're looking for an informed opinion on the economy, I highly recommend Reich. I barely think i need to mention this, but his ideas are considerably more leftist (I would requalify that as more "middle class focused" as opposed to focused on the rich) just so you know.
Meanwhile, Obama just finished a press conference introducing his new economic team. The members are a mix of experienced and new, centrist and center-left. I have no commentary to add to this, as the only thing I know abotu any of them is that Lawrence Summers, now head of the National Economic Council, ticked off a poopload of ladeez at Harvard when he said girls are genetically crappy at math. Or something like that.
This is not a particularly good deal for American taxpayers, but it is a marvelous deal for Citi. In return for all the cash and guarantees they are giving away, taxpayers will get only $27 billion of preferred shares paying an 8 percent dividend. No other strings are attached. The senior executives of Citi, including those who have served at the highest levels in the US government, have done their jobs exceedingly well. The American public, including the media, have not the slightest clue what just happened.
Meanwhile, more than a million workers in the automobile industry, along with six million homeowners in danger of losing their homes, and a millions of Americans who depend on small businesses and retailers for paychecks, are getting nothing at all.
He had previously posted an item about Citi versus the The Big Three Automakers (GM, Ford & Chrysler) and why Citi should not be favored over the The Big Three. Citi's failure effects the market; automakers' failure effect that proverbial "Main St", meaning working and middle class peoples.
If you're looking for an informed opinion on the economy, I highly recommend Reich. I barely think i need to mention this, but his ideas are considerably more leftist (I would requalify that as more "middle class focused" as opposed to focused on the rich) just so you know.
Meanwhile, Obama just finished a press conference introducing his new economic team. The members are a mix of experienced and new, centrist and center-left. I have no commentary to add to this, as the only thing I know abotu any of them is that Lawrence Summers, now head of the National Economic Council, ticked off a poopload of ladeez at Harvard when he said girls are genetically crappy at math. Or something like that.
Oh. Holy. God. I am going to DIE of embarrassment
People, look at this excerpt from an interview my fake husband did with an online gay magazine thingy, called Qweerty, and SEE WHAT HE SAID:
On another note, you've become something of a gay icon, or at least object of affection. Have you noticed it at all? What do you think of it?
He also dodged answering whether or not he's gay but he must be because why else would someone turn me down? Know what I mean? Anyway, the whole point is he made a vague reference to the silly shizzle I've been pulling for the past months and now I want to crawl under the desk and absolutely die. DIE.
Kill me. Seriously.
I hope he at least found them amusing.
On another note, you've become something of a gay icon, or at least object of affection. Have you noticed it at all? What do you think of it?
I've started to notice it a little bit, although so far it seems like I'm more a subject of geek affection than gay affection. Weird things happen once you appear on TV a couple times; I got a (straight) marriage proposal in my inbox the other day (which for any number of reasons, I turned down). But in general, the whole thing is a terrific confidence-booster. I'm just focused now on trying to build out the 538 brand and making sure I keep getting to do this stuff for a long time.
He also dodged answering whether or not he's gay but he must be because why else would someone turn me down? Know what I mean? Anyway, the whole point is he made a vague reference to the silly shizzle I've been pulling for the past months and now I want to crawl under the desk and absolutely die. DIE.
Kill me. Seriously.
I hope he at least found them amusing.
Typealyzer
Typealyzer (http://www.typealyzer.com/)
I did this on Thursday but forgot to post the results. You enter a URL and find out the personality type of the blog author.
ESTP - The Doers
The active and play-ful type. They are especially attuned to people and things around them and often full of energy, talking, joking and engaging in physical out-door activities. The Doers are happiest with action-filled work which craves their full attention and focus. They might be very impulsive and more keen on starting something new than following it through. They might have a problem with sitting still or remaining inactive for any period of time.
Close. I mean, I love being outside to walk and stuff but I'm also capable of loafing around. I wonder if a different result will come up for my poetry website? Let's see...
ESFP - The Performers
The entertaining and friendly type. They are especially attuned to pleasure and beauty and like to fill their surroundings with soft fabrics, bright colors and sweet smells. They live in the present moment and don´t like to plan ahead - they are always in risk of exhausting themselves. The enjoy work that makes them able to help other people in a concrete and visible way. They tend to avoid conflicts and rarely initiate confrontation - qualities that can make it hard for them in management positions.
So, that's my poet side. That sounds a little more like me. Although I'm not averse to conflict all the time. What about my necklace making side?
Same as the poet, apparently.
And finally, my "poetics" blog:
ISTP - The Mechanics
The independent and problem-solving type. They are especially attuned to the demands of the moment are masters of responding to challenges that arise spontaneously. They generally prefer to think things out for themselves and often avoid inter-personal conflicts. The Mechanics enjoy working together with other independent and highly skilled people and often like seek fun and action both in their work and personal life. They enjoy adventure and risk such as in driving race cars or working as policemen and firefighters.
So, that's my literary criticism side, apparently.
Multiple Personalities! But you already knew that, didn't you, my friends?
BTW - the typos in the italicized sections are Typealyzers, not mine.
Well, that was exciting... two hours 45 minutes left to kill...
I did this on Thursday but forgot to post the results. You enter a URL and find out the personality type of the blog author.
ESTP - The Doers
The active and play-ful type. They are especially attuned to people and things around them and often full of energy, talking, joking and engaging in physical out-door activities. The Doers are happiest with action-filled work which craves their full attention and focus. They might be very impulsive and more keen on starting something new than following it through. They might have a problem with sitting still or remaining inactive for any period of time.
Close. I mean, I love being outside to walk and stuff but I'm also capable of loafing around. I wonder if a different result will come up for my poetry website? Let's see...
ESFP - The Performers
The entertaining and friendly type. They are especially attuned to pleasure and beauty and like to fill their surroundings with soft fabrics, bright colors and sweet smells. They live in the present moment and don´t like to plan ahead - they are always in risk of exhausting themselves. The enjoy work that makes them able to help other people in a concrete and visible way. They tend to avoid conflicts and rarely initiate confrontation - qualities that can make it hard for them in management positions.
So, that's my poet side. That sounds a little more like me. Although I'm not averse to conflict all the time. What about my necklace making side?
Same as the poet, apparently.
And finally, my "poetics" blog:
ISTP - The Mechanics
The independent and problem-solving type. They are especially attuned to the demands of the moment are masters of responding to challenges that arise spontaneously. They generally prefer to think things out for themselves and often avoid inter-personal conflicts. The Mechanics enjoy working together with other independent and highly skilled people and often like seek fun and action both in their work and personal life. They enjoy adventure and risk such as in driving race cars or working as policemen and firefighters.
So, that's my literary criticism side, apparently.
Multiple Personalities! But you already knew that, didn't you, my friends?
BTW - the typos in the italicized sections are Typealyzers, not mine.
Well, that was exciting... two hours 45 minutes left to kill...
This Week in WTF - I love Building 19
Check out the cover of this week's flyer for Building 19.
For those of you not in Mass or Rhode Island, but from Maine, I will tell you: Building 19 is just like Mardens. For those of you not in New England and therefore completely clueless as to what B19 & Mardens are, I am sorry for you. For there are no better places in the world than B 19 and Mardens. Anyway, it's an Odd Lots warehouse sort of place.
For those of you not in Mass or Rhode Island, but from Maine, I will tell you: Building 19 is just like Mardens. For those of you not in New England and therefore completely clueless as to what B19 & Mardens are, I am sorry for you. For there are no better places in the world than B 19 and Mardens. Anyway, it's an Odd Lots warehouse sort of place.
Click on the photo to see the entire flyer.
Weekly Dose of Hope - Time for a New New Deal
President Hope wants to build bridges, literally (and literally literally not Joe-Biden-figuratively literally). I'm excited. & I believe he can do it. Jobby jobs for everyone! Yay! Hope!
Utah vs Brigham Young
The college football teams of Utah and Brigham Young are playing each other today.
I predict that neither team will win.
You see, contrary to previous notions, God, in fact LOVES gays. Therefore, lighting will strike both field goal posts, the field will be flooded and the Mormon Bowl of '08 will have to be canceled.
Because God really hates it when you mess with the message of Love Everyone.
Oh, and if you happen to be a homophobic hatemonger troll and come across this blog, comments are edited and I'm going to be undemocratic and not let your comment go up, so don't bother. :)
One
Once Obama takes office and if he gets all his cabinet in place as laid out, the number of White Male WASPS in the top 5 in the presidential line of power will be: one. Robert Byrd, president pro tempore of the Senate.
:56
President: African-American Protestant, Obama
V-P: Irish-American Catholic (God love 'em, literally), Joe Biden
Speaker: Catholic woman, Nancy Pelosi
President Pro Tempore: living corpse, WASP, former KKK member, Robert Byrd
Secretary of State: Female WASP, Hillary Rodham Clinton (yeah baby)
Yay America! Diversity Achieved!
:56
President: African-American Protestant, Obama
V-P: Irish-American Catholic (God love 'em, literally), Joe Biden
Speaker: Catholic woman, Nancy Pelosi
President Pro Tempore: living corpse, WASP, former KKK member, Robert Byrd
Secretary of State: Female WASP, Hillary Rodham Clinton (yeah baby)
Yay America! Diversity Achieved!
File under: who gives a $h1T
Harvard plays Yale in football today. I'm rooting for ........................................
Seriously, why would any one care?
:28
Seriously, why would any one care?
:28
Eat your vegetables
If Lima Beans taste good to me now, does that mean I should give Brussel Sprouts a chance too?
:48
:48
Internetless for a day
Well, yesterday, just for no reason except because, I went on the internet NEVER. How many Facebook notices, email messages and RSS feed entries are there to be read?
212 RSS feed entries - once I signed up for Obama's though, there was no chance of me ever catching up
39 email - not as bad as I thought
25 Facebook notes - eh, who cares. It's facebook, ya know?
Well, good. The world didn't seem to end without me on the internets for a day and I survived just fine myself.
212 RSS feed entries - once I signed up for Obama's though, there was no chance of me ever catching up
39 email - not as bad as I thought
25 Facebook notes - eh, who cares. It's facebook, ya know?
Well, good. The world didn't seem to end without me on the internets for a day and I survived just fine myself.
This Week in WTF - Hope on a Rope
This is so very stupid and weird and gross and lame and silly. I definitely think I'm buy one for Yankee Swap.
Get yours here:
Another Reason to Love Soap Operas
Not that you needed more reasons to love soap operas -- they're Gods gift to taxed minds who need some indulgent brain candy ever-once-in-a-while -- here's a very interesting story about my second fav (first fav being General Hospital, of course), All My Children.
http://spotlight.news.yahoo.com/v/10571345
Apparently they have Iraq War veterans in their cast now. It's a cool story.
http://spotlight.news.yahoo.com/v/10571345
Apparently they have Iraq War veterans in their cast now. It's a cool story.
Take You Time & Ask for a Redo Next Time
Some people in Minnesota aren't so smart.
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2008/11/19_challenged_ballots/
Let this be a lesson: take your time in the voting booth. Be careful. And if you mess up, ask for a new one. It's not a timed event, like the SATs. It's more democratic than that, because it's actually the pinnacle of the democratic process...
hmph
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2008/11/19_challenged_ballots/
Let this be a lesson: take your time in the voting booth. Be careful. And if you mess up, ask for a new one. It's not a timed event, like the SATs. It's more democratic than that, because it's actually the pinnacle of the democratic process...
hmph
Chix Rool - 3 Awesome News Stories
Girl Power is in the news because of Milan Simon Tuttle, Eri Yoshida and Hillary Clinton.
1.) Obama Considering Hillary as Secretary of State
I, as a former Hill supporter, really hope she becomes the next Sec of State. I think she'd be fab-o at it. She knows so much about foreign policy, has been to 80+ countries, could make a mark and send a strong positive message to the world: we're ready to be friends again. Pundits worry about the looming shadow of President Clinton, but I say Bill Schmill -- I don't think that his post-presidential history will be a big deal. (I still stand by my conspiracy theory that they're trying to hide his health problems.) And someone on Hardball last night made that point that Hillary gets along swimmingly with VP elect Joe Biden, who is most certainly going to have a lot of input and involvement in foreign policy because of his wide, varied and highly knowledgeable background.
2.) Japan Signs First Female Professional Baseball Player
A young Japanese woman was signed by a Japanese independent-league professional baseball team to pitch for them. Eri Yoshida is a knuckleballer and states her hero is Tim Wakefield. Upon hearing the news, Wake texted the press to say that he was honored by her compliments and suggested she might be able to teach him something, too. (I really love him. He's just neat-o.)
3.) Dribbler Prodigy
Oh. My. God. Check out this kid, a FIVE YEAR OLD GIRL who makes NBA players (like Rod Benson, who wrote the article) feel the need to "brush up on their D." Her name is Milan Simon Tuttle.
1.) Obama Considering Hillary as Secretary of State
I, as a former Hill supporter, really hope she becomes the next Sec of State. I think she'd be fab-o at it. She knows so much about foreign policy, has been to 80+ countries, could make a mark and send a strong positive message to the world: we're ready to be friends again. Pundits worry about the looming shadow of President Clinton, but I say Bill Schmill -- I don't think that his post-presidential history will be a big deal. (I still stand by my conspiracy theory that they're trying to hide his health problems.) And someone on Hardball last night made that point that Hillary gets along swimmingly with VP elect Joe Biden, who is most certainly going to have a lot of input and involvement in foreign policy because of his wide, varied and highly knowledgeable background.2.) Japan Signs First Female Professional Baseball Player
A young Japanese woman was signed by a Japanese independent-league professional baseball team to pitch for them. Eri Yoshida is a knuckleballer and states her hero is Tim Wakefield. Upon hearing the news, Wake texted the press to say that he was honored by her compliments and suggested she might be able to teach him something, too. (I really love him. He's just neat-o.)
3.) Dribbler Prodigy
Oh. My. God. Check out this kid, a FIVE YEAR OLD GIRL who makes NBA players (like Rod Benson, who wrote the article) feel the need to "brush up on their D." Her name is Milan Simon Tuttle.
Ca$tle for $ale
I know where Nate $ilver and I can get a great hou$e in Bo$ton. (We'll have one in Bo$ton, one in Chicago, and one in Maine, of cour$e.)
The castle in Jamaica Plain is up for $ale. And it's only 2.2 million dollar$!!!
Open Letter to Barack Obama from Alice Walker
An Open Letter to Barack Obama, from the author Alice Walker
Nov. 5, 2008
Dear Brother Obama,
You have no idea, really, of how profound this moment is for us. Us being the black people of the Southern United States. You think you know, because you are thoughtful, and you have studied our history. But seeing you deliver the torch so many others before you carried, year after year, decade after decade, century after century, only to be struck down before igniting the flame of justice and of law, is almost more than the heart can bear. And yet, this observation is not intended to burden you, for you are of a different time, and, indeed, because of all the relay runners before you, North America is a different place. It is really only to say: Well done. We knew, through all the generations, that you were with us, in us, the best of the spirit of Africa and of the Americas. Knowing this, that you would actually appear, some day, was part of our strength. Seeing you take your rightful place, based solely on your wisdom, stamina and character, is a balm for the weary warriors of hope, previously only sung about.
I would advise you to remember that you did not create the disasterthat the world is experiencing, and you alone are not responsible forbringing the world back to balance. A primary responsibility that you do have, however, is to cultivate happiness in your own life. To make a schedule that permits sufficient time of rest and play with your gorgeous wife and lovely daughters. And so on. One gathers that your family is large. We are used to seeing men in the White House soon become juiceless and as white- haired as the building; we notice their wives and children looking strained and str essed. They soon have smiles so lacking in joy that they remind us of scissors. This is no way to lead. Nor does your family deserve this fate. One way of thinking about all this is: It is so bad now that there is no excuse not to relax. From your happy, relaxed state, you can model real success, which is all that so many people in the world really want. They may buy endless cars and houses and furs and gobble up all the attention and space they can manage, or barely manage, but this is because it is not yet clear to them that success is truly an inside job. That it is within the reach of almost everyone.
I would further advise you not to take on other people's enemies. Most damage that others do to us is out of fear, humiliation and pain. Those feelings occur in all of us, not just in those of us who profess a certain religious or racial devotion. We must learn actual ly not to have enemies, but only confused adversaries who are ourselves in disguise. It is understood by all that you are commander in chief of the United States and are sworn to protect our beloved country; this we understand, completely. However, as my mother used to say, quoting a Bible with which I often fought, "hate the sin, but love the sinner." There must be no more crushing of whole communities, no more torture, no more dehumanizing as a means of ruling a people's spirit. This has already happened to people of color, poor people, women, children. We see where this leads, where it has led.
A good model of how to "work with the enemy" internally is presented by the Dalai Lama, in his endless caretaking of his soul as he confronts the Chinese government that invaded Tibet. Because, finally, it is the soul that must be preserved, if one is to remain a credible<>> ; leader. All else might be lost; but when the soul dies, the connection to earth, to peoples, to animals, to rivers, to mountain ranges, purple and majestic, also dies. And your smile, with which we watch you do gracious battle with unjust characterizations, distortions and lies, is that expression o f healthy self- worth, spirit and soul, that, kept happy and free and relaxed, can find an answering smile in all of us, lighting our way, and brightening the world.
We are the ones we have been waiting for.
In Peace and Joy,
Alice Walker
------ End of Message
Nov. 5, 2008
Dear Brother Obama,
You have no idea, really, of how profound this moment is for us. Us being the black people of the Southern United States. You think you know, because you are thoughtful, and you have studied our history. But seeing you deliver the torch so many others before you carried, year after year, decade after decade, century after century, only to be struck down before igniting the flame of justice and of law, is almost more than the heart can bear. And yet, this observation is not intended to burden you, for you are of a different time, and, indeed, because of all the relay runners before you, North America is a different place. It is really only to say: Well done. We knew, through all the generations, that you were with us, in us, the best of the spirit of Africa and of the Americas. Knowing this, that you would actually appear, some day, was part of our strength. Seeing you take your rightful place, based solely on your wisdom, stamina and character, is a balm for the weary warriors of hope, previously only sung about.
I would advise you to remember that you did not create the disasterthat the world is experiencing, and you alone are not responsible forbringing the world back to balance. A primary responsibility that you do have, however, is to cultivate happiness in your own life. To make a schedule that permits sufficient time of rest and play with your gorgeous wife and lovely daughters. And so on. One gathers that your family is large. We are used to seeing men in the White House soon become juiceless and as white- haired as the building; we notice their wives and children looking strained and str essed. They soon have smiles so lacking in joy that they remind us of scissors. This is no way to lead. Nor does your family deserve this fate. One way of thinking about all this is: It is so bad now that there is no excuse not to relax. From your happy, relaxed state, you can model real success, which is all that so many people in the world really want. They may buy endless cars and houses and furs and gobble up all the attention and space they can manage, or barely manage, but this is because it is not yet clear to them that success is truly an inside job. That it is within the reach of almost everyone.
I would further advise you not to take on other people's enemies. Most damage that others do to us is out of fear, humiliation and pain. Those feelings occur in all of us, not just in those of us who profess a certain religious or racial devotion. We must learn actual ly not to have enemies, but only confused adversaries who are ourselves in disguise. It is understood by all that you are commander in chief of the United States and are sworn to protect our beloved country; this we understand, completely. However, as my mother used to say, quoting a Bible with which I often fought, "hate the sin, but love the sinner." There must be no more crushing of whole communities, no more torture, no more dehumanizing as a means of ruling a people's spirit. This has already happened to people of color, poor people, women, children. We see where this leads, where it has led.
A good model of how to "work with the enemy" internally is presented by the Dalai Lama, in his endless caretaking of his soul as he confronts the Chinese government that invaded Tibet. Because, finally, it is the soul that must be preserved, if one is to remain a credible<>> ; leader. All else might be lost; but when the soul dies, the connection to earth, to peoples, to animals, to rivers, to mountain ranges, purple and majestic, also dies. And your smile, with which we watch you do gracious battle with unjust characterizations, distortions and lies, is that expression o f healthy self- worth, spirit and soul, that, kept happy and free and relaxed, can find an answering smile in all of us, lighting our way, and brightening the world.
We are the ones we have been waiting for.
In Peace and Joy,
Alice Walker
------ End of Message
This Week in WTF: Now that Question 2 Passed, We Can All Enjoy This
Everyone in Massachusetts: take advantage of the new pot law and have a sit. Then play this.
Everyone else: watch if you dare, if you like pretty colors, or you enjoy Portishead.
Everyone else: watch if you dare, if you like pretty colors, or you enjoy Portishead.
This Week in WTF - God, I love Youtube
Many blessings be upon America. Nothing's cooler than superimposed Bollywood dancers on s uit jacket of the president elect. NOTHING, I tell you.
God, I love the world.
It's Back On: Nate $ilver i$ $till my fake hu$band
Remember on Thursday when I said I'd give up my silly quest to make Nate Silver my husband via this blog?
Well, for some reason, I've changed my mind...
Well, for some reason, I've changed my mind...
“New intelligence says Mr. Silver’s advance is in the neighborhood of $700,000, give or take a few grand. Now Mr. Silver just has to choose which imprint he likes best, a process that is unlikely to be resolved before next week.” (Wonkette)
All "Ired Up" and Ready to Go
Nothing but nothing drives me crazier than Mormon a-holes protesting about gay marriage. Check out my new hero, Dan Savage, really sticking it to Tony Perkins of the Church of Latter Day Dickheads
My hackles are up. I'm bummed because the protest on Saturday in Boston is during my work hours. But you betcher bottom, I'd be there in a heartbeat if I could.
Nationwide Protest of Prop 8
Saturday, November 15, 2008
1:30 - 4:00 p.m.
Boston City Hall/Government Center
1 City Hall Plaza
If you're in the area.
My hackles are up. I'm bummed because the protest on Saturday in Boston is during my work hours. But you betcher bottom, I'd be there in a heartbeat if I could.
Nationwide Protest of Prop 8
Saturday, November 15, 2008
1:30 - 4:00 p.m.
Boston City Hall/Government Center
1 City Hall Plaza
If you're in the area.
As if we needed another reason to love Rachel Maddow
Turns out everyone's new best lesbian girlfriend, Rachel Maddow, the self described "blogger with a tv show" is more than just awesome. More than just super awesome, even. She is, in fact, UBER AWESOME.Not because she's a young, hip news anchor. Not because she's the only lesbian news anchor (well, outed lesbian anchor, that is). Not because she's funny and MAD SMAHHHHRT yo.
We knew all those things. We knew her show was fab-u-lous. We agreed with the findings of the Pew Research Poll and her dorky coolness.
No, the thing that vaunts her past awesome and super awesome into UBER AWESOME is the fact that she, being a resident of Hippie Western Mass, LOVES THE RED SOX.
Nail in coffin. She's the bestest.
Fantasy Children of Phantom Husband Nate Silver and me
Quote from previously mentioned NYT article:
“When we took him to preschool one time, we dropped him off, and he announced, ‘Today, I’m a numbers machine,’ and started counting,” Brian Silver said. “When we picked him up two and a half hours later, he was ‘Two thousand one hundred and twenty-two, two thousand one hundred and twenty-three...’ ”
So the question is, will we have precocious children who "become number machines" at age 4 or will we have precocious children who make everyone stop talking at family parties so they can hear a pre-school "Dorothy" sing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"?
I think the answer is a hybrid of both. I think we'll have some spunky childruns who'll sing "3 Is a Magic Number" at the "holiday" (multi-faith) parties.
Feature Article on My Love Man Nate Silver
Har har har - Nate Silve and I are in love. Now he's in the New York Times. This extra shot to popularity -- making it into the NYT and all -- must be the reason he hasn't responded to any of my awesome awesome, non-freakish fanmails of marriage proposals.NYT link:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/10/business/media/10silver.html?hp
This Week in WTF - Scummy Thief Steals Cell Phones Meant for Soldiers in Iraq
This is the type of story that makes me want to punch people for being so sickeningly greedy.
My down-the-street neighbors do a lot of charity work for the military personnel serving over seas. One thing is collecting cell phones so those serving can get in touch with people from home. Someone stole the car of Rick Bruce, which had all the cell phones - about 500 - in it.
Police recovered the car in an apartment parking lot but the phones are still missing.
Bogus.
Care Packs website - http://www.carepacks.org/
Cellphones for Soldiers website -http://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com/about.html
My down-the-street neighbors do a lot of charity work for the military personnel serving over seas. One thing is collecting cell phones so those serving can get in touch with people from home. Someone stole the car of Rick Bruce, which had all the cell phones - about 500 - in it.
Police recovered the car in an apartment parking lot but the phones are still missing.
Bogus.
Care Packs website - http://www.carepacks.org/
Cellphones for Soldiers website -http://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com/about.html
New books for the fall
New books from the bookstore, library, on-line, or borrowed from my mom without asking:
A Door in the Wall - We read this Newberry Award winning book in 6th grade. That's when we learned that the monks were the ones who wrote out the books because there were no printing presses and mostly everyone was illiterate. Mrs Meaney also taught us how to do fancy lettering including the super fancy first letter on a page, like in the book. I loved this. And the book was good enough to make me want to re-read it today before work. It's pretty fun. I love all things old British.
YA
A Door in the Wall - We read this Newberry Award winning book in 6th grade. That's when we learned that the monks were the ones who wrote out the books because there were no printing presses and mostly everyone was illiterate. Mrs Meaney also taught us how to do fancy lettering including the super fancy first letter on a page, like in the book. I loved this. And the book was good enough to make me want to re-read it today before work. It's pretty fun. I love all things old British.Robin Hood - I wrote about my revived fascination with Robin Hood back in the spring, after I started watching the BBC television series. I had an abridged version from a library book sale at Tufts in Weymouth but I got the full thing at Pazzo. Notice a theme with my children's book choice? 1 heart merry old English tales.
Non-fiction
All That Is Solid Melts into Air - I read most of the essyas in this book when I took the Symbolism course at UMaine but I didn't purchase this book. I just got it from the library. 
I kept meaning to buy it since back in 2006 but kept forgetting until last week.
I kept meaning to buy it since back in 2006 but kept forgetting until last week.Literary Essays of Ezra Pound - The copy I have from the library is almost overdue, so I had to purchase my own copy.
The Six Wives of Henry VIII - Kara sent me the children of Henry and the Elizabeth I bio by Alison Weir. Mom had this book in her personal library, so I borrowed it without asking the other day. Again, I love all things old English, especially all things Tudor (as discussed here previously) so this goes with that passion.
More later...
Recipe: Skillet Veggie Pot Pie
I ripped this off from the 30 Minute Test Kitchen PBS show, which I half watch/half nap during after work on Saturdays.
Ingredients:
1 pkg of Bisquick Biscuit mix
1 crown of broccolli - finely chopped (1/2 for biscuits, 1/2 for pot pie mix)
1 can of cream of whatev (I used asparagus this time)
1/2 package of the heat and mash frozen potatoes
1/2 c each of various veggies of choice -or-
1 small package of frozen veg medley -or-
BOTH; I sliced baby carrots, chopped some fresh mushrooms and some broccoli
1 and 1/2 cs. veggie stock or water
1 tbs evoo
1/4 tsp thyme
salt and pepper to taste
OPTIONAL: cubed garlic and onion tofu (WARNING: this looks mad bogus in the mix, but tastes good and adds protein, which is a good thing)
These thorough step by step instructions explain how to save time while preparing the meal:
1. Heat oven to 400, as instructed on back of biscuit package. Add the biscuit mix to a large bowl. Keep the bowl to the side as you prepare the rest of the meal.
2. Chop carrots
3. In a microwave safe bowl, add a tbs of water, the chopped carrots to the bottom of the bowl, and half the package of frozen potatoes. (DO NOT MIX TOGETHER) Microwave 3 minutes.
4. Finely chop broccolli into tiny pieces. Put half in the biscuit bowl, the other half to go in the pot pie mix
5. Chop mushroom and tofu
6. Thaw the frozen veggies by running some warm water into the package. Let sit for a bit.
7. Add evoo to large pot, heat med high. When the oil begins smoking, add mushrooms, tofu, broccolli, thyme, salt and pepper
8. Add microwaved potatoes to a large bowl. Add carrots to sauteeing mushrooms and tofu
9. Continue sautee until veggies are tender
10. While veggies & tofu sautee, open can of cream of asparagus. Add 1 heaping tbs into biscuit mix. Add the rest of the soup mix to the potatoes.
11. Mix soup, potatoes and 1/2 cup of stock or water in one bowl. Consistency will be somewhat thick (perfect for pot pie gravy!)
12. Add frozen veggies and potato/soup mix to pot of sauteeing veggies. Stir all ingredients well. Bring to a boil then simmer about 20 minutes (time it takes to make and bake biscuits, essentially). Stir occasionally. If consistency looks too thick, add more stock/water.
13. Add 1/2 cup stock or water to biscuit mix. Stir until mixture is wet. Make into eight (not the suggested six) biscuits and set on lightly greased cookie sheet.
14. When biscuits are cooked (package says "8-11 minutes" but I like them a little brown, so I left them in for 15 minutes), stir the veggie mix one more time and remove from heat.
15. Serve the veggie mix in a bowl and place the biscuit on top - that's the "pie" part of the skillet pot pie
THE END - enjoy
Ingredients:
1 pkg of Bisquick Biscuit mix
1 crown of broccolli - finely chopped (1/2 for biscuits, 1/2 for pot pie mix)
1 can of cream of whatev (I used asparagus this time)
1/2 package of the heat and mash frozen potatoes
1/2 c each of various veggies of choice -or-
1 small package of frozen veg medley -or-
BOTH; I sliced baby carrots, chopped some fresh mushrooms and some broccoli
1 and 1/2 cs. veggie stock or water
1 tbs evoo
1/4 tsp thyme
salt and pepper to taste
OPTIONAL: cubed garlic and onion tofu (WARNING: this looks mad bogus in the mix, but tastes good and adds protein, which is a good thing)
These thorough step by step instructions explain how to save time while preparing the meal:
1. Heat oven to 400, as instructed on back of biscuit package. Add the biscuit mix to a large bowl. Keep the bowl to the side as you prepare the rest of the meal.
2. Chop carrots
3. In a microwave safe bowl, add a tbs of water, the chopped carrots to the bottom of the bowl, and half the package of frozen potatoes. (DO NOT MIX TOGETHER) Microwave 3 minutes.
4. Finely chop broccolli into tiny pieces. Put half in the biscuit bowl, the other half to go in the pot pie mix
5. Chop mushroom and tofu
6. Thaw the frozen veggies by running some warm water into the package. Let sit for a bit.
7. Add evoo to large pot, heat med high. When the oil begins smoking, add mushrooms, tofu, broccolli, thyme, salt and pepper
8. Add microwaved potatoes to a large bowl. Add carrots to sauteeing mushrooms and tofu
9. Continue sautee until veggies are tender
10. While veggies & tofu sautee, open can of cream of asparagus. Add 1 heaping tbs into biscuit mix. Add the rest of the soup mix to the potatoes.
11. Mix soup, potatoes and 1/2 cup of stock or water in one bowl. Consistency will be somewhat thick (perfect for pot pie gravy!)
12. Add frozen veggies and potato/soup mix to pot of sauteeing veggies. Stir all ingredients well. Bring to a boil then simmer about 20 minutes (time it takes to make and bake biscuits, essentially). Stir occasionally. If consistency looks too thick, add more stock/water.
13. Add 1/2 cup stock or water to biscuit mix. Stir until mixture is wet. Make into eight (not the suggested six) biscuits and set on lightly greased cookie sheet.
14. When biscuits are cooked (package says "8-11 minutes" but I like them a little brown, so I left them in for 15 minutes), stir the veggie mix one more time and remove from heat.
15. Serve the veggie mix in a bowl and place the biscuit on top - that's the "pie" part of the skillet pot pie
THE END - enjoy
This Week in WTF - I fear this is only the 1st among many
Disgusting vermin stupid mofos killed a dumb lady who was going to join their putrid KKK group:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081112/ap_on_re_us/klan_slaying
I don't believe in Hell, but sometimes I want to, just so f*ckers like this can SIZZLE IN HELL.
I have to go throw up somewhere now.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081112/ap_on_re_us/klan_slaying
I don't believe in Hell, but sometimes I want to, just so f*ckers like this can SIZZLE IN HELL.
I have to go throw up somewhere now.
This Week in WTF - Leave It to Alaska (with special Nate Silver update)
Oh Alaska, you endless endless font on political WTF stories!!!
First is Palin, who's been erroneously compared to Bill Clinton (governor of a small, rural state rises to highest land in office) a number of times. I have a feeling Palin doesn't even know what a Rhodes Scholar is, never mind was ever eligible to be one. Her and her pretty clothes and half up 'do beehive have been makin' quite the rounds out here in blogland.
Then there was Alaska Senator Ted Steven, a felon convicted seven times of bridery related charges, right before the election.
And, here, my friends, I give you the icing (or frosting as we say around here) on the WTF cake (from the Anchorage Daily News):
Yeah. 30% of the votes have not yet been counted in Alaska. WTF???? No wonder the convicted felon IS CURRENTLY IN THE LEAD.
roughly 30 percent of the ballots [remain] to be counted, including:
Husband Nate Silver has done some seriously nerdy work (no surprise there) and predicts the election outcome will turn in favor of the non-criminal candidate, Anchorage mayor, Democrat Mark Begich. That Nate Silver. He's so geek chic. He should make a holiday calendar of him with charts and graphs and those super nerd glasses on like every month. I'd buy that calendar for sure. Maybe that will be in my next open letter to him. Though I think I might give up soon, since he never writes back. I mean, he can't take a second out of his day to write back to his freakish Delores Claiborne like NUMBER ONE FAN. Just a moment in between the NPR commentary, the MSNBC appearance, the press interviews, the data analysis, the blog writing, and the 3-4 hours of sleep, he hasn't once taken the time to write back. Even after those awesome blingees I made of him. Whatev.
What's in a name? - exploring president names
Obama always talks about his name being "funny." Just for nothing (maybe not nothing; maybe because I am a major dork), I looked through the list of presidents and up until last week, I'd say the most "exotic" name of a president was "Van Buren."Bio of Martin Van Buren - apparently English was his second language, Dutch being his first.
Eisenhower is the close second for different-ish sounding names. Roosevelt in third. (Clearly a subjective thing. All disputes will be accepted in the comments.) And Kennedy and Reagan very distant tie for 4th. Millard Fillmore gets points for internal alliteration.
I guess what I mean by "different-ish" is non-WASPY. So, names that are Dutch, German and Irish are" different". A name that's Kenyan is WICKED different. Yah.
Obama will be the first American president to have more vowels in his name than consonants.
Presidents with equal consonants and vowels are rare:
Monroe
Pierce
Coolidge
Hoover
Eisenhower
Reagan
Although I'm not sure if silent "e" should really count.
Most popular last two letters of a President's last name: "on"
Washington
Jefferson
Madison
Jackson
Harrison
Johnson (Andrew)
Harrison
Wilson
Johnson (Lyndon)
Nixon
Clinton (Bill)
Clinton (Hilary*) [*2016]
almosts (phonetically):
Buchanan
Lincoln
Truman
Reagan
And, finally, I'm in love with the Secret Service code names for the new first and second families. Ah, crap, who am I kidding? I'm just plain in love with the first and second families, period. Like, I want to invite them to Christmas. I especially want to plow Biden with some delish scotch and let him tell us durrty jokes.
Renegade - Obama
Renaissance - Michelle
Celtic - Joe
Capri - Jill
Radiance - Malia
Rosebud - Sasha
This is a gratuitous photo of Rahm Emanuel because who doesn't love a sexy photo (read: any given photo of) of Rahm Emanuel? Blingee'd for extra specialness.Mmm. Rahm Emanuel. How delicious.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
It's Nov 10, so you know what that means. Time to sing this
Sometimes, when he was feeling especially absurd, Dad would say, "This is more my birthday than my actual birthday."
I'd roll my eyes, because that's what daughters do when dads are dorks, but laugh a little, too.
Happy Birthday to the Marine Corp, the "men's division" of the Navy. Ha ha ha.
More on that hottie Rahm Emanuel - what Obama has to say
Here's what Obama has to say about Rahm Emanuel:
Fun!
Fun!
"Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" Makes Me Cry with Tears of Joy
It seems these days everything makes me burst into tears of joy. But, here I am watching "Guess Whose Coming to Dinner" and Dr Prentice is talking with Joey's dad about his future children with Joanna and the troubles they might encounter. Sidney Poitier says, "Joey said they'll all grow up to be president some day," and her dad said, "she's always been optimistic." Then Sidney Poitier says, "Yes, well, we both agree she's overly optimistic."
And then I said, "Actually, no! She's exactly right!" and started crying with joy again. A black man who meets a white woman in Hawaii and has a kid who grows up to be president is not an optimistic idea. It's precisely what has happened.
Like Snood - NYT Interactive Election Map
Oh dear gott in himmel. This thing is dangerous. You just pop on for mo with a random question in your head, like, "How well did Obama do up in Orono?" (52.3% in Penobscot County - prob more in Orono/Bangor tho).
http://elections.nytimes.com/2008/results/president/map.html
Go if you dare. I just spent five minutes trying to find the bluest county in the land. We're high at 77.5% in Suffolk, but the Bronx is a whopping 88%! Socialist Librul New Yorkers are Libruler than Commie Librul Massies. Whatev. We'll get 'em next round. We always do catch up and then pummel them noo yohk a holes.
http://elections.nytimes.com/2008/results/president/map.html
Go if you dare. I just spent five minutes trying to find the bluest county in the land. We're high at 77.5% in Suffolk, but the Bronx is a whopping 88%! Socialist Librul New Yorkers are Libruler than Commie Librul Massies. Whatev. We'll get 'em next round. We always do catch up and then pummel them noo yohk a holes.
Saturday Morning with Peggy Noonan's Driveling WSJ Column
Effusive and floribund conservative pundit Peggy Noonan writes a column every Friday for the Wall Street Journal. My cyber bffs, or maybe more like my cyber "cool, hip, older kids from high school who I look up to and sometimes let me hang out with them" friends at Wonkette make sure to ridicule it every week it comes out.
As my brain trudges through Good Ol' Nooner's meanderings, I always wish there were a collection of the most pretentious of her phrases and special SAT word choices. So, now I will keep track.
On The Children Are Watching
As my brain trudges through Good Ol' Nooner's meanderings, I always wish there were a collection of the most pretentious of her phrases and special SAT word choices. So, now I will keep track.
On The Children Are Watching
~SAT: throngs
~On reflecting on JFK's election: I can't say we stood taller—we were Irish, we already stood tall
~On this election: There is power to be had in the full unleashing of human capital.
~On things children are watching & the effect of: erectile dysfunction ads; They're absorbing and understanding life via this darkness.
~SAT: pragmatic
~On the socializing at Pennsylvania Avenue: In the Oval Office you meet yourself every day. It is going to be very interesting to see Mr. Obama meet himself in this way.
~SAT :demoralized
~On Obama-maniacs: When you think someone's Moses, you expect him to part the seas.
~On how to use hyphens pretentiously: we don't love unneeded drama in our government and among our govern-ors
~On curmudgeons in the GOP: they lost the vote of two-thirds of those aged 18 to 29. They lost a generation! If that continues in coming years, it will be a rolling wave of doom.
~SAT: sterling
~On the loss of her Hollywood crush, Paul Newman and who replaces him in her fantasies now: they want to know you can lead as you ran, capable, Cool Hand Luke.
~SAT: transom (I had to look it up: A horizontal transverse beam or bar in a frame; a crosspiece separating a door or the like from a window or fanlight above it. Also, a window above a door or other window, built on and commonly hinged to a transom.)
~SAT: jarringly
~On drinking Obama people for breakfast or snack: He hasn't staffed his campaign with fierce gut fighters but benign-seeming smoothies, the best kind of smoothie to be.
~SAT: obstreperous (BTW, recycled from last week's column!)
~On "speaking of jarring", Pegster uses slang: props to Paul Begala
~On Begala's description of Rahm Emanuel: "a cross between a hemorrhoid and a toothache."
~On inverting syntax to sound as snooty as possible: have we not noticed?
~On slinging back gimlets while typing up columns: Can Mr. Obama claim a mandate? The answer: a firm no-yes.
~SAT: impeded
Well, that was fun! And it did the trick of waking me up and all that. Yay!
I love to read the column and Wonkette's commentary as my brain wakes up during the first couple hours of work here at the lib.
One more thing: I will also find out how long the column would be if it were a double spaced 12 font college essay. This week's is four FULL pages long.
This has been Saturday Morning with Peggy Noonan's Column. Over and out!
This Week in OMG That's SOOOO Fricken Cute!
Oh hell buckets. We are in trouble for a while here. It seems with this new Mutt President of Bursting Rainbows of Hope, I'm having a difficult time being cynical.
I keep crying and being all sentimental and proud of my country and all that. WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?
The world's celebration of our new president is so adorably heartwarming, I just have to share a couple of the mad cute stories.
Man, my heart feel warm in fuzzy right now. I don't know if I can take it. I'll just think about how disappointed I am in California for being so homophobic. There, my lack of faith in humanity has been restored. Phew. Close one.
I keep crying and being all sentimental and proud of my country and all that. WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?
The world's celebration of our new president is so adorably heartwarming, I just have to share a couple of the mad cute stories.
- Obama's great great great grandfather is from Moneygall, Ireland. The town of Moneygall is hoping for a tourist boom as a result. Obama said he wants to make it over there and have at pint. They even have a song for him: "O'Leary, O'Reilly, O'Hare and O'Hara, there's no one as Irish as Barack O'Bama." Story here. You Tube song here.
- The Indonesian elementary school that Obama went to from age 7-9, where they were Hawaiian shirts as their uniform (sorta), went wild on Wednesday at the news of their alum's success. Double Recess!!! Awesome!!!! Sooooo cute quotes: "We're so proud!" Alsya Nadin, a spunky 10-year-old in pink-framed glasses, said as fellow classmates poured onto the playground and started chanting "Obama! Obama!"..."It's amazing to know that the man who will be the next president of the United States studied here, at our school!" said 11-year-old Muhamad Yodi. Full story here.
- And then there's the Japanese. Why in the world they're so excited I haven't the slightest, but I love how they make Obama's name sound like it's originally Japanese instead of Kenyan in origin... Oh wait! It's because IT IS a Japanese word: it's the name of a town in Japan. The residents of the fishing village of Obama, Japan are superpsyched. HILARIOUS You Tube video here.
Man, my heart feel warm in fuzzy right now. I don't know if I can take it. I'll just think about how disappointed I am in California for being so homophobic. There, my lack of faith in humanity has been restored. Phew. Close one.
This Week in WTF: Signs Signs everywhere are signs
Ha ha - remember all of those funny mistranslations during the scurry to get ready for the Olympics in Beijing? Well, sheer ignorance lead to a "no trucks" sign in England being 'translated' into Welsh as "I'm not in the office. Send the work to me."
Full story:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7702913.stm
Full story:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7702913.stm
For the Happily Obsessed
Behind the scenes photos from Election Night. I love the first family & the second family in ways that are not normal...
http://flickr.com/photos/barackobamadotcom/sets/72157608716313371/show/
http://flickr.com/photos/barackobamadotcom/sets/72157608716313371/show/
Yes, yes - we all have a crush on Rahm Emanuel
New White House Chief of Staff and all around calm, sweet, passive and nice little man Rahm Emanuel is one sexy dude. So far, Obama looks like he's discriminating based on attractiveness for his staff - that is until this guy gets named Secretary of the Treasury.
Look at that death stare. Yikes. Do you know he's missing part of his finger and has been known to waggle that partial finger to signal your political death knell, because he is that vicious?
My, that's sexy. Yes, yes, yes. He is soooo hooootttt with a serious Napoleon Complex to boot. Sexier pic here.
=sigh=
Alrighty, back to pining over the nice dorky number cruncher crush: Nate Silver.
(Chicago theme crushes abound!)
Poetry in the NYT Op Ed Page
I learned tonight that poetry was all over the OpEd page.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/05/opinion/05intro.html?th&emc=th
Some contributors submitted formal poems. [pukalicious poop gagging and choking to death on a page]
There was also a contribution from John Ashberry, which was decent.
It was an interesting experiment for the Times, though it seemed like the contributors sort of slapped stuff together. I wasn't that impressed over all.
But, most importantly, WHERE THE HELL ARE THE BLACK POETS? How can you run a page of poetry after the election of Barack Obama and not feature one African American poet out of the five poets on the page. TOTAL AND UTTER CRAP.
Ugh. I give up.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/05/opinion/05intro.html?th&emc=th
Some contributors submitted formal poems. [pukalicious poop gagging and choking to death on a page]
There was also a contribution from John Ashberry, which was decent.
The old mule delivers the goods.
Nugatory diddlings are on the decline.
Stateliness has its day.There are indeed many encouraging signs
in the weather and in handshakes.
Still there are those who mistake dark clouds
for raffish hucksterism. They have never savored
the elation of an empty crystal ball.To them I say, seconds will call upon you
in the morning. Tonight there are dreams to be thumbed through
before the complicated, awful business
of summoning beautiful particles after the horse is stolen.
It was an interesting experiment for the Times, though it seemed like the contributors sort of slapped stuff together. I wasn't that impressed over all.
But, most importantly, WHERE THE HELL ARE THE BLACK POETS? How can you run a page of poetry after the election of Barack Obama and not feature one African American poet out of the five poets on the page. TOTAL AND UTTER CRAP.
Ugh. I give up.
Recipe: Vegetarian Casserole
Now, I know how skeptical you all can be about tofu. I understand that skepticism. But I really mean it when I say that this is a delicious recipe.
1 container of garlic onion flavored tofu, well chopped
1 crown of broccoli, well chopped
1 container of mushroom, well chopped
1/2 package of stuffing mix
1 can of cream of broccoli
1/4 cup of veggie broth
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp thyme
dash of cayenne pepper
dash of black pepper
Mix all ingredients very well in a large bowl. Spread into glass casserole dish. Bake in oven at 375 for 45 minutes or until top is crispy brown. Let cool, serve and enjoy. You can barely taste the tofu. I swear.
1 container of garlic onion flavored tofu, well chopped
1 crown of broccoli, well chopped
1 container of mushroom, well chopped
1/2 package of stuffing mix
1 can of cream of broccoli
1/4 cup of veggie broth
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp thyme
dash of cayenne pepper
dash of black pepper
Mix all ingredients very well in a large bowl. Spread into glass casserole dish. Bake in oven at 375 for 45 minutes or until top is crispy brown. Let cool, serve and enjoy. You can barely taste the tofu. I swear.
Happy Day After the Election!
Here's a song for this historic day.
Now, to rain on the parade: this isn't the end of all the troubles. I know that. I hope everyone starts to get that - and very soon. Because I know the president-elect will disappoint. I know it's not going to be a perfect administration. But I truly believe that things will be better, now. And for that, I am grateful and, of course, hopeful.
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