Survey for the end of the year

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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:

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.