Friday, February 18, 2011
Go Wisconsin!
If it can happen in Wisconsin, it can happen anywhere. This Union member in California is with you ALL THE WAY!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
We're Having a Baby!!!
Um, not me, it's much too late for that (thank god). My niece and her husband from Oregon were here and made the announcement at our family gathering this past Saturday. Due date is August 10th. This will be the first Grandchild for my youngest brother and his ex-wife. Actually the first Grandchild for this side of the family.
I have so much crochetting to do and baby clothes to make!
I have so much crochetting to do and baby clothes to make!
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
Obama vs O'Reilly
Whether you voted for Barack Obama or not, you have to admire his agreeing to be interviewed by Bill O’Reilly on Fox News last Sunday. O’Reilly was his usual arrogant, classless, and disrespectful self, while Obama displayed elegance and enormous dignity and succeeded in making it look like he didn’t notice O'Reilly's...um...shortcomings. Personally, I wouldn’t have had the patience to sit politely by while Bill O’Reilly attempted to publicly insult my intelligence but then again, I'm never going to run for an elected office.
By far, my favorite moment was when O’Reilly asked the President if it bothered him that so many people hate him (although he should have added “…simply because you’re black”), the President’s reply was priceless:
"The people who dislike you don't know you. The folks who hate you, they don't know you." He also added, "What they hate is whatever funhouse mirror image of you that's out there. They don't know you. And so, you don't take it personally."
How many of us were told the same thing by our parents while growing up? (and I can see the President and First Lady saying the same thing to their kids). That’s one of the reasons I admire our President so much, he’s REAL and not afraid to show it. Yes, there are many things I’m upset with him about at the moment but it doesn’t change the fact that he’s pretty much unflappable, a genuine person to the core.
And perhaps, for the first time ever, Bill O’Reilly told the truth about something when he went on to say that extreme rhetoric would continue to thrive, because "there's a lot of money to be made if you can polarize people." So that means that he (and Beck & Limbaugh & Coulter & Hannity) know exactly what they are doing. Not surprisingly, there lies the big problem: it's always been about money, not what's necessarily best for the country - or what the real truth is, for that matter. It's about lining your pockets. I think it was Frank Zappa who said the US would be destroyed by Americans only too happy to sell their country down the road for a profit.
In the end, O'Reilly wasn't trying to get knowledge to share with his audience. He was trying to "get" the President and the President refused to play the game. To say the President was the better man doesn't even begin to cover it.
By far, my favorite moment was when O’Reilly asked the President if it bothered him that so many people hate him (although he should have added “…simply because you’re black”), the President’s reply was priceless:
"The people who dislike you don't know you. The folks who hate you, they don't know you." He also added, "What they hate is whatever funhouse mirror image of you that's out there. They don't know you. And so, you don't take it personally."
How many of us were told the same thing by our parents while growing up? (and I can see the President and First Lady saying the same thing to their kids). That’s one of the reasons I admire our President so much, he’s REAL and not afraid to show it. Yes, there are many things I’m upset with him about at the moment but it doesn’t change the fact that he’s pretty much unflappable, a genuine person to the core.
And perhaps, for the first time ever, Bill O’Reilly told the truth about something when he went on to say that extreme rhetoric would continue to thrive, because "there's a lot of money to be made if you can polarize people." So that means that he (and Beck & Limbaugh & Coulter & Hannity) know exactly what they are doing. Not surprisingly, there lies the big problem: it's always been about money, not what's necessarily best for the country - or what the real truth is, for that matter. It's about lining your pockets. I think it was Frank Zappa who said the US would be destroyed by Americans only too happy to sell their country down the road for a profit.
In the end, O'Reilly wasn't trying to get knowledge to share with his audience. He was trying to "get" the President and the President refused to play the game. To say the President was the better man doesn't even begin to cover it.
Monday, February 07, 2011
Ain't Technology Grand?
During lunch this afternoon, I organized a family dinner at our house this Saturday. Our Niece and her husband are here from Oregon for a week and it's the only day we can all get together as a family. Then, I organized and planned our annual family reunion for my step-side of the family in June. It's always food themed: last year it was Mexican, the year before BBQ, etc. This year everyone voted for Italian (we're doing paella).
From the comfort of my office, I send out emails and get instantaneous replies (of course, everyone of my family peeps has an iPhone or a Blackberry). Still, it sure is a time-saver and technology never ceases to amaze me!
That's my two cents for the day. Now I'm off to a Dr's appt.
From the comfort of my office, I send out emails and get instantaneous replies (of course, everyone of my family peeps has an iPhone or a Blackberry). Still, it sure is a time-saver and technology never ceases to amaze me!
That's my two cents for the day. Now I'm off to a Dr's appt.
Friday, February 04, 2011
Facebook: the Newest 'Big Brother'
I'm (still) so glad I’m am not on Facebook.
Apparently, founder Mark Zuckerberg has gotten the bright idea to make Facebook users’ current address and mobile-phone numbers PUBLIC without getting their permission. Thankfully, two members of Congress took notice -- the Republican & Democratic co-chairs of the Congressional Privacy Caucus -- and have sent him a letter asking for a lot more detail about his plans.
Think about it: by using Facebook, you may be giving up every aspect of your personal right to privacy just to drone on about –and let’s face it - the most mundane events in your life. Facebook users willingly put up with this invasion of privacy because it’s fun, convenient, and cool. It doesn’t bother them that soon there will be absolutely no privacy and that every aspect of everyone’s life will be monitored. Anyone remember HAL?
It got me thinking about those wonderful insurance companies out there, the ones looking out for our best interests when it comes to our health. You know what I’m talking about, the ones who want to deny coverage to those with pre-existing conditions, even newborn babies and children; the ones who decide whether you live or die by paying or not paying for your cancer treatment drugs; the ones who decide whether to pay or not pay for ANY lifesaving treatment.
So, consider this scenario: these same wonderful insurance companies monitoring social web sites, like Facebook, to spy on their customers. Is that person drinking? Is that person smoking? Are they living the healthiest lifestyle they can? Are they partying too much? Eating too much fast food or red meat? And, given how these same insurance companies want to rule the world - for profit of course - does anyone doubt they will take this and run with it as far as they can? And that's only one industry, one aspect of what's happening and what's going to take place.
Nope, I'm not missin' a thing by not using Facebook. It will be interesting to see how much autonomy, privacy, and “freedom” people have 5 years from now.
Apparently, founder Mark Zuckerberg has gotten the bright idea to make Facebook users’ current address and mobile-phone numbers PUBLIC without getting their permission. Thankfully, two members of Congress took notice -- the Republican & Democratic co-chairs of the Congressional Privacy Caucus -- and have sent him a letter asking for a lot more detail about his plans.
Think about it: by using Facebook, you may be giving up every aspect of your personal right to privacy just to drone on about –and let’s face it - the most mundane events in your life. Facebook users willingly put up with this invasion of privacy because it’s fun, convenient, and cool. It doesn’t bother them that soon there will be absolutely no privacy and that every aspect of everyone’s life will be monitored. Anyone remember HAL?
It got me thinking about those wonderful insurance companies out there, the ones looking out for our best interests when it comes to our health. You know what I’m talking about, the ones who want to deny coverage to those with pre-existing conditions, even newborn babies and children; the ones who decide whether you live or die by paying or not paying for your cancer treatment drugs; the ones who decide whether to pay or not pay for ANY lifesaving treatment.
So, consider this scenario: these same wonderful insurance companies monitoring social web sites, like Facebook, to spy on their customers. Is that person drinking? Is that person smoking? Are they living the healthiest lifestyle they can? Are they partying too much? Eating too much fast food or red meat? And, given how these same insurance companies want to rule the world - for profit of course - does anyone doubt they will take this and run with it as far as they can? And that's only one industry, one aspect of what's happening and what's going to take place.
Nope, I'm not missin' a thing by not using Facebook. It will be interesting to see how much autonomy, privacy, and “freedom” people have 5 years from now.
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
Hoarding
Looking in my freezer last night I was embarrassed: I found 11 bags of frozen cranberries that I don't remember putting there. OK, I remember putting aside a few bags, but 11? It never fails, in the middle of July I get a hankering for some cranberry relish or chutney and we can't get frozen cranberries out here after Christmas, so I have to have my stash.
Digging a little more, I also found 5 bags of peeled frozen bananas. You know, when they ripen perfectly for banana bread but you can't drop everything and bake at that exact moment? I usually peel them and put 4-5 in zip-lock freezer bags so they'll be ready when I'm ready for them.
And finally, right there, hiding under the Garden burgers (yes, but that's another post when I'm ready to talk about it), I find 4 bags of cooked and skinned chicken breast. Mr itsme & I can't finish the store-bought rotisserie ones by ourselves, so I cut up what's leftover and freeze for soup. These were freezer-burned (and now you have a pretty good idea of how long it's been since I made chicken soup) and into the trash they went.
Hoarding. I never knew I had it in me.
Digging a little more, I also found 5 bags of peeled frozen bananas. You know, when they ripen perfectly for banana bread but you can't drop everything and bake at that exact moment? I usually peel them and put 4-5 in zip-lock freezer bags so they'll be ready when I'm ready for them.
And finally, right there, hiding under the Garden burgers (yes, but that's another post when I'm ready to talk about it), I find 4 bags of cooked and skinned chicken breast. Mr itsme & I can't finish the store-bought rotisserie ones by ourselves, so I cut up what's leftover and freeze for soup. These were freezer-burned (and now you have a pretty good idea of how long it's been since I made chicken soup) and into the trash they went.
Hoarding. I never knew I had it in me.
Punxsutawney Phil
Well, the furry fellow peeked out from his warm and comfy groundhog hole and didn't see his shadow so that means we're in for an early Spring this year. Don't know if that helps the middle and eastern part of the country right now, but hang in there friends, sunshine is on the way. And pollen and humidity and record scorching temperatures. Yessiree, a few things to really look forward to.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Little Things
When I was growing up, my parents -each in a different way- taught me to pay attention to little things. “If you do a thing at all,” my Dad said, “do it thoroughly.” I was taught to leave any place I’d been, looking better than before I’d been there. That’s why on every camping trip, our campsite was cleaned before and after we’d inhabited it. Completely swept of leaves and rocks, down to bare dirt (mostly so’s the tent would sit flat), Dad set up the “perimeters” of our outdoor living space in a neat and orderly way. His outdoor kitchen was his pride & joy and no one but he did the cooking (and Mom never complained!) It was always my job to create a small, artful arrangement of wild flowers, leaves, or stacked stones for the center of our picnic table and it was left for whoever had the campsite after us. Dad was ahead of his time when it came to Earth Day. We’d go on walks to pick up trash and debris just to make the world a nicer place. If he were alive today, he’d have his name on one of those Adopt-a-Highway signs seen on every California highway. He also took the time to teach me the names and spelling of the trees, the flowers and birds we’d encounter along the way.
I can still be an annoying know-it-all in that way if I’m not careful.
I can still be an annoying know-it-all in that way if I’m not careful.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Full Moon 1/19/11
"It's a marvelous night for a moon dance..."
Is the moon as beautiful tonight where you are as it is here?
Truly amazing.
Is the moon as beautiful tonight where you are as it is here?
Truly amazing.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Webcam Modelling Offer
So, I get this unsolicited email in my Spam folder:
"Break into the biggest industry on the planet and start earning great money from the comfort of your own home as a webcam model! Women of all shapes, sizes, styles, and personality types are doing it. Top models in the industry are earning any where from $1,000 to $4,000 per week”
WOW, I’m getting excited here:
“The bottom line is anyone can do it, and anyone can be a big success. You don't have to have 'traditional' great looks, don't have to be a computer genius, and you don't have to make a huge investment to get started. Men from all over the world are shelling out huge dollars EVERY SECOND to watch a variety of unique beautiful women perform live online. Would you like to take advantage of this opportunity and get your piece of the pie?”
Oh and here’s the catch, there’s ALWAYS a catch:
"What you do need is a fun outgoing personality; you should feel comfortable in front of a webcam in your own home, and have the desire to make huge money as a webcam model!"
Oh, whoa there Nellie,
But you want me to WHAT? Dance with “toys” sans clothing? In front of my webcam for strange men? You want me to give up my dignity, self-respect and privacy for $1,000 a week? (everyone has their price)
Biggest industry on the planet? I thought pot farming in California was the biggest industry on the planet?
Keep your piece of pie, I’ll bake my own thank you!
"Break into the biggest industry on the planet and start earning great money from the comfort of your own home as a webcam model! Women of all shapes, sizes, styles, and personality types are doing it. Top models in the industry are earning any where from $1,000 to $4,000 per week”
WOW, I’m getting excited here:
“The bottom line is anyone can do it, and anyone can be a big success. You don't have to have 'traditional' great looks, don't have to be a computer genius, and you don't have to make a huge investment to get started. Men from all over the world are shelling out huge dollars EVERY SECOND to watch a variety of unique beautiful women perform live online. Would you like to take advantage of this opportunity and get your piece of the pie?”
Oh and here’s the catch, there’s ALWAYS a catch:
"What you do need is a fun outgoing personality; you should feel comfortable in front of a webcam in your own home, and have the desire to make huge money as a webcam model!"
Oh, whoa there Nellie,
But you want me to WHAT? Dance with “toys” sans clothing? In front of my webcam for strange men? You want me to give up my dignity, self-respect and privacy for $1,000 a week? (everyone has their price)
Biggest industry on the planet? I thought pot farming in California was the biggest industry on the planet?
Keep your piece of pie, I’ll bake my own thank you!
Censorship and Banning Books
Mark Twain himself once said: "Censorship is telling a man he can't have a steak just because a baby can't chew it."
Every year, during the last week of September, I get downright giddy (no, not because it's my birthday), it's because at this time the library world celebrates "Banned Books Week." During this week, libraries all over the country celebrate our freedom to read and have open access to information, and serve to educate patrons about the importance of the First Amendment, specifically drawing attention to the harms of censorship.
Take the current controversy to “sanitize” the story of Huckleberry Finn, a blistering critique of the hypocrisy and brutality of slavery and the norms and values of white society, as seen through the eyes of an innocent, Huck Finn. The book is actually an anti-racism work of the first degree: a white boy realizes that a black man is human. While today, the use of the “N” word is absolutely unacceptable, in its proper literary content - as if Twain was poking us with a very sharp stick just to see us squirm - it adds to the time period and issues in the story. To edit it out would be insulting to the writer and to the potential reader (imagine “Roots” without the beatings and racial slurs).
It is dangerous to rewrite history in this way. How can a person, especially children & young adults, know how far we have come if he/she does not know where we came from? One of the most important aspects of education is learning how to think critically and sanitizing "Huckleberry Finn" will take away provocative discussion and analysis. We need a novel like Huck Finn to understand a more modern novel, like “Beloved” for example, in order to think critically about why a mother would murder her own child rather than see her suffer a life in slavery.
We’ve truly lost our sight & our vision when we want to take apart literary works that have had such historical significance.
Every year, during the last week of September, I get downright giddy (no, not because it's my birthday), it's because at this time the library world celebrates "Banned Books Week." During this week, libraries all over the country celebrate our freedom to read and have open access to information, and serve to educate patrons about the importance of the First Amendment, specifically drawing attention to the harms of censorship.
Take the current controversy to “sanitize” the story of Huckleberry Finn, a blistering critique of the hypocrisy and brutality of slavery and the norms and values of white society, as seen through the eyes of an innocent, Huck Finn. The book is actually an anti-racism work of the first degree: a white boy realizes that a black man is human. While today, the use of the “N” word is absolutely unacceptable, in its proper literary content - as if Twain was poking us with a very sharp stick just to see us squirm - it adds to the time period and issues in the story. To edit it out would be insulting to the writer and to the potential reader (imagine “Roots” without the beatings and racial slurs).
It is dangerous to rewrite history in this way. How can a person, especially children & young adults, know how far we have come if he/she does not know where we came from? One of the most important aspects of education is learning how to think critically and sanitizing "Huckleberry Finn" will take away provocative discussion and analysis. We need a novel like Huck Finn to understand a more modern novel, like “Beloved” for example, in order to think critically about why a mother would murder her own child rather than see her suffer a life in slavery.
We’ve truly lost our sight & our vision when we want to take apart literary works that have had such historical significance.
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Elizabeth Edwards
Not only a brave woman who has battled cancer for over 6 years, Elizabeth Edwards is the model of grace and humility as well as unimaginable humor. Her end-of-life decision to spend her final days in her own home shows me that there is such a thing as a peaceful death, and that we can reach closure with our loved ones. I hope she is enjoying her house full of family and friends and that they are telling stories, looking at old photos and having as many laughs as tears.
Elizabeth, I never knew you but thank you for your courage, grace and dignity.
NOTE: Just found out that while I was writing this Elizabeth passed away peacefully surrounded by love.
Elizabeth, I never knew you but thank you for your courage, grace and dignity.
NOTE: Just found out that while I was writing this Elizabeth passed away peacefully surrounded by love.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Count Me Truly Thankful
As we enter the week of the Thanksgiving holiday, it is time again to remind myself of all I have to be thankful. This is my favorite time of the year when we are immersed in the season of fall, filled with its warm palette of reds, golds and yellows...even though it is currently raining cats & dogs!
Thanksgiving always means a feast with the family: turkey (deep fried at my house), cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, Mom’s dressing, gravy, pumpkin pie, the whole nine yards. I prefer to stay at home by the wood stove with a good football game on TV but this year the younger generation is taking over and we’ll be spending Thanksgiving at my niece’s in Beaverton, Oregon. She texted me numerous times yesterday to make sure I was bringing my famous homemade cranberry sauce and dessert (she doesn’t know I spent most of yesterday baking cookies, pumpkin bread, persimmon cake, etc., for the journey) And the wine, we always bring the wine. This year we’re taking local wine from the Alfaro family vineyards in Corralitos, CA, just a few short miles from our house. A superb Pinot Noir has been selected to accompany the bird. Friday night, we are looking forward to dinner at Salvadore Molly's in Portland, an interesting "pirate" themed restaurant we've been wanting to try. I'll have to Yelp! that experience.
I am thankful for the little things in life, the fact that the people I love are healthy and we are so close to each other. I am blessed to have people surrounding me who believe in me, and show me everyday how much they love me. I am thankful to have a roof over my head and a job, when many people today are not so lucky.
May this holiday season be a time to reflect, laugh and give! May the spirit of thankfulness and giving carry far beyond this holiday weekend into the lives of those you love!
Happy Thanksgiving! Even you bob.
Thanksgiving always means a feast with the family: turkey (deep fried at my house), cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, Mom’s dressing, gravy, pumpkin pie, the whole nine yards. I prefer to stay at home by the wood stove with a good football game on TV but this year the younger generation is taking over and we’ll be spending Thanksgiving at my niece’s in Beaverton, Oregon. She texted me numerous times yesterday to make sure I was bringing my famous homemade cranberry sauce and dessert (she doesn’t know I spent most of yesterday baking cookies, pumpkin bread, persimmon cake, etc., for the journey) And the wine, we always bring the wine. This year we’re taking local wine from the Alfaro family vineyards in Corralitos, CA, just a few short miles from our house. A superb Pinot Noir has been selected to accompany the bird. Friday night, we are looking forward to dinner at Salvadore Molly's in Portland, an interesting "pirate" themed restaurant we've been wanting to try. I'll have to Yelp! that experience.
I am thankful for the little things in life, the fact that the people I love are healthy and we are so close to each other. I am blessed to have people surrounding me who believe in me, and show me everyday how much they love me. I am thankful to have a roof over my head and a job, when many people today are not so lucky.
May this holiday season be a time to reflect, laugh and give! May the spirit of thankfulness and giving carry far beyond this holiday weekend into the lives of those you love!
Happy Thanksgiving! Even you bob.
Friday, November 05, 2010
May You Live in Interesting Times
I find it interesting that as soon as the Republicans get into power -only in the House- and at a time when people are frustrated about the economy, they immediately focus on health care and tax cuts for the rich.
Here's what's going to happen:
1) The GOP will overreach (they can't help themselves) and alienate their base with their preoccupation with grabbing power but NOT tending to the nation's business. McConnell's comments about the goal being to make sure Obama is a one-term President is the best example.
2) The internal implosion between the establishment republicans and the tea partiers (classic oil and water). Boehner does not have a plan for handling them; we'll see his face more often a shade of red than (phoney tan) orange.
3) The GOP will drive moderates and independents back to the democrats during this term by their displayed extremism and lack of accomplishments, just in time for the 2012 election. Obama will be re-elected, no problem.
4) The GOP is politically incapable of meeting their stated objectives regarding the budget deficits becasue these are the same characters and the same party that created it!
5) The democrats should be looking forward this cycle of endless and baseless "investigations" of the Obama administration, as promised by psycho Michelle Bachman, and instead of exposing any wrong doing, it will reveal to the American public the pettiness and wasteful political pursuits of the GOP, just like Ken Starr and Whitewater got Clinton reelected by comfortable margins.
My prediction: 6 months from now we'll see polls showing that the Republicans are more unpopular than the Democrats. Guess I’m not really that worried.
Here's what's going to happen:
1) The GOP will overreach (they can't help themselves) and alienate their base with their preoccupation with grabbing power but NOT tending to the nation's business. McConnell's comments about the goal being to make sure Obama is a one-term President is the best example.
2) The internal implosion between the establishment republicans and the tea partiers (classic oil and water). Boehner does not have a plan for handling them; we'll see his face more often a shade of red than (phoney tan) orange.
3) The GOP will drive moderates and independents back to the democrats during this term by their displayed extremism and lack of accomplishments, just in time for the 2012 election. Obama will be re-elected, no problem.
4) The GOP is politically incapable of meeting their stated objectives regarding the budget deficits becasue these are the same characters and the same party that created it!
5) The democrats should be looking forward this cycle of endless and baseless "investigations" of the Obama administration, as promised by psycho Michelle Bachman, and instead of exposing any wrong doing, it will reveal to the American public the pettiness and wasteful political pursuits of the GOP, just like Ken Starr and Whitewater got Clinton reelected by comfortable margins.
My prediction: 6 months from now we'll see polls showing that the Republicans are more unpopular than the Democrats. Guess I’m not really that worried.
Thursday, November 04, 2010
From the West Wing (still applies today)
" Because I'm tired of working for candidates who make me think that I should be embarrassed to believe what I believe, Sam! I'm tired of getting them elected! We all need some therapy, because somebody came along and said, "'Liberal' means soft on crime, soft on drugs, soft on Communism, soft on defense, and we're gonna tax you back to the Stone Age because people shouldn't have to go to work if they don't want to!" And instead of saying, "Well, excuse me, you right-wing, reactionary, xenophobic, homophobic, anti-education, anti-choice, pro-gun, Leave It To Beaver trip back to the Fifties...!", we cowered in the corner, and said, "Please. Don't. Hurt. Me." No more. I really don't care who's right, who's wrong. We're both right. We're both wrong. "
Scary ain't it?
Scary ain't it?
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Good-bye GAS!
Or Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger as he is so fondly known by many here in the Golden State. With him in the driver's seat as our 38th Governor, California has become a shining example of the wrong economic plan and is a failed state where the rich are enjoying a tax free life while the poor are bottoming out with the economy. The Governor does not believe in higher taxes to the rich and therein lies the major problem. While campaigning, Arnold promised a “Hummer in every driveway” (he promised a lot things that he in no way delivered).
I agree with Democratic speaker of the California Assembly, Karen Bass, when she said “He’s an action hero, and he wants to approach political office that way. He wants to be the Terminator. We have to be careful he doesn’t terminate California.” Amen, Karen!
All in all, actors do not make good governors and this guy should never have run for the office. Thank God, he isn't eligible to run for President.
I agree with Democratic speaker of the California Assembly, Karen Bass, when she said “He’s an action hero, and he wants to approach political office that way. He wants to be the Terminator. We have to be careful he doesn’t terminate California.” Amen, Karen!
All in all, actors do not make good governors and this guy should never have run for the office. Thank God, he isn't eligible to run for President.
Monday, September 20, 2010
The County Fair Verdict Is In
Let me start by saying that I didn't do as well as I'd hoped or as well as I have in previous years but the competition was fierce this year (remember Clara & Aunt Bee and the pickles?) and that makes me happy beyond belief. This means that despite hard economic times, more people are coming to the Fair; more people are coming back to the old-fashioned ideas and notions of a real County Fair. When times are as trying as they are, people understand that comfort -like comfort food- lies somewhere between the present and the past. And while the fair changes a little bit every year, it really doesn’t change that much, which is a reminder about timeless verities about how our food comes to our tables, and about the countless community groups that come together each year to bring the best of something — collectibles, giant pumpkins, chickens, orchids - to display.
Here's how I did:
1) First Place: pumpkin bread
2) Second Place: ginger cookies (the judges must have liked them because I entered 6 and there were only 3 left on the plate!)
3) Third Place: chocolate cupcakes (Best of Show two years ago)
4) Honorable Mention: banana walnut bundt cake (too many nuts?)
5) Honorable Mention: Buckeyes (peanut butter ganache dipped in chocolate)
6) No Award: chocolate chip cookies (got first place last year, guess I shouldn't have tweaked the recipe)
There’s something reassuring about prize-winning flowers and vegetables, kids’ 4-H raised animals, the tractor parade, corn dogs & cotton candy, carnies, racing dogs and pig kissing that keeps me coming back year after year.
Talk about finding America, it's all at the Fair.
Here's how I did:
1) First Place: pumpkin bread
2) Second Place: ginger cookies (the judges must have liked them because I entered 6 and there were only 3 left on the plate!)
3) Third Place: chocolate cupcakes (Best of Show two years ago)
4) Honorable Mention: banana walnut bundt cake (too many nuts?)
5) Honorable Mention: Buckeyes (peanut butter ganache dipped in chocolate)
6) No Award: chocolate chip cookies (got first place last year, guess I shouldn't have tweaked the recipe)
There’s something reassuring about prize-winning flowers and vegetables, kids’ 4-H raised animals, the tractor parade, corn dogs & cotton candy, carnies, racing dogs and pig kissing that keeps me coming back year after year.
Talk about finding America, it's all at the Fair.
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
"Burn a Koran Day"
I thought it was a rumor that a certain segment of our society never left the Dark Ages, but Pastor Terry Jones is living proof (I've taken down the link to the video).
Sadly, this is less a news story than an unfortunate act by a few small-minded and ignorant individuals. The only reason it is a news story, and thereby a hazard to our troops is because the media has allowed the message to be hijacked by this group, who is in no way representative of the majority of Americans, or the majority of Christians.
Under-educated, filled with Fox propaganda, or influenced by the perversion of a 2000 year old religion of "a cross in one hand and a sword in the other" mentality. If intolerance, hate, exclusion, racism, violence, or inciting violence is Christianity, then Gandhi was right. This extremist preacher and his followers do as much for the polarization and division of our world as the extremists they condemn.
The media is just giving them what they want by feeding their flames with publicity and the Jerry Springers of the future have an endless supply of guests.
Sadly, this is less a news story than an unfortunate act by a few small-minded and ignorant individuals. The only reason it is a news story, and thereby a hazard to our troops is because the media has allowed the message to be hijacked by this group, who is in no way representative of the majority of Americans, or the majority of Christians.
Under-educated, filled with Fox propaganda, or influenced by the perversion of a 2000 year old religion of "a cross in one hand and a sword in the other" mentality. If intolerance, hate, exclusion, racism, violence, or inciting violence is Christianity, then Gandhi was right. This extremist preacher and his followers do as much for the polarization and division of our world as the extremists they condemn.
The media is just giving them what they want by feeding their flames with publicity and the Jerry Springers of the future have an endless supply of guests.
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
A New California Conundrum
One of our local Bay Area newspapers is drumming up a campaign to create an Official California State Sandwich. So, being the food groupie that I am, I started to research other official state sandwiches and was suprised with what I found. The most (obviously) notable sandwiches are the Philly cheesesteak (thanks largely to Pat & Geno) and the Louisana Po-boy (pretty much thanks to Emeril Lagasse).
Apparently, Ohio boasts about its Carle's Bratwurst. Massachussetts' folks love their Fluffernutter's. Iowans have their "Loose Meat" (thanks Roseanne) and Nebraska has an interesting sandwich called a Runza. Kinda like a pirogi (to me) only in the shape of a twinkie. Even a state in Mexico has an Official Sandwich, Vera Cruz's Pambazo.
Now, if all that sandwich making talk hasn't gotten your mouth watering, here's my idea for a state sandwich fit for California, the California BLAT: Toasted San Francisco sourdough bread, spread with a Gilroy garlic and Castroville artichoke aioli, Freedom Meat Lockers (Freedom, CA) applewood-smoked bacon, topped with sliced Hass avocadoes (originally born in a backyard in La Habra Heights), Watsonville heirloom tomatoes and butter lettuce, served with a side of grilled San Joaquin Valley Black Mission figs & Harley Farms (Pescadero) goat cheese balls, drizzled with honey.
Man, oh man, that's what I'm talking about! I think I'm submitting this as my entry, what do you think?
Apparently, Ohio boasts about its Carle's Bratwurst. Massachussetts' folks love their Fluffernutter's. Iowans have their "Loose Meat" (thanks Roseanne) and Nebraska has an interesting sandwich called a Runza. Kinda like a pirogi (to me) only in the shape of a twinkie. Even a state in Mexico has an Official Sandwich, Vera Cruz's Pambazo.
Now, if all that sandwich making talk hasn't gotten your mouth watering, here's my idea for a state sandwich fit for California, the California BLAT: Toasted San Francisco sourdough bread, spread with a Gilroy garlic and Castroville artichoke aioli, Freedom Meat Lockers (Freedom, CA) applewood-smoked bacon, topped with sliced Hass avocadoes (originally born in a backyard in La Habra Heights), Watsonville heirloom tomatoes and butter lettuce, served with a side of grilled San Joaquin Valley Black Mission figs & Harley Farms (Pescadero) goat cheese balls, drizzled with honey.
Man, oh man, that's what I'm talking about! I think I'm submitting this as my entry, what do you think?
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Welcome Home Troops!
President Obama has taken a major step toward concluding one of GW Bush’s wars, just as he pledged to do before he ever took office. While it’s not “Mission Accomplished” and 50,000 will remain to advise, assist, train, and equip Iraqi Security Forces, it is a time to honor the 5,640 who made the ultimate sacrifice; the almost 40,000 who have been wounded; and to salute those who have come back. Let’s hope our country now does the right thing by taking care of them the way they deserve.
While not the same homecoming my late older brother Ed received when returning from Viet Nam in the mid-1960’s, I know he would have wanted this for those returning from Iraq today.
Welcome home, it must feel awesome to be back!
While not the same homecoming my late older brother Ed received when returning from Viet Nam in the mid-1960’s, I know he would have wanted this for those returning from Iraq today.
Welcome home, it must feel awesome to be back!
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