...
it's so quiet around here without him. I can't wait until he's back home.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Humans!
What a mess! Experts ponder space junk problem.
Egads! Talk about your environmental hazards! Do humans just naturally like to live in trash heaps? What the hell is up with that? Do we just not have the mental capacity to think ahead? Think about the future and what we're going to do once we've fouled our nest sufficiently that no one can live in it anymore. So far, this is the only planet we KNOW we can live on and we seem hell bent on thoroughly trashing it. What do we do then? Or do we just go on not caring because its not our generation that has to worry about it? What happens when that generation is born? Do we leave it up to the one's that it's going to matter to to come up with some way of salvaging it. Leave it to our how ever many great grandchildren to clean up after us? That's a real nice way to think about things.
Anyway, how's this for a suggestion: send up two space craft, like the shuttles, able to maneuver and sling a fine web between them and then let them sweep the main orbital lanes. Sort of like this:
Okay, so my drawing is awful, but you get the point, right? Just a thought.
As an exercise in futility, why don't you all put your ideas out there for a space clean-up project?
Egads! Talk about your environmental hazards! Do humans just naturally like to live in trash heaps? What the hell is up with that? Do we just not have the mental capacity to think ahead? Think about the future and what we're going to do once we've fouled our nest sufficiently that no one can live in it anymore. So far, this is the only planet we KNOW we can live on and we seem hell bent on thoroughly trashing it. What do we do then? Or do we just go on not caring because its not our generation that has to worry about it? What happens when that generation is born? Do we leave it up to the one's that it's going to matter to to come up with some way of salvaging it. Leave it to our how ever many great grandchildren to clean up after us? That's a real nice way to think about things.
Anyway, how's this for a suggestion: send up two space craft, like the shuttles, able to maneuver and sling a fine web between them and then let them sweep the main orbital lanes. Sort of like this:
Okay, so my drawing is awful, but you get the point, right? Just a thought.
As an exercise in futility, why don't you all put your ideas out there for a space clean-up project?
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Gee, My Letter Is "G"
My dear friend, Bunny, tagged me with the letter G. Let's see if I remember the rules of this little game...
Okay, this is what Serena, at Savvy Verse & Wit says:
So, lets get to work, shall we?
1. The obvious, and a little bitty cheat, would be: Good friends, Good food, Good music... but I'll try not to use that ploy again. :-)
2. Gorgeous Guys I can't help it. I just love looking at guys. Men. Fellas. Whatever you want to call them. I like to observe...
3. Geeks and more geeks. Geeks are beautiful. They know things... they aren't afraid to be different. They go their own way and are seemingly unafraid to do so. I admire them.
4. Grocery shopping. Yeah, I know... it's weird. I think it ties in with my fear of going hungry. If I can afford to go buy groceries then I'm not hurting too bad yet, financially speaking. Also, I love to cook (but Bunny got that letter, so I'm improvising), so buying food is something that I naturally would enjoy, right? Grocery stores are a stimulus to my creative cooking urges. There are so many things to look at, wonder about...
5. Gladiolas When I lived in Florida many years ago, I had banks and banks of these delightful flowers growing on the sunny side of the house. It was a glorious, riotous show of color. I tried once to grow them here in GA but the corms got all dug up by pesky squirrels and I had no flowers. So... I never did that again.
6. Grasses & Grains blowing in a stiff breeze. Its an image that is at once soothing and exciting to me. Soothing for the gentle motions. Exciting for the sheer power and grace of it. The image of such fields gives one a strong feeling of goodness, safety, life, bounty... muchness.
Hummmm, this is getting harder... perhaps I will pause here and go do something else for a while.
Another one:
8. Graciousness. Politeness, niceness... whatever you want to call it. It is the grease that enables the wheels of society to turn smoothly. So many people are not gracious now days. I think parents have forgotten to teach it to their children. That is sad. I try to be. I know I don't always succeed, but I do try. And I have tried to make my son understand the importance of it. People who are kind and gracious without having to work at it are special.
Oh! Here's another one!
9. Garum Masala. This spice mixture from India is a beautiful, beautiful thing. The aroma is a delight to the soul. Savory, warm, mouth-watering... if you have never tried it, you really really should. The basic mix is black pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. I like to add a bit of lemon powder or lemon zest to mine, also. This is a very versatile spice mixture, and I think every family must have their own way of doing it. If you don't make your own, Nirav is a fairly good brand of pre-mixed to purchase.
Finally...
10. Greek Mythology. There was a time in my life when I was very young when I dreamed of becoming an archaeologist. Or a museum curator. I think I read everything on Greek mythology and Greek history, as well as Greek architecture, and Greek Classics... I immersed myself in all things Greek. It is still an extremely interesting subject for me.
Okay, this is what Serena, at Savvy Verse & Wit says:
"With that letter create your list of 10 things you love that begin with your assigned letter, and when people comment on your post, you must assign them a letter to keep the meme going."
So, lets get to work, shall we?
1. The obvious, and a little bitty cheat, would be: Good friends, Good food, Good music... but I'll try not to use that ploy again. :-)
2. Gorgeous Guys I can't help it. I just love looking at guys. Men. Fellas. Whatever you want to call them. I like to observe...
3. Geeks and more geeks. Geeks are beautiful. They know things... they aren't afraid to be different. They go their own way and are seemingly unafraid to do so. I admire them.
4. Grocery shopping. Yeah, I know... it's weird. I think it ties in with my fear of going hungry. If I can afford to go buy groceries then I'm not hurting too bad yet, financially speaking. Also, I love to cook (but Bunny got that letter, so I'm improvising), so buying food is something that I naturally would enjoy, right? Grocery stores are a stimulus to my creative cooking urges. There are so many things to look at, wonder about...
5. Gladiolas When I lived in Florida many years ago, I had banks and banks of these delightful flowers growing on the sunny side of the house. It was a glorious, riotous show of color. I tried once to grow them here in GA but the corms got all dug up by pesky squirrels and I had no flowers. So... I never did that again.
6. Grasses & Grains blowing in a stiff breeze. Its an image that is at once soothing and exciting to me. Soothing for the gentle motions. Exciting for the sheer power and grace of it. The image of such fields gives one a strong feeling of goodness, safety, life, bounty... muchness.
Hummmm, this is getting harder... perhaps I will pause here and go do something else for a while.
Another one:
8. Graciousness. Politeness, niceness... whatever you want to call it. It is the grease that enables the wheels of society to turn smoothly. So many people are not gracious now days. I think parents have forgotten to teach it to their children. That is sad. I try to be. I know I don't always succeed, but I do try. And I have tried to make my son understand the importance of it. People who are kind and gracious without having to work at it are special.
Oh! Here's another one!
9. Garum Masala. This spice mixture from India is a beautiful, beautiful thing. The aroma is a delight to the soul. Savory, warm, mouth-watering... if you have never tried it, you really really should. The basic mix is black pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. I like to add a bit of lemon powder or lemon zest to mine, also. This is a very versatile spice mixture, and I think every family must have their own way of doing it. If you don't make your own, Nirav is a fairly good brand of pre-mixed to purchase.
Finally...
10. Greek Mythology. There was a time in my life when I was very young when I dreamed of becoming an archaeologist. Or a museum curator. I think I read everything on Greek mythology and Greek history, as well as Greek architecture, and Greek Classics... I immersed myself in all things Greek. It is still an extremely interesting subject for me.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
My Question Is This:
If he didn't know, why the frick did he "rehabilitate" this person?
The Vatican on Wednesday demanded that a prelate who denied the Holocaust recant his positions before being fully admitted as a bishop into the Roman Catholic Church. It also said Pope Benedict XVI had not known about Bishop Richard Williamson's views when he agreed to lift his excommunication and that of three other ultraconservative bishops Jan. 21."
I mean, shouldn't this place-holder pope have known all the facts of the situation before he decided to lift the excommunication? I'm just saying... I mean, it seems to me that one who is on the world stage as he is, should try not to make these kinds of mistakes. Perhaps he isn't fully cognizant of how quickly these kinds of stories get out and around the globe now days. This ain't 1941, bub. Get with the program. I wonder how long it will take the Catholic church, (or any church, for that matter) to come into the new century? People all over the globe are looking forward and the organized religions of the world are only looking back. That does not seem to bode well for their sustainability.
And then there's this:
Darth Cheney talking to Politico.com about the existing terrorist plots that our new President doesn't see cause he wants to talk to our enemies. God Forbid! Talk to those devils? Why would we want to do that? Torture gets them talking much faster than just being nice. And besides.... it's just way more fun than talking to someone.
Wish that ghoul would just go away. Does he honestly think anyone wants to look at him or hear from him anymore? Or perhaps he thinks he's the only one who can save the Republican party? Oh please... David Duke has a better chance of that.
Anyway, you can read all about Cheney's interview here: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0209/18390.html
Man was wrong before about terrorist plots. Was wrong before when he warned that a certain middle eastern country had weapons of mass destruction. Why in the world would he think that anyone would believe him this time? Does anyone? If anyone is out there who reads this and does believe him, I hope you will take a moment to comment on this post and let me know. I am sincerely curious about it. Furthermore and on top of that... why does he come out and try to make these scary allegations to get everyone stirred up, without naming any proof, citing any sources, naming even one name of someone he got his information about... it's all out of his mouth with nothing but his mushy old brain to back him up. When will these dried up old sour grape raisins gonna get it thru their thick skulls? There time is over. They are as good as finished. Rs and Ds. If you aren't interested in moving forward, then you are dragging us back. And I don't want to go backward. I want to look forward, move forward, think forward, dream forward... Let's try something new now, shall we.
"Holocaust denier told to recant.
The Vatican on Wednesday demanded that a prelate who denied the Holocaust recant his positions before being fully admitted as a bishop into the Roman Catholic Church. It also said Pope Benedict XVI had not known about Bishop Richard Williamson's views when he agreed to lift his excommunication and that of three other ultraconservative bishops Jan. 21."
I mean, shouldn't this place-holder pope have known all the facts of the situation before he decided to lift the excommunication? I'm just saying... I mean, it seems to me that one who is on the world stage as he is, should try not to make these kinds of mistakes. Perhaps he isn't fully cognizant of how quickly these kinds of stories get out and around the globe now days. This ain't 1941, bub. Get with the program. I wonder how long it will take the Catholic church, (or any church, for that matter) to come into the new century? People all over the globe are looking forward and the organized religions of the world are only looking back. That does not seem to bode well for their sustainability.
And then there's this:
Darth Cheney talking to Politico.com about the existing terrorist plots that our new President doesn't see cause he wants to talk to our enemies. God Forbid! Talk to those devils? Why would we want to do that? Torture gets them talking much faster than just being nice. And besides.... it's just way more fun than talking to someone.
Wish that ghoul would just go away. Does he honestly think anyone wants to look at him or hear from him anymore? Or perhaps he thinks he's the only one who can save the Republican party? Oh please... David Duke has a better chance of that.
Anyway, you can read all about Cheney's interview here: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0209/18390.html
Man was wrong before about terrorist plots. Was wrong before when he warned that a certain middle eastern country had weapons of mass destruction. Why in the world would he think that anyone would believe him this time? Does anyone? If anyone is out there who reads this and does believe him, I hope you will take a moment to comment on this post and let me know. I am sincerely curious about it. Furthermore and on top of that... why does he come out and try to make these scary allegations to get everyone stirred up, without naming any proof, citing any sources, naming even one name of someone he got his information about... it's all out of his mouth with nothing but his mushy old brain to back him up. When will these dried up old sour grape raisins gonna get it thru their thick skulls? There time is over. They are as good as finished. Rs and Ds. If you aren't interested in moving forward, then you are dragging us back. And I don't want to go backward. I want to look forward, move forward, think forward, dream forward... Let's try something new now, shall we.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Dang, Obama!!!
... am I the only democrat who pays her taxes properly? Why don't you appoint me to a post? I need a job. I swear... I love Tom Daschel, but seriously... who in their right mind really thinks that was an honest mistake? I have to say that my shiny brand new President is starting to get a few scuff marks on himself already. One more and I may just have some dirty words to say about it. Didn't he say things was gonna be different? Just wondering...
Thomas is going to Florida for a month this weekend. I don't want him to go. I never do. But this time... he's just a few months away from his 18th birthday. Just a few months until he comes into his settlement money. I'm so afraid that that devil down there will try to sweet talk him out of it, or talk him into staying there so he can "help" him figure out what to do with it all... thank God he can't get it all at once. But still... it's his. HIS. Not mine, not Frank's, not any body's but Thomas'. I know... I worry too much. Of course, I feel like I have good reason to. Maybe I don't, but I think I do. I worry so much about him. He's so honest, and I've tried to teach him about unscrupulous people and people who will tell a lie to get an advantage, but I don't think he would actually think of it that way if Frank tried to gain control of his money. Oh I don't know... I just worry.
Anyway...
Folks in KY still without power, heat, water... basic necessities of life. How is it that that can happen here in America? Why aren't more people as outraged about that as I am? Perhaps because we only think about INFRASTRUCTURE in this country when it's our very own personal infrastructure that isn't working? And then, when it does happen to us, personally, when our utilities come back on we are just so grateful to have them back that we don't take the time to tell our elected officials (local as well as state and federal) just how ridiculous it is that in America we have to live like refugees in a third world country in our own homes, because our power grid is so antiquated that it can't stand up to a normal winter storm... or a normal heat wave (And what does that say about what's gonna happen when the globe really starts to heat up? But that's a discussion for another day) Okay, okay, deep breath. Run on sentence, I know... bad, bad, BAD! Won't do it again. (at least maybe not in this particular post)
I'm heading off to bed now. Got a dentist appointment tomorrow. Dadgumit! I HATE having to wake up early. Tomorrow will make 3 days in a row. Plus the two days last week. I might as well just get used to it, eh? I AM NOT a morning person. I don't see any need for them. Ahhahahaha... can't we just "phase" them out? Retire them? Lay them off? I won't miss them.
Thomas is going to Florida for a month this weekend. I don't want him to go. I never do. But this time... he's just a few months away from his 18th birthday. Just a few months until he comes into his settlement money. I'm so afraid that that devil down there will try to sweet talk him out of it, or talk him into staying there so he can "help" him figure out what to do with it all... thank God he can't get it all at once. But still... it's his. HIS. Not mine, not Frank's, not any body's but Thomas'. I know... I worry too much. Of course, I feel like I have good reason to. Maybe I don't, but I think I do. I worry so much about him. He's so honest, and I've tried to teach him about unscrupulous people and people who will tell a lie to get an advantage, but I don't think he would actually think of it that way if Frank tried to gain control of his money. Oh I don't know... I just worry.
Anyway...
Folks in KY still without power, heat, water... basic necessities of life. How is it that that can happen here in America? Why aren't more people as outraged about that as I am? Perhaps because we only think about INFRASTRUCTURE in this country when it's our very own personal infrastructure that isn't working? And then, when it does happen to us, personally, when our utilities come back on we are just so grateful to have them back that we don't take the time to tell our elected officials (local as well as state and federal) just how ridiculous it is that in America we have to live like refugees in a third world country in our own homes, because our power grid is so antiquated that it can't stand up to a normal winter storm... or a normal heat wave (And what does that say about what's gonna happen when the globe really starts to heat up? But that's a discussion for another day) Okay, okay, deep breath. Run on sentence, I know... bad, bad, BAD! Won't do it again. (at least maybe not in this particular post)
I'm heading off to bed now. Got a dentist appointment tomorrow. Dadgumit! I HATE having to wake up early. Tomorrow will make 3 days in a row. Plus the two days last week. I might as well just get used to it, eh? I AM NOT a morning person. I don't see any need for them. Ahhahahaha... can't we just "phase" them out? Retire them? Lay them off? I won't miss them.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Can You Say "Uncle Tom"?
This man... he will say anything, do anything, be whatever he thinks people want him to be, to advance himself. He's a groveler, an ass-kisser, a spineless, gutless, self-respectless wonder.
Now that may be a miss-characterization. But it's my opinion. And further more... his "election" as RNC chairman just smells of a "us too" mentality in the Grand Old Party. They want their own first African-American. And this guy is sure willing to be their boy.
Puh_leeze...
And beyond that, I wonder how long it will be before the Sarah Palin part of the party breaks off and forms their own political party. Think about it. Just stop being politically correct and all that crap and think about it for a moment...
What portion of the country got more "conservative", more "Republican", in the last election? The Deep South. Now... tell me what region of the country is most known for being racist? Ya see where I'm going with this?
Anyway... that's my opinion on this news of the day. I'm sure some folks will be offended by it just as some folks will agree. Either way, it doesn't matter. Time will tell who's right.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Oh! That is Gnarly!!!
Naked Science: Death of the Universe
Watching some TV... NatGeo, one of my favorite channels (except when they are running those stupid Dog Whisperer, Dogtown, Dog this, Dog that shows). Anyway... tuned in just in time to see some scientist theorizing on how the universe will end by just disintegrating. On the atomic level. So... you are standing there and because the universe is expanding (everything is moving away from everything else), the distance between one thing and another is getting greater and greater, so eventually even the atoms loose touch with each other... so, what we see as solid objects will just tear and rip apart right down into their constituent atoms. We, everything we know or think we know, will just dissolve.
What a horrific thought, eh? Glad I won't be around to experience that.
Watching some TV... NatGeo, one of my favorite channels (except when they are running those stupid Dog Whisperer, Dogtown, Dog this, Dog that shows). Anyway... tuned in just in time to see some scientist theorizing on how the universe will end by just disintegrating. On the atomic level. So... you are standing there and because the universe is expanding (everything is moving away from everything else), the distance between one thing and another is getting greater and greater, so eventually even the atoms loose touch with each other... so, what we see as solid objects will just tear and rip apart right down into their constituent atoms. We, everything we know or think we know, will just dissolve.
What a horrific thought, eh? Glad I won't be around to experience that.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Can I Get a Amen?
This man is a fox!
That would be Congressman Eric Cantor (R-VA), the Republican Whip in the U.S. House of Representatives. I can't say I care much for his politics, but damn! I'd sure like to spend some time convincing him of the error of his ways. He's got that gorgeous dark hair and eyes and he looks ever so tasty. And he's got that soft Southern way of speaking, too. Too bad every word that comes out of that luscious mouth is wrong.
Anyway....
Been so serious lately, I thought it was about time to have a little fun around here. That means it's time for more fellas that look good to me.
Cameron Muncey
Lead guitarist for the band Jet. I like their music and I totally like the way this guy looks. I mean, really... turn me loose, seriously...
Even tho he has a bit of an emo look about him sometimes, I can live with that. I just want to use him for a little while anyway...
BREAKING NEWS
And he's OUTTA THERE!!!
Governor Potty-Mouth, otherwise known as Rod B. Blagojevich was removed from office today sometime around 5:30pm. It's the end of a sad era in Illinois. Guilty or not, he's embarrassed the people of his state. Guilty or not, when he saw the way the wind was blowing he should have bowed out and resigned with some dignity. Guilty or not... whatever happened to "innocent until proven guilty"? I guess that's just the legacy of the Bush years. We all, you, me, Rod B., ALL of us, have a right to the presumption of innocence until we are proven guilty. This man, who has only been charged, not convicted... let me say that again... charged, not convicted, of any crime, was tried and convicted in the court of public opinion. And I don't think that court has the authority to sentence him. Or shouldn't have.
T.J. Holmes
CNN Weekend Anchorman
Lovely, lovely man to look at. Just beautiful. He should be in GQ. Probably has been already. He's just gorgeous... his soft, Southern accent just oozes sex appeal. He's smart, funny, ambitious... and he's GORGEOUS!!! Oh, I said that already, didn't I? Well, it bears repeating. He is.
Eugene Robinson
Washington Post Op-Ed Columnist, MSNBC analyst and political commentator. From South Carolina. A successful, personable, steady, mature man. Watching him I get the feeling that he is a trustworthy, honest, generous person. He exudes a warm, "you are safe with me" feeling that I really like. Bet he snuggles real good.
Okay... I know it's pretty shallow and also kinda not nice to comment on these guys looks, like they are just so much meat. But then again, I can be a bit shallow sometimes. And I like meat. I hope all you PC folks out there understand that it's all in fun and that no offense is meant to any of these fellas. Not even to Mr. Cantor who seriously needs to think about his path forward in national politics. I think he ought to consider changing sides. Just think... we now have our first black President. How long can it be until we have our first woman President? Our first Jewish President? I'm just saying...
And by the way... now that we do have a black President, is it now socially acceptable for a middle aged white woman to admit that she finds some black men attractive? Well, is it? No matter... it's been a long time since I cared whether what I did or thought was socially acceptable or not. I was just curious what other folks thought.
The Bacon Explosion
This is just DISGUSTING!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Please God...
... let it work...
US approves 1st stem cell study for spinal injury
The article does not appear to give much hope for correcting Thomas' injury in the near future, but in time... who knows?
Thomas at 10 months, after nerve graft surgery. It didn't help much. But wasn't he a little cutie? He still is.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Headlines and Other Random Thoughts
Thain resigns from Bank of America
This guy does not have a very good track record. How the heck does he keep getting jobs?
'Flying Car' Goes to Market
My first thought on this was: where can I get one? Then, hard on the heels of that thought was: this is one impractical mobile. I mean, you can't land it just anywhere. You have to use an airport. Sure you can just fold up the wings and drive it away... but still, highly impractical. There aren't that many airports and the ones you might use are not always near where you want to go...
Also, on a purely selfish note, I'm not sure I want those things flying all over the place. There are enough idiots on the roadways, who needs them in the air? Flying all over the place, buzzing people's houses, shopping malls, sporting events?
On the other hand... the first computers were not at all practical, either. And look at us now. I would not want to be without mine. In fact, last time mine was in the shop I felt like a part of me had been amputated. I was totally dysfunctional. Amazing how many times a day I jump on here, not to express myself, but to look things up. Find a recipe, when I need new ideas for a meal. Check the side effects of meds that the doc prescribes for me or a member of my family. Find out what time it is in New Guinea, just cause I'm curious that way. :) You get the point, I hope.
Army: Negligence caused GI's death
This is just sad. On so many different levels.
Conspiracy Theory???
Perhaps I'm just suspicious. Maybe I'm one of those crazy folks who sees bogeymen behind every tree and shrub... I just hit on this today while they were discussing the GOP senators putting a delay on Eric Holder's confirmation. I was like, "What the frick are they thinking? We NEED an AG! But that brings to mind the fact that we haven't actually had a fully functional AG office in 8 years.
Then they started talking about the fears of some of the fine Republican Senators that people who might have tortured detainees in the course of following orders might be open to prosecution if Holder is confirmed. And that made me think... what are they really afraid of? Of being prosecuted themselves? What did they really know about the process? When did they know it? Or... perhaps this is a deeper game? Maybe they suppose that if the American government does not prosecute or at least charge Bush and Cheney and Rummy, et al, with war crimes then the UN will. And if the UN tries to come in here and tell us what to do, then you all know that everyone is going to get up in arms and refuse to go along with it and so on and so forth...
Can't you just see the brouhaha over that? That would turn the average, man on the street American (half of whom did vote for GWB, TWICE!) into rabid, ravaging animals. You know it would. And then, voila! Bush is an American Hero. And it puts Obama in a most difficult position. And it gives the GOP a chance to retake power in 2012. How's that sound for a conspiracy theory? Pretty good, eh? Hey! That would make a great book or movie, no?
Shamwow!
The dude says in the commercial, "Made in Germany. And you know the Germans make good stuff." or something quite similar. And I find that very offensive. He says it like... we don't make good stuff here in America. Oh, that's right, we don't make anything here in America, anymore, good or bad. Still, the dude is offensive (what's with that stupid headset looking thing he wears. He even wears it in the commercial for that chopper thing he's doing now. I guess he's trying to become the next Billy Mays. I, personally, would not purchase anything from either of them. I'm not going to purchase anything from anyone who yells at me. That's just rude. And I'm also not going to purchase a cleaning product from someone who doesn't look like he bothered to take a shower before filming the commercial. The guy just looks unclean to me. Just my opinion. But the Germany thing really ticks me off. I'm sure someone here in America could manufacture something just as good. Except that small manufacturers have mostly been bought out by huge conglomerates that move all the jobs overseas where they don't have to give the workers any benefits and can get away with paying them a pittance for their labour. Cause it's all about the "bottom line", ya know? Gotta make that buck so the moguls can get their multi-million dollar bonuses and the company can make a huge profit and then not pay any taxes on it.... but I digress... sorry... :)
Okay, I'm off to watch Pitch Black with Thomas. See ya later... :)
This guy does not have a very good track record. How the heck does he keep getting jobs?
'Flying Car' Goes to Market
My first thought on this was: where can I get one? Then, hard on the heels of that thought was: this is one impractical mobile. I mean, you can't land it just anywhere. You have to use an airport. Sure you can just fold up the wings and drive it away... but still, highly impractical. There aren't that many airports and the ones you might use are not always near where you want to go...
Also, on a purely selfish note, I'm not sure I want those things flying all over the place. There are enough idiots on the roadways, who needs them in the air? Flying all over the place, buzzing people's houses, shopping malls, sporting events?
On the other hand... the first computers were not at all practical, either. And look at us now. I would not want to be without mine. In fact, last time mine was in the shop I felt like a part of me had been amputated. I was totally dysfunctional. Amazing how many times a day I jump on here, not to express myself, but to look things up. Find a recipe, when I need new ideas for a meal. Check the side effects of meds that the doc prescribes for me or a member of my family. Find out what time it is in New Guinea, just cause I'm curious that way. :) You get the point, I hope.
Army: Negligence caused GI's death
This is just sad. On so many different levels.
Conspiracy Theory???
Perhaps I'm just suspicious. Maybe I'm one of those crazy folks who sees bogeymen behind every tree and shrub... I just hit on this today while they were discussing the GOP senators putting a delay on Eric Holder's confirmation. I was like, "What the frick are they thinking? We NEED an AG! But that brings to mind the fact that we haven't actually had a fully functional AG office in 8 years.
Then they started talking about the fears of some of the fine Republican Senators that people who might have tortured detainees in the course of following orders might be open to prosecution if Holder is confirmed. And that made me think... what are they really afraid of? Of being prosecuted themselves? What did they really know about the process? When did they know it? Or... perhaps this is a deeper game? Maybe they suppose that if the American government does not prosecute or at least charge Bush and Cheney and Rummy, et al, with war crimes then the UN will. And if the UN tries to come in here and tell us what to do, then you all know that everyone is going to get up in arms and refuse to go along with it and so on and so forth...
Can't you just see the brouhaha over that? That would turn the average, man on the street American (half of whom did vote for GWB, TWICE!) into rabid, ravaging animals. You know it would. And then, voila! Bush is an American Hero. And it puts Obama in a most difficult position. And it gives the GOP a chance to retake power in 2012. How's that sound for a conspiracy theory? Pretty good, eh? Hey! That would make a great book or movie, no?
Shamwow!
The dude says in the commercial, "Made in Germany. And you know the Germans make good stuff." or something quite similar. And I find that very offensive. He says it like... we don't make good stuff here in America. Oh, that's right, we don't make anything here in America, anymore, good or bad. Still, the dude is offensive (what's with that stupid headset looking thing he wears. He even wears it in the commercial for that chopper thing he's doing now. I guess he's trying to become the next Billy Mays. I, personally, would not purchase anything from either of them. I'm not going to purchase anything from anyone who yells at me. That's just rude. And I'm also not going to purchase a cleaning product from someone who doesn't look like he bothered to take a shower before filming the commercial. The guy just looks unclean to me. Just my opinion. But the Germany thing really ticks me off. I'm sure someone here in America could manufacture something just as good. Except that small manufacturers have mostly been bought out by huge conglomerates that move all the jobs overseas where they don't have to give the workers any benefits and can get away with paying them a pittance for their labour. Cause it's all about the "bottom line", ya know? Gotta make that buck so the moguls can get their multi-million dollar bonuses and the company can make a huge profit and then not pay any taxes on it.... but I digress... sorry... :)
Okay, I'm off to watch Pitch Black with Thomas. See ya later... :)
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Looking at the Future
... and the future looks mighty fine.
Today was The Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States of America, Mr. Barack Hussein Obama. I feel better already. How about you? I feel good again, but then I start to feel like something bad is going to happen. The legacy of GW Bush, I suppose. I have, perhaps we all have, forgotten to have hope, forgotten that sometimes good things do happen and without a bad thing happening soon after. Forgot how that feels, I have.
Until he has proved to me that I should not have hopes, until he has proved to me that I should not trust him... I will place my hope in my President and the administration he has chosen to surround himself with. Smart people, dedicated, honorable, smart, hard workers, pragmatic, progressive, have I mentioned how smart they all are? They are all uber-smart. Scary that in a way. To have a smart President again. Won't know what to do.
I am curious to see how the comedians handle this transition. I mean, it was soooo easy to make fun of Bush. He made it almost too easy. I think some actually got tired of riffin' on him. After a while it was like making fun of a retarded child... it just isn't funny. Wonder how they will deal with his race. Will the black comics get away with making racial jokes and while comics get shouted down for doing the very same thing. Or will race suddenly become one of those things, one of those stereotypes like being blond and big bosumed, or being Asian and being smart, or being Mexican and having huge families... I'm just wondering. Perhaps those things are also not particularly funny, but they are acceptable to make jokes about. Now... will it be acceptable to make funny about President Obama's hair when it gets humid? As a woman who suffers from the humidity also, I will not advocate poking fun at Michelle or the girls for that reason... is that view sexist? Or racist? or just American?
I am so proud to be American today. I'm so glad that I live in this nation and that I had the chance to vote for the person whom I wanted to lead me, and my country, into the future. I am so happy today I don't even want to bash GW anymore. It's enough for me, today, that he is gone. What happens after today is a whole other subject which I will probably rant and rave about later one. For today... I just want to savor the day. Enjoy not being a subject of King George any longer. I feel, in some ways, that this election was another revolution that "We The People" won again. And it makes me think that if we ever get lax again like we did when we allowed Bush to assume the office and when we turned a blind eye to what he and his cronies were doing to our rights and freedoms and reputation... if we ever get lax like that again... it might take more than a peaceful transfer of power to get this train back on the tracks. This could have so easily turned out so much worse. We could so very easily being living in a different country tonight. We must not ever just assume that "This is America", we get to vote every four years and get a new guy if we don't like the old one. That could so easily change. See how many people believed (and still do) that we have to give the government back our rights so that they can keep us safe. How are those yahoos gonna keep us safe? They are keeping themselves and their cronies safe. Me... I'd much rather not having anyone screening my emails, my phone calls... finding out what kind of books I read, what kind of music I listen to, what kind of food I eat, what kind of clothes I wear. I have some perfectly lovely Indian women's suits that I don't wear around here that much because you never know about the goobers around here. They could easily mistake it for Muslim or Syrian garb cause they just want to cause trouble and they don't want to take the time to even learn enough about the people they supposedly hate, to even pick them out of a crowd. Just take offense at the one person who looks different. Crock of foul smalling crap is what that is. But I also have no desire to have my tires flattened or my self mugged, so I wear them only rarely. Bummer. They are so comfy and cool to look at.
Anyway... I'm so happy today. I hope you are all happy too. I hope the whole entire world is happy today/tonight. I certainly feel more hopeful now than I did this morning when I woke up.I feel like the whole world has changed and I just hope that I can change fast enough to keep up. A change, it's gonna come, now....
See you guys tomorrow. On President Obama's first full day in office. I am so curious to see what he actually does. He's said that he wanted to get to work on day one... let's see what he does, okay. I will sleep with my fingers crossed that he does something great on his first day. Not like, superman great, or whatever, but that he will at least get the wheels visibly rolling on his agenda. And I hope the everyday average citizens like me will stay on the Senate and the House to work with President Obama to get some things done. There are some... some halfwits who will still prefer to play partisan games and be obstructionists... we can't let them get away with it. I have a repugnicant governor and repugnicant reps and sens... I'm gonna stay on them to work with this new President. They didn't see any shame in being "yes" men to Bush and giving him whatever he wanted when they had the majority. Now the don't and the only little bit of power they have is to slow down or even stop the programmes that Obama wants to get thru. We have to help him by burning our reps/sens ears off. Talk, call, email, write and old fashioned letter on paper, put it in one of those funny looking things called an envelope and mail it, by snail mail. Do all those things. Get on the Internet, visit blogs, join in the conversation, express yourself. Surely some of our screams, hollers, cries and obscenities will get thru to them. :)
Anyway, perhaps I can actually sleep tonight. I feel somewhat safer. Don't you.
And the super funny thing about this feeling of safety. It was never the "terrorists" the "enemies that are coming to get me" that ever scared me. What has scared me since Sept. 11 has been my own government. One should not be afraid to speak ones mind, but I found myself feeling concern when I was on the phone and expressed my view of Bush to someone... what if they come take me away to their 'non-existent" prisons/gulags somewhere overseas and my family has no idea where I am or what happened to me. That is what I feared while my government was supposedly keeping me safe. I felt like I needed protection from my government, but there wasn't anyone available who could protect me, not from that.
Thank God it's over. Thank God! I am happy. I hope you're happy too.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
I Am Legend - A Review
ATTENTION: SPOILER ALERT
Some of you may already know that I purchased the Will Smith movie: "I Am Legend" for myself for Christmas. Well... my son, Thomas, and I finally got around to watching it tonight.
I will tell you that I was really looking forward to seeing this flick. I LOVE Will Smith. Everything he does is gold. GOLD! The premise of the movie was right up my alley, too. I love those type of "apocalyptic", "brave new world", "lets begin again" movies. And books too. The concept is exciting, thought provoking. A story based on this premise has Potential, with a capitol P. There are so many things you can do with it. So many ways to tell a story like this.
However, neither Mr. Smith nor anyone else associated with this flick seemed inclined to put forth the effort.
I don't think Will Smith could be bad in a movie, even if he tried. And he's not bad in this one. It's just a weak story. This film could have easily been twice the length, and done right, it would have been great! Epic! Blockbuster! This movie uses flashbacks from the main character to tell us what led to this point. The flashbacks are not seamless. They are abrupt, poorly timed, and at times come a moment too late for the previous scene to make sense in the context of the current action. The flow of the movie is not smooth and it made for an anxious movie watching experience. Leaving this viewer feeling stress and tension where none was intended nor needed.
Furthermore, his family dies, his dog dies, HE dies, and the only characters that are left, that have any speaking part in the movie, are a lady and a boy. The boy is only there as a piece of the scenery, for all I could tell. And they both came in way too late in the movie for you to get to know them. I, at least, expended no emotion on them whatsoever. And they are the ones who survived! If they were going to survive I think they should have given us some background on them too. Something to give us some connection to them, a feel for them.
This movie could have been done so much better. It had Potential. It had a first-class star, it had computer generated monsters, who, in my personal opinion where way uglier than they had to be. And the ending was so abrupt, it had no power. Nothing about it made me think. It just ended. They could have done so much more... given us a look at perhaps the accomplishment of what Will Smith's character died for. Showed us a world getting better, people moving out from their safe place to re-people the world... but no... they show us the woman and kid entering a walled, gated, fortress like, community and that was it. No hopeful ending.
And I'm sorry... I like at least a not depressing ending to my movies. I know that some movies have to have a sad ending for them to be right. This thing ended so abruptly it left no time for tears. The only character you had an emotional investment in died before the ending. This movie was so perfunctorily told. Like a story you might see on your local six o'clock news. Move it along now. We have a schedule to keep. Only the pertinent parts need be told.
Well.... I feel a little like I was cheated. I mean, it was a Will Smith movie for crying out loud! If the movie had starred say... Vin Diesel, then I would have perhaps had lower expectations. Not that I don't like Vin, in fact, I enjoyed his "Chronicles of Riddick" way more than I did "I Am Legend", but you get my point, right? It's the expectation thing. I don't know, perhaps the story line just wasn't anything to get the movie moguls excited and they weren't willing to get up off of enough cash to do this movie properly. But if that's the case, then it shouldn't have been done at all. I'm left with a bad taste in my mouth. I don't think the story was told adequately. There is so much more that could have been done, said, explained, explored. I feel sort of like I was told to expect a 10 course dinner and then only got an appetizer. (Ah... you knew I would get the food reference in there some way or another)
I don't want anyone to think that Will Smith's acting was bad in this film. It was not. Not exactly, that is. It was on par with the story: perfunctory; pared down; minimalistic. Almost like he, too, could have given more, if there had been enough time, enough money, enough interest...
People who love, who adore Will Smith, will want this for their library. I think people who, like me, enjoy this subject matter and enjoy reading about it, or watching movies about it, will be disappointed. There is so much left unsaid. I don't even feel like I watched an entire movie. I am left wondering, "Where's the rest of the story?"
So there it is, I believe that this is my very first movie review. How did I do?
ADDENDUM
Just read the wiki on this movie. I think it would have been much better had they used the alternate ending discussed there. If you saw the movie, you understand why. Parts of the movie led up to this, but then never took you all the way. That's just cruel. I'm even more ticked off now. I could have at least had a "feel good" ending for all my pains of watching the damned thing! Wonder if wally world would give me my money back? Nah... probably not.
Some of you may already know that I purchased the Will Smith movie: "I Am Legend" for myself for Christmas. Well... my son, Thomas, and I finally got around to watching it tonight.
I will tell you that I was really looking forward to seeing this flick. I LOVE Will Smith. Everything he does is gold. GOLD! The premise of the movie was right up my alley, too. I love those type of "apocalyptic", "brave new world", "lets begin again" movies. And books too. The concept is exciting, thought provoking. A story based on this premise has Potential, with a capitol P. There are so many things you can do with it. So many ways to tell a story like this.
However, neither Mr. Smith nor anyone else associated with this flick seemed inclined to put forth the effort.
I don't think Will Smith could be bad in a movie, even if he tried. And he's not bad in this one. It's just a weak story. This film could have easily been twice the length, and done right, it would have been great! Epic! Blockbuster! This movie uses flashbacks from the main character to tell us what led to this point. The flashbacks are not seamless. They are abrupt, poorly timed, and at times come a moment too late for the previous scene to make sense in the context of the current action. The flow of the movie is not smooth and it made for an anxious movie watching experience. Leaving this viewer feeling stress and tension where none was intended nor needed.
Furthermore, his family dies, his dog dies, HE dies, and the only characters that are left, that have any speaking part in the movie, are a lady and a boy. The boy is only there as a piece of the scenery, for all I could tell. And they both came in way too late in the movie for you to get to know them. I, at least, expended no emotion on them whatsoever. And they are the ones who survived! If they were going to survive I think they should have given us some background on them too. Something to give us some connection to them, a feel for them.
This movie could have been done so much better. It had Potential. It had a first-class star, it had computer generated monsters, who, in my personal opinion where way uglier than they had to be. And the ending was so abrupt, it had no power. Nothing about it made me think. It just ended. They could have done so much more... given us a look at perhaps the accomplishment of what Will Smith's character died for. Showed us a world getting better, people moving out from their safe place to re-people the world... but no... they show us the woman and kid entering a walled, gated, fortress like, community and that was it. No hopeful ending.
And I'm sorry... I like at least a not depressing ending to my movies. I know that some movies have to have a sad ending for them to be right. This thing ended so abruptly it left no time for tears. The only character you had an emotional investment in died before the ending. This movie was so perfunctorily told. Like a story you might see on your local six o'clock news. Move it along now. We have a schedule to keep. Only the pertinent parts need be told.
Well.... I feel a little like I was cheated. I mean, it was a Will Smith movie for crying out loud! If the movie had starred say... Vin Diesel, then I would have perhaps had lower expectations. Not that I don't like Vin, in fact, I enjoyed his "Chronicles of Riddick" way more than I did "I Am Legend", but you get my point, right? It's the expectation thing. I don't know, perhaps the story line just wasn't anything to get the movie moguls excited and they weren't willing to get up off of enough cash to do this movie properly. But if that's the case, then it shouldn't have been done at all. I'm left with a bad taste in my mouth. I don't think the story was told adequately. There is so much more that could have been done, said, explained, explored. I feel sort of like I was told to expect a 10 course dinner and then only got an appetizer. (Ah... you knew I would get the food reference in there some way or another)
I don't want anyone to think that Will Smith's acting was bad in this film. It was not. Not exactly, that is. It was on par with the story: perfunctory; pared down; minimalistic. Almost like he, too, could have given more, if there had been enough time, enough money, enough interest...
People who love, who adore Will Smith, will want this for their library. I think people who, like me, enjoy this subject matter and enjoy reading about it, or watching movies about it, will be disappointed. There is so much left unsaid. I don't even feel like I watched an entire movie. I am left wondering, "Where's the rest of the story?"
So there it is, I believe that this is my very first movie review. How did I do?
ADDENDUM
Just read the wiki on this movie. I think it would have been much better had they used the alternate ending discussed there. If you saw the movie, you understand why. Parts of the movie led up to this, but then never took you all the way. That's just cruel. I'm even more ticked off now. I could have at least had a "feel good" ending for all my pains of watching the damned thing! Wonder if wally world would give me my money back? Nah... probably not.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
A Political Blog Post
Senate panel backs Clinton as secretary of state
Just my opinion... but I strongly disagree with her being grilled about her husbands work. Her "fitness" for the job depending on what her husband has done or will do. I understand that the Clinton family is not your average, run of the mill, American family... but dang! I don't want a potential employer judging me on things my husband does or is responsible for. It wouldn't be right. It's not right for me, for her, or for any one.
Yes, I understand that they started this "two for one" thing way back when he was first running for President back in 1991. But that's over now. She's made that plain. And so has he. I think they ought to confirm her (or not) on her own merits and let Bill go on running his Global Initiative deal. How many of those members of congress have spouses who work for lobbying firms? How is that not a "conflict of interest"? Could someone please s'plain that to me? I'd like to see every one of them fess up to that.
And yes, I understand that she's likely to be confirmed without much trouble now that the Foreign Relations Committee has voted. But still... it was wrong! And further more and on top of that it was grandstanding on Vitter's, and others, part to even bring it up. And I don't understand why more women aren't angry as hell about it. Ya know... in the Middle East a woman cannot get a driver licence or a job or do other things, unless a male member of her family gives their permission.... now the "Greatest Deliberative Body" in the world, is making a big deal about a women's husband when considering her for a job she's immanently qualified for? Why doesn't that outrage more folks? It outrages me. But maybe that's just me.
Anywhoos... just watched Bush's final (yippee!!!! I'm ecstatic) State of the Union address. Can someone please tell me what drugs he's doing? I'd like to believe the last eight years have been that great, too. Sweet Jehu! What planet has that devil been living on? I think the vacuous, brain dead idiot really believes he was that good for our nation.
One spot of good news today: A plane crash landed in the Hudson River today and no one was killed. Okay, that's bad and then good. Very bad, and then very very good. And as a bonus, that story is trumping GW's last prime time address to the nation. Sort of like: okay George, there's the door, bye-bye; don't call us, we'll call you; don't let the door hit you; time's up, you're done; WOULD YOU JUST LEAVE ALREADY!!!
"The Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted overwhelmingly on Thursday for Hillary Rodham Clinton to become the next secretary of state, with Democrats predicting her leadership would mark a turn from warfare toward diplomacy.
The 16-1 approval by the committee paves the way for a full Senate vote after President-elect Barack Obama takes office on Jan. 20. Clinton is not expected to hit any major roadblocks, with Republicans and Democrats alike praising her acumen on the issues.
But concerns about her husband's charitable fundraising overseas remain. Sen. David Vitter of Louisiana, who was among several Republicans who raised the issue at her confirmation hearing earlier this week, cast the lone opposing vote.
In a statement, Vitter called former President Bill Clinton's foundation a "multimillion dollar minefield of conflicts of interest."
"This could produce explosions at any minute, particularly concerning the Middle East where we least need them," Vitter said."
Just my opinion... but I strongly disagree with her being grilled about her husbands work. Her "fitness" for the job depending on what her husband has done or will do. I understand that the Clinton family is not your average, run of the mill, American family... but dang! I don't want a potential employer judging me on things my husband does or is responsible for. It wouldn't be right. It's not right for me, for her, or for any one.
Yes, I understand that they started this "two for one" thing way back when he was first running for President back in 1991. But that's over now. She's made that plain. And so has he. I think they ought to confirm her (or not) on her own merits and let Bill go on running his Global Initiative deal. How many of those members of congress have spouses who work for lobbying firms? How is that not a "conflict of interest"? Could someone please s'plain that to me? I'd like to see every one of them fess up to that.
And yes, I understand that she's likely to be confirmed without much trouble now that the Foreign Relations Committee has voted. But still... it was wrong! And further more and on top of that it was grandstanding on Vitter's, and others, part to even bring it up. And I don't understand why more women aren't angry as hell about it. Ya know... in the Middle East a woman cannot get a driver licence or a job or do other things, unless a male member of her family gives their permission.... now the "Greatest Deliberative Body" in the world, is making a big deal about a women's husband when considering her for a job she's immanently qualified for? Why doesn't that outrage more folks? It outrages me. But maybe that's just me.
Anywhoos... just watched Bush's final (yippee!!!! I'm ecstatic) State of the Union address. Can someone please tell me what drugs he's doing? I'd like to believe the last eight years have been that great, too. Sweet Jehu! What planet has that devil been living on? I think the vacuous, brain dead idiot really believes he was that good for our nation.
One spot of good news today: A plane crash landed in the Hudson River today and no one was killed. Okay, that's bad and then good. Very bad, and then very very good. And as a bonus, that story is trumping GW's last prime time address to the nation. Sort of like: okay George, there's the door, bye-bye; don't call us, we'll call you; don't let the door hit you; time's up, you're done; WOULD YOU JUST LEAVE ALREADY!!!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries...
... right up to the time when it turns into a bowl of pits, because you've eaten all the danged cherries and there ain't no more, and you don't have the f'in car so you can't go to the store and refresh your supply! And Oh! Woe is me!
Hope you guys are enjoying the cheap cherry crop from Chile while they are in season. Cherries are surely one of the "foods of the Gods". Besides, not only are they outrageously tasty... they are quite good for you. Well worth the hassle of dealing with a lil ol pit.
Hope you enjoyed what I intended to be a humorous attempt to get you all out there eating these delicious red berries before they are all gone. They only last a few weeks, you know. Then its all hydroponic or nothing until the American North West takes up the slack with their big, juicy, so good if you eat enough of them you will get dizzy, cherries. And Michigan and Pennsylvania also put forth a good crop. Other states as well. And I strongly encourage you to partake of the bounty the hardworking farmers of this nation provide. If you stop and think about it, it might make you cry too. The absolute perfection, the beauty of a Rainier cherry picked at the precise moment of ripeness. Better than strong spirits for making a person feel high.
Anyway, those Chilean cherries are right tasty, even if they are a bit smaller than some grown elsewhere. And at $3.00 per pound for fresh and in good condition, berries. Why wait? Enjoy them while they are here. You'll appreciate the local varieties even more when they show up.
Bon Appetite` my friends.
Homemade Croutons And Pizza Crackers
I was going to post this on the cooking blog, but tricia posted that wonderful soup recipe "Easy Taco Soup" over there last night and it looks so wonderful, I didn't want to go over the top of it until everyone had a chance to check it out. I'm making it for supper tonight, in fact.
Anyway... here's a couple of items that I make for my family quite regularly. I made them over the weekend, in fact. They are easy to do and delicious. I think you will all enjoy trying them both. At least once or twice. :-)
Homemade Croutons
A lovely bowl of crunchy, savory goodness.
How do you make this delightful treat? Let me tell you:
1. One long baguette of sourdough, or bread of your preference, sliced thin. *The long, skinny ones are perfect for this.
2. Olive oil, or any healthful oil you care to use. If it adds flavor all the better. *For this batch I used the tag ends of the bottles of organic olive oil, avocado oil, and grape seed oil that I wanted to finish off. The olive oil was sweet and fruity, the avocado oil was smooth and rich, the grape seed oil added just a hint of tartness.
3. Herbs and spices of your choosing. *I used garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, lemon powder, basil, and black pepper. You can also make taco flavored croutons, curried croutons, whatever flavor you desire.
4. Place baguette slices in deep bowl. Sprinkle on the herbs and spices. Toss with enough oil to get the dried herbs to adhere to the bread. I use a quarter cup or less for one long baguette.
5. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet and place in a preheated 300 to 325 degree oven. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the croutons are golden and crunchy. Or to your desired level of "doneness".
Before going into the oven:
I started making these homemade croutons one time when I had purchased too many baguettes and wanted to use them up before they went totally bad. It didn't take me long to realize that if I made these for my guys I could control the amount of salt and fat to a certain extent. I could use oils that offered more nutritionally than were used in the store bought varieties. They were such a big hit, I now buy baguettes specifically for this purpose.
I'm going to move on, now, to something that I'm sure you all know how to do, but perhaps have forgotten about:
Pizza Crackers!
This was supper for us on Friday night (01/09/09). Pizza crackers and a Cesar Salad with the awesome Homemade Croutons I discussed above.
Forget about spending money on that mediocre, mass produced, delivery pizza on "Pizza Night". My son loves these things. And although hubby doesn't admit to it, he likes them a lot, too. These little guys are super easy to make, versatile, and just plain fun.
So, how do you do it? Well... anyway you damn well please! tehehe... for this batch I used:
1. Whole Wheat crackers *which did not work very well. They didn't stay crispy. I usually use Triscuits, specifically the Cracked Pepper flavor, but I didn't have any last Friday night. You can bet I corrected that little issue on Sunday when I went grocery shopping.
2. Pizza or Spaghetti sauce of your choice.
3. Mozzarella cheese.
4. Turkey pepperoni *not necessary to use turkeyroni, I use it because its lower fat content.
5. Parmesan cheese to top it all off. *sorry Elsie, you can leave it off. After all, these are made however YOU like them.
To assemble, you just put your crackers down on a baking sheet, smear with a little bit of sauce, about a half tsp. or little less per cracker. Lay on a piece of mozzarella, followed by a piece of turkeyroni or pepperoni, or Italian salami or whatever you like (can use already cooked Italian sausage if you like it). Top with a thin slice of Parmesan cheese. You can also add slivers of peppers, onions, olives, anything you like, as long as its the proper size to fit on the cracker. Bake at 350 degrees until the cheese is all melted and goo-ey. Take up from the baking sheet as soon as you take it from the oven. Otherwise the melted cheese is prone to stick then your crackers break when you try to pry them up. These are good hot or room temp, just like regular pizza. I don't know about cold, cause there are never any left to get cold.
Pizza Crackers are a delicious, easy to do meal that kids of all ages enjoy. If you are careful, you can make a treat that is far more healthy than carry out/delivery pizza. And they are much tastier than frozen pizza will ever be.
Hope you'll give these two taste treats a try. They are really easy to do.
Anyway... here's a couple of items that I make for my family quite regularly. I made them over the weekend, in fact. They are easy to do and delicious. I think you will all enjoy trying them both. At least once or twice. :-)
How do you make this delightful treat? Let me tell you:
1. One long baguette of sourdough, or bread of your preference, sliced thin. *The long, skinny ones are perfect for this.
2. Olive oil, or any healthful oil you care to use. If it adds flavor all the better. *For this batch I used the tag ends of the bottles of organic olive oil, avocado oil, and grape seed oil that I wanted to finish off. The olive oil was sweet and fruity, the avocado oil was smooth and rich, the grape seed oil added just a hint of tartness.
3. Herbs and spices of your choosing. *I used garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, lemon powder, basil, and black pepper. You can also make taco flavored croutons, curried croutons, whatever flavor you desire.
4. Place baguette slices in deep bowl. Sprinkle on the herbs and spices. Toss with enough oil to get the dried herbs to adhere to the bread. I use a quarter cup or less for one long baguette.
5. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet and place in a preheated 300 to 325 degree oven. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the croutons are golden and crunchy. Or to your desired level of "doneness".
Before going into the oven:
I started making these homemade croutons one time when I had purchased too many baguettes and wanted to use them up before they went totally bad. It didn't take me long to realize that if I made these for my guys I could control the amount of salt and fat to a certain extent. I could use oils that offered more nutritionally than were used in the store bought varieties. They were such a big hit, I now buy baguettes specifically for this purpose.
I'm going to move on, now, to something that I'm sure you all know how to do, but perhaps have forgotten about:
This was supper for us on Friday night (01/09/09). Pizza crackers and a Cesar Salad with the awesome Homemade Croutons I discussed above.
Forget about spending money on that mediocre, mass produced, delivery pizza on "Pizza Night". My son loves these things. And although hubby doesn't admit to it, he likes them a lot, too. These little guys are super easy to make, versatile, and just plain fun.
So, how do you do it? Well... anyway you damn well please! tehehe... for this batch I used:
1. Whole Wheat crackers *which did not work very well. They didn't stay crispy. I usually use Triscuits, specifically the Cracked Pepper flavor, but I didn't have any last Friday night. You can bet I corrected that little issue on Sunday when I went grocery shopping.
2. Pizza or Spaghetti sauce of your choice.
3. Mozzarella cheese.
4. Turkey pepperoni *not necessary to use turkeyroni, I use it because its lower fat content.
5. Parmesan cheese to top it all off. *sorry Elsie, you can leave it off. After all, these are made however YOU like them.
To assemble, you just put your crackers down on a baking sheet, smear with a little bit of sauce, about a half tsp. or little less per cracker. Lay on a piece of mozzarella, followed by a piece of turkeyroni or pepperoni, or Italian salami or whatever you like (can use already cooked Italian sausage if you like it). Top with a thin slice of Parmesan cheese. You can also add slivers of peppers, onions, olives, anything you like, as long as its the proper size to fit on the cracker. Bake at 350 degrees until the cheese is all melted and goo-ey. Take up from the baking sheet as soon as you take it from the oven. Otherwise the melted cheese is prone to stick then your crackers break when you try to pry them up. These are good hot or room temp, just like regular pizza. I don't know about cold, cause there are never any left to get cold.
Pizza Crackers are a delicious, easy to do meal that kids of all ages enjoy. If you are careful, you can make a treat that is far more healthy than carry out/delivery pizza. And they are much tastier than frozen pizza will ever be.
Hope you'll give these two taste treats a try. They are really easy to do.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Does anyone else find this funny?
Moschino Cheap & Chic Collection
They called it Cheap & Chic!!! Bwahahahahahaha... I'm rolling on the floor with tears streaming down my cheeks. I swear to GOD!!! If that's CHEAP Donald Trump is a runway model!
Besides, I can't imagine wearing ANY of that stuff. Well.... okay, maybe the two on the second row... maybe, just maybe. But I certainly can't imagine PAYING that much for either of them. Ya, know... even if I had as much money as Donald Trump, I don't think I could make myself pay that much for a frock. Well, maybe a wedding dress. If I ever felt the need for me and my man to renew our vows or if I wanted to get divorced and then re-married. And why in the world would I want to go thru all that hassle? (just kidding, dear)
Actually, I've never worn a wedding dress. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't like it. And I'm pretty sure I could come up with something more fun or useful to spend a bundle on than a dress I'm only going to wear once. Silly tradition, eh? Ought to be able to get more than one wearing out of something you pay that much for. Anyway... just my opinion. No offense intended to all you brides out there.
They called it Cheap & Chic!!! Bwahahahahahaha... I'm rolling on the floor with tears streaming down my cheeks. I swear to GOD!!! If that's CHEAP Donald Trump is a runway model!
Besides, I can't imagine wearing ANY of that stuff. Well.... okay, maybe the two on the second row... maybe, just maybe. But I certainly can't imagine PAYING that much for either of them. Ya, know... even if I had as much money as Donald Trump, I don't think I could make myself pay that much for a frock. Well, maybe a wedding dress. If I ever felt the need for me and my man to renew our vows or if I wanted to get divorced and then re-married. And why in the world would I want to go thru all that hassle? (just kidding, dear)
Actually, I've never worn a wedding dress. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't like it. And I'm pretty sure I could come up with something more fun or useful to spend a bundle on than a dress I'm only going to wear once. Silly tradition, eh? Ought to be able to get more than one wearing out of something you pay that much for. Anyway... just my opinion. No offense intended to all you brides out there.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Islands...
... in my stream of consciousness
A can of corn at the Kroger was 79 cents today. One week ago it was 55 cents. Great incentive to get that garden going first thing in the spring, eh?
My opinion, purely my opinion: Hamas and the Palestinians could stop this slaughter right now if they wanted to. Obviously they don't want to.
Bill Richardson withdrew his name from nomination for Sec. of Commerce today. Too bad. He's one uber-smart fella. Probably why he withdrew his name, eh? Smart enough to see what a big circus it would all be. Still say he'd be perfect for just about any spot in the in-coming administration. Oh well, perhaps he can just be used as a "man about town", "jack of all trades" sort of "unofficial" member of the admin. Someone who can work back channels that confirmed members cannot. I'll keep my fingers crossed. I really like Bill Richardson.
Why are stories about Zeus, Venus or Oden myths but we consider stories about Krishna, Moses, or Buddha to be religious texts? What makes one text more believable than the other? I'm just sayin'...
ADDENDUM
The Bush retirement plan: build library, enjoy perks
What kinda books will it house? "See Spot Run"??? tehehehe...
Well, I couldn't resist that. I saw the headline and that's the first thing that came to mind.
A can of corn at the Kroger was 79 cents today. One week ago it was 55 cents. Great incentive to get that garden going first thing in the spring, eh?
My opinion, purely my opinion: Hamas and the Palestinians could stop this slaughter right now if they wanted to. Obviously they don't want to.
Bill Richardson withdrew his name from nomination for Sec. of Commerce today. Too bad. He's one uber-smart fella. Probably why he withdrew his name, eh? Smart enough to see what a big circus it would all be. Still say he'd be perfect for just about any spot in the in-coming administration. Oh well, perhaps he can just be used as a "man about town", "jack of all trades" sort of "unofficial" member of the admin. Someone who can work back channels that confirmed members cannot. I'll keep my fingers crossed. I really like Bill Richardson.
Why are stories about Zeus, Venus or Oden myths but we consider stories about Krishna, Moses, or Buddha to be religious texts? What makes one text more believable than the other? I'm just sayin'...
ADDENDUM
The Bush retirement plan: build library, enjoy perks
What kinda books will it house? "See Spot Run"??? tehehehe...
Well, I couldn't resist that. I saw the headline and that's the first thing that came to mind.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
It didn't even bother me
My man spent the entire day watching the Biggest Loser marathon on Bravo. AND IT DIDN'T EVEN BOTHER ME!!! How wonderful is that? It just dawned on me too. They were running a commercial about the show just now and it hit me... he watched that all day long and it never once punched me in my over-sized gut, or hurt my feelings, or anything like that! Before, when he turned on shows like that I was sure he was doing it to point out to ME that I desperately needed to loose weight (Which I DO know. I'm not stupid, for Christ's sake!). But still, it always made me feel sad and bad and mad and all that stuff. Gave me a real hard time, mentally and emotionally. Today... I didn't even notice what he was watching at first. Then I just tuned it out, like any other show. I think I may have reached another level of independence, or acceptance, or something... Perhaps just taking responsibility for myself and the way I feel. Not letting him set the tone for how I feel about myself.
What ever it is: Way to go, ME!!! High-five!
Myself? I have spent the day watching the marvelous, the wonderful, the one and only Mythbusters on the Discovery channel. They have been running a marathon, oh! lucky me! 2009 is truly off to a good start. :)
BTW, am I the only person on the planet besides gay guys who thinks Jamie Hyneman is sexy?
Don't ask me. I never noticed it before, either. I guess I spent way too much time watching them today. I'd like to get my hands on that one!
So... that's pretty much it for today. Actually, it's already tomorrow, here. So begins a new year. Glad I haven't lost my interest in guys. Glad today was a good day. Hope everyone out there has the best year ever! Love you all! Mean it!
Ciao.
What ever it is: Way to go, ME!!! High-five!
Myself? I have spent the day watching the marvelous, the wonderful, the one and only Mythbusters on the Discovery channel. They have been running a marathon, oh! lucky me! 2009 is truly off to a good start. :)
BTW, am I the only person on the planet besides gay guys who thinks Jamie Hyneman is sexy?
Don't ask me. I never noticed it before, either. I guess I spent way too much time watching them today. I'd like to get my hands on that one!
So... that's pretty much it for today. Actually, it's already tomorrow, here. So begins a new year. Glad I haven't lost my interest in guys. Glad today was a good day. Hope everyone out there has the best year ever! Love you all! Mean it!
Ciao.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Opinion on the Middle East Crisis
Okee-dokee... here it is... this is my opinion. Only my opinion. I don't intend to offend anyone. I am not anti-Palestinian/pro-Israeli or vice verse. This is what I think (within my own little pea brain)
See, its like this: If I have a little bitty, brittle stick and I repeatedly strike my neighbor with it. And I know that my neighbor has a nice, strong, heavy, sturdy baseball bat... well, you get where I'm going with this, don't you? If I'm stupid enough to behave in that manner, I have to expect that eventually my neighbor is going to retaliate. And if I run and hide behind my precious son and my neighbor hits my son in the head with his great big, sturdy baseball bat, and kills him.... then, my son's death would be my fault, wouldn't it?
Ya see what I'm sayin'? If those Hamas idiots want to act the way they are, then why is everyone in the world protesting what Israel is doing in retaliation? Why doesn't everyone pour into the streets and protest when Palestinian killers blow up innocent women and children on a bus in Jerusalem? Why is it only wrong for Israeli soldiers to blow up a Hamas weapons cache hidden in a neighborhood of innocent women and children in Gaza? If they don't want their women and children to be blown up they shouldn't put their weapons under their beds. They shouldn't be so cowardly as to hide behind their women and children after they start a fight with someone who has bigger and better weapons than they do. Actually, strike that... they shouldn't be hiding behind them anyway, anyhow, for any reason, regardless of the type of weapons. And if the populace doesn't want that to happen they should insist they take their stupid "holy war" someplace else.
The whole thing about denying that Israel has a right to exist is just silly. They do exist. They will continue to exist. Deal with it. Live with it. Quit being stupid. Just think of all the good things you could do with the money you waste on weapons. Just think of all the wonderful inventions, arts, books, etc., that we'll never use, see, read, because the persons who would have invented it, painted it, written it, were killed before they could! Stupid. What has all your stupid fight about stupid religion gotten you in all these long centuries? Masses of poor, un-fed, un-washed, ignorant, wretched humanity. How can that possibly be showing respect for the bodies God created? Or the Earth God provided us? How can blowing up the land and the people therein be showing respect for anything? Wounding, maiming, denying the basic human rights to God's creations is quite irresponsible for a supposedly "Godly" people, eh?
Anyway, that's just what I think.
See, its like this: If I have a little bitty, brittle stick and I repeatedly strike my neighbor with it. And I know that my neighbor has a nice, strong, heavy, sturdy baseball bat... well, you get where I'm going with this, don't you? If I'm stupid enough to behave in that manner, I have to expect that eventually my neighbor is going to retaliate. And if I run and hide behind my precious son and my neighbor hits my son in the head with his great big, sturdy baseball bat, and kills him.... then, my son's death would be my fault, wouldn't it?
Ya see what I'm sayin'? If those Hamas idiots want to act the way they are, then why is everyone in the world protesting what Israel is doing in retaliation? Why doesn't everyone pour into the streets and protest when Palestinian killers blow up innocent women and children on a bus in Jerusalem? Why is it only wrong for Israeli soldiers to blow up a Hamas weapons cache hidden in a neighborhood of innocent women and children in Gaza? If they don't want their women and children to be blown up they shouldn't put their weapons under their beds. They shouldn't be so cowardly as to hide behind their women and children after they start a fight with someone who has bigger and better weapons than they do. Actually, strike that... they shouldn't be hiding behind them anyway, anyhow, for any reason, regardless of the type of weapons. And if the populace doesn't want that to happen they should insist they take their stupid "holy war" someplace else.
The whole thing about denying that Israel has a right to exist is just silly. They do exist. They will continue to exist. Deal with it. Live with it. Quit being stupid. Just think of all the good things you could do with the money you waste on weapons. Just think of all the wonderful inventions, arts, books, etc., that we'll never use, see, read, because the persons who would have invented it, painted it, written it, were killed before they could! Stupid. What has all your stupid fight about stupid religion gotten you in all these long centuries? Masses of poor, un-fed, un-washed, ignorant, wretched humanity. How can that possibly be showing respect for the bodies God created? Or the Earth God provided us? How can blowing up the land and the people therein be showing respect for anything? Wounding, maiming, denying the basic human rights to God's creations is quite irresponsible for a supposedly "Godly" people, eh?
Anyway, that's just what I think.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
An Unexpected Gift Brings Joy Beyond Imagining
Me, opening my beautiful Netsuke from my dear (and most observant) friend, Snowy. By sending me this truly wonderful, caring and thoughtful gift, you have shown what a true friend you are to me. Your gift made me cry tears of happiness and saddness. I know you understand the why for both. :) You are beautiful, Snowy. Tho I have never laid eyes on you in person, I KNOW that you are beautiful, through and through.
A close up (as best as I could do with the pictures Pete took) of my Netsuke. You can view it on-line here. It is called Hotei With Baby
Hotei. Cool. Very Cool. Here's the wiki for it: The Seven Gods of Fortune (七福神, Shichi Fukujin?), commonly referred to in English as the Seven Lucky Gods, refer to the seven gods of good fortune in Japanese mythology and folklore. They are often the subject of netsuke carvings and other representations.
I know myself to be a nurturer, a giver, a kind person. One who wishes only good things for others. I am content that this be my Netsuke. It touches me on so many different levels. And I'm proud to have him with me. I am sure he will bring me good luck in the year ahead. Thank you again, Snowy, for your awesome gift. You can be sure that I will absolutely cherish it for ever and ever.
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