Tuesday, November 25, 2003
Talk about rich
Refrigerator Mashed Potatoes
5 lbs. potatoes (Yukon Gold would be an excellent choice)
6 oz. cream cheese
8 oz. sour cream (Mr. X suggests a substitution of Mexican crema. Yum!)
2 tbsps. butter
2 tsps. onion salt
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper (is there any other kind?)
Allow cream cheese and butter to soften. Peel and quarter the potatoes. Boil in lightly salted water until fork tender. Drain well.
Return spuds to pot and mash (I use a ricer just like Aunt Ollie advised) and add remaining ingredients. Use a whisk to mix together (or just use your mixer to beat until combined).
This recipe makes about 8 cups of mashed potatoes and will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week or so. They never last that long at our place. To reheat, place the desired amount into a buttered casserole, dot the top with butter, and cover. Place in a preheated 350-degree oven and heat for 30 minutes. Delicious.
Many thanks to Terri for passing along such a valuable recipe.
Refrigerator Mashed Potatoes
5 lbs. potatoes (Yukon Gold would be an excellent choice)
6 oz. cream cheese
8 oz. sour cream (Mr. X suggests a substitution of Mexican crema. Yum!)
2 tbsps. butter
2 tsps. onion salt
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper (is there any other kind?)
Allow cream cheese and butter to soften. Peel and quarter the potatoes. Boil in lightly salted water until fork tender. Drain well.
Return spuds to pot and mash (I use a ricer just like Aunt Ollie advised) and add remaining ingredients. Use a whisk to mix together (or just use your mixer to beat until combined).
This recipe makes about 8 cups of mashed potatoes and will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week or so. They never last that long at our place. To reheat, place the desired amount into a buttered casserole, dot the top with butter, and cover. Place in a preheated 350-degree oven and heat for 30 minutes. Delicious.
Many thanks to Terri for passing along such a valuable recipe.
Monday, November 24, 2003
Why aren't you watching...
Arrested Development? Reasons why you should:
Jason Bateman is still cute.
Jessica "Play Misty for Me" Walters.
Miss Liza with a Z Minelli makes fabulous (natch!) guest appearances.
David Cross (nuff said).
This show is hella funny!
Unsettling related issues:
Portia diRossi's Aussie accent peeks through a couple times each episode.
Guest appearances by Clint Howard (I'm just saying, is all).
Arrested Development? Reasons why you should:
Jason Bateman is still cute.
Jessica "Play Misty for Me" Walters.
Miss Liza with a Z Minelli makes fabulous (natch!) guest appearances.
David Cross (nuff said).
This show is hella funny!
Unsettling related issues:
Portia diRossi's Aussie accent peeks through a couple times each episode.
Guest appearances by Clint Howard (I'm just saying, is all).
Makes me wanna holler
I remember asking my mother to stop smoking when I was a little kid. I remember that I asked her to stop because of a public affairs announcement on television. So much for television having no influence on children. I was terrified that she would die the very next time she picked up a ciggy. A child's understanding of causality. She stopped smoking which was a considerable relief to me and a bolster to my sense of security.
So, when I saw the latest "Mommy, please stop smoking" spot on television last night, I thought "How cute." By the end of the spot, I was enraged. Now, don't get me wrong. I think smoking is a filthy habit. You'd hate smoking, too, if you'd grown up with a stepdaddy who smoked only filterless cancer sticks and started his particular chain at daybreak seven days a week, fifty-two weeks a year.
Oops, off tanget a bit. Let me describe the spot for ya. A stereotypically all American little girl (read blonde w/blue eyes) is sweetly asking her Mom to stop smoking. If Mom doesn't stop smoking, Mom will die. And, if Mom dies, who will cook dinner? Who will make sure that everything's nice and clean? Who will take the kids to soccer practice?
And who will make sure that everyone's happy?
What the eff is that shiznit? If Mom is responsible for all that crap, no wonder she's smoking like a chimney. She's probably hitting the bottle, too. I loathe the perpetuation of traditional gender roles.
I remember asking my mother to stop smoking when I was a little kid. I remember that I asked her to stop because of a public affairs announcement on television. So much for television having no influence on children. I was terrified that she would die the very next time she picked up a ciggy. A child's understanding of causality. She stopped smoking which was a considerable relief to me and a bolster to my sense of security.
So, when I saw the latest "Mommy, please stop smoking" spot on television last night, I thought "How cute." By the end of the spot, I was enraged. Now, don't get me wrong. I think smoking is a filthy habit. You'd hate smoking, too, if you'd grown up with a stepdaddy who smoked only filterless cancer sticks and started his particular chain at daybreak seven days a week, fifty-two weeks a year.
Oops, off tanget a bit. Let me describe the spot for ya. A stereotypically all American little girl (read blonde w/blue eyes) is sweetly asking her Mom to stop smoking. If Mom doesn't stop smoking, Mom will die. And, if Mom dies, who will cook dinner? Who will make sure that everything's nice and clean? Who will take the kids to soccer practice?
And who will make sure that everyone's happy?
What the eff is that shiznit? If Mom is responsible for all that crap, no wonder she's smoking like a chimney. She's probably hitting the bottle, too. I loathe the perpetuation of traditional gender roles.
Friday, November 21, 2003
Where have all the good weaves gone?
Good Weaves
Janet Jackson
Toni Braxton
Queen Latifah
Vivica A. Fox (good weave, bad boobs)
Jada Pinkett Smith
Kelly Rowland
Mary J Blige
Aaliyah (always had an excellent weave)
Bad Weaves
Beyonce
Ben Affleck
Gabrielle Union
The Cast of Girlfriends
Eve
Miss Tyra (although she is fierce enough to carry it off)
Trina
Jenny McCarthy
Janice Combs
Daisy Fuentes (at times)
Shakira
Christina Aguilera
In a category all on her own (drumroll, please)
Whitney Houston (tho' her bad weaves are actually bad wigs)
Most Excellent Wig
Miss Tina Turner (who sometimes made her wigs herself)
Good Weaves
Janet Jackson
Toni Braxton
Queen Latifah
Vivica A. Fox (good weave, bad boobs)
Jada Pinkett Smith
Kelly Rowland
Mary J Blige
Aaliyah (always had an excellent weave)
Bad Weaves
Beyonce
Ben Affleck
Gabrielle Union
The Cast of Girlfriends
Eve
Miss Tyra (although she is fierce enough to carry it off)
Trina
Jenny McCarthy
Janice Combs
Daisy Fuentes (at times)
Shakira
Christina Aguilera
In a category all on her own (drumroll, please)
Whitney Houston (tho' her bad weaves are actually bad wigs)
Most Excellent Wig
Miss Tina Turner (who sometimes made her wigs herself)
"You've been living in a dream world, Neo."
See, I'm not the only one who sees the reality behind the illusion. Many people seem to believe that marriage is the solid rock foundation of our culture. Those poor suckers. If marriage is the basis of our culture, then our culture is built on sinking sand. I am not alone in my opinion. Look here. And here. And listen here.
See, I'm not the only one who sees the reality behind the illusion. Many people seem to believe that marriage is the solid rock foundation of our culture. Those poor suckers. If marriage is the basis of our culture, then our culture is built on sinking sand. I am not alone in my opinion. Look here. And here. And listen here.
I am not defending Michael Jackson
He is undoubtedly guilty of crass and criminal stupidity, at the very least. BUT... why was his bail $3M and Phil Spector's only $1M? Also, why was he handcuffed when he turned himself in? And is Phil Spector still free? Can one be charged with murder and not be arrested?
Most importantly, why does our society tolerate acts that are reprehensible - and sometimes CRIMINAL - when they are committed by CELEBRITIES? What does it say about us as a people? That we're starstruck, hypocritical saps? Inquiring minds want to know.
He is undoubtedly guilty of crass and criminal stupidity, at the very least. BUT... why was his bail $3M and Phil Spector's only $1M? Also, why was he handcuffed when he turned himself in? And is Phil Spector still free? Can one be charged with murder and not be arrested?
Most importantly, why does our society tolerate acts that are reprehensible - and sometimes CRIMINAL - when they are committed by CELEBRITIES? What does it say about us as a people? That we're starstruck, hypocritical saps? Inquiring minds want to know.
Thursday, November 20, 2003
I'm not mad
Rush and Molloy report that Johnny Depp has been named People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive.
How could I be mad?
And you shouldn't be mad, either.
Rush and Molloy report that Johnny Depp has been named People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive.
How could I be mad?
And you shouldn't be mad, either.
Please excuse me while I gush...
But I must go on and on about someone whom I have admired for sometime, (and not just cuz she hired The Comedian last year) Miss Debbie Allen. Yes, yes I know that her choreography of the dance portions of the Academy Awards annoys some folks to no end. Just let that slide for now. She is an amazing person and wholly admirable. Her mission is to bring the arts to young people and she does it in a big way. There, I said it.
Last night, The Comedian and the fruit of our loins, The Amazing One, and I attended a Gala / Premiere for "Pepito's Story", this year's offering from the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. What a wonderful gift to this city! I know that multiculturalism is tres passe but seeing those children - all shapes, sizes, genders, and colors - all dancing together was just FABULOUS!
The music - by none other than Mr. Arturo Sandoval - was beautiful, as were the costumes and staging. And the performers performed, honey! I wish I knew more about dance. Alas, my education is spotty in that area in spite of at least four years of dance in my youth.
Sad notes: The play is dedicated to Gene Anthony Ray, Leroy of FAME fame. He died last week. I was in tears when I heard the news. Sad, sad, sad.
Too bad notes: The food at the Gala was plentiful and varied. Factor's Famous Deli provided hot dogs, Dulan's provided the soul food, and In-N-Out Burger was in the hizzouse. Yummy. It's too bad that I felt I had to sample everything. Same with the open bar. I felt I had to sample everything. My head and stomach are mad at me right now.
But I must go on and on about someone whom I have admired for sometime, (and not just cuz she hired The Comedian last year) Miss Debbie Allen. Yes, yes I know that her choreography of the dance portions of the Academy Awards annoys some folks to no end. Just let that slide for now. She is an amazing person and wholly admirable. Her mission is to bring the arts to young people and she does it in a big way. There, I said it.
Last night, The Comedian and the fruit of our loins, The Amazing One, and I attended a Gala / Premiere for "Pepito's Story", this year's offering from the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. What a wonderful gift to this city! I know that multiculturalism is tres passe but seeing those children - all shapes, sizes, genders, and colors - all dancing together was just FABULOUS!
The music - by none other than Mr. Arturo Sandoval - was beautiful, as were the costumes and staging. And the performers performed, honey! I wish I knew more about dance. Alas, my education is spotty in that area in spite of at least four years of dance in my youth.
Sad notes: The play is dedicated to Gene Anthony Ray, Leroy of FAME fame. He died last week. I was in tears when I heard the news. Sad, sad, sad.
Too bad notes: The food at the Gala was plentiful and varied. Factor's Famous Deli provided hot dogs, Dulan's provided the soul food, and In-N-Out Burger was in the hizzouse. Yummy. It's too bad that I felt I had to sample everything. Same with the open bar. I felt I had to sample everything. My head and stomach are mad at me right now.
Wednesday, November 19, 2003
Common Sense
Hey, just what is that anyway? It sure as heck ain't common. Today's Morning Edition featured stories on the same-sex marriage hullabaloo in Massachusetts. One of the subjects interviewed mentioned that the "common sense" definition of marriage is a union between a man and a woman. Which, I suppose, relies on "common sense" definitions of sex and gender. Do you see where I'm going here? Apparently, some people are assuming that marriage is a material object - like a tree or a rock - and not a social construction that has different meanings in different cultures at different times.
Merriam-Webster Online gives us the following definition of common sense:
Main Entry: common sense
Function: noun
Date: 1535
1 : the unreflective opinions of ordinary people
2 : sound and prudent but often unsophisticated judgment
Since I am both self-reflexive and sophisticated, I offer my definition of marriage:
Marriage
Function: noun
Date: 1991
1: a trick and a trap
Hey, just what is that anyway? It sure as heck ain't common. Today's Morning Edition featured stories on the same-sex marriage hullabaloo in Massachusetts. One of the subjects interviewed mentioned that the "common sense" definition of marriage is a union between a man and a woman. Which, I suppose, relies on "common sense" definitions of sex and gender. Do you see where I'm going here? Apparently, some people are assuming that marriage is a material object - like a tree or a rock - and not a social construction that has different meanings in different cultures at different times.
Merriam-Webster Online gives us the following definition of common sense:
Main Entry: common sense
Function: noun
Date: 1535
1 : the unreflective opinions of ordinary people
2 : sound and prudent but often unsophisticated judgment
Since I am both self-reflexive and sophisticated, I offer my definition of marriage:
Marriage
Function: noun
Date: 1991
1: a trick and a trap
Shout out to Mr. X
The only reason that I'm posting this now is for you, Mr. X (you know who you are, boo.) I wrote this haiku a few weeks ago when the Los Angeles basin was on fire. Enjoy!
Wildfires burning
American dreams now ash
Rain down on our heads
I wrote more but this one sprung from my head full-grown, like Athena from the head of Zeus. How often does that happen?
The only reason that I'm posting this now is for you, Mr. X (you know who you are, boo.) I wrote this haiku a few weeks ago when the Los Angeles basin was on fire. Enjoy!
Wildfires burning
American dreams now ash
Rain down on our heads
I wrote more but this one sprung from my head full-grown, like Athena from the head of Zeus. How often does that happen?
