Dear Friends
Don't ask me to hold hands with those who voted for Trump and 'come together'. It's not the job of the Democrats to reach out now, we have, for decades. It's the Republican's turn, and they will not do so. Republicans believe in division, not unity.
Don't ask me to back the vice president elect. As far as I'm concerned he is the Anti-Christ, he is already putting into place repealing LGBT rights. He is advancing his anti-abortion/anti women's health plan. He is in the process of destroying education in this country as we know it. He wants to dismantle any type of FAMILY healthcare. His form of Extremist Evangelical Values is one of exclusion and hatred hidden behind devoutness.
Don't ask me to listen/agree/believe a Presidential Cabinet filled with hate mongering losers who believe that immigrants, gay people and those with dissenting opinions should be thrown out of this country or not have the same rights as others.
Don't tell me Trump and his minions are not antisemitic, the similarities to 1930's Germany are startling.
Don't tell me Muslims have nothing to fear.
Don't tell me police will treat black people the same as whites.
Don't tell me all these stories of hate around the country are fake. They're not, many have been recanted due to overt pressure by local police departments who refuse to prosecute.
Don't tell me to look at pictures of cute puppies and kittens because you no longer want to see what we as a country are facing.
I
f you voted for Trump, feel free to unfriend me. Don;t expect me to engage you, you don't get it. I cannot sit around and hold hands with someone who puts their head in a bucket of sand and sees gold flakes.
Monday, November 14, 2016
Thursday, December 4, 2008
For Amy
About 15 or so years ago I was invited to a very special dinner in New York City honoring Julia Child at March Restaurant. It was a private affair... Julia had offered a dinner for 50 people and herself at this restaurant, a benefit for the James Beard House.
The couple who invited me asked if I would like to sit at the head table, with Julia Child, the Bratterbury's (sp?) of Food Arts Magazine fame, the hosts and their closest friends. Being the down to earth foodie and wine geek that I was, I of course said yes. Honestly though... I could talk to a wall and have a good time, so talking with Julia Child should be a breeze, the true reason I was asked to be at the table.
The night finally arrived, I was dressed in my 'business best suit', ready to eat, drink, converse about food and wine on an educated level.. praying I don't act like a geek from hell, a name dropping snob, or say something so incredibly stupid I would pray for the floor to open so I could drop into the pits of hell never to be seen in public again.
I don't remember a lot about that night except for a couple of poignant, life enhancing, memorable moments.. Julia (as she insisted on being called) walked into the room where we were sitting at the tables, and a hush, literally a hush fell upon all of us, one of such awe that this 6 foot plus larger than life woman, hunched over, wheezing and laughing, could possess such an aura... such a charisma... so much so that this group of overly sophisticated people were stunned into silence, until... she picked up a glass of Champagne, looked at each and every one of us and she said in her own lilting way, 'Thank you all for coming this evening...Bon Appetit!'
As the evening wore on, course after course after course of wonderful food... tons of question rolling around my brain, I realized one simple fact. I am in such awe of this woman, this woman who literally changed the way Americans looked at food and I cannot talk. I cannot utter one simple word. I am beyond tongue tied...I am a mute. My whole purpose of sitting at the table is for naught. Everyone else picked up the conversation and the evening rolled along.
At one point, just before desert, I asked my friends if Julia would sign my cookbook. They asked her and she said of course, she would love to. Many of the other guests came with their own books for her to sign, new, brand new, so spanking new the binding had not even been cracked. She signed and they were happy. I was a bit embarrassed at this point..almost wondering if the hole from hell was nearby... my book for her to sign was nothing like that.
It was from The Restaurant School in Philadelphia, where I had been a student and this was my textbook and now cooking bible... the base where all my dishes emanated. The binding was cracked beyond repair, the cover ripped and held together by tape and rubber bands. Sections of the book were always falling out...
It was my turn for her autograph, her stamp of approval to me. I opened my bag, and took out this book... the look on her face is one that has never left me... it was the look of someone who KNEW their work was valued, of someone who KNEW all the time and effort put into each and every recipe was embraced... she looked at me and just said "Oh, how lovely. What is your favorite recipe..." And as I pulled out a bunch of dirty food stained pages from the book I realized that was all the validation I needed.
From there, the rest of the evening was a blur, but I remember conversing with EVERYONE and walking out at the end of the night on a cloud.
This is for you Amy... Congratulations on your first day at the Culinary Institute of America.
The couple who invited me asked if I would like to sit at the head table, with Julia Child, the Bratterbury's (sp?) of Food Arts Magazine fame, the hosts and their closest friends. Being the down to earth foodie and wine geek that I was, I of course said yes. Honestly though... I could talk to a wall and have a good time, so talking with Julia Child should be a breeze, the true reason I was asked to be at the table.
The night finally arrived, I was dressed in my 'business best suit', ready to eat, drink, converse about food and wine on an educated level.. praying I don't act like a geek from hell, a name dropping snob, or say something so incredibly stupid I would pray for the floor to open so I could drop into the pits of hell never to be seen in public again.
I don't remember a lot about that night except for a couple of poignant, life enhancing, memorable moments.. Julia (as she insisted on being called) walked into the room where we were sitting at the tables, and a hush, literally a hush fell upon all of us, one of such awe that this 6 foot plus larger than life woman, hunched over, wheezing and laughing, could possess such an aura... such a charisma... so much so that this group of overly sophisticated people were stunned into silence, until... she picked up a glass of Champagne, looked at each and every one of us and she said in her own lilting way, 'Thank you all for coming this evening...Bon Appetit!'
As the evening wore on, course after course after course of wonderful food... tons of question rolling around my brain, I realized one simple fact. I am in such awe of this woman, this woman who literally changed the way Americans looked at food and I cannot talk. I cannot utter one simple word. I am beyond tongue tied...I am a mute. My whole purpose of sitting at the table is for naught. Everyone else picked up the conversation and the evening rolled along.
At one point, just before desert, I asked my friends if Julia would sign my cookbook. They asked her and she said of course, she would love to. Many of the other guests came with their own books for her to sign, new, brand new, so spanking new the binding had not even been cracked. She signed and they were happy. I was a bit embarrassed at this point..almost wondering if the hole from hell was nearby... my book for her to sign was nothing like that.
It was from The Restaurant School in Philadelphia, where I had been a student and this was my textbook and now cooking bible... the base where all my dishes emanated. The binding was cracked beyond repair, the cover ripped and held together by tape and rubber bands. Sections of the book were always falling out...
It was my turn for her autograph, her stamp of approval to me. I opened my bag, and took out this book... the look on her face is one that has never left me... it was the look of someone who KNEW their work was valued, of someone who KNEW all the time and effort put into each and every recipe was embraced... she looked at me and just said "Oh, how lovely. What is your favorite recipe..." And as I pulled out a bunch of dirty food stained pages from the book I realized that was all the validation I needed.
From there, the rest of the evening was a blur, but I remember conversing with EVERYONE and walking out at the end of the night on a cloud.
This is for you Amy... Congratulations on your first day at the Culinary Institute of America.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Republicans... ya gotta love them...
Just for their comedic homespun family values.
If Dick Cheyney isn't shooting his friend in the face...
We've got Sarah Palin, who'se newest gaffe-du-jour is talking about a homey Thanksgiving with the family, while a farmer is killin those poor birds in the background....
*warning, this video is pretty gruesome:
If Dick Cheyney isn't shooting his friend in the face...
We've got Sarah Palin, who'se newest gaffe-du-jour is talking about a homey Thanksgiving with the family, while a farmer is killin those poor birds in the background....
*warning, this video is pretty gruesome:
Friday, November 7, 2008
Some New Friends
On weekends I work at a local garden center helping to do a bit of everything, mostly though I work the register. Overall, everyone is fun, we have a good time, and the customers add to the experience of the job. More on that in future postings.
The people I work with are a diverse lot... coming from all places, economic backgrounds, and cultures. Following are some of my favorites, the ones who make me laugh day in and day out:
Alberta Spruce- she is sharp as a tack, will only work outside, and so short as to almost be called a Dwarf, yet she claims many of her family are extremely tall.
Al Fresco- This guy loves to be outside... and is always telling me about the great meals and conversations he's had over the many years of his life.
Pete Moss-He's is a weird dude to say the least. He is loved by many, but has this funky outdoorsy, earthy kinda smell. He is so skinny, I feel like one day the wind is going to blow him out of the center.
Hy Drangea-Hy is an older guy, loves being inside the store or outside and always has colorful comments.
More later...
The people I work with are a diverse lot... coming from all places, economic backgrounds, and cultures. Following are some of my favorites, the ones who make me laugh day in and day out:
Alberta Spruce- she is sharp as a tack, will only work outside, and so short as to almost be called a Dwarf, yet she claims many of her family are extremely tall.
Al Fresco- This guy loves to be outside... and is always telling me about the great meals and conversations he's had over the many years of his life.
Pete Moss-He's is a weird dude to say the least. He is loved by many, but has this funky outdoorsy, earthy kinda smell. He is so skinny, I feel like one day the wind is going to blow him out of the center.
Hy Drangea-Hy is an older guy, loves being inside the store or outside and always has colorful comments.
More later...
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Have We Learned Nothing?
Did we forget the physical damage of World War l?
Did we forget the hatred of World War ll?
Did we forget the lessons of The Vietnam War?
When do we stop the hatred? anger? lies? greed?
thank you Sally Anthony..
Did we forget the hatred of World War ll?
Did we forget the lessons of The Vietnam War?
When do we stop the hatred? anger? lies? greed?
thank you Sally Anthony..
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Driving Jersey Style
Blinkers are a waste of energy, therefore we do not use them.
A circle (roundabout) is one big game of chicken.
A jughandle is a way to get out of stopping at a red light... just use it and continue on your way.
A red light is a suggestion... a yellow light a waste of a bulb... a green light is expected
A pedestrian does not belong on the road, any part of it, roads were made for driving, not walking.
A pedestrian does not belong on the road... part 2... because I have a hot cup of coffee in my lap between my legs, with a water bottle in the center console as I check my email on my iPhone... and you honestly think I have time to stop for your lazy butt to cross the street.. or even think of stopping and messing up the interior of my car or burning my lap???
Speed limits exist purely as a money making opportunity for the local/county/state police. They are to be ignored, unless you see a cop.
Driving while drinking, eating, talking on the phone, putting on make-up/shaving, reading the paper is an inherent right.
People from NY and PA who drive in NJ are the worst...
Its FUN going 60mph on a crowded 2 lane highway with every major box store known to man on both sides of the road. Its even more fun going from one store to another store on the other side of the highway without looking.
If there is a space no larger than a postage stamp between cars, I have the right to change lanes and cut you off.
The tires on the back of some SUV's are an additional bumper.
If we can build a highway..we do, and always find a way to mess up on and off ramps.
Whats wrong with stopping short if you are 2 inches from my rear bumper while going 80mph? Back off Jack!
An SUV gives you the right to drive anyway you want in any weather condition. If I want to go 75mph in 4 inches of snow and ice on a one lane pedestrian road, whats the problem?
A circle (roundabout) is one big game of chicken.
A jughandle is a way to get out of stopping at a red light... just use it and continue on your way.
A red light is a suggestion... a yellow light a waste of a bulb... a green light is expected
A pedestrian does not belong on the road, any part of it, roads were made for driving, not walking.
A pedestrian does not belong on the road... part 2... because I have a hot cup of coffee in my lap between my legs, with a water bottle in the center console as I check my email on my iPhone... and you honestly think I have time to stop for your lazy butt to cross the street.. or even think of stopping and messing up the interior of my car or burning my lap???
Speed limits exist purely as a money making opportunity for the local/county/state police. They are to be ignored, unless you see a cop.
Driving while drinking, eating, talking on the phone, putting on make-up/shaving, reading the paper is an inherent right.
People from NY and PA who drive in NJ are the worst...
Its FUN going 60mph on a crowded 2 lane highway with every major box store known to man on both sides of the road. Its even more fun going from one store to another store on the other side of the highway without looking.
If there is a space no larger than a postage stamp between cars, I have the right to change lanes and cut you off.
The tires on the back of some SUV's are an additional bumper.
If we can build a highway..we do, and always find a way to mess up on and off ramps.
Whats wrong with stopping short if you are 2 inches from my rear bumper while going 80mph? Back off Jack!
An SUV gives you the right to drive anyway you want in any weather condition. If I want to go 75mph in 4 inches of snow and ice on a one lane pedestrian road, whats the problem?
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