I wanted to make something from Skinny Italian tonight, honestly I did. However, I stayed at the office later than usual, until about 5:55 (mind you, I got into the office at 8:25 am), was generally exhausted, and emotionally stressed. Oh, and I went the entire day fueled by nothing more than a cup of espresso and legal speed (see caffeine pills). Needless to say, I am not necessarily in the mood to cook.
Instead I went shopping.
Anyway, the point is, this is a very hectic week for me. The publication I work for has just launched, so everything there is a bit more intense. It's also the anniversary of my father passing away this week, and I've been suffering a dull head ache the last 72 hours and I'm on the verge of vomiting anytime I find myself stretched too thin.
So, anyway, I am taking a few days off from the blog. I'm took off from work on Friday, 11 June, and I will most likely have an update then. Another dish from Skinny Italian. And since I have the WHOLE day to myself (well, I will probably go to the gym and a hatha yoga class that day, I think it would be good for me) I might try to make something slightly more complicated. Or perhaps I will make both a lunch and a dinner!
Any suggestions?
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Monday, June 7, 2010
A Hypocrite is a hypocrite is a hypocrite
Hypocrisy: Moral self-contradiction whereby the behavior of one or more people belies their own claimed or implied possession of certain beliefs, standards or values. It's total hypocrisy of Danielle to pick and choose when gay slurs are acceptable, and claim to be an advocate, as they never are.
So calling someone a "faggot” when they aren't gay is more acceptable than calling someone "gay" when we're not actually aware of their sexual preferences? In what world does this logic make sense (Kelly Land?) You did not say anything (as I mentioned in last week's recap) out of protection ? You'd let down a group you "advocate," aka protect, because you were being "protected." That's what I call spineless. Gay slurs are just never acceptable, because no matter how you say it or who you are saying it to the implication is that being Gay is a negative thing worthy of derision (which it's not!).
Who is this Kim "G"ranatell? My mother has apparently met her several times, but can give me no insight. However, is she is so concerned about her son's friendship with Chris, why if she even bothering to hang around Danielle? That's playing with fire! It almost feels like she just wants the screen time, or they're bringing her in to be a cast mate.
Now on to the text message. Since when is "Bye" a synonym for "I am going to kill you?" That's like Kelly levels of delusion. However, was it acceptable for Ashley to send that text message? No, that's not going to solve any problems, and it is as Jacqueline said a bit trashy. It is very high school though, and Ashley is high school age. However, the fact that she and Danielle were going back and forth in some facebook/text flame war? Danielle is 50-year-old woman, why are you trying to tear down a high school girl about her weight (as someone that has struggled with eating issues I do find that particularly abhorrent)? Why are you getting into facebook fights with her? It's really indicative of the type of person Danielle is. That's abnormal. It's bad enough to go after your peers, it's even worse to go after people more than half your age!
Back to Danielle, like she's so convinced that Dina is trying to ambush her or somehow get her. At a public place (ps, that restaurant, Chakra, had some of the worst Calamari I've ever had)? That she needs to bring her entourage with her? And did we notice how Danielle tried to manipulate the situation "I formed my opinion about you based on what Jacqueline told me." Danielle, we all recall how desperately you wanted to be friends with her.
Some final thoughts/comments:
Anyway, the place that I ALWAYS GO to get my supplies for cooking out of Skinny Italian(!) A&S DELI was featured on the show tonight! That fellow, Angelo, is insanely friendly! Fellow Bergen Countyites (and Passaic, and Essex, et al) Go there, I promise you will not be let down!
Who is that random guy that doesn't talk at all but follows Danny Provenzano around? He's like an even bigger stereotype! He just stands there, fist in hand, never says a word but makes funny, reactionary facial expressions.
So who is leaving the show? I think all signs point to Dina. What do you all think? (Also, I guess we know why they brought on Kim Granatell-to replace the outgoing housewife).
So calling someone a "faggot” when they aren't gay is more acceptable than calling someone "gay" when we're not actually aware of their sexual preferences? In what world does this logic make sense (Kelly Land?) You did not say anything (as I mentioned in last week's recap) out of protection ? You'd let down a group you "advocate," aka protect, because you were being "protected." That's what I call spineless. Gay slurs are just never acceptable, because no matter how you say it or who you are saying it to the implication is that being Gay is a negative thing worthy of derision (which it's not!).
Who is this Kim "G"ranatell? My mother has apparently met her several times, but can give me no insight. However, is she is so concerned about her son's friendship with Chris, why if she even bothering to hang around Danielle? That's playing with fire! It almost feels like she just wants the screen time, or they're bringing her in to be a cast mate.
Now on to the text message. Since when is "Bye" a synonym for "I am going to kill you?" That's like Kelly levels of delusion. However, was it acceptable for Ashley to send that text message? No, that's not going to solve any problems, and it is as Jacqueline said a bit trashy. It is very high school though, and Ashley is high school age. However, the fact that she and Danielle were going back and forth in some facebook/text flame war? Danielle is 50-year-old woman, why are you trying to tear down a high school girl about her weight (as someone that has struggled with eating issues I do find that particularly abhorrent)? Why are you getting into facebook fights with her? It's really indicative of the type of person Danielle is. That's abnormal. It's bad enough to go after your peers, it's even worse to go after people more than half your age!
Back to Danielle, like she's so convinced that Dina is trying to ambush her or somehow get her. At a public place (ps, that restaurant, Chakra, had some of the worst Calamari I've ever had)? That she needs to bring her entourage with her? And did we notice how Danielle tried to manipulate the situation "I formed my opinion about you based on what Jacqueline told me." Danielle, we all recall how desperately you wanted to be friends with her.
Some final thoughts/comments:
Anyway, the place that I ALWAYS GO to get my supplies for cooking out of Skinny Italian(!) A&S DELI was featured on the show tonight! That fellow, Angelo, is insanely friendly! Fellow Bergen Countyites (and Passaic, and Essex, et al) Go there, I promise you will not be let down!
Who is that random guy that doesn't talk at all but follows Danny Provenzano around? He's like an even bigger stereotype! He just stands there, fist in hand, never says a word but makes funny, reactionary facial expressions.
So who is leaving the show? I think all signs point to Dina. What do you all think? (Also, I guess we know why they brought on Kim Granatell-to replace the outgoing housewife).
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Never Again
I am never making this dish ever again. Not because it was particularly bad, it was decent enough, but the drama that ensued from this dish is enough to turn me off from it.
What dish caused so much turmoil in my household might you ask? Luscious Linguini with Manila Clams. I think objectively I can recognize that I made this dish well; however, I was not enthusiastic about this dish nor were the other members of my family mostly due to the fact that we're not big into little neck clams.
The dish was easy enough to make, though cleaning the clams took a while. The last thing I wanted was sand in my white wine clam sauce! But actually cooking everything took no more than 20 minutes. And after the 20 minutes of cooking, the presentation looked nice, too.
Sadly, my sister left the leftovers out on the counter (along with a huge mess created with the help of her friends last night), and my mother was very displeased about this when she came downstairs in the morning. However, my sister was not around to take the brunt of my mother's frustration about the mess, I was though so I had to deal with the ire of a 50 year old woman at 7am in the morning. Needless to say, not fun and just drama drama drama. All because my sister left a bowl of linguini and pasta on the counter, totally stinking up the kitchen. She has a serious inability to take responsibility for her actions or think about other people (she also left a window open, a window she removed the screen from, and left the lights on).
So, maybe you have more responsible people in your family, or perhaps you enjoy little neck clams more than my family. If so, make the dish. Like I said, objectively I think I made it well, however we're just not big fans. If you're a fan you'd probably like this.
Anyway, check back soon. Some more food and thoughts (food for thought?)!
What dish caused so much turmoil in my household might you ask? Luscious Linguini with Manila Clams. I think objectively I can recognize that I made this dish well; however, I was not enthusiastic about this dish nor were the other members of my family mostly due to the fact that we're not big into little neck clams.
The dish was easy enough to make, though cleaning the clams took a while. The last thing I wanted was sand in my white wine clam sauce! But actually cooking everything took no more than 20 minutes. And after the 20 minutes of cooking, the presentation looked nice, too.
Sadly, my sister left the leftovers out on the counter (along with a huge mess created with the help of her friends last night), and my mother was very displeased about this when she came downstairs in the morning. However, my sister was not around to take the brunt of my mother's frustration about the mess, I was though so I had to deal with the ire of a 50 year old woman at 7am in the morning. Needless to say, not fun and just drama drama drama. All because my sister left a bowl of linguini and pasta on the counter, totally stinking up the kitchen. She has a serious inability to take responsibility for her actions or think about other people (she also left a window open, a window she removed the screen from, and left the lights on).
So, maybe you have more responsible people in your family, or perhaps you enjoy little neck clams more than my family. If so, make the dish. Like I said, objectively I think I made it well, however we're just not big fans. If you're a fan you'd probably like this.
Anyway, check back soon. Some more food and thoughts (food for thought?)!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Fiscal Realities
I assume we've all seen this article? ? I do feel badly for them, as I feel badly for most people that end up in this situation, in particular when children are involved. However, ultimately, we have to take responsibility for our fiscal well-being.
Let me preface this next segment by saying I have no idea what sorts of mortgages the Giudice's had on their homes (and I will not bother to speculate). The next paragraphs serve as an introduction to my opinions of the pressures of American consumerism, coupled by fiscal irresponsibility and deregulation. Also, what follows is simplified and not a multi-faceted look the recession, with a look at the human factor.
I'm a proponent of regulation. (I think) A lot of America's economic problems are due to deregulation of the market place. Including a failure to check mortgages and bank (and in worst cases, predatory) lending (compounded by real estate speculation. Call it Tulip Mania 2008!). Simply speaking subprime lending allows people to finance a purchase using borrowed money. This person is one with poor credit and they do not qualify for a normal (prime) loan because the risk of default is too high. Instead, at the price of higher fees, higher interest rates and the likelihood that their loan is not fixed (an adjustable rate mortgage), it pretty much is the last ditch effort of loans. Of course, the whole notion that a person that cannot afford to keep up with their credit payments that AREN'T subprime can keep up with payments that ARE subprime is sheer delusion in most cases (but not necessarily all) if you ask me. I think a lot of borrowing, borrowing with over the top ridiculous fees, exists on our notion of achieve the American Dream, of having it all, and living a certain way and that this also played a role in our movement towards recession.
Unfortunately not everyone can afford to live the (nearly non-viable) American Dream: the house, the picket fence, etc. There are a number of various factors that influence our socio-economic status ranging from race, gender, education, etc etc etc and I do not have the time nor energy to go into the various problems that exist in America in the context of class-sex-race-gender. If we look at the credit crisis, an item emerges: Americans are consumers, and the mantra may as well be consume first, think about paying later (or never). As total Neuroscience cutey Jonah Lehrer puts it in his book "How We Decide," we're incredibly short-sighted when is comes to credit. (This is the main reason I plan to get an American Express- it's a charge card).
I've lived in Northeastern New Jersey all my life. It's not a cheap place to live. In fact, it's regularly declared to be one of the priciest places in the United States. Costs are over-inflated in New Jersey, and it can really affect the way you view money growing up here. Also skewed by the cost of living is personal income. Teresa and Joe claim a salary of USD79k (I imagine this is taxable income) plus another USD120k in "family assistance" (this, I imagine, is not taxed). That's a net income of USD199k. Undeniably that's a hefty chunk of change when compared to the national average, however, put into the context of Northern New Jersey costs compared to the presentation of their lifestyle on television, Joe and Teresa were living well beyond their means. Qualifying for mortgages became easier (deregulation people!) over the course of the 21st century as standards declined, and I am curious if the Giudice's even bothered to place a down payment on the mortgage on their "French Chateau." Even at the height of my father's Wall Street career (several years ago; my father is now deceased) when he was making more than the above mentioned income+family assistance, I don't think my family would have EVER moved into a house that would require that large of a mortgage. My mom is, in her own words, a "thrifty New Englander" and loves saving money.
Three homes and eight mortgages? USD104k in credit card debt? And for what? They were attempting to project an image. And when you're around people that are upper middle to upper class the desire to keep up with the proverbial Joneses is perhaps intensified.
Like the underlying assets of a busted speculative bubble, is the American Dream worth anything today? Teresa and Joe are victims of the very dark side American Dream. As were Tamra and Simon Barney, and Lynne and Frank Curtin. However, perhaps the importance of the American Dream has even greater weight for Joe and Teresa because of their upbringing as the children of immigrants. If only they had known that in the modern era the American Dream is a total fallacy.
If something seems too good to be true it probably is.
Let me preface this next segment by saying I have no idea what sorts of mortgages the Giudice's had on their homes (and I will not bother to speculate). The next paragraphs serve as an introduction to my opinions of the pressures of American consumerism, coupled by fiscal irresponsibility and deregulation. Also, what follows is simplified and not a multi-faceted look the recession, with a look at the human factor.
I'm a proponent of regulation. (I think) A lot of America's economic problems are due to deregulation of the market place. Including a failure to check mortgages and bank (and in worst cases, predatory) lending (compounded by real estate speculation. Call it Tulip Mania 2008!). Simply speaking subprime lending allows people to finance a purchase using borrowed money. This person is one with poor credit and they do not qualify for a normal (prime) loan because the risk of default is too high. Instead, at the price of higher fees, higher interest rates and the likelihood that their loan is not fixed (an adjustable rate mortgage), it pretty much is the last ditch effort of loans. Of course, the whole notion that a person that cannot afford to keep up with their credit payments that AREN'T subprime can keep up with payments that ARE subprime is sheer delusion in most cases (but not necessarily all) if you ask me. I think a lot of borrowing, borrowing with over the top ridiculous fees, exists on our notion of achieve the American Dream, of having it all, and living a certain way and that this also played a role in our movement towards recession.
Unfortunately not everyone can afford to live the (nearly non-viable) American Dream: the house, the picket fence, etc. There are a number of various factors that influence our socio-economic status ranging from race, gender, education, etc etc etc and I do not have the time nor energy to go into the various problems that exist in America in the context of class-sex-race-gender. If we look at the credit crisis, an item emerges: Americans are consumers, and the mantra may as well be consume first, think about paying later (or never). As total Neuroscience cutey Jonah Lehrer puts it in his book "How We Decide," we're incredibly short-sighted when is comes to credit. (This is the main reason I plan to get an American Express- it's a charge card).
I've lived in Northeastern New Jersey all my life. It's not a cheap place to live. In fact, it's regularly declared to be one of the priciest places in the United States. Costs are over-inflated in New Jersey, and it can really affect the way you view money growing up here. Also skewed by the cost of living is personal income. Teresa and Joe claim a salary of USD79k (I imagine this is taxable income) plus another USD120k in "family assistance" (this, I imagine, is not taxed). That's a net income of USD199k. Undeniably that's a hefty chunk of change when compared to the national average, however, put into the context of Northern New Jersey costs compared to the presentation of their lifestyle on television, Joe and Teresa were living well beyond their means. Qualifying for mortgages became easier (deregulation people!) over the course of the 21st century as standards declined, and I am curious if the Giudice's even bothered to place a down payment on the mortgage on their "French Chateau." Even at the height of my father's Wall Street career (several years ago; my father is now deceased) when he was making more than the above mentioned income+family assistance, I don't think my family would have EVER moved into a house that would require that large of a mortgage. My mom is, in her own words, a "thrifty New Englander" and loves saving money.
Three homes and eight mortgages? USD104k in credit card debt? And for what? They were attempting to project an image. And when you're around people that are upper middle to upper class the desire to keep up with the proverbial Joneses is perhaps intensified.
Like the underlying assets of a busted speculative bubble, is the American Dream worth anything today? Teresa and Joe are victims of the very dark side American Dream. As were Tamra and Simon Barney, and Lynne and Frank Curtin. However, perhaps the importance of the American Dream has even greater weight for Joe and Teresa because of their upbringing as the children of immigrants. If only they had known that in the modern era the American Dream is a total fallacy.
If something seems too good to be true it probably is.
Friday, June 4, 2010
So Long for now New York
So I never thought I'd say this but I actually agreed with something Kelly said last night: the sense that the wedding renewal was slightly concocted. I've found the whole constant reiteration of the word renewal concocted this season (and that word was used ad nauseum) because it's kind of blatant marketing that goes back to Ramona's newest venture, Tru(e?) Renewal. However, I will tell you what was not concocted and basically wipes out any cynicism I might have felt about the contrived everything's renewed is that Ramona and Mario were really cute and seemed so genuinely happy.
Also, put a bra(r) on!
Jill Jill Jill- you were the mean girl this season. No doubt. I think it's funny that you called Alex one (who was, in my opinion, very endearing this season). I guess it's nice you were finally willing to talk to Bethenny, but that whole scene was SO SO awkward. It reminded me of the time I had to meet up with my ex-best friend for coffee. SO uncomfortable.
I loved Sonja calling Luann out on a matter of etiquette and manners, and Luann couldn't think of a response. Sonja really was a break out character this season. I really like her addition to the cast.
Finally! Luann was totally lip syncing, and I wish the DJ had accidentally started playing an Ashlee Simpson song during her performance.
Bethenny is totally done with the show, right? What are the thoughts on this?
Come back tomorrow for a helping of dinner!
Also, put a bra(r) on!
Jill Jill Jill- you were the mean girl this season. No doubt. I think it's funny that you called Alex one (who was, in my opinion, very endearing this season). I guess it's nice you were finally willing to talk to Bethenny, but that whole scene was SO SO awkward. It reminded me of the time I had to meet up with my ex-best friend for coffee. SO uncomfortable.
I loved Sonja calling Luann out on a matter of etiquette and manners, and Luann couldn't think of a response. Sonja really was a break out character this season. I really like her addition to the cast.
Finally! Luann was totally lip syncing, and I wish the DJ had accidentally started playing an Ashlee Simpson song during her performance.
Bethenny is totally done with the show, right? What are the thoughts on this?
Come back tomorrow for a helping of dinner!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Money Can Buy You Photoshop
I'm sure you've all seen this video by now...it was recently leaked.
The good: Her skin looks great. I seriously would like to know how they did that? Like, how do you photoshop a video? She seriously looks nothing like herself here. Though, according to Gawker, some dude is claiming that it's all just make up and lighting. You're about as in denial about that as Luann is about her actual singing abilities. But, ok, if you say so dude. Moving on.
The bad: She's so ridiculously stiff in this video. I do not like the outfits she's wearing (I do not find them particularly flattering). She's not singing. Seriously, they've just autotuned her talking and put it over a techno-esque beat (how European, just like the "countess"). The lyrics, my god, the lyrics (you know the ones she is pretty much talking that have been autotuned and put over a beat) are really unimaginative!
The consensus: I'd call her a drag queen, except drag queens are a lot more self-aware than this woman. However, the camp-level entertainment is all there!
Anyway, I offered to cook dinner for my mother tonight, but she had already promised my sister we'd order in. So no cooking tonight. Come back tomorrow for my thoughts on the New York finale (the last episode for Bethenny?), and again on Saturday when I cook some Skinny Italian!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Go Green
I probably should have made tonight's dish last week considering the namesake of the dish was introduced to Real Housewife viewers last week. That's right, I made Audriana's Pesto. The recipe was pretty straightforward and easy to make. This is actually the first time I've attempted to make pesto and I think the end results were really great (I wish I had photos, but my phone's bluetooth and email aren't working oddly. Side note, I hate my phone and cannot wait to get the iPhone 4). So I'm just putting in pictures from other places of pesto.
Pesto is a powerful dish, and this one had a lot of bite. Basil and garlic and pine nuts and everything else! It really packs a punch, but taste great. I've actually been a fan of pesto for about as long as I can recall (though at one point i didn't eat it for a year or two because I happened to eat it before a strain of stomach flu set in-though the pesto didn't make me sick, I just sadly happened to eat my mom's home made before the virus attacked!).
Teresa gives two way of preparing the pesto- mortar and pestle or food processor. I thought about the mortar and then I realized wait I just got back from work after being the from 8:20am to 6:00pm (our managing editor from the London office- who actually happens to be Italian! flew in today, so I got there early to make sure I was ready), and today was the first day back in the office after a three-day weekend at the beach that involved lots of drinking and a horrible sun burn. Needless to say I went with my better judgment and used the food processor.
I thought the process was going to be arduous. My mother told me it would be. Actually, the dish was easy to make! I think my mother just didn't want me using her beloved Cuisinart! But it was easy and so worth it! I will definitely make this dish again. I think that because it is so easy to make that this will be a fun dish to experiment with the proportions of the ingredients- you know, a little more basil, less garlic etc etc!
Anyway, next meal to be made either Thursday or Friday! Make sure to check back then!
Pesto is a powerful dish, and this one had a lot of bite. Basil and garlic and pine nuts and everything else! It really packs a punch, but taste great. I've actually been a fan of pesto for about as long as I can recall (though at one point i didn't eat it for a year or two because I happened to eat it before a strain of stomach flu set in-though the pesto didn't make me sick, I just sadly happened to eat my mom's home made before the virus attacked!).
Teresa gives two way of preparing the pesto- mortar and pestle or food processor. I thought about the mortar and then I realized wait I just got back from work after being the from 8:20am to 6:00pm (our managing editor from the London office- who actually happens to be Italian! flew in today, so I got there early to make sure I was ready), and today was the first day back in the office after a three-day weekend at the beach that involved lots of drinking and a horrible sun burn. Needless to say I went with my better judgment and used the food processor.
I thought the process was going to be arduous. My mother told me it would be. Actually, the dish was easy to make! I think my mother just didn't want me using her beloved Cuisinart! But it was easy and so worth it! I will definitely make this dish again. I think that because it is so easy to make that this will be a fun dish to experiment with the proportions of the ingredients- you know, a little more basil, less garlic etc etc!
Anyway, next meal to be made either Thursday or Friday! Make sure to check back then!
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