secret items

While doing some research for work (yes, really), I came across this site:
The Bachelor Guy
I was actually looking up what a Mustard Whopper was (a whopper with mustard spread on the bun instead of mayo!), and was surprised to see that McDonalds had secret menu items!

So in addition to the Mustard Whopper, here are some of the things I'd like to try to order the next time I find myself wanting some fast food:

From McDonalds:

• Fries with Big Mac sauce
• Chicken and Waffles (ok - this version is an insult to the real thing, but I'm just giddy they offer it)
• 2 Cheeseburger Meal Mac

From Burger King:

• Frings
• BK Club (even though a chicken sandwich taste test from college revealed it was inferior to its competitors...maybe the added club ingredients make it better)

...and lastly, KFC has poutine! I'm a little on the fence about ordering this, as I'm pretty sure I'll get a blank look from the person behind the counter, but I'll try whenever I'm not in the mood to generalize people.

shack man

...for all those who have lots of time, and are open to learning more about the man behind Shake Shack and numerous NYC fine-dining restaurants, read this lengthy, albeit easy-to-digest (like Shackburgers), Times article about Danny Meyer:
A Moveable Feast: Danny Meyer on a Roll

crisis

Read more here: Oxfam GROW

another MSNBC ad

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

BFF club member

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

pet peeve

In the context of current popular gastronomy (as opposed to...? I don't know, maybe nitpicky technical culinary nitpickiness), let me clear something up for all those who are confusing the two.

This is a macaron:

This is a macaroon:

Ok, back to nitpicky technical stuff. According to the macaron wiki page:
"Since the English word macaroon can also refer to the coconut macaroon, many have adopted the French spelling of macaron to distinguish the two items in the English language. However, this has caused confusion over the correct spelling of the cookie/biscuit. Some recipes exclude the use of macaroon to refer to this French confection while others think that they are synonyms.^[5]"

So although their wiki pages imply that each term (macaron and macaroon) are just translations of the same thing, the two sweets are different. This place, Sucre, sells 'macaroons' while showing pictures of macarons, completely invalidating themselves as a purveyor of fine sweets and perpetuating the miseducation of US eaters (again, in the context of current popular gastronomy, since technically, I guess the term macaroon can be used for both a macaron and macaroon). Ugh, whatever.

(photos courtesy of Pierre Herme and Wikipedia)

never mind...here's the BUTTERBEER video

View more videos at The Feast
...turns out it was just my Adobe Flash player malfunctioning...it wasn't my HTML skillz at all....

BUTTERBEER

I'm not good enough at HTML to post the video here, but go here for a Butterbeer recipe by a bartender at DC's Ripple using a local brew.

yum nom nom

paper calendars

G just sent a Times article to me about paper calendars and how they measure up to electronic options. First, I'd like to profess my deep appreciation for the Times for having stories like these. They cover life in all aspects, tell stories about people that everyone should hear and otherwise wouldn't know about, and have fun stories that appeal to my interests. Second, I'd like to say thanks to G for sending this to me: you know me so well.


Ok - so why all the love for this article? Because I am attached to certain things that others consider passé, such as my Sony Ericsson W810i phone, the word "'moded," my MySpace account (just kidding), print books (as opposed to e-books), CDs if I had the room for them, and my At-A-Glance DayMinder, model SK-48 (I'm currently sporting a green-covered one).


I've used planners (or as Pamela Paul notes, what industry calls personal organizers) since middle school. My middle school gave out Trapper Keeper-sized planners every year with the distribution of our textbooks. I can't recall what kind I used throughout high school, but I'm pretty sure I used them - oh wait, I think I used cute Japanese ones. Then in college, my love affair and fascination with NYC began and I started using NYC Public Library student planners. Or was that grad school? I can't remember...but since graduating, I've always relied on my trusty, compact DayMinder to keep my life fairly in order.


I love its generous notes space for each day, the useful conversion tables and area codes list, as well as it's area codes map in the back cover. I utilize the plastic cover-s flap-overs as pockets for business cards, event tickets, and tons of dried up post-its. I also like to clip business cards to the page of a day when I know I'll need it (e.g. my doctor's card when I have a MD appt). I also clip a paperclip to the current day, allowing for easy and fast flipping to the right page.


I've tried switching to Google calendar, but it just hasn't worked out, in that I'm not able to reference it when away from a computer (I don't own a smartphone - Sony Ericsson W810i phone, remember?). It also doesn't allow me to look back years from now to see what exactly I did on a particular day (smartphones didn't exist when I was in middle school, high school, college or grad school). And these pockets and post-its! Where else would I be able to store important business cards, tickets, potential names for my unborn/yet-to-be-adopted children, my work computer log-on information with the number to the IT guy, and my list of to-do restaurants - all in one place??? Not to mention the excitement I feel when I get to shop for a new planner every January. It's my version of back-to-school shopping.


Since this age of the I-whatever (be it -Phone, -Pod or -Pad - do they still make I-Macs?) started, I've always been skeptical of the consolidation of devices that do so many different things and the switch to electronically doing and/or storing of everything. What if you lost your IPhone? You apparently lose your life. You lose your MP3 player, you lose your phone, you lose your portable entertainment, you lose your notebook, your banking device, your calculator ....etc etc ... and yes, your personal organizer. True, our supply of paper is not infinite, but instead of switching everything over to the electronic world, we should prioritize what should and shouldn't be done on paper. Medical records- yes. Thank you cards - no. Bills - yes. Depositing checks - as cool as it may be, I would rather not.


I love my planner. I love how I can easily open it to my paper-clipped page for this week and see that on August 5th, I have 'happy hour?' written down...just like I did back in '05.

the beginning of the end

Take a gander at these op-ed headlines:

"The President Surrenders"
"The Diminished President"
"To Escape Chaos, A Terrible Deal"

...contained in those links is enough reading, so I won't say too much here...except for one word that stuck out to me from one of these columns that I failed to use, but it so perfectly sums up what this is all turning out to be: extortion.

as seen in the Times...



I have that shirt...and although they're not filled with ice cream, I also have stroopwaffles in my apartment.

(from this slideshow)

gavel gavel! BVBC post-brunch review

The inaugural BVBC brunch took place yesterday at the Capital City Diner and it was a success! Seven of us convened in the outside area behind the diner car for a lovely meal in the summer heat (but it wasn't so bad because we were under umbrellas and the good company distracted from the warmth). The ordered dishes included:

• strawberry-topped waffle
• biscuits & gravy platter
• corned beef hash platter
• chicken & waffles (Capital City Diner's specialty)
• hash brown platter

Our waitress was flustered but friendly enough. I ordered the hash, and wished my hash was a bit more crispy - it could have spent a few more minutes on the griddle, but my side pancake was fluffy, tasty, and I appreciated the option of adding just one pancake to my platter, rather than the popular stack. My eggs were perfectly over-easy. One of the reviews for the chicken & waffles was "I think Creme's (as in U St's Creme Cafe) is better, but this waffle is good." We had a cx&waffles virgin, so I'm excited to see him order it at future BVBC gatherings to develop his cx&waffles tasting expertise.

Despite the diner's super tiny size and no reservations policy, there wasn't a long wait at 1130am on a Sunday morning. There is street parking available and H St is nearby should you want some post-brunch drinks from some of the neighborhood's newer establishments (Capital City Diner being a traditional diner, there is no alcohol served).

All in all, it was standard diner fare that fulfills that brunch-time hunger and provides enough midday calories to fuel a great afternoon nap. Given its location and accessibility, I would probably only return if a) I was already in the area, b) it was a convenient meeting place for others, or c) I had other plans in the area.

Thanks to everyone who was able to make it!

One more thing - 2 items have been added to the terms & conditions (at the bottom). This is a trial-and-error process, so if you think of anything else, let me know!

See you next time!

REintroducing the BON VIVANT BRUNCH CLUB

OK - so planning brunch isn't so easy. Here is the updated terms and conditions. Thanks for bearing with us while we figure it out.

The BON VIVANT BRUNCH CLUB

For those of you who received a coveted invitation, welcome. The Bon Vivant Brunch Club (BVBC) is an invitation-only gathering of convivialists who share an appreciation for good food and good times (and the joy of going home to a nice nap afterwards). 

You will find all the terms and conditions in this posting. Confirmation for the first gathering will be distributed via email.

How this is going to work:

1. BVBC will be held every last Sunday of every other month unless noted by me or G (ie if we're busy, out of town, lazy, etc..). I'll work out the schedule and post and/or email it.

2. BVBC locations will be determined by a vote.  Suggested locations (chosen according to number of people expressing interest) will be sent to those who have expressed interest..  The place with the most votes wins. Suggested additions to the list will be considered, but selection is not guaranteed. (Disclaimer: most of the restaurants chosen will be new to us, so if they suck, you can't blame us.)

3. BVBC will convene around the same time every brunch day - 1130am. If reservations are not taken on a particular week, an earlier arrival time may be needed and will be noted in the email of details that will go out before brunch day (see 4. below).

4. Reminder emails will be sent out every first Sunday of each brunch month (with the exception of the first gathering). These emails will ask for a head count of those interested. RSVPing to these emails guarantees a seat. Details regarding arrival time, reservations, price range, gratuity charges, crowd conditions, back-up plans, RSVP deadline, etc will be in this email.

5. RSVP by email by the Sunday before brunch day (one week before brunch day - this is subject to change depending on popular places that require booking weeks ahead). RSVP only if you are attending - no need to let us know if you can't make it (hope to see you next time!).

6. Depending on the restaurant, there may be a maximum number of people. This is due to the desire to keep brunch day intimate. It would also be easier to get a table at places that don't take reservations with a smaller group. 

7. Post-brunch reviews are welcomed.

8. If you know of someone who would like to be added to the BVBC mailing list, let me know!

9. If you would like to bring a friend, just let me know when you RSVP for a brunch day. All are welcomed, as long as you RSVP early enough in the case of an imposed cap (see items 4 and 6 above).

Did I leave anything out? If so, let me know! Also, email me or G if you don't want to partake in the fun that is BVBC (our feelings won't be hurt, but we'll miss you).

OK - fingers crossed! I hope this works!

proposal

...a thought that should be expanded upon later: What would it be like if the country were physically split (roughly) along party lines? Which of the 2 newly independent countries would thrive and which would crash and burn?

good gracious...

This is truly ludicrous. Another example of a Republican making crucial decisions based on their own agenda and not of their constituents - an entire state! in so much financial need. The FL governor has left millions of federal grant dollars on the table out of distaste for the Affordable Care Act. These are dollars that would fund community health centers, health education programs, patient transition, and other essential services. If you asked any person in FL (and I'm giving Florideans the benefit of the doubt here), I'm guessing they wouldn't turn away free money that would fund services they would use or create jobs they would gladly take. This one jerk (the governor) has prevented his ENTIRE STATE from getting jobs?!?! Isn't that what his party keeps preaching we have to create more of? REPUBLICANS ARE RUINING THE WORLD. They are condemning people who support them, who elected them into office- to lives of hardship. How long will Republicans be able to get away with this?!?!! HOW LONG!?! It's criminal!!!!!!
I've dedicated way too many caps lock letters, exclamation points and posts to these jerks.

republicans are ruining the world

This is so $%*&ing ridiculous...for lack of more eloquent words. I'm referring to this article about House Republicans wanting cuts in environmental regulations: Dumb Republicans
Their motive is clear, their intent is clear, their agenda is clear. This only benefits a few big companies and the sold souls of Republicans who are puppets to these companies. And will these companies create more jobs with their increasing wealth? Based on the recent job numbers, probably not. On another note, those getting tax cuts are NOT creating more jobs, contrary to what these assholes are claiming as their reason for resisting any tax raises...but I digress. But no, I don't, because this is all related to how the Republicans consistently act on behalf of their own agendas, NOT that of their constituents. They use "the American people" (to borrow their favored term) - nee they bank on the apathetic and uninformed population (uninformed because people are probably too busy working their asses off than to follow this disaster in Washington - which by the way is caused by this economic situation created by Republicans), to keep them in office then vote in favor of none of these people to whom they owe their employment. It's criminal. They don't listen to their constituents. As elected officials, they should vote on behalf of the people. These jerks should be the people's puppets. But alas, that's not the case. If Republicans get their way, they and their spawned offspring of future generations will enjoy their comfortable lifestyles in a depleted Earth, surrounded by sick and unemployed people, with the blood of tax-payer dollars on their hands and at the expense of everyone else. How sick and wicked is that.

Sorry - this post was a complete diarrhea-of-the-mind gush...similar to a rapid emptying of intestine-wrenching pathogens, which in this case, are bits of knowledge of what the Republicans are up to. So sorry for this post of tired and mangled thoughts and language. I'm as sick of it as you are.

worth a thousand words

It's from here.

BON VIVANT BRUNCH CLUB Schedule

As promised, here is the schedule of brunch days (they're all Sundays, at 1130am, unless otherwise noted):

July 31
September 25
November 27 (but probably not because this is Thanksgiving holiday weekend)

...what? Only 2 for-sure brunch days for the remainder of the year? Hmm... we may have to consider making this every month. If so, here are the other days:

August 28
October 30

sweat, sweat, and sweat

I realized that I have never posted about running. I suppose I don't have much to say, but rather, I just do it.
So as a first post about running, I'll share this link that G just sent me about the race we did this past weekend in 98(?) degree heat: Pacers Crystal City Twilighter 5k. It was not a race that either of us planned to gun and get a PR ... we just didn't want to die. We both did relatively well (and survived), beating our times from last year (me, by over 2 minutes).

my best friends club

Larry David
Sloane Crosley
Jay+Be (even though Be didn't know, until recently, what a scone is)
Frank Bruni
Rachel Maddow
Anthony Bourdain

I just think we'd all really get along.

grad school

There's a special section in the Times all about grad school, and I've only managed to read one article, which posed the question - is a master's degree the new bachelor's? After reading it, I couldn't decide whether the article validated my decision to go to grad school, or completed devalued my degree. Given my discouragment in my job hunt as of late, I'd go with the latter...but remembering that without it, I would not have my current job nor would I have had some awesome work experiences in the past, so I guess it was worth it...right?

Well I guess it all may depend on any or all of the following: the field or industry, eventual career choice, immigration status, economic environment, networking ability...what else?
The last sentence of the article gives me indigestion: "Will the Ph.D. become the new master’s?"

Read the article here: The Master's as the New Bachelor's

REintroducing the BON VIVANT BRUNCH CLUB

OK - so planning brunch isn't so easy. Here is the update terms and conditions. Thanks for bearing with us while we figure it out.

The BON VIVANT BRUNCH CLUB

For those of you who received a coveted invitation, welcome. The Bon Vivant Brunch Club (BVBC) is an invitation-only gathering of convivialists who share an appreciation for good food and good times (and the joy of going home to a nice nap afterwards). 

You will find all the terms and conditions in this posting. Confirmation for the first gathering will be distributed via email.

How this is going to work:

1. BVBC will be held every last Sunday of every other month unless noted by me or G (ie if we're busy, out of town, lazy, etc..). I'll work out the schedule and post and/or email it.

2. BVBC locations will be determined by a vote.  Suggested locations (chosen according to number of people expressing interest) will be sent to those who have expressed interest..  The place with the most votes wins. Suggested additions to the list will be considered, but selection is not guaranteed. (Disclaimer: most of the restaurants chosen will be new to us, so if they suck, you can't blame us.)

3. BVBC will convene around the same time every brunch day - 1130am. If reservations are not taken on a particular week, an earlier arrival time may be needed and will be noted in the email of details that will go out before brunch day (see 4. below).

4. Reminder emails will be sent out every first Sunday of each brunch month (with the exception of the first gathering). These emails will ask for a head count of those interested. RSVPing to these emails guarantees a seat. Details regarding arrival time, reservations, price range, gratuity charges, crowd conditions, back-up plans, RSVP deadline, etc will be in this email.

5. RSVP by email by the Sunday before brunch day (one week before brunch day - this is subject to change depending on popular places that require booking weeks ahead). RSVP only if you are attending - no need to let us know if you can't make it (hope to see you next time!).

6. Depending on the restaurant, there may be a maximum number of people. This is due to the desire to keep brunch day intimate. It would also be easier to get a table at places that don't take reservations with a smaller group. 

7. Post-brunch reviews are welcomed.

Did I leave anything out? If so, let me know! Also, email me or G if you don't want to partake in the fun that is BVBC (our feelings won't be hurt, but we'll miss you).

OK - fingers crossed! I hope this works!

gulp

...aight, so I have to eat my words. I just watched my recorded episode of SYTYCD last night and must have watched this Christopher Scott routine three times. The moves, the story line, the musicality - all worked. So so good. As mentioned here, this choreographer hasn't always done so well. Earlier this season, I dismissed him like a fat kid does brussel sprouts and was really missing NappyTabs. I now sheepishly swallow my words.

"...the heat! My God, the heat!"

The current heat index says it feels like 112 degrees. I've never felt this hot before. While walking outside, I felt like my skin was either going to start melting off me or start frying ... like chicharrones.

reggie watts

Not sure if you all are familiar with the hilariousness that is Reggie Watts, but G and I will be seeing the Aug 25th show. Posting this in case you're interested!

http://woollymammoth.net/performances/show_reggie_watts.php

sprouts

Do not eat Evergreen Produce brand alfalfa sprouts or spicy sprouts – FDA is advising consumers not to eat Evergreen Produce brand alfalfa sprouts and spicy sprouts.  The sprouts are possibly linked to 20 reported cases, including one hospitalization, of Salmonella Enteritidis in Idaho, Montana, New Jersey, North Dakota and Washington State.  The strain of S. Enteritidis is rarely seen at this frequency.  The pathogen associated with this outbreak is different from the pathogen associated with the outbreak in Europe.  For more information, please visit here.

(Reference: FDA announcements)

you go, boy

Holy moly, Nic Kristof is really putting his neck out there! I've always enjoyed reading his columns but he's been really stickin it to the Republicans lately (as I'm sure you can tell by reading my previous posts). The problem is classic, though: he's preaching to the choir. If only the Republicans knew how failed their logic is...but then again, morons never do...

Read the latest Kristof column here: Bonuses for Billionaires

todd kliman is an idiot

Just read on Eater that Washingtonian food critic Todd Kliman will be writing his review for America Eats, but he divulged a few thoughts before release of his review here. I think he's an idiot. I think his comments, particularly regarding the pot pie and key lime pie, completely invalidate him and I'm reconsidering renewing my subscription, considering the food section is a big reason why I subscribe, though I have found the reviews to be bland and late. And yes, I admit I read the reviews mostly for self-validation ("Hey I ate there already!...and yup, I ate there, and there..."). Does he not understand that the concept of the restaurant is lost American classics, reinvented? It even says on the restaurant website: "... America Eats offers a new take on American classics and celebrate native ingredients and some long forgotten dishes, from burgoo to oysters Rockefeller." Did he even attend Jose Andres' pre-opening talk at the Archives? Because if he did, he would have grasped that the food was going to be a bit deconstructed/reconstructed.

ack i'm getting distracted from working

Lookie lookie: Slate's Special Weddings Issue!
The source of that article I posted the link to in a previous posting about engagement rings, but this article about wedding websites is just as good.

YET again

...the party of hypocrisy. The party of no. The party of me. Those damn Republicans. Read more here.
Oh, and really quickly: 

This is what's wrong with so many people in this country: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/18/us/18voices.html?hp

They don't care to follow what's going on in Washington, they're mis- or uninformed, they're apathetic...so when it comes to election time, they don't vote in their best interest. They're not following how their congressperson is or is not acting in the interest of their jurisdiction.

the shady chinese

...can't write much now, but this article validates, to a certain extent, my thoughts on why Chinatowns are in such bad condition (to put it nicely), more so than even the hutongs of Beijing: moonshine
(and here's a supporting background piece: Fujianese immigrants)

introducing the BON VIVANT BRUNCH CLUB

For those of you who received a coveted invitation, welcome. The Bon Vivant Brunch Club (BVBC) is an invitation-only gathering of convivialists who share an appreciation for good food and good times (and the joy of going home to a nice nap afterwards). 

You will find all the terms and conditions in this posting. Confirmation for the first gathering will be distributed via email.

How this is going to work:

1. BVBC will be held every last Sunday of every other month unless noted by me or G (ie if we're busy, out of town, lazy, etc..). I'll work out the schedule and post and/or email it.

2. BVBC locations will be drawn from a predetermined list of restaurants.  Suggested additions to the list will be considered, but selection is not guaranteed. (Disclaimer: most of the restaurants chosen will be new to us, so if they suck, you can't blame us.)

3. BVBC will convene around the same time every brunch day - 1130am. If reservations are not taken on a particular week, an earlier arrival time may be needed and will be noted in the email of details that will go out before brunch day (see 4. below).

4. BVBC locations will be revealed every 1st Monday of a BVBC month by email (with the exception of the first gathering). Details regarding arrival time, reservations, price range, gratuity charges, crowd conditions, back-up plans, RSVP deadline, etc will be in this email.

5. RSVP by email by the Wednesday before brunch day. I may or may not send out a reminder email. RSVP only if you are attending - no need to let us know if you can't make it (hope to see you next time!).


6. The maximum number of people per brunch day is 12. This is due to the desire to keep brunch day intimate. It would also be easier to get a table at places that don't take reservations with a smaller group. 

7. Post-brunch reviews are welcomed.

Did I leave anything out? If so, let me know! Also, email me or G if you don't want to partake in the fun that is BVBC (our feelings won't be hurt, but we'll miss you).

OK - fingers crossed! I hope this works!

insert bad words here

Republican lawmakers hate poor people. They hate the middle class. Though, it's still puzzling why Republican constituents vote against their own financial interest.

Excellent Nic Kristof column on the contradictions of the Republican party.

awww

...because I'm pretty sure even less people pay attention to my +1s on Google+ than the two people who read this blog, I'm going to share this video here too.  You're welcome, you two.

mr. andres

We ate at America Eats this past Saturday, and we spoke to Jose Andres. I said "Thank you, Chef." He told me to "come back." So I will.

a weekend of history

Moments ago, Atlantis blasted off for the last time.
The Republic of South Sudan will become the world's newest nation when it declares independence on Saturday.  Since it's the weekend, I'm feeling optimistic. I hope, for the sake of future generations, that the new nation will find security, will develop and flourish and that its rich natural resources are protected and used wisely to help its people rise from decades of marginalization and violence. I wish I knew more to say more, and hope that it wasn't unwise to say what I just did.

ring me

To use some of the lingo favored by fashion bloggers: I am completely 'obsessed' with this ring, now on sale at swell.com...though I wouldn't wear it while putting on any knit or crocheted tops or scarves.

being chinese ... and tasty bits

...probably the best line I'll read all day:
"I’m proud to say I’m Chinese, and I’ll always be Chinese in the sense that I prefer soy over dairy and beer makes me fart. " Eddie Huang for Eatocracy

...and while we're in the food mindset, holy moly! EATALY IS COMING TO DC?! what!
What next? A David Chang establishment? Eh. Perhaps an offering from Keith McNally? Maybe...but I'm hoping for something a little more down the price point scale. ...oh please oh please be X'ian.

i don't even know what to call this

What's with engagement rings? Why are men pressured to feel that it's the proper way to ask for a hand in marriage? What's this fixation on expensive jewelry? Can love really be bought/bribed? Why must women wear something that tells the world they're taken, yet men don't have to wear a similar flirt repellent?  Why couldn't the norm be something more egalitarian like getting each other Lasik? Or, as practiced by some South Americans, both the groom- and bride-to-be wear plain bands on their right hands, then after the wedding, the bands move to the left hand.

I've had my ring for about a week now. I'm completely grateful for it, though feeling a bit guilty. It could have paid for a Harley. Or probably Super Bowl tickets. Definitely a new and much-needed desk and desk chair. I've been wearing it on my middle finger for about a week now, not out of rebellion, but thankfully, out of necessity, as it's too big. Not wearing it at all would be wasting it, and wasting the time and thought that went into building it just as G wanted for me. The same could be said for why I won't/can't give it back. I say 'thankfully' when referring to its size because I feel much more comfortable wearing it on my middle finger. Some may say doing so would belittle the ring's significance, but it doesn't as long as I know what it symbolizes. It also hasn't changed my daily life, for which I am very glad. I've managed to go a whole work week without my officemate asking about the lovely sparkler on my finger, which I'm sure she would have noticed, given her numerous statements about how I should "start thinking about getting married soon." 

Both G and I have the same sentiment about weddings. We both dread having attention drawn unto ourselves and we both strive to live a life free of contradictions (this last point is relevant when you consider our stance on same-sex marriages and the position of the Catholic church on certain social issues). Needless to say, we're dreading the impending process that lies ahead to solidify our union. I am a reluctant bride, not a reluctant wife/life-partner.

I'm aware that many will say a wedding is not about me or my future husband, but our parents. Isn't there something else a person could do in life that would show your love and appreciation for your parents other than throwing a wedding??

Perhaps this is our moment to be the unconventional, innovative and creative people we wish we were. Stay tuned to see if we seize it or not!
(No fiance feelings were hurt in the writing of this post. Views expressed in this post are agreed upon between the author and her future husband.)

UPDATE: Came across this gem of an article - SO on point. Read it here.

hear, hear

Thanks to G, my attention was brought to David Brooks' column that was published in yesterday's Times about the Republican Party's inability to act on a good deal - to compromise - to put the nation's needs ahead of their own selfish agendas. Read it here.

hey, yay area. i miss you.

Oh man! While watching part of the A's game today, I noticed a sign behind the plate advertising this! And the A's are playing the Angels! Wish I was able to go...
Beside that sign, was a sign advertising THIS. Say yuck all you want, naysayers, I keep it real with my McDonald's, Doritos and Jack in the Box tacos (oh how I miss them!).

nickledYME!
(image credit http://blak4rest.com/2011/06/hammer-time-must-have-bobblehead/)

what a shame

This is so sad: No More Silent Summers

I attended the 2008 concert in Prospect Park and it was one of my favorite summer memories of my time in NYC.

'oh man'

She's so amazing.

Her new album received rave reviews from the Times.

congratulations NY

...a bit of a late posting, but just wanted to give a shout out to NY for realizing something that 44? 45? more states still have yet to realize...that the definition of marriage can change and should be changed in the name of equality and no, it will not dilute the essence of what a marriage is nor will it lead to the marrying of animals or objects.

(photo cred:www.nowpublic.com/world/giant-rainbow-flag)

i know how you feel...

where am i

...haven't posted in a while, but just thought I post this:
A deer almost ran into me on my walk between the metro station and my work building...and I see bunnies almost everyday on my walk from my work building to the metro station (note: I take a different route).

me

per·i·pa·tet·ic/ˌperipəˈtetik/

Adjective: Traveling from place to place, esp. working or based in various places for relatively short periods.

Noun: A person who travels from place to place

aahhh summer

(photo: gardenmandy.com)
I think the best blueberries are from NJ and NC. They're so huge and sweet - they're like grapes!

net sports

...if only badminton could gain the popularity and respect ping pong/table tennis has acquired recently....
http://travel.nytimes.com/2011/06/03/travel/ping-pong-catches-on-in-new-york.html?nl=nyregion&emc=ura3

why i miss nyc...reason 1...

http://newyork.grubstreet.com/2011/05/xian_famous_foods_in_old_china.html

shake shack has arrived

When is anyone going to create a Shake Shack DC Yelp page already?
It doesn't exist yet. (as of 12:09pm)

I would, but I'm too cool to battle the hype lines. Just kidding. I've loved Shake Shack ever since my first Shackburger. I'll sacrifice standing in line to let more DC'ers try the goodness that is Shake Shack..
I also just want to know how DC ranks it's luscious burgers against all the other burgers in the area.

I hope they put up a shack cam for this location.

UPDATE 2:59pm: So there's a yelp page for it now, but the one and only 5-star review was written by someone who has already tasted SS goodness in NY and hence already love it.

we share soap boxes

This article from the Times is so on point!
"Ahem! Are You Talking to Me? (Or Texting?)

someone please post this on Facebook

A Guide to Smartphone Manners

By DAVID CARR

Published: April 15, 2011

NYTimes.com

A Modest Proposal for a Digital Détente: 10 Rules to Make Sure Smartphones Don’t Make Us Stupid

1. Go ahead, glance at your phone at an incoming text. And please excuse yourself to respond to one that will immediately advance your plot to take over the world. But do not type under my nose. It hurts my feelings.

2. Phones should remain put-away during dinner and lunch with friends, but it should also be permissible to ask for and take a mutual “phone break” if the meal goes on for longer than an hour.
3. Do not use “instant message” for something that is not instant. That’s what e-mail is for, so I can time-shift your request to when I can deal with it. And for mercy’s sake, never use IM if you are a slow typist.
4. Staring at a smartphone in an elevator seems like a good deal for everyone. I mean, as opposed to what?
5. Do not think that tweeting about having a drink with me validates my importance. Having a drink with me validates my importance. Memorialize it later or when I am in the restroom.
6. Do not link all of your social media together. If I wanted to follow you on Foursquare, I would follow you on Foursquare. Finding out on Twitter that you are the mayor of the Boerum Hill IHOP doesn’t meet any current needs I have.
7. Put that “reply all” button behind glass. Use only in case of emergency.
8. Do not sign me up for a “really cool” social messaging group; I’m probably not cool enough for it. And even if I were, your list is likely full of people I try to avoid as a matter of course.
9. Do not hold private, banal conversation in public places. Going back and forth on Twitter with someone is the equivalent of using your outside voice in church or on the train. We are not interested.
10. Do not become a dynamo of self-promotion on social media as so many advise. If your Facebook page scans as an ego gymnasium, I probably stopped checking it years ago. Yes, social media is a great professional tool, but it is not supposed to serve as a hand-crank on your brilliant career.

continuing theme

Look what I just added to my to-read list: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6006670-the-dumbest-generation

PAUL bakery...

...is coming to DC in May (per Eater DC)! I'm looking forward to enjoying all the baked goods at their US flagship store. I'm also quite surprised that said flagship store will be in DC.

so timely...

...is this article about woodworking classes for kids from the Times! ...and so related to my last post about appreciating pre-mobile media-social media pasttimes. It's not surprising that wood shop class is on its last legs, but it is sad. With the dwindling presence of such educational opportunities, common sense and basic skills and knowledge are also dwindling. This may explain some of the stupid things I see everyday...like people forgetting to turn on their lights when driving in bad weather or at night.

the hipster in me - a post laced with generalizations

Oh no...did you read that heading right?! G has long known my aversion to social media and mobile technology (is it contradictory I have a blogger account?). After reading this article in the Times, I felt a strange sort of comfort knowing that there were youngish people (tricenarians and younger) who still appreciate low-tech things like typewriters. I bet this crowd is similar to the crowd that still appreciates rotary phones, takes an interest in farming, buys vintage, prefers low-tech toys over electronic ones, or like the article says, knits or keeps bees.

What do these people all have in common?! I will go out on a limb and propose that they're all hipsters, if not in the full sense of the word, then to some extent. And the fact that I too appreciate all those things makes me like them (to some extent). YUCK! I also like going to wineries for cheese and wine, appreciate the stylings and modern-mixed-with-classic design of West Elm and Room and Board furniture, and yeah, I do shop at Whole Foods - does that make me a yuppie too? Double YUCK! Although I'd like to think that choosing a career in public health makes me immune to such labels, I still fit many of the attributes of a yuppie, as described in the yuppie wiki page, such as "enjoying the cultural attractions of sophisticated urban life and thought," but I am NOT out of touch with the hardships and concerns of those less fortunate than me. I also have been shopping at Trader Joes and farmers markets before yo mama was born. I also knit in college before hipsters started selling their knit goods on etsy.

My point? I was a hipster and a yuppie by the age of 12 in 1993 - a time when I spent many hours listening to slow jams, SWV and David Benoit and all his smooth jazz friends while thinking about sports and boys and how awkward I was.

Perhaps my excellent foresight has something to do with my early coolness. I have a pretty good track record of calling things (e.g. after all his man-whoring, I called Tiger Woods as being 'done'. I also called this: people's driving habits and style are directly reflected in the way they drive shopping carts.) I was way ahead of my time. Strange kid - but way ahead of my time. Maybe hot pink flower-patterned jumpsuits will finally catch on.

DC tops cities for restaurant expansion

How timely! http://www.nrn.com/article/10-strongest-retail-markets
This is good news for the area's explosion of food-related social media outlets...all of which I've looked into for employment opps. The dream lives on...

crowded brain

So many things to write about, so little time! Here's an abridged list:
- new blogger mistakes (lack of focus, inconsistent postings, ignoring SEO strategies)
- foursquare? the feast?
- Eater DC has finally gone live.
- Why didn't I know about Ruth Bourdain??? ...maybe that's why I didn't get hired by Eater.

important debate: scrunchies

Back in or forever out?
http://www.stylelist.com/2010/01/28/hair-scrunchies-scrunchie/

I must say, I do like the way Sienna Miller looks in the picture.

new fav words

buvette
soignee
confute

my letter to my church

Hello,

I've been an occasional parishioner at St Matt's for years now. While looking on the parish website for enlightening Lenten activities, I noticed the '40 Days for Life' posting. I haven't always agreed on the church's stand on certain issues, nor have I disagreed on all of them either, but I find this activity to be cockamamie.

Rather than harass Planned Parenthood patrons who 1)are not going to PP for fun, 2)who face difficult life situations and decisions, 3) may be going to PP for reasons other than abortion, why not go to the NRA and pray outside their offices? Many MANY more lives are lost senselessly from gun violence, particularly in DC.

Planned Parenthood provides affordable STD testing, primary care and preventive health services. They provide health education services. It's well known that DC has the highest HIV/AIDS rates in the nation, particularly among young African American girls and women. If the chuch is so 'pro-life', why shun PP, an organization that provides life-saving services and educational programs to such an at-risk population?

Please reconsider your focus. As Catholics, we should not judge others, especially those who are already in a difficult place in their lives.

Sincerely,

ellen

lenten reflections

...place-holder posting for future thoughts about what I will be doing during Lent for Lent.

weekend

Awesome weekend. Now for a flush of my brain of the weekend's festivities:
Virgil's BBQ
Whiskey Tavern (oh lovely spicy backs)
L'asso
Uniqlo
Shoegasm
Eataly
High Line
Chelsea Market (Jacques Torres)
Spain
Cienfuegos
Jo's
456 Shanghai

...a weekend filled with inter- and intra-personal reflection. More later!

my idea

...just so it's documented that I thought of this before anyone else has (or at least before I've found it on the web), here is my proposal for a new site:

- have a map of all the routes every airline serves.

I don't think this exists yet and it would be helpful to see which airline I should be considering when shopping for airfare, no?

waste land

Last night Mary and I saw Waste Land, one of the Academy Award nominees for Best Feature Documentary. It was the first of multiple free screenings of the nominees at the Nat'l Archives and it was so wonderful. I actually didn't know the complete synopsis of the film going into the screening and was glad I didn't because it was surprisingly and refreshingly uplifting. Highly recommended. If only these were the types of films that were regarded as blockbusters...the world would be a more thoughtful and informed place.

where credit is due...and gay marriage

This morning, GM reported its first annual profit since 2004 - $4.7 million - the most in more than a decade. To state the obvious, I credit this to the Obama administration's Big Three bailout. According to the Times, tens of thousands of GM employees will receive profit-sharing checks of over $4000 each. Chrystler and Ford are also cutting bonus checks to their employees. By saving GM, the government has indeed preserved jobs, which is what the initial goal was. Although the government still needs to sell its remaining shares at high enough prices, it has also already recovered billions from GM. (ok - it's only about $7 billion out of the $50 billion needed to validate the decision to save GM (as of Nov 2010), but still, things are looking up and thousands of jobs were saved) Where are the anti-government naysayers now? Somewhere thinking of other stupid things to harp about, that's where. Many of said naysayers believe in 'less government' yet these are the same morons who want the government to do many things still - including banning gay marriage - another hot topic in the news this week. Ban gay marriage! The least of things the government needs to do!! And/or SHOULD do!!

check out my mad skillz, yo

To my readers (all 2 of you) -
You probably noticed that the number of postings has tripled in the last 24 hours! That's because I've learned out to import postings from my old blog (circa 2006-07). So everything I wrote there is now here. It's important to note that these postings were from years ago, as some of the content was worth posting then (or maybe not) but I wouldn't necessarily post it now. I guess you can say either 1) I've grown up or 2) I haven't grown up but actually gone backwards or 3) I'm still the unthoughtful writer who wishes she was more insightful and witty. Regardless, I'm glad to have all my thoughts - past and present - in one place (not including my xanga I kept while in college - that was great stuff).

i was told i should write about something...

There have been a few requests for me to start writing already. A few days ago, Tony Kornheiser mentioned on his radio show that many people write about themselves - what they're doing, the conversations they have, what their thoughts are - and then there are those who write. The latter are people who can write pieces about a certain topic and that have a beginning, middle and end.


I was contemplating this while thinking about what direction I want to take the Train and concluded the following: I know very little about many things and know a lot about very few things. For me to write postings as Mr. Kornheiser described would be to do a research paper everytime. Forget that.

unfair

What am I doing inside when it's a lovely, balmy, unseasonably warm 72 degrees here in an otherise dreadful location?!?! ...
...
...
...oh right.

I haven't won the lottery yet. That's it!

back by popular demand...

I've reincarnated into a brand new blog - my third. Please don't have high expectations.

conversation

my brother (5:12:30 PM): i went to a baby sign language class on saturday

me (5:12:40 PM): aww how cute. not you, babies doing sign language

me (5:12:45 PM): is the baby ok?

my brother (5:13:13 PM): we got an apt on wednesday

my brother (5:13:23 PM): vicky say it moving around alot

me (5:13:23 PM): but it's not deaf right

my brother (5:13:41 PM): lol

my brother (5:13:43 PM): no

me (5:13:34 PM): you got an apartment?

me (5:13:37 PM): where?

me (5:13:42 PM): why

my brother (5:13:57 PM): it's for when the baby cant talk yet

my brother (5:14:02 PM): so it can tell you what it want

my brother (5:14:13 PM): appointment

me (5:14:07 PM): but how does you taking a class help the baby convey what it wants

my brother (5:14:21 PM): what did you have for lunch, scotch?

my brother (5:15:40 PM): the baby can do sign languages like a monkey

my brother (5:15:49 PM): like i want more i want to eat, too hot

my brother (5:15:53 PM): that kind of stuff

my brother (5:16:07 PM): they can communicate with that before they can talk

me (5:19:10 PM): so the class teaches parents how to understand them

my brother (5:21:17 PM): teaches us signs so we can teach the baby

me (5:21:54 PM): oohh

me (5:21:59 PM): thats silly

my brother (5:22:11 PM): so if i want to say "more hot turtle eat hurt cat dog thank you all done" i can sign it and the baby can too

me (5:22:01 PM): sounds yuppy

my brother (5:22:20 PM): it is

my brother (5:22:23 PM): $50

Perfect

"Your health is the continent, the solid land on which I build all my happiness and hope. When you are sick, I am like the inhabitants of countries visited by Earthquake. They lose all faith in the eternal order and fixedness of things. Your sickness is my Earthquake."

-James Garfield


"I don't know how to exist in a world where my dad doesn't."

-George


(stuff I wish I could come up with .. among countless other thoughtful statements)

This sucks...

... I ran out of Kirkland brand toilet paper, had no ride to Costco, was forced to buy Scott brand toilet paper from CVS (that was $1 off with an instant coupon), and am now wiping with ONE-PLY. I never noticed how Kirkland was two-ply - serves me right for not noticing and appreciating that extra layer of comfort, strength and absorbability.

Boo :(

On a brighter note, I had the most generous side order of lamb biryani today for lunch from Naan n Beyond. Oh they went beyond alright! The lamb pieces were enormous.

Why is it so hard ...

... to write a resignation letter?
... to find a manly man who takes charge?
... for me to update my mp3 player?
... for me to go to the post office?
... for me to make decisions that are good for me?
... for me to eat my frozen vegetables?
... for me to clean my shower and tub?
... for me to just put the damn toilet paper in its holder?

On a lighter note, I've decided to learn as many Jay-Z lyrics as I can, after being so irritated that I didn't know as many as I would like so I could sing along at the club this past Friday.

... I got 99 problems but a bitch aint one, that's for sure.