My Unbiased Take

Howdy all, Happy friday. Now if I could just my back to work properly.

Ahoyhoy!

Doh! Greeeenwithennnnvy!!! Nooooo!

I happen to like this particular rabbit hole echo chamber. The decor is so cozy.

Admit it, yellojkt, it's the antimacassars, innit?

"...extremely nuanced, free of hyperbole and overstatement, which is why it bothers me that so many people are such Pinkos and Nazis."

LOL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1U5UexDY4kw
Spin doctors.

"Pretty much the moment a candidate gives a speech, the video and text are available online. Watch/read it yourself. You don't need a news medium to analyze it for you."

Retiring editor Mr Downey said much the same thing in an interview he did with the Australian Broadcasting Company. It was such a good interview it helped keep me awake last 3 am.

About the 'slam dunk' and the '3-pointers'...is it only J Walsh who knows it's baseball season? Besides her 'grand slam,' there's 'stealing home', 'double play', and maybe even 'bunting' that a twisted mind could use.

In a few weeks, can it switch to football? First Down (or 3rd and Long), Quarterback Sneak, False Start, etc.

Basketball just seems so Super Tuesday.

That line made me laugh out loud, too, Mr. Curmudgeon.

Joel,

I also like humble and moderate megalomania. In particular, I like adoring crowds. The smaller the crowd, the more adoring it should be. Call it proportional adoration.

If a crowd is rioting outside a bookstore because they have run out of my books, On my arrival, the crowd should immediately stop hostilities and revert to being adoring.

People should adore me a lot but moderately and proprtionatly to my greatness.

The mainstream media outlets have a big diversity problem. In DC, reporters are 9-1 Democrat in the most recent surveys. This doesn't have to be a problem, but there is evidence that it has become one.

According to Rasmussen and Fox polls, almost half of Americans think the media is helping Obama win while about 10% think it is helping McCain. Only about 30% think the media is being unbiased.

If these numbers showed people thinking the media was biased toward the rich, toward whites, or toward any other group, there would be diversity sessions to figure out how to counter the skeptical views from the subgroup.

But because newsrooms are full of Democrats, they do not take this seriously. They read lefty sites and see "media bias" claims and assume it is just both sides making noise.

It's not. There is a pervasive view among Rs, Is and many Ds that the media is biased for Obama and it is cheering him on. That should worry reporters. It's telling that it does not.

And let's not forget, "Sliding into home, spikes up and aimed at the catcher's knee."

All the press talked about preceding Obama's world trip, which he was goaded into by the McSame campaign in the perfect realization of "be careful what you ask for", was that Obama could engage in a damaging gaffe that would sink him.

Over and over went this theme, obviously an example of hopeful wish-making by the press.

Then when instead McSame started changing his POW tale to fit the sports team of whatever city he was in, couldn't remember 3 times in one week that Czechoslovakia was dissolved in 1993, that Iran-Pakistan don't share a border, that the Sunni Awakening came before the surge, were these examples of incompetence/mental breakdown given the prominence any gaffe by Obama would have been given?

No, of course not. Had to save column space, Evening News airtime just in case Obama slipped up, as all were anticipating.

Yesterday McSame referred to the Iraq war being the first conflict following 9-11. Is that why he has had Afghanistan on the back burner for six years? He forgot we invaded it a year before Iraq?

Can you imagine if Obama had said such a thing? It would be proof of his naivete, proof he doesn't know what he's doing, proof his foreign policy cred isn't up to snuff.

Yeah, no double standard here. *L*

McCain and his incompetent advisers have no one but themselves to blame...their idiot strategy was to turn the election into a referendum on obama, rather than tout their own plans...and they have done that, in part by taunting Obama into going to Iraq...these guys make the Bush administration look like Kennedy's Whiz Kids

McCain and his incompetent advisers have no one but themselves to blame...their idiot strategy was to turn the election into a referendum on obama, rather than tout their own plans...and they have done that, in part by taunting Obama into going to Iraq...these guys make the Bush administration look like Kennedy's Whiz Kids

McCain and his incompetent advisers have no one but themselves to blame...their idiot strategy was to turn the election into a referendum on obama, rather than tout their own plans...and they have done that, in part by taunting Obama into going to Iraq...these guys make the Bush administration look like Kennedy's Whiz Kids

Please, call me Mudge. "Curmudgeon" sounds so...so...accurate. *sigh*

frans4321, getting used to the Submit Button Vortex, huh? Happens to everyone.

Clinton gave a memorable speech in Berlin? I sure can't remember that one. Let me look over my master list of political catch phrases:

"Ich bin ein Berliner."
"Mr. Gorbachev, tear down that wall."
"I did not have sex with that woman."

Somehow I'm missing it.

In the danged if you do and danged if you don't department, there was faint mumbling that even giving a speech on the soil of our ally for the past half century would hurt Obama with the blue-haired early-birders in Del Boca Vista Phase 3.

As far as Goodwin's Law violations go, the right is very, very concerned about the Obama cult of personality to the point of making rather unsubtle hints that the Democratic Coronation Ceremony is going to resemble something that could have been filmed by Leni Riefenstahl.

I've seen bigger cases of sour grapes, but never one so vicious.

If you haven't guessed already, we have a FPA going on. The undisclosed location is open, if needed.

PlainTim, that spikes-up slide would get yer a$$ kicked out of *my* ballgame.

Adam C, newsrooms are *not* full of Democrats. They are full of rational, intelligent, perspicacious, free-thinking, open-minded, curious people, many of whom have fly-away or similarly challenged tonsure. That many are Democrats is simply a naturally following byproduct. To put narrow-minded, ideologically driven, gay-hating, poor-hating, downtrodden-hating, foreigner-fearing, isolationist, laissez-faire-apologizing, immigrant-hating, humorless, creationist-tolerating, shrill tax-hating rightwing nutjobs in more newsrooms, would, indeed, seem to foster some diversity, but at a price. A neatly dressed, bow-tie-wearing newsroom isn't all it's cracked up to be, you know.

Yes, the antimacassars make this a pleasant echo chamber. Now, if the promacassars would only keep quiet.

There is nothing as dumb as the old media trying to deal with their liberal bias. The old time papers and television networks are owned, operated, and controlled by the left. As sure as the sun will rise everyday, the American people know this. Deal with it ....

If you haven't guessed already, we have a FPA going on. The undisclosed location is open, if needed.

PlainTim, that spikes-up slide would get yer a$$ kicked out of *my* ballgame.

Adam C, newsrooms are *not* full of Democrats. They are full of rational, intelligent, perspicacious, free-thinking, open-minded, curious people, many of whom have fly-away or similarly challenged tonsure. That many are Democrats is simply a naturally following byproduct of their general good sense and expansive, generous nature. To put narrow-minded, ideologically driven, gay-hating, poor-hating, downtrodden-hating, foreigner-fearing, isolationist, laissez-faire-apologizing, immigrant-hating, humorless, creationist-tolerating, shrill tax-hating rightwing nutjobs in more newsrooms, would, indeed, seem to foster some diversity, but at a price. A neatly dressed, bow-tie-wearing newsroom isn't all it's cracked up to be, you know.

The submit button is extra sticky today. It's even caught mudge. No more hot fresh Krispy Kremes on the keyboards folks. If you must snack while boodling, wipe your fingers on the antimacassars first.

*trying to find where I put the *&%$# handi-wipes*

mudge,
How does that excellent rant jibe with the mere existence of Faux News? The got a lot of bow-tie wearers over there. And a few falafel, er, loofah enthusiasts.

I bet bow-ties are mandatory at the Moonie Times as well.

I tried using the glop they put in donuts as a hair cream onect but I had to quit because I kept riding my bicycle into phone poles and walls and such. Flys in the eyes yanno.

"Oh Lord it's hard to be humble, being perfect in every way..."

An observation from outside the Beltway if you please. These elections have a trickle down effect on all branches of the Federal government in my book. And that is nothing new because the 109th Congress was really messed up with politics, zealotry and ulta conservatism. Who can forget Terri Schaviro ? More recently, how about threatening to deport 12 million people or the failure of "Comprehensive Immigration Reform". They just have not learned to keep it simple to me.

If both political parties would stop blaming the other party for incompetence in general, I would think the effective management of time would be enhanced. And really, I truly believe "blaming" is an immature action, a symptom of dysfunctional families too. Excuses are the same deal, there is no excuse for the cost of gasolene right now, the continued meltdown of Subprime crimes and failed strategy in Iraq and Afganistan.

So, I guess certain individual Legislators are not very well focused or incompetent when it comes to the Legislative process opting to play politics in the absence of skill or experience and education.

May I add that watching the 109th Congress, that tree was filled most of the time in the Senate. As the failure of Comprehensive Immigration reform witnesses, some things are just too complicated for the world's greatest delibertative body, the United States Senate at this time.

We should expect effective time management in the 21st century. And we should reject politics that do not solve problems today, not in ten years, not in forty years and and not after the August recess.

Boko--you should post a fasten your seat belt sign before Boodling. I almost fell off my chair laughing.

Mudge wrote (and I quote) "To put narrow-minded, ideologically driven, gay-hating, poor-hating, downtrodden-hating, foreigner-fearing, isolationist, laissez-faire-apologizing, immigrant-hating, humorless, creationist-tolerating, shrill tax-hating rightwing nutjobs in more newsrooms, would, indeed, seem to foster some diversity,"

Balanced beautifully by Alan Colmes.

Poor Boko. At least you didn't run into homeless old men and then ride merrily off.

David Brooks is quite the Mr. McNasty today.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/25/opinion/25brooks.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

No, that's a fine single malt lark, Yoki.

That (Faux News) just proves my point why filling a newsroom with bow-tie-wearing Conservatives is a really bad idea, yello.

Trying to envision a "flyaway...tonsure" and got flashes of American Indians in old Westerns.

I admit "flyaway tonsure" is a difficult concept to grasp, Shiloh. But the hair has to go somewhere. Myself, I think it may float into the upper atmosphere and cause Northern Lights.

Megalomania, biases, the Big Picture - it's Friday! I have often wanted to be Queen but can't get anyone else to sign on for the program.

Speaking of biases, the Boy & I enjoyed a Colbert Report yesterday (no idea if it was the first showing) with rapper Noz (spelling?). This is the guy who finally had enough of Bill O'Reilly and presented Fox with a petition asking the network to be less racist. He had 600,000 plus signatures. Fox, of course, refused to accept the petition, and Colbert had Noz on his show. They sat on the petition boxes, and later the rapper performed his rap about Fox News. It was great.

A word about blaming and effective management. It has, sadly, been my observation in community work that one group may wind up controlling and co-opting an entire organization if others don't vocally and vigorously protest when bad decisions are made, and continue that protest after the fact. I believe this is true of government writ large as well as small. Sometimes blame can in fact serve an important function.

Kemo-sabe

Yat-tah-hey

Yeah, Brooks definitely saw a different speech than the rest of the MSM cheerleading squad:

"But he has grown accustomed to putting on this sort of saccharine show for the rock concert masses, and in Berlin his act jumped the shark. His words drift far from reality, and not only when talking about the Senate Banking Committee. His Berlin Victory Column treacle would have made Niebuhr sick to his stomach."

These are talking points spinning into high gear. There is some indefinable sameness about the conservative take on Barack's Waldo Pepper Barnstorming Tour. Expect similar reviews from Chuckie K, Kristol Meth, and Gerson in the next few days. And a boring history lesson from George Will.

The media supports whoever is in power because they are the ones buttering the bread. Right now they are confused, even schizoid, because they do not know who is in power, and they have to cover their bases until they do know. This means they are biased toward both sides??? At least they cannot say anything that might alienate anyone. Just forget about "truth" for the time being. (Please excuse the horribly mixed metaphors.)

*Tim, instead of a flip-flop, it could be a balk. Working spitball in might be a bit more difficult.

That Brooks op-ed was humourless and tasted of sour-grapes. Must be hard to see your man having a bad day, week and month while the opposisition is soaring. Soaring in Germany anyway, things seem to improve for McCaine in some states according to a recent poll.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/24/AR2008072401330.html
The way things are going, the Rest of the World would have a collective fit of anger at the American voter if the Old Man is elected next November.

Gawd, how I weary of the "media bias" blather. Who the hel l (learned that trick from Mudge -- thank you) ARE the media? Matt Drudge? Daily Kos? Hugh Hewitt? HuffPo? WaPo? WSJ? Of course this was JA's point, it just seems so obvious that I cannot fathom why pollsters are still axin' the question. I guess to just reveal that some Americans are stooopit. What a shock.

I am clueless. What exactly does this phrase "jump the shark" mean? It makes no sense to me, whether you think of sharks as large marine menaces or lawyers.

I always laugh whenever I hear someone refer to "The Media" as if it were a monolithic entity. (Still waitin' for this phrase to catch fire.) The quanta of all organizations are individuals, and individuals have this weird habit of being, you know, individualistic.

But scapegoats have been all the rage ever since those Neanderthals moved into the cave next door and pulled down everyone's equity.

That we are still triple digits from election day depresses me as well. I hate political commercials. And my wife hates it when I scream at the television. (I mean, she won't even let me watch "Criminal Minds" any more.) Yet, sadly, these simplistic advertisements seem oddly effective. I spent quite some time yesterday explaining to my father-in-law that environmental restrictions were not responsible for Four Buck Gas and the wholesale repeal of the same would neither result in significantly cheaper petrol nor, in fact, allow us to tell the Arab world to go stick it.

Now he is an intelligent, if under-educated, man, what with his advocacy of the Iggles and all, and I think I got through to him. I just weep for the many, many people that I am unable to subject to a 12 minute monologue on adaptive markets.

The poor souls.

But I try to distract myself from such dreary thoughts. I am on vacation, after all. This morning we rented a pontoon boat and went cruising up and down the local river. This was supposed to be relaxing, and, in general, it was. That is, if you ignore that whole near-miss (or, as Carlin would put it, near hit) with that other watercraft. Really, I only drifted a bit.

This afternoon my father-in-law made for me a delightful beverage consisting of beer and Clamato. I can see this insinuating its way into my soul, so I am only having one.

I have also discovered the writings of David Sedaris. I am enjoying his essays greatly despite not being gay. (Much like how I used to dig Cheech and Chong despite never having been high.)

Really, it is amazing how much more entertaining the world becomes after a morning on the water and an afternoon on a screened-in porch. Especially while sipping what my sister calls an "Adult Beverage."

Indeed, I may decide to have another.

But first I need to hide the laptop.

For a more humorous take on Obama's trip, linked to in today's politics chat:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/gerard_baker/article4392846.ece

I wish that Clark Kent was back in the newsroom. His tonsure may have been impeccable, but when he wore his skivies on the outside of his leotard, well, that just weirded me out. At least he was for truth, justice, and all that other stuff.

Ivansmom-"jump the shark" refers to the episode of Happy Days where Fonzie jumped a shark while water skiing. This has since come to refer to something, like a once groundbreaking or at least very entertaining TV show, that is forced to grasp at anything to maintain popularity. I believe Television Without Pity maintains a discussion board where people discuss when particular series "jumped the shark."

Jump the shark came from an episode of Happy Days when Fonzie on water skis, jumped a shark and it came to mean an over the top or preposterous event.

Ivansmom - before someone beats me too it, "Jump the Shark" refer to the episode of Happy Days when Fonzie, in his leather jacket, literally jumps over a shark on water skis. (Fonzie, not the shark.)

It is short hand for when any television program, or creative enterprise, runs out of new ideas and starts to, you know, massively suck.

ivansmom: Yea! I signed that petition!

I recently read a comprehensive article about "jumped the shark" in which it was opined that the phrase had, itself, jumped the shark. I forgot what supposedly took its place. I will look for the article.

Cursed be your quick fingers Shiloh!

I think "jump the shark" also means "the moment when something begins to die." Did not Happy Days ratings drop precipitously after that episode? I should Wiki this ... but I'm too lazy.

Clark Kent was tonsured?

And frostbitten too!

Ivansmom, you've got my vote for Queen.

"Jumping the shark" is a coined term for something past it's due date or in general past it's prime (usually a tv series). The term originates from Happy Days when there was an episode in which the Fonz waterski jumped over a shark, the popular consensus being that this was an indication that they were completely out of new ideas. There is a website (of course) on the subject about whether shows have jumped the shark, and if so, when.

RD, please tell me that you were NOT enjoying an adult beverage while simultaneously engaged in the navigation of a motorized vessel upon the inland waters of these United States.

Frostbitten was there first, RD, but you were more descriptive with "massively suck."

Boko

I'm still laughing at your comment about the hair stuff, and the flies. And then I had to read Mudge's comment after that, and, Lord help me, I can't stop laughing. Are you folks tasting or testing anything before leaving work? I know my neighbors think I have really gone around the bend. They already suspect some things aren't quite as they should be, this outburst will seal my doom.

Y'all are too quick for me. Time to change my coffee IV on this dull Friday afternoon!

Frostbitten is tonsured too?

Thanks to all for the valuable lesson in contemporary pop culture. You can tell that I've been missing hit TV shows for many years now, as my ignorance is both broad and deep. Now that I have some context, I believe that any description of Obama's Berlin speech as "jumping the shark" still makes no sense. Ah, well, maybe I'm just dense.

kbertocci, good for you on the petition. The Boy says just to go to YouTube and look for Colbert Report and Noz to see the performance. Excellent political commentary in any genre.

Don - of course not! Do you think me mad? (That was metaphorical BTW.) My older bro is in the Coast Guard so we take water safety *very* seriously. And my little joke about drifting wasn't really what happened. I just momentarily got my left and right confused. There was no danger. Although the fact that I get my left and right confused without having an Adult Beverage is scary in itself.

Perhaps the shark was thrown under the bus kb.

I have maxed out my "executive function" and cannot make another decision today. Including the one that would take me downstairs to the fridge for an adult beverage. I have one of those beer and clamato things in a can RD and will fax it to you. I find it undrinkable.
More on how making decisions tires the brain here:
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=tough-choices-how-making
Better yet, preserve your ability to make good decisions this evening by taking a little leisure now to watch this chimp escape video:
http://www.sciam.com/video.cfm?id=4DE6995062641817FD57EDDEA2CD1F55

Clark Kent was tonsured and frostbitten?!

I think it's simply quite clear Brooks has no idea what "jumping the shark" means or how to use it properly, that's all. He's trying to be faux-hip, and as happens in these cases, is six months or a year out-of-date. (I'll bet his first draft accused Obama of jumping the porpoise until some copy editor fixed it.)

Randy Pausch has left the building: http://blog.washingtonpost.com/postmortem/2008/07/i_have_experienced_a_deathbed.html?hpid=topnews

I hate that expression. Along with "thrown under a bus" and "drank the kool-aid."

This is for Ivansmom...

LUCY: Linus, do you know what I intend? I intend to be a queen. (Musical fanfare.) When I grow up I'm going to be the biggest queen there ever was. And I'll live in a big palace with a big front lawn and have lots of beautiful dresses to wear. And, when I go out in my coach all the people...

LINUS: (interrupting her) Lucy!

LUCY: All the people will wave, and I will SHOUT at them. And...

LINUS: Lucy, I believe queen is an inherited title. Yes, I am quite sure a person can only be queen by being born into a royal family of the correct lineage so that she can assume the throne after the death of the reining monarch. I can't think of any possible way that you could ever become a queen. I'm sorry Lucy, but it's true.

LUCY: And in the summer time, I will go to my summer palace and I will wear my crown in swimming and everything. And all the people will cheer and I will SHOUT at them. (She pauses) WHAT DO YOU MEAN I CAN'T BE A QUEEN!!!!!!

LINUS: It's true.

LUCY: There must be a loop hole... this kind of thing always has a loop hole. Nobody should be kept from being a queen if she wants to be one. It's undemocratic.

All of the above and the "jump the shark" phrase was coined by the operators of this website:

http://www.jumptheshark.com/index.jspa

Their official definition is thus:

'It's a moment. A defining moment when you know that your favorite television program has reached its peak. That instant that you know from now on...it's all downhill. Some call it the climax. We call it "Jumping the Shark." From that moment on, the program will simply never be the same.

'The aforementioned expression refers to the telltale sign of the demise of Happy Days, our favorite example, when Fonzie actually "jumped the shark." The rest is history.'

Categories that indicate shark jumping include musical episodes, romantic couples hooking up, child stars hitting puberty, and casting Ted McGinley.

The television show 'Arrested Development' which featured many 'Happy Days' alumni both in front of and behind the camera had a lot of inside shark jumping jokes in it.

Weingarten has proposed "marrying Irving" as the comic strip version of jumping the shark.

The Simpsons did an excellent couch gag with Homer and family jumping a shark, which leapt up and bit off his legs before Homer landed on the sofa and happily clicked the TV remote, as his legs floated around in the water of the living room floor.

No the news is not biased, but the person watching/reading is. If you don't want to hear opposing viewpoints you know what station or channel to flip to. The only place where you get the other side's viewpoint seems to be the web and then it's a battle to the death with gotcha posting. The noise is so loud you can't even think let alone weigh an argument.

Except for here where it's.......oddly civil :)

*Putting away old Marine Inspector's uniform, citation pad, badge, breathalizer, and handcuffs*

Carry on, good sir. BTW, I hear that there may be a opening for a towboat operator on the Mississippi. You sound like you'd qualify.

Thank you, SonofCarl, for your vote. We shall remember you when we assume the throne, and graciously offer you a position as one of Her Majesty's advisers.

Actually, there is enough knowledge and talent in the Boodle that Her Majesty's cohort of advisers may be rather large; more like a horde. But always benevolent.

Why did all three of the "commercial" networks, Katie Couric, Brian Williams and Charles Gibson have to go to Europe to cover Obama? Ratings? Hmmmmm. To me the shark has been jumped for the final time and the networks have no chance at returning to objective journalism. If they think that is what people want, I would challenge them to do it "old school" for a month, and broadcast that information- they will find that it is the news- the facts, the data people want, not Katie or Brian or Charlie's opinions (even if they are not overt but not so cleverly hidden in the tone of the questions asked and the body language used in asking. No one minds the 30 seconds to a minute at the end of the news when they show a baby penguin or a good samaritan. They think they are doing such great jobs and yet with unrelenting consistency at least one of the W's and also the H, are left out. As far as I am concerned, their overpowering the reporters who have been assgined to Obama since the beginning have been treated unprofessionally by their networks and their own colleagues. When are we going to return to the class journalism of Cronkite, Huntley, Reasoner, Howard K. Smith, Eric Sevaried...?

Awwww. That was sweet, Mike. Say more nice things to us.

4:02 on a Friday. All this talk of adult beverages is taking a heavy toll on my morale.

The narrator in the chimp zoo break was very good.

Just a reminder.. BPH on Tuesday night in honor of a visit from mostlylurking!

David Brooks - isn't he the guy who thinks that poor old Ranesh Ponurru is one of the great up-and-coming conservative minds?

Mom. what's for dinner?

And thanks to TBG for the reminder. The Post of Prime Minister to whomever finds me that loophole!

Mudge, imagine my pain - it is only just after 3 pm here.

Howdy Mike. And Millie Bea, it just isn't fair to compare the current anchors to Uncle Walter et al. Some of them may get there. [I don't know; I don't watch network news.] By the way, didn't you mean to include Dan Rather in your list? That man was a piece of work.

Like all things comics related, Weingarten is woefully off with his "marrying Irving" coinage. Cathy sucked a long, long time before she married Irving. It was hardly a turning point in quality.

Which expression is it that you hate Yoki? "Jump the shark" or "left the building"? In my defense, I was trying to express the fact that his death means something to me that is vague and ill-defined, but consciously avoided a maudlin or faux-surprised reaction. His fame was precisely because of the graceful manner with which he faced the inevitable as it approached much faster than he might once have predicted. This fact seems to have escaped some of the commenters on the Post Mortem blog, one of whom labeled him as being in denial, a bunch of others felt there was something pithy in noting that "Now he's dead. Dead is dead." What the hell is that supposed to mean?

Important Wirty Dird filter alert: the filter is not bothered by the correctly-spelled use of the word "hell" or "Hell".

He was one year older than me. I am reminded of Tom Lehrer's long-ago comment that "it is sobering to note, that when Mozart was my age, he had been dead for two years."

yello-I agree with you. Kathy "maried Irving" when she got the dog.

But mudge, we are only five minutes away from 4:20.

Do not be fooled by imposters. The Boy would never ask me what's for dinner. He knows my standard reply: "Mice."

RE: "Jump the Shark"

Thank you, fellow boodlers. I learn something everytime I lurk here.

* faxing Her Majesty an hour's worth of moral support and a couple of Vienna sausage pig-in-a-blanket hors d'oeuvres to tide her over until Happy Hour*

Hmmm. No. 3 Daughter, the mad dental technician, has offered to take my wife and me out to dinner at Hong Kong Buffet, her treat. I may need to sneak outa here early.

Sorry *Tim. I wasn't referring to your post and I apologize if it felt as though I was criticising your use of "left the building." I often use "went west" and "bought the farm" to indicate that non-maudlin but not meaningless sort of feeling about a death.

I meant I hate "jump the shark" as it is used (over and over and over again) by too many columnists and especially people who write into the WAPO online discussions. Just overused and tired and not interesting and a substitute for expressing oneself. Or espressing oneself, as I am doing now with my large extra-hot cappucino.

Tim,

I think Yoki was referring to "jump the shark", "thrown under the bus", and "drank the Kool-Aid" and I agree with her. Especially about the last two.

Anyway, Elvis is the one who has left the building.

"Jumped the shark" has, well, you know.

35 minutes to vacation - adult beverages will be consumed!

I consider "jump the shark" or "marry Irving" to be the moment when an enterprise ceases to be whatever it was, and becomes an overt parody of its former self. Quality is not really the issue, in my mind. The issue is authenticity. Jumping the shark is fine, so long as you leave the stage immediately thereafter. Buffy jumped the shark when she destroyed the entire town of Sunnydale. Angel jumped the shark when he destroyed the leadership of evil on Earth and set off to slay a dragon. Star Trek TNG jumped the shark when Captain Picard recovered from being a Borg. Three's Company jumped the shark immediately after the theme song of the first episode. Unfortunately, STTNG and 3'sC stayed on the air for a good many more years.

I believe there is an exhibit of American Espressonism at your local Starbucks, Yoki, providing it isn't one of the 600 closing.

The interesting thing is that conservative scream media bias when the bias is against them. At that time they all site the stat that reporters are 90% democrats. Therefore biased in favor of democrats and therefore all the good things they report are untrustworthy. In 1980 polls indicated that most people thought most reporters were biased in favor of Ronald Reagan. How does one explain this? Simple. People are just people, not automatons. Most of these conservatives write as if all people are robots. Most reports try very hard to accuratly report as events occur. Not as they would like them to occur but as they observe them to occur. I've noticed most conservatives make no such effort.
BTW...if conservative don't like 90% of all reports are democrats then maybe more conservatives should become reports.

fb,
Excellent observation. The addition of animals that think out loud to a comic strip that never had them before is a clear shark-jumping moment.

Professor Pausch Piked a Dusty.

See

http://www.avbc.com/visit/boontling.html

Never watched Buffy or Angel, so I'm not qualified, but ST:TNG never jumped although it was doing a lot of warm-up bouncing its last season. 3'sC was when Suzanne Somers was in a contract dispute and literally phoned in Chrissie's lines.

Yeah, I know it's mice. But roasted, microwaved, or stir-fryed? Maybe we could have them creamed on noodles with cripy ants on the side?

I actually bothered to read Brooks piece. He's got indigestion from following the campaign too long. He didn't object to JFK's similar rhetorical excercises - but that campaign took less than a year; we're now up to 18 months and 3 to go.

Let's all praise the benefits of carefully directed inattention.

haven't read the new kit/boodle but i just had to tell kbert - i was reading that review of billy joel (cuz i love his older stuff) and had my media player shuffling songs (i have over 2000 songs) and all of the sudden "she's always a woman" starts playing - made the hair on the back of my neck rise (i only have a few of his songs on this computer)... weird "boodle infiltrates reality" moment!

I think Brooks elaborated on and provided context to his use of the phrase "jumped the shark" when he added: "His words drift far from reality,..." and that we have now relegated the phrase - and Brooks - to the tired cliche' collection of verbal horrors, and by thus throwing the phrase under the bus, it has left the building.

American Espressionism, Shiloh? But what about Canucki Espressionism? Who can forget the incredible work of Claude Poutine (1839-1897), who painted the lillies in the pond at the Rideout Canal? Or Bonet Maronet (1867-1924), who painted all those naked, brown-skinned eskimos lounging on the tropical shores of Baffin Island? Or Jean Singer Serge'ent Prestone, the antifreeze-drinking post-espressionist who at the Armory Show in Winnipeg in 1926 with "Seven Dudes Descending a Staircase"?

I mean, c'mon, man.

So no sequels from Prof Pausch like 'The Really Really This Time I Mean It Last Lecture'? So it goes.

Ah, faux "Ivan", mice with crispy ants on the side?!? There is no insect cookery here. What do you take me for, a barbarian?

Will Queen Ivansmom proclaim happy hour is about to start?

Running for Le Bus and Le Buffet de Chinoise. Everybody have Le Weekend Happee. Try not to sautez le requin.

Buenos gnocchis.

Here's a more comprehensive article about Boontling.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2001/02/05/MN158281.DTL

Mice, It's what's for dinner.

Brag, you are correct and I am remiss in my duties. I proclaim that Happy Hour is about to begin, somewhere in these here continental United States. Let us all be Happy.

Very nice, maggie o'd.

I think the early American Espressonists like Leon T. Cheek of Nashville and J.A.Folger of Nantucket and San Francisco, produced better, more palatable, work than Poutine or Prestone and the Canukistan copycats.

I still kind of like the phrase "jump the shark", but the others can definitely go and if I ever use the phrase "thrown under the bus", well, you know. I get *Tim's point, but I would say that the phrase implies a past peak, not the peak itself (since the JTS episode is usually a bad one). I also add that I think a recovery is usually possible. Who would have thought that the James Bond franchise could recover after Live and Let Die?

Since Ivansmom is a Simpsons fan, I will offer my own opinion that the JTS episode was probably either the psychedelic jalapeno one or the angel skeleton one.

I don't think ST:TNG ever went bad, although it had a somewhat weak start, and the Q episodes were problematic.

Incidentally, I think I personally jumped the shark sometime in the mid to late 90s.

*tim - 3's company did NOT jts - i loved that show when i was a kid (esp when jack took too many pain killers and starts tap dancing around the party)... but they really shouldn't have done the two spin offs...

one expression i'd be glad never to hear again:
is your plate full or my plate is too full

Happy System Administrator Appreciation Day, mo!!

http://www.sysadminday.com/

The reporter asks, who spent the money and organized the crowd of 200,000. This would br one way to judge the real Obama.

HEY! nobody told me about THAT pj!!! *harumpf*

mo -I'm with you on Three's Company. Absolutely silly, but oddly charming. BTW - if you read the very funny Neil Patrick Harris chat earlier this week he mentions that his "Barney" character is partly inspired by Larry on TC. Not sure how much I believe it, but it provides an ironic little twist.

See, the internet really does change everything. How else would we detect
this unlabeled self-plagiarism?
http://joshreads.com/?p=1646
Unless it's all faked...

Scientists Solve 30-year-old Aurora Borealis Mystery
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080724150341.htm

I am now communicating over a shiny (one hopes it's shiny under the insulation) new phone line at the blazing speed of 30Kbps.

The nice wireless salesman left a message apologizing for not getting back to me. He was sufficiently obsequious so I'll give him a second chance. With any luck I'll finally be able to view all the riotous videos youse guys link to. O joy!
Hi Cassandra!

UMBRAGE - sysadmin appreciation day looks to be a UK thing! no love for murican sysadmins!!!
i love this description from the site:

"A sysadmin is a professional, with complex skills, ethical challenges, and a daunting job. Many, if not most, people find computers difficult to use, and sometimes they're unreliable. Being a sysadmin doesn't absolve someone of dealing with unreliable computers. Oh, one can dream of such a day, but the opposite is true; no one sees more dead computers in a day than a sysadmin. No one sees them doing truly baffling things, and no one has more stories of computers failing, acting possessed, or even catching on fire."

That was me. I organized the crowd of 200,000. With one big roll of cash. A KAISER roll!

Simpsons made fun of out-of-steam TV shows with Poochie, the cartoon dog.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Itchy_&_Scratchy_&_Poochie_Show

Most of my favourite epsodes were after Picard went Borg. ST:TNG was quality for all but its first and last seasons. Those were a little uneven. I must go and have an adult beverage to help deal with my rancor and dyspepsia at any suggestion ST:TNG did otherwise.

I can tell I read too much today (Miss Marple while dusting a bookcase). When Mudge called his daughter 'the mad dental technician', I read it as 'the dad mental technician'. I feel it is safe to reveal this while Mudge is out to dinner.

The pinko UK press adds to the Obama love-fest with this Michelle Obama interview:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/portal/main.jhtml?xml=/portal/2008/07/26/sm_obama126.xml
Learned a few things that make me admire her even more than her steadfast no panty hose stance. First she made Barack play basketball with her brother (basketball coach at Brown)as a test of his character. I'm all for that, basketball is not only the finest sport ever devised it is a great pre-marital fault detecting device. Second, she admits she would find being a stay-at-home mom boring and headache inducing.

Adult beverages:

2 parts tequila
1 part triple sec
1 part beer (cheap, but I steal my bass players Miller, so how would I know what it costs?)
1 part lime juice
1 teaspoon sugar (or sub)
Blend in a cocktail shaker and pour over ice.

2 parts vodka
1 part triple sec
(in addition add 1 part-pick-a-flavor-schnapps)
1 part lime juice
1 part cranberry juice (I use the "lite" version-'cause it's less sweet)
Blend in a cocktail shaker with ice and pour into a martini glass.

Beer and tomato juice is the drink of the University of Neb and it's quite good too.

TGIF!
Dmon

Hey, I think I like this Ivan kid, even if he is faux. Good sense of humor he has there...

Queen Ivansmom, my late father used to proclaim that it is 5 o'clock somewhere, when he had his first adult beverage of the day at breakfast.

Mr. T and I spent the day on the Blue Ridge Parkway. We hadn't been north since 1996, so we drove to Mabry Mill and watched the miller grind cornmeal. (Of course, gasoline was much cheaper then...) I didn't realize how far it is, about 120 miles, so we had a lovely almost all-day trip.

And, wonderfully, when we got home, Mr. T's laptop booted up and worked! He spilled a diet Dr. Pepper on it Wednesday evening and we feared the worst. After he managed to find the wireless switch and turn it on, all seems to be okay. *keeping our fingers crossed*

Lots of protein in those bugs, mom.

It's not barbarian, it's post modern!

The bugs have a low carbon footprint gram-for-gram than the methane factories popularly known as cows.

FauxIvan - that hurts. I'm not faux, I just reside in an alternate Heisenbergian reality.

With antimacassars.

Evening all,i have a rare evening off due to my back and I am making meatballs and sauce using my mom's recipe.The house is smelling good. My back seems to be doing much better.

I heard a crash last night after I got into bed,this morning I found my bird feeder had been yanked off the tree and the metal bracket was bent.My neighbor and I discussed the possibility of coons or bears. This afternoon while walking down my driveway, I found a big pile of bear s**t.

The age old question of does a bear s**t in the woods has sort of been answered.No he/she would prefer to do it in the driveway,but since my driveway is in the woods.I guess the answer is Yes.

I am still cornfused.

GWE, did the bear eat what was in the birdfeeder? Hope the back continues to improve.

Saw deer on two separate occasions on the Parkway today. Also had to stop for a flock of wild turkeys to cross the road. There was an adult and a slew of half-grown turkeys, then after we passed, we watched in our rearview mirrors a couple more adults cross.

Hi, mo! hope you enjoyed that review--I thought it was cynical and heartwarming in a nice balance.

ivansmom, I didn't find the article I read, but I found another place that makes the same point. They say "jumped the shark" has been replaced by "nuked the fridge," a reference to the scene in the latest Indiana Jones movie where Indie survives a nuclear blast by hiding in a refrigerator. Here's the site I found just now:

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=nuke+the+fridge

'Mudge, do you want to break it to RDP that the reason he got his L and R mixed up is because it's really starboard and port?

:-)

And hopefully his pontoon boat came equipped with antimacassars. You know, for all the SPF 50 stuff.

Now this made me LOL:

Washington, D.C. : Warren, I am a conservative pundit looking for a replacement for my wonderful black Vette. I need to be a little more un-noticeable for awhile. What do you suggest?

Warren Brown: Stop being a pundit. Go away. Find a quiet corner somewhere. Contemplate the state of the world. Get some fresh ideas. Then, come back and re-engage in punditry with new material. In the interim, if you wish to remain unnoticeable while driving, buy a Ford Five Hundred. No one will see you in that one, not even in red.

And not just any fridge, kbert...

A LEAD-LINED fridge.

You know, since lead is such an excellent thermal insulator and all.

*SIGH*

Yeah slyness it was all gone and we had just filled it up yesterday. The funny thing was all the birds that frequent the feeder were on the tree this morning.I didn't even notice it was gone. I guess they were like hurry up man and fix and refill the feeder,we are starving out here.

Wild turkeys are nice to see.

kbert,

Thanks for the Billy Joel review link. It was fun to read.

Did you see this article from the N.Y. Times a couple of weeks ago? I think it is also nicely done.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/13/arts/music/13barr.html?_r=1&scp=4&sq=billy%20joel&st=cse&oref=slogin

The re-release of "The Stranger" include a very good concert recording from Carnegie Hall from 1977.

I also see that the Times included both "final" shows, including the one with Paul ******* McCartney:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/17/arts/music/17joel.html?scp=3&sq=billy%20joel&st=cse

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/19/nyregion/19joel.html?scp=2&sq=billy%20joel&st=cse

this is kinda cute

http://www.maniacworld.com/twin-baby-moose-in-sprinkler.html

The writers of Blondie have been caught recycling gags in the past. Sometimes within just a couple of years of each other. They think people aren't paying attention.

I feel like I've walked into Steve Irwin's Sea World with all those jumping sharks and nuked fridges.

I better come back later once my head is more... fortified. Or something.

I'm laughing, dr. Very nice. Also very nice one, Maggie O'D.

Am I the only one who finds it ironic that a bunch of lawyers, plus Yoki, a professional shark wrangler by trade, don't like the phrase "jumping the shark"? Aren't you guys being a little overly sensitive?

I mean, I wouldn't be bothered by "jumping the ink-stained wretch," or "jumping the 900-year-old old fart," or anything like that, now, would I? Of course not.

Did you guys just give away a key plot point in the new Indiana Jones movie? (Girding my loins for some considerable umbrage depending on the answer.)

Scotty, telling Padouk about port and starboard was my very first thought, too, but you know what happens to Padouk when he gets into the port.

Let me tell you about my daughter, the 5-foot-nothing, 110-pound mad dental technician and human eating machine. She had no less than THREE, full, heaping plates of food, PLUS a large bowl of hot & spicy soup. Three. Each plate was close to twice what I could eat, so she had about six times the quantity of food I did. She has the metabolism (not to mention the disposition) of the Terminator. No wonder she likes to eat there. It actually had the same kind of morbid fascination as watching one of those nature shows where an alligator eats an antelope or something; I couldn't look away.

You guys are right. If I had been thinking Port and Starboard I would have never gotten confused because, in this case, the Port side really was the side where we got on and off.

Of course, if someone had started yelling Port! Port! I might have simply expressed my preference for Shiraz.

The evenings down here in South Carolina have been spectacular. I go for a walk and the warmth makes me, I dunno, feel like I should be smoking a stogie and thinking about mermaids.

RD, since it's high season on the Grand Strand, I have to ask: are there lots of people on the beach? The mountains seem kinda empty. I worry about those who depend on tourism.

Well, looking at the WaPo front page, I see it's official: California has banned overweight sex-change recipients. *sigh*

Slyness, we have only been on the beach once, on Thursday. Compared to the midweek crowds of years passed, this seemed pretty normal. Of course, as I recall, most of the day trippers show up on the weekend, So we shall see how that looks tomorrow.

no no Curmudgeon, it is not "fat trans"...

The evenings here in Oklahoma are spectacular - spectacularly hot, that is. It is just now starting to cool down.

That "protein" excuse was a nice try, FauxIvan, but no postmodern meals for me. There must be some dietary law against mice and bugs. Watch out with the "mom" or I'll turn the Boy loose on you.

Or I'll just have you come out here and help with the chores. There are dishes to do, livestock to feed, and an ecosystem to manage.

RD, here's a rabbit moment. The Boy gave Beatrice a new serving of hay and she was so happy she wallowed in it. Charmingly, of course.

Mudge, you just better hope she's not eating for two.

O.M.G., Wilbrod. For a moment there you scared the holy crap outa me. But then I realized that since Steve Irwin died, there's no male brave enough to...well...

You know.

Hold onto that thought, Mudge. May your nerves stay the course...

One night a couple weeks ago she told me she was going to the movies with some guy, Wilbrod. So when her date shows up she introduces him to me. "Dad," she says, "this is Freddie Krueger."
"Pardon me if I don't shake hands," I said.
The next morning I asked how her date went. She said not well. Apparently she was so mean to him she'd made him cry.

Probably won't see him around here again. Dammit.

pj, thanks for those links. I clicked on 'em all. Good articles, especially the first one. And nice photo of spiffy Sir Paul with his white shirt and dark tie. [*sigh*]

On the WaPo home page there's a box on the side featuring three stories from The Onion. Here they are:
• Can't Go Wrong With A Cheeseburger, Area Man Reports
• Courageous E-mail To Boss In Drafts Folder Since December
• Novak Hits Pedestrian With Corvette

Yeah, I liked the first article, too. And also the picture of McCartney leaning against Billy Joel. I don't think Joel would allow too many people to do that!

I'm glad you answered that age-old question about bears, gwe.. well... kinda answered it.

Now if you can just find out about the Pope....

Saw David Brooks on the News Hour tonight. He did use "Disneyesque" in describing Obama's European tour, but didn't posit anything close to "jump the shark." He was actually fairly harsh towards McCain, or more precisely McCain's campaign-one he calls "not worthy of the candidate."

Time to gather the frostcats to watch Washington Week. I hate that our local PBS station shows it so late. Of course I am still upset that Mystery is no longer on Thursday nights and it's been what, a decade, since it had a regular slot? The faux "Masterpiece Mystery" does neither justice.

Toodles boodle and sweet dreams. Sending our perfect weather your way. High of 80 today with a cooling breeze and low humidity. Lows in the low 50s tonight.

Thanks, frostbitten, and I hope it gets here soon. At 9:30 pm our temperature has finally dropped to about 85 degrees F.

Vaya con queso, all, fondue and buenos gnocchis.

Hmm, you know your daughter the best, but is she the kind to put grown men in tears THAT easily by mere words alone-- no blow to the family heirlooms involved?

Hey, I've been meaning to ask Mudge, how do you like your satellite TV? Does your carrier do like ours with multiple time zones for tv channels or is this just a Canadian thing?

I have History and History West, etc. and even multiples of the US feeds. It's really nice to be able to watch news or other programs at a time where I have a hope of staying awake.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/gerard_baker/article4392846.ece

Has anyone read this column by Gerard Baker?

So funny.

Yay, thanks eidrib, I'm happy to see someone else likes that column. I linked to it earlier, and everyone just ignored me. But I'll stop sulking about it if they read it this time.

While I'm here, frostbitten, I completely agree about the travesties of Mystery & Masterpiece Theatre scheduling. Although I must say that I've been thoroughly enjoying the current run of Foyle's War.

Last swim meet of season for us. CPBoy won the sportspersonship award and the high point mark for 15-18 boys. I am happy of course.

Lurking. Reading. Laughing. Hope to be back in the boodle saddle soon.

Take care.

And a happy weekend morning to all!

Yes, I'm up early. I went to bed early because I was tired, slept the usual amount, and then was awake. When the eyes are wide open, no need to stay in the bed and stare at the ceiling. Besides, I love the peace and quiet of early morning.

bia, I read the column last night when you linked to it. Funny! It's good to see that other folks enjoy The Times. Do you read A Don's Life, the blog by Mary Beard, the Cambridge Classics prof? Good stuff.

CP, glad to hear that the swim season is over for you today. Congrats on CPBoy's award, I know you're proud. Swim team is an incredible commitment for parents as well as swimmers. My 8-year-old niece has announced an ambition to be an Olympic swimmer. That requires a year-round commitment, of course. I don't know if her mother will be able to handle it.

Good morning, Boodle. Happy weekending to everyone!

'morning all. Sir Mick turns 65 today. * sigh*

"One thing that Sir Mick Jagger assuredly will not be worrying about this morning is how he is going to manage on his £87-a-week old age pension...
...and so officially becomes an Old Man. But he doesn't look it, even if his face does bear the odd wrinkle of a life thoroughly lived; beside those two wraiths of the undead, Keith and Ronnie, he is the Duracell Bunny of ancient rockers."

http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article4402485.ece

bia - I read it! I read it! I've been so ridiculously busy that I feverishly backboodle at odd times so I haven't been commenting at all. I see that the boodle just hums along without me! So, thanks iedrib and bia for that link, very funny.
And I have been watching Foyle's War also. Wonderful! I was crying like a baby at the end of the last one. Well, I think it was the last one, since I've been dvr-ing them and catching them at odd times.

eidrib - I hope your interview went well.

Mick Jagger may be the Duracell Bunny of rockers, but he surely looks 65 to me. He looks good compared to Keith Richards, but I find it incredibly painful to watch him onstage. It's just ghastly to see him strutting and prancing around.

Off to make a picnic lunch. We have more company and it looks like it's going to be a spectacular beach day. They are not big movie goers, so I have to put off the X-files movie. I've been reading fair to middling reviews, so it sounds like the director didn't nuke the fridge in the movie.

Happy Saturday all.

Sad morning Chez Yoki. Our gentle Yeoman, the very tall and funny-looking Bernese Mountain Dog, died last night.

He went for his off-leash romp yesterday, ate his dinner with enthusiasm, had a cuddle with Himself and me on the chesterfield, seemed not to be feeling quite right around 10:00, and died overnight. It was a good death.

Sorry to hear about your loss, Yoki. At least no suffering involved.

Did my morning prowl.
Found a prominent display of signed KINGMAKER copies at Borders Books in Gaithersburg on N. Frederick.

If interested, they are right by the customer service counter.

Yoki, I am so sorry. At least it was a gentle death but still hard for you and your family.

bia, I loved that article you linked to yesterday afternoon. I would have told you sooner but I haven't had a chance to sit down and backboodle until this morning.

We went out for a quick dinner last night and I was trying to decide between a burger and a BLT wrap when I noticed a new item on the menu, a cheeseburger wrap with bacon. Joking with the waiter about bacon rewarded me with a 'side' of bacon in addition. Oh happy day!

Last night was the benefit raffle for #2. It was good to see her out of the house and seeing friends and customers. But the most heartwarming thing to me as her mother was to see how many people, fellow workers, friends and customers, were geniunely happy to see and talk with her. The two women who organized it did a great job and I have thanked them profusely.

Now I must get ready to go to a family reunion cookout. At least the humidity has lessened as it's usually hot as hell in my cousin's backyard.

Love the subject of the Kit but don't have time to reflect on it right now.

I'm sorry to hear about Yeoman Yoki.

Condolences, Yoki.

'Morning, Boodle. Yes, I'm a big fan of Foyle's War, too, and a year or two ago raved about the terrific Honeysuckle Weeks. I even love her name. And Kitchen is great.

Love the sat-TV, dr, tho' it takes some getting used to the changeover in numbers. Have most of the key ones memorized, but not all. But reception is 10 times better.

Gotta go. We're doing a total makeover of my home office/work area/TV room, and so may be disconnected from the internets for a while.

Oh Yoki, my heart is with you. I wish for such a good end not just for pets but for all of us.

bia and eidrib-loved the Times link, the first and second time. Made the mistake of reading a few comments. When will I learn not to stray from the way of the boodle? (Though every once in a while another blog shows signs of boodlehood, or at least boodlish tendencies.)

Foyle's War is a keeper, but I miss having Mystery every week-even the repeats.

Time to quit stalling and get to the weekend work. I blew off mowing the lawn yesterday and now must brave the overstuffed garage in search of a machete-bamboo doesn't grow this fast. I'm almost ready to hire someone to do it to get it all tidied in time for Mr. F's arrival. At long last, he and Frostdottir are departing Tampa one week from today. I will love to see them both, but more importantly I am ready to let go of some of the work on the Chez Frostbitten acreage. The house is small, the work is not.

I largely agree with Joel on this. But, I do think the conservatives have a big advantage on this question. And that advantage derives from their Manichaen spin on every question. Conservatives seem to believe that all facts are debatable. That objectivism is impossible and that every conclusion arrived at is simply someone's opinion.

Conservatives use this basis to charge that whatever the mainstream media conclude on a given question, it is simply their opinion. This puts opinionmongers like Rush Limbaugh on the same level as any professional journalist who has to live under the strictures of a professional code which mandates that they be fair, balanced, objective. Does anyone out there believe Rush Limbaugh abides by the same rules that apply to professional journalists? Does anyone believe that Ann Coulter's opinion is as weighty as say, Brian Williams reporting that Barak Obama's fundraising skills surpassed that of John McCain in June?

What is opinion and what is fact? When the right makes the charge of liberal bias, they also say that the liberals in the major media--mainly NBC, ABC, CBS and CNN--simply won't admit to their biases like they do. Who's kidding who here? Who is it that proudly displays the banner "FAIR AND BALANCED"?

Yoki,
I'm so glad it was so painless for your dog. We love our pets so much.

sd,
I have an uncle whose mantra about getting old is "I'm still younger than Mick Jagger."

//column by Gerard Baker//

could have been written by Curmudgeon!

Alas, Yeoman. I'd nose him, Yoki, a fellow of infinite fur, of most excellent style.

Woebegone days, to hear Yeoman has made his grand exit from this petty stage we all walk on before I ever got to meet him.

Nellie, true, although Curmudgeon would have been fair in his reporting and involved the whole question of Jewish doubt and also the Roman Empire's line on all this messiah nonsense.

Oh, Yoki, I'm so sorry to hear about Yeoman. I'm sure he's left a big hole in the family.

Condolences. I can relate about Yeoman, Yoki. I know what you mean about the relief over a good death. My former dog Lucky was fortunate that way.

Several weeks ago about the time my most wonderous cat vanished, I heard reports of coyotes ranging here in the greenway in the center of Charlotte NC. I will not dwell on the rest, except that there was closure. I do so miss her.

But I am here now to kvetch about the price of chocolate cakes. The last one I got at the semi-upscale grocery, seemed liked they had shorted me on the actual amount of chocolate in the cake! At $10 or $12 a cake, this will not do! I'm a lifelong cook, but never made a chocolate cake. Soon I will assemble my first attempt. In fact, it's about time to preheat the oven.

Also, greenwithenvy, I hope you know I shouted "noooo," because you beat me to first. I was just foolin'.

I dont know whether to drive to Florida or paint the house. Hmm.

Wilbrodog said it more dramatically, but very sorry to hear about Yeoman's passing, although I am very glad it was gentle and soft into the good night.

God loves us so much more than we can imagine through Him that died for all, Jesus Christ.

Afternoon, friends. Just getting to the computer, been up a long time. On the telephone with a friend. We talked for hours. I doubt I got 80% of the conversation.

Yoki, sorry about your trusted friend and companion. Peace.

Hope everyone's weekend is starting off with a bang. It is raining here, cloudy and depressing. And promising to be that way the whole weekend. A blessing it is for the rain.

Mudge, you and that description concerning your daughter. I had to laugh.

Enjoy yourselves folks. Loomis, hope you're okay down there.

Yoki, sorry to hear about Yeoman. He sounded like a wonderful guy.

24 hours till I'm officially on vacation - yay! Still lots of my normal weekend routine to do, much less get ready to go. Hope to see many Boodlers Tue for a BPH!

I like this article about Obama volunteers:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/25/AR2008072503118.html?hpid=topnews
It speaks to me about why I think he has a good chance to win, as well as why I want him to win.

Ah Yeoman, fair Yeoman...

A flight of Boodlers sing (and sign) thee to thy rest.

*HUGSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS to Yoki*

I peformed my final official duties to arrive in one-car-hood this morning, turning in the plates and registration. The functionary asked the reason, and I wanted to shout, "Gas prices!!!"

*hoping-for-a-relatively-quiet-weekend Grover waves* :-)

Yes, he's recruiting people from outside the political machinery, encouraging people to be active and do grassroots organization.

That's a movement that should continue well beyond this campaign. Once people learn those skills, they are more apt to use it in the future, rather than staying home and complaining at their TVs about the same old.

And we do badly need increased accountability everywhere government exists. My town is struggling with a scandal where an ex-con who served 3 years for fraud was given a contract to develop the waterfront, bypassing some locals in the bidding process.

Let's say the geniuses who awarded this contract won't be in office for a second term, but what's to stop the next crowd from practicing neopotism or making foolish decisions again?

This small question (background checks and a ban against awarding contracts to felons would have helped in this case, probably), also applies nationally.

What do we do when Bush and his cronies are awarding huge contracts to their friends and past associates without full oversight, competitive bidding, etc?

Transparency, oversights, and rules disqualifying known associates, felons, etc. from getting contracts, and penalities such as being able to suspend powers to award contracts, etc.

BTW, it's not just government. Any organization you give money to, especially big nonprofits, you need to be very aware of whether their stated goals are actually matched by how the money is spent.

In many cases it is not.

Yoki, I'm really sorry to hear about your pup. He was a lovely, lovely fellow.

Yoki, I'm very sorry to hear about Yeoman. A quick end is a gift but it is still an end.

eidrib and bia, thanks for that risible column.

jumper, if you want to start with an easy but tasty chocolate cake there is none better than the recipe on the Hershey's Cocoa box. It is simple, rich and full of chocolate goodness. It is my standby here; I make it into sheet cake, cupcakes, layer cake and those tiny miniature cupcakes that are so hard to unmold I curse every time I forget and make them.

Yoki, May he rest in peace and treasured in memory.

My sympathies about Yeoman, Yoki. You did well by him and had a good last evening with him.

Yoki, I'm sorry to hear about Yeoman. So hard to let go of those we love, but glad for a peaceful death.

Jumper, the secret to the best chocolate cake ever?
Take out the cake, leave the chocolate in.

Oh, Yoki, let me add my own condolences on the loss of your beloved Yeoman. I've seen Bernese Mountain dogs as puppies (before they seem to exaggerate their size overnight) and they are a cute as can be. I find it so unfortunate (railing against the sky now) that large dogs do not have long lives, in comparison with the smaller, yappier (okay, okay, please do not take offense (*ducking*)) varieties. My massage therapist and her husband have Great Danes and they tend to make it to maybe 8 years old. Their current one is maybe 3 or 4, which means getting up there in years (she's a Harlequin and gorgeous).

Hope all is well on Boodle Boulevard. I'm gonna nuke some leftovers with brand new veggies from this morning's farmers market and try to nose my way through this morning's paper. Old news by this time, but, well, you know. . . .

Hold on now, Wilbrod! Later I plan to eat a piece of that cake as big as two fists, and if I left out the cake, I'd kill myself trying that!

I did experience the crestfallen feeling of making non-fluffy frosting. But it tastes REAL good.

And I DID add more chocolate to the cake AND frosting, than the recipes called for.

I did make a sheet cake. (9" X 13") But I cut it in half and stacked one half on top of the other. It has odd dimensions.

Joel Achenbach says "change the channel". This is such nonsense. The media operates pretty much like a pack. No matter which channel you turn on you get the same propaganda.

During the primaries the media gang raped Senator Clinton. They wanted their boy to get the nomination and wanted her out of the way. They are now doing the same thing to Senator McCain.

The media as a pack have decided they want Obama as president. To get what they want they are shielding Obama from criticism by portraying an criticism of the Messiah as racism.

Oh, mercy!

Yoki, I'm sorry to hear about Yeoman, but so happy he left after a happy evening. You're right, it was a good end.

Jumper - made me laugh! Well, why on earth shouldn't we put more chocolate in than the recipe calls for? Genius!

ftb - I definitely like the ring that Boodle Boulevard has to it.

My, this glass of chardonnay that I just finished, as I backboodled some more, while everyone is still at the beach was mighty fine. Off to grill the flank steak and corn.

ttfn.

If you are having a strong opinion and forgot to sign even your handle name, it is impolite.

See my 12:12 p.m. which explains my motivations, Kim.

Drive to Florida, Jumper. No contest.

Dr G and I are currently settled in a roadside motel in Farmville, Va. Lovely town and beautiful Longwood University campus. On all of our travels all over our beautiful state, we've never once been in this town. (We're also not far from Hampden-Sydney College--I guess we'll do a drive-through there tomorrow.)

Nice to get away together even for just one night.

ftb, you inspired me, and that's a bad thing to do to a pup. Cover your ears now, as I howl you a tale...

Come gaily strolling down Ol' Boodle Boulevard;
Down Ol' Boodle Boulevard, where we're all barking bard,
I'll check your yards with sniffs--(hmm, Poodle poo be hard)
Now listen quick to this; I must get back to guard.

Here's always sun at nights, in heat waves misty tales;
Silly rainbows in downpours of umbrages and sobs.
So rid your soul of bad puns, hard clouds, and trolls' rails
And find your gardens, lost gnomes, and late-night Bobs
Down Ol' Boodle Boulevard, where we're all barking bard....

SCC: "your yards" should be "the yards"

Mary Hopkin:'Those Were the Days'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5pkkAhETYg (video and audio completely out of sync)

Lyrics:

Once upon a time, there was a tavern
Where we used to raise a glass or two
Remember how we laughed away the hours,
Think of all the great things we would do

Those were the days, my friend
We thought they'd never end
We'd sing and dance forever and a day
We'd live the life we'd choose
We'd fight and never lose
For we were young and sure to have our way

La La La La La La
La La La La La La
La La La La La La La La La La

Then, the busy years went rushing by us
We lost our starry notions on the way
If, by chance, I'd see you in the tavern,
We'd smile at one another and we'd say

Those were the days, my friend
We thought they'd never end
We'd sing and dance forever and a day
We'd live the life we'd choose
We'd fight and never lose
Those were the days, oh yes, those were the days

La La La La La La
La La La La La La
La La La La La La La La La La

Just tonight, I stood before the tavern
Nothing seemed the way it used to be
In the glass, I saw a strange reflection
Was that lonely woman really me?

Those were the days, my friend
We thought they'd never end
We'd sing and dance forever and a day
We'd live the life we'd choose
We'd fight and never lose
Those were the days, oh yes, those were the days

La La La La La La
La La La La La La
La La La La La La La La La La
La La La La La La
La La La La La La
La La La La La La La La La La

Through the door, there came familiar laughter
I saw your face and heard you call my name
Oh, my friend, we're older but no wiser
For in our hearts, the dreams are still the same

Those were the days, my friend
We thought they'd never end
We'd sing and dance forever and a day
We'd live the life we'd choose
We'd fight and never lose
Those were the days, oh yes, those were the days

La La La La La La
La La La La La La
La La La La La La La La La La
La La La La La La
La La La La La La
La La La La La La La La La La

La la la la la la
La la la la la la
La la la la la la

***

I had a crush on Mary as a young lad, though I never knew who she was till today.

So sorry to hear about Yeoman, Yoki. Painlessly is a good way to go.

I like steamed cake. When I was growing up, that's the only type of cake I had. We didn't have an oven so our snacks were either deep fried or steamed. The steamed cake recipe was very simple. Just eggs and flour. Lots of egg, something like 10 eggs to 1-1 1/2 lb of flour (it's quite a big cake cos there were 10 of us!). My sister used a manual spiral beater and beat the eggs for something like 20 mins or until the eggs were fluffy. Then she added the flour, poured the cake mix into a bamboo colander lined with tracing paper and steamed.

this was my favorite chocolate cake recipe as a kid (to make and to eat, I was a decent baker by 3rd grade but concentrate more on pies and bars these days)

2 cups flour
1/2 cup cocoa
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla

Cream together the sugar, mayonnaise, water and vanilla. Add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture (you can mix the dry stuff in a separate bowl first, but I don't bother); mix at medium speed until well blended (or stir for a couple minutes if you don't have a mixer). Bake at 350 in a 9- x 13-inch pan (or 2 layer plans) for about 25 minutes. This is a very forgiving recipe, I've made it in a cast iron skillet over a camp fire.

Hey TBG, That's where my daughter goes to college! How did you get so lost?

DLD

Hope you are in the Hampton Inn. It is the only decent place in town. Unless you can score a dorm room.

Yoki, should have sent my condolences for your doggie Yeoman. Have lost my share of dogs and a few cats in my time. Had the last one, a Westie, cremated. Curmudgeon will probably understand.

DLD

TBG, I think my sorority was created at Longwood college. At the time it was a girl's school and the "founders" were about 14. If I recall correctly, several sororities started at Longwood. ZTA was mine. Maybe you will see a plaque or a card or something.

My 2 phone interviews went very well. I have a final face-to-face interview within the next two weeks--they are flying me to it. Keeping my fingers crossed as this is a great opportunity. I must say it is the best when one has a job while looking for a new job. Whew. (@$%&%EE#^ boss)

Martooni, GWE, and other critter lovers--I was very bummed yesterday...when I arrived home from work I immediately went outside to check on the robin chicks residing in my pine trees. I heard quite a ruckas--the robin parents were squaking like crazy. I know something not good was nearby. When I walked close to the pinion tree suddenly there was a woosh...a prairie falcon flew right in front of me and vanished up in the air in seconds.

Uh oh. Yep. I crept to the back of the trees to the remote part of the yard and lying there was not only the now headless chick (only one) but also a freshly killed chipmunk. I think the falcon caught the chipmunk who had been eating near the birdfeeder and flew behind the trees to eat it (the falcon has been around during the winter) then spied the robin chick...and...little tiny feathers were scattered everywhere.

BOO-HOO. The robin parents were mourning with loud solemn siren calls. They had worked so hard! I felt like I'd lost a little buddy.

So that's the end of fattening up my robin friends with blueberries. Nature is tough!

Hi all.

Back from a quick couple of days at the beach Rehoboth, DE, if you must know), tanned, relaxed, and well-fed.

Yoki, I'm very sorry to hear about Yeoman. My best to all of you up there.

I have lots of backboodling to do, and I'll make some comments to that Stock Car science blog (I've always said that much of motorsports is applied science and engineering, with dashes of art and inspiration), and the northern lights stuff (I think I have pictures of that fabulous display we had in the DC area a few years back).

More later, folks.

bc

Nellie - you are probably correct about your sorority. Seem to recall hearing something like that during the student/parent orientations. If I recall correctly Longwood is the oldest college (now a University) in VA, established 1836(?) or thereabouts.

If you are interested you may find what you are looking for at http://www.longwood.edu
I will be at Longwood Aug 11-12 and can try to get you pictures or info or whatever. Just let me know.

DLD

eidrib, good luck in your final interview. So sad about the robin chick.

Thanks, rainforest!

bc, I went to Rehobeth as a child for many summers. Ever heard of The Corner Cubbard? A B&B my parents went to many times over the years (try 50). They also both went to Rehobeth as children too. Rehobeth and Fenwick Island are popular summer spots for Pittsburgh folks. Ah, the beautiful and powerful Atlantic.

This is when I miss the ocean, being land-locked.

SCC: Rehoboth but sounds like Rehobeth.

Adding my good luck wishes for eidrib, with sadness for the robin and chipmunk.

This morning the frostcats were out on the screened porch when all of a sudden they couldn't get inside fast enough. They were tumbling over each other to get upstairs and claim a spot at the front window. My first thought was cougar?! (supposedly there's been a sighting not far from here) Then I heard the telltale crunch of branches and saw the big buck that's been coming to eat in our lower meadow most mornings. Herbivores are so much easier to like without reservation than falcons or foxes, or even cats allowed to roam free. I'm sure I'd feel differently if the deer decided the flower garden was more appealing than our boggy weed patch.

Howdy rainforest, don't think we've been boodling at the same hour for quite a while.

Welcome back bc.

I'm having a huge feast of red herrings.
CBC is broadcasting a Miss Marple-athon.

frostbitten--yes, it is nice to be able to view wildlife without reservation. Sigh.

Big bucks are beautiful.

And thanks for the good wishes, frostbitten. I call it the PPT--power of positive thinking (also a book by Norman Vincent Peale). :-)

Every once in a while JA is like a mosquito, he writes something that buzzes around a bit, then bites and creates an itch that leads to hours of scratching via reading I'd never have done otherwise.

In this case I stumbled on a blog that's supposed to become a book about Creative Capitalism (not the same as the creative markets JA mentioned, which I see more as loophole seeking than creative). Interesting stuff on Fannie and Freddie, philanthropy, and even intelligent disagreement on the premise, introduced by Bill Gates, that capitalism is the mechanism that can do more to address the world's ills than philanthropy. Even immense philanthropy like his own.
http://creativecapitalism.typepad.com/creative_capitalism/

From the Longwood site:

"Four national sororities, Alpha Sigma Alpha, Kappa Delta, Sigma Sigma Sigma and Zeta Tau, were all founded at Longwood."

And the founding date was 1839 vice 1836. I've always been lousy with dates.

The site also notes that the female/male ratio on campus is 2:1, which would explain the broad grins on all the guys faces. ☺

DLD

Boko-thanks for the heads up on the Marpleathon.

We are watching 'Twelve Monkeys' and just saw the scene filmed at the Engineering Society Baltimore. I have a distant cousin that has a small part in it, but I haven't spotted him yet.

Cassandra,
We're fine. But the last I heard--yesterday evening--118,000 people were still without power down at South Padre Island, and the Brownsville and Rio Grande Valley area. There's plenty of standing water down there and people are advised not to go into the water because of a high probability of snakes, fire ants and spiders swimming about. Some folks are really suffering and hurting in those locales as a result of the storm--some homes flooded.

Last Thursday, we luckily had no tornadoes in our area--despite being in a tornado warning area; however, local tornado warnings for the San Antonio area continued until about 6 p.m. After being advised in the early afternoon that our area was under a tornado warning and after it expired without incident, it wasn't long until we had yet another tornado warning, a second one, issued for our part of town. Two areas in Bexar County were actually hit, but these types of tornadoes spawned by hurricanes are short-lived and the areas of damage are relatively small. This weekend, it's just back to being hot, but thankfully the plants and lawns have revived and look much healthier and greener. In our yard, we got 1.7 inches of rain thanks to Huricane Dolly's passing overhead.

Two hundred people were laid off at my husband's work campus since the start of the year. Last Thursday, another 300 were added to the list. We are O.K. for now.

The next step in my husband's testing to see if the skin cancer has spread is for him to go to a plastic surgeon to have even more flesh removed from his arm where the cancerous mole was. If they don't find anything, that's it. If they do, then the lymph node testing will follow.

We are having a Dillard's department store go out of business at RiverCenter, this tourist-oriented mall adjacent to the RiverWalk, the well-known downtown tourist attraction. No print advertising about the close and storewide clearance. All word of mouth about the 75 percent off sale--everything under that roof discounted by that amount. We were down there today scouting bargains--starting to look rather picked over by the time we got there. My husband did fairly well in his shopping. Most people buying stuff by the armload. A woman in line in front of me heard from a clerk that there are plans to convert this very old retail site into a hotel.

Getting late. Time to go to sleep.

Hi frostbitten! I'm usually busy in the morning. Don't know doing what but busy. And then I backboodle. This morning, I told myself, "me ain't doing no nothing." I have a bit more time in the afternoon, that's when I usually come in and that's when everybody is asleep. How's Kuching?

Frostbitten, I'd propose that the equation between captialism and philanthrophy as a power to solve the problems of the world is not "either/or".

One is trafficking in material capital; the other is trafficking in social capital.

Ultimately, beyond getting the basics of life's needs and being a safeguard against disaster, money then becomes valuable primarily for its potential to be transformed into social capital.

This can be done by displaying bling-bling or giving it away.

(Generally, people are more influenced bling bling if there's a chance they can get some.)

This is why potlatches and largesses and patrons have existed in multiple societies. In addition to improving the social bonds that is the glue of a successful capitalism, redistribution of wealth helps protect property rights.

After all, sharing some of your cake stops the poor from chopping your head off (viz the French Revolution.)

Gates is a smart computer guy, but biology is not binary, and if he studied that a little, he'd get a better perspective on the importance of negative feedback loops in keeping any system stable, self-sustaining, and adaptable to all circumstances.

Negative feedback loops are important at ALL levels of biology-- including social behavior, and the man-made artifact of economics.

A system based only on positive feedback ("more of the same, please!") will quickly spiral out of control and self-immolate.

Of course, I know nothing about economics, other than the math involved in ecology and economics have spooky overlaps.

No problem Frosti. The first one just finished. It was nice to see the Castle Aurrrgh.

I love Twelve Monkeys. I watched it a couple of weeks ago, although I was a bit distracted and tired. But I picked up things I had never noticed before, or had forgotten. There's a lot of detail in that movie.

I watched No Country for Old Men again last night. I was dozing through some parts, but still, the way the suspense builds and never stops is pretty impressive. The violence bothered me more the second time around - or maybe I'm forgetting how much I looked away the first time.

Glad you're doing ok, Loomis.

The second Miss Marple is well and truly under way. It's nice to see Ken Russell.

12 Monkeys is pretty recursive, so it definitely needs to be seen more than once. I'll see if I can get to it quicker than the 12 years it took me to see it the first time.

Now we are watching the Hannah Montana concert movie. My wife is looking for the guys in the audience. I'm hoping their aren't any.

Loomis,
I like prints (the handmade sort--got started with a cheap Japanese print while in college). I normally get any framing done in the summer, when a local shop is less busy. They're having a miserable summer. The "big" jobs are still coming in (the guy is trusted by the upscale Northeastern/Canadian folks who have second homes at the beach) and the sort of mandatory jobs come in (graduation, wedding, whatever), but the middle's disappeared.

A catalog/online outdoor teak furniture outfit from Gardiner, NY is selling some of its items 75% off--I don't recall anything like that in the past. Two new chairs for the patio.

I haven't been patrolling the malls enough to spot signs of things gone awry. Dillard's has a history of 40% off 75% sales and similar deep markdowns. They don't run outlets, unlike Bealls, which is locally doing about the same sales as it has over the past several years (their big worry is Kohls, which is planning a store in our county).

I drove through San Antonio on a Sunday morning in early 2000. Downtown looked as though the former main retail street had closed down long ago (it seemed a museum of storefront architecture circa 1930) and everything had moved somewhere else. I was amazed that milk was available locally in glass bottles. Why did I forget to buy one as a souvenier?

The Creative Capitalism link didn't work for me. "Creative Capitalism" is a very broad topic. To me it invariably encompasses techniques. People in the financial market using creative techniques to make money would say they are practicing creative capitalism. Mind boggling techniques like short selling. As if that's not enough, you have naked short selling. Naked short selling?? How in heaven's name did they come up with such a name. The worst part is, such techniques could bring down a company being targeted.

Someone's bringing me leftovers? :-)

Last evening was very interesting... T-storms just to the east, T-storms just on the other side of the Potomac, but dry here. Odd.

Glad you had a good time at the beach, bc.

Yeeesh... Sun isn't even up yet, and we're above 70 with the dewpoint close behind. Glad I did the yard yesterday.

Hope everyone has a safe and pleasant Sunday! *turning-the-fans-and-A/C-on-high-but-nonetheless-torpid-and-enervated Grover waves* :-)

Good Morning, you all,

Yoki, it is such a sorrow to lose your Pal, the boodle must be a comfort to you.

It's a beautiful, warm, muggy morning, time to rise and make the coffee/tea.

It's such a treat for me to read The WaPo's "memory" article about some of our past olymic athletes, but what was so long ago truly seems like a near yesteryear to me.

Lacey O'Neal, gives her account of the 1972 games in Munich, when eleven Israelis were taken hostage and killed by Palestinian terrorists. She had a friendly competition with a woman whose coach was murdered in that horror.

And, Dorothy Hamill. Can it be 1976 when she won America's heart with her Hamill Camel and her haircut which became all the rage that year, not to mention her gold medal? She's recovering from breast cancer, hope she will be good to go soon.

Good morning all! Some people are up early on Sunday...65 degrees and 93 percent relative humidity here in the high country. Mr. T wants to do some more limb trimming this morning, to make grading the road and digging out the ditch easier for the equipment operators. Okay by me, as long as it's later in the day.

Loomis, glad to hear that you folks are doing okay, weather, job, and healthwise. The Wachovia meltdown is a huge story around here.

'morning all. Got myself a new hosta yesterday. I need one more hosta like I need the famous hole in the head but I couldn't resist. I picked up the tall, classy hosta between 30 others to find that its name is Patricia the Stripper. It turns out it's a bluer version of Striptease. How about that?
http://www.buddgardens.com/buddgardens/P5.htm

Happy morning everyone.

Unusual for me, went to bed early and slept an hour later than usual. No rest for the wicked, this morning will write a Capt. Balz episode, which I post weekly on a submarine simulations forum.

Mornin' all...

Desktop weather thingie says 63F here w/88% humidity. Some things are good moist, like cake. Air... not so much.

Yoki... sorry to hear about Yeoman. At least he went on in a happy state.

Y'know that footage they keep showing of McCain and Bush Sr. in the golf cart? I saw it yet again this morning and suddenly thought that the only worse thing they could have done was arrive on those Scooter chairs yelling at the reporters to get off the lawn.

Anyway... off to the shop. Lots of stuff to do and only one furry gnome to do it all.

Peace out and Happy Sunday everybody...

boko, I caught the beginning of the Marple-a-thon. but I fell asleep just after that blonde Swiss guy was found murdered.

Dad gummit.

Good article on Evelyn Waugh in Slate.

Brag.

dr;

Don't tell butlerguy, but I think he did it.

:-)

Last night there was a Brad Pitt-athon of sorts. At one point on various movie channels you could have watched '12 Monkeys', 'Legends of the Fall' and 'Interview With The Vampire' simultaneously. I saw enough of Lestat to know I didn't need to see more.

Instead, I turned to 'A Fistful of Dollars' but went to bed before it ended. Don't tell anyone, they'll revoke my Man Card. It's already under review because I have never seen 'Caddyshack.'

eidrib... go get 'em on that interview... remember the Power of the Boodle is behind you. And remember, too, that you "like big bucks"!

DLD... does your daughter like Longwood? It looks like a good place for my daughter, although she is only just entering 9th grade. Never too early to look, eh? When it gets closer, we'll have to discuss it more. I mean, the Boodle found Son of G a college... no reason to think y'all can't find one for Daughter.

(We are not at the Hampton Inn, but let me add that the Comfort Inn, at half the price, is fine. We figured since it was a last-minute getaway (while visiting Daughter at camp in Central Va], we didn't want to throw away $150. I should have called and asked if they have a special Longwood rate; that's the trick I learned while college hunting with Son of G.)

Sigh, I fell asleep before Miss Marple could solve a single crime. G'morning boodle!

rainforest-Kuching has turned into a splendid pet, gentle and sweet but full of mischief. Right now she's batting a wooden clothes pin around on the floor. She got it by pulling a dishtowel off the clothesline on the screened porch.

Martooni-have been thinking of you as I finished the birch case pieces a local guy built for me. He's installing my mondo L shaped tv stand/computer desk/file cabinet/window seat/bookcase unit this afternoon and I feel like I've done nothing but varnish for the last week. Shouldn't complain though. His allowing me to do the finishing was the difference between being able to afford the furniture and not.

Off for a second cup of coffee and reading the WaPo print edition online.

Good morning, all.

Still haven't finished backboodling, but wanted to give JA an ack on that Stock Car Science page & blog.

Much of what Diandra writes is stuff I'm familar with, but I'm enjoying the discussions all the same. I don't see much of this kind of technical writing for the layman anywhere else but in Stock Car Racing and Racecar Engineering industry mags. And I always enjoy the frank discussions about rule bending (a long tradition that goes way back before NASCAR) and how NASCAR changes rules to maipulate legal advantages that some teams manage to exploit. And how they sometimes discover well-camoflaged blatant cheating (and sometimes, they don't)...

The Brickyard 400 is this afternoon at 2:00 PM EST, live on ESPN, BTW. I always enjoy watching races on tracks I've driven/raced on as I have a better appreciation for what I'm watching. For example, as wide as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway looks on TV, when you're steaming down into turn 1 at full chat, it feels like you're threading the eye of a needle.

I can only imagine what it was like driving some of those overhorsepowered open-wheel rockets of the 60's and early 70's. When those cars came out of the turns (there are four of them in Indy's oval configuration, all to the left, natch) on half-full tanks, the drivers had to pull a foot or two away from the wall because as the fuel sloshed around, it'd cause the car to jump several inches to the right... the adoption of baffled fuel cells (adapted from Vietnam-era helecopter technology) and electronic fuel injection did away with that particular issue, but there's a lot of great stuff going on even now.

Sadly, NASCAR and IndyCar have mandated rules that typically have no bearing to passenger cars these days, with more or less spec vehicles (which is why rule-bending and searching for advantages, however minute), but the really interesting technology advances in sports car racing and to a lesser extent in Formula 1 make those a bit more interesting to me.

Sportscars in particular have had rules allowing for hybrid technologies and alternate fuels and powertrains for years, and there's been some interesting developments there. The Audi and Peugeot diesel race cars are currently the top of the heap in that arena for the longer races, but the smaller, lighter, and highly efficient (naturally) Porsches and Acuras have been taking wins in the shorter races (it's all about managing resources, y'see).

I would note that the EPA and DOT have gotten involved in sponsorship of this kind of racing in the US...

On the education front, most of the larger universities have Formula SAE (Society of Automotive Engineering) programs to build, develop, and race small cars as part of a curriculum. I would note that the University of Maryland (ahem) won the most recent competition held in Fontana, CA...

http://students.sae.org/competitions/formulaseries/

More later, folks.

bc

Hopeful signs...

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/27/world/middleeast/27mahdi.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

:-)

If I can drag myself to the shower, grocery store, farm stand and eyeglass store, I can spend the rest of the day catching up on my sleep. We detoured on our way home from the family cookout yesterday to #2's house to help her feed the horses she helps take care of. You haven't known apprehension until you are carrying a bucket of feed to a trough and hear hooves pounding closer and closer behind you.

S'nuke-hopeful signs indeed, and I want to compliment you on your choice of words. The thing that irks me about the campaign for prez is that it forces people into declaring "the surge worked" or making other definitive statements about situations where the outcome is unknowable, at least for now. On top of that, even if we could say with certainty that the surge worked it does not mean it is the only thing that could have worked. Hopeful signs, positive trends, setbacks, mistakes. These phrases just don't get used nearly enough as they are drowned out by victory, mission accomplished, debacle, and war crimes (although at times I don't see the last two as hyperbole at all, but I'll admit my bias).

Thanks, frostbitten. Careful use of words benefits everyone in this situation, I agree.

Good morning. We are well on our way to another 100 degree day here. If this keeps up through tomorrow, and really there's no reason it shouldn't, that'll be a week. Faugh.

Loomis, I'm glad you're safe. Good luck to your husband.

eidrib, good luck on your interview.

frostbitten, mayonnaise in chocolate cake? Ah well, I have a great chocolate cake recipe made with vinegar, so I guess I'll try this one. I won't tell the Ivansclan what's in it until they eat it.

Rabbit note: Beatrice now likes to sit on the dining room chairs underneath the table. If chairs are carelessly left out she will hop on the table. BAD rabbit.

Time to throw the Boy in the shower and get him ready for church.

Very good WaPo piece on all the things that go into the price of gas at the pump, oil markets, supply and demand, speculation etc.-
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/07/26/ST2008072601558.html?sid=ST2008072601558&pos=top

Exhibit 1 for why newspapers, or at least newspaper organizations if not the actual dead tree in your hands, are still important? I think so.

*Blinking too early in the morning as my mind condenses bc's post to one word: VROOOOM!*

Don't know about my fuel cells, but I think my brain is baffled this morning. Passing stock cars through eyes of needles? I'm sure the bible said different?

Caffeine it is for me... maybe a couple jugs.

Yellojkt, you just have to be sure not to die before you see Caddyshack and St. Peter will be OK with your man card.

Bill Murray chasing gophers like Error used to wage war on woodchucks is not to be missed. Just take a stiff drink before you subject yourself to that much plaid plus-fours for 2 hours straight.

Heck, I should apply for a man card. Not only did I see Caddyshack before I could shave, I laughed at "The Downhill Lie" by Hiassen and thought it was one of his best books.

I can empathize, despite not being a golfer. After all, I once had a 4-year old nephew beating me at miniature golf.

morning all
Is anybody out there ready for some Football?
I guess i would be a little more excited about baseball if the 2 teams I root for(O's & Nats) weren't at the bottom of their perspective divisions.

The olympics should be fun and it should be a specticle as well.Hopefully I will be able to catch some of the action on the internet.

I'm only mildly interested in the Brickyard 400(sorry bc).My driver Gordon hasn't won all year.That is probably making all the Nascar fans happy.

But football,I can't wait.I think the kickoff preseason game is next weekend(Skins vs somebody else).Sadly economic times for me made me sell my season tickets for the year,but my buddy said he would take me to a game or two. But I can't wait for the bone crushing hits,the big plays and all the excitement of FOOTBALL.

Ok back to your regular programming.

Ivansmom, while I share your startlement, I bet the recipe says it should be made with mayo which is NOT miracle whip (which has dill and other spices).

The horror! Minnesota is the only place I know where people routinely confuse, and substitute, Miracle Whip for mayo. In fact the local Wal-Mart displays MW on an end cap right next to the boxed pasta salad mixes that clearly call for mayo in the recipe. You'd think growing up with a cuisine based on foods the color of wallpaper paste would attune the population to subtle differences in flavor, not to mention big whopping contrasts like the foul Miracle Whip vs. life sustaining mayonnaise.

I wasn't thinking of miracle whip, Wilbrod. I found mayonnaise sufficiently alarming.

I was raised on Miracle Whip, margarine, ice milk, and brands of ketchup that did not begin with "H". I blame much of my current financial situation on excessive spendthriftness brought about by trying to compensate for my deprivations as a child.

I believe the mayo chocolate recipe was created in the 30s? 40s? by the wife of a mayonnaise salesman. Word. I do have a great flourless chocolate torte recipe, easy and delicious, if anyone's interested.

My stomach feels a little iffy this morning, but I have reservations at the Manayunk Brewery for a friend's birthday; we've cancelled once, I'm not sure I'm up to cancelling again. I'll think of all the Boodlers I've eaten there with, virtually and physically!

Some of my tomatoes have begun to ripen. The other day I saw Emma reach up and pick one from the double-high raised bed garden as she ran by it. I think she chewed a few times before swallowing, but who knows. My past lab, Lucie, loved tomatoes too. Labs!

DLD -- oh no, I need no commemorative items from Longwood. I was definitely not a good sorority girl!

I'm just pleased I remembered "Longwood College, in Farmville, Virginia" as I always had a tendency to say "Farmville College, in Longwood, Virginia."

Alexey. Any reviewer of "Brideshead Revisited" who doesn't mention the Flyte family's stuggle with their Catholic faith and the bemusment of the non-Catholic narrator has missed the point of the book and Waugh.

"hooves pounding closer and closer" - ha! I love that sound, but it could be a tad scary, especially from behind. Horses munching their feed is another of my favorite sounds.

I am sure mayonnaise cake was popular in the Frostfam because very young bakers could make it with no fear of having egg shells in the batter. Ma Frostbitten is a condimentaphobe so she probably didn't mind all of Frostdaddy's mayo going to chocolate cake. I know we didn't have it or ketchup, of any brand, in the house when he was in Vietnam. We only had mustard because I had a sandwich of ham and mustard on rye bread every day for lunch all through 5th and 6th grade. My mother's idea of a good sandwich is tuna in oil, drained well, plain, between two pieces of white bread. I grew up eating salad with no dressing and dreamed of great vats of blue cheese dressing, just like at a smorgasbord style restaurant.

I think yello has a good point about childhood deprivation. Our fridge door holds nothing but condiments.

Hmmmm. The WaPo home page is not displaying correctly for me.

Me, too, yj--the upbringing part, not the overcompensation part.

Until well into my teens, "mayonnaise" meant Miracle Whip, "butter" meant margarine, "bread" meant Wonder Bread (or Roman Meal, which I believe is Wonder Bread with food coloring...), and I drank a lot more Tang than orange juice.

I well remember visiting a rich friend in Shaker Heights, Ohio--she made tuna sandwiches for us and I was very doubtful that I would like them. At home, tuna salad was tuna + onions + sweet pickles + Miracle Whip. She just opened a can of tuna and added actual mayonnaise, and served that on bakery rolls. One bite made a believer out of me. Now I really like mayonnaise. I joke that I have my own version of the Atkins diet: I just eat everything I always ate before, but with extra mayonnaise. Okay, it's subtle, I don't claim to be funny, I just crack myself up; the rest of you are on your own.

Have a great day, everybody. Martooni, we've got 89 degrees and 78% humidity here. Learning to embrace the sweat. In fact, I just got back from church and haven't taken off the pantyhose yet--it's time right now. Bye!

My kid is a condimentophobe - I never had a name for it till now! Try ordering a plain hamburger from McDonalds sometime. I grew up with Miracle Whip - now I don't like either MW or mayonnaise, except for turkey sammiches and the occasional cheese sandwich. Mr Ml slathers MW on everything. At the local sub shop, they look at me aghast when I order my sub with no mayo, no mustard, no onions - just the oil and vinegar dressing.

Finished chores and find we're talking about food we grew up with. I too never tasted Miracle Whip until well into adulthood. We had Hellman's mayo, ketchup, French's mustard and relish for condiments. The spice cabinet contained only things you bake with, I never heard of oregano or basil until I was a teenager. My first pizza was at a drive-in with my parents when I was 11. Coming from an English background, the food was plain, dull, and no frills. Potato salad was potatos into which my mother would bury a whole onion then take it out before adding Hellman's. But with a dad who was in the meat business, we had the best beef, eggs and butter. I think WWII cured my parents of ever eating margarine in any form.My older cousins were talking yesterday about how during the war my father, who was in the army but never shipped overseas, would come home on weekend leave with a duffle bag full of meat which the adults would carve up and store in a neighbor's freezer.

Mayonnaise is easy to make in a blender and is best using a cold-pressed virgin olive oil. I prefer it to commercial products. Hellman's is rated best of the commercial brands.

Shelf life of homemade mayonnaise is short, so I usually make the one egg to 1/2 cup oil recipe.

Nothing beats home-made mayonnaise. The best is made manually stirring with a spoon. Lots of work but worth the effort when fixing something special.Like langostinos or lobster. Artichokes with hand-made mayo are superb.

Second best is done with a whisk.
Made in a blender comes out pretty good, too.

Shiloh-I remember when Ma Frostbitten got her first blender. It was used primarily to make frozen adult beverages, the Ginnie Winnie was sure to put Grandma Frosti on her a$$, but making mayonaisse was so much fun. I know she allowed it only to support vocabulary building-emulsify-but I later used that skill in Korea where mayo was rationed. Don't ask me why. You could only buy one crock pot a month, not a hardship, but the mayonnaise and liquor rationing was tough.

mostly-I think I wasted the equivalent of half a childhood summer waiting for Ma Frostbitten's plain McDonalds hamburgers. I'm convinced she drove me to my love of the Big Mac's "secret sauce."

Yowza! Quarter-to-half-inch hail at my house. Those in the D.C. area, keep your heads down!

You are so right, Brag. For steamed artichokes I usually substitute half the oil with clarified butter (a demi-hollandaise)for dipping - and I sometimes use a whisk to save having to clean the blender. Another variation I make is using sushi (rice wine) vinegar in place of lemon for shrimp, crab, lobster, and even tuna (albacore) salad.

kbertocci - No doubt there were plenty of other differences, but with regard to the specific food staples that you mentioned in your 12:08 - our families were fed from the same larder!

Frosti: I don't remember rationing when I was at Camp Casey, but I do remember the coldest winter of my life.

NukeSpouse and I have wholeheartedly embraced the olive-oil versions of mayo now making the rounds at your local SuperLionGiantTeeter...

*wondering who put the anti-T-storm bubble up around our little town and flashing back to an old Analog short story, "Weather War"*

:-)

So, mayo is just egg and oil, S'nuke?

Frostbitten, my mom is from Minnesota.

Once I discovered what actual mayo tasted like (as an adult), I have tried convincing her that she should use real mayo (Hellman's is the only mayo I like), but she doesn't seem to understand the difference in taste. I may have to shovel actual mayo into one of her sandwiches those days, or make her do a taste test of both.

Even then, I suspect I'm onto a loser. She's a very good cook otherwise.

Scotty - I actually MISSED thunderstorms when I lived in Sacramento and England (1981-1992). Having grown up with them in Georgia, it seemed faintly odd not to experience one occasionally in the summer.

(I won't claim that they NEVER occurred. I think that there were two during my eight-and-a-half years in Sacramento, and one during my three years near Cambridge, England.)

Sort of like insightful remarks from most politicians. They happen occasionally, but don't get in the habit of holding your breath waiting for them.

Thnderstorms are our daily summer blitzkrieg in N Central Florida. They blow in off the Gulf like the Luftwaffe over London during WW2. The house shakes, windows rattle, cats head for cover and humans shout above the din of crashing or rolling thunder. We're about due for the daily raid.

I can tell instatnly when a restaurant is using Hellmanns, because it just tastes like lard to me.

If you want something with that stuff to taste right you have to put chopped sweet pickles into it. I suspect the same would be true for homemade mayo. I think we prairie folk liked the extra zing that from the dill and lemon.

I'll go hide in my corner now. The only thing I can say in my defense is to refer you to my stellar kitchen skills. My taste for mayo and my ability to cook have the same source.

Boy. Miracle Whip, margarine, Wonder Bread, Tang - you can tell kbertocci and I grew up in the same part of the country. I too have been overcompensating for my childhood larder ever since. I have made homemade mayonnaise on occasion but not often. First, it tastes much better than the jarred grocery shelf staple, so I eat more of it than I would store mayonnaise. Second, when you make it yourself there is just no getting around knowing how much oil is in there.

The Boy has never seen Miracle Whip, not that he'd eat it if he had. He is also a condimentophobe (excepting ketchup on french fries). I have been ordering plain cheeseburgers from MacDonalds and other fast food restaurants for years. The ordering is easy. What you get in the bag is another matter.

My parents made mayonnaise when I was a kid, so I know how to do it. It has many variations. If you want olive oil flavor, use it. If not, use a more neutral oil. Lemon juice or various vinegars depending on what you want. Egg is optional, and there are some yolk only recipes.

The original Colonel Sanders coleslaw recipe contained both Miracle Whip AND mayonnaise. (plus lemon juice and other stuff) Beware of internet recipes claiming to be the "original Colonel Sanders cole slaw" recipe. Many are not valid.

Sun's back out after the downpour, and I note that people are wending their way back to the pool.

I grew up with MW and oleo (my mother would continue to call it "oleomargarine" in one breath long into her older years). I was kind of a finicky eater (sort of -- not horribly so) and didn't like strong tastes in food. They sort of jarred my alimentary sensibilities, if you catch my drift. Once I left home and got past the family politics surrounding food, and took advantage of experimenting on my own, I discovered a liking to stronger flavors -- 'specially the hot and spicy chili stuff. While I am respectful of habaneros, and have been known to down them without egregious consequences, I don't engage with them often.

I've become somewhat of what seems to be called a "food Nazi" (perhaps with a small "n"). Since I am of a "certain age" I want to live the rest of my life in good health in body and brain. My recent physical demonstrated that I'm doing plenty right. At this time of year, I'm suffocating in fresh fruit and vegetables, starting my day off with a cantaloupe wedge (cut into pieces upon peeling from the rind), a peach in pieces, a small apricot (they're pretty much gone now this season -- all too short), and whatever berries are around (strawberries first, and now luscious blueberries, later blackberries) and then a couple of dollops of fat-free plain yogurt. Then, I'll have 1/2 cup wheat chex, sprinkled with cinnamon and about a tbs of flax seeds, covered with 2/3 cup fat free milk. And that's my b'fast. Usually holds me to almost lunchtime. During the winter, I'll use frozen fruit and veggies, rather than get the "fresh" stuff with no taste and carted around from locales where I really don't want to have my food come from.

While my dinner is nuking, I'll generally have a handful of almonds or walnuts. I don't eat meat, but I do eat omega-3 fish and chicken/turkey along with my veggies.

While it's probably genetic, my blood pressure resides at 90/60 99.9% of the time. Not bad for an ancient woman, eh? {do pardon the smugness, which can be offset by my cr@ppy knees and complaining back}. Since heart disease is the biggest killer of women, I'm just pleased as non-fat, low-sugar punch that my heart is good.

When we were young, we didn't know (or didn't pay attention) that a lot of stuff we ate really wasn't good for us. Is ignorance really bliss once you're blindsided? Dunno.

So, on that note, I'm gittin' outta Dodge.

dr-the whole point of mayonnaise, I believe, is to carry other flavors and provide a creamy texture. Dill, sweet pickles, vinegar, etc. all have their place but it is the rare place that needs them in the overpowering combination that is Miracle Whip. Having said that, some of my favorite potato salad recipes call for Miracle Whip and plain yellow mustard.

Dr, yes, mayo is very fatty to start with, and I rarely eat mayo of any kind unless I really need some extra fat in the food.

I will say this: there's nothing wrong with whipping plain mayo with some spices (or mustard) before mixing it into a recipe, after all... or using less/skipping it for mustard alone.

http://ninecooks.typepad.com/perfectpantry/2006/07/miracle_whip.html

...Miracle whip uses mustard, vinegar, and paprika in its ingredient list. Check your can and compare to French's Yellow mustard and Helleman's mayo.

Miracle whip is basically mayo, mustard, and dill and other spices.

So when stuck with boring mayo, add mustard and you'll be happier.

I know I am-- The problem with MW for me is dill, which I detest doubly.

I do like dill pickles (certain brands), which never tasted that dilly to me. Apparently that's because they use a dill weed oil, no actual dill.

http://www.foodproductdesign.com/articles/1100sr.html

Oh! Please! Don't tell me I can't have Hellman's on my favorite summertime sandwich, BLT on toasted white/whole wheat bread. I've already given up the B and substituted sliced, sweet onion. I just love my "fresh from the Farmer's market" tomatos and vidalias, but they need the Hellman's too...

As a child of the South, I remember something awful called Duke's Dressing or Mayo, something like that. But Hellman's was deemed the only mayo fit to eat.

Jumper, The Colonel's cole slaw is the best, hard to believe it has MW in it; it probably has lots of sugar and vinegar, too.

Wilbrod - Ahh, the dill pickle. Now there's a complicated subject. For something pretty simple [drown a cucumber in vinegar, salt, and some spices and/or other stuff for a while] it's got an astounding array of variations, and a coterie of fiercely partisan sectarians worthy of a recently-dissolved dictator-state!

VintageLady -I've mentioned this before, but my mom ate onion sandwiches as a child (white bread, thick Vidalia onion slices, Miracle Whip or butter, tomato slice, sometimes some lettuce) and continued this offensive act well into my own childhood. I truly believed that it was the most revolting concoction ever conceived by man or woman.

Actually (although I now tend toward mayonnaise, and sometimes add a few other savory tidbits) they ain't bad!

An alternative to coleslaw here in rural Florida is swamp cabbage (sabal palmetto) aka/heart of palm. Locals cook it with ham hock, fatback or salt pork and seasonings, but I prefer the nutty flavor of the raw heart, grated as for slaw, in a vinaigrette dressing. My preference for the raw palm supports my identification among locals as a "South Florida Yankee." There are many recipes for heart of palm salad, including one with pistachio ice cream as part of the dressing, but I prefer not to mask the nuttiness of the palm with competing nuts. I have used a bottled raspberry vinaigrette in a hasty salad for a covered dish event. It tasted great, but had a lurid color. I've eaten the heart out of several palms in my yard over the years, sharing the crop with neighbors - and they do the same when harvesting their own trees.

Yes, always unwise to get yourself into pickles with pickle debates, Bob S.

Duke's Mayo & dressings available here!

http://sconnoisseur.stores.yahoo.net/dukmaysalpro.html

Can the Wuthering Heights of the Middle East be far behind?
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080727/ap_on_re_mi_ea/mideast_subversive_soap

A pickle debate? Green tomato relish, no contest. Picled watermelon rind, pickled okra, & pickled squash, the best.

Bob S. your Mom is/was good people, dunno about the butter tho. ;-)

Bob S.: Vidalia onion season is great, but one of my most unmemorable lunch invitations was to a neighbor's house where they, Georgia natives, served mashed banana and mayonnaise (MW?) sandwiches on white bread. It was all I could do to politely swallow the unpalatable concoction.

Wilbrod-I wonder if they had Rabia Zargarpur in mind when they created Noor
http://hijabstyle.blogspot.com/2008/05/designer-and-famous-face-rabia.html

I taught her stepson in Prince William County and knew her when she was newly married to his drop dead gorgeous dad and getting her fashion business off the ground from their Woodbridge home. She was also featured in Time last year-
http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1714683_1714625_1714283-2,00.html

To my mind, nothing beats crisp pickled okra, Vintage Lady.

VintLady - I think the butter was a desperation move when we happened to be temporarily short of preferred lubricants.

I, on the other hand, have been known to intentionally make myself a grilled cheese sandwich with the inner faces of both slices of bread liberally mayonnaised, the outer faces liberally buttered, and several slices of bacon thrown inside just for fun.

Enjoy me while you can folks. I may not be around very long!

Oh, oh, oh! Banana, mayonnaise/Miracle Whip (with or without peanut butter). Been there, done it. Trust me, your hosts were not alone!

Thanks for sharing, Frostbitten, I like what she does with fitted vests, I particularly like the flowing orange salawar with the open white vest.

I've always been a fan of pants-dresses since I was a kid, when I saw a persian girl younger than me in such an outfit (not loosefitting) do a cartwheel outside a restaurant.

That seemed just unfair. I was in a dress and tights and I knew I'd have been slaughtered by my mom if I tried that.

Bob S: The addition of peanut butter to heart of palm dressing must also be a Georgia innovation.

I guess I'm just old fashioned, and prefer my peanut butter with Jelly.

But your grilled cheese, with the addition of sliced tomato, is very like mine, including the bacon.

The Boodle is a bad influence.

I intended to make a nice, light fruit tart with some of all this fresh fruit covering my countertop. Instead I find myself taking a chocolate cake out of the oven. I admit I used my old standard recipe, though, and left frostbitten's mayonnaise for another day.

The Ivansclan are fruit bats this week. Apparently we needed the chocolate cake for balance.

I guess that brings us, Bob S, to boiled peanuts, another local delicacy that I don't eat regularly - mostly beause of the textural slime and intense saltiness.

Yes, Bob S. that's the very same dreadful Duke's salad dressing with the red label I remember, stay far far away from it!

You may not be long for this world if you keep eating those grilled cheese things, tho.

Shiloh, I'm so glad to hear you like pickled okra, most people just run away when I speak of that good vegetable. They get that same funny look on their faces that they do when I talk about eating raw oysters. Haven't had a good oyster in years, they are all poluted and farm raised and don't taste right anymore.

Yes, Bob S. that's the very same dreadful Duke's salad dressing with the red label I remember, stay far far away from it!

You may not be long for this world if you keep eating those grilled cheese things, tho.

Shiloh, I'm so glad to hear you like pickled okra, most people just run away when I speak of that good vegetable. They get that same funny look on their faces that they do when I talk about eating raw oysters. Haven't had a good oyster in years, they are all poluted and farm raised and don't taste right anymore.

Vintage Lady: I've been eating raw oysters since I was a child. One of my most vivid memories, from about age 6, was when my dad was shucking oysters in the kitchen and invited our housekeeper to join us in eating them. "No sir," she said "I don't like to eat anything that swallows faster than I do."

Comment #300?

Everyone must be hiding indoors.

Bob S., when I lived in Portland, Oregon, it turned out that thunderstorms are extremely rare, but those few can be doozies.

I still haven't dealt with swamp cabbage. Not to mention that I'm sort of hiding indoors, trying to figure out budget, priorities, and scheduling for home improvements. The menu:
1. Definitely replace garage door. Even cheap ones are vastly more wind resistant than my 1986 model.
2. Definitely replace skylights. The ones installed in 2000 became obsolete after the 2004-2005 storms.
3. Replace roof, next year if not this. Yuk!
4. Replace at least the kitchen windows as preparation for
5. Redoing the kitchen.

Too much stuff to do.

Dave: Consuming cycads/coonties (Zamia f.) as arrowroot is different from eating the cabbage palm. My naturalized yard produces sabal palmetto like weeds and my allergy to the pollen of the mature trees gives me great pleasure in eating their hearts.

Shiloh, there's truth in her funny reply!.

Hope Ivansmom has peaches on her counter. Bought our first of the season at the Farmer's market on Wednesday. They came from our Northern Neck of Virginia.

Dinner tonight is roasted sage rubbed chicken, fresh corn on the cob, beets and tossed salad with red wine vinegar dressing. Peaches are for dessert.

Do ET aliens eat mayonnaise?

I dunno, BUT:

Conspiracy theorist Boodlers alert!

I wrote a comment on UFO sightings for the Daily Telegraph. As I sent it, my internet connection went dead, really dead, for a few minutes.

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,,24069817-5001021,00.html

Dinner tonight is roasted boneless turkey breast (marinated in lemon-brown sugar-sage-S&P, plus a touch of garlic and clove), plus rice, green peas with mint and a dessert of fresh blueberries in sour cream with a little triple sec. All really simple touches.

Shiloh,

Fax me the goodies, yum!
I'll put the store-bought roast chicken and tater salad on hold.

We have a Boodle dinner theme. We're having roast chicken (lemon & onion inside, nothing fancy), fresh corn off the cob, fruit and perhaps rice of some sort. And chocolate cake. Some variation of roast chicken is often a weekend meal for us, since I have the time to cook it and it provides leftovers for the whole week. Every few months I make stock from the bones.

Sometimes I think I just like to roast the chicken so I can eat the skin while cutting the chicken up and sipping white wine.

Dinner? It's simply a six-pack and a potato.

I've never tried to convince anyone that they should eat boiled peanuts. I merely make (or buy) and eat them from time to time, and offer them to interested parties. I long ago realized that the only answer to their horrified questions is, "It's a southern thing!"

[I have spent decades working on a technique that retains saltiness and a bit of crunch, while cutting down on squooshy texture and seawater-class brine flavor. I'm not quite there, but some night I'll show up at a BPH with a batch in hand!]

God loves us so much more than we can imagine through Him that died for all, Jesus Christ.

Hello, friends. All this talk of food does make one hungry. I'm having an apple later on. Can't wait. We're suppose to get bad storms this afternoon. It is hot.

Loomis, glad you're okay. And Slyness, I could not believe the dollar amount Wachovia has posted as a loss. I can't imagine that much money. I hope too many people don't lose their jobs.

I've been to Sunday school and church. I have to study a little now. I have a very busy week coming up. We're taking the kids to the Chinese restaurant Wednesday. They usually have a great time, and so do the adults.

I love mayo and bananas or peanut butter. Not mashed up bananas, sliced. And there's nothing like a good tomato sandwich with mayo. Yes, Ivansmom, roasted bird is delicious. I make chicken salad out of the left-overs. I'm trying to cut back on the food. I need to drop some of this weight. It is not good. I've been a fatty all my life. I need to make a change. Of course, the donuts I had earlier defeat the purpose, don't you think?

Hello, Mudge, Martooni, Scotty, and all.*waving*

Yes, Maggie, but it's probably a six-pack of Killian's Red.

Um, DLD, not to take anything away from Longwood, but there were quite a few colleges and universities that were founded before it: William & Mary, Washington & Lee, Hampden-Sydney, University of Virginia, University of Richmond (sorta), and Randolph-Macon. Virginia Military Institute was founded the same year as Longwood. Virginia was a very happening place from the mid-17th through the early 19th centuries.

For any Yellow Jacket fans here, Randolph-Macon's mascot is also the Yellow Jacket.

And for any preppie fans here, Sweet Briar's colors are pink and green. I'm not making that up. I'm sure we can find other fun facts about Virginia colleges and universities.

Glad to hear you survived the hurricane and storms, Loomis. It sounds like the south coast of Texas still has a lot of clean-up to do. I hope they get the help they need soon.

Best of luck to you and your husband on surviving the Wachovia and cancer storms, as well.

Shiloh, I suppose coonties in my yard could provide arrowroot in the event of an apocalypse, after violent thugs have made off with the canned goods and slaughtered the Sabals.

Given that cycads (including various Zamias) have toxic seed covers, toxic seeds, etc., I wonder whether that "highly-digestible" Florida coontie arrowroot flour of the early 20th century might have had neurological effects on consumers. Gotta check Dan Austin's Florida ethnobotany book.

Dave: the neurological effects of 19th-early 20th century arrowroom from coonties may explain an affinity for boiled peanuts and cooked sabal.

Oops, arrowroot. Too many Killians.

I never had commercially made mayo till I was buying my own. My mother made mayo in the blender; my favorite used dill pickle juice for the acid. Mom would also add blue cheese, and that was the salad dressing I grew up with.

Did anyone else grow up eating cream-cheese and green olive sandwiches? Cream cheese, mayo, chopped green olives. It was a great spread my mother fed me for lunch when I was a kid.

Never got into banana sandwiches, or peanut butter. My mom used to complain that PB came in nice glasses when I was little and didn't eat it; when my brother came along, he ate a jar a week and the containers weren't so nice.

Slyness: Green olives or capers or banana peppers (salonika) in cream cheese are still favorites. And believe it or not, I have treasured an old jelly glass, circa 1950s, from my grandmother that she saved for me because of my childhood mispronunciation of Nasturtiums, which I confused with Geraniums and called "NASTY-RANIUMS.'

Cream cheese, mayo, chopped green olives (sliced diagonally into quarters, crusts removed) - This was one of the standards for my mother's bridge-playing group.

The entire concept was awful to me then, not so much now. I've pushed algae & tadpoles aside to drink water when nothing else was available. I like to think that I've gained some perspective about what's "awful", and what's merely "interesting".

It was, of course, the sandwiches (not the olives) which were quartered & de-crusted, natch!

Hi Cassandra! It is hot here too; just now dipping below 100 for the day. It's not a dry heat, either, though it sure does dry things out.

That green olive and cream cheese sure sounds familiar, though I don't think it was often served at our house. Cream cheese sounds a little exotic for my Mom's cooking. Her "company" salad when I was young was an iceberg lettuce leaf, a canned pineapple ring and a dollop of Miracle Whip with paprika on top. Even then I shuddered. To be fair, Mom never much liked cooking and she did change her recipes as time wore on and diets changed.

I haven't had one in years but I do like peanut butter and sliced banana sandwiches. Toast the bread and the peanut butter gets all warm and gooshy. Ah, childhood memories.

I must admit, Bob S, that I momentarily envisioned little elves with tiny potato peelers decrusting green olives. "Surely not," I said, and then your explanation.

If RD was here I'm sure he'd remind us that if you add ground black olives to your mayo you get "Special Sauce."

While perusing the help wanted section of our local 'give away' rag I was excited to find an ad requesting applications for an entry level real estate appraiser. I was disappointed to realize that it is last weeks.
The name of the company isn't given and contact address for the ad is C/O the newspaper so I'm hoping there's still a window of opportunity. I made up a resume, concocted a cover letter, and ran out to purchase a printer. It's very nice, it scans and prints and I'll be able to fax boodlers diverse this and that.

I'm going to hand deliver the resume to the newspaper first thing in the am. I wonder if anyone on the boodle is familiar with the hiring procedures of a company that might hire a Boko like creature and if they think I have a hope in heck. Timewise that is, I'll disguise my Bokoishness should I get an interview.

Cream cheese and tomato sammiches, mmmmm.

I'll be having cold fried chicken tonight whilst I pack odds and ends. Won't be boodling much for the next 10 days or so, but hope to see some Boodlers in person Tue.

Right now I feel like I need a nap.

Is Miracle Whip traditionally cheaper than mayo? I thought it was a matter of taste, not cost. Don't see how anything name brand can be cheaper than A&P Mayonnaise.

I buy whichever mayonnaise comes in the oblong container; the one that the entire lid flips open and even provides a nice flat "knife scraper" on the side of the opening. I buys LOTS of them when they're on sale. Even a higher price can be offset by the fact that you can get every smidge of mayo out of the jar. I don't even know--or care--what brand it is. It's the container I like.

slyness... I love cream cheese and olives. I had such a sandwich this week, in fact. When I was a kid, my mom used to also make a spread out of blue cheese and cream cheese. Still considered a treat in my house today.

We returned a little while ago from a wonderful circuit through Central Va. Took Route 20 down from Madison, through adorable Scottsville, to Farmville, over to Amelia, then up to Powhatan. From there, it was Route 522 all the way back to Culpeper. Some beautiful scenery along the way.

We hit one rain storm while driving, but managed to make it into an antique mall to sit out the second one. Wow... that tin roof sure was LOUD.

We bought some farmstand peaches yesterday that we enjoyed for breakfast this morning. Stopped again on the way home for more, along with squash, tomatoes and corn. Mayo and tomato sandwiches for lunch tomorrow. Yummmmm.

Good luck to you, Boko.

Wasn't de-crusting and quartering the punishment for treason in jolly old England? I think I saw it in a Wallace and Grommit doc.

Brag, tell me you didn't sign yourself "Joel from USA" on that website?

(Comment #405). For some reason his post sounds vaguely familiar and somehow, "expert", combing aliens, humor, and politics.

Sorry, that must have been Mel Gibson in "Chicken Run."

Branding and marketing, TBG, determine price in the consumer market of today, where quality and taste are secondary. Once upon a time, Miracle Whip was cheaper, but not any more. The same can be said of many products, including shoes, where marketing to kids and teens for $90 tennis shoes that wear out in 3 months is the norm.

"Entry-level real estate developer?"

Do you start out developing outhouses and work your way up to skyscrapers, Boko?

In any case, you've worked hard learning your building stuff, so I will hope this is a case of "opportunity favors the prepared Boko."

Do your best. Just remember, if Donald Trump could make a living at it, nobody's too weird to be a real estate developer.

Appraiser, Wilbrod. Real estate appraiser.

I always thought that would be a great gig. I'm glad to see they're still hiring and training... I though that industry went out the window with the mortgage brokers lately.

Good luck, Boko!

Maggie,
I recognize that as an Irish seven course meal.

I thought Tampa had bad thunderstorms until I moved to West Palm Beach. The west coast gets more lightning but the storms that roll off Lake Okeechobee every afternoon bring much more rain.

After seeing the roadside stands all the time between Florida and Atlanta I broke down and tried boiled peanuts once. Once.

Faux Mongolian BBQ chicken here tonight. A staple when we have "nothing to eat." The chicken is real, the Mongolian part is faux. Powdered onion, garlic pepper instead of fresh garlic, soy and worcestershire sauces, oyster sauce, sesame seeds and a dash of sesame oil, powdered ginger, canned bean sprouts and fresh baby carrots over rice. The carmelized sauce is the best part. One chicken breast will feed 4 if you make enough sauce and rice. I'll be eating this until Wednesday.

In the current mortgage meltdown, Boko, from Countrywide to Wachovia, the downsizing of staff suggests that appraisers are a dime a dozen. Determining how much properties have been devalued in local markets may be more appropriate than the appraisals that led to what Greenspan called "froth" in the real estate market a few years ago. Froth is, of course, a lot of little bubbles that now have joined into one big bubble in financing markets.

Not really, TBG. Abandoned and lost houses do need to be reappraised in a down market too.

There's an abandoned house down the street that's finally for sale after 3-4 years without heat, etc. after the previous owner died. The damage due to neglect is unknown, but it has siding with paint peeling off, so it has poor curb appeal right now.

I'm tempted to phone for a showing just so I can see inside it after all.

Boko - I really enjoyed doing residential real estate appraisal work. I liked the guy I worked for, I like the analytical aspects of the job, I liked the rather flexible work schedule. Heck, I even enjoyed the occasional give-and-take with loan officers/sales agents/borrowers/sellers/underwriters who were trying (sometimes subtly, sometimes not-so-subtly) to influence the eventual valuation.

Just make sure that you know going into it that it's a job that typically requires a rather lengthy apprenticeship (18-36 months) before you're liable to have a chance of signing an appraisal under your own name, and that it (like all jobs connected to the real estate industry) is a very cyclical gig.

As my boss was known to say from time to time: "Make hay while the sun shines, boys & girls, because a cloudy day is coming. If it's true for the farmers, it's true for us." Of course, one of the reasons that I loved him (and the job in general) was that he also was known to say on occasion:

"Well, [insert 'loan officer', 'underwriter', etc.] I've discussed this with my appraiser. We believe that you believe that the value should be different. But unfortunately, our training and experience doesn't allow us to certify your opinion. It does, however, allow us to feel confident of ours. But feel free to seek the opinion of one of the many other appraisers in the area. As long as you promise never to call me again, I'll even return your check."

Boko - Perhaps I should expand slightly: That particular form of reply was reserved for the rare (but not unheard-of) intrusive clients who genuinely believed that the appraiser should be prepared to "make the deal work", no matter what the objective indications of value might suggest.

Boko

I'm sending prayers for you, Boko, and the job search.

Yes, good luck Boko!

I've had a tune cootie all day "I'm so excited, I just can't hide it" about my new home office furniture. The guy who built it was here for 3 hours installing and it looks like it was built with the house. Now to sort through all the stuff that's been piled up in anticipation, yuck. Bet I'm still at it when the night shift checks in-next Sunday.

I have a terrible real estate appraiser story. A while back we wanted a home loan (replace the roof or move) and our first (not hired) lender wanted an appraisal. They sent a guy out. He looked the place over and TALKED to us (pardon the shouting). Then he went back and told the bank that we had no access to the road. I asked him what he thought he'd driven down to get to our house. He said that he didn't see any access on a deed to the house property. I pointed out that four (it's a long story) deeds to various portions of this property were registered in my name and, should he not wish to take the trouble to look them up at the clerk's office I had copies right there he could have seen. All he had to do was ask. Not his job, he said. He was very condescending - I'm just a little lady, after all. I've had a good time telling that story, and steering business away from that firm, ever since. I know I should get the deeds consolidated but really. That was sloppy work.

Second lender didn't need an appraisal and gave us a loan we could easily pay back early.

Thanks for the encouragement.
The ad is quite humourous. The bullets for the requirements want:

-minimum grade 12 (oops!)
-organized (fake it)
-willing to take courses (I've taken them all)
-people skills (ok, no hitting)
-construction and costing knowledge (no problemo)
-willing to complete courses (Huh?)
-blah blah (la dee da)

I've taken, completed,and passed all the courses required, and written and aced (78% is aced for me. 50% of those taking it fail the first time) the Appraisal Institute AACI Comprehensive Exam for the highest designation the Institute gives. Course-wise I'm over-qualified. If the institute recognised my assessment experience (which they should IMO) I'd be sitting pretty. I'm just worried about that hi skool requirement and being a week tardy.

Ooops, somehow I deleted the second part of the appraisal-pressure weirdness! -

Boko - Perhaps I should expand slightly: That particular form of reply was reserved for the rare (but not unheard-of) intrusive clients who genuinely believed that the appraiser should be prepared to "make the deal work", no matter what the objective indications of value might suggest; and for the (also slightly-less-rare, but still unusual) underwriter representatives who believed that every possible question that they might submit required immediate and extensive reply.

An example of the second type:

Underwriter: "Why does the photograph of the front of the house show lumber stacked up on the front porch?" [note from bob s - bear in mind that the question was asked almost a month after I inspected the property!]

Bob S.: "Ummm, who cares?"

Underwriter: "Well, were they doing construction on the house?"

Bob S.: "Did I f***ing mention any construction on the house? Did you see any construction in the several interior photos that I included with the appraisal report? Did you look at the loan application (which I normally would not see, but which the seller gave me at my request) which mentions that the seller is a general contractor? Do you seriously mean to imply that I (or any appraiser) would submit an appraisal report without mentioning that there was ongoing construction inside?"

Underwriter: "O.K., but we'll need another set of photos which verifies that the stack of wood has been removed, and that there is no ongoing construction within the residence."

Bob S.'s boss to the lender which hired us: "My appraiser has given you as much data as we can afford to gather and provide within the current pricing structure. He is willing to drive back to the property and provide more photographs (and a minimal description) for $100. I do not value my time so lightly and would charge you $200 just to walk out of my office door. My suggestion is that you take him up on his offer, or find another appraiser. In fact, given that you seem to be implying incompetence or dishonesty on our part, I strongly urge that you consider employing different appraisal firms in the future."

Man. I loved that guy!

Wilbrodog,

Sorry, that Joel guy represents a more intelligent lifeform than me.

I don't think my comment made it. Either the gummint or the aliens ate it.

I'm to lazy to replicate my elaborate opus damn near proving UFOs are frequent above the Marianas Trench.

Ivansmom - I don't have the stamina for much more "appraiser" talk, but that IS bizarre and infuriating. Do you figure that the appraiser just enjoyed being obstructive, or do you suppose that there was a genuine belief that the property was in real danger of being converted back to pasture because of a lack of thoroughfare access?

Actually, my last comment was mildly tongue-in-cheek. Here's how I'd have handled the situation:

I'd have done the appraisal based on existing road access. If I had concerns about access based on examination of plat survey diagrams, or deeds, or whatever, I'd have made weaselly comments to the effect that, "While access to the property has been unhindered [enter: "for 'x' number of years by means of 'y' access point(s)], the appraiser is not qualified to verify that such access is guaranteed in perpetuity. This appraisal valuation assumes such access, as it has been customary and longstanding."

Or some such crap.

So glad to be reading these appraisal comments from the vantage point of a casual observer, not someone in the midst of a purchase. What amazed me about the bubble was 1. how easily some appraisers were swayed to make the deals work and 2. how many people sold in the overheated market then pumped all the profits into the next, much more expensive house.

Ivansmom. An appraiser doesn't appraise a property but the rights someone holds to that property. Rural appraisals and assessments always start with a title search and the identification of what's being appraised.
Wouldn't work otherwise.
He couldn't have known you're a lawyer. We're scared of lawyers but laugh at accountants. Book depreciation? They're dreaming.

Good luck, Boko, I hope you get the job!

Bob, there's nothing more priceless than a boss who will back you up. I understand why you loved the guy.

Ivansmom, obviously the appraiser didn't know who you are and what you could do or not do for his business, depending on how he served you. Isn't it amazing that customer service never enters some people's minds?

SCC of the rights being appraised.
eg. air rights, water rights, mineral rights.
Hey this fun, like falling off a unicycle.

Altho I have lived in the "real" south several times, the only time I encountered boiled peanuts was on Guam. The Guamanians used to boil them in those big oil drums down on the dock. Like yello, I tried them once.

But they made ceviche with some white fish -- in another one of those drums -- that was absolutely first class.

Except for the unicyle part my 9:20 is so incomplete it's misleading. Ignore please.
Plus, boodling and watching "Foyles War" is spoiling both.
*click*

I'm going to reach back into the Kit right now (Kit? What's that?) and mention that this is my new favorite quote...

"I like to think of my political judgments as being extremely nuanced, free of hyperbole and overstatement, which is why it bothers me that so many people are such Pinkos and Nazis."

Hey, Boodle. Finally just now getting my computer set back up and running. Worked like a dog (apologies to Wilbrodog, Yeoman, and others of fond memory) for the past two days, but now we have a new leather couch (previously unrealized: both end seats recline!) and I have a brand new, huge, L-shaped desk that is waaaaaaaayyyy better than the set up I had before. Also have one entire extra computer plus wireless router, one extra office chair, a Morris chair, and two chairs we though we woven cane but which upon closer inspection appear to be leather, not basket weaving stuff. Also four or five pieces of artwork. Quite a haul.

Haven't had a chance to backboodle nor to read the WaPo, so I have no idea what's going on in the world, or here on the Boodle. I'm a bit surprised to see the same kit is still up. Hope you've all been behaving, and are all well fed, well rested and well recreated.

I did manage to catch a glimpse of my 'mater plants; I have about 9 fairly large but still green ones visible, so things seem to be progressing nicely.

Pretty pooped out, so if I don't post again tonight I'll see you for muster at sunrise.

Yes, boko & Bob S., that's what really annoyed me. This "appraiser" should have started with the paperwork at the courthouse. Had he done so, and done it right, he would not have had any question about the road access. Had he truly doubted access he could have written what Bob S. did. These things were apparently too much work for him. Knucklehead.

Wow, Mudge. That's quite a haul of furniture. You'll have to build another house to hold it all. In your spare time, of course.

TBG - I think that I've become so accustomed to fun/elegant/brilliant turns of phrase from Herr Achenbach that (while I sometimes notice them) I forget to tell anyone else how much I appreciate them. 'Cuz I figure that everyone else must surely have come to that same realization even more quickly than dullards like me!

Anyway, that particular statement of Joel's led to momentary respiratory discomfort on my part!

I know, Bob! That's why I figured I'd mention it... I think that particular turn of phrase is just too good to take for granted.

In fact, it's currently my "status" message on AIM/iChat (properly credited, of course).

Geesh will work ever end? I am kicking back with a nice glass of wine whenever I get home.

Well, in the olden times, unending work days were often endured WITH a glass of wine (or a slug or mug of something). Thank goodness those bad days are behind us!

Mayonnaise. For the past 12 hours you people have been discussing...mayonnaise.

*sigh*

Got a question for Dave of the C: What kind of tree has large heart-shaped leaves about 5 or 6 inches long and weird foot-long seeds that look like string beans (but somewhat harder skin)? The tree basically looks like a string bean tree.

Foyle's War watchers: am I to understand that with the Allied victory in Europe the series has come to an end, as DCS Foyle walks away from an emptied-out office? (I love it that all along he knew how to drive. Somehow you just knew that all along.)

"BS hoists a foamy toast to the new sobriety!"

'mudge - That's what you got out of the conversation? Sheesh!

Anyway, my first thought is one of the Catalpas. The "Indian bean" http://www.plantcare.com/oldSite/httpdocs/images/namedImages/Catalpa.jpg
would be an initial guess.

Ooops. I wasn't asked, was I?

Sorry.

You forgot the boiled peanuts, Mudge. Looks like all the fancy ship's cooks were off today.

Yep, a catalpa; that's it. Thanks, Bob.

I didn't forget the boiled peanuts, Wilbrod. I chose (out of good taste and delicate sensibility) to ignore them.

Or it could be a bean tree.

Boko, if you talk like you write I'd hire you in a minute! Your very eccentric/intelligent discourse both astounds and amuses (and occasionally concerns) me and I like that in a person. A lot.

Okay, I admit I lied about the six-pack and the potato for dinner. I actually had a pork chop with home-made potato salad (made by me, YAY!) and corn and tomato salad (also made by me yay). I have never used anything but Hellman's mayonnaise. My daughter was famous for asking waitresses in restaurants what kind of mayonnaise they used. If it wasn't Hellman's, she didn't order it.

You understand correctly Mudge, and we'll have to guess if Sam and Andrew lived happily ever after.

Toodles boodle, and sweet dreams. I was goign to try to plow on with the big desk reorganization but can't focus. Time to call it a night.

SCC-going, but that proves the focus point.

The day is almost over and nobody has mentioned Aioli and Tartar Sauce, two mayonnaise based condiments.

I'm done.

I'd never heard of Hellmann's until 1974 when my family moved back stateside from Okinawa. There in Louisville (KY), I was exposed (often) to the ditty:
"Bring out the Hellmann's, and bring out... the best!"

Imagine my shock and awe when, after our move (a year or so later) to Colorado Springs (CO) I was bombarded with the ditty:
"Bring out the Best Foods, and bring out... the best!"

Could it be that there are two nearly identical "bests"? Apparently, it is so.

Clarification: MY day is almost over. The blog now passes west to Malasia and Indonesia, from whence the word Ketchup is derived. That may be tomorrow's subject.

Best Foods owns both Best and Hellman's mayonnaise, but retains regional branding.

A final note: Russia is the only western nation that consumes more mayonnaise than ketchup.

As we speak, the Guamanians are probably readying barrels full of boiled peanuts & ceviche.

(Nelly - I never saw barrels full of ceviche in Guam, but I'll take your word that it was there. Seems tough to keep it from spoiling.

But I definitely was pleased & amused to see boiled peanuts just like I remember from home - old farts/fartesses selling it by the side of the road out of vats fashioned from 55-gallon oil drums. Yummy!)

There's gotta be a Russian Dressing joke in there, Shiloh, but I can't think of one.

G'night then, boodle. Sweet boodle dreams....

Hey, hombre - we 'mericans scoff at your silly mayonnaise and/or catsup/ketchup.

This is a SALSA nation now, haven't you heard?

In other late-breaking news: the U.S. market share of "organic" foods continues to rise.

Sigh. And I was so enjoying my time in the limelight, with all of my other inorganic food-eating pals. For those of you trying to lose a little weight, I really do recommend the inorganic-diet lifestyle!

"Carbon, Carbon"
"We just say..."
"We don't need you"
"Anyway!"

Since you were wondering (and you know that you were!)

Ice cubes and steel wool. It's quite filling, actually.

Bob S. --
Those huge drums of ceviche were enjoyed by those of us who worked at the Commercial Port of Guam. The guys really did catch the fish and put it in the drums almost at once -- that was fresh fish, and just fine!

Cab sav or pinot grigio? plenty of deer on the road tonight,maybe I should have both.

Is GNR's "Sweet Child of Mine" one rockin song or what?

I have decided to do laundry tonight,just to get it out of the way.

Always liked Miricle whip better as a kid/teenager,like mayo more as an adult(cept when i feel like a kid) which is almost everyday.

My recipe for cocktail sauce
1 tablespoon horseradish
1 squirt of ketchup

g/w/envy - "Sweet Child" has the power, but "I Used to Love Her..." has the twisted, sick humor.

[or lack thereof]

green - I think I might be able to improve slightly on that recipe, but in a pinch it works just fine, and certainly has simplicity going for it.

Bob,if it looks more like mayo then cocktail sauce then it is good for me.

dbG, I'm interested in the flourless chocolate torte recipe.

Best of luck, Boko.

Miracle Whip is not mayonnaise? Really? I was introduced to MW when I was in the US and liked it better than the other brands. Now, I find it too sweet. Some of our local grocery stores carry MW, Choice Lady's, Hellmann's and Best Foods. Our popular local ketchup, chili sauce and soy sauce is "Maggi" brand. They haven't move to mayo yet.

The Pizza Hut here has an item called "cheesy bites" in their menu. They squirt mayo on the cheesy bites. There is another local pizza joint that also squirts mayo on some of their pizzas. Mayo on pizza is so wrong. In most food joints, if you order deep-fried foods, like, shrimp patties, fish patties, or stuff crab meat in tofu, they'll squirt mayo on them. Yikes.

We have over 10 varieties of banana here. There are only about 3 varieties that are suitable for battered and deep-fried. Another method would be to half the banana length-wise, sprinkle a little sugar on the banana and wrap each piece in spring roll wrapper. Either deep-fried or just brown the roll on sides on a skillet is also quite nice. IIRC, the type you find in your store are not the type for deep-frying. However, if you frying them before they are too ripe, they should taste all right.

I don't believe there's a Choice Lady's brand, so it has to be Lady's Choice.

I better clarify a little... the deep-fried shrimp patties or fish patties or nuggets don't come in a bun. They are more like appetizers. On the same plate, there will be some pickle veg or a blob of coleslaw with too much mayo.

I have read Joel for many years and think he has a better grasp of science and technology than any other writer and thinker that i know of - since we lost Arthur Clarke, of course.

But he is just as biased as anyone and makes as many mistakes as anyone and should get no more attention than any of the usual suspects.

That is just the way it is.

Better we make up our own minds.

"Carbon, Carbon"
"We just say..."
"We don't need you"
"Anyway!"

Not unless we want life on the planet or want to live through an ice age.

Otherwise you are clear.

Just not so bright.

'Morning, Boodle. Time to rise and shine. (If you are one of the millions of shine-challenged Muricans, like me, well, we'll just have to rise and grumble.)

I see the Boodle has continued its assessment of mayonnaise in its usual full, frank, and candid manner, weighing both the good and the bad, adding recipes and insight (first had typed incite, and perhaps shoulda stuck with it). Jeez, I love this place. Where else on the internets could this happen?

I suppose I need to dip my own oar in. I hate mayonnaise, be it real, Hellman's, Mircale Yuck, or whatever. Why anyone would slather it on a piece of bread just elludes me. When I was a kid my mother would put it on bread before making me a cold (leftover Thanksgiving) turkey sandwich, and I finally just had to ask her to stop, please. Turkey is delicate enough as it is, but put mayo on it just hides what little taste there is.

When I first moved down to Merlin and started ordering the local version of a "Philly cheese steak," one of the first ever handed to me was a long roll with thick slabs of steak on it, almost like flank steak, upon which someone villain had slathered mayo and added lettuce and tomato. And then had the (a) nerve (b) chutzpah (c) stone-cold stupidity to call this abomination a Philly cheese steak. I mean, puh---leeeeeze. I hold many of you mayo-slathering persons responsible for this criminal abomination. You know who you are.

We had to dash through "Checkers" to grab some mobile lunch yesterday, and without thinking I ordered a double cheeseburger thing, and you just KNOW what came on it, slathered across the top bun.

Pardon me for breaking into all-caps mode, but it is quite necessary: WHO THE HELL SLATHERS MAYO (even disguised under the bogus name of "special sauce") ON TOP OF A CHEESEBURGER ALREADY COVERRED WITH LETTUCE TOMATO, ONION, KETCHUP AND MUSTARD, fer cryin' out loud? And not to single out Checkers for umbrage; a lot of them do it.

ARE YOU PEOPLE INSANE?

There, my Lewis Black moment is over. I feel so much better now.

The worst kind of potato salad? Easy: the kind with too much mayo and not enough mustard in it. Yes, I reluctantly grant a little mayo is necessary in binding a potato salad together. But not so much it stand outs. It ought to be invisible; it's presence totally undetectable in the background. There's about 91 ways to make potato salad, and all of them are good--as long as there is strict mayo control.

Ditto for tuna fish and chicken salad.

The Mighty Favog has spoken with Weingartenian certitude.

Nothing on the WaPo front page worth commenting about. Not a blessed thing. All the "Outlook" stuff is about China. I have no interest in reading any commentary about China today.

McCain has accused Obama (again) of "playing politics" with his positions, whereas St. McCain would NEVER do such a thing himself. I can think of only one word/phrase to describe McCain on this, and it involves both the word "sphincter" and our favorite town in Connecticut. I speak, of course, of Mianus.

Already, people, let's get 'em up and flying!!!

Curmudgeon, I don't know how we managed to hold that entire condiment discussion yesterday without your guidance. It's no wonder we failed to reach any valid conclusions.

My latest culinary adventure: frozen grapes. We had some really sweet grapes yesterday and I realized how much better they tasted if they were chilled (my husband likes all his fruit room temperature so I haven't had chilled grapes for a while, but they were still cold from the store). That gave me the bright idea to put some in the freezer. I tried one this morning and I have to admit it wasn't so fabulous as I expected. But still, interesting. And certainly wouldn't be improved by adding mayonnaise.

I am laughing at Gary E. Masters' apparent alarm over our Achensycophancy (I can type it but don't ask me to pronounce it). Gary, you're free to express your opinion--but don't expect to be greeted as a hero around here for saying that we should pay less attention to Joel. Ain't gonna happen. It's probably good for us to have you say it, though.

And now I'm late for work, so if the above doesn't make sense, I can't help it.

Ciao!

God loves us so much more than we can imagine through Him that died for all, Jesus Christ.

Good morning, friends. Mudge, your take on mayo is very impressive. Naturally, I'm laughing my head off. You "sound" to be in good spirits, and all that's good.

I'm running late this morning. My sister called on her way to work, and we got hung up in conversation. I've had the coffee, gulping it down as I type.

Martooni, Scotty, Slyness, awake, awake, and good morning to all.*waving*

I read the Uganda story this morning in the Post. It seems all stories from Africa are sad, but this one seems to have some promise of hope. This story highlights returning rebels to their home, and their families accepting them or not. Some families are accepting them, but it is a hard road. After spending years in a rebel camp where they were killers of their own people, getting back to a normal life is fragile. The leader of this rebel faction claims to speak for God, and of course, he has thirty wives, I guess, to help him in this madness? I don't understand that. In all my reading about God, He is said to be almighty and powerful, why would he need a whimpy man to kill, as if God lack the power to do that? And I know God uses man, but not because of a lack in Himself.

Well, it is time to swim. Have a great day, folks. And kbert, chilled grapes sound interesting, cold, delightful, demanding in a good way.

The weather person is promising heat again today. We did not see the rain yesterday, but oh, the heat. Check on the elderly, if you can.

Loomis, good thoughts your way, and prayers.

Goood morning!

Mudge, I'm glad I'm not the only one who doesn't read all the op-ed pieces when they aren't interesting. Did you see the teaser for Novak's column? Pu-leese.

Onward into the day! If I decide I'm energetic, I may mow the lawn.

Add my son to the Kindiment Hating Kid Club. Nothing is more annoying that cooling your heels in the line for Mickey Dees than waiting for a hamburger kids meal plain only to have to return it when it comes with mustard and onions anyways.

I do mix mayo and ketchup for the waffle fries at SouthernChickenChainClosedOnSunday. I had GiantBurgerChain's imitation of the 'southern' chicken where they just plop a breaded breast on a buttered bun and throw some pickles on top. The don't get it right and don't give you the condiments to do it yourself.

Vroooom!

Energized by Mudge's matinal exhortacion (Sp?)taking off to check on the kennels by the Navy Oservatory.

Rocking wings to wish everyone a happy morning and then the rest of the day.

We pay attention to Joel who? When? What???

I need laughs this morning... Father-in-law's in the hospital after a serious fall with a very treacherous procedure ahead, NukeSpouse is on her way to see him (should have been there last night, damn the airlines and weather delays) and I wish I could do more.

*pro forma Grover waves*

Good morning, all.

Only time for a quick flyby and wing-waggle again this AM.

Personally, I like mayo (Hellman's, sorry)but only in moderation. Grew up with it in tuna salad and on Jerry's steak & cheese subs (to be differentiated from Philly cheesesteaks - not the same thing) from the original Jerry's in Wheaton, MD which was actually a pretty good sub place until they were bought out by some big conglomerate) because that's they way they served it - I don't remember a choice.

Miracle Whip, sorry, no thanks.

bc

Good vibes your way, Scotty. I kind of need the same. Just when we thought we'd be getting a break from all this cancer stuff, my youngest bro has been diagnosed with what is probably prostate cancer, and my FIL has been diagnosed with Parkinson's. OTOH, we're never supposed to be dealt more than we can handle. Things could always be worse, like Arbusto being elected to a third term. On the bright side, my bro's MD's seem to think that their protocol will result in a 98% chance that he'll avoid recurrence. The downside is impotence. He's looking into...well never mind. My FIL 's prognosis, at this point is good. Other than that, there's lots to smile about today. Peace be with you all. Without mayo and mustard. That stuff is disgusting.

*faxing mutual support MOU to jack, pre-signed on my part* :-)

g'morning boodle. This Friday is the first anniversary of the Minneapolis bridge collapse so of course our airwaves are full of "news" about it. The new bridge is nearly done and will open in a couple months. I was stuck in traffic over the Mississippi in St. Paul last week and it does give you pause, though truth be told I've never been a bridge fan anyway.

Mudge was right, nothing of particular interest among the WaPo editorials this morning. A quick look at Tampa headlines reveals it's the same old, same old-missing/murdered persons (mostly kids), the Bucs/Rays, and the housing market in the toilet. A few of the details change but they could recycle this stuff like they do with "legacy" comics.

Hugs to all dealing with the many misfortunes that have struck the boodle lately.

Morning boodle.
Thanks for starting off my day with a laugh, Mudge.

Faxing good thoughts your relatives way Scotty and Jack.
Hi Cassandra!

I love Miracle Whip but only in an appropriate non sexual way of course.
MW, sweet pickle relish, dash of mustard = tartar sauce.
MW, sweet pickle relish, dash of ketchup = thousand island dressing.
What's not to love?

Have a good day, gots to run.

jack,
Good luck with this latest ordeal. We know you are strong. You did scare me into scheduling my annual physical. The last two were more imaginary than most of my internet friends. Hey, I've been busy.

Boko,
People love condiments for all sorts of reasons. Don't be judgmental. And don't knock it until I try it.

So sorry to hear about Yeoman, Yoki. You must miss him terribly.

So sorry to hear about the FIL, Scotty. If some good yuks come to my attention, I'll send them your way.

My mom is a Miracle Whip gal, through and through. She even puts it on cooked spinach. Raysdad can't eat her macaroni or potato salad ("Miracle Whip! GAK!)

On appraisals and shaky loans: we learned what led to the foreclosure on the house across the street. The purchaser not only borrowed the down payment, but the closing costs as well! Yup, borrowed 110 percent of the (inflated) purchase price. When prices fall, and you have zero skin in the game, you just pack up, walk away, and leave no forwarding address (as evidenced by the mail still being delivered).

Anyhoo, we in the neighborhood have decided that we need to keep the property maintained, since it's clear that the bank has no intention of doing so. Raysdad spent Saturday afternoon mowing, and another neighbor trimmed the neglected shrubs and weed-whacked. Even after four hours of combined effort, they hadn't gotten to the back yard. Judging by the height of the grass, it would take a bush hog to get through it.

"Other than that, there's lots to smile about today."

That is why we love you, jack. I hope the news is good from now on; you and your family deserve it, that's for sure.

Mudge... gonna have to disagree with you on that mayo rant. We love the stuff here in the G house. Dr G would say it goes well on everything. Nothing better than mayonnaise on top of that cheeseburger with mustard and ketchup. Yum-de-dum.

Those of you complaining about waiting for a condiment-free McDonald's hamburger... Son of G went through a period when he wanted the burger to be burger-free. Yup... bun, cheese and condiments.

The funniest time was when we ordered one, got it and sat down to eat. I heard the fellow behind me order a "plain hamburger" for his young son. After waiting for their meal and sitting down to eat it, he roared "THIS HAMBURGER HAS NO MEAT!"

It seems that the person who'd just fixed our burgerless burger had absentmindedly mixed up "plain" with "burgerless" and made another one. The customer had no idea that someone had actually just ordered a sandwich like that. It was pretty funny to watch. I'm giggling, in fact, thinking about it.

Oh my, Scotty and jack, such news for a Monday morning! My thoughts and prayers will be with your families.

I am mostly grateful for modern medicine, when the system works properly. Didja see the post to Hax on Friday from the lady who was given antidepressants for six months, only to find that she had leukemia? Yowza.

Scotty, my prayers for your father in law. Jack same goes for your family.

Yesterday right about the time we were going to cook supper, we had a huge thunderstorm pass by, dropping the most rain we have had in one sitting so far this summer. (Please sir, I want some more.) The power was out till bed time. Supper was tossed on the BBQ when the rain let up. We barbequed peas, one of my favourites. Take frozen peas, toss them in soya sauce. Cook till heated through. And they are really good with mushrooms tossed on too. yummy.

Scotty... good wishes for your FIL. Sorry to hear about his fall. Hope all goes well for him.

There's been much too much bad news on this boodle lately. Here's some good news... my niece shared incredibly life-like ultrasound pictures last week of her BABY GIRL due in November! YAY!

After growing up with only sisters, the four of us have produced only two girls in the next generation: my daughter and the niece having her own baby girl. Oh well.. a girl every 14 or 15 years is better than nothing.

Seems like a lot of sad news has been percolating from the boodle the last few days. I hope that everyone is able to take their personal pain and transmute it into something better.

I know, it seldom helps when someone says that to me when I am sad either.

But on to other matters.

To me, mayonnaise, and all of its various permutations, is sorta like televised golf. I don't despise it, but I don't get a lot of joy from it either. And given the amount of fat in the stuff (Mayo that is. Televised golf is reasonably lo cal.) I avoid it when I can.

In its place I will typically substitute mustard whose delightful tang has been known to make my taste buds sing with euphoria. Indeed, just yesterday I was chastised by my wife for putting mustard on a BLT. What can I say? I am a gastronomical free spirit.

I especially like the really strong kind of mustard. What we used to call "Chinese Mustard" before the powerful stuff went all mainstresm.

And speaking of Chinese food, having finished David Sedaris's fascinating, if occasionally unsettling, collection of short stories I am now reading a book by a young woman named Jennifer 8 Lee. (Yes, her middle name is "8".) She writes about how the food in Chinese restaurants is American food that looks Chinese. She writes that, as an American Born Chinese (ABC) this is how she often feels about herself.

Anyway, it is a great beach book. And speaking of beaches, Slyness, I think the number of people at the beach was down a little bit over the weekend. I don't know whether this is due to general economic conditions or the specific plague of high gas prices.

Speaking of gas prices and China, didja see the WaPo article that identifies cars in China as a major driver (ha ha) for restricted oil supplies?

Yep, it's all starting to fit together.

One of my favorite Thanksgiving leftover meals is made with chunks of turkey and tomatoes mixed with ketchup, mustard and Miracle Whip on toast. Haven't had it for years though. Ms DandyLion likes that "light" stuff, which I think comes as close to flavorless as a condiment can possibly get, but she does the grocery shopping and there just isn't room in a single fridge for 2 jars of mayonnaise to feed a family of 6.

Borrow from the neighbors?

Good morning! Scottynuke and jack, good luck and good thoughts to your various ailing family members. Jack, you in particular get an extra helping of good cheer after your family run of misfortune.

Gary E Masters, I think you missed the point of the "carbon" cheer. It was specifically in reference to diet, and resulted from our extended condiment discussion yesterday.

Speaking of which I myself am not fond of mayonnaise. I like RD's comparison of it to televised golf. That's why I don't often make homemade mayonnaise. It tastes so much better than the jarred stuff that I actually use it - draped across fresh sliced tomatoes for instance. Better just to stay away. I shuddered at rainforest's description of fried bits of food (pizza?!@) with mayonnaise.

Years of ordering fast food sans condiments have inured us to all kinds of orders. However, the Boy knows that if they get the order wrong he has to scrape what he can off the burger and eat it anyway. This is the sort of hardship which will no doubt send him into therapy in adult life.

RD, I would say the mountains were not quite as full this weekend as I have seen them in late July. Mr. T's observation was that there are more old f@rt motorcycle riders than in years past. That makes sense, given the price of gas.

Didya read John Pomfret's op ed on China being a superpower? Interesting take on how that country is developing.

DandyLion, I'm tryin' hard not to be judgemental, but that's the most disgusting-sounding sandwich I ever heard of.

For really hot and pure Chinese mustard.

Take Coleman's mustard powder add beer to achieve wanted consistency. Voila! Best Chinese mustard you'll ever have.

TBG, when I was in college, the hamburger buffet was standard fare in the dining hall--regardless of what else was on the menu, hamburger/cheeseburger with whatever you want on it was always an option.

[One of my roommates avoided the "Freshman 15" weight gain by having every day for lunch a cheeseburger, PLAIN (no bun no condiments no nothin') and a salad. Never mind that it wasn't kosher. She did what she had to do.]

When I went through my vegetarian phase, I used to go through the burger line and make a Meatless Burger With Everything (else)--and I was really surprised how much the experience was similar without the meat. Better, in many ways, because you can enjoy the lettuce and tomato more, and I gained more appreciation for mustard, too.

Hey if mayonnaise gets 12 hours, why not mustard? Dijon vs. French's: discuss.

Good morning boodle! Good thoughts are being sent you way Scotty and Jack.

One of my favorite songs of alltime.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIr2ZIaFV30&feature=related

May everyone have a blue sky day,out to pick some green beans

Dijon is a condiment. French's is an ingredient.

Thanks, Brag, for that mustard tip. But what to do with the left-over beer?

Think. Think. Think.

Well, off to the beach.

RD, LOL. If you're not a beer drinker, like me, that could be a problem.

TBG and kber, one of Mr. T's cousins used to manage a Wendy's. He said that requests for meatless sandwiches were common.

True mustard connoisseurs are as insufferable as wine snobs. I've been using a Jack Daniels brand for sandwiches. I'm a sucker for brand extension tricks like that.

There's also a cranberry mustard blend that I've been using on turkey sandwiches.

I dropped my resume off a the newspaper office and though I'm happy the lady told me the PO box is still active I'm a litte peeved she managed to resist my charm assault and wouldn't reveal the name of the company that rents it. I admire her professionism though, darnit.

Brag, I tried Coleman's mustard recently and found I like it better than Keen's.
My granny (and then Mum) would make a paste from Keen's and a little milk to go with our roast beast and yorkshires. Mmmm.

Horseradish!
Scuse me.

Clarification: Yorshire puddings, not those yappy little terriers. I wouldn't want to upset yello.

Mayonnaise: One of the sauces which serve the French in place of a state religion.

--Ambrose Bierce.

Secret to great potato salad: Thin the mayo with dill pickle juice. Eschew mustard.

--Kathryn Page

My work day is just about over, with only one black helicopter crashing.

Scotty, best wishes for your FIL.

Jack, things are not as bad for your brother as they may appear at first. I can give you first hand account of that, but not here. I'm not sure how you connect through this mysterious "back-boodle", but if we can, I have lots of reason to share optimism.

Excellent topic siggestion, Bertooch.

For your basic ham-andswiss on rye, there is only one choice: Gulden's spicy. There is nothing further to discuss.

Now, hot dogs. Here I will admit to some (not a lot) of latitude. Gulden's and French's are OK, as is Plochman's. However, a hot dog is just not the proper venue for Dijon, which has a refined sensibility. Now, in Chicago, the "proper" ballpark hotdog has those two local varieties, who are at war with each other, fiercer, even than Shia and Sunnis. I shall not intervene in that one.

I love dijon for cooking, especially for the sauce for my Steak Diane. I also use it a lot for making glazes for pork and chicken dishes.

Taylor's Ham (a.k.a. pork roll): your basic yellow (Gulden's, Plochman's, French's) is acceptable; however, I sometimes get wild and crazy, and use Safeway's stoneground mustard with horseradish. Yes, I know: daring, bold, unconventional. I admit it. But what can I do? The Taylor's Ham Muse is a fickle one, that one.

On a hamburger: whatever is handy.

In baked beans: in our house, we NEVER have "ordinary" baked beans heated up right out of the can; they must be (you should pardon the French) "@stardized," as we call it: drain off the excessive liquid that comes in the can. Dump beans in pot. Add dollops of ketchup and/or BBQ, a dollop of mustard, chopped/diced onion (better if pre-sauteed), a dash of worcestershire, a smidgen of A-1. The mustard in question is any of the basic yellows.

On pretzels: this one used to be easy: on a large (Philly-type) pretzel, there was only one choice, your basic French's or Plochman's yellow. However, with the advent of Aunt Annie's I am now a devotee of their honey-mustard dip (I do not confess this north of the Mason-Dixon, let it be said).

I generally don't like Chinese mustard in anything other than electron-microscopically-sized amounts, so it's kinda academic. And offhand I don't know what I'd oput it on: certainly not anything I eat that's remotely Chinese. And I am just not into tongue pain.

Late in life, I have come to appreciate the aforementioned stoneground mustard with horseradish: it's enough to open my sinuses but yet not so strong it creates more large gaps in my noggin than nature originally intended. I don't mind having my sinuses gently evacuated, but when there's a 30-knot gale blowing through my cerebral cortex that's a bit much.

Late addendums (addenda?):

(1) French fries. I put ketchup on fries, as does every true Murican. However, I know some people put mustard on them. I am willing to overlook this serious character flaw. It's like people with Tourette's. You feel sorry for them, and try not to laugh. They can't help it.

There is an orange-mustard glaze/marinade I use on steaks and chops all the time, which is quitre excellent. In general the orange-mustard marriage is a good thing, works well, I find.

*scratching wasabi off the "next time 'Mudge comes over for dinner" menu*

:-)

Dang! Now I'm really hungry for lunch, and I still got an hour and a half to go. Colman's mustard (w/o the "e" please) is good on its own, actually (w/o the beer) -- at least in the non-powdered variety. And it's hot enough to sear your sinuses. Very good, actually, and one can emit a smoky, yet very satisfying "ahhhhhh" afterwards (through the tears, of course). One of my favorites.

About 15 years ago, when I still ate meat occasionally, and when I was briefly in Detroit to take care of my mom's house (she had already gone to a nursing home), the banking guy (and now good friend of mine) offered to go out for sandwiches. So, I said "okay, get me a pastrami" *knowing* that he'd understand the rest (for those who don't, it's "on rye with mustard" although it's good on pumpernickel, too). He came back with PASTRAMI ON WHITE WITH MAYONNAISE -- I swear. And he still has no clue as to why I burst into laughter. Didn't taste quite right, you know.

Jack, my good karma is being faxed to you, too. Best wishes. The "supporters" need just as much supportive karma as the afflicted. And there's plenty coming from here.

Gotta go.

Mudge... my mom did the same for the baked beans, but also added canned chunks of pineapple. Really good... especially the sweet/sour thing going with the mustard.

And Auntie Annes are not pretzels. They are pretzel-shaped butter croissants. And they are delicious.

Yello. Speaking of "knowing your condiments", may I refer you the Parable of the Mustard Seed?
Matthew 13:31 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:

Right outside, in his field! Biblically!

new kit

Fries are clamoring for malt vinegar and salt. Or mayonnaise, the real stuff, not the oleo-concoction manufactured from seal blubber. Ketchup, bleh.

I have put up a new kit just to get things rolling here on a Monday.

Later this week I go on vacation. I am not quite sure what to do with the blog. I sort of like the idea of just letting it lie fallow, you know? I mean, it's going to be August. The blog needs rest.

I'm off to Ottawa for beer and BBQ. See you in a couple of days.

Take care. And no hitting.

Brag is right. In fact, one can add the powdered mustard to any "regular" mustard and oomph it up.

Today I encountered the word "symplectomorphism." It literally hurts to think about. I will never use it again.

Mudge is right about the potato salad. Too much stuff dripping from it is just wrong. He is incorrect on the cheese steaks: huge globs of mayo, meat well peppered, cheese, plus a hint of mustard. Pickles on the side.

For years my mental example of two tastes that do NOT go together was peanut butter and mustard. Gaack. Until I met the man who swore by it. It does indeed take all kinds to make up this world.

RD asked the question, what to do with leftover beer. Best answer I've found is use it to make almost no-knead bread. I started with a recipe in Cooks that uses some beer and a little vinegar to created an artisan taste. The original reason was price and because it was a great way to heat the kitchen in cold weather, but I never baked in hot weather. I just couldn't see paying for air conditioning and running the oven (our kitchen is at the end of the A/C vents and already has a refrigerator and freezer going). After looking around at bread machines and portable ovens, we found one of the old style roaster ovens (shades of the 50's) on sale for about $30. Since we already had an electrical outlet that we used for yard work on our covered front step, we put a small table out front and I can now bake pretty much all year. I had to tweak the Cooks recipe some to make sandwich loaves to bake 2 at a time, also took a while to find a set of the right size pans (finally found them at Target). It was worth it. I'll post recipe if anyone wants it. Speaking of bread and mayonnaise, it's time for me to go take my sandwich out of the refrigerator, nuke it for 20 sec and enjoy.

()

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