Iceland Prep

So having had this blog for years and being very delinquent about using it and because I also have sworn off Facebook, I've decided to post my upcoming trip to Iceland here for all to see. 

We leave on Thursday night and once again S_ plane did not fly as scheduled so she is going to be a day late. United Airlines sucks. They have messed up the last three flights she'd had with them to the point that she can't even fly on the days she books her tickets for. wtf.  Why, United, why?

Anyway, she gets here at 6:45 am tomorrow morning and we have another day till our flight out to Reykjavik. 

Stay tuned as my next post will be about the packing process.

Easy Sourdough Starter

Out of my parent's divorce came one bright ray of sunlight; when my father learned how to make sourdough pancakes and waffles. Many a Sunday I would wake up to anxiously watch as he stirred the mixture from the night before. Sourdough starter can be a fickle thing and so I dreaded the day would come when I would wake up to find the sourdough hadn't risen. It didn't happen often, but every once in awhile my Dad would let that starter sit too long unattended in the fridge and it just wouldn't revive quickly enough for Sunday pancakes. It was always a gamble.

Over the years I've tried once or twice to make my own starter, but without much luck, until I found this site. Within three weeks, I had the most wonderful smelling sourdough and this last weekend, my very first batch of whole wheat sourdough pancakes. They were delicious! There are many great recipes out there for pancakes, waffles and bread so give this starter recipe a shot and let me know what you think!

Desert Recipe

Try this:

1 banana, sliced
1/2 blueberries
6 dates, chopped
Dollop of whip cream
sprinkle of bee pollen

Sweet, delicious, low cal. What more can you ask for?

Healthy Pumpkin Scones

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sugar
• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup Hemp Protein
  
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 3 tsp pumpkin spice
  
• 1/2 cup margarine (can be vegan)
  
• 1 1/2 cans pumpkin
• 1/2 cup chopped dates
• 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts
• small amount of flax seed and oatmeal combined
  

Preparation:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients (protein powder, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and spice). When mixed, combine with the canned pumpkin and margarine.

On a floured cutting board, knead the dough a few times into a ball. The dough can be a little on the wet side, so add more flour as needed to work. Sprinkle the flax seed and oatmeal over the top and then flaten into half inch circle. Cut the 'pie' into eight equal pieces. If you like your scones on the small side, you can also cut it twelve ways.

Bake at 425 degrees for 12-15 minutes, or until done.

Cello

So, back from the honeymoon, the thing I looked forward to most was getting back on a schedule: I've missed yoga, I've missed my pets, and friends (not in that order, either). I've even missed work! Well, I missed my friends at work.
So now a few weeks later, I'm starting to work on all those projects I'd stopped in lieu of wedding planning. And it occurred to me that now that I've got time for other stuff, I should learn to play the cello! So I went down, bought myself a cello and my lessons start tomorrow. I'm very excited! Why the cello, you ask? I'll let you in on a secret; when I was in high school I had no idea what I wanted to do as a 'career'. When people would ask me my plans, I would have this vision of myself in a New York loft, practicing the cello in leg warmers and Flashdance sweatshirt (it was the 80s after all). Well, as those of you who know me know, I ended up not in NY but in Europe, techno dancing my way through the 90s. Then I imagined myself as the next Stanley Kubrick so following that dream took up most of the 00s (though I quickly learned that I am no Stanley Kubrick and that shooting reality shows in the armpit states of America is a long, long way from Hollywood).
Nevertheless, I've never given up that dream of playing the cello. So here I am, twenty-plus years past high school and I'm about to turn that long-ago dream into a reality.

Now, where can I find some leg warmers?

Grandma Bright

Things that make me think about Grandma B:

Maple brown sugar instant oatmeal
International House flavored coffee
Wind chimes
Pekinese Cats
Yatzee
The smell of smoke in an enclosed car
1050s long, floor-length pink nightgowns that made her look like a princess

TED

From left: Brian Greene at TED2005; Al Gore at TED2006; Jane Goodall at TED2003 taken from http://www.ted.com/pages/view/id/5

Wouldn't it be great to be able to listen to our world's movers and shakers talking about issues we all care about? Well, there's a great site where you can go and do just that. It's called Ted and it's a non-profit organization that makes great ideas available to all of us. Their mission is simply to spread ideas. Check it out!

Wedding Blog

Well, the time has come, my friends, to shed my skin of the 'single working-woman' title and reveal my new robe of 'happily married-wifey'. Below is a link to our wedding blog for our family and friends:

http://www.mywedding.com/rickanne/

Very Broad

Part 1
Hm - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - hm
I packed my carriage to the brim, full with full with
The articles of Mr. Fritzenberg’s imaginary flea circus
To which I added the following things:
1. Gunpowder
2. Tonic

Out of the white powder let loose from his wig
The starlet and her misunderstood children appeared
They seemed just as startled as I
And though they hid their eyes behind a curtain of waste
The act that followed was what they call in the world of entertainment
Fierce.
Sick.
I am going to clap until my palms sting
Zugabe! Zugabe!

Part 2
The party has departed
So I took a frigid bath in gin
Soaking up vermouth
The tunnel gapes before me
And in goes the olives
I think I’ll let the fleas go tomorrow
Am I willing to see what isn’t there?

Part 3
With all heads turned towards the display
the illusion can continue
Draw whatever conclusions you want
I’m the guy at the door, the muscle
And you
You’re just part of my flip book
Movement from my hand, my touch upon your image
I might be tired of us both
I can get us to the end quicker

Mid Century Modern Shopping Gem in Daytona Beach

This is a picture of Rick and my front room. As you can tell, we've got a little love in our hearts for mid century antiques and reproductions. If you're like me, you know how impossible it is to find this kind of stuff in central Florida. One can visit Something Different Furniture in Orlando which has great stuff, but you'll pay New York/ LA prices for it. Luckily Rick discovered a true gem out in Holly Hill (near Daytona Beach) where you can find a huge selection at rock bottom prices.

If you're a lover of mid century modern, kitsch, retro, funky or primitive furniture or artwork, you have to check out Our Old Stuff Antique Mall located on Ridgewood Avenue. The most amazing thing about this place is that it is actually an 8,000 square foot building that houses items from over twenty vendors. Their supply of housewares, furniture, electronics, gadgets, books, fabrics, brick-a-brack and jewelry is constantly changing. You can literally spend all day here and still feel like you missed something when you leave. There are gems to be found in every corner and the biggest draw about this place is the price tag - they are so reasonable, you'll feel slightly guilty as you pay at the cash register!

The guys and gals working behind the counter are very friendly and knowledgeable, willing to cut a deal if you buy more than one item or if you just ask really nicely. The only minor inconvenience is the hours of operation: they close at 5 pm and aren't open on Sundays. However, the owner has mentioned that under special circumstances he can make exceptions, so I say always check with the owner first.

As you can tell, this is the kind of place where you will be rewarded to go back often and make friends with the vendors. You never know what you'll find. One things for sure, your house will thank you. Mine has!

Happy hunting -

VEGAN APPLE CARROT BUNDT CAKE

I love carrot cake, but the usual calorie count on a slice can be over 500 calories! I wanted a healthy alternative; one that would have virtually no fat and a lot fewer calories. What I came up with is not only yummy delicious, but super, duper easy! The best part is you can use the left over pulp from your juicer.

TIP: You can purchase flax seeds (typically a very expensive item) at your local grocery store and save a lot of money! I bought mine in the Mexican cuisine aisle at our local grocery store for only .69 cents.

Enjoy!

2 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup brown sugar
4 teaspoons baking soda
2 tablespoons tapioca starch
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon pumpkin spice
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup flax seeds
4 cups grated carrots, with skin (or leftover juicer pulp)
2 cups grated apples, with skin (or leftover juicer pulp)
1 1/2 cups hot water
4 teaspoons vanilla
Optional: 3/4 raisins, dried cranberries or currents

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a bundt cake pan with non-stick spray, set aside. Mix flour, sugar, baking soda, tapioca starch, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, nutmeg, ginger, salt and flax seeds till blended. Boil water, when hot add to dry mixture. Add pulp/grated carrots and apples. Batter will be thick. Spoon into bundt cake pan, using the back of the spoon to smooth down the top of the mixture. Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing to cool completely on a wire rack.

Mind's Eye Sketch - The art of Ryan Firchau: Octo-simian Mermaid

Mind's Eye Sketch - The art of Ryan Firchau: Octo-simian Mermaid

Michael Jackson is Not Dead!

Okay, so let me be the first to report a growing theory on the net that Michael Jackson didn't really die. Several reliable sources cited a recently discovered record company memo from earlier this year that listed details about a "planned Michael Jackson coma" and death. It is speculated that the King of Pop hatched the plan himself, taking a lead from the continued popularity and high record sales generated by the passing of his ex-wife's father, Elvis Presley. The memo included a massive plan for an elaborate star-studded funeral event where the record company could be assured of high revenue sales from merchandise of the “This Is it" tour, renamed for the event, "This is it, now he's gone, he left this shirt to turn you on" Tour. In turn, his death would relieve Jacko of his massive debt while offering a way out from under the unabated paparazzi hounding.

Also interesting is the current speculation from sources close to the Jackson clan who claim that Jacko surprised the family last year in the spring of 2008 when he discussed interest in purchasing Drangey - an island in the midst of Skagafjörður fjord in Iceland. At the time many in the family believed it was due to his vitiligo but since Michael's staged demise and discovery of the telling insider documents, there has been new conjecture that the construction currently underway on the island (an Icelandic theme park dubbed "Never, Ever Again Land") might in fact be the current residence of Michael and his entourage. No one within the family is talking about Michael's state of being, which leads many to believe that they are perhaps in on the ruse.

There was also conjecture in the blogosphere that should the media coverage of his death break all known record sales and redeem Michael's fallen reputation, we can expect a dramatic return of the King of Pop in what will be dubbed the "Resurrection Tour" sometime around 2015.

Since we're on the topic of things that make me cry

Okay, so maybe it's not so much of a boo-hoo type of crying, rather a laugh-out-loud, tears-streaming-down my face sort of crying that's interspersed with the occasional and never-appropriate snort. I'm referring of course to listening to my current book on tape, David Sedaris' When You Are Engulfed in Flames. I'm a fan of Mr. Sedaris, having read Me Talk Pretty One Day, Naked and Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim years ago during the time in my life when I still read books in print. Now, I find listening to them in the car is easier, as I am by nature a rather lazy person. I'm so lazy, in fact, that even though I only live two blocks from the public library I can't be bothered to go and pick up my audio books in person. I just have them delivered to my doorstep!

David's not the only Sedaris I love. Amy Sedaris (known to all of you Strangers with Candy fans from Comedy Central) is a talented actress and author in her own right having written I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence. This is a practical book - and the only one I've read in which I've learned how to make a macrame plant holder out of used pantyhose. I'd love to know what they fed those kids growing up in the Sedaris household because both of them are impossibly funny. If you've never read anything by David, I suggest you run out and purchase one of his books - or just tune in to NPR, since he's a regular contributor.

So as I was listening to him this morning on my drive in to the office I toyed with the idea that perhaps keeping a daily journal is an excellent idea, but I wonder how he does it. I read an article on him in the New York Times and apparently he is often amused that people think his writing is completely autobiographical when in fact, he embellishes the heck out of his stories. He calls them 'realish'. I love that term. But even if there's an overdose of fiction in his memoirs, I can't imagine opening yourself up like that to dissection from your friends and family. I'm mortified by the idea of everyone I know actually discovering how I really feel about them. Over the years I've learned the hard way that it's better to keep ones opinions to oneself. Certainly my friends and family don't want to be enlightened by my poignant observations. I think my best friend Suzanne said it succinctly when she told me (after I informed her of way she sips her coffees in the morning, making a rather loud slurping sound before swilling the hot coffee in her mouth like an expensive wine) that I should "keep my hard hitting journalism to my damn self".

So how does he get away with it? And how does he stand his friends and family saying, 'well, you know I never said that.' over and over again? I think it may have to do with the fact that he turns his most witty observations (and criticisms) on himself. I guess I'm just not that self-deprecating. British humor dictates it is infinitely better to laugh at others than at oneself and that's sort of how I look at comedy. Now I realize that the Brits are by nature very self-deprecating, but I think the distinction lies in the fact that while emotions and sentimentality aren't easy for the British, we (Americans) don't feel entitled to laugh at others. For example, it's gauche to laugh when your mother trips (which I do when she does), but one need only look at the characters Eddy, Mrs. Bucket, Victor Meldrew, or David Brent to understand that we're not laughing with them, but at them.

In any case, When You Are Engulfed in Flames is hilarious.

Inauguration Day: My thoughts

I believe in the common good. Today, I realized with teary eyes like some big cry-baby, just how much I believe in it.

I've always believed in personal sacrifice for the betterment of all Americans, and Obama is the first politician since I can remember who has spoken of the sacrifice and hardship that we HAVE to weather in order to achieve our goals of peace and prosperity - i.e. the common good. Who was it who said that compromise is when everyone leaves the table unhappy? That's what real compromise is - not trying to get the other guy to give up everything in order that we can have our way. But that's exactly what we've been doing in this country - asking too much from our environment, expecting everyone else to do the work and passing out blame at every chance we get. What we've ignored was our personal responsibility, making personal sacrifices or asking more of ourselves even when it meant leaving the table unhappy.

Today, watching Obama being sworn in as the 44th president, I realized how inspiring he is, and how he represents an optimism I've never experienced before. It makes me want to share in that responsibility, as Obama put it in his speech - for the values I believe in that are the 'price and the promise of citizenship.'

For me, today was about finding a president who represents everything that I love about this country and makes me aware of what being American means to me. For me, that was the true inspiration of today.

Here was my favorite bit from his speech:

"For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace."

Visit the new White House website, and be a part of the change.

Today I am proud of my fellow Americans, proud to be a part of a revitalized democratic party that has reminded us of the importance of the beliefs on which our country was founded, and offers hope for the future. What makes this country great isn't our power, it isn't our wealth and it isn't our position as the global police. It is our people and our drive to create a world in which we are all equal. The Greeks of Athens would evacuate in times of war because they knew what was precious about their culture lived in the hearts of the citizens and not in the land. I think we forget that sometimes. It is the American people who make this country great and today, I am proud to be one of them.

When the Democrats lean right, who represents us liberals?

"Democrats Carrying Anti-Abortion Banner Put More Congressional Races in Play"

This article in the New York Times yesterday really disturbed me. With only two major parties to choose from; one of whom is currently controlled by the conservative Christian right-wing faction, the other currently pouring money into the races of pro-life candidates in an effort to win congressional seats, what options do the people have who stand on the left end of the spectrum and see right to chose as a cornerstone Democratic principle?

Yahoo Answers: The Nature of Truth

So this last week I've spent a significant amount of time on Yahoo's Answers. Unlike my experience with Wikipedia, where I must carefully document all source material and more importantly, I must be diligent about what I share or edit, as I will quickly hear from a ton of people if my information is ambiguous. But Yahoo and Wiki are fundamentally different. According to a SLATE magazine article By Jacob Leibenluft entitled "A Librarian's Worst Nightmare: Yahoo! Answers, where 120 million users can be wrong." He points out the startling fact that Yahoo Answers "...now draws 120 million users worldwide, compiled from 400 million answers, and is the second-most-visited education/reference site on the Internet after Wikipedia." But in that sentence, the distinction is lost, because though he calls it a eduction/reference site, it's missing a caveat on the true nature of what kind of answers you're getting. And certainly, "Answers" is a misnomer. On Yahoo Answers, I can still interact with millions of users sharing information, but it's more about giving subjective advice and finding out how my opinions match up to others than about really caring about objectivity and a standardized, agreed upon version of the truth.

I have to admit, my interest in the site skyrocketed when I realized that there is a point system. Because naturally, whenever there is an opportunity to compete, even for something as lame as points, I get a little competitive.

But here's what I noticed about the people who use Yahoo Answers:

1. Most users seem to be kids under the age of 16
2. Most of the kids using Yahoo Answers do so to specifically answer homework questions
like the following:

"What Kind of World does a Protagonist live in?"

and:

"What ideas does Mark Twain satirize in Huck Finn?"

or:

"Find the inverse of Y=3X/2?"

And the funny thing about this is that people actually answer these obvious homework questions. What an interesting new form of plagiarism! As the aforementioned article states, "For educators fretting that the Internet is creating a generation of "intellectual sluggards," the problem isn't just that Yahoo!'s site helps ninth-graders cheat on their homework. It's that a lot of the time, it doesn't help them cheat all that well." I have to agree, and this aspect is what I found to be the most disturbing thing about Yahoo Answers.

So I find myself asking - are teachers aware that this is happening? What steps do they take to make sure their kids are using their brains instead of strangers to problem solve? And how is asking for advice from strangers any different from getting help from parents - or does that even matter?

I don't know how teachers are dealing with this - but I'd be curious to hear any thoughts...

Christmas 2007

So one pivotal question I've been thinking a lot about lately has involved how we change as we grow older. The question is, does growing old strengthen and/or release already pre-existing personality traits or does the act of aging somehow change us into something else? I'm now convinced after seeing my mother's purchase and subsequent use of a Hallmark Singing Frosty the Snowman that all signs point to the latter, and it is indeed latent personality quirks released from the inhibitor of youthful better judgment that changes as we age. She would have never bought something like this in her thirties. I'm convinced of that.