I don’t think I was alone in 2009 feeling some disillusionment with our country and our leaders. After 2008’s unprecedented election and 2009’s emotional inauguration of Obama, I felt like we would finally see some progress in Washington DC. As the year played out, it seemed like we were in a stalemate like never before.
After last week’s eloquent and hopeful State of the Union, I was reminded that maybe things CAN change. Last Friday, two days after the STOU, Obama addressed the GOP members of the House, and it seemed like we may be headed toward some sort of reasonable agreement that both sides will have to work together to make things happen. This was the most refreshing thing I’ve seen happen since Obama took office. Kudos to both sides.
Pine nuts are used in pesto dishes and many Mediterranean dishes. When toasted, they impart a nice flavor to other meat and vegetable dishes. But are they really from pine trees? The appearance of the pine nut doesn’t necessarily hint at any relation to the tall evergreen tree found around the world in northern climates.
Well, the answer is yes. Pine nuts are the seed found inside pine cones.
At the store, pine nuts may have high price tags, due to the high cost of processing. Today at the local supermarket, pine nuts were going for $20/lb. Luckily, most dishes do not require a full pound of pine nuts. Even a small amount can add a nice touch to your dish.
Let me start by saying that I love my mom dearly, and she is a great mother.
Her emails are very often come in the form of stream-of-consciousness thoughts spewing from her brain, and her brain works very fast, but not necessarily in logical order. Her emails provide me with a lot of information and often entertain me at the same time. Here is a poem I created using a paragraph from her most recent email, which (mostly) talked about baby names.
How do you like Braden…?
Thought of that the other day.
I’m dizzy can you tell.
I have been dizzy an awful lot lately which is scary.
The sausage still hasn’t come.
Portland is getting a lot of praise from young urbanites seeking a creative, hip, affordable city. It’s got a flat, bike-friendly terrain and efficient mass transit, and a buzzing music and art scene that the New York Times writes about once a month (or so it seems). The food and coffee are good too.
Masses of kids with liberal arts degrees are moving there, and probably making your coffee or serving your beer, since there aren’t enough companies there to provide work for kids with degrees in Russian literature. But that’s okay, because their band is better than yours.
A Portland ad agency kicked off a series of videos to illustrate this point.
I just returned from a quick 4-day trip to New York City. This was my first visit.
I’ve been wanting to go for years, but the trip kept getting put on the backburner in favor of more important (weddings, holidays with family) or closer (a weekend in Vancouver) adventures.
From the second we entered Manhattan, I was in love with the vibe and rhythm of the place. Everything was buzzing, and the buildings were old monstrosities that loomed high above you. I wanted to set out on foot and explore every corner, but also had to be mindful of my pregnant wife in tow. Ellen is 28 weeks along and not moving the way she used to…
I felt like the city had a paradoxical nature. For example, it’s big and fast and populous, yet it’s all on this relatively small island. (Most) people are gruff and unfriendly, yet we encountered endearing locals in the subway, one of the most crammed, hectic parts of the city. Each time we boarded a train, someone immediately got up to give Ellen his or her seat. Also, it’s one of the most expensive cities in the world, yet you can go to the corner or a tiny restaurant and eat some delicious grub for just a few dollars.
I felt like we were always on the move, checking something out, yet I felt like we barely scratched the surface. But this didn’t disappoint me, because I know each time I come back I will inevitably find something new and different about the place. As I went through the pictures from my trip, I already started to plan my next trip.
Anger
I am pretty sure this station JUST had a pledge drive a few months ago. And I gave them money! Why can’t these honey-throated eggheads make that money last longer!?
Bargaining
I don’t have to listen to this. Switching to another station.
Depression
All the other stations have commercials and annoying DJs. And the other NPR is also having a pledge drive. I really hate my life.
Acceptance
They have a point. In-depth coverage… news and analysis… pennies a day. Okay, you win NPR. Here’s my donation. You can send that tote bag to…
I went to see the Maldives (who were great) at the Tractor Tavern as part of their epic three-day CD release festival, featuring some of their favorite bands in town. One of those bands was SHIM, a serious 70s hard rock band that pulled no punches. For a rock and roll experience your ears won’t forget, you should see them. I snapped a few photos that nicely captured their light show on stage.
Cycle of Grief (Public Radio Version)
Denial
Not another pledge drive!
Anger
I am pretty sure this station JUST had a pledge drive a few months ago. And I gave them money! Why can’t these honey-throated eggheads make that money last longer!?
Bargaining
I don’t have to listen to this. Switching to another station.
Depression
All the other stations have commercials and annoying DJs. And the other NPR is also having a pledge drive. I really hate my life.
Acceptance
They have a point. In-depth coverage… news and analysis… pennies a day. Okay, you win NPR. Here’s my donation. You can send that tote bag to…
Posted in: Commentary, Humor.
Tagged: NPR · pledge drive