tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59755504343000292872024-02-07T05:10:15.460-08:00The Temescal TasterFood, Wine, Entertainment,and making your dollar go further with a consciousAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04022544785468366250noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975550434300029287.post-26598930529955629502012-04-29T08:43:00.001-07:002012-04-29T08:43:54.210-07:00Amy and Freddie - my favorite cabaret act, is coming to San Francisco's Razz Room on May 5th. They are bawdy and fun and very talented. <a href="http://www.therrazzroom.com/12ap/amy_freddy.html"> Click here for more info.</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04022544785468366250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975550434300029287.post-11099196745314932112011-12-15T09:26:00.000-08:002011-12-15T09:26:49.638-08:002011 Golden Globes - What's Was Your Favorite Movie of the Year?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_FLby_sHzkuMW2P2fwXMBy8sfdd2GLQSfi7Mhp0ndNcRIanuIbqJi90mWOLJM2mQkkFqgu9uRx0Ex2-ScxR85lwnYyelAqG234pGj548nFefDAb0R1s_xU7bPSbYVllto5iPwzj8Aj0ec/s1600/cecil_award.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_FLby_sHzkuMW2P2fwXMBy8sfdd2GLQSfi7Mhp0ndNcRIanuIbqJi90mWOLJM2mQkkFqgu9uRx0Ex2-ScxR85lwnYyelAqG234pGj548nFefDAb0R1s_xU7bPSbYVllto5iPwzj8Aj0ec/s1600/cecil_award.jpg" /></a></div>What a great year it's been for the movies. I've been anxiously awaiting December, not just for Christmas, but for so many of the best films of the year to roll out. What are your favorites? I've got a few films to see still. <br />
<br />
Today the<a href="http://www.goldenglobes.org/nominations/" target="_blank"> Golden Globe nominations</a> were announced. (Click the link for complete list of nominations.) We've got one month to catch these films as the winners will be presented awards on January 15, 2012. <br />
<br />
<b>Best Motion Picture - Drama<span class="nomTitle"> </span></b><span class="nomTitle"> </span><br />
<ul><li><u><span class="nomTitle">The Decendants</span></u>, Ad Hominem Enterprises; Fox Searchlight Pictures (Also nominated <span class="nomTitle">George Clooney for Best Actor in a Drama)</span></li>
<li><span class="nomTitle"><u>The Help</u>, </span>DreamWorks Pictures, Participant Media; Touchstone Pictures (Also nominated <span class="nomTitle">Viola Davis for Best Actress in a Drama)</span></li>
<li><span class="nomTitle"><u>Hugo</u>, </span>Paramount Pictures presents a GK Films Production; Paramount Pictures</li>
<li><u><span class="nomTitle">The Ides Of March</span></u>, Columbia Pictures, Cross Creek Pictures, Exclusive Media Group, Crystal City Entertainment; Sony Pictures Releasing (Also nominated <span class="nomTitle">Ryan Gosling</span><span class="nomTitle"> for Best Actor in a Drama)</span></li>
<li><span class="nomTitle"><u>Moneyball</u>, </span>Columbia Pictures; Sony Pictures Releasing International<span class="nomTitle"> (Also nominated </span><span class="nomTitle">Brad Pitt for Best Actor in a Drama)</span></li>
<li><span class="nomTitle"><u>War Horse</u>, </span>DreamWorks Pictures; Touchstone Pictures</li>
</ul><b>Best Motion Picture - Comedy Or Musical</b><br />
<ul><li><u><span class="nomTitle">50/50</span></u>, Summit Entertainment and Mandate Pictures; Summit Entertainment <span class="nomTitle">(Also nominated </span><span class="nomTitle">Joseph Gordon-Levitt</span><span class="nomTitle"> for Best Actor in a Comedy)</span></li>
<li><span class="nomTitle"><u>The Artist</u>, </span>a La Petite Reine - Studio 37 - La Classe Americaine - JD Prod- France3 Cinema - Jouror Production-uFilms coproduction; The Weinstein Company <span class="nomTitle">(Also nominated </span><span class="nomTitle">Jean Dujardin</span><span class="nomTitle"> for Best Actor in a Comedy)</span></li>
<li><span class="nomTitle"><u>Bridesmaids</u>, </span>Universal Pictures, Relativity Media, Apatow Productions; Universal Pictures <span class="nomTitle">(Also nominated </span><span class="nomTitle">Kristen Wiig</span><span class="nomTitle"> for Best Actress in a Comedy)</span><span class="nomTitle"></span></li>
<li><span class="nomTitle"><u>Midnight In Paris</u>, </span>A Mediapro, Versatil Cinema & Gravier Production; Sony Pictures Classics <span class="nomTitle">(Also nominated </span><span class="nomTitle">Owen Wilson</span><span class="nomTitle"></span><span class="nomTitle"> for Best Actor in a Comedy)</span></li>
<li><span class="nomTitle"><u>My Week With Marilyn</u>, </span>The Weinstein Company; The Weinstein Company <span class="nomTitle">(Also nominated </span><span class="nomTitle">Michelle Williams</span><span class="nomTitle"> for Best Actress in a Comedy)</span></li>
</ul>Unlike the Academy Awards, the Golden Globes break feature films into two categories -- Drama and Comedy or Musical. Academy nominations will be announced on January 24th. <br />
<div class="also"> </div><div class="also"> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04022544785468366250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975550434300029287.post-11682392871819884692011-11-12T23:54:00.000-08:002011-11-12T23:54:13.407-08:00The Secret of Making RisottoYou know Risotto, that classic creamy Italian rice dish that you might think is too fancy for everyday. Well here's to introducing delicious risotto to your home when ever you want, and in probably less time than it heats to heat a frozen entrée in the microwave. That's right, you can prepare risotto at home in about 30 minutes.<br />
<br />
Here are the secrets:<br />
<ol><li>Get organized before you start cooking. Get all the ingredients you might use out so you know what you've got to work with. You'll need olive oil, onion, stock or broth and a short grain rice like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arborio_rice" target="_blank">Arborio</a>. You might also want some good quality Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, butter, herbs, meat and vegetables, even leftovers work. </li>
<li>You're going to need a fairly hot stove. I usually find that medium high heat works great once things get started.</li>
<li>Keep an eye on the stove once you start cooking. Risotto needs stirred frequently, but I don't think it needs to be stirred constantly, especially if the heat is not too high. </li>
<li>Finally, most important, taste it! The only way you'll know to adjust the seasonings or if it's done is to taste it.</li>
</ol><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_6WfExD0GsbpGBKzUSANIxAi90Mh4oEHLZtPGbxf-gWd_2wfzdrBFlurUQ47J4Fcd5CMgHr6vxV3CQm0pW_iZKd4hmRvy2MswFJF8-MnTqRGC3A7a5nirKWmpZAO1QshHwn3QuCIzRye/s1600/IMG_0024.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_6WfExD0GsbpGBKzUSANIxAi90Mh4oEHLZtPGbxf-gWd_2wfzdrBFlurUQ47J4Fcd5CMgHr6vxV3CQm0pW_iZKd4hmRvy2MswFJF8-MnTqRGC3A7a5nirKWmpZAO1QshHwn3QuCIzRye/s200/IMG_0024.JPG" width="150" /></a><b>Butternut Squash and Fennel Risotto </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> </b>Today's risotto took some help from some left over roasted butternut squash and fennel bulb that I had roasted to go with last night's pork loin. I roast vegetables regularly -- carrots, broccoli, potatoes, etc, and it's pretty much the same technique whatever I'm roasting. Preheat the oven to 400-425º. Prep the vegetable by chopping them into similar sizes so they will cook evenly. Toss them with enough olive oil to coat them and season with salt and pepper, and put them in a single layer and place in the hot oven. After 20-30 minutes, stir the the pan to assure that none of the vegetables are sticking to the pan and to expose more surfaces to the hot dry heat of the oven. They should be done after 60-80 minutes. Yes it feels like a long time. The house will smell great as the edges of the vegetables caramelize and turn golden brown. (Note: asparagus cooks faster, only about 20 minutes.) </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-1w0K9uzAUWV6Y7oi85GinKcpUOIPoHVcB77hndE09MC3AJvhLrBXxvLvejqTALnTUihWfFZnPOyc-4nNQCvLq7qreLmvK4ky00TLKwaQz8RnExmmgiKwidPjojUGphIClvXoYRXWiqp/s1600/IMG_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-1w0K9uzAUWV6Y7oi85GinKcpUOIPoHVcB77hndE09MC3AJvhLrBXxvLvejqTALnTUihWfFZnPOyc-4nNQCvLq7qreLmvK4ky00TLKwaQz8RnExmmgiKwidPjojUGphIClvXoYRXWiqp/s200/IMG_0022.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><b>Ingredients (Serves 2 for main course, 4 as an appetizer):</b> </div><ul><li>1/2 cup chopped onion</li>
<li>1 cup Arborio rice</li>
<li>2 cloves garlic, chopped </li>
<li>1/2 white wine, such as Pinot Grigio</li>
<li>2 cups heated chicken stock (Note: I always have a kettle of hot water on the stove, just in case I need a little more liquid)</li>
<li>2 cups chopped roasted butternut squash and fennel</li>
<li>1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese</li>
<li>1 Tbl butter </li>
</ul><ul></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Procedure: </b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3IHQ11qeZ0cUZEuHTL6vtpo-e4iFV5CH_OWbqbZo_E9NpPzvy31y6FyedebxDpsBYyLnr5kzrOWk9PgKPbJxT36ILtrOWBYLMnpijQp1VMzU0X-PTOdNvzgP-6q4jC27QNDJxyKfkSLO4/s1600/IMG_0021.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3IHQ11qeZ0cUZEuHTL6vtpo-e4iFV5CH_OWbqbZo_E9NpPzvy31y6FyedebxDpsBYyLnr5kzrOWk9PgKPbJxT36ILtrOWBYLMnpijQp1VMzU0X-PTOdNvzgP-6q4jC27QNDJxyKfkSLO4/s200/IMG_0021.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">stock and water heating on stove</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><ul><li>Heat 1 Tbs olive oil in pan over medium high heat<span id="goog_1977316859"></span><span id="goog_1977316860"></span></li>
<li>Add onion, salt to season, stir 5-7 min until onion is translucent</li>
<li>Add garlic and rice to pan and stir over heat for 2-3 min. </li>
<li>Add wine and stir til wine is mostly absorbed. The pan is hot, so this will happen very quickly.</li>
<li>Add simmering stock one ladle at a time to rice mixture, stir. Add more stock when mixture no longer has liquid sitting on the bottom of the pan. </li>
<li>After about 15 min, add roasted butternut squash and fennel </li>
<li>After about 20 min. when mixture begins to look creamy and rice is softened, taste for seasoning and consistency. Continue <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYE_HQzNZ2ibaEwgKmY8y_AWK6N20ukaF8ZdA7YO7AJ4SB2Ow77e5k1uazp4DPlRvtUm9waG3B1oAf6AqMxnRNNHTQibVAOPp3oN2BxdqPYztlt278aTyhMErA-kBASDlrnVFHSYqR91V/s1600/IMG_0020.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYE_HQzNZ2ibaEwgKmY8y_AWK6N20ukaF8ZdA7YO7AJ4SB2Ow77e5k1uazp4DPlRvtUm9waG3B1oAf6AqMxnRNNHTQibVAOPp3oN2BxdqPYztlt278aTyhMErA-kBASDlrnVFHSYqR91V/s200/IMG_0020.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saute onion, garlic and rice</td></tr>
</tbody></table>adding stock until rice mixture is slightly al dente. Use heated water if needed to continue cooking</li>
<li>Lower heat to low, add cheese and butter and stir to blend</li>
<li>Garnish with chopped herbs and serve hot. </li>
</ul>Sit down, pour your self a glass of wine, and enjoy. <br />
<ul></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04022544785468366250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975550434300029287.post-2283684804831753022011-09-27T17:05:00.000-07:002011-09-27T17:09:42.168-07:00Carbonara al a BerkeleySorry for the long delay in posting. I've been cooking, but moved from Oakland to Berkeley and just stopped writing things down. One of the big changes in the move is shopping. I'm living near a fabulous European-like North Rockridge area. Rather than schlepping a mile each way to the a supermarket, I have a fantastic butcher, bakery, produce market and wine store all lined up next to each other. I've never gotten such good food so easily before.<br />
<br />
Moving has also created some changes in the ingredients I use most. Where Oakland showed me how awesome Collards can be, Berkeley is about kale and quinoa. So why is the blog titled "Carbonara al a Berkeley," well it's because it's loaded with <a href="http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2462/2">KALE!</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>Carbonara al a Berkeley</b></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6Zy_t4kcXKfkRAXW6lootu3E2JyXg17EPQRgtuWfm_dGUicdXnKKtO1kTKfLZ-MaZsR_5d20xqbX8oKwHG_oMKD5dP_9XD0pbdGeOIG5E6_xdMzcugapzuxYfttDPtCVJ9B9uApDp9N6/s1600/download.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6Zy_t4kcXKfkRAXW6lootu3E2JyXg17EPQRgtuWfm_dGUicdXnKKtO1kTKfLZ-MaZsR_5d20xqbX8oKwHG_oMKD5dP_9XD0pbdGeOIG5E6_xdMzcugapzuxYfttDPtCVJ9B9uApDp9N6/s1600/download.jpeg" /></a></div><b><u><br />
</u></b><br />
serves 4 as a main course<br />
<br />
1/2-pound thick center-cut bacon (2 slices per person)<br />
1 onion<br />
3 cloves garlic<br />
Black pepper<br />
1 bunch kale<br />
4 fresh eggs, poached<br />
1 pound Linguine<br />
Shaved Parmesan cheese<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The big WOW of this Carbonara recepie is the addition of nutrient rich kale and a POACHING the egg! Yummmmmm! The velvety texture of that fresh egg yolk spilling out onto the pasta is rich and delightful to the eye and to the taste buds. The kale . . . well it counteracts the bacon making this a healthy one pot dish!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04022544785468366250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975550434300029287.post-33981113950109897192011-01-29T20:16:00.000-08:002011-01-29T20:16:00.144-08:00A Cake Disaster & A Lesson Learned<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;">I've written about cake before, but I've never written about a recipe gone wrong, and face it, we've all had one or two. I was in the mood for a cake today. It's a little cool out and having the oven on sounded nice, so what will it be? I'll warn you, I'm cleaning out the pantry . . . I know there are going to be substitutions. I feel like a fairly dense cake, pound cake maybe. There is a chill in the air . . . something with some spice tones might be nice . . . wait, I've got real maple syrup . . . pecans . . . and some of those Kraft caramels . . . Ok, I've got a vision – Maple Pound Cake with Caramel Pecan Glaze! My mouth begins to water, this sounds good!<br />
<br />
<b>Substitutions . . . </b></span></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.1pt; margin-top: 0.1pt;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;">The recipe I'm using as a base calls for sugar, water and maple "extract" (?), NOT Grade B Maple Syrup . . . so ok, I substitute the syrup for the water and leave out the sugar and the nasty extract. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.1pt; margin-top: 0.1pt;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;">The recipe uses cream cheese, I've got Greek Yogurt</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.1pt; margin-top: 0.1pt;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;">The recipe says use a 12-cup Bundt pan; I want to use a loaf pan.</span></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;"><b>Here is my first mistake:</b><br />
Pouring the mix into the loaf pan, I'm thinking this is probably too much batter. Before I start even thinking of scraping the batter off the sides, the loaf pan is filled to about 1" from the top. I'm thinking this cake will rise . . . that should be enough. But there is all this batter, and I'm wondering what am I going to do with it? So . . . mistake . . . I add it to the loaf pan, and now batter is only 1/2 inch from the top. Fingers crossed, into the oven it goes. <br />
<br />
In just a few minutes I can hear the batter hitting the bottom of the oven. I grab a sheet pan, and slide it in on the bottom rack to catch most of the overflow.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;"><b>Here is the second error:</b><br />
Timer rings. Cake has been in the oven 42 minutes and the recipe says 42-47. The top of the cake jiggles when I slide the rack out. No need to test. I slide it back in and set the timer for an additional 5 minutes. Timer rings. Cake still jiggles. I pull the cookie sheet out and add 5 more minutes to the timer for the loaf. Timer rings, the edges are getting a bit brown, definitely less jiggle, set timer for 3 more minutes. Meanwhile, I've tasted the "cookies" from the sheet pan. YUMM! Just the flavor I'm after! I'm feeling optimistic, when I pull the cake out of the oven after 55 minutes. <br />
<br />
I let the cake cool 6-7 minutes. then cut around the edges. Because the cake overflowed on all four sides, I'm cutting through a crust that formed on the edges of the pan. I let it cool 5 more minutes, but when I return to turn it out of the pan, I can see that the center has fallen. Drat! I flip the pan and the contents drop neatly onto the rack, but it looks like pudding on the bottom, not at all what I'm looking for. This was not pretty at all . . . should I just throw it away?<br />
<br />
No way! Not while I've got an ounce of imagination left. That cookie sheet is going to do double duty. I flipped the fallen-pudding-bottom-cake back onto the cookie sheet, gooey-side-up. and put it back into the oven set at 325º. I didn't even worry about preheating, after all, the gunk on the sheet was just getting cooler by the second.<br />
<br />
Oh wait, I have not told you about the caramel pecan glaze, which isn't really a glaze at all since I'd deviously designed the glaze to cook on the bottom of the cake. Before I put the batter in the pan I carefully laid down a layer of pecan halves, and then put 8 chucks of caramel candy on top of that. I poured the batter in pretty carefully so I was confident the "glaze" would stay on the bottom, so when I filled the cake out of the pan, the glaze would be on top. Well, when I fist flipped the cake, there was little evidence of the pecans or the caramel except for a few on the ends. I'm assuming they sank into the goo when I turned the "cake" over. <br />
<br />
So anyway, after about 25 more minutes in the over. I decided to check this thing out again. Once this twice baked cake cooled, I tried it. First an end piece where the crust was a little biscotti-like, but good. Then a center slice, still good . . . so, I'm happy, I saved the day. Sometimes things don't turn out to look the way we think they should, but that doesn't mean they can't be salvaged. Still, I hope next time I bake a cake, it comes out looking like a cake. </span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04022544785468366250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975550434300029287.post-78357476978517479422011-01-25T21:16:00.000-08:002011-01-25T21:16:54.491-08:00The Temescal Taster: The Oscar’s are coming! The Oscar’s are coming!<a href="http://thetemescalwinetaster.blogspot.com/2011/01/oscars-are-coming-oscars-are-coming.html?spref=bl">The Temescal Taster: The Oscar’s are coming! The Oscar’s are coming!</a>: "@font-face { font-family: 'Courier New'; }@font-face { font-family: 'Wingdings'; }@font-face { font-family: 'Calibri'; }@font-face { ..."Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04022544785468366250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975550434300029287.post-29925346442909378002011-01-25T20:41:00.000-08:002011-01-25T20:41:16.982-08:00The Oscar’s are coming! The Oscar’s are coming!<style>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUiV7ZS8WAf8vY9aqU2O1FDl9k_Hk7I1jcCS8LfNuW01LCw0IOaONHeuVJ0L1-Hew_5uhxk0YY3wO-FxM_dO78cFy8BgkFZrxcFYcF-pApM0qMvKGc6JjukC05cEYAgUdHS542lU0lYm3/s1600/hero719_83noms_nolist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUiV7ZS8WAf8vY9aqU2O1FDl9k_Hk7I1jcCS8LfNuW01LCw0IOaONHeuVJ0L1-Hew_5uhxk0YY3wO-FxM_dO78cFy8BgkFZrxcFYcF-pApM0qMvKGc6JjukC05cEYAgUdHS542lU0lYm3/s320/hero719_83noms_nolist.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><h3 style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">When you consider the Golden Globe nominees there are few surprises in this years line up, and I can be proud to say that I’ve seen all but one of the Best Picture nominees, AND that I will see “127 Hours” this week to make it 100%.<span> </span>Some say this was not a good year, and yes there were certainly lots of duds, but these films all had merit, and I for one congratulate the Academy for making sure I see them all. </h3><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In addition to “127 Hours,” the following films are on my list to see. </div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>“Biutiful,” nominated for Best Foreign Language Film (Mexico), and for Javier Bardem’s leading actor role. </div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>“The Town,” nominated for Jeremy Renner’s supporting actor role. (You may remember Renner or his starring role in the 2009 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academy_Award_for_Best_Picture">Best Picture</a>-winning war thriller <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hurt_Locker">The Hurt Locker</a></i>.)</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>“Rabbit Hole,” nominated for Nicole Kidman, Best Actress in a Leading Role.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>“Blue Valentine,” Michelle Williams was nominated for her leading actress role. </div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>PLUS the nominees for Best Animated Short, and Best Documentary Feature. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m going to be busy, but I’ll keep you posted. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal">A full list of nominees can be found at <a href="http://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/83/nominees.html">Oscars.org</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04022544785468366250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975550434300029287.post-13749236164114334702011-01-24T18:50:00.001-08:002011-01-24T19:39:00.313-08:00The WORST Movies of 2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgFdPz0nhmo2uO74ob9VeBHIPxcK_UyuaENPxnSBtothYfD2AJ8mIeSEe9sFHu_p7pnC-kHn5jAQS_ox5euxCuVr6Wk9_CJZMK9va9IBPPZgZ1A2DCNEhmnhKSW8qLHKrQyrua1v6UH5V0/s1600/Picture+1.png"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 144px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgFdPz0nhmo2uO74ob9VeBHIPxcK_UyuaENPxnSBtothYfD2AJ8mIeSEe9sFHu_p7pnC-kHn5jAQS_ox5euxCuVr6Wk9_CJZMK9va9IBPPZgZ1A2DCNEhmnhKSW8qLHKrQyrua1v6UH5V0/s200/Picture+1.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565961778697618098" border="0" /></a><br /> <style>@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoListParagraph, li.MsoListParagraph, div.MsoListParagraph { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }ol { margin-bottom: 0in; }ul { margin-bottom: 0in; }</style> <p class="MsoNormal">On the eve of the announcement by the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) (aka Oscars) for the year’s top awards, it only makes sense to stop and ponder for a moment the worst things to hit the big screen. Please post your own "razzie" nominations in the comments section.<br /><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.razzies.com/">The “Razzies”</a> nominated <i style="">The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, The Last Airbender, The Bounty Hunter, Sex and the City 2, </i>and<i style=""> Vampires Suck</i> for WORST movie of the year.<span style=""> </span>The “Razzies” also panned Cher (<i style="">Burlesque</i>), <a href="http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/SIG=11pkk0i6t/**http%3A//movies.yahoo.com/movie/contributor/1800029154"><span style="text-decoration: none;color:#000000;" >Liza Minnelli</span></a> (<i style="">Sex and the City 2</i>), and <a href="http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/SIG=11p30mugp/**http%3A//movies.yahoo.com/movie/contributor/1800015471"><span style="text-decoration: none;color:#000000;" >Barbra Streisand</span></a> (<i style="">Little Fockers</i>) for their roles as supporting actress. Thankfully, I didn't see any of the Razzy nominees, except <span style="font-style: italic;">Sex 2, </span>and<span style="font-style: italic;"> Burlesque, </span>and while neither was outstanding there were parts of both I sort of enjoyed, especially Liza's little dance number in the short SHORT dress, and Cher's solo.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Me, I also wanted to look at the big box office successes, to see what I might learn about how much “we” like bad movies. Just to show that being bad has nothing to do with box office draw I checked the top box office winners <http: org="" wiki="" one_films_in_the_united_states=""> Multiple week winners included: <i style="">Avatar </i>(4 weeks),<i style=""> Shutter Island (2), Alice in Wonderland </i>(3),<i style=""> Clash of the Titans (2), Iron Man 2 </i>(2)<i style="">, Shrek Forever After </i>(3),<i style=""> Toy Story 3 </i>(2)<i style="">, Inception </i>(3),<i style=""> The Expendables </i>(2),<i style=""> The Social Network </i>(2),<i style=""> Megamind </i>(2),<i style=""> Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 </i>(2), and<i style=""> Little Fockers</i> (2).</http:><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">“The Twilight Saga: Eclipse”</i> was the #1 box office movie for one week last July, Not bad when you consider that in October <i style="">“Jackass 3D,” “Paranormal Activity 2,” </i>and<i style=""> “Saw 3D”</i> took top honors for one week each, proving that nothing sells like a horror film before Halloween.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">My nominations for WORST FILM of 2010 are:</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style=""><span style="">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><i style="">Little Fockers </i>– I mean really! Just the trailers make me cringe in horror! People pay money for that?<br /></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style=""><span style="">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;">Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time – </span>The trailers were sexy. The movie dry.</p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">3. <span style="font-style: italic;">Eat, Love, Pray </span>– or as I called it Eat, Love, Snore.<br /></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">4. <span style="font-style: italic;">Country Strong – </span>Not to repeat myself, but . . . country weak or just country WRONG. </p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04022544785468366250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975550434300029287.post-20199684444877776362011-01-22T17:26:00.000-08:002011-01-22T18:40:23.440-08:00Potluck Panic!<style>@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }a:link, span.MsoHyperlink { color: blue; text-decoration: underline; }a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed { color: purple; text-decoration: underline; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <p class="MsoNormal">I'm heading off to friends for dinner tonight, and I'm not panicking about what to wear! BUT I was pretty freaked about what I was going to bring – you see, it's a potluck, and I didn't include it in my shopping this week.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">This recipe didn’t just come to me; it evolved around what I found in the pantry. To be honest, my pantry is a little bare because I’m getting ready to move, and have not been keeping it stocked. I did find some green French lentils to provide my inspiration.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Lentils are considered a “happy food” and happy foods are especially important to me during the winter. One cup of lentils contains 18 grams of protein and 40 grams of carbohydrates (16 of which are fiber). They also contain a good amount of iron.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Ok so lentils it is. Lentils take about 20 min to cook on the stovetop, but can be pretty bland on their own. I usually bump of the flavor by cooking lentils with a sautéed <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirepoix_%28cuisine%29">mirepoix (onion, carrot & celery)</a> and some meat. Out of celery, and the only meat I’ve got in the fridge is some applewood-smoked bacon. There are some button mushrooms and a green pepper in there too. I’m ready to start. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">First the mushrooms. Mushrooms are little sponges, and they don’t easily give that beautiful deep hearty flavor if you just dump them into a pot. They require some flirting. I find that sweating the sliced mushrooms in a <u>hot</u> fry pan with a little bit of salt, black pepper and about a tablespoon of olive oil does the trick. To do this right you need to place the mushroom slices in the hot oil one slice at a time, and leave them alone until they change color and you see the juices pooling up on the topside.<span style=""> </span>Then turn them over and let the other side brown. The mushrooms will have reduced in size by more than 50%, because they’ve lost water and the flavor has been concentrated. (For an awesome <em><span style="font-family: Cambria;">hors</span></em><i style=""> d'œuvre</i> add some garlic to this and put them on slices of toasted baguette.) Once the ‘shrooms are a nice nutty brown, remove from the hot pan. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now bacon. (who doesn’t love bacon?) Chop the bacon into ¼ inch ribbons and place in pan to render. Let is sit for awhile<span style=""> </span>until it starts to brown before stirring. When the bacon is done, add 1 cup diced onion, ½ cup diced carrot, and ½ cup diced green pepper. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Add 1 cup dry lentils and the reserved mushrooms, and stir into mixture until coated. Add 2 cups chicken stock and 1 cup red wine, and bring to a simmer. When the liquids are simmering, cover and transfer to a 400º oven for 40 min to 1 hour. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Ok, this looks good . . . and it tastes good too . . . but it doesn’t really look like something for a potluck . . .<span style=""> </span>brain ticking away . . . CORNBREAD! I love beans and cornbread, and lentils are beans, soooooooo<span style=""> </span>. . . . Lentil PIE! I’m going to make cornbread and bake it on top of the lentil mixture. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Because of the moisture in the lentils, the cornbread took 30-35 min to bake instead of the 20-25 it usually takes, but it looks good. We’ll see what the people at the dinner party think. Wish me luck. </p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04022544785468366250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975550434300029287.post-56202811476496006462011-01-15T08:57:00.000-08:002011-01-17T11:32:23.006-08:00The BEST Coffee Maker in the World<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPODHSaNg08ccLu7AA4G0tZbl9heaGxsz2oOpX2aDpdDmnT3MJwmJXDjjrNubCxzrs4W7K2aCZFw_oafxPjIoBijpJDpIUasMuFTPLkD9USoxDmD-AgcKaGfTM2QIBLUDZseMZDEIv4gX/s1600/Vl9XpaY8QN77ixRiVXWZfqhhGxcY-J9SjPt3qcW8-Dt99mJ2O25ME19x9aJsBqRcwcX0ez1yf7xS4E1K-sic1smqc4rdZhoBClFSQF9LSG4HnrkOhEpBg_qs7jiHDk68q5PFIKusk37hhE8SrOzJMiZeo1DxM9beFgHhBDF8yg6UXpBBx9HKdpl1fyCuWDGLoi1Io6anaQlZzVsK_VioimbWMmF.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPODHSaNg08ccLu7AA4G0tZbl9heaGxsz2oOpX2aDpdDmnT3MJwmJXDjjrNubCxzrs4W7K2aCZFw_oafxPjIoBijpJDpIUasMuFTPLkD9USoxDmD-AgcKaGfTM2QIBLUDZseMZDEIv4gX/s200/Vl9XpaY8QN77ixRiVXWZfqhhGxcY-J9SjPt3qcW8-Dt99mJ2O25ME19x9aJsBqRcwcX0ez1yf7xS4E1K-sic1smqc4rdZhoBClFSQF9LSG4HnrkOhEpBg_qs7jiHDk68q5PFIKusk37hhE8SrOzJMiZeo1DxM9beFgHhBDF8yg6UXpBBx9HKdpl1fyCuWDGLoi1Io6anaQlZzVsK_VioimbWMmF.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562470245528187394" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span> <style>@font-face { font-family: "Courier New"; }@font-face { font-family: "Times"; }@font-face { font-family: "Wingdings"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }ol { margin-bottom: 0in; }ul { margin-bottom: 0in; }</style> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >I don't know about you, but for years I've made my coffee in an automatic drip coffee maker, but a few months ago I noticed I was getting a very inconsistent product. The part that heats the water was worn out, and I was not looking forward to spending $100 for something that takes up counter space in almost every kitchen in the country.<br /><br />About this same time I saw a piece on "America's Test Kitchen" about coffee makers that found most coffee makers only heat the water to about 165º, not nearly hot enough to allow ground coffee to properly bloom (195º-200º). Even though ATK typically has a good low cost option, the only automatic maker they recommended was significantly more expensive than I wanted to pay.<br /><br />A light went off in my head. Bay Area cafes have been offering "coffee by the cup," where coffee is brewed one cup at a time for the last few years. Coffee sold this way tends to be priced a little higher than the regular brew, and I'm cheap, so I only splurged a few times, but I recalled that friends, Rob and Joe, used this technique at home all the time. So I investigated.<a href="http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=one+cup+coffee+filter&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=9240739095390287048&ei=KNcxTcD6M5K6sQPsoNWuBQ&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CCkQ8wIwAA"><span style="color:blue;"><br /></span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=one+cup+coffee+filter&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=9240739095390287048&ei=KNcxTcD6M5K6sQPsoNWuBQ&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CCkQ8wIwAA"><span style="color:blue;"><br /></span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=one+cup+coffee+filter&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=9240739095390287048&ei=KNcxTcD6M5K6sQPsoNWuBQ&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CCkQ8wIwAA"><span style="color:blue;">The best news is these filter holders are less that $5.00</span></a>, and there are glass and ceramic models for a few dollars more.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">A great cup of coffee takes 2 things, good quality roasted coffee beans and HOT water.</span><br /><br />Here's my recipe for steaming hot coffee in less than 2 minutes. </span></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in; font-family: times new roman;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0.1pt; margin-bottom: 0.1pt;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >Heat the water. If you've got a teakettle and a good gas stove, like I do, I can heat water to boiling in about a minute. If your stovetop is not that efficient, invest a couple bucks in an electric kettle. The microwave is not a good place to boil water. </span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0.1pt; margin-bottom: 0.1pt;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >I like </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Café au lait</span><span style=";font-size:100%;" >, so while the water is heating I put a quarter cup of 1% milk in my coffee cup and warm it for 40 seconds in the microwave.<br /></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0.1pt; margin-bottom: 0.1pt;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >Put an unbleached (not white) paper coffee filter into holder, and add one scoop (1 TBS) ground coffee. I grind my coffee to a #4 setting rather than #5 for a bit more robust flavor. Pull heated milk out of the microwave, and place filter over cup. </span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0.1pt; margin-bottom: 0.1pt;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >Add just enough hot water to dampen grounds and allow that to drain into cup. Add more water to fill cup. I usually need to refill the filter with hot water twice to get a full cup, breath deeply and enjoy!</span></li></ul> <p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >Note: I can get two cups of coffee from each paper filter by adding one more scoop of coffee to the filter after the first cup is brewed, and repeating the rest of the process.<br /></span></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04022544785468366250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975550434300029287.post-42850200663161827142011-01-15T07:10:00.000-08:002011-01-15T10:30:30.695-08:00Busy Friday Night in Oakland's Uptown<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyGDsGJZvZcVOwTVjVlJ20zeInG0plGUbOz1pMHGSaK9gjasRywiVlRqjzLjnIsm8mppbV31ni0b28sB2hhwrKdRu1coE5sgnkR8Q3kEhRNNzBZiLNo6nEEUVmPi9lVVEHg8lzrgXaW6-/s1600/facade2l.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 76px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyGDsGJZvZcVOwTVjVlJ20zeInG0plGUbOz1pMHGSaK9gjasRywiVlRqjzLjnIsm8mppbV31ni0b28sB2hhwrKdRu1coE5sgnkR8Q3kEhRNNzBZiLNo6nEEUVmPi9lVVEHg8lzrgXaW6-/s320/facade2l.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562479627679641746" border="0" /></a>Last night was nearly perfect in Oakland's Uptown. For those of you unfamiliar with Oakland, the Uptown area is easily accessible using Bart's 19th Street Station, and Bart fare is about the same as bridge fare. Uptown in on the rise, honestly it's risen pretty high already with some great apartments and condominiums, a thriving group of restaurants, and it's two most prized gems, The Paramount and The Fox theaters.<br /><br />Last night, The Paramount was filled to the rafters for that special film where classical music meets fantasy and imagination, "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032455/">Fantasia</a>." The reason my night was just 'nearly' perfect is that the last tickets to this 1940 film were sold to the person right in front of me, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TYAQ0JWBzE">"Computer says no."</a> I don't recall the Paramount's fantastic $5 classic movie night to ever be a sell, and I want to congratulate them on this incredibly successful evening. Let there be more!<br /><br />Oh well, if you've got lemons, make lemonade. I had already enjoyed an awesome $9 lamb burger, yummy fried chickpeas and an IPA at the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.spicemonkeycafe.com">Spice Monkey</a>. I was not going to let a little thing like seeing an old movie get me down when four of my very dearest friends were with me, so we set off for drinks, and laughs and a very good time.<br /><br />Ok, I want to brag a bit about Oakland just a bit, because San Francisco just does not have venues like The Fox and The Paramount anymore, and I believe Uptown's "style" can be attributed to these grand old movie palaces. <a href="http://www.thefoxoakland.com/gallery.html">The Fox</a> was built in 1928, and <a href="http://www.paramounttheatre.com/history.html">The Paramount</a> in 1931, but both closed due to lack of interest when patrons abandoned downtown venues in favor of those horrible malls in the late 1960s. Luckily, unlike most of San Francisco's theaters of this golden age, the Fox and Paramount were rescued from the wrecking ball and beautifully refurbished; the Paramount in 1973, and the Fox in 2009. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifk3GajLtUf04ZKWGJzjDTOVuXIBRkcBnB3KMIjxmcUUXwiVExqvVNXZcgilxwNbf_Xt3eQBfgySm9qHWVweGiqlu_n2DD_q-8FYfft_yJlavZ2gJ-U17QF9nqm7pE9DaHaHH6INli2lxD/s1600/507.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 167px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifk3GajLtUf04ZKWGJzjDTOVuXIBRkcBnB3KMIjxmcUUXwiVExqvVNXZcgilxwNbf_Xt3eQBfgySm9qHWVweGiqlu_n2DD_q-8FYfft_yJlavZ2gJ-U17QF9nqm7pE9DaHaHH6INli2lxD/s200/507.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562479912331182210" border="0" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04022544785468366250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975550434300029287.post-65075321985431749252011-01-10T22:04:00.000-08:002011-01-10T22:18:33.708-08:00Golden Globes – TelevisionBelow are the Golden Globe nominees for Television, to be aired on January 16th.<br /><br />Ok, I have to confess. I don't have cable, and am totally unfamiliar with many/most of these programs, which makes picking a winner just about as easy as picking a lottery winner. To further complicate things, I honestly don't care who wins . . . but you might, lots of people do. Oh, one clarification, I wish great to success to Glee and it's amazing cast. Go Glee!<br /><br /> <style>@font-face { font-family: "Times"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }h2 { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 18pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-weight: bold; }a:link, span.MsoHyperlink { color: blue; text-decoration: underline; }a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed { color: blue; text-decoration: underline; }p { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }span.Heading2Char { font-family: Times; font-weight: bold; }p.Style1, li.Style1, div.Style1 { margin: 6pt 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-weight: bold; }span.nomtitle { }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Best Television Series - Drama</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.hbo.com/#/boardwalk-empire"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Boardwalk Empire</span></a> (HBO)<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.sho.com/site/dexter/home.do"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Dexter</span></a> (SHOWTIME)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.cbs.com/primetime/the_good_wife/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">The Good Wife</span></a> (CBS)<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.amctv.com/originals/madmen/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Mad Men</span></a> (AMC)<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.amctv.com/originals/The-Walking-Dead/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">The Walking Dead</span></a> (AMC)<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Best Performance by an Actress In A Television Series - Drama</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Julianna Margulies – <a href="http://www.cbs.com/primetime/the_good_wife/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">The Good Wife</span></a> (CBS)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Elisabeth Moss – <a href="http://www.amctv.com/originals/madmen/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Mad Men</span></a> (AMC)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Piper Perabo – <a href="http://www.usanetwork.com/series/covertaffairs/video/fullep/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Covert Affairs</span></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Katey Sagal – <a href="http://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/originals/soa/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Sons Of Anarchy</span></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Kyra Sedgwick – <a href="http://alt.tnt.tv/tntoriginals/closer/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">The Closer</span></a> (TNT)</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Best Performance by an Actor In A Television Series - Drama</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Steve Buscemi – <a href="http://www.hbo.com/#/boardwalk-empire"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Boardwalk Empire</span></a> (HBO)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Bryan Cranston – <a href="http://www.amctv.com/originals/breakingbad/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Breaking Bad</span></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Michael C. Hall – <a href="http://www.sho.com/site/dexter/home.do"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Dexter</span></a> (SHOWTIME)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Jon Hamm – <a href="http://www.amctv.com/originals/madmen/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Mad Men</span></a> (AMC)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Hugh Laurie – <a href="http://www.fox.com/house/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">House</span></a> (FOX)</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Best Television Series - Comedy Or Musical</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.nbc.com/30_Rock/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">30 Rock</span></a> (NBC)<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.cbs.com/primetime/big_bang_theory/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">The Big Bang Theory</span></a> (CBS)<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.sho.com/site/index.html"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">The Big C</span></a> (Showtime)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.fox.com/glee/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Glee</span></a> (FOX)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://abc.go.com/shows/modern-family"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Modern Family</span></a> (ABC)<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.sho.com/site/nursejackie/home.do"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Nurse Jackie</span></a> (SHOWTIME)<br /></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"> </p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Best Performance by an Actress In A Television Series - Comedy Or Musical</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Toni Collette – <a href="http://www.sho.com/site/tara/home.do"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">United States Of Tara</span></a> (SHOWTIME)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Edie Falco – <a href="http://www.sho.com/site/nursejackie/home.do"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Nurse Jackie</span></a> (SHOWTIME)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Tina Fey – <a href="http://www.nbc.com/30_Rock/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">30 Rock</span></a> (NBC)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Laura Linney – <a href="http://www.sho.com/site/index.html"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">The Big C</span></a> (Showtime)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Lea Michele – <a href="http://www.fox.com/glee/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Glee</span></a> (FOX)</p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"> </p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Best Performance by an Actor In A Television Series - Comedy Or Musical</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Alec Baldwin – <a href="http://www.nbc.com/30_Rock/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">30 Rock</span></a> (NBC)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Steve Carell – <a href="http://www.nbc.com/The_Office/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">The Office</span></a> (NBC)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Thomas Jane – <a href="http://www.hbo.com/hung/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Hung</span></a> (HBO)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Matthew Morrison – <a href="http://www.fox.com/glee/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Glee</span></a> (FOX)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Jim Parsons – <a href="http://www.cbs.com/primetime/big_bang_theory/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">The Big Bang Theory</span></a> (CBS)</p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"> </p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Best Mini-Series Or Motion Picture Made for Television</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1321865/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Carlos</span></a> (Sundance C)<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.hbo.com/the-pacific/index.html"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">The Pacific</span></a> (HBO)<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.the-pillars-of-the-earth.tv/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Pillars Of The Earth</span></a> (STARZ)<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.hbo.com/movies/temple-grandin/index.html"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Temple Grandin</span></a> (HBO)<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.hbo.com/movies/you-dont-know-jack/index.html"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">You Don't Know Jack</span></a> (HBO)<br /></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"> </p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Best Performance by an Actress In A Mini-series or Motion Picture Made for Television</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Hayley Atwell – <a href="http://www.the-pillars-of-the-earth.tv/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Pillars Of The Earth</span></a> (STARZ)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Claire Danes – <a href="http://www.hbo.com/movies/temple-grandin/index.html"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Temple Grandin</span></a> (HBO)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Judi Dench – <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/cranford2/index.html"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Return To Cranford</span></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Romola Garai – <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1366312/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Emma</span></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Jennifer Love Hewitt – <a href="http://www.mylifetime.com/movies/the-client-list"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">The Client List</span></a></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"> </p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Idris Elba – <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1474684/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Luther</span></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Ian McShane – <a href="http://www.the-pillars-of-the-earth.tv/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Pillars Of The Earth</span></a> (STARZ)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Al Pacino – <a href="http://www.hbo.com/movies/you-dont-know-jack/index.html"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">You Don't Know Jack</span></a> (HBO)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Dennis Quaid – <a href="http://www.hbo.com/movies/the-special-relationship/index.html"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">The Special Relationship</span></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Edgar Ramirez – <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1321865/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Carlos</span></a> (Sundance C)</p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"> </p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Hope Davis – <a href="http://www.hbo.com/movies/the-special-relationship/index.html"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">The Special Relationship</span></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Jane Lynch – <a href="http://www.fox.com/glee/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Glee</span></a> (FOX)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Kelly MacDonald – <a href="http://www.hbo.com/#/boardwalk-empire"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Boardwalk Empire</span></a> (HBO)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Julia Stiles – <a href="http://www.sho.com/site/dexter/home.do"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Dexter</span></a> (SHOWTIME)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sofia Vergara – <a href="http://abc.go.com/shows/modern-family"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Modern Family</span></a> (ABC)</p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"> </p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Scott Caan – <a href="http://www.cbs.com/classics/hawaii_five_0/video/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Hawaii Five-O</span></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Chris Colfer – <a href="http://www.fox.com/glee/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Glee</span></a> (FOX)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Chris Noth – <a href="http://www.cbs.com/primetime/the_good_wife/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">The Good Wife</span></a> (CBS)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Eric Stonestreet – <a href="http://abc.go.com/shows/modern-family"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Modern Family</span></a> (ABC)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">David Strathairn – <a href="http://www.hbo.com/movies/temple-grandin/index.html"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Temple Grandin</span></a> (HBO)</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04022544785468366250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975550434300029287.post-6660485897768450752011-01-09T17:33:00.000-08:002011-01-10T11:01:12.655-08:00Lemon Jalapeno Marmalade<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqDeyQN2cLzoto3mDJLDlcDcKqXkF98sbJjzF5z-G1ftk8bF4Lebm0GsS3QhofzjcW46oJnpkVYItivKBcVD2i2EITju0UnnJckzyDunRVkX3GPP-0JupQF-6XSADWcJ9edjFtGkQvufoD/s1600/p_lemon.food3.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqDeyQN2cLzoto3mDJLDlcDcKqXkF98sbJjzF5z-G1ftk8bF4Lebm0GsS3QhofzjcW46oJnpkVYItivKBcVD2i2EITju0UnnJckzyDunRVkX3GPP-0JupQF-6XSADWcJ9edjFtGkQvufoD/s200/p_lemon.food3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560634223738146626" border="0" /></a>This was my favorite recipe for 2010, so I thought I'd share it with you.<br /><br />I'm blessed to have a beautiful Myer Lemon tree in my yard. When I want a lemon, I open the window and grab one. The neighbors are welcome to all the fruit they can reach on the other side of the tree, there is plenty.<br /><ul><li>4-5 Lemons</li><li>3 cups water</li><li>3 cups sugar</li><li>2 Jalapeno peppers (or use one Jalapeno and one red Thai chile)</li></ul> <span style="font-weight: bold;">DIRECTIONS</span><br />Wash the lemons thoroughly.<br />Cut into thin 1/8 inch slices, remove any seeds, and quarter slices<br />Place into a stainless steel pot with 3 cups water, and place over high heat until boiling<br />Reduce heat and cook abut 40 min until fruit is very soft<br />Remove ribs from peppers and slice thinly. If concerned about heat, remove seeds.<br />Add sugar and peppers and cook until mixture darkens or to about 222º on candy thermometer OR test mixture by putting a spoon on a cool plate and allow it to cool. Cooled mixture should be at desired consistency. If too thick add more water, if too thin continue to cook.<br /><br />Serving suggestion: This is great for jam thumbprint cookies or on a bagel with cream cheese.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04022544785468366250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975550434300029287.post-30569290821034816452011-01-09T15:33:00.001-08:002011-01-09T17:24:03.799-08:00The Best Movies of 2010The <a href="http://www.goldenglobes.org/nominations/">Golden Globe Awards</a> are just one week away, and <a href="http://oscar.go.com/">Oscar nominees </a>to be announced on Tuesday, January 25, 2011. I love the movies, and this is my favorite time of the year, because the most artistic of films are released. I'm feeling good this year, because I've already seen a good share of Golden Globe nominees.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizdyMaNNop59qYQmNbHff3aUQIKSuBA0grM3mHiuVEvcc_rYiZ3xO4VanXaIu3nlaSPEYp8EuhGX-oAPdoHNB0G0yAdRQmM2iSiIVv0WPOlW6m-hV0N4Y3Q1_cywWP0STTZJ_jXSbMR1s3/s1600/Picture+1.png"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizdyMaNNop59qYQmNbHff3aUQIKSuBA0grM3mHiuVEvcc_rYiZ3xO4VanXaIu3nlaSPEYp8EuhGX-oAPdoHNB0G0yAdRQmM2iSiIVv0WPOlW6m-hV0N4Y3Q1_cywWP0STTZJ_jXSbMR1s3/s400/Picture+1.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560355115746822978" border="0" /></a><br />The Golden Globes split awards for Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Actress into two categories, Drama and Comedy or Musical. Tune in Sunday January 16th to see how I did . . . or better still how you did.<br /><br /><style>table { }td { padding-top: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-left: 1px; color: windowtext; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; font-family: Verdana; vertical-align: bottom; border: medium none; white-space: nowrap; }.xl24 { font-family: Arial; }ruby { }rt { color: windowtext; font-size: 8pt; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; font-family: Verdana; display: none; }</style><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Motion Picture – Drama: </span>Nominees are Black Swan, Inception, The Fighter, The King's Speech, and The Social Network. While I liked all these films, my pick for this category is The King's Speech because it's not dark, it's not a docu-drama, and it's not science fiction.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical:</span> Nominees are Alice in Wonderland, Burlesque, Red, The Kids Are All Right, and The Tourist. I confess that, because of terrible critical reviews, I have not seen The Tourist, but my pick is Red. I have not seen a film in years where the cast looked like they were having this much fun doing a film.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama:</span> Nominees are Colin Firth - The King's Speech, James Franco in 127 Hours, Jesse Eisenberg in The Social Network, Mark Wahlberg in The Fighter, and Ryan Gosling in Blue Valentine. I still need to see 127 Hours and Blue Valentine, and reserve the right to change my mind when I do see them, but my pick for Best Actor is Jesse Eisenberg.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical:</span> Nominees are Jake Gyllenhaal in Love and Other Drugs, Johnny Depp in Alice in Wonderland, Johnny Depp in The Tourist, Kevin Spacey in Casino Jack, and Paul Giamatti in Barney's Version. My pick is Kevin Spacey, but I have not seen Barney's Version and might still change my mind.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama:</span> Nominees are Halle Berry in Frankie and Alice, Jennifer Lawrence in Winter's Bone, Michelle Williams in Blue Valentine, Natalie Portman in Black Swan, and Nicole Kidman in Rabbit Hole. This one is harder to predict because I still need to see three of the five films. I expect to change my mind to Nicole Kidman, but for now I'm giving the prize to Jennifer Lawrence for her role in a movie that made me feel like I was eavesdropping rather than just watching.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical:</span> Nominees are Angelina Jolie in The Tourist, Anne Hathaway in Love and Other Drugs, Annette Bening in The Kids Are All Right, Emma Stone in Easy A, and Julianne Moore in The Kids Are All Right. I'm torn here, I'd 'like' to award Julianne Moore, because I love her and I applaud her efforts in getting this great film made. Annette Bening was also fabulous and I think she'll take home the honor.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Director for a Motion Picture: </span>Nominees are: Christopher Nolan for Inception, Darren Aronofsky for Black Swan, David O. Russell for The Fighter, and Tom Hooper for The King's Speech. I think Clint Eastwood should be on this list for Hereafter, in fact I think he should win the award, but . . . Anyway, of those nominated, I'm going with Darren Aronofsky for the twisted creative and beautiful Black Swan.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role:</span> Nominees are: Andrew Garfield in The Social Network, Christian Bale in The Fighter, Geoffrey Rush in The King's Speech, Jeremy Renner in The Town, and Michael Douglas in Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps. And the award goes to Christian Bale for a truly amazing performance.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Best Performance by an Actress </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">in a Supporting Role:</span> Nominees are Amy Adams in The Fighter, Helena Bonham Carter in The King's Speech, Jacki Weaver in Animal Kingdom, Melissa Leo in The Fighter, and Mila Kunis in Black Swan. I'm going with Mila Kunis.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04022544785468366250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975550434300029287.post-51128641088879301832010-12-29T18:41:00.000-08:002010-12-29T19:02:10.441-08:00New Years Resolution #1<style>@font-face { font-family: "Times"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }h2 { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 18pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }a:link, span.MsoHyperlink { color: blue; text-decoration: underline; }a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed { color: purple; text-decoration: underline; }span.Heading2Char { font-family: Times; font-weight: bold; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Times;font-size:18pt;" >I solemnly promise to do more, to do better, to buy from companies that value me as a customer and provide me with either "good" or "excellent" customer service.</span></b></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b style=""><span style=""> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-style: italic;">MSN Money asked </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Zogby International</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> to conduct an online national survey in which 3,012 randomly chosen respondents rated customer service at 150 companies from 15 industries. The response choices were "excellent," "good," "fair," "poor," "I haven't had an interaction with this company's customer service" and "not sure." The poll was conducted in late March 2010.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b style=""><span style=""> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b style=""><span style=""><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><b style=""><span style="">The 10 worst companies for customer Service in America:<br /></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">No. 10: HSBC </span></p> <h2 style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-weight: normal;font-size:85%;" >No. 9: Citibank </span></h2> <h2 style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-weight: normal;font-size:85%;" >No. 8: Wells Farg (arghhhhh I could tell horror stories!) </span></h2> <h2 style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-weight: normal;font-size:85%;" >No. 7: Time Warner Cable </span></h2> <h2 style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-weight: normal;font-size:85%;" >No. 6: Dish Network (well it's better than Comcast!) </span></h2> <h2 style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-weight: normal;font-size:85%;" >No. 5: Capital One (yes, I owe them money) </span></h2> <h2 style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-weight: normal;font-size:85%;" >No. 4: Sprint Nextel (sad, I was thinking of going back to Sprint in 2011, who will be my cell carrier now?)<br /></span></h2> <h2 style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-weight: normal;font-size:85%;" >No. 3: Comcast (yeah! I dropped this cheating lover in January)<br /></span></h2> <h2 style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-weight: normal;font-size:85%;" >No. 2: Bank of America (yes, BUT I'm special thanks to a relationship with a bank that was acquired by a bank that was acquired by BofA)<br /></span></h2> <h2 style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-weight: normal;font-size:85%;" >No. 1: AOL Seriously folks, still there???? WTF!</span></h2><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Top ranked companies for customer service are: Amazon.com, Trader Joe’s, </span>Netflix<span style="font-size:100%;">, Apple, FedEx, </span>Publix<span style="font-size:100%;"> Super Markets, Southwest Airlines, United Parcel Service,</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span>Nordstrom<span style="font-size:100%;">,</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">and Marriott International. </span></p> <p face="georgia" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Check out this link, maybe you can find a company that provides YOU with better service than one you are using now. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/see-the-full-list-of-company-rankings-2010.aspx">http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/see-the-full-list-of-company-rankings-2010.aspx</a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04022544785468366250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975550434300029287.post-23711484917641921262010-08-09T03:16:00.000-07:002010-08-09T14:49:37.078-07:00Winners for $10 or less<span style="color: rgb(40, 86, 133);font-family:Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:10pt;" ><span style="font-size:14pt;">7 Great Wines @ Under $10<br /></span></span>By David @ <a href="http://www.winemineco.com/?m=201007">The Wine Mine, Oakland CA</a> (originally posted July 16, 2010)<br /><p align="left"><span style="color: rgb(40, 86, 133);font-family:Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-size:14pt;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">4 Red Wines</span>:</span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmPFhLubzCB1hILcyOnXmR4DdPlADtJDFf7RlH0CYnlovZc_5fFncq2_upFwP5huVNyFyaY3F_YrOgNCtAeLWka4tAR-SrXle0qEiuXezKq2KeP-6vW0uBPsIbb7w4kFuKZZoqWf_BcF5/s1600/WolfTrap.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 62px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmPFhLubzCB1hILcyOnXmR4DdPlADtJDFf7RlH0CYnlovZc_5fFncq2_upFwP5huVNyFyaY3F_YrOgNCtAeLWka4tAR-SrXle0qEiuXezKq2KeP-6vW0uBPsIbb7w4kFuKZZoqWf_BcF5/s200/WolfTrap.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503355559324979010" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(40, 86, 133);font-family:Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><br /><strong><u><a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=wolftrap+wine&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a">The WolfTrap</a>, $9:</u></strong> Great stuff from <a href="http://www.boekenhoutskloof.co.za/">Boekenhoutskloof </a>(there’s a mouthfull) in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_African_wine">South Africa</a>. A <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syrah">Syrah</a> / <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mourv%C3%A8dre">Mourvedre</a> combo with a bit of Viognier which is a white grape, thrown in to help the aromatics (often done in France and Australia with Syrah). The Wine Mine had this wine in stock across four vintages. It’s great stuff and, to me, consistently one of the best bargain wines out there. Smooth with depth to it, lot’s of dark fruit, hints of violet and just a bit of that South African earthiness that is always found in their reds due to that countries iron/mineral rich soils. It will work with meats, grilled veggies, cheeses - an all around wine.</span></p> <p><span style="color: rgb(40, 86, 133);font-family:Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><strong><u><a href="http://www.ninenorthwines.com/index.php?page=80">Chasing Lions</a>, $10:</u></strong> To find something four years old in a current release is a rarity for an inexpensive wine and this 2006 is from Napa no less! It was a big hit two weeks ago in our Saturday tasting and deserves to be tried by many more people. It is made by the same team who crafted <a href="http://www.ninenorthwines.com/wine/2005-ten-mile-the-broken-road-proprietary-red-blend.htm">Ten Mile Red,</a> one of our, and our customer’s, favorite wines which sadly is almost all gone. A blend of 55% <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merlot">Merlot</a>, 25% <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabernet_Sauvignon">Cabernet Sauvignon</a> and then <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabernet_Franc">Cabernet Franc</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petite_Verdot">Petite Verdot</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malbec">Malbec</a> tasting of currants, a bit of espresso as well as hints of mocha and black cherry. It is fullish bodied with nice texture and some lightly toasty oak influences. Rich enough to enjoy on it’s own, with only light tannins, but balanced enough to go with a variety of food including surf and turf from your grill. </span></p> <p><span style="color: rgb(40, 86, 133);font-family:Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><strong><u><a href="http://www.colonialasliebres.com/">Colonia Las Liebres</a>, $8,</u></strong> (never in a tasting): <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonarda">Bonarda</a> from Argentina - an excellent alternative to that country’s Malbecs. Bonarda comes from Italy but was widely planted in Argentina and still flourishes there even though Malbec has been made the poster child of Argentinian wines.<br />This bottling of the “Colony of Hares: (I also had it two years ago) is a dark wine with plenty of depth, some juicy plum character, a hint of licorice and light spice - good for many a meal. Ripe but vibrant and did I say cheap (I like that much maligned word)! </span></p> <p><span style="color: rgb(40, 86, 133);font-family:Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><u><strong>Scaia Rosso, $10:</strong></u> From the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veneto_wine">Veneto region of Northeastern Italy</a>, this red made of 100% <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corvina">Corvina</a>, is a great light everyday red, one that in the Veneto would be enjoyed with lunch pastas or light dinners of risotto or even fish. Great for Summer, although scores bought it during the Winter also. It has light notes of cherry and perhaps a bit of almond but no oak influences as it is made in stainless steel tanks. To finish it off it has a glass cork to keep things fresh and vibrant.</span></p> <p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFFmXvD-vIQX0ToAie3n0y7AQIFMf1dzDCMApywht6ur973825PfMXW5Ajveke1PEBpDZiwBXD2DckhPfDev9U-K57xmvtB-duo8rrnz1mp9HadRjhHi3Cipl50c4vlAI_yiauP2CrhWQ/s1600/ugniblanc-g.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 59px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFFmXvD-vIQX0ToAie3n0y7AQIFMf1dzDCMApywht6ur973825PfMXW5Ajveke1PEBpDZiwBXD2DckhPfDev9U-K57xmvtB-duo8rrnz1mp9HadRjhHi3Cipl50c4vlAI_yiauP2CrhWQ/s200/ugniblanc-g.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503363543519429378" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(40, 86, 133);font-family:Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-size:14pt;" >3 White Wines:</span><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(40, 86, 133);font-family:Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><u style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.tariquet.com/fr/vins-ugni-blanc.asp">Tariquet</a>, $9:</u><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span> An organically grown blend of <a href="http://www.winegeeks.com/grapes/165">Columbard</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trebbiano">Ugni Blanc</a> that delighted people in last Saturday’s tasting. California almost ruined Columbard’s reputation in the 70’s/80’s by mass producing fruity, overly aromatic and often sweet wines. This is nothing like that - it is crisp and refreshing with lively hints of apple and citrus. Light, vivacious and perfect for Summer!</span></p> <p align="left"><span style="color: rgb(40, 86, 133);font-family:Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><strong><u><a href="http://www.blacksmithcellars.com/">Blacksmith Cellars Chardonnay</a>, $10:</u></strong> Matt Smith, now sharing space at <a href="http://www.rockwallwines.com/">Rockwall</a> in Alameda, crafts this <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chardonnay">Chardonnay</a> to give a widely appealing profile. Grapes come from the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suisun_Valley_AVA">Suisun Valley</a> Southeast of Napa and give the wine the light butter and oak spice that many want without going overboard on either. Crisp apple and pear with just a hint of caramel come to mind when describing this Chardonnay. (Having said that I realize that my wife should try this as it’s right up her alley (I’m buying two after I write this!).</span></p> <p><span style="color: rgb(40, 86, 133);font-family:Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><strong><u>Zolo Torrontes, $9:</u></strong> Argentina’s own white grape is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torrontes">Torrontes </a>which often appeals to both those who like fuller bodied whites, such as Chardonnay, and those who want more crispness, think Sauvignon Blanc. Zolo show the peach/pear/floral aromatics that the grape is known for and has a lush mouthfeel with stonefruit and tropical flavors but no sweetness. Crisp enough to have in 100 degree heat but soft enough to work with even hotter Asian dishes.</span></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04022544785468366250noreply@blogger.com0