Gotham Gal

Clean

I love a good clean.  Cleaning out the closet for the next season.  Organizing the pantry.  I also enjoy the toss which is all part of the good clean. 

We have been accumulating stuff at our house in the east end of Long Island for years.  We generally do a mild clean every year but this year I got bit by the bug.  Old clothes, old bottles in the pantry, arts and craft kits, broken toys, etc.

I am sure everyone in my family is thrilled they were not here to witness the event.  I get a look in my eye and everyone clears out. 

There is a huge pile sitting outside the house.  Pick up is on Wednesday.  The house is spotless, the closets are sparkling.  I feel like a new person.   Really, there is nothing else quite like it. 

Ice cream sundaes

There is something about ice cream sundaes.  I love watching people make them.  Everyone gets to create their own so each is original and suited to their own taste. 

I got 3 separate ice creams, whipped cream, mini m and m's, chocolate nips, sliced almonds, salted peanuts, brownies, chocolate sauce and grilled bananas.  You could add anything you wanted to this. 

The bananas were key.  We split the bananas, brushed them with brown sugar and grilled them for a few minutes on each side.  Wow. 

My nieces had the best time.  Actually, we all indulged.  A winner for a summer dessert that is fun for all. 

the classic

The last two weeks of summer are here.  I have parked myself at the east end of Long Island until Labor Day.  The air, the ocean, the sky and the mellow vibe sets the tone.  It doesn't take that long to get into the groove.  The key is not straying far from home.  Eating at home and staying close.  Otherwise, the insanity and stress that some people are not able to park at the door when they hit route 27 can be infuriating so staying close to home is the key.

I am thrilled to have a kitchen again.  There is something about being here that puts everyone in the cooking mood.  I spent an day cooking this past week.  Saturday night, we had "the classic".  Ribs, cole slaw, corn and ice cream sundaes. 

Ribs are probably one of the easiest things in the world to make.  I was inspired to make a BBQ sauce after watching the Barefoot Contessa.  I also went with a new cole slaw recipe after a friend sent me a recipe.  Could be our new cole slaw.  Delicious.

I used four racks of ribs.  Rubbed them with this mixture.  I actually triple this recipe and keep it around in a plastic container so I don't have to make it each time.

4 T cumin
3T sugar
4 T kosher salt
1T pepper
3 T paprika

Roasted them in the oven at 180 degrees.  I put them in around 9 am and took then out at 6 ish.  They were perfect.  Jessica lit up the grill and through the ribs on the grill, brushed them down with the BBQ sauce on the top, then flipped the ribs and brushed them again.  One flip does the trick.  You basically just caramelized the sauce on the ribs.  Cut them with a scissors ( so much easier ) and serve them up.

BBQ Sauce

1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 small red onion diced
2 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp lime zest
1 tbsp ground ginger
1/3 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup tomato paste
1/2 cup honey
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup orange juice

Put the vegetable oil in the pan and turn to high.  Once the oil is hot, throw in the red onion and saute over a medium low heat until softened.  About 5 minutes.  Add the chili powder, cumin and red pepper flakes and stir for about another minute.  Add the zest and ginger cook another minute.  Add the vinegar, tomato paste, honey, mustard, soy sauce and orange juice.  Bring to boil and then simmer for about 15 minutes or until thick.  At this point, I set the sauce aside to cool and then put in plastic container to use the next day.  Has a nice zing.

Cole Slaw

I used one head of purple cabbage and one of green.  Many times I have used carrots too and in this particular recipe you could use some fresh cilantro chopped and scallions and peppers, etc. I went with cabbage only. 

Dressing: 

1/3 cup rice wine vinegar
3 tbsp. vegetable oil ( or peanut oil )
3 tbsp. sugar
1 tbsp. sesame oil
1 tbsp minced ginger
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
2 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp red pepper flakes

Mix this all together and let sit for at least 30 minutes.  I made it in the morning and let it sit in the refrigerator all day.  Mix the dressing with the cabbage right before serving.  Fantastic.

Our next cash crop?

Marijuana, for all intensive purposes, is legal in the state of California. 

My brother and I discussed this at length this past weekend.  We laughed mostly.  California, has an old law that was put on the books in the early 1900's that citizens, with enough signatures, can get a referendum on the ballot.  12 years ago, because of HIV patients in San Francisco, who were smoking weed to alleviate their pain, someone put on the California ballot a referendum to allow people with health issues to obtain weed legally.  The law passed.  Yet, once the law passes, it goes to Sacramento where the Government has to figure out how the law is going to work.  There is no money devoted to it, no systems, nothing.  Just a law that was passed by the citizens of California.  Once it gets out of Sacramento, then people begin pushing the envelope on how they interpret the law.

You can basically go to a doctor, tell him or her that you would like to have marijuana to help you sleep and they give you a prescription.  The doctors gives you something called a passport.  You have to return to this doctor annually for renew your prescription.  Many of these doctors do nothing but provide this service.  Once you had a passport, you can then go to many of the stores around California and purchase your supply.  You can buy up to one ounce a day.  The stores not only sell different strains, they also sell products for cooking and tabs for travel.  Also, if you are smoking outside a restaurant, having a cigarette, you can also smoke a joint if you have a passport.  Word to the wise, always carry your passport.

The benefits are huge.  First of all, the person who is selling you the weed knows their stock.  Think of going to a wine store and talking to the sommelier about what you are looking to drink.  I want to get seriously stoned, I like to have a mild buzz, etc.  Remember, this is not street dope, this is legally grown pot that isn't cut with who knows what. 

The law also lets you grow up to 99 plants in your home so many homes have become grow houses particularly in rural cities that are in need of a kick to their economy. 

The most interesting statistic has yet to come out.  There are something like 10 other states who have also passed this law with more restrictions.  California is probably the loosest.  Remember, all transactions are taxed.  The police force no longer spends time enforcing the laws pertaining to marijuana.  In essence, the billions saved from the police department and the taxes that have been generated could be a huge windfall of profit for the state of California.

As our economy continues south.  Farmers have so many subsidies that they are not exactly making money.  Perhaps, the legalization of marijuana, could be the next big thing.  Think of a generation of kids growing up and being able to buy a case of beer, a bottle of wine, a bottle of vodka and an 1/8 of an ounce....all being taxed and monitored by the Government. If other countries follow suit we can begin shipping our products overseas.  An entire new economy is built on marijuana.

Sounds crazy?  Looking forward to seeing the real tax dollars generated from California soon.  Definitely worth watching the video from the NY Times on the "Marijuana State". 

More on technology

Can you guess how many computers are in this picture? 

The kids and Fred use the computer to take in information.  As much as possible.  Between the blogs, fashion and food, and facebook, there is  constant fulfillment of connection with the world. 

We were sitting around watching the Olympics.  All computers are up.  My brother is sitting next to me with his screen on and up pops Jessica for video ichat.  It was pretty hilarious since she was sitting on the next couch.  This went back and forth on every computer all night. 

The moment Phelps won the 8th gold medal, Emily announced that Phelps bio had already been changed on Wikipedia as it had the night before when he had won 7 gold medals, and the night before when he had won 6, etc. 

Also as the evening wore on, information was being called out.  DId you hear about this restaurant opening, did you see what is happening on this street, did you read about the new store opening, did you see the new line of so and so, have you heard the new Beck album etc.  It was like sitting around in the morning reading the NYTimes for the day and discussing the editorial section or what movies are opening that week.

We are probably not the norm in terms of technology needs and use but it is interesting to sit around and watch how our kids take in the information and their thoughts on what voids need to be filled in the market place coming down the track.

Just interesting...

Damn I love technology...

I love technology.  Granted, I am far from a tech geek.  I don't dig very hard and only use what makes my life easier. 

This summer, I became addicted to the BBM.  I kept a running conversation with my best friend all summer.  I kept running conversations going with the girls if they were somewhere else.  There wasn't a day that we didn't check in.  BBM is especially great when you are doing it with someone who really knows you because the conversation is right to the point while it flows back and forth.  You have your own language.  Also, it is free so no matter where either of you are - Istanbul and Alaska - it is free.

Today, the BBM rocked.  I am out at the beach.  Emily is in the city.  She found a pair of sunglasses she loved but wanted confirmation.  So, she sent me a picture of herself with the glasses on.  I saw it, loved it, and she was done.  Genius.  She could have bought an entire wardrobe and I could have given it a thumbs up or a thumbs down.

Damn, I love technology...

Dying businesses?

I might be one of the last people who do photo albums.  I started doing them in High School and have continued on an annual basis.

I take my favorite digital photos every year and get them printed.  I keep cards and info from our trips or the kids events and put the album together.  Wonderful memories and fun to go back and look at the pictures with the album on your lap and everyone looking on.  Old fashioned, yes, but it is a tradition.  Even the kids give me stuff and say "here, for the photo album".

Today I went to Kates Paperie to get the photo albums.  Usually I buy things online but for some reason I always go to Kates and buy them.

Kates might be a dying business.  Their inventory of photo albums is almost nil.  Are people really buying Filofax's in mass anymore? The store is totally downscaled.  The majority of the business appears to be in the invitation area.   That is an area that is growing leaps and bounds on line.  Not only through sites like evite but sites like Minted.com where you can work directly with the resources.  

Of course, businesses are capable of looking ahead of the curve on how to change with the times but not always.  There are a handful of photo shops left.  Even the large photo shops in Chelsea that the professional photographers use have dwindled down to a few.  Although in California, the local record stores have now become the local pot stores.  Gotta love that. 

As Google turns 10 it is a good time to reflect on what has happened in a short amount of time.  The Internet has changed our lives.  New businesses are reflecting how we live our lives.  Socially and professionally.  But, what becomes of places like a Kate's and other businesses.  A few years back, we played a game with the kids to name the 10 businesses that they thought would die in the next 10 years.  It might be time to play the game again.

Hello World

This is just a test.

Olympics?

Can I rant about the Olympics for a second? 

I so remember coming home after camp, racing home after camp, to see Olga Korbut and Mark Spitz.  I was so into it.  The excitement, the competition, the perfection.  I admit, I was looking forward to watching the summer Olympics this year.  Even after reading with disgust about China and the reality of the face they are attempting to show to the world and the reality of what goes on underneath.  No shit but you gotta believe. 

We got home from Edinburgh this afternoon, took a shower, and parked ourselves in front of the television.  Why NBC still hasn't figured out there is a reason that cable rocks.  Do we really care about all the behind the scenes nonsense?  At one point, for at least 45 minutes, we never saw a competition but a bunch of talking heads...who by the way look so awful that NBC should consider hiring a stylist and new makeup artist.  Ok, I will stop being caddy.

George Bush is there cheering the USA on.  Get real.  The world and his own country hates him.  He just wanted to get his last perk at a President. 

Here are my biggest pet peeves.  It began with a piece done by Marie Carillo being interviewed by Bob Costas.  Marie went to some small towns in rural China to see how they begin training the athletes at such a young age.   Marie is just awed on what the Chinese can do and how they support their athletes.  It is just phenomenal.  Ok, get over yourself Marie.  The Chinese Government embraces the young through their parents with bonus benefits such as a home and more money so they can move out of being complete peasants.  Hello.  Marie, why are you spinning the world some bullshit?  Then, we have the ads from Exxon telling us how they help with the eradication of malaria in Africa and why that makes them such a great company.  On yes, such a great company.  Did they get a tax benefit for that so they get create more customers interested in buying oil from Exxon who doesn't even pay for the mess that they created in Alaska so many years ago.  Still holding out in court to pay for their sins.  Bravo America.

Now we get to watch the gymnastics.  You must be 16 to perform.  Olympic rules.  Agreed that gymnastics does something to young womens bodies so they look younger than they are.  But, I'd bet a million bucks that the youngest star of the team isn't a day over 12.  But, hey China is putting on the Olympics so we should all turn a blind eye.  No remarks about how the Government built shitty schools in the rural areas so when the earthquake happened all the kids were killed.  That would be children from families that only are allowed to have one child but hey, who's commenting. 

Up next, Bulgaria.  NBC is commenting on how Bulgaria just doesn't have the gymnasts with the same drive at Nadia Commenici did.  Well, why would they?  At least Nadia had belief that her country was looking to the future.  Romania's economy isn't exactly rocking, there is no true leadership and the Government isn't exactly rooting for their athletes so why would they care.  Are we supposed to read between the lines or just say, oh, how sad.

I hate to be the cynic here but as much as I want to cheer on these athletes.  Their gusto, their drive, their desire to win, to be the best and how they have each dedicated their life to their sport....I am having trouble with the whole thing.  NBC is full of shit.  The Olympics have become political.  Maybe not as much in countries that don't use their athletes as pawns for the world platform called the Olympics.  But, I can't help myself as I sit here and yell at the TV.

The world watches the athletes perform.  Shame on NBC for their commentary.  Thinking that maybe this year, the old school methods will actually work.  Shame on them for not really stating the truth about what goes on in other countries.  Shame on them for acting as there are no politics involved and cheering other countries on with the "up close and personal" totally slanted towards happiness.

Watching the Olympics and the phony advertising and crappy journalism makes me pine for some serious change.  I hate being such a cynic but come on, there is something seriously wrong here that isn't being reported.  

Last Day in Edinburgh

Josh and I woke up and ordered in room service.  Totally extravagant but worth every penny.  We had tickets to 3 plays today and it was pouring, again.

We began at Potted Potter which is a 70 minute farce of 2 guys going through every Harry Potter book.  Cute and a little too childish for both of us.  I thought Josh would love it because he loved the Potter books.  Also, the books were written here but alas, it was just okay.

After leaving, we walked through town and back over to Harvey Nichols to have lunch.  The top of the store has glass windows that look over St. Andrews Square and the city.  Really beautiful views.  Modern room.  Chic.  Has a pretty good lunch too.  Josh has the pork belly that had been seared and served over egg noodles and bok choy in a Asian sauce.  I went with a vegetable galette.  I liked how they served it.  A disc of crust.  Under and around the disc was a hearty tomato sauce.  On the crust was a slice of roasted egg plant under melted mozzarella, a tiny handful of arugula and shaved Parmesan coated with a balsamic vinegar.  Really tasty.  We thought about getting some food for the plane tomorrow but nothing was for take away.

We walked over to see our next play, Vincent.  Written by Leonard Nimoy.  The play takes place a week after Van Gogh's death.  His brother, Theo, is telling the story of his brother to friends and colleagues.  One actor.  Very well done.  I did not realize that Van Gogh painted 200 paintings the last year of his life and actually painted 100 in the last 70 with 20 drawings too.  Pretty amazing.  Theo, his brother, was his biggest supporter.  He had only sold one piece upon his death.  Theo, died six months after his brother died.  All historical, well acted and only an hour.

Josh and I walked past Marks and Spencer on the way back to the hotel.  There is a food court so we figured we would try and get food for the plane.  Can't vouch for anything but at least we have something.  Some of the food is just strange with weird combos.  Like a tuna salad with green olives and pimentos or a heavy on the mayonnaise chicken salad with grapes in a club sandwich style.  We'll find out tomorrow how everything is. 

Next play, was Jess's last performance.  It was sold out with 10 people sitting on the floor in the back.  So, over sold.  They all really stepped it up a notch tonight.  Quite impressive. 

Josh and I went back to the hotel, had a burger and a beer and went up stairs.  Tomorrow, our driver picks up at 4:15 AM.  Insane.  We have to connect with Emily and Fred's flight in London.  Fred came along later in the game and London came even later in the game.  If I knew, believe me, taking a 615 am flight out of Edinburgh to hook up with Em at Heathrow.  Getting up at 4:15 AM would not have been top on my list.  Also, if Jess's play was in the afternoon vs 715, I would have had us go to London tonight.  Nothing is every perfect.

Alas, we will all be cranky together.  Really looking forward to going home, chilling and taking in some sun.  A very well traveled summer but it is time to sleep in our own beds for an extended period of time.