Saturday, February 27, 2010

Too Many Cooks

Most days at work I do little to actually contribute to the food that is served to the patrons; usually I just serve the food. But on Thursday I got to do a little more which some people would hate, but I did not. And while it may seem weird, I loved chopping Kiwi and peeling hard boiled eggs. And while I was doing this, I could not believe the incompetence standing right next to me. The way he brutally peeled and sliced the kiwi would make any self-respecting cook cringe. I could hardly look as that excellent kiwi was destroyed. And it pained me even more when I had to mix my well sliced and placed kiwi in the same container as his mess. So then we started to peel eggs and I thought maybe, just maybe it will go better for him this time. I mean, it's peeling eggs. But no. Not at all. The eggs met their maker as well. I did not understand the cruelty that he handled them with. He had no touch at all. None. Every time I took even a little chunk off egg off of it, it really discouraged me. I mean maybe the people will not take that egg because it is ugly. The guy to my right obviously was cold to that opinion.

This just got me thinking about what I might have done if I was not going into teaching. I love cooking and I have always wanted to be a chef. But a good chef. Not one of those that makes things that make you think, "What in the world is that?" Those chefs are considered excellent and I just do not understand. It looks pretty, but small portions and food you have probably never heard of just don't cut it. For me, making dinner at home is much better than going out to any restaurant. Once in a while is nice, but I'd rather cook myself thanks. I'm also very picky about who cooks for me. I need that trust that what you make will actually be good. It's hard for me to give that trust because food is just that important to me. It sounds weird, but I am weird, so get over it. I am a perfectionist with a lot of things and food is one of those. Luckily the two women that I love the most in this world have excellent talent this side of the dinning room. Cooking relaxes me. It also gives me a sense of great pride when I successfully conquer a dish. So please, next time you are in the kitchen, show some love towards your food. That food sacrificed its life for you. Even if you don't eat meat, those plants were once living. Don't make their life a waste.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Hello, Good-Bayh

This past week Senator Evan Bayh announced that he would not be seeking a third term in the Senate. In his announcement, Bayh noted that the Senate was just not the place for him anymore and he was tired of all the partisanship. I think he will get a collective "Amen" from the general public on that one. I think what should be noted is what this may mean for Indiana. While they are losing a strong Senator, they may be gaining a Governor. Oh God please. Bayh also said that he enjoyed the executive side of politics better. Hmmm. Prelude to a campaign perhaps? While the nation is definitely is poor shape, have you seen Indiana lately? My word. Mitch has taken the wheel and driven us right into the ground.

I could go on and on about Mitch, but I will not. What's done is done and what will happen probably won't be stopped until he's gone. While I am most likely leaving this great state soon, i will still hope for it to be strong and prosper under good leadership. Bayh once proved he could be a great Governor and I hope he wants to prove it again. I look for Bennet and Bayh to be squaring off against for the Governor's seat when that time comes. Please don't make the same mistake a third time. Instead make the better choice a third time. So for now Mr. Bayh, goodbye.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Canad-Oh!

Let me first say that I love the Winter Olympics outside of the extensive coverage of cross-country skiing and my lack of love for figure skating. Everything else is absolutely grand. The high-risk, high-drama of the sports simply get me riled up. There have however, been quite a few foibles this year. Before the games even began a luge participant from Georgia died on the track. The track has been known for its high speeds and the danger it ensues, but nothing was done about it until it was too late. Next, the flame apparatuses did not work properly at the opening ceremonies and gave way to a few nice minutes of awkwardness. Last night the speed skating rink was a mess and they had to repave the ice because it wasn't freezing properly or something. So I was stuck with the long program of pairs skating. Vomit. Also, the weather has been horrendous. Now I cannot obviously fault Canada for the weather, but that's where it is happening so I will anyway. Sorry buddies.

All in all, it is still a great spectacle. The snow and ice make everything so cool! Pun. If you haven't already caught Olympic fever then I suggest you do so before it is too late. Go USA!

Monday, February 8, 2010

Revamping the Tired Halftime Show

Okay, so the Colts and Saints played some football last night and while it may not be everyone's choice, the Saints ended up winning. Good for the city of New Orleans, but that'll be enough winning for now. And I can sympathize with Colts fans because their team beat my Bears four years ago so I can sympathize but I am not sympathetic. Anyway, aside from the football, there was a point in the game where I thought I may succumb to the sandman's lure. You may say, "what? It's the Super Bowl! How can this be?" Well I'll tell you. The Who, a band who I love to listen to, performed a pretty lame halftime show. I mean, when you're so old that you can't even reach you own song's original notes, then it is just not worth it. The Who are the lastest group to fall into the category of "we were really popular about 40, yes 40, years ago." Thanks a lot Janet Jackson's right breast. Now we are damned for eternity to listen to old men sing their diddies. I need a little more than some lasers and the words "Who are you?" displayed on the circular stage. Roger Daltrey just stood in one place the whole time like he just stepped in some wet cement. I want some movement, maybe some nice choreographed numbers. How about they let Hugh Jackman do the halftime show? I mean his performance at the Oscars was definitely better than anything that's been showcased on the football field lately. Or get Neil Patrick Harris to do it. Maybe even have a Broadway group perform a number or two. This will be much more entertaining and get them some exposure. Who says it has to be a band even? Why not have a dance troupe or a comedian do something? Previous performances featured marching bands, which I would not suggest, but it does suggest that there is something different out there. People should be excited about who is at halftime. I mean Janet Jackson flashed people, but you remember it don't you? No one will remember The Who. When you say who performed, it'll just be the beginning of an Abbott and Costello routine. I just think the producers, White Cherry (interesting), should start thinking outside the box. Bring in someone popular! But please no Taylor Swift, Jonas Brothers, or Miley Cirus. That's just not good for anyone.