Today's Food: Mango

(Actually eaten on 25 April 2008)

Shopping for the future

It's a wee bit, nay, ridiculously early to be buying a backpack for when Henry starts school but this particular point didn't prevent me from purchasing one once I saw this ADORABLE bag from Dante Beatrix. Darr says it will be out of fashion by the time Huck actually uses it but I say it'll be vintage. If you're interested in a pack for the little person in your life and you live in the Portland area, you can pick one up at Posh Boutique in the Pearl.

Not for the weak of stomach

193 days into our parenting adventure, Darr and I were lucky enough to find friends (i.e., Noodle and her parents) willing to watch Monsieur Henry so we could attend Taste of the Nation. It was the first time Henry has gone into the world sans parents. I did my best to warn Noodle's parents ahead of time of potential problems. H has entered the 'I fear strangers' part of infanthood and usually cries when other people hold him. And that's when we're standing right there where he can see us.

I met Darren outside the Oregon Convention Center and once the event started, we commenced eating as if we had been told we had one hour left to consume food before all food would cease to exist in this world. Tarts and cupcakes and cured meats, oh my! It was fantastic. I highly recommend this event to anyone who likes to try foods and local beverages of the alcoholic nature.

Some of the favorites consumed:

• Bluehour's Veal Short Ribs braised in Pinot Noir and served with herbed whipped potatoes and celery root slaw (I had mine minus the slaw.)
• Bread and Ink Café's Belgian Sugar Waffle Hot Fudge Sundae
• Baker & Spice's Rhubarb Buckle
• Caprial's Bistro's Smoked Onion Tart with warm bacon and watercress salad
• Kenny & Zuke's Delicatessen's Pastrami Sandwiches
• Simpatica Dining Hall's Fried Raviolis stuffed with ground pork and parmesan
• Timberline Lodge's Douglas Fir and Pinot Noir Granita
• Viande Meats and Sausage's Wild Boar Rillettes on Gougères
• Piece of Cake's Marionberry Poppyseed Cake
• Paley's Place Bistro & Bar's Almond Financier, Rhubard Compote, and Mascarpone
• Mint/820 Guava Cosmos with grapefruit vodka

Some of the things we missed:

• Newmans at 988's Organic Fingerling Potatoes with pepper bacon (How did we miss that?)
• Pho Van/Silk's Grilled Lemongrass Beef (How did we miss that?)
• Ruby Jewel Treats' Mini Ice Cream Sandwiches (How did we miss that?)

For anyone interested in going next year, if we can get five couples together, we can purchase a table and get in early for a VIP champagne reception that includes exclusive bites and a few special surprises. (I saw one person's gift bag and it included a bottle of wine. Mmmm...wine.) Keep in mind 100% of the proceeds go to the cause.

After an hour of gorging we missed Henry and were too full to eat anymore so we left to go and grab us a baby. When we arrived, Henry was chillin' in the Baby Björn, looking content. We were told that Henry performed fabulously and that Noodle was a most excellent babysitter helper, for which she earned a dollar bill. With a little encouragement from her parents before we left, Noodle gave Henry a kiss goodbye. It was very sweet. (She actually gave him two or three kisses because I was less than speedy with the camera and we wanted to capture the event on digital media.)
Many thanks to Noodle and the gang for taking such fantastic care of our little one. We appreciate it more than you know. If you ever need us to return the favor, we would love to have Noodle over. We'll be sure to get the inappropriate baby pictures first thing in case you show up early because you miss your kid.

And this coming for a self-proclaimed right winger

Check out this op-ed piece by William Kristol over at the NY Times.

Again, because I am pressed for time and these folks can sum things up far better than I, here are my favorite snippets:

" The fact is Hillary Clinton has turned out to be an impressive candidate.
...
Clinton now trails in overall votes by only about 300,000, or about 1 percent of the total.
...
Hillary has achieved this despite much disparagement of her candidacy by liberal commentators, and in the face of the media’s crush on Obama.
...
But this focus on Obama has resulted in a refusal to give Hillary her due. It’s startling how much of the commentary on the Pennsylvania results has had to do with Obama’s flaws and mistakes — rather than Hillary’s strengths and successes. Maybe in Pennsylvania, they were voting for Clinton, not simply against Obama."

It should be noted, Mr. Kristol does believe Obama will end up securing the nomination. And also, it didn't escape my notice that he refers to Clinton by her first name.

AP Poll shows Clinton fairing better

As of 52 minutes ago:

"Hillary Rodham Clinton now leads John McCain by 9 points in a head-to-head presidential matchup, according to an Associated Press-Ipsos poll that bolsters her argument that she is more electable than Democratic rival Barack Obama.

Obama and Republican McCain are running about even.

The survey released Monday gives the New York senator and former first lady a fresh talking point as she works to raise much-needed campaign cash and persuade pivotal undecided superdelegates to side with her in the drawn-out Democratic primary fight.

Helped by independents, young people and seniors, Clinton gained ground this month in a hypothetical match with Sen. McCain, the GOP nominee-in-waiting. She now leads McCain, 50 percent to 41 percent, while Obama remains virtually tied with McCain, 46 percent to 44 percent.

Both Democrats were roughly even with McCain in the previous poll about three weeks ago."

Even if Obama does get the support of more superdelegates now, Clinton is within her right to continue campaigning until they actually cast their votes. Until such time, it's just a pledge and she can go on in the hopes that either something trips up his run for the nomination or she can convince them to vote otherwise.

I must reiterate, I will vote for whomever gets the nomination.

A Snow Story

A few weeks ago my folks bought me a pair of baby snow bibs with a matching jacket from Columbia 'cuz it was on sale and they thought it would be cool to take me to the mountain to get some photographs of me in snow. So that's what we did this morn. We got up early, bundled up into some warm clothes, and headed out. Sure was a long drive but I was sporting my new duds and my new shoes so I was okay with that for the most part.
My mommy put me in the snow but I didn't much care for that. It was cold. And wet. And cold. And blinding my little eyeballs into oblivion. Oh, and I was missing one shoe. Little sucker came off.
So she picked me back up again.
Before my parents realized the snow was burning my infant eyeballs, they showed me the chair lift and I was like, "What? You 'spect me to sit on that?" Dude, I don't think so.
Then mommy handed me to pops so she could get some pictures of the mountain.
I was still minus one shoe.
Beauty the wonder dog came with us and she really liked the snow. It didn't burn her eyeballs 'cuz she is like nearly 100 years old in dog years or something. She's old.
On the way home, we stopped in the Columbia Gorge 'cuz I was a bit cranky. You'd be cranky too if your eyes were suffering from near snowblindedness.
It's embarrassing but my parents had me wearing green socks, an ivory onesie with orange trim, and a light blue hat with Bruno the Timberline dog on it.
I was pretty excited when I discovered the local flora. This flower was way tinier than me.

A Hand and Foot Prints Story

So I was napping all nice like yesterday afternoon when my mommy came noisily into the room, waking me up, and telling me we had to "get going or we're going to be late!" She explained in the car that we were heading to Spoiled Rotten to meet Josie et al. and Miss Erin Beatrix so we could get our hand and foot prints on tiles. There was some mention of kilns but I gotta say after hand and foot, she lost me. I'm not sure what any of these things are. When we arrived, my mom selected two tiles and then took off my shoes and rolled up my sleeves. Next thing I know, some stranger is brushing blue goo on me. It felt weird.
This lady then helped me place my hand on a tile with my fingers spread out so we got a nice, clean print.
And then she started brushing the blue goo on my feetsies. I was not concerned.
And then we did the same thing on the tile but using my foot.
I gotta good cleaning with some baby wipes that totally reminded me of the wipes mommy uses on my butt. After that, we hung out while Josie and Miss Erin Beatrix got their prints taken. Mom had me try on some of the goods but she didn't buy the hat for me because I just got a new hat the other day when we met Noodle and Avery at Sip & Kranz. That and, plus, this hat is for girls.

Diminished Obama appeal

If I were a better person I would find some conservative b.s. journal/newspaper/etc. to read ideas counter to my own. But I'm not. And that's why I typically find myself reading Krugman's op-ed pieces in the NY Times at 1A.M. when the house is quiet and Monsieur Henry is asleep. In his latest piece, Krugman discusses Obama's fall. Click here to read the full text or continue on for a few snippets.

"...He has an overwhelming money advantage and the support of much of the Democratic establishment — yet he still can’t seem to win over large blocs of Democratic voters...

As a result, he keeps losing big states. And general election polls suggest that he might well lose to John McCain...

The attacks from the Clinton campaign have been badminton compared with the hardball Republicans will play this fall. If the relatively mild rough and tumble of the Democratic fight has been enough to knock Mr. Obama off his pedestal, what hope did he ever have of staying on it through the general election?"

If you are an Obama supporter, care to share your thoughts?

Virtual pre-shopping

Darr: What are you doing over there?
Me: <reading a new blog>
Darr: How much money have you spent?
Me: None.
Darr: <insert incredulous look here>
Me: What? I found this new blog. It's a mom who shops so the entire blog is about things for moms to buy. I've increased my bookmarks a gazillionfold so I can go back later and shop.

Charlie Wilson's War

I'm only about fifteen minutes into this movie and it is so engaging and fun I am over here praying that Henry stays asleep long enough for me to finish it. And I don't pray, people. That's how good this movie is.

Finally, some good news

Just a few of the headlines today:

White House Influence Is Cited in Corruption Trial
Farmers' Income Rises, but Subsidies Stay
American Exception: Inmate Count in U.S. Dwarfs Other Nations'
Levels of Carbon Dioxide in Atmosphere Increase

Depressing, right?

And then I read this:

Fresh Off Pennsylvania Victory, Clinton Raises Millions, Mostly Online

SHE WON! SHE WON!

Today's Food: Carrots

More misspent tax dollars

From the Associated Press 43 minutes ago:

"TUCSON, Ariz. - The government is scrapping a $20 million prototype of its highly touted "virtual fence" on the Arizona-Mexico border because the system is failing to adequately alert border patrol agents to illegal crossings, officials said."

One baby, two babies

Last Sunday morning while Darr was on the slopes of Mt. Hood, I watched two, that's TWO, babies all by myself, Monsieur Henry and Miss E.B.. (Miss E.B.'s parents were running the Bridge to Bridge to Brews race.) The kids took turns acting slightly fussy at times but nobody was hurt and all was relatively calm. I even managed to get them both bundled up so we could walk to the store with Beauty the wonder dog where I picked up fixings for dinner. As a babysitter I employed O.T.O. (Operation Toy Overload, see photo below) to keep them happy.

Henry's trip to the doc's office

Henry had another series of shots today when we were at the doc's office for his sixth month checkup. While there were only two shots, the reactions of our little man are getting worse. Tears are involved. Genuine tears full of sadness and betrayal. It breaks your heart so I make Darren hold him while the shots are administered.

Henry is healthy if not a touch on the slim side. Our doc predicts Huck will likely walk early and she was kind enough not to chide us too vehemently for introducing our tyke to lime sherbet over the weekend. His stats are as follows:

Weight: 15.09 lbs
Height: 27.25 in
Head Circumference: 16.75 in

Today's Food: Pear

Monsieur Henry got a gift bag from Miss Erin Beatrix for his sixth month day and in it, along with cool eating accoutrements, were a pear and a banana and a mango and a carrot and a sweet potato. So we did some cooking today. Since mangoes and bananas can be eaten raw, they have been left on the counter for Huck to enjoy when they ripen. The last month or so of H sitting at the table with us for dinner have paid off as he clearly understands a spoon is an instrument used to get food from the dish to his mouth. He even tried to help as we fed him his first bites of pear, which he appeared to enjoy.

When dinner parties lead to bad parenting

the menu

spinach salad with candied pecans, blue cheese, and pears
potato and leek soup
prosciutto-wrapped asparagus and Marsala carrots
fried parmesan polenta with roasted red bell peppers
braised beef au jus
blood oranges and bananas soaked in amaretto
lime sherbet

Over the course of nearly four hours we consumed a lot of food while gabbing and watching the children. Oh, and we took lots and lots of pictures. All kids were fantastic and adorable, and the two who don't live here have an open invitation to return whenever they desire because when they are present our house bursts at the seams with cuteness. As parents are wont to do, we took every opportunity to highlight our bad parenting behavior on digital media. Here are just a few of the shots we captured...

Ms. E.B. having a sniff of Glenlivet. Note: That is a sniff, not a taste.

Ms. Alexandra with the wineglass. Note: There is no wine in that glass.

Monsieur Henry having his first taste of lime sherbet. Note: He likes it! He likes it!

Month Six

Dear Henry,

Today marks your sixth month on the planet. And it's weird because it feels like just yesterday you came into our world with your ten tiny fingers and ten tiny toes, your sweet baby belly and your cute little ears, sporting your Grandpa Glynn's nose. How much you have grown. True to form, you continue on your amazing journey to boyhood with gusto, completely intrigued by everything around you. You are quicker to laugh, faster to frustration, and, finally, on some semblance of a sleep schedule that has us getting at least six hours of sleep at night. Because, let's face it, I hardly notice when I have to wake up to feed you during the night. We've got that side breast feeding position licked!
You are the epitome of all that is good in this world. Scratch that, it's not really fair. All babies are the epitome of all that is good in this world. And since you are our baby, living in our world, you are the epitome of all that is good for us. The cats adore you, and remain your creature companions whenever you nap. Just this morning you took an interest in Beauty the wonder dog that has brought her into your fold. With a soft lick of your hand and a sniff of your face, she signaled she understands her role as protector has been expanded to include you as well. Now those fears that she might some day try to eat you - you are very tiny and cute - can be packed away and we can once again focus our concerns on how we're going to come up with the Benjamins to pay for college. Our current plans rest on scholarships so, please, study hard.
Walking. You love it. It is a natural extension of standing, which was your first love. Sitting, on the other hand, seems to bug you. Perhaps because it confines you to one space. And one space is just not interesting enough to hold your attention for long. There are places to go and things to see, through eyes that have not yet settled on a definitive color. We feel confident they will not be blue but that's as far as we can guess right now. Hazel, green, brown - it's still up in the air. Perhaps we should open up the gambling to try and earn you some money for your piggy bank? Your dad isn't much of a betting human, but I am so when you're old enough, you will have a constant gambler at your disposal. I'll even let you pick the team you want first. And despite my abysmal record when it comes to paying your father the few times he has won, I'll pay you, on time and in small dollar bills that fill up your tiny kid wallet, after putting ten percent in savings, of course.
This past month you celebrated your first Easter and attended your first political rally in support of Hillary Clinton, who may just be the first female president for the United States. Unfortunately, your parents are lacking in religious spirituality so while our Easter did involve spending time with family and having a nice dinner, it didn't extend beyond that. Despite my own beliefs, I do struggle with this quite a bit - how best to serve you as a parent. I want you to find your own path and form your own opinions. Well, in everything but politics. You have to be a Democrat, at least for now, until you can form words and construct persuasive arguments to explain why being a Republican is better. You performed marvelously at the rally, nabbing your first press in the Portland Tribune. You were nursing during the interview but the reporter either didn't realize it or didn't think it was appropriate to put in print. You charmed the heck out of the lesbian couple and the grandparents that were next to us in line. The din inside scared you a bit but the three young girls sitting behind us were all too happy to entertain you. That is, until you puked on them.
You have learned how to scream. Big, balls to the walls howls that at first surprised you but now delight you with their operatic tenor. To be sure, these outbursts are not let loose upon the walls of our abode for any specific reason but rather as an act of expression. You like to express yourself, my dear, and our ears are suffering for it. You have finally discovered your feet but are unable to get them into your mouth as we've seen other, more flexible babies do. And you are aware that you have a tongue, sticking it out at us, blowing bubbles with it, sucking ice with it. You have even used it to taste your first produce. Bananas! Sadly, it was a taste that made you pull back and shake your head from side to side to get rid of. Perhaps you were hoping for filet mignon?
As far as mobility is concerned, you roll over like a champ and can scoot backwards and do this 360-type belly turn. Sometimes this means you come close to rolling off the bed despite the fact that we have strategically placed heavy pillows on the edges to prevent exactly that. Your favorite game these days is the parachute game. Given your penchant for being under sheets and blankets, I predict forts will be very big in your future. Oh, and you enjoy hanging upside down, baby somersaults, and when your parents each take an end and swing you with a 1-2-3 motion before carefully setting you down on whatever surface is available.
The only gripe I am aware of is your car seat. In order to be placed in it, I have to fold you, steer you butt-first into the seat, and quickly fasten the belts before you arch your back to the point of making it impossible to buckle you in. We were concerned the seat was causing you pain but have heard this is fairly normal. The 'dear God, don't make me sit in that horrid orange seat' reaction we get from you. You're simply learning you have freewill. Unfortunately for you, we can manhandle that freewill. But once you are in the car and we are moving you relax and enjoy the motoring.
I picked up this book called Little Boy for your sixth month day present - I'm big on presents, it's a sickness - and I read it to you earlier this afternoon only the last page got me a little verklempt so here's in print what I couldn't read to you out loud:

Little boy, you remind me how
so much depends on days made of now.

Love,
Mom

The Democrats Debate: Part II

Gibson (with video clip question from viewer): Do the candidates have a real plan to get us out of Iraq? (Gibson questions: If the military commanders say to Sen. Clinton that it is too unstable, will she continue to order the troops home as previously stated?):

Clinton: "Yes I am, Charlie." Explains how military is operated by the civilian president. Bashes Bush. She is convinced we need to get out. It is in the best interests of everyone. Wants to withdraw within 60 days. Will tell the Iraqis that they have a blank check from our government. And wants to start an intensive diplomatic ...

Gibson referring to Petraeus's recent update to Congress on Iraq: "Are you essentially saying "I know better than the military commanders?"

Clinton: Nope. But she's sure that staying in Iraq and losing our soldiers is "no way for our us to maintain a strong position in the world". Iraq is a problem but it isn't the only one. We don't know what will happen. If we stay mired in Iraq, the Iraqi government will continue to achieve abysmal results when it comes to doing anything.

Gibson to Obama: No matter what the military suggests, you'll still bring troops home, too?

Obama: As commander-in-chief, I set the mission, not the military. Bush sucks but our military is great. Good point - Obama says he will always listen to our folks on the ground when it comes to tactics. Good. I agree. Talks about what we are seeing as a result of Bush's time in office.

George (talking about Iran): Should an Iranian attack on Israel be treated as an attack on the U.S.?:

Obama: We should keep nuclear weapons out of the hands of the Iranians. Says "when I am the president" instead of "if". Would make clear how we would view an attack on our strongest ally in the region. (Makes me think of Cartman from South Park: "I will kick you in the nuts!") U.S. will take appropriate action but he skirts actually laying out what that means.

George (to Clinton): What would you do?

Clinton: Create "umbrella deterrence" and let them (Iranians) know an attack would be responded to with "massive retaliation". Skillful diplomacy, yadda, yadda, yadda. She knows her shit. Curtail creation of nuclear programs in other areas of the region. Bring world to our side to get this done.

George (on economy, playing John McCain clip): "Can you make a pledge that there will be no tax increases for folks earning less than $200,000? If the economy is still weak a year from now, will you continue to roll back Pres. Bush's tax cuts for the wealthy."

Clinton: No new taxes for folks earning $250,000 or less, even if the economy is weak. Sweet. Used the tool in the 1990s and it worked well. A second web site plug - methinks this is because the media keeps saying how great Obama has been at using the internet to gather grass roots support. "That is my commitment."

Obama: Cut taxes for folks making $75,000 or less. Sounds like they'd get an extra $1000. Wages and incomes are flat while costs are rising. Laws written to benefit wealthy. Need to change how business is done in Washington.

Gibson (referring to capital gains tax and talking, talking, talking...) Should we increase the capital gains tax and doesn't that hurt folks?

Obama (as he responds, camera zooms to several uptight-looking white guys in the audience, presumably some of the top 50 hedge fund managers who earned $29 BILLION last year and only paid %15 in taxes): He wants businesses to thrive and to make sure our tax system is FAIR. (Me, too. Give 'em Hell, Barack!) McCain is irresponsible in wanting to continue Bush's economic policies. (Bush has economic policies?)

Gibson: But, but, but...when you cut, revenue goes up.

Obama: That depends on what is happening on Wall Street. Stabilize market and get credit flowing.

Clinton: Need an economy that works for everyone. Rehashes great things from the 90s when her husband was in office. Smart investments are key. Wants to take on housing crisis. (When pressed by Gibson): If I do raise it, it won't be more than the 20%.

Obama: Gets too much in the math and starts to sound shaky. Then disses Clinton for comments made off camera that were apparently caught by someone about how she would consider something she just said she wouldn't. (Neener, neener, neener.) (Gibson interjects again with: Isn't that a tax?) As if taxes are a bad thing. They pay for A LOT. More shaky math but lots of sound bites about saving social security.

Clinton: Brings up the old husband again and how we'd be better off if we had continued on the path he started us down. War and taxes to the wealthy are what Bush chose to focus on. Don't increase middle class taxes. Commissions are good. (Obama interrupts: Commissions are bad.) Clinton responds: We'll work it out.

Gibson: What about the guns?

Clinton: Bring back the Cops program to help drive down the crime rate. Reinstate the assault weapons ban. Our police are being "outgunned". Respect second amendment and right to bear arms but need to strike a balance.

Gibson: D.C. prohibits hand guns. Is that consistent with the right to bear arms?

Obama: An individual right doesn't mean the government can't restrain that right. Reconcile gun ownership...gets cut off.

Gibson interrupts: Your writing was on some literature that was against ownership of handguns.

Obama: Wasn't me. Common sense approaches to illegal guns on the streets.

George to Clinton: Do you support the D.C. ban?

Clinton: Hee hee - talks about Cheney being the fourth branch of government. She is pretty clever and comedic this debate. She supports sensible regulation that is consistent with the right to bear arms. Um...yes or no, Hillary.

Gibson: Do you favor licensing and registration?

Clinton: It's a states issue. Federal government shouldn't make blanket policy about guns. What works in large cities like New York City might not be effective in states like Montana.

George: You were for the rules.

Clinton: I was in favor of the rules for NY because they work in NY.

George to Obama: How would you change affirmative action policies so that affluent African American children aren't getting advantages over poor white folks? [This ought to be good.]

Obama: How do we make ladders of opportunity for everyone? (Camera pans to older looking white woman sitting by an African American child - wtf? Am I watching Fox News?) Can't be a quota system that doesn't take into account the whole person.

George to Clinton - same question:

Clinton: Invest in our young people. Great answer. Let me rewind. TiVo rocks. Give extra help to those who need it. Revamp or end No Child Left Behind - we can do better. More college aid and make college affordable. "Create conditions that enable people to live up to their God-given potential."

Gibson to Clinton: What about gas prices?

Clinton: Investigate gas prices - believes market manipulation is going on. Windfall profits tax.

Gibson to Obama: People are cynical because we keep talking but nothing gets done. Clinton's steps are similar to mine. Also believe in investigating and windfall profits tax. Basically says they are the same thing as Clinton.

George: How will you use the former presidents?

Clinton: She'll have to think about how to use G. W.

Obama: Try to end divisions and work with everyone.

Gibson to Clinton: How are you going to make the case to them that you're the better candidate?

Clinton: We need a fighter to take on special interests. She highlights her plans and restates that she is ready to tackle problems. She just needs people to believe in her and support her to be successful. And here is the mention of children and the future. She wants "shared prosperity" and pleads for people to help her.

Obama: We are in a defining moment in history. American people have lost trust in their government. Promises were made and broken. He's a gambling man, betting that we (the people) want change. And that change comes from the bottom, up. He wants to enlist the American people and not be beholden to special interests. And he received whispers from an old lady, who's going to vote for the first time, presumably for him. Obama continues to say "when I am president" instead of "if".

The Democrats Debate: Part I

Opening remarks from Obama and Clinton - Both are intelligent and well-spoken, and appear sincere; nothing earth-shattering is said by either candidate. Had to laugh when Clinton got in a plug for her web site (www.hillaryclinton.com). She apparently has heard that Obama's plans might be his downfall as they are - from what I've heard, not read for myself - somewhat softer in detail and scope than the plans she proposes (for withdrawing troops and health care specifically).

First question (summarized because Gibson went on talking for hours to get it out): Why not agree that whomever wins the contest will have the other person on the ticket as VP?

Smiles from both candidates. <awkward pause>

Obama: Too early because we don't know who will be the nominee. Ah Christ, now he's rambling. Says democrats should come together but steers clear of actually answering the question.

Clinton: She's going to do whatever she has to to make sure one of them takes the office in the next election. Mentions damage of Bush years and failed policies. And comments how she and Obama are different, yet their differences pale in comparison to McCain. Comes closest to answering question by repeating that she will do whatever it takes - read: I will take the VP slot if I have to - to get a Democrat in the White House.

Gibson to Obama: Again, summarizing because the man talks a lot: Can you understand why the folks in Pennsylvania find your recent remarks patronizing?

Obama: He admits he said it poorly and reiterates that people are finding it difficult these days - sky-rocketing gas prices, stagnant wages, basic level of high suckitude all around. When government fails them (we the people), they look to things that are constant and begin voting on issues. He stumbles a little but closes nicely.

Clinton: Dear lord, she's talking about her grandpa and how he worked hard and sent his kids to college. And now she is doing her little 'Obama sucks' dance, stating that people don't cling to religion and guns because their government is failing them. Obama is looking at her as if he wishes she would just drop through the floor. At this point, I'm kind of hoping they do run on the same ticket. And then we can follow them around Reality T.V. style and watch as they try to one-up each other for the next 8 years. Ultimately, her thoughts are we need to listen to and respect one another. Much stronger finish - "[People] are ready for leadership that will summon them to something greater than themselves."

George Stephanaopooulalouosluss to Clinton: Do you think Obama can win against McCain?

Clinton: We have to win. It's going to be either Barack or me. We're going to make it happen. Blah, blah, blah. Slips in how she's dealt with Republican nastiness for 16 years. George interrupts to ask the question again, to which she replies "Yes. Yes. Now, I think I can do a better job..." Tee hee. This is like Christmas.

Obama (when presented with the same question about Clinton winning against McCain): "Absolutely and I've said so before." He feels he is the better candidate. He explains how he is not elitist, out of touch or condescending. He brings up the comment Clinton made back in 1992 about cookies that people freaked out about. And now he's blaming her for using the evil, political tactics to distract people from the real issues. Interesting...because when he restates what happened long ago and attracts attention to something that was, indeed, controversial, he somehow isn't doing the same thing?

Clinton (in response): Brings up her proven record of results. Reiterates we need to respect people and that Repubs are evil.

Gibson (brings up the Rev. Wright debacle and wants to know what Obama knew about the reverend that would cause him to uninvite the reverend to some function over a year ago):

Obama: Didn't want folks to be "distracted" by the reverend. I place quotes on "distracted" because I'm beginning to feel as if he thinks I'm too stupid to see past all of this crap. Is he being condescending right now? Goes on to say Pastor Wright is a touch crazy but not AS crazy as he seems in those clips we've all watched. African Americans are angry at the barbershop. Man alive, if a white person had said that it'd be BAD. Obama could have only made that statement more offensive if he had those folks eating watermelon when they spoke about their black anger while getting their hairs cut. There's a lot of movement in Obama's campaign - moving forward, moving on, moving beyond, etc.

Gibson (to Clinton's response about what she said she would do if her master of faith man went bonkers and said some of the same things - did she really expect 8000 people to walk out?):

Clinton: Personal question, personal answer. Says you find a church that matches your own beliefs, and provides you with the kind of fellowship you are looking for. Ouch. Her barbs are more subtle this time but still there.

Obama (in response to Clinton's response): "I didn't hear them because I wasn't in church that day." Clinton's former pastor publicly talked about how Wright had an extraordinary ministry. Two important points: I wasn't aware. The church extends beyond the pastor. And number three - if we can't bridge divides, we can't solve problems.

Stephanaolpualoualasousls to Obama: Two part question - do you think Rev. Wright loves America as much as you do? If you get the nomination what will you do when those tapes are played over and over and over...

Obama: If not those tapes, other tapes. American people will look at his track record and will rally behind him. Now thinks the American people are too smart to be distracted by negativity.

Gibson (feeling imbalance of time, Obama looking weary, gives mic to Clinton): Move on or comment?

Clinton: Comments how we (the people) have heard multiple explanations for Wright's comments. I thought she was going to go negative and for a cheap dig but she says we need to look for a way to overcome the anger. AND here comes the negative - she mentions Farrakhan and Hamas.

Stephanalpoulous to Clinton (video clip question from viewer): Lost viewer's vote with sniper fire lie - What can you tell me to get back my vote?

Clinton: "I'm a lot of things but I'm not dumb." She's embarrassed, admits mistake, apologizes for error. Explains what happened that day and that she wasn't "as accurate" as she should have been. "Very sorry." In other words, I lied. Whoops. My bad. Proceeds with experience claims and mentions that both candidates have said things that were later proven to be not entirely true.

Stephanaooupopulous to Obama (after explaining that Obama's campaign sends out e-mails about Clinton daily): Do you believe Sen. Clinton has been truthful about her past?

Obama: "Strong record to run on... I haven't commented on the issue of Bosnia." <interruption from George> "Your campaign has," to which Obama replies, "Of course." Seems to me he often is trying to remove himself from things that he is very much a part of. So if he isn't the actual person sending out those e-mails bashing Clinton, he can argue he isn't negative. But his campaign probably runs like most campaigns, with him very much aware and approving of whatever goes out the door. Change the culture in Washington. How is he going to do that?

Gibson to Obama (video clip question from viewer): Do you believe in the American flag? Why don't you wear one? (Gibson - How do you convince people not wearing the flag pin would not be a problem in your campaign?)

Obama: "I revere the American flag...this country." Shows patriotism through actions - taking care of veterans, fighting to end war, working to restore upwards mobility for all peoples. Manufactured issues "distract" us from real issues.

George to Obama (follow-up question that mentions some weird friendship Obama has with one guy) "Can you explain the relationship and why it won't be a problem?":

Obama: The guy lives in his neighborhood and is a professor but said/did things 40 years ago when Obama was 8 years old that shouldn't reflect badly on Obama now. Obama was also friendly with Coburn, conservative Republican who apparently at one time or another thought women who had abortions should get the death penalty. Obama questions whether he should apologize for statements that guy made that he clearly doesn't agree with and didn't make himself. (Good point, it is ridiculous we expect everyone to say the right thing all of the time.)

Clinton: Another opportunity blown - now she's talking about how hurtful this guy's comments were to New Yorkians. Wait. I spoke too soon. She goes on to say she knows Obama is a good person and that she respects him but Republicans will raise these issues and they need to know how they are going to run against McCain and WIN. What could be my favorite quote of the night: "I wish the Republicans would apologize for the disaster of the Bush/Cheney years and not run anybody. Just say that it's time for the Democrats to go back into the White House." I'm beginning to think Obama is far too civilized and nice to get down and dirty against McCain and the Repubs. Clinton points out that her baggage has been rummaged through and she is ready for the fight. I believe her.

Obama: Sucker punches back with a "yeah, I know the guy but your husband pardoned two others who were affiliated with the same group" - talks about how he can win.

And break...more later. It's nearly four and I am TIRED.

Recipe Corner: Rustic Potato-Leek Soup

You gotta love those guys at Cook's Illustrated. When I prepared this recipe we didn't have any chicken stock in the freezer so I used turkey and I had yellow potatoes from our farm instead of red potatoes but it was still pretty darn tasty. (For our guests expected this weekend, we're thinking of making it again so prepare yourselves!)

Ingredients:
4-5 pounds leeks
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
5 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1 3/4 pounds red potatoes (about 5 medium), peeled and cut into 3/4-inch dice
salt and ground black pepper

Directions:
Cut off the roots and the tough green portions of the leeks, using the white and about 3 inches of the light green portion. Slice the leeks in half lengthwise and chop into 1-inch pieces (yielding approximately 11 cups).

Heat the butter in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat until foaming. Stir in the leeks, increase the heat to medium, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the leeks are tender but not mushy, 15 to 20 minutes. Do not brown the leeks. Sprinkle the flour over the leeks and stir to coat evenly. Cook until the flour dissolves, about 2 minutes.

Increase the heat to high. Whisking constantly, add the broth. Add the bay leaf and potatoes, cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, until the potatoes are almost tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and let stand, covered, until the potatoes are finished cooking and are completely tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Discard the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Serves 6 to 8

Time for tighter regulation and proper taxation

This snippet caught my eye when reading an article in the New York Times this evening:

Since 1913, the United States witnessed only one other year of such unequal wealth distribution — 1928, the year before the stock market crashed, according to Jared Bernstein, a senior fellow at the Economic Policy Institute in Washington. Such inequality is likely to impede an economic recovery, he said.

It is high time we not only increase regulation of hedge funds and how they are managed but also that we raise the 15% tax these folks pay on the money they earn - many are making billions a year. BILLIONS - to the standard tax rate that the rest of us are paying, which is somewhere around 28% depending on income.

Prom Night

My most wonderful husband agreed to watch Monsieur Henry this evening so I could catch a movie at the theatre. An entire movie. From start to finish. No interruptions. Because scary movies lose more when not seen in a theatre than chick flicks I decided on Prom Night. I expected it to be slightly soft on the scary scale because of the PG-13 rating, and it was, but not to the detriment to the film. It does mean, however, that there are fewer lessons to be gleaned from watching it. And so it is time once again for...

Prom Night Lessons Learned

1. Prom night is meant to be fun but not too fun. Don't rent a hotel suite with your girlfriends and their respective dates when your crazy obsessed teacher has escaped from the mental institution. If you go to prom when he's on the loose, you can kiss those friends goodbye. (Also known as the 'enjoy your friends before your obsessed teacher kills 'em' lesson.)

2. As a blond you may have more fun but you also have an obsessed teacher who will come to your house looking for you. Your obsessed lunatic of a teacher will do whatever his crazy mind tells him to do in an attempt to find you, including stabbing your mom to get her to rat you out. (She won't even though she sees you under the bed. She's your mom.) From this point on expect to find more dead people whenever you crawl under beds to escape your obsessed teacher. Knowing they are already there will prevent any unnecessary and loud reactions when you scoot into them as you hide.

3. Crazy obsessed teachers who escape institutions are likely to show up at your prom and get their crazy hands on a master key by killing the maid so they can get into your suite. When you go to the suite by yourself and you have a weird feeling you aren't alone. You are not, in fact, alone. Don't go investigate weird sounds from within. For God's sake, use that female intuition to recognize danger before your crazy obsessed teacher jumps out at you.

4. The girl with the flashiest pair of boobs on display inevitably will be killed. If you walk into prom and notice your boobs are the most proudly on display, quickly turn around and leave the building.

5. Sure it's prom and you want to look your best but try to consider the possibility that there just might be a crazy obsessed teacher in the hotel where your event is taking place and that high heels are not the appropriate escaping-the-clutches-of-an-obsessed-teacher shoes. Bullets travel fast but knives don't so it's in your best interest to wear sensible shoes if you truly want to avoid having your throat slashed.

Hot damn, this weather is fantastic

Today we slept in, as much as is possible with a wee one in the house, and a dog, and two cats that meow incessantly when their bowl runs too low on food, enjoyed some waffles with fresh strawberries for breakfast, and headed out for a walk around the neighborhood. Good thing we got outside when we had the opportunity. The day isn't even over yet and already the gray, cloudy skies and rain are back. Here are a few shots of our day.

The "Where the hell are my parents taking me?" look

Flower in sunlight

Tired baby

Introducing baby, as worn by pops

Grab-happy hands meet fence

Up close and personal as baby goes for camera

Always with the kisses, this woman

You want me to pay what?!

In my quest to do some traveling before I head back to school in the fall, I've been considering lots of options: Ireland, Washington D.C., Canada (we are almost out of Cheezies), and Mexico. Alas, the thought of a 14+ hour international flight overseas with infant scares the bejesus out of me. What do you do when hour eight rolls around and said infant goes nuts? Jumping out of the plane might seem like the way to go but I don't think anyone on the plane would actually let you open that door. Canada is great but I've been to Vancouver B.C. so many times it would feel like I was cheating. So I buy a book (Fodor's Washington D.C. 2008) and start researching a trip back east. I've never been to D.C. and there would be lots to see. But holy Christ, the costs of hotels are prohibitive. The folks at Fodor's must have much higher traveling budgets than me because they recommend The Four Seasons, by all rights a fine hotel - I hope to stay at their hotel in the Maldives when Darr and I celebrate our 10-year anniversary, only I can't spend $970 a night for a room. I scroll through the book looking for less extravagant hotels with a price range that is more to my liking - that's a no to the Fairmont, no to Hotel George, no to Hotel Monaco, no to the Ritz-Carlton, and no to Swann House. Which brings me to the Marriott. Wait, Courtyard Marriott - read: cheaper than the real Marriott - and I'm thinking that I'll finally get a reasonable quote. Wrong. The Courtyard Marriott is charging upwards of $360 per night and that is at the hotel closest to the airport. (Note to travelers: It is always enjoyable to vacation at airports. <insert sarcasm here>) For that price, I'd rather stay here. Google Maps estimates it would be just over 1100 miles and approximately 17 hours to drive there. Sounds doable to me.

It's fun to read the newspaper

Particularly when you run across gems like this one:

On April 4, the Department of Agriculture sent out a news release (www.fsis.usda.gov) announcing a voluntary recall by Elkhorn Valley Packing of “approximately 406,000 pounds of frozen cattle heads with tonsils not completely removed.” It seems that leaving the tonsils in does not comply with regulations because they “are considered a specified risk material.”

The release made its way to Erik Marcus, the publisher of Vegan.com. “Tonsils or not,” he wrote, “I’m going to go out on a limb and say frozen cattle heads are decidedly not vegan.”

Marcus's quote has to be one of the best I've read this year.

Hats, continued

Click here to view the first batch o' hats.