Boxing Day

A little history from the New York Times.

A Lesson in Backting

From Will Ferrell and Will Arnett

Will Ferrell and Will Arnett in the Back-tees by Will Arnett

The Modern Hookup

The new era of meeting people, having sex, maybe a relationship, maybe not. A blogger argues it isn't worse than the dating scene of old, just different.

Cartoon Theme Procrastination

Because there are never too many ways to not do work and this one is particularly amusing. My favorite might just be Pinky and the Brain, though listen to Popeye the Sailor Man:version 2--classic. And that is just in the P's.

Suggesting Glasvegas

It took me a few listens to decide I did indeed like this band, but don't let that deter you. This band fits a mood and the lyrics are not cheery. There first single was Daddy's Gone and there second was Geraldine, but this video (I am apparently unable to embed their stuff) is neither of those. This is from their holiday album which should be out now.

Why I Love Jon Stewart

He can have an intelligent conversation about a controversial subject and still be respectful...oh, and be TOTALLY correct.

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Mike Huckabee Pt. 2

Barack Obama Interview
John McCain Interview

Sarah Palin Video
Funny Election Video

Eating Out Less/ Cooking In More

I've always done loved cooking, so I usually eat in and go out maybe for one meal every other week and it seems others are learning to do the same. Still even I have been trying to have less meat and stretch out the meat I do buy a bit more, not exactly because of the economic crisis, but mostly because prices in the UK are nearly double that of the US. The money I save goes to buying the occasional package of smoked salmon or imported salsa. Mmmmm, Pace Picante.

Scottish Winter Libation

I bring you the Hot Toddy. I am resolving (nothing to do with New Years mind you) to drink more Scottish drinks, i.e. drinks originating from Scotland. Along with the Hot Toddy, I think I'll be ordering a Rusty Nail or two and some Dark and Stormys.

A Very Gay Musical

Prop 8: The Musical on Funnyordie.com. Jesus never sounded so reasonable.

See more Jack Black videos at Funny or Die

Rum and Coke and Black Cherry Jell-O

Best jell-o shot EVER. Well, I imagine it very well could be, must try it sometime.

Going to College Abroad

The New York Times says that more American students are choosing to study abroad for College. Lots of mention of Scotland. No mention of grad school.

I'm No Chef...

but I am a cook.. Marcella Hazen goes into the difference between the two.

Rockridge Stores During the Holiday Crunch

It's nice to read about my old 'hood, from childhood through college. The stores mentioned are some of my favorites, too: Market Hall, Rockridge Kids, and Pendragon. It is no wonder why I prefer the independent store over the big superstores. It's how I grew up. I also like that the selection at independent stores are smaller and more quality which makes it easier to find something good to buy.

Unhappy T.V. Viewers

There is no evidence of correlation vs causation, but a new study suggests that more television is linked with being happy or unhappy. Perhaps watching television can be correlated with not the act itself, but the non-action of other things. In other words, if you are watching lots of television you are not spending quality time with friends and family, doing productive work (unless you are a tv critic), etc. I know I always feel better if I have done something, it balances my love of television. Mmmm, television.

E.O. Wilson Has a New Book

E.O. Wilson is my entomologist crush. How awesome is someone whose life's passion is ants? And not only does he have this passion but he followed it and made a life as taking the lessons learned from studying ants and being able to extrapolate that to sociology of people and how ants are similar and different. I remember watching E.O. Wilson and James Watson (who discovered the molecular structure of DNA) on Charlie Rose discussing how peoples fears about human genetics were stalling science. Science/philosophy heaven. Okay, enough fawning. Wilson has a new book. Here is a review.

Vampire Myths Never Set in Blood

This article from Slate discusses how vampire movies, television, and novels always rewrite the rules to suit their needs. I'm surprising unbothered by this fact. In The Lost Boys garlic does nothing, fine by me, it is still one of the best Vamp movies ever made. How sad would it be if all vampire movies had to be the same? Very sad and no fun at all. What is it "they" say, rules are meant to be broken.

Pirates Never Said Arrrrr...

how disappointing is that. Turns out "arrrrr" is just a hollywood construct. Damn you, Hollywood! You've messed with my brain and all my pirate knowledge has been thrown for a loop. Anyhow, pirates are back in the news and here is some pirate info for your pleasure.

SF Conchords Promo

I can't wait for my favorite comedy to get back to the airwaves.

"Try Anything Once" Opinion Amended

I don't think I could handle trying this. Nope.

Speaking Up For Stem Cells

Quite literally. A windpipe grown using stem cells, so there is no need for anti-rejection drugs, like say methotrexate, which I can vouch is a bitch. Now, my father says not to get too excited about stem cells, they are not the end all to scientific and medical breakthroughs, but this is pretty damn cool.

It's all gravy!

"Gravy, American style, is composed of three elements: fat, flour and liquid. The fat can come from the cooking pan, or an outside source such as butter or bacon fat. The liquid can be composed of stock, pan juices, wine, milk, coffee, water — American ingenuity has produced countless variations, like red-eye gravy and sawmill gravy, made from the crusty bits of breakfast sausage in the frying pan." Gotta love American ingenuity!

New Watchmen Trailer

This looks SO good. I am only about a quarter through the graphic novel. But I swear I will finish it come the end of December. Swear it.

Post-Feminist Dating Chaos

I think the post-feminist mentality has been unfair to men, and in turn it has screwed over both sexes when it comes to dating. There is a confusion about the roles of men and women in dating. Not that gender roles are or should be simplistic, but an insistence on conflating gender differences with gender inequalities has meant that post-feminism has created an uncertain dating environment that is more complex than perhaps it need be. This article is a follow up to an earlier article on men not growing up. Read both.

MrPresident@Sucks-For-you.Com

That seals it, I could never be President. Ever. Not that I ever wanted that job in the first place. Can you imagine the pressure? No, thank you. But this takes it just that much further; no cyber correspondence. Makes sense, but still, ouch.

Where Did You Come From Boiled Bready Goodness?

Oy, Slate on the history of the bagel.

The Other Chinatown

Also known as the "real" Chinatown. :)

The Onion on Prop 8

Why did people vote "yes" on California's anti-gay marriage proposition? The Onion has the stats.

History Lesson starring Michael Cera

Have you ever heard a drunken history of the duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr? How about watching it with Michael Cera playing Hamilton? Enjoy.

State Fair Fried Food Winners

Fried guacamole bites. Chicken fried bacon. Fried banana split. Guess the state?

FUCKING FOX!

It was bad enough when Fox announced that Dollhouse would air mid-season. Red flag number one. Then they made Joss rewrite the pilot. Red Flag number two. Then production stopped temporarily to rework the tone of the show. Red flag number three. The latest news it that Fox has decided to air Dollhouse on Friday nights. Television dead zone, second worst night after Saturday. And the Pilot will air on which Friday? The 13th. Bastards. Does this remind people of another show Fox screwed over? Uh-huh. It is Firefly all over again.

A Top 10 Cookbook of 2008 List

Mmmm, cookbooks. If I had endless amounts of money I would buy them all. But, alas, I think I will stick with buying the classics that I have yet to acquire. I am still in need of a Mark Bittman "How to cook..." cookbook and The Best Recipes, as well as something Claudia Roden. Though a book dedicated to Fat is really tempting.

New Dollhouse Trailer

I am tentatively excited. The chances this show will get canceled seem high to me. But who can predict television, really. Here's hoping the show is good and people tune in.

Oh No, They Didn't?

Uh, yeah they did. I like bacon. I like mayonnaise. I even like bacon with mayonnaise. BLT, anyone? But this is just not right. Best bit of this product: vegetarian and kosher!

Brrrrr

It got cold. Fleece-check. Primaloft coat-check. Hat-check. Scarf-check. What will I do come January? Um, freeze my ass off. I fancy the cold over the rain though. Anyhow, I promised more pictures, so here are a few to tide you over for now. Today was sunny and I got up early to get to a lecture on what my dissertation will entail. Let me just say that I think I miss Berkeley about--now. The llm program her only lets you have 3 meetings with your adviser here during the dissertation process in an effort to make the process fair...??? Okay, fairness is all fine and good, well kinda, but only 3 meetings is ludicrous. How about 6? I mean, if you are a solitary writer who doesn't need feedback than this seems fair enough, but what if you thrive on feedback, than it doesn't seem so fair. And what about the foreign students for whom English is a second language? I think they could use more than 3 meetings. Life isn't fair. So the school should just leave it be and let students be their own advocates to get time with their professors. As much or as little as they need. Okay, off the soap box now.

Hospital Mix: Short Version

Here is the mix I listened to at the hospital. Not the long version I listened to at night to try and drown out the noise, but the one with the songs that had some meaning. All of the links are to youtube, some of the songs are better just listened to, as they are the song with someones silly video attached. However the video of Tegan and Sara doing an acoustic Dark Come Soon is fantabulous. Oh, and Bearfoot is too small a band to have all their stuff available, if you can find that song though, it will make you miss your family, specifically your Mom.
Fix You--Cold Play
Of Angels and Angles--The Decemberists
Back Home--Bearfoot Bluegrass
On Your Porch--The Format
California Stars--Billy Bragg and Wilco
Killing the Blues--Alison Krauss and Robert Plant
Dream Big--Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband
We're All in This Thing Together--Old Crow Medicine Show
Flume--Bon Iver
Dark Come Soon--Tegan and Sara
In Your Eyes--Peter Gabriel
Breathe Me (Four Tet Remix)--Sia

Budget Cooking

My favorite food blog has a post on Budget Cooking. Very useful in the UK where food is crazy expensive. I have definitely been eating more carbs and less meat. I admit to have spent a fair amount of money on spices and things, BUT it is an upfront expense that pays huge dividends. Once a spice is bought it can stretch the flavor of less interesting things into a whole meal. For example, adding oregano and tomato paste to rice makes a huge difference in flavor. Or the oyster sauce and soy which makes broccoli with a meat a cohesive meal. Oh, and if you are on a tight budget try having a crohnic disease that limits your appetite every once in a while. It works wonders for the wallet.
Any suggestions for cheap but delicious meals?

Cal gate getting dolled up

About time the school took better care of this icon. I loved passing under Sather Gate while I was at Cal, even if it meant dodging extended hands holding flyers. The best was during homecoming when I had class at Dwinelle that ended after dark and the gate was all decked out in blue and gold lights. It'll be nice to see it all beautified.

Worth it or not, kitchen edition

So says the LA Times. I will argue against the mortar and pestle (too much effort for something a food processor can do) , for a toaster oven (melted cheese on an english muffin, anyone?) against the vanilla bean (extract does the job fine unless you are a serious pastry chef) and add a good bread knife to his other two knife suggestions. Yes to the microplane, dutch oven, and roasting pan. I would add a good cast iron pan to the list, a baking sheet lined with a silpat, a can opener (uh, duh), and tongs, a heat proof spatula, and a peppernill also come to mind as well as a chinese spider to extract things out of water or broth. I'm sure I could come up with lots more things one shouldn't buy or should. But this is a start.

New Kids new album, hell must be on ice

This is a day I never thought I'd see.

George Bailey, say it ain't so?

An interesting look back the present American economic situation through the lens of It's A Wonderful Life.

Scottish VanillaTablet

The latest things I've been doing is eating this glorious Scottish confection. It is hardish at first, then, once it enters your mouth it becomes soft and melty and buttery and lovely. I bought some two weeks ago after being introduced by Jonathan and forgot about it until today. Now half of it is gone and I am sure I have had more calories in the last hour than the rest of the day. Go ahead, make it and let me know how it you like it.

They don't make 'em like they used to

I just rewatched Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. I have a copy in a box, which I assume is now deep underneath my parents house, but I hadn't watched it in a few years. So when I learned of Paul Newman's death, I went about downloading it. I can say without any doubt it is still one of the best movies ever made. And what can I say about Paul Newman. He was gorgeous, but he never went the route of the pretty boy actor. He never took easy roles. His characters were smart, rebelious, cocky, but always with a tinge of self-awareness. I look forward to rewatching Cat on a Hot Tin Roof sometime soon, and maybe The Sting, or Cool Hand Luke, because they really, really, don't make 'em like they used to.

Album news: Dear Science

As I amazed as I was, TV On The Radio has indeed, released an album that is easy to listen to yet retains the interest that makes this band so intriguing. I didn't think it was possible. So if you tried this band before and weren't thrilled, OR if like me, you loved "Staring at the Sun" and were underwhelmed with the rest, despite the critical acclaim, try this album out.

Chrome, highly recommended

Yesterday morning I walked 10 minutes in the rain to class. It was the first time I tested my Chrome bag in the rain. It was perfect. Soaked on the outside, absolutely dry on the inside. I love this bag. I mean, it looks schnazzy with it's seat belt design, it is an SF company, and it is crazy comfortable even when full. Oh, and it has a cool swing to the front dealio which took me a week to master, but now I have down pat. When I get back to the states I kinda want to buy another one. What? Is that excessive Okay, well maybe I'll just stick with one then.

Eye of the Tiger

was the number one song on the day I was born. What song was number one on your birthday?

T.V. tastes and likely voting

What I gleaned from this tv blog post: Americans have terrible taste in television no matter to which party they are linked. Look, I watch shows from both the lists, but top 10! Seriously?!?! I know most people have cable and young people who can't afford cable illegally download, so where the fuck are the shows from FX and HBO and Showtime. BSG, Damages, Mad Men, Flight of the Conchords, Dexter, The Tudors, Saving Grace? I know, I know, I am a picky S.O.B when it comes to my television habits. But there isn't even Lost or Pushing Daisies, or The Daily Show? Americans are lazy bastards who can't be bothered to search for something good to watch on T.V. when all it requires is a twitch of a thumb muscle, so how can we ever expect to get more out of our politics. I'm just sayin'.

J.P. Morgan Chase buys WaMu

Whew. Well, the stock I bought in the company is long gone, but more importantly the money I have deposited in the bank is safe. Now the question is whether to stay with the bank. I assume the acquisition by Morgan Chase means the bank is now a much better bet, but can that get rid of the bitter taste in my, and many others, mouth. I am leaning towards shifting all my money into my BofA account and leaving Washington Mutual all together. Not just because of their mortgage lending stupidity, but because they froze my debit card quickly after I arrived in the UK. Why? Because I deposited money into my account from a computer in Scotland. They were worried about all those evil debit card theives who deposit money into peoples accounts.

My BofA stock is doing just fine, in case you were wondering. If I had available funds I would invest more money in them now, as well as the whole market. I think the market is still heading down, however if you buy now and don't sell for a decade or longer, even if it goes down in the next few years, you will make money in the long run. Think, think, think, about it.

Bay area cheap eats

Every year The SF Chronicle puts out two lists: the top 100 restaurants and the top 100 cheap eats. Guess which one I like better??? Yeah, one is useful and practical and the other is for people who make lots of money or have parents who have lots of money, neither of which describes me. It will be at least a year before I can take advantage of this list, but for all my bay area homies--eat, drink, and be merry.

The A's suck and there may be no end in sight

Major sigh.

I miss Rescue Me

The last season of Rescue Me was absolutely atrocious. I am hoping it will rebound because the first three seasons were so stellar. Here is a classic Rescue Me clip to get me (and maybe you) to next year. Not for pc police or prudes.

Scotch pancakes

I had these lovely treats at the Farmer's market two weeks ago and I will be having two more on Saturday. Turns out they are quite easy to make. So if you feel like tasting a bit of what I am tasting make some scotch pancakes, slather with some fresh butter, and enjoy!

Amazing pics of the giant squid

It has three hearts. How cool is that? And its eyeballs are huge. Take a look for yourself.

Food you want when you're sick

but can't find the energy to get the ingredients and make, nor do you think you have a pot that you can make it in. Right now this recipe from Simply Recipes is top on my list. Unfortunately, I've had to settle for Heinz Chicken Noodle, which my sister had Tesco deliver last night. She also sent plain crackers and a ton of Sports drinks. Best. Sister. Ever.

New Flight of the Conchords

This video made my day. Perhaps not a cure all, but close. Now here is hoping they change their minds about only doing two seasons. The world needs more Bret and Jemaine.

Music Post: Fleet Foxes

If you haven't heard or checked out Fleet Foxes you should. They are definitely folksy and for some reason they remind me a little of the late 60's. I don't tend to put them on when I am in the mood to really listen, you know, REALLY listen to music, because all their songs sound quite similar. However, they are great when doing something else. Very soothing and beautiful.
With that said, here are two young girls doing a cover of a Fleet Foxes' song . I think I may like this better than the original. I lean minimalist like that. And here is a video of Fleet Foxes current single.

World of Warcraft...and Terror?

Creepy thought. I knew this game was evil, but...

I miss you Mission!

The New York Times did their 36 hours column this week on the Mission! Hells yeah, cuz it is the best part of the city. They didn't mention Delirium's 80's dance, instead they mentioned Baobab. I would have done the reverse--whatever. Nor did they talk about the coolness that is Therapy, nor anything ice cream, say Mitchell's or Bi-rite. Overall not bad, though. If anyone feels like shipping an al pastor super burrito my way...?

A car post

A "mini" cooper that should suit some Americans' tastes. Shit, look at me all linking to a car story. Damn you, Jonathan and Nik.

Tubular site!

You've always wanted a link to an 80's site, for sure, because the 80's were so rad.

A Geek's Guide to Colleges

Cal gets a mention, as does Wisconsin.

Glasgow Farmer's Market

Lots of meat. Lots of fish. Baked goods. Cheeses. And lastly a few veg and fruit stands. And that is the local farmer's market. It was adorable and the people were very friendly. I was tempted by the stands that specialized in lamb, the ones with just venison, and the fresh scallops that looked gorgeous. There was a stand specializing in Greek foods and one that had Indian. There was a woman selling jams and honeys that looked spectacular. I ended up buying some good sliced white bread, a fudgy cherry brownie, pork and leek sausages, parsnips, kale, hot smoked salmon spread, a sultana scone and a pancake with fresh butter for snacking. I am going to dream of those pancakes for two weeks because unfortunately the market is every 2nd and 4th Saturday.

Veggie Vodka

One of the best cocktails I've ever had was from A Cote in Oakland and it included gin with muddled cucumber. Super good. I wouldn't pay extra for vegetable flavored vodkas. I would just infuse my own instead. But for those who don't want to wait a couple of weeks for check this out.

Fringe ratings so-so

Here is my theory as to why Fringe didn't do so well in the ratings: it is unabashedly a sci-fi show. When Lost first premiered it fooled people a little with it's Gilligan Island like setup. Of course Lost substituted a boat landing softly on island with a plane breaking into pieces and falling from the sky. But really, Lost had, and still has, an air of reality to it that people like. Hence, people forgive a polar bear here and a smoke monster there. Fringe, on the other hand, started off with people's jaws disintegrating and a man turning translucent. So along with sci-fi, there was some horror flick drama going on.
I'm not sure one should get too attached to this show. A little over 9million viewers is not what the network wants. My slow downloading indicates a lot of people are watching illegally online. Too bad those numbers mean jack shit.
As for me, I'm not sure about the show for all the reasons that I mentioned above. A love sci-fi and Fringe does have some X-Files qualities and that is a good thing. But until the characters are as cool as Mulder and Scully, I just don't know that I'm that impressed.

Local football news

Scotland's young team failed to make it into the playoffs for the European Championships. All they needed was a draw. Sad. However, the Rangers beat Iceland 2-1. Booyah.

Closet Hipster

Help, I'm a musical hipster. Damn it! In my defense, my music is better than yours.
~Katie "Indier Than Thou" Schwarz

Slowly stocking the kitchen

Give me a year and I will convince my flatmates of the glory that is a nicely stocked kitchen. :) Today it began with a box grater, tongs, wooden spoons, and an oval gratin dish. At some point a peppermill is in order and perhaps a chef's knife. They'll appreciate it when Thanksgiving dinner comes around and a feast magically appears. Tonight I made penne alla vodka, tomorrow is meatloaf and mashed potatoes, and sometime next week I am gonna make mac'n'cheese. American comfort foods are apparently in vogue in my life at present. Saturday is the local farmer's market, to which I am looking forward. I want to buy something to go with the leeks I bought, which are SO much cheaper here than in the states, something I cannot say of most everything else.

Until they invent teleportation...

this might do. However, it wouldn't be so great on a cold, wet, or windy, day. I change my mind. I'll hold out for teleportation.

Oh. Thank. God.

The tree sitters are now part of Berkeley's wacky history.

Mmmm, television.

The new T.V. season is kickin' up. Need some help finding things? Check this out.

Band: Wild Beasts

Not sure how I feel about them yet, actually. But they are interesting. There was a comparison online to Queen. Hmm, maybe in the lead singer's voice just a bit.
http://www.myspace.com/wildbeasts

Similarities and Differences

I am gonna have to make a serious effort to start looking right, left, right. Most things here are very similar to home. Friendly people, Costco, a strange dislike of Mayonnaise (what is wrong with you people!!!) and a youth unhappy with the government. Some things are different, though. The buildings have an age and stone elegance that I've never once encountered in the US. It feels homey in a way and that is accentuated by the mist and rain which makes one want to curl up with a cup of tea and a great movie or book. There is a heavy amount of electronic dance music which I am going to have to learn to enjoy a bit more as I am going to hear it every day. It also looks like I will come away from here with a greater understanding of cars. Top Gear, anyone?

Here Goes.

Kind of my motto at the moment. Don't really know what I want out of this silly blogamajig. Music, food, photos, television, pop culture, and politics, random stories and anecdotes. Is that biting off too much to chew? Om nom nom.