WTF story of the day:
http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/07/31/canada.bus/?imw=Y&iref=mpstoryemail
This one is also pretty ridiculous: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/30/AR2008073003299.html?nav=rss_email/components
I mean, it's the freaking MAYOR!!!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Thinking of Cali...
LA Times story on the earthquake that struck a few hours ago. Some reports say 5.4, some say 5.8. Nick's family and friends in the area said that it felt strong.
Nick: i don't think you would like earthquakes
me: i dont think id like earthquakes either. but at least for now, thats one thing i'm not scared of
i mean, does anyone like earthquakes?
Nick: haha
i mostly sleep through them
but have dreams of being on a boat
Nick: i don't think you would like earthquakes
me: i dont think id like earthquakes either. but at least for now, thats one thing i'm not scared of
i mean, does anyone like earthquakes?
Nick: haha
i mostly sleep through them
but have dreams of being on a boat
"Coppi's" Pizza Among DC's Best
Intent on finding good pizza in DC, I ventured to U street over the weekend with Mr. Michiels. After a little Internet investigation, my dining partner and I found 2 that looked promising: Ulah Bistro and Coppi's Organic Restaurant. We decided to check them out in-person before deciding, as they were only 2 blocks from each other. Proving that you can tell a lot about a place from appearances, we settled on Coppi's because of it's more home-y atmosphere, broader pizza menu and ostensibly cheaper price.
Food: After practically inhaling the soft, salty focaccia that was served complimentary, we started with an appetizer of stuffed squash blossoms. The blossoms were much smaller than any I've had in a restaurant before -- perhaps because they were organic -- but at least they served 6 or 7 of them instead of the usual 2 or 3. While larger blossoms make for a prettier presentation, the diminutive size allowed for the perfect all-in-one bite portion. The ricotta filling was both smooth and tangy, and well seasoned. The oven-seared finishing on the blossoms, however, created a bitter, burnt crust that overwhelmed the delicate flavor of the flower.
For the main course -- pizza, naturally -- we chose the Merguez, with lamb sausage, feta cheese, cucumber, rosemary, garlic and tomato sauce. (I think it was a good sign that all of the pizzas sounded so delicious, we had a hard time choosing.) If someone had told me that cucumber would make a good pizza topping, I probably would have laughed at them, but the cool, crunchy cucumbers provided a nice balance to the robustness of the garlic and lamb. The overall combination of flavors was surprising, yet not too strange that I felt alienated from the usual pizza-eating experience. The pizza was not dry at all (a big deal-breaker for me), and the sauce tasted like it would hold up on its own (on say, a Margharita). The pizza crust could have been slightly crispier, but still ranked high in my book. My dining partner noted that it seemed to get a little softer for the last few slices, perhaps from sitting in some oil on the bottom of our plate.
As the restaurant was out of our first choice of brandy-poached apricots, we decided on the chocolate zabaglione with fresh fruit for dessert. Upon being served, I was immediately disappoint by the 'fresh fruit', which consisted of probably about 3 strawberries sliced on top of the cream. More of a mousse than a true zabaglione, the cream was rich -- in the best possible way -- and clearly made with high quality chocolate. We ate all of it.
Price: At $28 for a large (14"), I found the pizza to be over-priced. The quality was great, but I've had pizzas that were just as good for less in NYC. Until organic food comes down to normal food prices (which are still high), it just won't be a practical choice for most people. Coppi's is no cheap pizza joint, but won't break the bank if you skip the appetizer and dessert, and share with a friend.
Atmosphere: Adorned with photos and memorabilia of the famous Italian bicyclist for which the establishment is named, Coppi's had an authentic Italian restaurant feel without being cheesy. The wood tables and dim lights provided a cozy and pleasant eating experience, equally suited for a date or hanging out with a group of friends.
Other: (Service) Our waiter brought out 2 glasses of wine when we had ordered a bottle. Instead of correcting the mistake and just bringing out a bottle, he said that if we ordered 4 glasses, he'd charge us the bottle price. My dining partner was turned off by the lack of professionalism, and didn't like the feeling we were going to be cheated out of getting what we were paying for.
Also, all of the waiters sported thin mustaches that made them look right out of a 1950s movie. What's the deal, Coppi's?
Final Grade: B+ (with lots of potential)
Food: After practically inhaling the soft, salty focaccia that was served complimentary, we started with an appetizer of stuffed squash blossoms. The blossoms were much smaller than any I've had in a restaurant before -- perhaps because they were organic -- but at least they served 6 or 7 of them instead of the usual 2 or 3. While larger blossoms make for a prettier presentation, the diminutive size allowed for the perfect all-in-one bite portion. The ricotta filling was both smooth and tangy, and well seasoned. The oven-seared finishing on the blossoms, however, created a bitter, burnt crust that overwhelmed the delicate flavor of the flower.
For the main course -- pizza, naturally -- we chose the Merguez, with lamb sausage, feta cheese, cucumber, rosemary, garlic and tomato sauce. (I think it was a good sign that all of the pizzas sounded so delicious, we had a hard time choosing.) If someone had told me that cucumber would make a good pizza topping, I probably would have laughed at them, but the cool, crunchy cucumbers provided a nice balance to the robustness of the garlic and lamb. The overall combination of flavors was surprising, yet not too strange that I felt alienated from the usual pizza-eating experience. The pizza was not dry at all (a big deal-breaker for me), and the sauce tasted like it would hold up on its own (on say, a Margharita). The pizza crust could have been slightly crispier, but still ranked high in my book. My dining partner noted that it seemed to get a little softer for the last few slices, perhaps from sitting in some oil on the bottom of our plate.
As the restaurant was out of our first choice of brandy-poached apricots, we decided on the chocolate zabaglione with fresh fruit for dessert. Upon being served, I was immediately disappoint by the 'fresh fruit', which consisted of probably about 3 strawberries sliced on top of the cream. More of a mousse than a true zabaglione, the cream was rich -- in the best possible way -- and clearly made with high quality chocolate. We ate all of it.
Price: At $28 for a large (14"), I found the pizza to be over-priced. The quality was great, but I've had pizzas that were just as good for less in NYC. Until organic food comes down to normal food prices (which are still high), it just won't be a practical choice for most people. Coppi's is no cheap pizza joint, but won't break the bank if you skip the appetizer and dessert, and share with a friend.
Atmosphere: Adorned with photos and memorabilia of the famous Italian bicyclist for which the establishment is named, Coppi's had an authentic Italian restaurant feel without being cheesy. The wood tables and dim lights provided a cozy and pleasant eating experience, equally suited for a date or hanging out with a group of friends.
Other: (Service) Our waiter brought out 2 glasses of wine when we had ordered a bottle. Instead of correcting the mistake and just bringing out a bottle, he said that if we ordered 4 glasses, he'd charge us the bottle price. My dining partner was turned off by the lack of professionalism, and didn't like the feeling we were going to be cheated out of getting what we were paying for.
Also, all of the waiters sported thin mustaches that made them look right out of a 1950s movie. What's the deal, Coppi's?
Final Grade: B+ (with lots of potential)
Friday, July 25, 2008
"Prof whose 'last lecture' became a sensation dies" - AP, via WaPost
video of Randy Pausch's 'Last Lecture' on achieving one's childhood dreams.
'Good Stuff' makes good on name
The reviews (mine, that is) on Good Stuff Eatery -- a new burger joint on capitol hill and the brainchild of 'Top Chef' finalist Spike -- are in! Read my comments and then leave one of your own!
Food: I had the 'Colletti's Smokehouse' burger which had applewood smoked bacon, vermont aged cheddar cheese, vidalia onion rings and BBQ sauce. The meat was juicy, cooked medium/medium rare. You could clearly taste the flavors of each of the toppings in every bite -- meaning, it wasn't just one big mess of a burger. The bun didn't really add anything to the burger, but it didn't take away either. Overall, delicious. better than 5 guys (albeit more expensive) and probably better than chef geoff's (at least this one was.)
Most of my friends chose the one of the wedge salads (comes with a side of cornbread) and seemed satisfied. They didn't look like anything too special to me, but then again, I'm not much into iceberg lettuce.
We all shared an order of fries with rosemary and herbs on it, which were great. crispy and tender, plus a wide selection of dipping sauces from the mayo bar (i loved the siracha mayo and mango mayo!)
I have yet to try the milkshakes and floats, but they looked goooooood.
Price: My meal -- burger, water, tax -- came to about $9. While this may seem a bit over-priced for what is essentially take out, I think the quality of the food makes up for it.
Their prices for beer ($3.50 for a pint, $4.50 for a 20 oz, $4 for a bottle) are reasonable.
Atmosphere: The line to get food was really long, but moved fast. You get to watch them cook and peruse the menu while you wait. The decor was casual and comfortable, with a sort of 'farm house' look to it. most importantly, it was clean. Outdoor seating is a plus.
Other: Chef Spike was there to hand us our food. Woohoo! So weird to see someone in person who you feel like you 'know' because you've seen them on TV for 6 six weeks.
Final grade: A-
Food: I had the 'Colletti's Smokehouse' burger which had applewood smoked bacon, vermont aged cheddar cheese, vidalia onion rings and BBQ sauce. The meat was juicy, cooked medium/medium rare. You could clearly taste the flavors of each of the toppings in every bite -- meaning, it wasn't just one big mess of a burger. The bun didn't really add anything to the burger, but it didn't take away either. Overall, delicious. better than 5 guys (albeit more expensive) and probably better than chef geoff's (at least this one was.)
Most of my friends chose the one of the wedge salads (comes with a side of cornbread) and seemed satisfied. They didn't look like anything too special to me, but then again, I'm not much into iceberg lettuce.
We all shared an order of fries with rosemary and herbs on it, which were great. crispy and tender, plus a wide selection of dipping sauces from the mayo bar (i loved the siracha mayo and mango mayo!)
I have yet to try the milkshakes and floats, but they looked goooooood.
Price: My meal -- burger, water, tax -- came to about $9. While this may seem a bit over-priced for what is essentially take out, I think the quality of the food makes up for it.
Their prices for beer ($3.50 for a pint, $4.50 for a 20 oz, $4 for a bottle) are reasonable.
Atmosphere: The line to get food was really long, but moved fast. You get to watch them cook and peruse the menu while you wait. The decor was casual and comfortable, with a sort of 'farm house' look to it. most importantly, it was clean. Outdoor seating is a plus.
Other: Chef Spike was there to hand us our food. Woohoo! So weird to see someone in person who you feel like you 'know' because you've seen them on TV for 6 six weeks.
Final grade: A-
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Goodbye to my youth...
I was doing some research for work and came across this article (from a couple months ago) entitled 'City shuts Brooklyn class for gifted.' The program they are eliminating -- CIG, or Center for the Intellectually Gifted, cheesy, I know -- is the one I was in from 4th-8th grades, and specifically at the elementary school I went to in 4th and 5th grades. (As far as I can tell the Junior High program will continue.)
I'm so thankful I had that opportunity and am sad other kids won't be able to anymore (without trekking to Manhattan.) I think there were two very unique aspects to CIG that made it different than just a 'program for smart kids.' First, when I was there our class was split between 2 grades -- meaning half 3rd graders and half 4th graders the first year, and then half 4th graders and 5th graders the next. I think this may have just been b/c the program was first starting out and they didnt have enough kids to fill 2 full classes, but i liked it and some of my best friends then were younger. It did kind of make it sad, though, when the 5th graders graduated and we had to leave our friends behind.
The other unique thing was that it was mostly independent study -- we would have a list of assignments from different areas (math, social studies, science, etc.) that we had to complete by the end of the week, but we could do them in any order we wanted and at our own pace. We had few formal 'lessons' except for discussions about the books we were reading. To think of it another way, we sort of had to teach ourselves. What an idea! I think kids need to learn early on how to be self-motivated and manage their time (though I'm still working on that one.)
I also remember that we were lucky enough to have the same teacher for both years (which was very unusual), who I loved, named Mrs. Levy. (I wonder if she's still around.) And yes, I was a teacher's pet -- sometimes I got to organize the art supply closets which, if you can believe it, was considered a priviledge. I am pretty sure that was in lieu of doing other work or free reading time, but if not, then I'm really twisted.
I'm so thankful I had that opportunity and am sad other kids won't be able to anymore (without trekking to Manhattan.) I think there were two very unique aspects to CIG that made it different than just a 'program for smart kids.' First, when I was there our class was split between 2 grades -- meaning half 3rd graders and half 4th graders the first year, and then half 4th graders and 5th graders the next. I think this may have just been b/c the program was first starting out and they didnt have enough kids to fill 2 full classes, but i liked it and some of my best friends then were younger. It did kind of make it sad, though, when the 5th graders graduated and we had to leave our friends behind.
The other unique thing was that it was mostly independent study -- we would have a list of assignments from different areas (math, social studies, science, etc.) that we had to complete by the end of the week, but we could do them in any order we wanted and at our own pace. We had few formal 'lessons' except for discussions about the books we were reading. To think of it another way, we sort of had to teach ourselves. What an idea! I think kids need to learn early on how to be self-motivated and manage their time (though I'm still working on that one.)
I also remember that we were lucky enough to have the same teacher for both years (which was very unusual), who I loved, named Mrs. Levy. (I wonder if she's still around.) And yes, I was a teacher's pet -- sometimes I got to organize the art supply closets which, if you can believe it, was considered a priviledge. I am pretty sure that was in lieu of doing other work or free reading time, but if not, then I'm really twisted.
"Love isn't a feeling; it's an ability."
- quote from the movie "Dan in Real Life," which I saw last night.
Do you think that's true? Can it be both a feeling and an ability? Do you have to be open to love to feel love or will it just come when the time is right? Leave a comment!
The movie itself gets 3 out of 5 stars. I love Steve Carrell (Dan), and he can do little wrong by me, but the plot was cliche` (lonely widower finally meets a woman he can see himself being happy with, only to find out she's already dating his brother!) There were also a couple times when I felt like I was watching Michael Scott (Carrell's character in 'The Office') instead of Dan. But overall, I appreciated the quality of the acting, especially by "Dan's" 3 young daughters, all of whom I think are unknown actresses who have the potential to bloom into stars if they get a couple more good roles. Also making a small but significant appearance is Emily Blunt ('Devil Wears Prada') who I think is beautiful.
The film is set in a cute little town in Rhode Island, where Dan's huge family (I had trouble keeping track of all the brothers, sisters, husbands, wives, parents, and kids -- perhaps too many characters) is vacationing, and that made me jealous for both a nice relaxing vacation and a family that does cute things like have talent shows where even the adults participate. Oh well... I bet we have better food!
Do you think that's true? Can it be both a feeling and an ability? Do you have to be open to love to feel love or will it just come when the time is right? Leave a comment!
The movie itself gets 3 out of 5 stars. I love Steve Carrell (Dan), and he can do little wrong by me, but the plot was cliche` (lonely widower finally meets a woman he can see himself being happy with, only to find out she's already dating his brother!) There were also a couple times when I felt like I was watching Michael Scott (Carrell's character in 'The Office') instead of Dan. But overall, I appreciated the quality of the acting, especially by "Dan's" 3 young daughters, all of whom I think are unknown actresses who have the potential to bloom into stars if they get a couple more good roles. Also making a small but significant appearance is Emily Blunt ('Devil Wears Prada') who I think is beautiful.
The film is set in a cute little town in Rhode Island, where Dan's huge family (I had trouble keeping track of all the brothers, sisters, husbands, wives, parents, and kids -- perhaps too many characters) is vacationing, and that made me jealous for both a nice relaxing vacation and a family that does cute things like have talent shows where even the adults participate. Oh well... I bet we have better food!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Update on Chandra Levy WaPost series
the reporters notebook for the recent articles says that Rock Creek Park is twice the size of NY's Central Park. WOW.
they also answered readers' questions and advised that people, esp. women, should not walk or jog in the park alone, and particularly not with headphones in that could prevent them from hearing any potential attackers.
they also answered readers' questions and advised that people, esp. women, should not walk or jog in the park alone, and particularly not with headphones in that could prevent them from hearing any potential attackers.
2 (more) reasons i love belgians
New flip flops courtesy of Mr. and Mrs. Michiels! Nick assures me that I'm the first girl on the east coast with these snazzy sworvski crystal-lined Rainbows. i absolutely LOVE them!also, today being belgium independence day, brasserie beck is offering half-priced beers all day. yum!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
In the news...
I've been enthralled with the Post's series on the 2001 murder of Chandra Levy, which started Sunday. I'm not exactly sure why I'm so fascinated by it, but I guess it comes down to the whole murder mystery thing -- so many questions and no answers, and the basic frustration of all the leads and opportunities that were botched by the police and detectives running the case (which is the focus of of the first chapter.) In the "Reporters' Notebook," one of the writers says, "The case showcases everything that is wrong with pack journalism and 24-7 cable news stations," which really struck a chord with me. I get the sense that the 24-hour news stations will put almost anything on the air to fill time and perk interest, no matter the relevance or complete accuracy. Everyone wants to have the story (whatever that means) first -- just get something on the air -- before one's competitors, combined with the pack-mentality reasoning that if X station reported it, then we can report it as true, too.
Back to the articles, the really really frustrating thing about it is the decision to spread the story out over 12 days; Actually, make that 13, since the Epilogue will be added as well. In theory that would be really cool, except that each article is waaaaay too short that I'm left feeling unsatisfied after each one. And I won't be done with the whole thing until july 27th... kinda ridic.
On a side note, I also have a fascination with Rock Creek Park in general. I felt like finally learning how to drive on the RC parkway and what the exits are this year was a major right of passage in my life as a DC-er. I'll never go in the park by myself, though, that's for sure.
Back to the articles, the really really frustrating thing about it is the decision to spread the story out over 12 days; Actually, make that 13, since the Epilogue will be added as well. In theory that would be really cool, except that each article is waaaaay too short that I'm left feeling unsatisfied after each one. And I won't be done with the whole thing until july 27th... kinda ridic.
On a side note, I also have a fascination with Rock Creek Park in general. I felt like finally learning how to drive on the RC parkway and what the exits are this year was a major right of passage in my life as a DC-er. I'll never go in the park by myself, though, that's for sure.
Friday, July 11, 2008
"red, white, and green"
this article talks about how the organizers of the Democratic National Convention are trying to make sure that the food offered will be healthy and include lots of fruits and veggies. i think its a great idea. unfortunately, ill be working at the Republican Convention.... so i guess ill be eating fried chicken and pizza.
Monday, July 7, 2008
IRS = Big Tease
got an envelope from the IRS today with huge words written across the top "STIMULUS PAYMENT." inside? a freaking LETTER telling me that my check would be coming. like i really needed to know that at this point. way to go, IRS, you got your act together and sent me a letter. it said the check would arrive by 7/11 but that if i hadn't received anything in six weeks, to contact them. SIX WEEKS!?!?! yeah, how about i give you six days? why in the world does the IRS get a six week grace period in which to send my stimulus and we have a zero day grace period to file taxes?
and that's why I may have to become a republican.
and that's why I may have to become a republican.
so goes all good things.
the 3 day weekend is gone, almost as quickly as it came. fun, exhausting, confusing, scary, romantic, and delicious (there was a lot of eating.. including 3 frozen yogurt trips in as many days. i don't even really like frozen yogurt that much. but this new california style that i had at tangysweet was the best -- refreshing, not too sweet, and loaded with fresh fruit.)
my weekend ended with 'Julius Caesar' by the Shakespeare Theatre Company, which was basically perfect: scored $10 tickets, had great seats, a wonderful date, and the play was fantastic. i'd never read it, but it was easy to follow, exciting (if bloody) and made me want to be in Rome. before the show, we went to Nando's an international 'fast food' chain that just opened its first US location in chinatown/gallery place. it was such a different fast food experience - not as quick as a mcdonalds, but we ate on real plates, with real utensils, had our food brought to our table and cleared away by servers, and the quality was far above and beyond any quick-service eatery I've had, including 5 guys, cosi, or chipotle. if successful, this model could set a new bar for 'fast food' dining. it seems like this new Good Stuff Eatery , which is supposed to open tomorrow on Pennsylvania Ave. in Capitol Hill and owned by Top Chef contestant Spike, is going to bring the same idea of cheap, high quality food. the menu sounds DELICIOUS. i'm in food heaven.
Some pics from the weekend:
Drew and me
maryland crabs!
i like the lighting on this one
fireworks! (in focus)
more fireworks (not in focus. aka proof that the 'fireworks' setting on my camera is BS. though, in some cases, creates a more interesting picture.)
my weekend ended with 'Julius Caesar' by the Shakespeare Theatre Company, which was basically perfect: scored $10 tickets, had great seats, a wonderful date, and the play was fantastic. i'd never read it, but it was easy to follow, exciting (if bloody) and made me want to be in Rome. before the show, we went to Nando's an international 'fast food' chain that just opened its first US location in chinatown/gallery place. it was such a different fast food experience - not as quick as a mcdonalds, but we ate on real plates, with real utensils, had our food brought to our table and cleared away by servers, and the quality was far above and beyond any quick-service eatery I've had, including 5 guys, cosi, or chipotle. if successful, this model could set a new bar for 'fast food' dining. it seems like this new Good Stuff Eatery , which is supposed to open tomorrow on Pennsylvania Ave. in Capitol Hill and owned by Top Chef contestant Spike, is going to bring the same idea of cheap, high quality food. the menu sounds DELICIOUS. i'm in food heaven.
Some pics from the weekend:
Drew and me
maryland crabs!
i like the lighting on this one
fireworks! (in focus)
more fireworks (not in focus. aka proof that the 'fireworks' setting on my camera is BS. though, in some cases, creates a more interesting picture.)
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Happy 4th of July!
and hooray for 3 1/2 day weekend!
Some pics from last year's 4th -- taken from the steps of the Library of Congress:
Some pics from last year's 4th -- taken from the steps of the Library of Congress:
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Some of the worst mistakes of my life have been haircuts.
- Jim Morrison
(i cry if i get a bad haircut, even though i've basically had the same 'do since 9th grade and no one else would probably know the difference...)
CORRECTION: i have cried...once.. when i got layers the day of my junior prom. i don't cry all the time. =p
(i cry if i get a bad haircut, even though i've basically had the same 'do since 9th grade and no one else would probably know the difference...)
CORRECTION: i have cried...once.. when i got layers the day of my junior prom. i don't cry all the time. =p
Wishful thinking...
I signed up for Neiman Marcus e-mails when I entered their contest for a 'dream vacation', and the most recent one featured these BEAUTIFUL Christian Louboutin platforms. Unfortunately, at $770, they're just slightly out of my budget. And by slightly, I mean, more than one of my paychecks. Sorry, Neiman, you've got the wrong girl.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
You be the judge.
Apparently, I was really missing out on my YouTube education by not having seen this until yesterday. (Warning: gets really weird toward the end aka not work appropriate... until you work at my office.)
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