What sorts of spirits do you have stocked in your home bar? We have a collection of wine, but we also like maintaining a full bar in case we would like a decadent cocktail at home. Generally, one has vodka, gin, rum, tequila and whiskey on hand – but what other alcoholic spirits do you like to …
Commentary: Talking to Chairs and the War on Women
So…the Republican national convention…and Clint Eastwood, talking to an empty chair…happened. I’m concerned. I’m concerned for a lot of reasons, the biggest reason is that the Republican party seems totally out of touch with what we need as a nation. That doesn’t necessarily mean the Democratic party gets it either, but at least they …
Office Makeover Part II – Fabric and Patterns
I have a LOT of sewing patterns. I also have a LOT of fabric. I currently have almost all my fabric hanging in our office closet, and my sewing patterns in binders in the closet. Of course, the binders are overflowing. I’m trying to figure out what the best way to organize fabric and patterns …
To Zin or Not to Zin? There is No Question!
This week’s wine tasting at Creekside Cellars featured a selection of Zinfandel wines. It’s always fun to do comparisons of wines, since each has its own unique qualities that it brings to the table. Here’s a list of the wines that we tried. NV Codorniu Cava, Spain ($10) – This wine was sparkling …
Relaxation After a Long Week
When you’ve had a long week, nothing feels better than to relax. So often, our lives are hectic and we don’t allow ourselves time to just veg out in front of the television with a baseball game (or tv show, or movie) on. Instead, we begin filling our heads with the “shoulds” of life. …
Food: The Pasta That Made Sarah Cry
If you’re looking for a pasta that will bring tears to someone’s eyes, this is it. Back in grad school at NIU, I served this dish to a friend, and she literally cried. This would go well with a bold Zinfandel. The base of this sauce requires that you purchase andouille sausage and port. …
Movie Classics: The Birds
One of the movies that really was memorable for me as a kid was Alfred Hitchcock’s 1963 film The Birds. This film, set in a small Northern Californian coastal town, scared me. I attribute my dislike of large groups of birds to this film. It’s brilliant the way the movie sneaks up on you. Unlike …
Cheeseburger and French Fries
Remember that lovely Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon I talked about a couple weeks ago that paired well with lasagna? Well, it also pairs well with burgers. I’m a fan of a good burger, and I’ve got a recipe that is (at least in my family and friends’ opinions) outstanding. I also make killer …
Organization: Feeding America
If you want to work to help eradicate hunger, especially child hunger, Feeding America is an organization worth looking at. On their mission page, they describe themselves in the following way: “Feeding America is the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity. Our mission is to feed America’s hungry through a nationwide network of member food banks and engage …
Your Ph.D. is How Old? You Need Not Apply
A disturbing trend is cropping up in the Ph.D. job market circuit. Universities are now qualifying that they do not want applicants whose Ph.D.s may be getting “stale.” According to Leiter Reports, there are now some universities asking that people apply only if their Ph.D. has been granted in 2010 or later. This means …
