Tonight I am posting because I'm feeling all sorts of things and not sure how to process, so this is one outlet. By now much of the world knows that Osama Bin Laden is dead at the hands of United States forces. Listening to President Obama's speech tonight and watching some of the coverage filled me with emotions I forgot I was capable of feeling. Obama painted the picture of what happened on 9/11, and the memories so vividly came roaring back. On that fateful say in 2001 I was an eighth grader at Edgewood Middle School. I want to say I was wearing an orange t-shirt though I'm not quite positive, but I am sure I was wearing shorts. I think I first heard whispers of something happening as I traveled the school hallways, but I specifically remember being in an art class when it was confirmed what was happening. First one tower, then two, then the pentagon, then Pennsylvania, the details kept trickling out. It wasn't until homeroom that my teacher turned the TV on and many of my classmates and I saw for the first time the images of black smoke billowing out of the World Trade Center. I think I felt so many different things, but fear overall, when seeing those images that I didn't know how to process them, so I was quiet. I don't remember the rest of that day until the end. Some off hand comment was made by someone passing in the hallway, and I remember having a profound realization at the age of 13 years old; the United States was at war. At this time the terms "terrorism", "Osama Bin Laden", "Al Qaeda", and "middle-East" were unknown to me, and Al Qaeda had not even taken responsibility yet, but I remember the screaming sense of fear that I was in a generation heading to war, and that my life may be dramatically changing.
In the days following I remember being so terrified and so sad that I just wanted regular TV back. I wanted regular life back. Eventually it got to the point that I couldn't even look at the images of the Towers burning without tearing up, and so I stopped looking. But I also remember the feelings of inspiration and pride of how our nation, especially the citizens, police, and firefighters in New York, came together to present such a feeling of national unity. As a frightened boy, I think these feelings and images helped me to take a step back, breathe, and realize that somehow, one day, we would be ok.
Tonight, I felt many of these same feelings again. To this day it is difficult for me to look at images of the towers burning and collapsing, but I don't tear up like I used to. Obama's speech brought me back to my homeroom where I first was able to truly grasp what was happening. And then it brought me the hope and pride I felt when I saw the stories of national unity. I do find it a bit interesting that the entire country is celebrating death, but I think that's a whole case study on its own. What I do know is that when CNN broadcasting citizens in Washington D.C. tonight running to the north gate of the White House, and standing and joyously singing the Star Spangled Banner, I don't know that I've ever been so proud to be an American. After everything our country has gone through in the last ten years, and the insane happenings in politics in the past few years, I didn't know if I would ever have that feeling again. I only hope that these positive feelings can inject a bit of sanity back into American politics. Even if not, I am incredibly satisified and happy here now in this moment, in this time. I remember where I was when I first hear that Osama Bin Laden was responsible for 9/11. Now I'll always remember where I was when I heard he had been brought to justice. God bless the United States of America.
PS, I was going to type other updates on my life here as well, but as this post is already long, I'll save that for another.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Friday, January 7, 2011
Oooey Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookies
So I'm on a cooking fix, deal with it. This is second time I've made these chocolate chip cookies, but this time they turned out awesome. It's a recipe from allrecipes.com, and I didn't really make any changes. For the longest time I had a problem with my cookies turning out to flat and flaky and I realized I needed to make sure I had enough flour in the cookies. These do. I'm also learning that when a recipe calls for "softened" butter it does mean "melted", and how there is a difference in how whatever is being cooked/baked turns out. Anywho, these are delicious, enjoy!
"Best Chocolate Chip Cookies" by Dora on allrecipes.com
Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons hot water
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional, I don't like nuts in my cookies)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Dissolve baking soda in hot water. Add to batter along with salt. Stir in flour, chocolate chips, and nuts. Drop by large spoonfuls onto ungreased pans. Bake for about 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are nicely browned.
"Best Chocolate Chip Cookies" by Dora on allrecipes.com
Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons hot water
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional, I don't like nuts in my cookies)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Dissolve baking soda in hot water. Add to batter along with salt. Stir in flour, chocolate chips, and nuts. Drop by large spoonfuls onto ungreased pans. Bake for about 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are nicely browned.
PS, yay for me for posting 4 days in a row!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Sirloin Steak with Red Wine Sauce...mmmmmmm
Tonight I made some sirloin steak with a Red Wine sauce. I had never tried this before, but this was amazing so I thought I'd share the recipe. My notes are in Blue.
This is what it looks like just done (it would have looked nicer on a white plate, but this red one is currently the only platter I have)...
Steak with Wine Sauce
2 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 pounds beef steak, 3/4 to 1 inch thick, cut into 4 steaks, or 4 - 8 ounce steaks (I had a Sirloin Steak, I recommend using this on a tender steak like a sirloin, t-bone, rib eye, strip, tenderloin, etc)
1/2 cup beef bouillon or dry red wine (I used a Yellow Tail Cabernet Sauvignon, don't know how dry it is but it was great on the steak!)
2 tablespoons softened butter
salt and pepper (I used some Sea Salt I had and that added a great flavor as well)
1 1/2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 pounds beef steak, 3/4 to 1 inch thick, cut into 4 steaks, or 4 - 8 ounce steaks (I had a Sirloin Steak, I recommend using this on a tender steak like a sirloin, t-bone, rib eye, strip, tenderloin, etc)
1/2 cup beef bouillon or dry red wine (I used a Yellow Tail Cabernet Sauvignon, don't know how dry it is but it was great on the steak!)
2 tablespoons softened butter
salt and pepper (I used some Sea Salt I had and that added a great flavor as well)
Put the first amount of butter and the oil in a heavy skillet over medium high heat. When the butter has foamed and the foam then begins to subside, you are ready to cook the steak.
Fry the steaks on one side for 3- 4 minutes. Turn them and brown on the other side for 3 to 4 minutes, depending on desired degree of done-ness. Remove the steaks to a hot platter and season them with salt and pepper. Keep them warm while you make the sauce. (I had preheated my oven to 275 and kept the steaks warm in a 8x8 glass pan because that's all I had available).
Pour the fat from the skillet. Add the dry red wine (or beef bouillon) and cook over high heat. Scrape up the brown bits from the bottom of the pan and boil until the liquid is reduced almost to a syrup. Remove from the heat and stir in butter until it has melted. Pour the sauce over the steak to serve.
This is what it looks like just done (it would have looked nicer on a white plate, but this red one is currently the only platter I have)...
This is after I cut it up. The red in the middle wasn't actually that red, I just took it on my phone's camera that doesn't always accurately reproduce colors.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Faith Slightly Restored, For Now
I'll start this off by just stating that yes, I love The Daily Show, and it has become a main source of US news for me. I think Jon Stewart is pretty brilliant, and if I wasn't afraid of the political system killing him, I would love for him to run for office. The reason I'm starting off this way is because this is another post inspired by The Daily Show.
This one is more of a happy note. Tonight New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand was on. She has been in the Senate for 2 years and has already done more work than some Senators who have been there years and years. She has been instrumental working on the 9/11 Health Care Bill, Repealing DADT, and several others. This made me realize that despite all the attention paid to idiots in office, we do have some genuinely good people working there, and I really hope they can continue to make a difference, especially in the next two years. I was proud when Gillibrand mentioned Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar as one of the people working on Fillibuster reform, and I know there are some other people in office as well. So, I'm sure sooner rather than later I'll blog about how something in the legislature infuriates me, but for now, here's hoping to more sanity, good work, and progress.
This one is more of a happy note. Tonight New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand was on. She has been in the Senate for 2 years and has already done more work than some Senators who have been there years and years. She has been instrumental working on the 9/11 Health Care Bill, Repealing DADT, and several others. This made me realize that despite all the attention paid to idiots in office, we do have some genuinely good people working there, and I really hope they can continue to make a difference, especially in the next two years. I was proud when Gillibrand mentioned Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar as one of the people working on Fillibuster reform, and I know there are some other people in office as well. So, I'm sure sooner rather than later I'll blog about how something in the legislature infuriates me, but for now, here's hoping to more sanity, good work, and progress.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Debate Time - Happy Meal Style!
Hello Anyone who reads my blog! I hope your Holidays were wonderful and that if you are back to work or school that your break was great! I spent two and half weeks back at home in Minnesota. It was a good time, and I had the chance to just de-stress for awhile which is always appreciated. I'm glad to be back in my own space, but home is always a welcome break!
Now for my latest blog topic. I was watching The Daily Show tonight and there was a segment on the "Happy Meal Ban" that is going into effect in San Fransisco. I had heard of this but hadn't looked much into it. Essentially the city is banning fast food companies and/or restaurants from giving a toy with a meal that does not meet the city's new dietary standards for such meal. Now the show of course had their own spin on this, but the main message was that by doing this the city is messing in private businesses. This got me thinking. I am not at all educated enough on the business and labor practices side of politics to have strong opinions either way, I just take each scenario as it comes. With this particular issue I can see where the city is coming from, and I can admire that. But I also have some red flags raised about the city mandating these requirements, especially for businesses that are already there, and I kind of think the new law is unjust.
But...now that I'm sitting here writing this I'm realizing how similar this issue is to other recent laws affecting food businesses like no smoking indoors, banning trans fats, etc. I had been in favor of those two laws, especially the smoking one because I can't stand smoke and hate going places where smoking is allowed. But now I'm wondering if laws like this violate our right to operate a private business. And I honestly don't know where I stand. I can say that at River Falls there was a movement to make the entire campus smoke free, as has been done other places, but I was actually against this. As long as people were outside and obeyed the 25-foot from a door rule I was ok. Annoying as it is to walk behind someone who is smoking, whatever, they were outside and I can move. This however was a public government owned property, so different laws apply. Still, now laws like this have me wondering to what extent does the government have the right to get involved in private businesses. When do potential health concerns overrule these limits?
I feel like this is an issue I need more education on. This could be a problem though, to find an unbiased place to look. If I'm correct conservative politics want as little regulation and involvement as possible, and liberals want more regulation. Generally I find myself to lean liberal, I don't hide this. But on this issue...hmm. What do you think? To what extent does the government have the right to step in and dictate rules, at least when it comes to health concerns? I'd love to hear some opinions...
Here's the link to video of the segment on The Daily Show, for some reason I can't embed it here: http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-january-3-2011/san-francisco-s-happy-meal-ban
Now for my latest blog topic. I was watching The Daily Show tonight and there was a segment on the "Happy Meal Ban" that is going into effect in San Fransisco. I had heard of this but hadn't looked much into it. Essentially the city is banning fast food companies and/or restaurants from giving a toy with a meal that does not meet the city's new dietary standards for such meal. Now the show of course had their own spin on this, but the main message was that by doing this the city is messing in private businesses. This got me thinking. I am not at all educated enough on the business and labor practices side of politics to have strong opinions either way, I just take each scenario as it comes. With this particular issue I can see where the city is coming from, and I can admire that. But I also have some red flags raised about the city mandating these requirements, especially for businesses that are already there, and I kind of think the new law is unjust.
But...now that I'm sitting here writing this I'm realizing how similar this issue is to other recent laws affecting food businesses like no smoking indoors, banning trans fats, etc. I had been in favor of those two laws, especially the smoking one because I can't stand smoke and hate going places where smoking is allowed. But now I'm wondering if laws like this violate our right to operate a private business. And I honestly don't know where I stand. I can say that at River Falls there was a movement to make the entire campus smoke free, as has been done other places, but I was actually against this. As long as people were outside and obeyed the 25-foot from a door rule I was ok. Annoying as it is to walk behind someone who is smoking, whatever, they were outside and I can move. This however was a public government owned property, so different laws apply. Still, now laws like this have me wondering to what extent does the government have the right to get involved in private businesses. When do potential health concerns overrule these limits?
I feel like this is an issue I need more education on. This could be a problem though, to find an unbiased place to look. If I'm correct conservative politics want as little regulation and involvement as possible, and liberals want more regulation. Generally I find myself to lean liberal, I don't hide this. But on this issue...hmm. What do you think? To what extent does the government have the right to step in and dictate rules, at least when it comes to health concerns? I'd love to hear some opinions...
Here's the link to video of the segment on The Daily Show, for some reason I can't embed it here: http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-january-3-2011/san-francisco-s-happy-meal-ban
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Nummy Nummy Peanut Buttery
So I had an uncontrollable sweet tooth craving tonight, so I decided it would be absolutely appropriate at 9pm to make some cookies. I didn't have enough chocolate chips to make those kind of cookies, so I went with my other classic, peanut butter. And they were delicious. Here is the recipe I used, from allrecipes.com, with an addition by me.:
Peanut Butter Cookies:
Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup white sugar, set aside in small bowl
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then stir in the vanilla and peanut butter. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; stir into the peanut butter mixture. Roll dough into walnut sized balls, and roll the balls in the bowl of sugar that was set aside, so that the entire ball is lightly coated. Place onto an ungreased cookie sheet, and press down slightly with a fork.
3. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. Makes about 30 cookies.
I let the first pan bake a little long so as you can see in the picture, a few cookies got a little overcooked, but they were fine. Don't forget to push down slightly with a fork too, this helps the cookie bake evenly. I forgot to do this on the second pan and didn't realize it until they we're almost done, but they still turned out pretty well once I fixed them.
Aside from the recipe, I'm aware that I haven't been updating lately, and I make no promises about when I'll post again. This blog is mainly just an outlet for me. There's probably a fairly introspective post coming soon about my first semester in grad school, but not sure when that will get done. Until then, thanks for reading, and I hope your day is awesome!
PS, I posted this using Picasa, a photo editing tool that I know a lot of people use but I just discovered it this weekend, and I have to say it awesome. Try it out if you have a chance to manage your photos, its free, and the face recognition abilities are the best I've seen out of any photo managing software.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
So Good to be Home
For the first time I am blogging from home, good ol' New Brighton, MN. I forgot how much I missed home until I got here. Parents can still be annoying and a little overbearing but I don't blame them, they are my parents and haven't seen me since August 2nd. Well I actually saw my mom and brother in Des Moines over Labor Day weekend...whatever.
It is decidedly colder up here, and I really didn't think 8 hours would give such a big temperature difference, as its normally only about ten degrees. But tomorrow (Sunday) it is supposed to 70 in Warrensburg, and only 35 here in MN. But...I actually don't mind. The cold feels...good here. It isn't like Warrensburg. It is crisp and cool but it smells good and just makes me feel at home. I think this is one of those things that only people who are from and really love the upper mid-west can understand, and that's ok.
Something random I didn't realize I was missing...geese! I saw a few different flocks as I was driving into Minnesota yesterday and I realized I hadn't seen any down in Missouri. just a random fact that amused me.
Other random thoughts...Glee from the last two weeks. In general, I'm happy. I can definitely say that Glee feels like itself again. Though I don't love everything, I do think it is back where it needs to be. Now about Kurt's whole thing...I have mixed feelings...again. The decision to make Kurt's bullier (I don't know if that's a real world) gay and so far in the closet grandma's handcuff's (FRIENDS reference) can't even reach him to me feels a bit like a cop-out. I would much rather see the actual issues addressed between someone who is gay and someone who has probably grown up thinking homosexuality is wrong in all ways. Now I know this issue is not resolved and will be on-going for the rest of the season, which is awesome, but I'm not sure I like how they've gotten into it. Having said that, I'm glad it's this over nothing. This topic is important. I also know some interesting spoilers about the upcoming episodes, but I won't share them here. Other Glee tidbits: LOVED Gweneth Paltrow, she is amazing, ADORED Teenage Dream (though not as much as Boyce Avenue's version), Loved the choreography in Singin' In the Rain/Umbrella but am still undecided on the actual song. That's all for now on that topic.
Now lastly some sadder news. My cat Smokey, who will be turning 19 this week, is not doing so well. She is still very much there mentally, but we can tell her back end is bothering her more than ever and she has gotten extremely thin. She is having trouble keeping food down so we're hoping adjusting her diet is going to help. It's weird because she can still jump on our beds and she'll jump from my bed to my brother's bed at night, but we know she is pain. Even her meow has gotten weaker. We're trying a few different food options and I think/hope my mom is bringing her into the vet this week to see if there is something we can do. If we have to say goodbye her soon I will be very sad, as we've had her since just before I turned 4. She has always been my kitty and I know her better than anyone and she clings to me more than anyone. But, I think I will be ok once it happens. 19 is pretty old for a cat, and she has had a great life. I think I've been able to slowly let go because I've been at school the last few years, but Smokey is still my pet through and through and it will be hard to say goodbye. Hopefully she gets better and we still have some good time with her. Will keep the blogosphere updated.
That's all for tonight folks!
It is decidedly colder up here, and I really didn't think 8 hours would give such a big temperature difference, as its normally only about ten degrees. But tomorrow (Sunday) it is supposed to 70 in Warrensburg, and only 35 here in MN. But...I actually don't mind. The cold feels...good here. It isn't like Warrensburg. It is crisp and cool but it smells good and just makes me feel at home. I think this is one of those things that only people who are from and really love the upper mid-west can understand, and that's ok.
Something random I didn't realize I was missing...geese! I saw a few different flocks as I was driving into Minnesota yesterday and I realized I hadn't seen any down in Missouri. just a random fact that amused me.
Other random thoughts...Glee from the last two weeks. In general, I'm happy. I can definitely say that Glee feels like itself again. Though I don't love everything, I do think it is back where it needs to be. Now about Kurt's whole thing...I have mixed feelings...again. The decision to make Kurt's bullier (I don't know if that's a real world) gay and so far in the closet grandma's handcuff's (FRIENDS reference) can't even reach him to me feels a bit like a cop-out. I would much rather see the actual issues addressed between someone who is gay and someone who has probably grown up thinking homosexuality is wrong in all ways. Now I know this issue is not resolved and will be on-going for the rest of the season, which is awesome, but I'm not sure I like how they've gotten into it. Having said that, I'm glad it's this over nothing. This topic is important. I also know some interesting spoilers about the upcoming episodes, but I won't share them here. Other Glee tidbits: LOVED Gweneth Paltrow, she is amazing, ADORED Teenage Dream (though not as much as Boyce Avenue's version), Loved the choreography in Singin' In the Rain/Umbrella but am still undecided on the actual song. That's all for now on that topic.
Now lastly some sadder news. My cat Smokey, who will be turning 19 this week, is not doing so well. She is still very much there mentally, but we can tell her back end is bothering her more than ever and she has gotten extremely thin. She is having trouble keeping food down so we're hoping adjusting her diet is going to help. It's weird because she can still jump on our beds and she'll jump from my bed to my brother's bed at night, but we know she is pain. Even her meow has gotten weaker. We're trying a few different food options and I think/hope my mom is bringing her into the vet this week to see if there is something we can do. If we have to say goodbye her soon I will be very sad, as we've had her since just before I turned 4. She has always been my kitty and I know her better than anyone and she clings to me more than anyone. But, I think I will be ok once it happens. 19 is pretty old for a cat, and she has had a great life. I think I've been able to slowly let go because I've been at school the last few years, but Smokey is still my pet through and through and it will be hard to say goodbye. Hopefully she gets better and we still have some good time with her. Will keep the blogosphere updated.
That's all for tonight folks!
Monday, November 8, 2010
Living Above Average
Here's a short and happy post for you all (both rare).
Over the past few days I've just been...happy. For no overly big reason. I actually have a lot of things that are, or should be stressing me out right now. But they're not. I had actually a pretty good weekend. Saturday I went to our football game which was awesome, but ended in heartbreak, yet I was optimistic at the end. That night was pretty awesome hanging out with some amazing people. I haven't had that much fun in a long time. Sunday nothing overly good or bad happened, and not really today either. We did have the University President as a guest speaker in our class tonight which was really good to have. And I just found a token from my amazing staff from 08-09 and that made me smile ear to ear. But yeah, right now, I'm good. I don't know how long it will last, and my next post will probably be not as happy, but right now, in this moment, I'm good.
Living above average is pretty awesome. Maybe that will be my new life philosophy.
Over the past few days I've just been...happy. For no overly big reason. I actually have a lot of things that are, or should be stressing me out right now. But they're not. I had actually a pretty good weekend. Saturday I went to our football game which was awesome, but ended in heartbreak, yet I was optimistic at the end. That night was pretty awesome hanging out with some amazing people. I haven't had that much fun in a long time. Sunday nothing overly good or bad happened, and not really today either. We did have the University President as a guest speaker in our class tonight which was really good to have. And I just found a token from my amazing staff from 08-09 and that made me smile ear to ear. But yeah, right now, I'm good. I don't know how long it will last, and my next post will probably be not as happy, but right now, in this moment, I'm good.
Living above average is pretty awesome. Maybe that will be my new life philosophy.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
My Thoughts & Fears on Tuesday Night's Elections
I'm going to try not to make this long or over complicated. Also if it wasn't obvious already, I am a liberal and generally support Democratic candidates, however, not blindly.
So this must be what it felt like for republicans two years ago after Obama was elected. Defeated, scared, sad, almost hopeless. I get that, and maybe its deserved. But something is different this time. This isn't just a simple power switch with the main outcomes affecting the way government is run or its reach. No, this time our nation has elected a plethora of candidates who genuinely scare me because of their beliefs on Religion, Homosexuality, Education, and many other topics. I am fearful with what congress will do with the health care bill, but that's the least of my worries. I also have hope there since Republicans didn't take the Senate and we still have Obama, for now.
The people we have elected to "represent" us for the next two years have radical ideas on the topics I mentioned above. Many believe that we are first and foremost a Christian nation, that if you are a Muslim you are also a terrorist, that the Department of Education should be abolished, that being gay is choice and/or is "curable", that many of the amendments made to our constitution in the last 200+ years shouldn't stand. These things scare me. People like Michelle Bachmann from Minnesota, John Boehner from Ohio, Renee Ellmers from North Carolina, Rand Paul from Kentucky, and many others, scare me because they have been given power that they can and want to use to oppress minorities and carry out their own far right "morals". (I dislike the term agenda, everyone has an agenda with whatever they do, I have one in this blog)
Being from Minnesota I have much more experience with Michelle Bachmann in particular, and that... woman thrives on fear and the tears of the people she oppresses. She doesn't care about Minnesota, much less her own district. Last night she would only grant national, not local, interviews, and her event was held in an upscale hotel that was not in her own district. Why the people of the Minnesota 6th have sent her back for a third term I cannot comprehend. And I need to move on before steam starts pouring from my ears.
Speaking of Minnesota, for the second election in a row, the results are looking like they'll fall within a half percent, thus forcing an automatic recount. Minnesota has not had a Democratic Governor in more than 16 years. Mark Dayton was never my first choice for the Democratic nomination, as I was originally in favor of Matt Entenza, but I think Dayton would do fine. Much better than Tom Emmer, who seems to be a doppelganger, if not worse, than Tim Pawlenty. But now it looks like it won't matter either way, as both the MN House and Senate have gone back to Republican Control. I really do not understand, but we cannot afford to keep going in MN like we have the past 8 years under Pawlenty. Cities cannot afford more cuts. K-12 cannot afford more cuts. Higher ed cannot keep raising tuition.
I'm am not as concerned with the outcomes of this election on the way government is run, or even the most controversial topics like abortion. I'm concerned because we have been making so much progress especially in gay rights, and that progress is in serious jeopardy. We saw this past summer how people reacted to the Islamic Center in New York. That type of fear and hate is now in bigger positions of power. It scares me.
No, the results of this election are about much more than simple government and spending policy. We cannot let civil rights continue to be denied or taken away. We must stand up. I am cautiously optimistic that with a Republican House and a Democratic Senate the two sides will be forced to work together, but that light isn't very bright. I some take comfort that a few good people were elected, and we still have people who are doing a good job like Betty McCollum and Amy Klobuchar (a Representative and Senator from MN). I pray that my fears do not come to fruition, and that the next two years prove to be productive. But right now, sorry John Stewart, fear has taken control of me.
So this must be what it felt like for republicans two years ago after Obama was elected. Defeated, scared, sad, almost hopeless. I get that, and maybe its deserved. But something is different this time. This isn't just a simple power switch with the main outcomes affecting the way government is run or its reach. No, this time our nation has elected a plethora of candidates who genuinely scare me because of their beliefs on Religion, Homosexuality, Education, and many other topics. I am fearful with what congress will do with the health care bill, but that's the least of my worries. I also have hope there since Republicans didn't take the Senate and we still have Obama, for now.
The people we have elected to "represent" us for the next two years have radical ideas on the topics I mentioned above. Many believe that we are first and foremost a Christian nation, that if you are a Muslim you are also a terrorist, that the Department of Education should be abolished, that being gay is choice and/or is "curable", that many of the amendments made to our constitution in the last 200+ years shouldn't stand. These things scare me. People like Michelle Bachmann from Minnesota, John Boehner from Ohio, Renee Ellmers from North Carolina, Rand Paul from Kentucky, and many others, scare me because they have been given power that they can and want to use to oppress minorities and carry out their own far right "morals". (I dislike the term agenda, everyone has an agenda with whatever they do, I have one in this blog)
Being from Minnesota I have much more experience with Michelle Bachmann in particular, and that... woman thrives on fear and the tears of the people she oppresses. She doesn't care about Minnesota, much less her own district. Last night she would only grant national, not local, interviews, and her event was held in an upscale hotel that was not in her own district. Why the people of the Minnesota 6th have sent her back for a third term I cannot comprehend. And I need to move on before steam starts pouring from my ears.
Speaking of Minnesota, for the second election in a row, the results are looking like they'll fall within a half percent, thus forcing an automatic recount. Minnesota has not had a Democratic Governor in more than 16 years. Mark Dayton was never my first choice for the Democratic nomination, as I was originally in favor of Matt Entenza, but I think Dayton would do fine. Much better than Tom Emmer, who seems to be a doppelganger, if not worse, than Tim Pawlenty. But now it looks like it won't matter either way, as both the MN House and Senate have gone back to Republican Control. I really do not understand, but we cannot afford to keep going in MN like we have the past 8 years under Pawlenty. Cities cannot afford more cuts. K-12 cannot afford more cuts. Higher ed cannot keep raising tuition.
I'm am not as concerned with the outcomes of this election on the way government is run, or even the most controversial topics like abortion. I'm concerned because we have been making so much progress especially in gay rights, and that progress is in serious jeopardy. We saw this past summer how people reacted to the Islamic Center in New York. That type of fear and hate is now in bigger positions of power. It scares me.
No, the results of this election are about much more than simple government and spending policy. We cannot let civil rights continue to be denied or taken away. We must stand up. I am cautiously optimistic that with a Republican House and a Democratic Senate the two sides will be forced to work together, but that light isn't very bright. I some take comfort that a few good people were elected, and we still have people who are doing a good job like Betty McCollum and Amy Klobuchar (a Representative and Senator from MN). I pray that my fears do not come to fruition, and that the next two years prove to be productive. But right now, sorry John Stewart, fear has taken control of me.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Good Soup to Ease the Pain
So I'm not going to write about the elections at the moment. I need to think of something positive first.
Instead I'll rave about my soup I made tonight! Split Pea and Ham, made from scratch. First time using chicken broth but definitely won't be my last. Only thing I wasn't fond of were the bay leave flakes I added instead of a recommended Bay Leave which is removed at the end, but no biggie there. Still tasted awesome, possibly better than mom's! Here's the recipe, adapted from another website:
Split Pea and Ham Soup
Here is just after adding the broth and peas:
Add the carrots, celery and potatoes then cook for an additional 30-45 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
Final Product:
The original recipe called for garlic and the bay leave as mentioned, but garlic likes to upset my stomach so I omitted it, and I didn't miss it. Enjoy with Club crackers, they have just the right taste.
Instead I'll rave about my soup I made tonight! Split Pea and Ham, made from scratch. First time using chicken broth but definitely won't be my last. Only thing I wasn't fond of were the bay leave flakes I added instead of a recommended Bay Leave which is removed at the end, but no biggie there. Still tasted awesome, possibly better than mom's! Here's the recipe, adapted from another website:
Split Pea and Ham Soup
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks of celery, diced
- 1 large russet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 lb ham steak, diced
- 8 cups of chicken broth or vegetable stock
- 1 1lb bag of dried split peas (rinsed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Here is just after adding the broth and peas:
Add the carrots, celery and potatoes then cook for an additional 30-45 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
Final Product:
The original recipe called for garlic and the bay leave as mentioned, but garlic likes to upset my stomach so I omitted it, and I didn't miss it. Enjoy with Club crackers, they have just the right taste.
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