Flotsam and Jetsam

[Rac80]

We need a place for funny bits that don't derserve a whole thread so here goes:

Saw our favorite Tollan (SG1) on Wonderland this week- Garwin Sandford (Narim) played the red king who marries Anastasia and makes her the Red Queen - thus breaking will's heart.

also saw Eli the donut guy from SGPoo on Castle. David Blue has managed to keep his slimmed down figure, BUT someone he still looks like "just a fat guy waiting to happen!" He played the murder vic's personal asst. on Castle, had maybe three scenes, and I kept waiting for him to grab a donut! yes, mean i know; but somehow he doen't looks "right" slimmer. Like Al Roker of the today show- since his stomach stapling he doesn't seem to "look right" with a slimmer body. Same with Rev Al sharpton- his head is too big.

In my own stargate moment- some friends of mine have opened a comicbook store in town (the only one on the east side of indy) and we (snookie & I) stopped in to say hi. turns out the hubby is a stargate fan but not as crazy abt it as I am - he only bought the original series once-- I bought it individually and then bought the boxed set a few years later (gave my originals to snookie). Was also surprised to learn about the sgpoo hate out there. He didn't even know abt the old sgusucks hate site.
additional side note the owner was working on the makeup he is going to wear at his next comic-genre show- they consider a "presence " at shows like that as a business expense. He's going as rumplestiltskin from Once- he looks enough like robert carlysle to pull it off- small, slender, frizzy hair.

 

[shavedape]

Hmm, I never pictured you cavorting with hippies, Rac, but to each their own.

And right now my whole life is flotsam and jetsam. As usual I have to plan Thanksgiving dinner, from scratch, for various dispirited and wayward people. Of course one person really wants a pumpkin pie, which doesn't thrill me as I don't like it and really don't want to spend the time making it as it will be a time crunch those days. I said it would be easier if they just bought one for their gustatory pleasure, but this person -- who doesn't know anything about cooking -- thinks that I somehow have a magical way of transforming a can of pumpkin puree, eggs and cream into something that transcends what they could get for $2.99 down at the local Sentry grocery store. The fact is, it's pumpkin pie and it all tastes the same no matter the source.

This person then suggested I make a pumpkin cheesecake instead: "You know, just like the one I had thirty years ago at the Pfister Hotel." ... So after I regained consciousness and was able to stop the trickle of blood from my ears, I kindly told the person not to hold their breath and to get out of my presence before my boot became lodged in their backside. But I've been thinking, and quite simply pumpkin pie and cheesecake are essentially "sisters" in that they are custard based creations. Now, I don't enjoy cheesecake anymore than I do pumpkin pie as I don't really care for mouthfuls of cold, custard stuff, but I do enjoy the process of baking them odd as that sounds. I think it has something to do with feeling efficacious because these thing always turn out just fine. It is really hard to mess up baking a cheesecake, especially since we're talking about a handful of ingredients. So in a way it's stupid simple to do. Plus people think you're a genius for being able to actually make something at home that they thought could only ever be purchased. So basically I'm on the fence when it comes to making either pumpkin pie or cheesecake. Feel free to weigh in with your thoughts as to whether or not I should do it.

So, there ya go. That's today's flotsam and jetsam.

 

[Gatefan1976]

Go the cheesecake, more people will try it, and think you are a fantastic cook

 

[Jim of WVa]

Hmm, I never pictured you cavorting with hippies, Rac, but to each their own.

And right now my whole life is flotsam and jetsam. As usual I have to plan Thanksgiving dinner, from scratch, for various dispirited and wayward people. Of course one person really wants a pumpkin pie, which doesn't thrill me as I don't like it and really don't want to spend the time making it as it will be a time crunch those days. I said it would be easier if they just bought one for their gustatory pleasure, but this person -- who doesn't know anything about cooking -- thinks that I somehow have a magical way of transforming a can of pumpkin puree, eggs and cream into something that transcends what they could get for $2.99 down at the local Sentry grocery store. The fact is, it's pumpkin pie and it all tastes the same no matter the source.

This person then suggested I make a pumpkin cheesecake instead: "You know, just like the one I had thirty years ago at the Pfister Hotel." ... So after I regained consciousness and was able to stop the trickle of blood from my ears, I kindly told the person not to hold their breath and to get out of my presence before my boot became lodged in their backside. But I've been thinking, and quite simply pumpkin pie and cheesecake are essentially "sisters" in that they are custard based creations. Now, I don't enjoy cheesecake anymore than I do pumpkin pie as I don't really care for mouthfuls of cold, custard stuff, but I do enjoy the process of baking them odd as that sounds. I think it has something to do with feeling efficacious because these thing always turn out just fine. It is really hard to mess up baking a cheesecake, especially since we're talking about a handful of ingredients. So in a way it's stupid simple to do. Plus people think you're a genius for being able to actually make something at home that they thought could only ever be purchased. So basically I'm on the fence when it comes to making either pumpkin pie or cheesecake. Feel free to weigh in with your thoughts as to whether or not I should do it.

So, there ya go. That's today's flotsam and jetsam.

Go with the pumpkin pie; you can't go wrong.

 

[Rac80]

Mr. Rac prefers a pumpkin ROLL- a cake base with cream cheese in the center. sweetie try Marie Callendar's Pumpkin pie, just thaw and bake. I love their razzleberry pie so I buy one for thanksgiving! Listen Kiddo I've been cooking a thanksgiving dinner for 32 years- through morning sickness (and 2 miscarriages on thanksgiving day), the flu, chickenpox (snookie's), hubby's heart attack scare, for over 30 people at a church social (3 years running), when it was 20 below and then at 70 above to name a few non-traditional years, so get cooking and quit whining!
Snookie loves pumpkin pie so i will cook one of those too.
my friends aren't hippies- staunch catholics in fact- a great family! My sister was the hippie- woodstock and everything - bra burning, pot smoking, no shaving her pits hippie!

 

[shavedape]

Oddly enough the can of pumpkin puree I have in the cupboard has a recipe for a "Pumpkin roll". It might make for a change of pace. We shall see. As it is I've already got a gigantic apple pie in the freezer. The relative of a friend was selling them for his five year old daughter (but claiming the kid was selling it herself -- you know how that scam works). It came replete with some weird scripture phrase on the packaging and a label for one of those demented, evangelical grade schools. Needless to say I was less than happy that my $12 was going in their direction but I didn't make a fuss about it. You've got to choose your battles.

 

[Rac80]

Oddly enough the can of pumpkin puree I have in the cupboard has a recipe for a "Pumpkin roll". It might make for a change of pace. We shall see. As it is I've already got a gigantic apple pie in the freezer. The relative of a friend was selling them for his five year old daughter (but claiming the kid was selling it herself -- you know how that scam works). It came replete with some weird scripture phrase on the packaging and a label for one of those demented, evangelical grade schools. Needless to say I was less than happy that my $12 was going in their direction but I didn't make a fuss about it. You've got to choose your battles.

advice on a pumpkin roll- keep it in the fridge- otherwise it's impossible to cut(too soft and smooshy!) and never let your guests cut the pieces for themselves- you'll get about 3 to 4 slices per roll. at least that is how mr rac cuts it!

 

[Overmind One]

We need a place for funny bits that don't derserve a whole thread so here goes:

Saw our favorite Tollan (SG1) on Wonderland this week- Garwin Sandford (Narim) played the red king who marries Anastasia and makes her the Red Queen - thus breaking will's heart.

also saw Eli the donut guy from SGPoo on Castle. David Blue has managed to keep his slimmed down figure, BUT someone he still looks like "just a fat guy waiting to happen!" He played the murder vic's personal asst. on Castle, had maybe three scenes, and I kept waiting for him to grab a donut! yes, mean i know; but somehow he doen't looks "right" slimmer. Like Al Roker of the today show- since his stomach stapling he doesn't seem to "look right" with a slimmer body. Same with Rev Al sharpton- his head is too big.

In my own stargate moment- some friends of mine have opened a comicbook store in town (the only one on the east side of indy) and we (snookie & I) stopped in to say hi. turns out the hubby is a stargate fan but not as crazy abt it as I am - he only bought the original series once-- I bought it individually and then bought the boxed set a few years later (gave my originals to snookie). Was also surprised to learn about the sgpoo hate out there. He didn't even know abt the old sgusucks hate site.
additional side note the owner was working on the makeup he is going to wear at his next comic-genre show- they consider a "presence " at shows like that as a business expense. He's going as rumplestiltskin from Once- he looks enough like robert carlysle to pull it off- small, slender, frizzy hair.

AGREE! (bolded). He doesnt look right as a slimmer guy. Is Al Sharpton having some sort of vision of himself in politics? I think he is. Same with Al Roker.

 

[YJ02]

We need a place for funny bits that don't derserve a whole thread so here goes:

Saw our favorite Tollan (SG1) on Wonderland this week- Garwin Sandford (Narim) played the red king who marries Anastasia and makes her the Red Queen - thus breaking will's heart.

also saw Eli the donut guy from SGPoo on Castle. David Blue has managed to keep his slimmed down figure, BUT someone he still looks like "just a fat guy waiting to happen!" He played the murder vic's personal asst. on Castle, had maybe three scenes, and I kept waiting for him to grab a donut! yes, mean i know; but somehow he doen't looks "right" slimmer. Like Al Roker of the today show- since his stomach stapling he doesn't seem to "look right" with a slimmer body. Same with Rev Al sharpton- his head is too big.

In my own stargate moment- some friends of mine have opened a comicbook store in town (the only one on the east side of indy) and we (snookie & I) stopped in to say hi. turns out the hubby is a stargate fan but not as crazy abt it as I am - he only bought the original series once-- I bought it individually and then bought the boxed set a few years later (gave my originals to snookie). Was also surprised to learn about the sgpoo hate out there. He didn't even know abt the old sgusucks hate site.
additional side note the owner was working on the makeup he is going to wear at his next comic-genre show- they consider a "presence " at shows like that as a business expense. He's going as rumplestiltskin from Once- he looks enough like robert carlysle to pull it off- small, slender, frizzy hair.

Maybe Blue can play Toronto Mayor Ford in the inevitable TV movie of the week

 

[shavedape]

Well, well, well, it looks like Aussies are the first to jump off this sinking ship.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/...cert_n_4298120.html?ncid=txtlnkusaolp00000592

No One In Australia Wants To Go To Justin Bieber Concerts Anymore

Justin Bieber begins his eight-show Australia tour on Nov. 26, but it doesn't seem like anyone really wants to go. According to news.com.au, many tickets are selling for half their original price, and some don't even have any bids (including seats in the front four rows, priced at $79.00).

Alex Levenson, who heads the Asia Pacific sector of ticket-selling market place viagogo, blamed the drop on Bieber's "very good impression of an enfant terrible." Sales decreased 23 percent since the pop star's infamous visit to a Brazilian brothel and another 18 percent since we saw that picture of his tiny body passed out in a hotel earlier this month. Overall, tickets are 41 percent of the price they sold for last year.

 

[Gatefan1976]

Yeah, we have been ditching those tickets for half price or less over the last few days.
We also egged that wanker as well, but now he is really loosing it.
Too much pressure too quick, will stuff most people.

 

[YJ02]

Yeah, we have been ditching those tickets for half price or less over the last few days.
We also egged that wanker as well, but now he is really loosing it.
Too much pressure too quick, will stuff most people.

Oh it will be sheer chaotic joy watching his "crash and burn". Just hope he doesn't kill anyone in the process.

 

[Backstep]

Rob Ford the Movie

 

[shavedape]

Okay, looking for some feedback on a weird social situation that I'm dealing with. I'm having this gay couple over to dinner this weekend (I only mention that they're gay for context) as it's my turn to reciprocate on a meal. Taking them out to a restaurant isn't in the cards as we've done that and now it's my turn to cook again.

So here's the problem, they're both picky eaters but one of them is insufferable about what he won't eat. And his restrictions are not based on health or medical need. He simply is spoiled and childish about food preferences. For instance, he will not eat vegetables. NO salad. NO veggies in appetizers. NO veggie side dishes. NO veggies in an entree. Etc.

So basically every time I host them I have to get tacit menu approval. Like this time I emailed one of them (the nice one) and told him I was making glazed ham along with mini-sweet potatoes, mac and cheese and dinner rolls. (Appetizer will be mixed nuts and a simple dip cuz God knows i can't make anything like guacamole or brushcetta or olive tapenade or even shrimp cocktail for these queens) So the guy writes me back and says: "Jim doesn't eat sweet potatoes". I'm like, yeah, no shit, that's why I'm making mac and cheese because he will eat that. Then this guy added: "What, no bread? I'm Italian!"

Okay, so, maybe the guy missed the part about the rolls and/or was joking about the bread. No biggie. But at this point in our acquaintance he should know that I take into account their neurotic eating preferences so I didn't need to know that his annoying partner wasn't going to eat the sweet potatoes. And it's not a matter of quantity as I'm not making that much in the way of sweet potatoes and also they've never mentioned quantity before. I highly doubt they're trying to spare me from wasting any sweet potatoes, rather, this guy's partner just demanded that I be reminded that he doesn't eat any vegetables. Seriously, he's neurotic that way, he mentions it every chance he gets. It's beyond annyoing.

I did mention that I was making a Queen of Sheba torte for dessert but the guy offered to bring a raspberry torte instead. Chances are he'll bring some chocolate too since it's December and he buys a lot from this one candy shop at this time of year. So this guy isn't a jerk really, but he and his partner are annoying and tedious to entertain successfully. It's not just vegetables that are the problem as it extends to meats also. For instance, one of them will not eat prime rib and the other one will not eat filet mignon. And one will not eat shrimp and the other one will not eat lobster. The list of what they won't eat goes on and on and on.

And that's where the issue lies for me as I can't understand ever being so picky about dining when one is a guest. I have never once refused a meal when I was a guest. Even if the person is serving something I don't like I don't complain and simply suck it up and deal with it, like with poached salmon. I don't like it and would never make it myself, but I don't freak out if someone serves it. I just deal with it. Truth is, it's rare for me to not like something I'm being served.

So of course I'll still have these guys over as I've extended the invitation, but I'm thinking about cutting them off from then on. The problem with this is I'm getting tired of doing this with people. In many ways it makes life much easier, but it's also very sad as I've had to do it numerous times over the years. I simply don't understand why grown adults can't act like grown adults and not spoiled children when it comes to social gatherings.

So what would GateFans do?

 

[Gatefan1976]

1: You are a host, not a resteraunt
2: As host, you are doing your level best to be accomadating, that's part of being a host, so I see no problems there
3: As guest you have the responsibility to be courteous to you host, and appreciate the work they do to host you.
4: this is real life not My Kitchen Rules.

I guess the real question is, is their continued presence in your life worth the hassle?
If they are worth it, then just ask what they would like, cut through all the bullshit guesswork and say, "what would you like me to make for you", and let them bring dessert, and that nice bottle of wine you could never convince yourself to buy

 

[YJ02]

Okay, looking for some feedback on a weird social situation that I'm dealing with. I'm having this gay couple over to dinner this weekend (I only mention that they're gay for context) as it's my turn to reciprocate on a meal. Taking them out to a restaurant isn't in the cards as we've done that and now it's my turn to cook again.

So here's the problem, they're both picky eaters but one of them is insufferable about what he won't eat. And his restrictions are not based on health or medical need. He simply is spoiled and childish about food preferences. For instance, he will not eat vegetables. NO salad. NO veggies in appetizers. NO veggie side dishes. NO veggies in an entree. Etc.

So basically every time I host them I have to get tacit menu approval. Like this time I emailed one of them (the nice one) and told him I was making glazed ham along with mini-sweet potatoes, mac and cheese and dinner rolls. (Appetizer will be mixed nuts and a simple dip cuz God knows i can't make anything like guacamole or brushcetta or olive tapenade or even shrimp cocktail for these queens) So the guy writes me back and says: "Jim doesn't eat sweet potatoes". I'm like, yeah, no shit, that's why I'm making mac and cheese because he will eat that. Then this guy added: "What, no bread? I'm Italian!"

Okay, so, maybe the guy missed the part about the rolls and/or was joking about the bread. No biggie. But at this point in our acquaintance he should know that I take into account their neurotic eating preferences so I didn't need to know that his annoying partner wasn't going to eat the sweet potatoes. And it's not a matter of quantity as I'm not making that much in the way of sweet potatoes and also they've never mentioned quantity before. I highly doubt they're trying to spare me from wasting any sweet potatoes, rather, this guy's partner just demanded that I be reminded that he doesn't eat any vegetables. Seriously, he's neurotic that way, he mentions it every chance he gets. It's beyond annyoing.

I did mention that I was making a Queen of Sheba torte for dessert but the guy offered to bring a raspberry torte instead. Chances are he'll bring some chocolate too since it's December and he buys a lot from this one candy shop at this time of year. So this guy isn't a jerk really, but he and his partner are annoying and tedious to entertain successfully. It's not just vegetables that are the problem as it extends to meats also. For instance, one of them will not eat prime rib and the other one will not eat filet mignon. And one will not eat shrimp and the other one will not eat lobster. The list of what they won't eat goes on and on and on.

And that's where the issue lies for me as I can't understand ever being so picky about dining when one is a guest. I have never once refused a meal when I was a guest. Even if the person is serving something I don't like I don't complain and simply suck it up and deal with it, like with poached salmon. I don't like it and would never make it myself, but I don't freak out if someone serves it. I just deal with it. Truth is, it's rare for me to not like something I'm being served.

So of course I'll still have these guys over as I've extended the invitation, but I'm thinking about cutting them off from then on. The problem with this is I'm getting tired of doing this with people. In many ways it makes life much easier, but it's also very sad as I've had to do it numerous times over the years. I simply don't understand why grown adults can't act like grown adults and not spoiled children when it comes to social gatherings.

So what would GateFans do?

Dude-you need new friends!

Kidding!!!

Yes, I would say they are being very rude and un-appreciative. Even if your grilled beans and made PB&J sandwiches, they should "suck it up" and respect their host(s).

There are rules, supposedly, to being a host and to being a guest. I say that being a good guest includes eating what ever the hell you are served as long as the host made attempts to accommodate any pre-announced preferences.

Maybe you should just all meet at a restaurant or have an inexpensive caterer for your get togethers.

 

[Bluce Ree]

Okay, looking for some feedback on a weird social situation that I'm dealing with. I'm having this gay couple over to dinner this weekend (I only mention that they're gay for context) as it's my turn to reciprocate on a meal. Taking them out to a restaurant isn't in the cards as we've done that and now it's my turn to cook again.

So here's the problem, they're both picky eaters but one of them is insufferable about what he won't eat. And his restrictions are not based on health or medical need. He simply is spoiled and childish about food preferences. For instance, he will not eat vegetables. NO salad. NO veggies in appetizers. NO veggie side dishes. NO veggies in an entree. Etc.

So basically every time I host them I have to get tacit menu approval. Like this time I emailed one of them (the nice one) and told him I was making glazed ham along with mini-sweet potatoes, mac and cheese and dinner rolls. (Appetizer will be mixed nuts and a simple dip cuz God knows i can't make anything like guacamole or brushcetta or olive tapenade or even shrimp cocktail for these queens) So the guy writes me back and says: "Jim doesn't eat sweet potatoes". I'm like, yeah, no shit, that's why I'm making mac and cheese because he will eat that. Then this guy added: "What, no bread? I'm Italian!"

Okay, so, maybe the guy missed the part about the rolls and/or was joking about the bread. No biggie. But at this point in our acquaintance he should know that I take into account their neurotic eating preferences so I didn't need to know that his annoying partner wasn't going to eat the sweet potatoes. And it's not a matter of quantity as I'm not making that much in the way of sweet potatoes and also they've never mentioned quantity before. I highly doubt they're trying to spare me from wasting any sweet potatoes, rather, this guy's partner just demanded that I be reminded that he doesn't eat any vegetables. Seriously, he's neurotic that way, he mentions it every chance he gets. It's beyond annyoing.

I did mention that I was making a Queen of Sheba torte for dessert but the guy offered to bring a raspberry torte instead. Chances are he'll bring some chocolate too since it's December and he buys a lot from this one candy shop at this time of year. So this guy isn't a jerk really, but he and his partner are annoying and tedious to entertain successfully. It's not just vegetables that are the problem as it extends to meats also. For instance, one of them will not eat prime rib and the other one will not eat filet mignon. And one will not eat shrimp and the other one will not eat lobster. The list of what they won't eat goes on and on and on.

And that's where the issue lies for me as I can't understand ever being so picky about dining when one is a guest. I have never once refused a meal when I was a guest. Even if the person is serving something I don't like I don't complain and simply suck it up and deal with it, like with poached salmon. I don't like it and would never make it myself, but I don't freak out if someone serves it. I just deal with it. Truth is, it's rare for me to not like something I'm being served.

So of course I'll still have these guys over as I've extended the invitation, but I'm thinking about cutting them off from then on. The problem with this is I'm getting tired of doing this with people. In many ways it makes life much easier, but it's also very sad as I've had to do it numerous times over the years. I simply don't understand why grown adults can't act like grown adults and not spoiled children when it comes to social gatherings.

So what would GateFans do?

Put "restaurant" back in the cards or make it a pot-luck dinner. You're way too good to people.

 

[YJ02]

Just wondering; has anyone here EVER made it through more then say 15 minutes of EYES WIDE SHUT?

I can't.

I have seen the movie in bits and pieces and all I come away with is "weird, crazy, psycho-sexual Christmas dream"

Is it just me, or is that a fair assessment?

 

[shavedape]

Just wondering; has anyone here EVER made it through more then say 15 minutes of EYES WIDE SHUT?

I can't.

I have seen the movie in bits and pieces and all I come away with is "weird, crazy, psycho-sexual Christmas dream"

Is it just me, or is that a fair assessment?

I actually sat through the whole thing.

Tedious -- Yes.

Would I do it again? -- No.

Did it leave me with questions to ponder for days on end? -- No, because I really didn't care. To me it just smacked of being a late middle-aged, white, suburban man's idea of taboo titillation, which can be summed up with the word: YAWN.

But hey, you get a glimpse of Nicole Kidman's nude body, woo hoo!

 

[shavedape]

1: You are a host, not a resteraunt
2: As host, you are doing your level best to be accomadating, that's part of being a host, so I see no problems there
3: As guest you have the responsibility to be courteous to you host, and appreciate the work they do to host you.
4: this is real life not My Kitchen Rules.

I guess the real question is, is their continued presence in your life worth the hassle?
If they are worth it, then just ask what they would like, cut through all the bullshit guesswork and say, "what would you like me to make for you", and let them bring dessert, and that nice bottle of wine you could never convince yourself to buy

Actually I have cut down on seeing this couple. We haven't met up since June and I could no longer put them off. The original concept was to switch off treating at a restaurant one time, then the next time we'd do dinner in-house, then a restaurant, then in-house.

There's a history there with us. We were friends a long time ago and then they moved out of state for over a decade and we lost touch. Then they moved back to the state and eventually reconnected. They were always kind of goofy when I first knew them but since reconnecting I've noticed that they are just plain crazy with their dining habits (and other things).

Dude-you need new friends!

Kidding!!!

Yes, I would say they are being very rude and un-appreciative. Even if your grilled beans and made PB&J sandwiches, they should "suck it up" and respect their host(s).

There are rules, supposedly, to being a host and to being a guest. I say that being a good guest includes eating what ever the hell you are served as long as the host made attempts to accommodate any pre-announced preferences.

Maybe you should just all meet at a restaurant or have an inexpensive caterer for your get togethers.

Yeah, that's what gets me, I mean, I do my best to be accommodating but these queens are just so damn over the top with their dining expectations that it's wearing on me. Last time they had me over they made bow tie pasta with Italian sausage. It wasn't the greatest but I dutifully ate it because that's what one does. I even ate the lousy (and I mean lousy) cheese nachos they made as an appetizer. The way I see it is that it's not so much about the food as it is the fun of getting together, so I didn't let it bother me that it wasn't a gourmet meal. I ate, I drank, I had fun -- that's the whole point. Why these guys fixate so much on what's being served to them is beyond me.

Put "restaurant" back in the cards or make it a pot-luck dinner. You're way too good to people.

Yup, I'm going to have to lean on the restaurant option in the future. I'll just make up some excuse as to why I can't cook. I'll also be stretching out the time in between meeting up again, hopefully to the point that we distance ourselves fully. I really don't like to do that but I've found that it's necessary at times. As it is, the older I get the less neurosis I tolerate, especially from people older than me who should know better.