Obama in Iraq
The Iraq visit is being described as a surprise when it is anything but. The only issue was whether it would be Afghanistan or Iraq; Iraq won simply because it was closer.
Sadly, neither the BBC nor most of the other media folks on the trip have been able to go there with the President. It would have been nice to see somewhere new...
My previous trip on Air Force One was to Teesside in Northeast England, so Iraq would have been a glamorous addition, but it was not to be. Although the Ritz Hotel Istanbul (the media centre for the White House) has its attractions. An extra dinner has been ordered, you will be pleased to hear.
Hello, I'm 
© MMIX~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~47~RS~)
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Justin, beware eating out too often. The diet police will be on to you.
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Speaking of food, I found this op ed piece from my hometown newspaper amusing:
http://www.denverpost.com/lifestyles/ci_12084659
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Hmm... Teesside or Baghdad... a decade ago I couldn't have imagined that being a difficult choice. Shows how much we've accomplished.
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Now lets see if the apology tour continues with Obama apologizing to Bathist members and terrorist insurgents in Iraq.
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How come the press didn't get to go? Would be interesting to hear the background of when you guys found out he was heading to "South West/West Asia" and how long you were blacked out for.
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#4
Wow. You really never cease to amaze me with the amount of BS you can come up with.
I thought Obama was meeting the troops? Hardly an apology (although perhaps the soldiers deserve one).
Your illogical jump from meeting the troops and talking to the Iraqi leaders, to apologizing terrorist insurgents, is quite frankly astounding. One day I hope your foolish tinted-glasses fall off and you realize what reality is.
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First of all, have a nice dinner and enjoy Istanbul you lucky rascal!
President Obama's visit to Baghdad may be unannounced, for obvious reasons, but it is hardly a surprise. As President he probably feels compelled to visit our troops, and I suspect he wants to convey his plans in person to Al Maliki and senior members of his cabinet. Hopefully there is a shortage of shoes in Iraq at the present time...
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To#2 Andypost
Your link was funny but a bit mean. I do not believe that British food can be as bad as the article stated. I love beans for breakfast. We call them refritos and serve on a tortilla with green chili, muy pecante! The British DO know how to brew a decent cup of tea which is more than can be said for most of the USA.
Of course, President Obama would visit Iraq. He was nearby and he plans to change what we are doing there. I felt quite emotional when I saw how the troops there greeted him. I think it was a genuine show of affection and not just a photo opportunity. At least he did not wear military garb which he really is not entitled, even if he is commander in chief. There is a difference between serving in the line of duty and just pretending to know what that service means, ala Bush. I am proud of our troops who do their duty no matter how hard and of our President who gave them honor and support.
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What a nice difference from the press-packed, fully staged performances by Bush administration officials to fully-vetted and captive audiences. No more plastic turkeys, no more insulting real soldiers by having a president who plays dress-up.
Since Mr. Webb is more interested in eating than events, it was a good call to leave him out, frankly. But I'm SO impressed he got to ride on Air Force One, that must make him a Legitimate Journalist rather than a garden variety blogger.
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Did anyone ask him about his campaign pledge to remove US troops from Iraq within 18 months?
First lie of the Obama presidency?
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reply to #9
The military vote went to Bush in '04 and McCain in '08. I think that the troops can decide for themselves if they are insulted or not.
Please, if Bush kept out the press you would be crying and moaning.
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Definitely Baghdad. Its such a great city, fun, fun, fun. Teeseide on the other hand, is a bit dull. But i do like the great people of the north east.
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To#10 Jon122uk
What do you mean "first lie?" It seems to me that President Obama is proceeding very close to his original schedule without endangering the troops there or the safety of the Iraqi people.
Just how high are the standards to which he is being held? I would be interested to know this.
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Ref. 8
"I do not believe that British food can be as bad as the article stated."
Neither do I.
The writer was riffing on a very old theme, but I thought it was well done.
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#4
Loved the link although coming from the land that invented cheese in a can, biscuits and gravy, and grits......I'm taking the artical as firmly tongue in cheek :-)
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To#14 Andypost
I enjoyed the article and I agree that it was funny. I was just teasing you a bit. Humor makes my day and I thank you for your contribution!
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Ref 13, Aqua
"Just how high are the standards to which he is being held? I would be interested to know this."
American Presidents are always held to the highest standards, implicitly and explicitly, and expectations are often unrealistic, but I think it is fair to say that President Obama, because of his ethnicity, age, and the major shift in paradigm of his foreign policy when compared to what we had the past 8 years is not only held to unprecedented standards but is expected to perform miracles who neither him nor anyone else can do. He has done more to restore our credibility abroad than what could have been reasonably expected from anyone after 8 years of ignoring much of the world, deceit, and reprehensible abuses inconsistent with the values and aspirations of our country.
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To#11 Billy2usa
Have you polled all members of military families, as well? Where do you get your poll figures? Ballots are supposed to be secret. A person can say ANYTHING to a pollster.
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2, AndyPost -
Thanks so much for that article! I laughed so hard my eyes teared up and I had trouble reading but managed to finish it anyway.
And I even like pub food and stout and clotted cream. The kippers are a bit nasty though.
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To#15Philzep
Cheese in a can IS disgusting!
Biscuits and gravy, even grits can be quite tasty when cooked and served properly. (with green chili and grated cheddar cheese)
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To#17 Saintdominick
My question was rhetorical and to another poster but your response was excellent. Your words are my thoughts and you wrote it a whole lot better than I could.
Bravo!
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20, aquarizonalgal -
No, no, no, grits can never be quite tasty. When I was a kid and we were transferred from Germany to North Carolina, we ate out quite a bit before we were settled. No matter what I ordered for breakfast, there was this puddle of nasty ooze on my plate, contaminating the real food, which I then couldn't eat because it had been "touched." It's a miracle I didn't starve to death. Even when my parents would ask the waitress to hold the grits, it appeared anyway. They either thought we were insane or couldn't understand the accent.
What on earth is cheese in a can? That sounds dreadful. What would it be used for?
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To#22 Bere54
Anything can taste good with a proper amount of good grated cheddar plus green chili sauce added but probably not cheese in a can. Are you related to my one of my daughters?
This child could not abide eating any food that had "touched" any other food. For years we put all of her meals on one of those divided trays that kept her foods apart. She grew up to be a doctor who studies and works with infectious diseases. I am not sure what this means but she did not like grits either.
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23, aquarizonagal -
Perhaps it means that those who as children did not like their food touching and did not like grits have grown up to be brilliant? I wish.
Did your daughter have a jello phobia, by any chance? I didn't just dislike jello, I was afraid of it because it wiggled.
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#1
Yep, those guys are mean.
Mine's a bacon cheeseburger. Washed down with a beer.
Sam Adams
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#24, there's nothing wrong with wiggling. I took the kids to see the wiggles a number of years back and they were really good. Significantly better than bodger & badger.
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It appears that Justin Webb is "stuck in Istanbul." I am so jealous! I have always wanted to visit Istanbul. He seems to be whining about being there on some other threads of his blog. He gets no sympathy from me. I shall take my envy and pout in private but I refuse to eat cheese in a can!
Happy debating or not!
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26, seanspa -
The wiggles? Bodger and badger? Huh?
And nobody has explained this "cheese in a can" yet. I'm confused.
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To#26 Seanspa
One of our 'greats' is a huge Wiggles fan. We took him to see them perform, he bounced in his seat, danced in the aisle and so did everyone else. It was like a rock concert without drugs. We all had a great time!
To#28 Bere54
Forget the 'cheese in a can' you really do not want to know any more about this.
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29, aquarizonagal -
Okay. But what are the Wiggles? Is this a rock band?
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One of my favorite restaurants in Central Florida is in a very small city called Palatka, where I can enjoy my grits for lunch and dinner along with the main entree.
As for the Wiggles, they were my youngest grandson's heroes. Not sure whether he lost interest after Greg retired or if it was because he discovered Spiderman and more recently Star Wars. His impersonations of Luke Skywalker are quite good, but my attempt to imitate Darth Vader fall a bit short and don't seem to intimidate him, even when I wield my imaginary light saber.
I second Aqua regarding expressions of sympathy for Justin's unscheduled stay in Istanbul...
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Ref 28 bere54
Cheese in a can is a delightful, neon-orange, processed-food product with real, cheddar-like flavoring that convienently dispenses from an aerosol can, like canned whip cream. It should be served at room temperature on your choice of cracker. Saltine crackers go quite well with this product. It also can be served on a finger, nacho chips, cheese puffs, potato chips, beef jerky; anything your imagination allows.
An excellent companion to wine in a box. The pink kind.
Joe Six-pack Culinary Kitchens
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32 publiusdetroit
Apparently we are denied this delicacy in Montreal. I was told of a boy who brings his own on visits here as he cannot imagine life without it. As you describe he puts it on everything, much to the disgust of my son.
31 saintDominick
I enjoy reading your posts especially when you speak of your grandchildren. Is your Luke Skywalker the doorbell ringer? Perhaps you could ask for a light saber for your birthday.
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I can say that, from the coverage I saw on US TV, some troops cheered when told of our plans for eventual withdrawal.
As for military support, I can state that financially, Obama received the second-highest amount of campaign contributions from US Military personnel. The person getting the most money from the US Military was a Republican, but it wasn't John McCain. It was Ron Paul. (McCain was third...)
As for grits, despite being southern, I don't like them...
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Ref 33 timewaitfornoman
And you have always said there is good food in Montreal. Probably don't have wine in a box, neither? It's so much better than that bottled stuff. No need to know what vintage is a good year; what vintage is a bad year. Just check the expiration date:-)
Joe Six-pack Gourmet-in-a-Box Foods
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publiusdetroit
We do have wine in a box. Handy for large summer gatherings, especially if turned into sangria. We do not have the same wide selection of junk food though, as I'm sure you know. A friend living in the US mentioned how disgusted he was by what his son ate for breakfast (some kind of junk food - I don't recall the name) and I had to admit, "I don't know what you are talking about." He did the best he could to equate it to something I would know.
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32 publiusdetroit wrote:
Ref 28 bere54
"Cheese in a can is a delightful, neon-orange, processed-food product with real, cheddar-like flavoring that convienently dispenses from an aerosol can, like canned whip cream."
Can you get Stilton, Wensleydale or Gruyere as well? (Not Rocquefort, obviously.)
You mean you spray it on, like fake tan? What inventive ways people find for mucking up the ozone layer. What happens if you try to toast it, or do I not want to know that either?
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ref #17
First Obama has been given sucha free ride during the campaign and his presidency that any doubt seem to be taken as incredibly high standards or racism.
What major human rights violations under Bush. Porr little detainees at Guantanamo? There are far worse hman right violatiions to focus on. criticize Bush incomptence but abuses are not true. There was no descration of the Koran and Bush is just an easy target for so many.
But so far Obama performance and pandering have been far worse.
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Bere,
- "And nobody has explained this "cheese in a can" yet. I'm confused."
Never mind that, how about "cheese" in a toothpaste tube?- "an aerosol can, like canned whip cream"
And there's a choice of propellant. Will you have that with cfc or co2, sir?Sorry sir, we're fresh out of Liederkrantz...
;-)
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Ref 33, Time
"Perhaps you could ask for a light saber for your birthday."
Actually, trading his stroller for a wheelchair may not be a bad idea; we could switch places and he could do the pushing! So long as he doesn't transition to rap and makes me decorate the new acquisition with pictures of Eminem...
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Well, the cheese in a can really sounds ghastly, despite publius's encomium. I guess I've been spared this knowledge because I never see commercials and no one I know uses (or ever would - my friends are cultured!) the stuff. Cheese in a toothpaste tube sounds equally nasty. Who invents these things, and do they actually get paid for these ideas? Very disturbing.
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40 saintDominick
"stroller for a wheelchair"
I don't think you need to worry. By the time that day arrives either a) the music scene will have changed (perhaps to something worse, if that can be imagined) or b) your hearing will.
I enjoy the image of you light-sabering, but would prefer you have a "real" one.
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37 british-ish
"Cheese in a can"
I am not a connoisseur of this speciality product, but please do not let the word cheddar lead you to believe it is anything you are familiar with. In a blindfolded taste test, 0% guessed cheddar, while only 25% guessed cheese. I am speaking of American cheddar which comes pre-sliced and individually wrapped for your recycling pleasure, that I have tasted.
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timewaitsfornoman (#43), the stuff that comes pre-sliced and individually wrapped in the US does not claim to be cheddar cheese. American cheddar comes from Tillamook, Oregon, typically as 2lb bricks, but sometimes in smaller units. Cheddar is also made in Wisconsin.
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44 Gary_A_Hill
Perhaps pre-wrapped American cheddar ("like," "substitute," "processed food") is only for the foreign market. As I do not keep any in my fridge, will check next time I'm at a grocery store to see if its claim to fame is "American cheese" only.
I am aware Wisconsin is "America's Dairyland," if for no other reason than I've seen their license plates.
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43, 44
Hey, don't forget Vermont cheddar! Buy Cabot, in blocks or slices (never individually wrapped), and support our disintegrating economy. You can get it with tomato basil or jalapena pepper too.
That individually-wrapped-in-plastic stuff is not cheese at all, much less cheddar. I believe it's called "cheese food product" and I'm not sure what that means except that it's not real cheese. The local diner charges 50 cents extra if you want a slice of real cheddar instead of the fake stuff on your tuna melt (or on your patty of ground cow flesh, if you prefer that sort of thing).
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The discussion on cheese in a can, particularly british-ish's mention of fake tans, makes me wonder whether the 'cheese' was originally fake tan spray. I've certainly seen people look as though they've been sprayed by some neon-orange substance (a church going welsh rugby player comes to mind).
Can anyone who has ever tasted both confirm a difference?
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bere54 (#46), no intent to slight Vermont, of course. There are lots of cheesemakers in the US these days, in many states, making many kinds of interesting cheeses.
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8 Aqua girl
the reporter in Denver is a twit. (polite)
Bangers do not taste like Hotdogs, why pay extra for the same thing.(They rarely contain the excessivly high levels of nitrates).
Did he Travel to the UK. NO
Just more jingoistic american rubbish.
They even make a better pizza in the chain "pizza express" than any american pizza I have eaten yet .(and I love pizza)
Americans living and commentating from a point somewhere below their tail bones.
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47 Hick. burp.
they taste the same.
UUUggghh
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47 seanspa
I do not know where you come up with your ideas, but must agree regarding the tan. But.... having never bought either, much less tasted them, I am unable to help.
46 bere54
Sorry we have our own dairy/cheese industry to support. Good thing you did not list the price or would have been "referred" for trying to sell something.
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its TEA and biscuits not gravy and biscuits.
disgusting.
22 cheese in a can (it's american) and contains Nitrous.(laughing gas, as a propellant)
that is what it is used for "huffing"
Billy USA.
Funny you say that. the Vets I know(and Oregon apart from "till the muck" has a lot of vets, all voted for anyone but McCain. Maybe it depends on what state you are from.
Britishish
strange here they all have a 4 cheese" huntsman"
stilton they have heard of . but cheddar they get wrong.
Sorry bere. OK stuff .but not quite there. Cabots or not.(oh BTW better than " till the muck"
I'm still waiting to try a piece of really good Cheddar here.
I think the people of Cheddar should sue for defamation.
RED Leicester that is what I crave.
Great on meat.
the perfect cheese for a burger.
and I even put it on steak, just cause it tastes so good.
Wenslydale is now here thanks to Wallace and Gromit
But still no Red Leicester
(and it's not li ses ter)
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51, timewaits -
Hey, aren't you being protectionist? The pure maple syrup I have in my cupboard is a Product of Canada. Can't remember why I chose that one, probably it was cheaper than Vermont syrup!
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happylaze
"gravy and biscuits"
I was wondering about that, not a phrase I was familiar with and now I understand why. Mashed potatoes and gravy Us style that I know!!
"Cheddar should sue for defamation" Amusing and why not do as they do in Champagne. I have never heard of red Leicester, will look to see. I know, I know, "Imported, made in the UK (Leicester?)." Not that it is going to make you feel any better if I find some.
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That happy can spell Leicester proves he's a fraud. He can spell really. And that he's fussy about food. I thought having the munchies meant eating anything and everything!
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Ref 37 british-ish
If anyone ever puts Stilton in an aerosol can, there should be some form of stiff punishment taken against the country of origin;-)
I have to confess that I tried the "cheese in a can" once on a backpacking trip. I am always trying different (even really strange) foods that will not spoil, are easily prepared, light weight, inexpensive, and reasonably tasty. The cheese in a can experiment failed as did "Space Food Sticks" from the early 70's.
The town of Pinconning, Michigan was once the "cheese capitol" of our state. Kraft invaded the town. They do not make any cheese in Pinconning any more. Thankfully, about five years ago, an old cheese maker started up making cheese in a nearby town that is on the way home from my parents house. I stock up there every trip.
I love good cheese, and even consider "American cheese" to be in the same "food product" catagory as "cheese in a can".
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56, publius -
"American cheese" is not cheese. I'm not sure it's even food. Can't say if it's in the same category as the cheese-in-a-can as I've just learned of the existence of this strange product and after what I've read here will certainly not be tasting any.
I won't even spray it on my skin as I'm sure it must be toxic.
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Publius,
How did you get the change in format?
Test:
"Cheddar should sue for defamation" Amusing and why not do as they do in Champagne. I have never heard of red Leicester, will look to see. I know, I know, "Imported, made in the UK (Leicester?)." Not that it is going to make you feel any better if I find some.
;-)
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55 Seanspa.
Lol . I just have an interest in that word.but more importantly , if you say it like the americans do then it is spelled out really , it is always fun to ask someone how they think it is pronounced.;) I have given the game away here.
on munchies. sure, you got to be fussy. if not I'd be fat.
Red Leicester I think is what Orange american cheddar was trying to be , but no one could say it right so the cheese man just said" American Cheddar ", back when. (PS it tastes WAY better and is a vegetarian cheese,always."
out of a can tastes about as flavourful as the real stuff (sorry the mild cheddar in the UK is stronger than the strong stuff here , I keep feeling conned. the cheese tastes like butter. I have to use twice as much to overcome the taste of the bread,lol ) it has more "flavour" in some ways because of all the strange chemicals .
A shame something was lost in the translation.
I had one to talk about with you yesterday but something got in the way of me remembering today what it was.
It'll come back to me when I reach a safe cruising altitude .
but by then I'll be teaching some metal a lesson;)
Now maple sugar that is an All american thing.(and canada)
MMMMMM I'm off to have a slurp now , like a whisky freak with a jug.
Why don't they make the little ring on the bottle bigger , and make the maple in 5 gallon bottles..MMMMMMM.. O h they do I 'm not rich enough.
Just imagine when you get down the bottle and the maple sugar is crystallising on the rim of the bottle. Sweeeet
I go for the Organic cause I figure it is the essence of what the tree breaths.and the soil it is in.
Still I try anyway .
And I suspect Maple sugar would sell well in Iraq (TKOT)
PS sorry americans about the Cheese comments.
there are some acceptable cheddars here. really. it should still be illegal to call them Cheddar though.
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Bere go look for some Red Leisester. Veggie friendly stuff.
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publiusdetroit & Heloise
Would you two mind not doing that? We are all very impressed with your skills but speaking for myself would appreciate it if you would go and practice somewhere else. "Take that ball outside!" To quote my (our) mother(s).
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And one more thing, if you insist on doing it, please put the line in at the end of your post. Many thanks!
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59, happy -
Isn't it pronounced "Lester"?
61, timewaits -
I second that. That format is difficult to read!
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Noman,
Noman, "Take that ball outside!" To quote my (our) mother(s).
LOL, (as they say)
;-)
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happy (357 kitchen thread)
This does seem to be the kitchen now. Has anybody brought anything besides cheese?
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59 happylaze
"talk about with you yesterday"
Curry? And maple syrup should come in a can or tin if you prefer, straight from the producer. I've said it before but will repeat for those who missed it; Quebec is the world's largest producer of maple syrup. It is being bought up by the Japanese, so expect a price hike. When I was growing up, the Kinsmen (a service organization) would go door to door selling it in one gallon containers. I can still picture them. Talk about crystallizing on the rim. After awhile you couldn't get the top off!
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Ref 61,62 timewaitsfornoman
Sorry, Mum! Did not expect that result.
Hesiodos
That was from dropping the ul.
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66, timewaits -
The only reason you (Quebec) get to be the largest producer of maple syrup is because you are bigger than we (Vermont) are and probably have way more trees.
I actually can't tell the difference between Canada and Vermont syrup. I can just tell that neither is that Mrs. Butterball or whatever her name is or Aunt somebody or other, both of which turn out not to be maple syrup at all.
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Positive moves...
Great picture!
;-)
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Um, guys, has your messing with the format changed the format of the blog?
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Looks like we're indent-ured!
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;-?
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Timewaits
Do they still make birch syrup in Quebec? Have not found any in Michigan for a long time. Birch does not give as much sap as the maple sugar bushs making it more expensive to make. Has a different flavor.
Now don't get thinking of the flavor of Buckley's Cough Syrup. Birch syrup is a much more delicate flavor, more in line with maple syrup.
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It's not just the indent. Now when I post a comment, it doesn't show up at all until I "refresh." How did that happen?
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bere54
I insist on bringing the bread. We have fabulous bakeries. I could bring all the supplies, "What's your fancy." As I am a little short of cash will unfortunately have to ask you all to contribute. On second thought as it is virtual food, doesn't cost anything so.... My Treat!
Aunt Jemima.
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76, timewaits -
Yeah, that's the Aunt.
Is anybody besides me experiencing this posting-a-comment change?
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Timewaits
Oops! It is pine needle oil used in Buckley's. Had it in mind that it was birch oil.
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publiusdetroit
"Birch Syrup"
I do not know. There is a site "Gourmet Sauvage" that tells us little, but I believe I have bought their products, just not birch syrup. Will keep my eyes open.
Do you get those Buckley's ads with the people pulling faces? They (the ads) are very clever.
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publiusdetroit
Pine needle? Now we understand why it tastes so bad!! Not that I have ever had any, I'm only going by the faces!
bere54
Posting problems: Sorry to say, No.
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bere54
I take that back. It just happened.
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Ref 75 timewaitsfornoman
Can get some real good Baquettes around here; but if you can bring some Pain compagne aux olives, or Fougasse aux olives I will bring some Brie.
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Ref 78 timewaitsfornoman
I've seen the Buckley's ads on CBC. My son and I got a kick from them. Buckley's is not available in the States. I have to pick it up at Shopper's Drug Mart when over in Ontario. It works better than anything offered as a non-perscriptive medicine on our shelves.
Ref 76 bere54
Not having the problem here.
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To Timewaitsfornoman:
I have been told that I make excellent bread so I will contribute a loaf to the virtual food fest. Also, we get our 'cheddar' cheese from an artisan cheese maker. It is a round of creamy white goodness, not that nasty dyed orange stuff from the grocery store.
To Happylaze:
I like my tea with cake. Biscuits with gravy is a Southern thing, and when done properly makes a lovely side dish for ham and eggs. I would like to try your Red Leisester.
To Bere54
I know I will bring criticism upon my old head but Vermont maple syrup is the best, in my opinion. When we lived in Boston, a friend's father gifted us with a gallon of syrup from his trees every year. Pure heaven, I made every drop count!
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Well, this started back at #64 when Ed put the line back that timewaits asked him to put back. There's a little line under the last comment, and then what I've just posted does not show up at first (before I reload the page).
If it's happening to timewaits now, why not to everyone?
I'm so confused I can't keep my mind on the food.
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And it's only happening on this thread, so it can't be a problem on my end.
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publiusdetroit & Heloise
I see there are now "squares" beside the post numbers. You guys have done something and I told you to stop fooling around! Now bere and I have posting problems.....
As to the baquettes, does the baker have French blood? Your idea of good might not be the same as mine. Check his/her papers and get back to me. This is Montreal, what are you looking for? Greek, Lebanese, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Jewish? nice loaf of black Russian?, or French, French, French! I could even supply bread from certain areas of countries. And of course... bagels!!
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aquarizonagal
Hi aqua - we hide out here at the end of a thread and chitchat. Good to see you at our picnic. I would not dream of criticizing you for loving maple syrup given to you fresh from the producer. That is the important part, whether it be Quebec, Ontario or Vermont. I just like to point out Quebec is the largest producer as it is such a speciality item.
How about something with green chili?
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To# 81 Publiusdetroit
Olives have their own food group and are totally necessary to bread and cheese. One of the things I loved about Spain and Italy was their understanding of the importance of olives.
What about wine?
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time.. (#86), you have the advantage of having genuine French boulangeries, but on the left coast, we get our baguettes from the Vietnamese bakery. I'm satisfied that it's the real thing, even without the French blood.
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86, timewaits -
You know, you tell them and tell them and tell them and they never listen. And now they seem to have run away, just when they're needed to fix the mess they made. Boys showing off again! Must tinker with their format, formatting oneupmanship. I just can't figure out how they could have infected the thread itself. You would think only the BBC could make any permanent changes. Uh oh. Maybe they've been banned? The pranksters, I mean, not the BBC.
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There IS something weird going on with the postings. Is this because we are piffling about food instead of making more serious political comments?
Perhaps we are supposed to be commiserating with poor Justin Webb on the other threads who proclaims himself "stuck" in Istanbul. I hope he is enjoying the food. We seem to be!
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bere54 (#90), "Maybe they've been banned?"
Could be; it's happened before.
As I have remarked before, we have an old saying in the computer business:
If it ain't broke, don't "fix" it.
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89 Gary_A_Hill
Oh why that is almost the same thing. They were no doubt taught by the French and make excellent baquettes. You are fortunate. As I'm sure you realize I was only kidding about the French blood.
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89, Gary -
Ah, but are you sure the Vietnamese baker does not have French blood? After all, what do you suppose the French were really doing in Vietnam all those years ago?
I could supply genuine Vermont diner tuna melts. It's a grilled sandwich here, not just a cold tuna sandwich with a bit of melted cheese. Anybody interested?
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bere54
My guess is that it is all Heloise's fault. He forgot to "close" whatever it was he "opened," so we are stuck with this until he reappears. It might have been before your time but once he made the whole site bold. He took some flack for that as he could not undo it. But you are right, where are they? I try really hard not to stereotype but....... dare I say, typical? I doubt they have been banned but if so, they are both clever enough to figure out a way back on.
Perhaps we should move to another thread, yet to be decided if we leave a note for them other than "We have moved." Where would you like to go, Istanbul or Europe?
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To#87 Timewaitsfornoman
Green chili also has its own food group.
Take a fresh tortilla, preferably home made, cover with refritos (mashed and reheated pinto beans) add some good grated cheese, top with green chili and chopped scallions (sometimes I add a few sliced olives if I am in the mood for them), I roll it all up and enjoy! This is one of my favorite breakfasts. I love breakfast, my very favorite meal.
I will add that I kissed my eighth decade last month and I have an excellent digestion for which I credit green chili.
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Oh my goodness. The ship captain being held hostage by the Somali pirates is from Vermont! We made the national (and international) news two days in a row, and this time it's bad news. I had no idea there were ship captains living in Vermont. One expects them to have seaside homes, with widow's walks.
If people are banned, is it for good? If he's not been banned, it's rather rude of publius to promise Brie and then not show up.
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bere54 (#94) "with a bit of melted cheese"
Not with any of that ersatz American "cheese," I hope.
An exception to the general contempt in which that product is held, I might add, is for the Philadelphia Cheesesteak, which in Philadelphia is merely the Cheesesteak. Authenticity apparently requires the use of Cheeze-Whiz, although any cheesesteak place will have alternatives.
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Ed isn't Ed for a reason. The bbc probably still have his identity locked away. I suspect that hesiodos will be replaced shortly. I forecast that his replacement will be a wannabe scot who cannot resist testing the limits of the bbc blog system.
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timewaits -
Maybe they are not clever enough to fix it so are hiding out from us. I would agree about it being typical. I will not say typical of what or who because it might sound sexist. I also agree about Heloise. It happened right after he fiddled with the line he somehow originally removed. Humph.
aquarizonagal -
Your recipe sounds very like a breakfast burrito served at a favorite restaurant of mine on the way to Montpelier. Oh! They close for the winter but should be open again by now. Now I'm excited.
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Timewaits
The baquette of which I rate all others was very French. I bought it in Montreal. Sat on the St. Lawrence watching the ships with some brie and sun-dried tomatoes for the baguette.
We once had a little, hole-in-the-wall French restaurant and bakery on the outer fringe of Mexicantown. It was like being in Montreal. There was more French being spoken than English. They also made great baquettes.
Unfortunately, it was in a very bad neighborhood. Too many pan-handlers began hanging around the place. People were afraid to patronize the restaurant on a regular basis. They had to close their doors.
Resently a stone-hearth bake shop opened in Royal Oak that makes a very good baquette. They have other good, crafted breads; but their baquettes are tops.
PS: I cleaned up my mess, Mum. They are not my little black boxes:-D
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aquarizonagal
Thank you for the recipe. I live in a chilly not chili country, so I need more information about the chilis. Do they have a name? Are they mild or are you eating hot chilis for breakfast? Guess that would get me going! No problem with buying good quality cheese.
For the time being let others make the serious political comments! We are probably getting more done here.
And....Congratulations! Did you have a party?
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Gary_A_Hill
But... bere makes a very good point. How do you know they do not have French blood? Maybe there is something in this after all....
I know a woman who has a Vietnamese mother and French father. Don't know how she is on making baquettes though.
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Tea break?
The moderators may have gotten hungry after reading these posts or perhaps they are working to fix the posting problems on this thread.
We should invite them to our feast. Maybe they have wine?
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99 seanspa
And you probably will be right.
97 bere54
I fear the pirates have miscalculated and taken the wrong ship this time! I agree, a landlocked ship's captain. Well I suppose stranger things have happened.
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time.. (#103) "But... bere makes a very good point. How do you know they do not have French blood? Maybe there is something in this after all..."
Possibly some, but I thought it was a tongue-in-cheek remark. I think it's clear that Vietnamese cooking was greatly influenced by the French, and that they learned to make French bread directly from them in French Indochina, whatever their parentage.
It's one positive thing to have come out of 20 years of US military involvement in Vietnam.
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publius, it is not the little black boxes that are the problem, it is the way one's new posts disappear and then do not reappear until one reloads the page. But this apparently is not happening to you. How could that be?
timewaits, I hope they don't dump the captain out of the lifeboat before the navy comes to the rescue. Those pirates haven't killed anyone yet, so perhaps they disapprove of killing.
We don't seem to have decent baguettes here. The grocery store has something they call a baguette but it's a fake.
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Of course, I had a party, with cake. Cake in our family is also an important food group. One of my daughters is always in charge of cake baking, she is most excellent at this!
My green chili consists of equal parts anaheim chili (mild) and jalapeno chili (hot) I add just a little bit of habanero pepper (very hot) I scorch the chilies under the broiler to soften the skin. I peel and chop very fine put a little salt and a bit of wine vinegar to make everyone happy. This mixture I keep in my fridge and use as I want, muy pecante!
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Sean's Dad,
- "Ed isn't Ed for a reason."
That's right in at least two possible readings. I do have a (small) life off-blog, and it sometimes involves non-virtual comestibles....The present "problem" involves "nesting" in the html source code of this thread. It somehow allows a comment through which can open an "unordered list" and exit without closing it - inefficient error-trapping.
So we are all nesting in an unordered list within the main unordered list which comprises the lidt of all comments on this thread. Thus the "squares" and extra indent....
;-)
Halitosis
--Alan Greenspan
(former) Chairman, US Federal Reserve Board"
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I have been completely benign with my tinkering. I have a different playgroung where I build and play with sand castles without disrupting others. I am certain my cohort does also.
Gary
It is broke. We cannot blockquote any longer. Other bloggers miss that feature too. I know the Beeb is aware of the problem. I think they may be trying some different solutions to correct the bug. There are also some other stability issues with the new format they are working with now.
Bere
Our cohort has been very helpful (with translations provided by timewaits) in coaching you while you develop new internet skills. Don't spank us:-0
Aquagirl
Happy to see you back with us. Congradulations on crossing the threshold into another decade. Good health to you.
It had been sunny and warm here in Michigan; then we did not hear from Many Changing Woman, and it turned cold and snowed. The sun came out yesterday and melted the snow. It was warm upon my face. Like the blush from a first kiss. Did the coyote distract you away from us when you were bringing us the spring? He knows how much we long for green grass and colorful flowers here in the north. It would be like him to play us all a trick. Ah! Yes! I see him smiling on a distant slope.
I'll have to tell you about the spring flirtations of Grandfather Sun and Grandmother Earth sometime. They have such fun together.
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pub.. (#110) "It is broke. We cannot blockquote any longer."
Perhaps so, but I can get along without blockquote (see, I just did!), even though I like it, too.
I appreciate the help Ed has provided in advising which HTML features will work, but I think it is actually the responsibility of the site owner to publish the rules.
I like to keep things simple. It's not because I am reluctant to get involved with computer technology. I have been in the computer business for forty years. I just like things to work without giving me any problems. I've had a lifetime of computer problems.
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Publius,
- "co·hort
I join the rest of the cohort in the welcome and congratulations to Aquagal!n.
1. A group or band of people.
2. A companion or associate.
3. A generational group as defined in demographics, statistics, or market research: "The cohort of people aged 30 to 39 . . . were more conservative" American Demographics.
4.
a. One of the 10 divisions of a Roman legion, consisting of 300 to 600 men.
b. A group of soldiers."
"col·league
n.
A fellow member of a profession, staff, or academic faculty; an associate."
To colleagues!
Slainté
ed (who is not ed for a reason)
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Gary,
The BBC has published "house rules" which cover behaviour, but there is no sign that I've seen of any guide to the idiosyncrasies of this blog software, which has been cobbled together ever since Douglas Adams (& colleagues) began with dna....How much of a "problem is it if we have a wee "square" and a two-space indent?
Salaam/Shalom/Shanthi/Peace
ed (who is not ed for a reason)
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109, Hes -
I dunno, that sounds kind of like wormholes on Star Trek to me. So how did we get into the wormhole?
110, publius -
Okay, I won't spank you or Ed if you won't rap my knuckles.
113, Ed again -
It's not the black squares, it's the weird posting. Is it possible that this affects only females? It seems that timewaits, aqua, and I are affected, but not the rest of the cohort.
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I am confused but sometimes that works for me because I can then ignore things that irritate me.
To Bere54:
I have had the same problems as you have had. Very strange,no.
To Publiusdetroit:
You are so poetic. It has been spring planting time for us here and we have been very busy changing our plans for the land. We may have to accept that we have gotten too old to keep this little enterprise going.
To ed who is not ed:
Thank you and peace be with you all through this night.
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Cohorts
A lot has happened in my absence; while I made dinner, ate and semi cleaned up the kitchen as per usual. To overcome this problem we could all reconvene in Istanbul. Should we be "stuck there" or "still stuck there?"
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timewaits -
What a good idea. I'd much rather be still stuck in Istanbul than Iraq. Shorter thread over there too, so faster reloading (at least that's how it works on my computer).
What did you have for dinner?
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bere54
I'll tell you in Istanbul.
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Ref 112 hesiodos
An Ed...by any other name...I raise a toast to you. (It is Dr. JD, but that's the kind of hillbilly whiskey that "won" the west)
My toast:
"The coyote is happy that you trim your tam with his pelt. You honor his spirit. As you honor us; your colleagues."
Gary
I well understand your concerns that neophytes got in the back door and are on some terminal (or PC, these days) hoping to come up with a solution that will kick-start their career. Sticking in their solution( without strong testing) in the hope that they have developed a solution.
I've dressed down a couple of the chaps (used generically because they come in all genders), myself. I think; construstively. (Took time to motivate myself into applying appropriate decorum as to not stifle genius)
Some of us old goats have been grazing the pasture long enough to know not to change code we only think we understand. If not for us encouraging progress, the young are inert; faced by a problem the "old school" cannot, and will not, allow them to resolve against failed progress.
The best of the old goats do not. (Ed, old mate; another toast in recognition of your genius; and generosity.)
There are a lot of absolutely brilliant people that give away knowledge without compensation; just because it's fun. (Welcome to the kithen party) I bow to bere, timewaits, seanspa. I love great people who understand the meaning of life (As I see it). The journey. Make it interesting.
Since you have been in the computer business for forty years; you will remember the origins of DOS doing intellectual jumps into, somewhere; without a safety net. It was a wonderful world in which to live. A bunch of nerds having fun. I've been fortunate to have been part of that intellectual playground. A place where a simple thought becomes an etheral playground with a fragile bubble being bounced around with uncertain levels of care until it burst. We all laughed; and a new bubble was blown.
Sometimes we found practical solutions for the required application. Most often we said, "If I do this; then..."; and found a solution through common thought.
Life is not the destination. It is the journey that greets us with possibilities. A death trap for those who choose to end their intellectual journey.
There is a place on the Beeb that you can play, too. (I have not contributed because I'm too slow. Others beat me to it) Knowledge is power. It cannot be stolen; only shared. Come on; have fun. There is a gift you have; only wanting a thank you.
Excuse me for posting, within your name, my varied thoughts. It is my perspective on life. My own motivation to live amoung others. I learn. I enjoy.
Gary. I think you might like our kitchen party. Bring...something you like for food, music, poety... Something unique to your region or area. We welcome your offerings.
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89 gary Hill
If you are ever back up this way there is now a really really good french patisserie.
In Cottage Grove.
do stop in I am sure they can do with more business being in CG.
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You're all wrong its the HLF
HAggis liberation Front
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Gary. Funny to hear a computer programmer saying if it ain't broke don't fix it.
there are a few that think that computers are a problem and that technology does the same thing every day.
"I just like things to work without giving me any problems. I've had a lifetime of computer problems."
tell a blacksmith about it.lol.
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happylaze (#120), I'll be in Oregon next week, but not in the Eugene vicinity and not for pastry.
Here's a little known fact about Cottage Grove. The classic Buster Keaton silent film The General, although set in the south, was filmed there. The locomotive which fell in a ravine when the trestle collapsed is still there, I've heard.
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'If it ain't broke don't fix it' is not a saying I associate with the the computer industry. Software 'upgrades' every year giving you features deliberately held back from previous releases, bigger fatter slower programs, forcing you to buy new hardware so that the improved software can run.
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Hesiodos (#113) "How much of a problem is it ... "
Not much. I haven't had any problems, but others have reported them. The absence of block quotes is not a problem at all, even if they are nice in certain instances. This is ephemera, and typesetting is not important. I am interested in the substance of written communication, not so much its appearance. All I need to communicate my thoughts effectively are an alphabet and a few punctuation marks. Two typefaces are helpful, and we have that.
I have used forums which were more hosed up than this one by junk someone put in it. Here it hasn't been too bad, but I find the fact that something you did in your post #64 affected the rest of the thread to be ominous, and my opinion is that whatever it was was inappropriate.
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124 . I noticed.;)
I could play the excellent"carmageddon" on a computer with 1.5 K the commodore amiga.
so how come my 768 mb 1.25 GHz computer can't handle GTA.
I think programming got sloppy somewhere.
More memory less need to be tight with the code.
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Gary
I think they might have moved it finally.(clear up). and heard about fixing some bridge.If not, gas axe out ,there's some scrapping to be done.;)
They also filmed that frat classic "Animal House" there.
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publiusdetroit (#119) "Excuse me for posting, within your name, my varied thoughts. It is my perspective on life. My own motivation to live among others. I learn. I enjoy."
Of course, I welcome your varied thoughts. Usually, I like a thread to stay on more less on topic, but when the topic has run its course, and the Prime Blogger is missing in action, a diversion into new territory is welcome. As long as its not on some intractable problem like middle east politics!
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Hey, guys, for really off-topic, the picnic and film show has been Still Stuck in Istanbul. Middle Eastern food welcome, but not the politics.
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Still in Istanbul?... I am starting to think that perhaps you may not really want to leave...
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I wonder if he bowed before the PM of Iraq or it is only the King of the Muslims that bows before. He certainly did not bow before the Queen of England, but then again she was an Anglican (I suspect) and not a Muslim even thoe she was shorter in size but not the breath of her heart.
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Let the Brits worry about royal protocol . they might know something that you don't. It would not seem to be unthinkable that you are full of it.
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People who live glass houses should not be throwing stones. Try looking in the mirror at your own reflection, or is it do as I say but not as I do.
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133 blah blah .
you're a racist .. what is that anti muslim rubbish all about.
Omly muslims blah blah bleet bleet
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133 making as much sense as always.
Why the K. are you a racist?
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