Archive for » May, 2010 «

Favorite Quotes

More of my favorite quotes:
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Life is a great big canvas; throw all the paint you can at it.
Danny Kaye
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I’ll be more enthusiastic about encouraging thinking outside the box when there’s evidence of any thinking going on inside it.

Terry Pratchett
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But who prays for Satan? Who, in eighteen centuries, has had the common humanity to pray for the one sinner that needed it most?
Mark Twain <
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In the begining there was nothing, and it exploded.
Terry Pratchett
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Gods don’t like people not doing much work. People who aren’t busy all the time might start to think.
Terry Pratchett
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If you’re quiet, you’re not living. You’ve got to be noisy and colorful and lively.
Mel Brooks <
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If man could be crossed with the cat, it would improve man but deteriorate the cat.
Mark Twain

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Dreams – the Ood and Graduation

Dream Date: Early Thurday Morning, May 27, 2010
Characters: The Ood from Dr. Who, handful of people my age, a few from my class, and my BIL.
Dinner: Salad, with chicken and sauteed vegetables on top
Influences that might have crept in: Saw a Dr. Who commercial for the new Dr…but I didn’t see the Ood!

Dream: The dream takes place in a large gym-like room, where a stage had been set up along 1 side, and chairs set out infront of it. Behind the chairs were 3-4 rows of small tables (enough to hold 2 people 1 side) side by side with breaks every other, for aisles so that people could get to their chairs. There was a lot of seniors (17-18 year olds) waiting around, some sitting, while some stood. There was a group around me, all talking some what nervously.

While standing in that group, I seemed to do a mini flash back showing how I got there. It seems I was a senior at a high school, and it was graduation day. A few of us where in the top 1-10% in the nation, and therefore we were summoned to go infront of the Ood (see Ood for more – their picture is at right) (however I didn’t call them Ood, I called them Illiams, which probably comes from the D&D Illithids, see wiki). Anyways, It seems that if you were in the top 10% in the nation, you were required to see the Illiams, and you were required to answer their questions. The whole process was very hush hush, so rumors abounded, including one that if you were VERY brilliant you would be taken away and made into a Illiam. In this flash back, I don’t remember my meeting in so much details, but I do know that you were taken into large room, and the Illiams were seated in a semi circle around a lone chair. The student would sit in the chair and the Illiam would being to ask questions. The questions varied per student, but they weren’t to personal or to outrageous. At then end of the session, which normally lasted 30-60 minutes, the student would be given a piece of paper and allowed to go.

From the feelings I remember, the Illiams were gifted with foresight and were very into education…so they used their gifts to help those who have earned it, the top 10%. At the meetings they would ask the questions to help get a better sense of the student, and where their loves/talents lay. The Illiams would look at the students loves/talents and their future, and would get a sense as to where this student would best be suited in the work field. They would take in all considerations, from personal happiness, wealth, healthy and more. At the end of the meeting, the Illiams would hand the student a piece of paper that would give the student a direction on where to being in college. Ie – for somebody who was really good with numbers, and love trains, the paper might suggest an engineering degree, while they student might have been thinking about a law degree. They would not tell the student exactly what to study, but they would direct the student towards a direction, and then allow that student to find his/her own path. However, if they saw that a student would be highly successful in a certain area, but not happy, then they would give the student 2 papers, and allow that student to make his or her own decisions. They would also give out one that stated “You don’t want to stay at home, do you?” which means that student was to be a jack of all trades – that there wasn’t 1 particular path they needed to follow to be Very successful…they would be great a lot of jobs, but never very successful at any, and they would be happy no matter what.

Back to the dream. I was surrounded by a few friends, and one was very frustrated. It seems he was one of the very rare students who happened to get 2 papers: 1 for engineering and 1 for jack of all trades, and he just didn’t know what he wanted to do. I remember looking down at mine, and seeing the “You don’t want to stay at home, do you?”, and feeling a bit odd about it. I guess I was hoping for more direction, but since waking it seems that I am more of a jack of all trades, and really have never mastered any of them.

We talked for a few minutes, and then went to sit down. the top 10% were at the back of the room, at the tables. I remember seeing my name on the table, and I laid my piece of paper down, but instead of sitting, I walked over a few more tables, and down closer to the stage where the rows of chairs were, and sat there. I guess I was waiting for a friend, not sure, but I didn’t get up and didn’t return to my spot at the table. I do remember seeing up on the stage (which was very high) a few of my classmates, including Michelle…and my BIL was up there as well. The group was trying to post something on the wall, and both of them were trying to help each other post it.

And that is it. Right after they got the piece of paper on the wall, a cat jumped on the bed and woke me. So I am not sure what happened next, wish I did! Oh, and for that rumor about being to brilliant and the Illiams would get you – well, that sort of was true. It seems that if a student happened to be a rare combination of brilliant, empathetic, and instinctive, then they would offer the student a position with them, to help diagnose future students. You weren’t turned into a Illiam, just got to help them out. And it was an offer, so a student could refuse.

So any takes on how to translate this dream?

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Dreams – My thoughts

Dreams seem to be a interesting aspect with people, especially when it comes down to their meanings. Personally, I tend to take my dreams literally, unless there is something that really stands out and then I will search for other meanings about that particular aspect. If I dream of people, I see them as representing those people, not the qualities in myself that I see in them or a symbolic need for something – unless the whole dream is about that person or need.

Anyways, my dreams tend to be strange, and I don’t think they are really trying to tell me something most of the time, it just seems my subconscious is just letting loose and having fun. But feel free to psychoanalyze them and see if I am missing something, who knows, maybe I am more deeper than I think! :D

Category: About Me, Dreams  Tags:  Leave a Comment

Recipe: Black and Blue Salad

With the temperatures finally hovering around the 90s, it’s time for some cool salad. My favorite is

Black and Blue Salad

1 package of Romaine Lettuce
1 ½ cups of favorite crouton
6 oz.. Steak, cooked and sliced into strips
¼ cup Parmesan, shredded
¼ cup Blue Cheese Crumbles
¼ cup cooked Bacon
¼ cup Caesar Dressing

In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, bacon, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing. Add the croutons and steak slices to the top, and sprinkle on the Blue cheese crumbles.

Tips: For a lighter tasting salad, add some mix greens to the romaine lettuce. And instead of Caesar dressing, use balsamic vinegar.
For a more fulfilling version, saute some bites sizes of zucchini, squash and asparagus and top the salad with them, while they are still hot. YUM!

Cats vs Dogs

Since I am a cat lover (8 right now)…but I also love dogs, I found this to be interesting: (click to view larger)


Found at: http://bitsandpieces.us

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Recipe: Frogmore Stew

From: Stephanie Childers
“Southern favorite…kind of like a crab boil but it’s red taters, smoked sausage, corn and shrimp boiled in a large pot with lots of old bay seasoning. served with some fresh cocktail sauce and garlic butter…it’s what I call “easy pleasy” -everybody here loves it.”

Frogmore Stew

6 quarts water
3/4 cup Old Bay Seasoning TM
2 pounds new red potatoes
2 pounds hot smoked sausage links, cut into 2 inch pieces
12 ears corn – husked, cleaned and quartered
4 pounds large fresh shrimp, unpeeled

Directions
1. Bring water and Old Bay Seasoning to boil in a large stockpot.

2. Add potatoes and cook for 15 minutes. Add sausage and cook for 5 minutes more. Add corn and cook for another 5 minutes. Stir in the shrimp and cook until shrimp are pink, about 5 minutes. Drain immediately and serve.

Category: Entrees, Recipes  Tags: ,  One Comment

Food Critic: Lovoy’s Italian American Cuisine

By: Stephanie Childers

Lovoy’s Italian American Cuisine
1830 29th Avenue South
Homewood, Alabama
Ph: 205.870.9811
Map

Many Birmingham residents are familiar with the family owned Italian-American restaurant, Lovoy’s.  Located in Greensprings for over 40 years they have recently moved to a swanky new location in the heart of Homewood.  SoHo square is where you will find this old Birmingham favorite.  What you won’t find is the dark “Godfather-ish” interior.  What you will find are beautiful large windows (that look out over bistro tables and SoHo square), high ceilings and an open dining area.  You will also find attention to details such as elegant table settings complete with fresh flowers.  Something you might not notice is the original stove which was brought from the old location. They have also extended their hours and menu to include lunch. 

So, what is the food like?  In my humble opinion, Lovoy’s has a classic Italian menu with a creative twist.  The chicken panini that I ordered was a tasty combination of grilled chicken, roasted red peppers, mozzarella cheese and a blend of spices that send it over the top, all placed between 2 slices of grilled bread.  If the taste hadn’t thoroughly impressed me, the size did. The thing was huge!  As good as it was, the Italian slaw that came with it was simply divine.  I’m not a slaw person because I can never find the happy balance between cream and vinegar- Lovoy’s slaw has found that happy balance- I’ve never had better, not even Moma’s. 

Though Lovoy’s offers a children’s menu, complete with everything from spaghetti to chicken fingers, my kids have a slightly more sophisticated palate than most children’s menus afford them.  In our efforts to broaden their food horizons we typically offer them whatever they want on the menu.   Within reason.  They selected fettuccine with alfredo sauce and a small pizza.  These items are not on the children’s menu, they are on the lunch menu.  My thoughts are that it must have been good because not only did they not want to offer mom a sample bite, they practically licked the bowls clean.  (They didn’t of course.  If there is one thing I like less than the monotonous chicken finger children’s lunch, it’s bad table manners).

You don’t stay in the restaurant business for 40 years with just good food.  If the food gets you to first base with the customer, the service will be what gets you to second. We were greeted with a warm smile from our hostesses and waited on by our waitress who was friendly and attentive.  You know, the kind of waitress who is preemptive and delivers what you need before you realize you need it as is usually the case when you have children eating with you.  That was our waitress. 

Third base here we come.  When we arrived there was a little chill in the air.  My daughter casually mentioned she was cold and I agreed.  At that moment, one of the owners was walking by and noticed.  He immediately asked the hostess to adjust the thermostat in order to make the area more comfortable.  How common is that?  Apparently, very common at Lovoy’s.  We witnessed both owners as they walked around and greeted the lunch crowd, saying hello to new arrivals and waving goodbye as customers left.  

We didn’t visit the restrooms, for the sake of our reviews I will do that in the future.  If they are anything like the dining room I’m sure I won’t be disappointed.  It was well lit by the large windows but not too bright due to the warm dark tones on the walls, ceiling and floor.  Although the lunch crowd began to fill the spaces, the noise level was such that it still allowed for conversation without straining to hear. I don’t remember the music that played in the background other than it didn’t annoy me.
All in all I had a very enjoyable experience.  I will gladly be returning to Lovoy's soon.  Next time I'll try the dinner menu and go on a Thursday night when they offer live music.

My rating:  Homerun.  All the way.

For more information about about the Critic, Stephanie Childers and the rating system, visit HERE

Food Critic: Rating System

By: Stephanie Childers

For me, a dining experience is more than just, ‘what was the food like?’ It’s the smile when you get there, the wave when you leave. The clean table awaiting you, and the ‘stay as long as you want’ feeling. The waitress/waiter who treats you like you’re the only customer she/he cares about and knowing that waiter/ waitress will be there when or if I come back in a few weeks. (I truly dislike a high turnover rate, to me it symbolizes poor management). Of course, the food is a big issue, but the other details are what gets me in the door and keeps me coming back. As far as price goes, I say, you get what you pay for. I like quality ingredients and am willing to pay for them. Otherwise, I’d spend my 7$ at slop house chain buffet and eat all I want. That’s not what I care about or what I concentrate on when eating out. At the same token, I do believe in value, I am not willing to pay top dollar if the quality, service and atmosphere are not worth it. As I see it, if the food gets you to first base with the customer, the service will be what gets you to second.

What will drive me the third? Atmosphere. Am I comfortable, too hot/ too cold? Is it too bright/ too dark? Is there obnoxious music playing in the background or an ambient, non assuming sound? Are the other patrons so loud I can hardly hear myself think or am I able to carry on a pleasant conversation with my neighbor? Are the restrooms clean? Or did I almost fall and break a leg from the oily or wet tile floor on my way to the restrooms. All these things affect my experience, thus my review. Instead of stars, I will offer the following:

1st base-good food
2nd base-good service
3rd base- good atmosphere
Homerun- all of the above
Strike 1- food stinks (poor, cheap ingredients)
Strike 2-poor service
Strike 3-not worth the effort or money

So, as I eat out and pass along my experiences, please feel free to agree, disagree, regard, disregard or ignore any or all of my reviews. I love to eat, meet, and greet. I hope you enjoy.
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You can contact Stephanie Childers at stephiej@bellsouth.net to suggest a restaurant in the B’ham area that you would like her to visit.

Recipe: Port of Desire

Love dark chocolate and port wine together? They make such a lovely combination. And they are even better combined together!

Port of Desire

1 1/2 Sticks of Butter
1 2/3 cup of Sugar
3 Eggs
1 Teaspoon Vanilla
2 cups All Purpose Flour
2/3 cup Dark Chocolate Cocoa
1 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/3 cup Port

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cream butter and sugar together in a mixing bowl. Once light and fluffy, add the eggs one at a time, thoroughly incorporating each one before adding the next. Once the eggs have been added, add the vanilla.

Combine the Cocoa, flour, baking soda, salt and baking powder together. Add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture slowly, alternating it with the port. Beat until smooth.

Pour the batter into the 2 9″ greased cake pans or a lined cupcake holder. Bake for 20-25 for cakes and 12-15 minutes for mini cupcakes and 15-20 minutes for regular cupcakes.

Ice with a good dark chocolate butter cream icing…and add some port for extra flavor.

Sorry & Good News!


Sorry for not posting recently, just been way to busy here. I do have good news though, Baby Kambell was born this morning. She was 7lbs, 12oz and 21 inches long. This aunt can’t wait to meet her!

And I have some more good news! Starting soon, I will be posting some amateur food critic reviews on local B’ham restaurants (and a few that aren’t local). And we are not talking about chain restaurants either. These will be small independent locations that usually get overlooked by the average eater for those well known, “comfy” chains. So break out of your chains, read up on some good place to eat, and expand your knowledge of what this unique city has to offer.