The Happiest Place on Earth

The Guinness Factory

I know what you were thinking...Tijuana!! Disneyland? Las Vegas? Nope, none of those. The happiest place on earth is The Guinness Factory in Dublin, Ireland, and I should know. I was there with the family in '07. My middle brother had such a great time, he went back the next day with a group of us on our tour. I snapped pics on the walk over in excited anticipation. Oh boy oh boy oh boy.

Stairway to Heaven

My middle bro kept a quick pace, waving away most of the exhibits. Truth be told, there's gold at the end of this rainbow. After buying a ticket, (which makes the bearer feel like Charlie from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory), you take a series of winding ramps upwards towards bright sky. It's a beautiful piece of contemporary architecture, a unique blend of the old and new.

A barrel of fun

The multi-media exhibits explain their special brewing process and long history as brewers. This large cask once used for beer now contains a bunch of artfully arranged flat screens that display tour information as you make your journey upward.

Heaven, Nirvana, Paradise, whatever

But, oh there at the top, there it is. A 360° view of Dublin! It is a stunning way to see the city. Included with the price of admission, you get one of these —-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—->

which you exchange at The Sky Bar for your complimentary pint of "the dark stuff". A few were left at the bar (WTF?!), so I quickly pocketed two. Every glass paperweight contains a drop of their brew in an air bubble specially designed to contain it. The pair found a home on one of my bookcase shelves, as prized and proudly displayed souvenirs.

Follow your bliss

It was the best time I had during a harried and hectic family tour. 

We travelled with four small kids, Grandma in her wheelchair (pushed over crowded, narrow cobblestoned streets, and old sites that pre-dated ramps), and various other family members arriving, leaving, and taking different tours; a total of 14. It was like herding cats. This one brief moment in time felt like perfection. As I savored my drink, I could taste the care and time spent in crafting it. Suddenly, like a break in the clouds, me and my Irish twin found ourselves seated at a table, just the two of us, looking at each other in amazement, with relaxed, easy grins on our faces as we toasted and hoisted pints. Slainté!

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Cooking with (No) Gas

Tomato, onion, and mint salad

The salad before dinner was a simple affair: tomatoes, sliced white onion, chopped mint, salt and pepper, a red wine and olive oil dressing with some grated Locatelli romano sprinkled on top. In daylight, even. Fresh!

Cooking with Gas

Short ribs and eggs

During the Lenten season, Fridays are days of abstinence, and last week was no exception. So, I woke up Saturday with a voracious appetite. A quick refrigerator scan turned up an interesting premise: beef short ribs. Oh, yeah! I craved protein in a big way. Here's my version of steak and eggs.

Saturday breakfast

In my slobbery haste, I forgot to remove the chewy silver skin from the ribs, and these particular ones had a lot of fat and cartilage. Ah, well. As I gnawed primally on the flavorful bones, I was satisfied. I didn't eat meat for a few days after this breakfast, because I had more than my fill. Later in the day, I cut all that fatty goodness with a nice, juicy orange and then some yogurt and granola. Bon-repast!

Picture Window

The happy cloud

I woke up to see the cutest little cloud floating by my kitchen window. Isn't it adorable? I watched it for awhile, slowly drifting across the sky and changing shape. So cheerful! What a beautiful morning.

Around Town

St. Jean Baptiste Catholic Church

Not-so-subliminal advertising at The Chelsea Market

http://stjeanbaptisteny.org/

http://chelseamarket.com/

Cooking with Gas

Marinated turkey breast cutlets

Back to more highlights from healthy eating. Yesterday's dinner was the remaining turkey breast cutlets marinaded in honey, fresh squeezed orange juice, Martinelli's apple juice, garlic, chopped mint, salt and pepper, and some red pepper flakes. I let it sit overnight in the fridge; good idea! Makes the meat very tender and moist. 

Pan fried turkey breast with au jus

I ditched the liquid from the marinade, and got to work. Cutlets were fried over medium-high heat in a pan coated with a light, non-stick spray. The top side was loaded with grated Locatelli romano. After the flip, the cheese formed a lovely brown crust on the bottom as it cooked. Pan drippings became the sauce of orange bits and their juice that had combined with the mint and garlic, spooned on top. Yum.

I-I-IKEA!

Red Hook Ikea

Yesterday was the day for shopping. The sun was out, it was warm, and the time had come for me to finally replace a small bedside lamp that I had discarded a year prior. I think it dated back 10+ years. So I set out on a field trip to Red Hooks' Ikea on the waterfront, a short bus ride away from da 'hood.

It was a glorious time, because 1) it was a weekday and a lot of people were sitting at a desk somewhere in Manhattan and 2) it was right after the store opened. I'm not sure how I can describe the joy of roaming freely through an empty store while not rubbing elbows and navigating the craziest, busiest obstacle course there is—a New York City crowd scoring cheap households items. It is a brutal sport, like walking through Times Square on any given day or night. Think of Calcutta in India's' airport with no one in it. It feels something like this:

"...the hills are alive, with the sound of no one..."

Freedom, wonderful sweet freedom! But I was on a mission, a lighting mission, and this massive store does not disappoint. They have a plethora of affordable and stylish items. I saw a designer-type guy
(see also: Asian Hipster) sporting the requisite black-framed glasses one must get from his art school with a diploma, sorting through throw pillows and loading his cart in a serious manner. Aha! An interior designer on a gig. Gotcha, dude. I was focused, too.

Ikea baby lamps

First up, shorty lamps. Cool for college kid dorm rooms, but would they throw off enough light to read by? Probably not. Still...awww, baby lamps. So cute!

The wall of groovy mood lamps

OK, now I was getting warmer. Groovy, small-scale lights that would fit nicely on my nightstand, except they kinda look like mood rings. Mod, stylish, and hip, though not the simple, clean and classic style I was looking for. Plus, they're kinda low on the emitted light scale. "Shagadelic" for a make-out pad, but not for me.

Cabbage patch lamp heads

Next up, the land of bulbous, cabbage-patch head Star Trek lamps. Haha! Funny, but no. The search continues.

A turn through the wall of Asia lamps

WOW! What a view. You can see the waterfront sculpture park from this picture window. I love Asian-style paper lamps, but they are too definitive a look for the old lines of my apartment. Still, I love the store design and the scene outside. Gorgeous.

East meets West

The styles and selection can't be beat for the price: wall units, ceiling lights, floor models, bedside lamps, shades and bulbs of many shapes and sizes. But where is the classic, clean, and contemporary? Aha! I think I found my section.

Classic lines, clean & contemporary styling

This store is massive. It's really a world unto itself with a drop-off daycare section for harried and hurried parents, a cafeteria style, sit-down food court, a fast-food section after check-out that's next to the another little shopping area of cold cases and sundry items with a variety of imported Swiss foods. For the hoarders and pack rats out there, this must be a Shoppers Paradise of overwhelming stimulation, but for me, it was time to go. I had my stuff and I got things to do. Always. So, what did I finally get? See for yourself.

My new reading lamp.

Perfect, no? Home sweet home for my new reading lamp.

May your adventures be grand, whether near or far.

Consuela, Part II

I had a delightful chat today in an online group about Franco-Normande language roots. Yeah, etymology is pretty nerdy, but I am a bibliophile. Anyway, someone mentioned the informality with American names, and how we address one another. To this European, our former President "Jimmy" Carter seemed impossibly impolite and immature for using a boyish name, given that he's such an impressive public figure. Of course we respect our authority figures! We also use formal addresses with teachers, religious figures, political leaders, and other authority figures, as the situation dictates.

It brought me back to the brief time I had to live in a small German town for business, working in the company's atelier with the other artists and designers. Employees there used last names only, on the phone and in meetings. The head of the company is called "Herr" quite loudly, every time he is seen or greeted. It was still jarring to me a month after working there, because I had only heard it in documentaries about Nazism and Herr Hitler. My European co-workers thought it quite funny the first time they heard me greet the company president by first name. Given his rep as a ladies man, who knows what they thought of this informality between us.

Back home on U.S. soil, we hosted a German co-worker for a couple of weeks. At the time we were a mini United Nations: two gay men and a lesbian (all vocally out of the closest), a Jamaican accountant, a Puerto Rican receptionist, a book keeper from India, a Eurasian editor, and whatever nationality people think I am, which is usually French. She was charmed by our meeting round table, and the freedom with which we spoke. Since it was a very small branch of an overseas company, anyone in the office could pitch new ideas. And we called each other by first names, because it would be sheer lunacy for an open society like ours that is comprised of immigrants to keep track of every country on the planet's sometimes elaborate greeting rituals.

So, how does Consuela feature? Well, she IS our go-to symbol for cross-cultural snafus. If you're ever in doubt while travelling around our beautiful land, please know that it's more than acceptable to address an American you meet informally by their first name. 

That's democracy.

Cooking with (No) Gas

yogurt, granola, mint, honey, cinnamon and nutmeg

I bought sprigs of mint this week, so it's my mission to utilize it in as many ways as possible while fresh. Today's breakfast of granola and probiotic yogurt was ripe for garnishing, with honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg, too. Mint brightens food in both color and taste. Have at it!

MAKE KONY FAMOUS IN 2012

In 2012, let's end senseless war in Uganda. We can send a powerful message to the world that there is a new reality here on earth, and the dawn of a new era, where everyone shares the responsibility of being our brother and sisters' keeper.

You can help make murderer, child abductor, and brutal sex criminal Joseph Kony famous for his horrors against humanity. By doing so,
we grab the spotlight, gain attention, and motivate those with money, clout, and time to find him and arrest him.

Please take a mere 29 minutes of your time to watch the incredible story of a man whose mission is making "invisible children" visible.

 http://www.invisiblechildren.com.s3-website-us-east-1.amazonaws.com/

As with any organization, you must do research before committing to a campaign. I did a brief online search regarding the validity of the Invisible Children charity. Please see the links provided below. 

My main goal is spreading information and raising awareness about injustices, not bilking people out of cash. Thank you.

http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=12429

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20120307112511AAJPk3c

Cooking with (No) Gas

Healthy egg salad

Yesterdays' lunch was a light special: two hard-boiled eggs, salt and pepper, a dressing made from Smart Balance mayo mixed with red wine vinegar, chopped pimento-stuffed manzanilla olives and some spices for flavor, like tarragon, paprika, and a dash of hot sauce. 

I really like Smart Balance products because they contain zero trans fats, and they still taste good. Highly recommend for anyone looking to trim saturated fats and those unwanted calories from their diet. And no, I didn't get paid to write that. Happy eating!

http://www.smartbalance.com/

http://www.goodguide.com/companies/214039-gfa-brands-inc

On Death and Dying

http://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/entertainment/articles/2012-01/12/car-coffin/porsche

I've always had a problem with American attitudes towards death, like it's a disease that's catching, because it's totally unrealistic. Death is an inevitable part of life. To deny this central fact about our existence seems bizarre at best, and extremely dysfunctional at its' worst. Mourning and grief are not emotions that go away, so it's especially counterproductive pretending that no one ever does.

http://www.aetv.com/hoarders/

Shows like "Hoarders" opened my eyes to millions of people who suffer from an inability to properly process and handle their emotions, thereby sublimating their feelings onto things. If left untreated, their compulsions build and internal tensions increase. Over time, it hardens into a deeply serious mental illness with a low cure rate. They actually entomb themselves within layers of stuff, and lose the ability to connect with others. Like zombies, they are legions of waking dead.

http://www.mediamatic.net/65222/en/ik-r-i-p

I'm more interested in exploring the concept of dying well, and how one can best achieve that state of grace. Part of gathering in remembrance is reliving the joy of that persons' life. It's not solely a sad occasion. For years I've loved stories about a select group of carpenters from Ghana, who craft unique burial vessels by hand and on commission, each one a work of art directed by the intended. Periodically you'll see exhibition adverts at your local museums and galleries. I'd urge you to see them in person. It's hard to deny life while looking at these beautiful objects.

We have some glorious funeral rites, too, right here in the US of A. Naturally, this sizzlin' flavor comes to you courtesy of Cajun country and New Orleans, home of the jazz procession. Who wouldn't want a send off like this? It's just fun.

Perhaps the most famous proponent for dignified death was Mother Theresa. Her organization and the sisters who now run it, still strongly promote and work towards the values she outlined and made public. I invite you to explore their mission work further: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Missionaries_of_Charity.


Catholics have traditions about death and the dying that is often at odds with modern sensibilities. The message many people get from media outlets is that death is "unlucky", through eyes which hold childish distaste. This distance between perception and reality sets people up for a big, scary fall, over what used to be a moderated and functioning part of daily life. The central concept to a better (and healthier) point of view is no one should die alone. 

http://topnews.net.nz/content/22043-unsuitable-care-being-received-terminally-ill-stresses-report

To that end, there are organizations that create hospices, hospitals and systems which administer and address this critical need in our society. There are people around the world who consider it their special vocation to tend to a population that is often put in a room somewhere and ignored. Here's a few links about spirituality, and the few special people who care compassionately about how we end our journey: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/21/us/21nuns.html?pagewanted=all and http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1103124.htm.

http://www.sueelviswrites.com/2012/01/

I hope this opens up a discussion in your family about a subject that's been taboo for too long in our society. Life is a gift, 
and our planet is a miracle. We deserve to broadcast this out loud to the Universe with style, in a manner that suits us, and our loved ones, best. 

Let's live!

MMA in New York

New Yorkers know the politics in this town run dirty sometimes, despite the efforts of decent, well-meaning people in office. We've heard the stonewalling counter arguments, and there's no real basis to any of them. It's enough already. Let's cut through the red tape to bring the sport we love home.

Many of the sports' most impressive and elite athletes already train in our citys' great gyms (http://www.renzogracie.com/). They deserve venues like Madison Square Garden, and they have a HUGE fan base. 

  

Here is the itinerary for today's rally to legalize MMA in NY. 11:30-1pm March to Gov Cuomo Office. 4-8pm MMA Documentary Film Festival at MSG on 7th & 32nd St.

 http://www.nymmanow.blogspot.com/

Cooking with Gas

Pan-cooked turkey cutlet and roasted brussel sprouts

I've been branching out lately, exploring different vegetables. Todays' selection is the humble brussel sprout. Much despised by me as a kid, they were often force-fed to us soggy and bitter from over-boiling. 

Roasted brussel sprouts

Following a success I had with cauliflower, I went with the same, simple treatment after a brief recipe consult online: rinse, then toss with salt, pepper, and olive oil, roasted in the oven. They browned beautifully crisp on the outside, imparting them with a warm, nutty flavor. Perfect with the turkey cutlet I had for lunch. Good eats to you!

The Secret of Kells

March kicks off a festival of madness. Stores stock green party favors, and Mickey D's sells its' infamous Shamrock shakes. Bands start playing gigs, the bars run drink specials, and it all culminates in the biggest Irish-American parade in the world, the New York City Saint Patrick's Day Parade. http://nycstpatricksparade.org/

But for me, it's a celebration that links me to a much greater truth. More on that to follow, later in the month. For now, let's start the party right with one of the coolest, most unique animated films you'll ever see, The Secret of Kells. Trust me, you've never seen anything like it. Enjoy!

http://newvideo.com/secretofkells/

Cooking with (No) Gas

Breakfast of champions, Marie Doucette 2012

More awesome food, courtesy of my local grocery store. They carry a wide variety of organic selections that are surprisingly affordable. In many cases, the "little guys" doing great things are beating the bigger, less healthy brands. 

Yesterdays' breakfast was a cup of fat free probiotic vanilla yogurt with a quarter cup of Chappaqua Crunch granola and a handful of raisins that I drizzled with honey, then sprinkled with cinnamon and nutmeg. So good! I felt full well past noon, fitting in shopping and a haircut before lunch.  
Happy eating!

http://chappaquacrunchgranola.com/

Cooking with (No) Gas

Endive and pear salad

Lately my weight is more than I am used to. I've incorporated weight lifting into a routine that alternates elliptical workouts with bag training and swimming. I like the added muscle, because it gives my joints a feeling of stability and solidity, but I can't help feeling bulky, which I am unused to. This new part of my training has also fired up my appetite and given me some powerful food cravings. 

So it's scale back time, with lots of fruit, veggies, and popcorn, for the extra fiber content, which imparts a feeling of fullness. And since I'm a hardcore foodie, it must be done well. Yesterdays' lunch was an endive and organic D'anjou pear salad, with sliced onions and chopped Applegate Farms roasted turkey breast, a drizzle of honey, salt and pepper, and a dash of fat free Italian dressing. Next time I'll skip the dressings, so I can simply relish the freshness of the ingredients. Nothing else is required, really. Bon appetit!

Around the Way

a seriously bad sign, Marie Doucette 2012

 

Attention readers: Our friends in the wild need our help. Wolves are at risk for a mass killing operation in Alberta, Canada. 

Please follow the link and sign the petition.  

Let's end this before it starts.

http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/tar_sands_wolves/?rc=fb_share1 

Picture Windows

picture window Marie Doucette 2012

city view Marie Doucette 2012

cotton clouds Marie Doucette 2012

wispy cloud Marie Doucette 2012

Around the Way

it's a beautiful day, Marie Doucette 2012

bullet the blue sky, Marie Doucette 2012

Around the Way

"Walk" Marie Doucette 2012

Picture Windows

Brooklyn Sunrise II Marie Doucette 2012

Cooking with Gas

I've been experimenting with vegetables lately, specifically the kind I didn't eat growing up. The key to healthy, well-rounded eating is consuming as much variety as you can stand. Cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients is the natural way to get the best results. With the enormous amount of produce available in the Northeast, we are very fortunate to have access to great food at relatively inexpensive prices, compared to Americans who pay more in shipping costs.

I bought spaghetti squash this week, which I've never cooked before. It was stringy, copious, and chewy, with not much natural flavor. Since it's a bit of a blank slate, it takes flavors well, and the more one can heap on, the better. After adding spices, onions, garlic, butter and olive, I put Locatelli Romano* on top and it still tasted flat. Challenging.

Home, on the range

I found it worked better today as a left over, and a fried dish at that. Voilà! Frazzle Dazzle Spaghetti Squash Hash Browns, born out of necessity. I heated oil in a pan, cut up some leftover Applegate Farms** turkey breast as a base layer, frazzled that for awhile before forming a squash patty and placing that on top. Much better :)

Frazzle Dazzle Spaghetti Squash Hash Browns

*http://www.bestnewyorkfoods.com/locatellicheese-com/historyoflocatellicheese.htm 

 **http://www.applegatefarms.com/