Trick or Treat

My husband and I are slightly obsessed with candy. A few weeks ago, we noticed a specific candy on Candy Blog that was difficult to find in retail stores. This is a frequent occurance on this blog, that I refer to as the "curse of the candy blogger". My husband wrote to the company and asked if they sold their candy at a nearby retail location. They gave us the name of a store and asked for our address.

About a week later, a large package arrived at our door from the candy company. It was filled with about a pound of the candy we wanted to sample, and a whole bunch of other treats they make.

It was the best day ever.

Colbert for President

Finally, a real candidate in the upcoming election has been announced. Stephen Colbert is running for president in South Carolina as a "favorite son". I think I'll vote for him as a write-in candidate in the Maryland primary.

Some may say that this makes a mockery of our political system. But hasn't our current administration been doing just that for the past million years. (I know they haven't really been in power this long, it just seems that way to me)

Digital Snobbery (in response to Meg's comment)

Are people really going to sue Radiohead because the bitrate on their release (that they could have gotten for free) isn't high enough for their digital snobbery? Can a person in possession of normal speakers really tell the difference? The album seems fine to me. I cannot tell that it isn't the highest quality I've ever heard. Because, frankly, I cannot tell the difference.

Maybe it's because I'm 1/2 deaf, or maybe it's because I just don't care. People who are whining about this are on my nerves. (pitchfork, I'm lookin' at you)

I know some people are going to come back at this and say "well, they should have mentioned the bitrate up front". Maybe. What's funny is that when the last album hit the Internet before it was even finished, no one complained about the quality. It would've been the same if this album leaked. I think the whole "name your own price" was to prevent that from happening again.

Here's a solution. Next year, just buy the cd when it gets released in stores.

I am done talking about this now.

Update: In Rainbows

I downloaded the new Radiohead album this morning. I know there is chatter about it being released as a zip file and that said zip file does not have cd quality sound, but personally, I can't tell the difference. (This may be due to the fact that I can't really hear out of my right ear).

There is something about listening to a Radiohead album for the first time that is different than listening to other bands. Their music makes the world look more beautiful. I know that's sappy, but it's true. There's nothing like driving in your car, listening to a Radiohead album.

So far, I'm five songs in. If you ordered it, you'll know what I'm talking about soon.

Scarf is Finished!

Only about a billion more things to go.

Holiday Knitting

I finally picked out my holiday knitting projects. I think I'm being a bit ambitious, but I should have plenty of free time to finish. On the docket:

1 scarf
2 shawls
3 hats
1 pair of armwarmers

11 weeks to finish. I am almost finished the scarf, and the hats should be simple. I'm a little worried about the shawls though.

I won't be able to post pictures, since they're presents, but look for many project pictures in January!

My Favorite Popcorn

Popcorn is one of my favorite foods. I could eat massive amounts of it most days. I am not a fan of microwave popcorn, just to be clear. Since it's fall and fall=football, I have been making this almost every Sunday at halftime during the first game.

Kate's Favorite Popcorn (introduced to her by her first awesome roommate, Kel)

1-2 Tbs. olive oil or vegetable oil
1/3 and a little more popcorn kernels
butter or olive oil for topping
Nutritional Yeast (at least a 1/4 cup)

Heat 1-2 Tbs. of oil in a stock pot over high heat (or medium heat if you are lucky enough to have a gas stove). Throw in 3 kernels. When they have popped, throw in the rest of the kernels. Place a lid on the stock pot and hold so that steam can escape (be careful and wear oven mitts). Shake the pot so the kernels are evenly coated with oil. Allow the popcorn to pop, shaking occasionally so the kernels don't burn.

When finished popping, pour melted butter or olive oil over popcorn. Season with salt and nutritional yeast.

I know nutritional yeast sounds strange, but trust me, it will quickly become your most favorite popcorn too. I have also started to mix the butter with just a little bit of vegetable oil so that it coats better.

Rachel Ray

If I cooked the stuff she makes on her show, I'd be divorced. Does she even know how to cook anything other than onions, peppers, and spices sauteed in extra virgin olive oil, then poured over some sort of pan seared meat that has finished baking in the oven? It seems like every recipe she makes is some sort of variation on this theme.

Last night, I saw her take pork chops right out of the package and put them in a pan for searing. She didn't even rinse them off first! Gross. I have also heard tales of her using beans straight out of the can. She also does not wash her hands in this episode...ever.

I have heard that her recipes cannot be made in 30 minutes. I wouldn't know because I would never made this slop for dinner. I actually saw her crumbling up cornbread and then stirring it into a pan with other ingredients. Was this supposed to be a side dish? It was ugly.

I do not have enough time to discuss her overall personality and her crazy voice. I will say that I can only tolerate to see her show in mute while someone else is watching it on their little tv at the gym.

Watching her show at the gym is probably good motivation for eating a really nice salad for dinner.

I have heard that she does not know how to bake. How can someone with about 4 or 5 shows about food not know how to bake? She says it's because she doesn't know how to measure.

My friend said that on her 40 dollar a day show, she would eat dinner and not tip the servers, to keep with her 40 dollar a day budget. Isn't she totally loaded? Why is she teaching people that it's okay to not tip, or to hardly tip (in my world, that would be less than 25%)?

In conclusion, Rachel Ray cannot cook, she is teaching people it's okay to feed your family slop every night for dinner, she does not tip. If this is how pissed off I get after seeing her show on mute while someone else is watching it at the gym, I would not like to see my reaction if someone made me actually watch any of her shows for real.

Fall Music Suprise!

If you go to
this site you should easily be able to find your way to the checkout for a digital download of Radiohead's newest album. This was all a surprise because they were apparently not releasing this album until next year, and you can name your own price for the download. They are releasing it themselves for now, without a record company.

Having read a little commentary on the "name your own price" idea, I'm surprised that so many people actually paid money for it. Yes, I have ordered my copy, and I chose to get it for free. I still like having cd's and records to hold in my hands, so I thought I'd get the cd later.

Is no one else in this boat with me? Am I the only one who was excited to get something for free for once?

I have probably given radiohead about 300-400 dollars of my money in the form of concerts, posters, and other albums bought. So, I'm not feeling particularly guilty about this one.

I Like to Complain

As if hotmail could not get any more annoying. Like most people, I only use hotmail for mailing lists and the like. A few weeks ago, they totally overhauled their system and now, if I want to read any of these stupid emails, I have to click "safe" at the top of the message. Then I have to click "show message" in order to see it.

This is really annoying the crap out of me.

Burnt Caramel Truffles

These are the truffles I mentioned in the previous post. I had purchased them in bar form for our friend for his birthday. After trying a piece, I wanted one for myself, but they only had the truffles left. The caramel in them tastes faintly of creme brulee topping. And the salt really compliments the whole taste of this truffle.

I had been on a gummi/licorice kick for a while, mostly because that's what my husband buys, but these past few weeks have sent me on a chocolate binge. It's fun.

Bacon Bar

This year, it seems I've been on the hunt for one type of candy or another. I blame it on the candy blogger. I was on the hunt for Carnival Skittles for weeks because of her.

For the past few weeks, I've been searching for the Vosges Mo's Bacon Bar. The idea of bacon in chocolate seemed appealing to me and I had to try it.

This week, that search ended at Ma Petite Shoe in Hampden (also known as the most dangerous store in the world). My friends, Erika and Matt, were nice enough to pick one up for me before they all sold out.

I am so happy about this candy bar, it might be my new favorite. The chocolate is super smooth and rich, and there are little bits of salt and bacon in it! For some reason, I pictured a slice of bacon in the middle, but I think the bits are better.

I have also been chowing down on some truffles with salt, and am currently obsessed with chocolate that has salt in it. So, if you have any recommendations, please let me know.

Inland Empire on DVD!

Just a reminder that Inland Empire is now on DVD. It's the newest of the David Lynch films and it's really good. How could it not be when it's about "A Woman in Trouble"?

Also, there's going to be a huge Twin Peaks release in a few weeks. I know I already have the series on VHS and DVD, but I will probably buy the new set for the extras and to have it all together (or at least ask for it for Christmas). The previous sets were minus the pilot, and I only have a crappy version. Plus, it was my favorite tv show EVER.

Where's the Magic?

Could watching the Baltimore Orioles right now be any more depressing?

I don't have much more to say on this, except that I love the Orioles, but they're making it really difficult these days.

I'm Only 10 Years Late on This One

Last week, my friend Jen found out I had never watched the entire series of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and promptly sent me the first two seasons. This show came out midway through college, when I didn't have cable at school or home, so I'm pretty sure that's why I didn't watch it.

I did catch the remaining 5 or 6 episodes at the insistence of a co-worker, so I know how it ends. I was sad then that I hadn't seen the whole series, but I never got around to buying or renting it.

I finished the first season yesterday and love it. If you've never seen it, I highly recommend it!

Amazing Chocolate

I got to go to my favorite store, Ma Petite Shoe, this weekend to shop for chocolate for my friend for his birthday. Of course, I couldn't leave without also picking up something for myself. This is one of the best chocolate bars I've ever tasted. It's made in Baltimore! If you feel like a little road trip, I highly recommend either heading over to Ma Petite Shoe, or visiting his store.

Bob Saget

Last night, I watched the new Bob Saget comedy special on HBO. Halfway through watching it, I expected my parents to burst through the front door and yell at me. It's so vulgar and inappropriate. It's also pretty funny. If you don't mind hearing the word "fuck" a hundred times, then this is a comedy special for you.

My only advice is not to watch it if you want to keep your image of Bob Saget to the person who was the dad on Full House or the host of America's Funniest Home Videos. But, who wants to admit they watched that?

Is Anyone Else Watching This Show?

I have been watching the first season of Flight of the Conchords on HBO and have to say that it's refreshing. I hope I'm not the only one out there enjoying this show.

Elly's List

My friend Elly posted this on her blog, and I thought it would be an interesting goal. Especially since I'll be spending alot of time indoors reading this winter. Those in bold, I've already read. Some of these books, I've read halfway through, those are in italics. Sometimes, I start a book, and then find one I'm more interested in at the time. I really need to finish them. I also understand that this is a list generated by Time magazine, but there's some I've been meaning to read for a while on this list.

Time's 100 Best American Novels post-1923

The Adventures of Augie March
Saul Bellow

All the King's Men
Robert Penn Warren

American Pastoral
Philip Roth

An American Tragedy
Theodore Dreiser

Animal Farm
George Orwell

Appointment in Samarra
John O'Hara

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret
Judy Blume

The Assistant
Bernard Malamud

At Swim-Two-Birds
Flann O'Brien

Atonement
Ian McEwan

Beloved
Toni Morrison

The Berlin Stories
Christopher Isherwood

The Big Sleep
Raymond Chandler

The Blind Assassin
Margaret Atwood

Blood Meridian
Cormac McCarthy

Brideshead Revisited
Evelyn Waugh

The Bridge of San Luis Rey
Thornton Wilder

Call It Sleep
Henry Roth

Catch-22
Joseph Heller

The Catcher in the Rye
J.D. Salinger

A Clockwork Orange
Anthony Burgess

The Confessions of Nat Turner
William Styron

The Corrections
Jonathan Franzen (I refuse to read this book. Someone should convince me otherwise)

The Crying of Lot 49
Thomas Pynchon

A Dance to the Music of Time
Anthony Powell

The Day of the Locust
Nathanael West

Death Comes for the Archbishop
Willa Cather

A Death in the Family
James Agee

The Death of the Heart
Elizabeth Bowen

Deliverance
James Dickey

Dog Soldiers
Robert Stone

Falconer
John Cheever

The French Lieutenant's Woman
John Fowles

The Golden Notebook
Doris Lessing

Go Tell it on the Mountain
James Baldwin

Gone With the Wind
Margaret Mitchell

The Grapes of Wrath
John Steinbeck

Gravity's Rainbow
Thomas Pynchon

The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald

A Handful of Dust
Evelyn Waugh

The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter
Carson McCullers

The Heart of the Matter
Graham Greene

Herzog
Saul Bellow

Housekeeping
Marilynne Robinson

A House for Mr. Biswas
V.S. Naipaul

I, Claudius
Robert Graves

Infinite Jest
David Foster Wallace

Invisible Man
Ralph Ellison

Light in August
William Faulkner

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe
C.S. Lewis

Lolita
Vladimir Nabokov

Lord of the Flies
William Golding

The Lord of the Rings
J.R.R. Tolkien

Loving
Henry Green

Lucky Jim
Kingsley Amis

The Man Who Loved Children
Christina Stead

Midnight's Children
Salman Rushdie

Money
Martin Amis

The Moviego
Walker Percy

Mrs. Dalloway
Virginia Woolf

Naked Lunch
William Burroughs

Native Son
Richard Wright

Neuromancer
William Gibson

Never Let Me Go
Kazuo Ishiguro

1984
George Orwell

On the Road
Jack Kerouac

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
Ken Kesey

The Painted Bird
Jerzy Kosinski

Pale Fire
Vladimir Nabokov

A Passage to India
E.M. Forster

Play It As It Lays
Joan Didion

Portnoy's Complaint
Philip Roth

Possession
A.S. Byatt

The Power and the Glory
Graham Greene

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie
Muriel Spark

Rabbit, Run
John Updike

Ragtime
E.L. Doctorow

The Recognitions
William Gaddis

Red Harvest
Dashiell Hammett

Revolutionary Road
Richard Yates

The Sheltering Sky
Paul Bowles

Slaughterhouse-Five
Kurt Vonnegut

Snow Crash
Neal Stephenson

The Sot-Weed Factor
John Barth

The Sound and the Fury
William Faulkner

The Sportswriter
Richard Ford

The Spy Who Came in From the Cold
John le Carre

The Sun Also Rises
Ernest Hemingway

Their Eyes Were Watching God
Zora Neale Hurston

Things Fall Apart
Chinua Achebe

To Kill a Mockingbird
Harper Lee

To the Lighthouse
Virginia Woolf

Tropic of Cancer
Henry Miller

Ubik
Philip K. Dick

Under the Net
Iris Murdoch

Under the Volcano
Malcolm Lowry

Watchmen
Alan Moore & Dave Gibbons

White Noise
Don DeLillo

White Teeth
Zadie Smith

Wide Sargasso Sea
Jean Rhys

Move into new house - check.

On one of the hottest days of the year, my family and three awesome friends helped us move into our new home. It's strange living somewhere new for the first time in five years. But, we're adjusting, and trying not to feel so exhausted this week. I hope everyone else out there is doing well. I'll post some pictures in a few weeks when there are less boxes lying around.