My husband and I are on the road for a month. My cousin is house-sitting. He is not as good of a Samwise photographer as I am. Nonetheless, getting these cheered me up after a long and shitty day:
Maybe they can help cheer you up too! Thread is open for all topics except Republicans.
Lyrebird
Yes, kitteh pictures!
Thanks for thinking of Juicer sanity even while you’re on the road.
ETA: I know we have a bunch of Instant Pot fans here, but I haven’t heard the blog views on air fryers… anyone have one and like it? or not like it?
??? Goku (aka Amerikan Baka) ??
B-b-but! What else are we to talk about?
Oh, a kitty! Samwise is a cutie. Tell him I say hi!
Speaking of cats, has anybody ever noticed that cats are often assumed to be female? It’s so annoying when you have a male cat.
Major Major Major Major
@??? Goku (aka Amerikan Baka) ??: I think the “all dogs are boys and all cats are girls” cultural background radiation is kind of hilarious.
satby
@Lyrebird: I’m a sucker for kitchen gadgets, so I have one. I use it a couple times a week for things I would otherwise broil, like steak and chicken. And for veggies tossed in oil. Way faster than turning on the oven.
Gin & Tonic
That’s a handsome cat.
NotMax
Sue me. FYI.
geg6
Samwise’s close up is my favorite. It’s so catlike.
Was reminded on Book of Faces that today was the day that my John and I, with the massive help of Balloon Juice, decided to adopt Koda. It was another couple of weeks before we could get it all set up to get her from Santa Monica to Pittsburgh, but I’ll never forget that day and the generosity of all the Jackals that made it possible. It was six years ago. She has been a joy.
BC in Illinois
Picture #2 is one intense cat.
I would confess under that stare.
eemom
? No republican, no cry….?
tobie
@NotMax: The gall! Didn’t Treasury under Bush raid the Post Office pension fund? Now they’re not paying into it? And of course what will come next is that the Post Office needs to be disbanded since it’s running a deficit. I hate these people.
TomatoQueen
@NotMax: Standard procedure for the debt ceiling cliffhanger gaspchokefest, affecting federal employees only so who cares *fuckem*. In the past, our funds were eventually restored but not without a long wait. So another round of let’s kick federal employees in the teeth, yeah those nice VA nurses and the folks who shove the paper from one side of the desk to the other, as well as the folk doing science in the national parks, cos who cares about them. Oh look, the Killing Machine.
??? Goku (aka Amerikan Baka) ??
@Major Major Major Major:
It totally is. It even extends beyond that to the pet owners themselves. You used to see it a lot in pet food commercials. The owners of cats would almost always be women.
My relatives to this day still call my cat Bilbo a “she” even though we’ve had him for 14 years and they’ve been corrected in the past. So sick of people assuming my cat’s gender ; p
Ohio Mom
Bouncing around the internet today I found a tourist site, Only in Your State, that had a few new to me local restaurants and things to do in the region— one of them being a huge used book store in Dayton.
So now Ohio Family has a couple of weekend activities to look forward to.
Steve in the ATL
In my house, picture #2 says “I know what your favorite clothes are and they will be ripped into shreds if there is not tuna in my bowl in 5, 4, 3…”
NotMax
Has there been any recent news about efg?
geg6
@Ohio Mom:
Oh, I browse that for the PA stuff! Reminds me of things I forget were here and gives me ideas for places I didn’t know about.
??? Goku (aka Amerikan Baka) ??
@tobie:
I’m sure FedEx will be able to take over the load, not to mention more efficiently and cost-effectively than those layabouts at the USPS. It even has “federal” in the name! It’s perfect!
Jim, Foolish Literalist
Report from the ground in South Carolina, and a good reminder, as Jon Favreau said in the tweet that led me here, that twitter is a really poor reflection of actual voters
They asked about Warren, Biden and Harris.
??? Goku (aka Amerikan Baka) ??
@Jim, Foolish Literalist:
Oh god, go away Biden
Comrade Colette Collaboratrice
@Major Major Major Major: @??? Goku (aka Amerikan Baka) ??: All of my cats ever have been boys, so to me, cats are “he” and I almost forget that there are gurlkittehs.
I have a job interview tomorrow. I’m not qualified for the job, don’t want the job, would not enjoy doing the job, and will not be offered the job. One of my best friends is on the interview panel (we’re both employees of the same agency), so I’ll get to make a fool of myself in front of her AND she will have to recuse from the decision on which candidates will go on to the next round, which is super awkward for her, too.
Wish me luck!
Mike J
Which road are you on that gave you a shitty day? Hoping that the destination makes up for it.
Steve in the ATL
@Jim, Foolish Literalist: I just hope that come election time they are *allowed* to vote
Ohio Mom
@Comrade Colette Collaboratrice: Good luck!
That *is* an awkward position to be in. Can we hope that you will be able to have some fun with this interview since it’s not even low stakes, it’s no stakes?
BruceFromOhio
Kittehs! Good for the soul. M4 please travel safe!
MrsFromOhio made chicken parmesan with steamed asparagus for dinner and it was simply wonderful. Sat with a nice bourbon and a book, and now its time to make tomorrow’s lunch and go to bed. Sweet dreams to all!
Major Major Major Major
@Comrade Colette Collaboratrice: Good luck? Why are you doing this?
BruceFromOhio
@Comrade Colette Collaboratrice: oh! Imagine yourself in friends shoes… burn no bridges?
scav
@Steve in the ATL: Are we still discussing cats? If they’re voting, I think we need to have a discussion with those electoral cats or whatever gender identity.
Steve in the ATL
@Comrade Colette Collaboratrice: uh, wish you good luck or bad luck?
tobie
@Jim, Foolish Literalist: I’m not sure how much I trust Danny Barefoot. Isn’t he the one who created the fake Klobuchar video replete with her campaign logo which offered a mock-apology to any staffer who complained about harrassment? Pretty tawdry stuff–creating a video in the name of a candidate to smear the candidate. So I take what he says with a grain of salt, though I did find interesting this comment on populism’s limited appeal to his focus group of black, female, SC voters:
Steve in the ATL
@scav: my cat is gray—would his be vote be suppressed or not??
Sandia Blanca
@Comrade Colette Collaboratrice: Over the years, I’ve known several people who went in to interview for jobs they did not want, and they were hired! Something about projecting an air of “whatever” when you’re interviewing can give the impression of extreme confidence and competence. So you never know!
tobie
@??? Goku (aka Amerikan Baka) ??: That’s the plan, I think. The Republicans have been trying to privatize postal service for a decade now.
scav
@Steve in the ATL: My cat was Siamese — I have similar questions!
ETA: He was also three-legged. I assumed that was not germane.
Ohio Mom
@??? Goku (aka Amerikan Baka) ??: Reading that twitter feed — about admittedly a very small sample group —made me excited about Biden for the first time. If he can win, I want him! Goofs and dumb moves and all.
Major Major Major Major
@Sandia Blanca: When I interviewed for my current job, I told myself it was just something I’d do to keep myself sharp for the future, when I’d be interviewing for jobs I actually wanted.
Jim, Foolish Literalist
also good news, from an ex-Republican, who’s going to do some good, I think
it’s not a great read, Bloomberg has a very high opinion of himself, and it takes him about 12 paragraphs of self-puffery to get to the heart of matter, but if he’s decided he wants to be remembered as the billionaire who saved the planet, good on’m
??? Goku (aka Amerikan Baka) ??
@Comrade Colette Collaboratrice:
Good luck? Why are you interviewing for a job you’re not qualified for or want by your own admission?
Steeplejack
@Lyrebird:
Air fryers have gotten surprisingly good reviews, even from Cook’s Illustrated. Their top choice (March 2018) is the Philips Avance Digital TurboStar ($250), and the “best buy” is the GoWise USA ($62). They’re tempting (like all gadgets), but, damn, I don’t have enough storage/counter space as it is. I vacillate between gadget lust and fantasizing about cooking everything with one skillet, one saucepan and a Dutch oven.
Omnes Omnibus
@??? Goku (aka Amerikan Baka) ??: #ALLCATGENDERSMATTER
Matt McIrvin
@Ohio Mom: These are core Democratic voters–they *think* Biden is a safe and electable choice, but it doesn’t necessarily mean he is. But the interesting thing to me is more that they completely discount any and all stupid media gotcha stories, if they’ve even heard of them. Even about candidates they don’t like.
Jim, Foolish Literalist
@Ohio Mom: there was a thread a couple of weeks ago when a number of people said they just weren’t excited by any of our big bench– I get that, but I’m not an excitable type by nature and I am really bad at reading how politicians play to the larger public. I always found Bubba’s eagerness to be loved off-putting, never wanted to have a beer with Dumbya, really like Al Gore, John Kerry and HRC and was slow to get on the Obama train before becoming a total O’Bot. I’m skeptical of Biden’s ability to stay a front-runner in the current party, but if others decide he’s the one we want, I’ll crawl across broken glass et cetera…
Steve in the ATL
@Steeplejack: seems like a prime opportunity to knock out two-in-one: lust and gluttony!
NotMax
@Lyrebird
Do not have one; the reviews and results I’ve heard about from some who do are mixed.
Like Steeplejack, have a Blefescune kitchen. Instant Pot and then food processor snapped up the last open slots.
Lyrebird
@Steeplejack:
I am so with you on the vacillation… in my current parenting stage, I actually do cook everything in one saucepan, one soup pot, and a basic rice cooker. But it’s nice to think of being less busy and having more time to play with gadgets.
The air fryer was recommended by a friend who knows my kid loves all fried potato things. Will eat other vegetables only if they’re really good, so thanks also @satby for the useful info!
Darkrose
Samwise is a doll. Also, hope you’re doing okay; I saw your earlier post. Do take care of yourself.
Omnes Omnibus
@Steve in the ATL: This is an occasion where a simple “Harrumph” works perfectly.
trollhattan
@NotMax:
Is there an instant pot made by the Pol Cookware Corp.? Because there needs to be.
tobie
@Matt McIrvin: I think that was the point of the twitter thread. We denizens of the blogosphere and twitter sphere are not necessarily in touch with the voting public. One thing the focus group seemed to agree on is that they would like a third Obama term in the sense of someone who worked with Obama and would govern in the same way / with the same policy priorities as him.
NotMax
@trollhattan
Comes only in one color: rouge?
;)
satby
@Lyrebird: be sure to get an oil sprayer. I tried fried okra (don’t judge) in my air fryer because I normally don’t eat fried or breaded foods, and without a spritz of oil they were terrible. If what you cook doesn’t have it’s own fat, it needs to be marinated or brushed with a bit of oil.
Steve in the ATL
@NotMax: c’mere, you!
Steeplejack
@Steve in the ATL:
Speaking of gluttony, on the rare occasions when you are in the ATL, what’s your everyday table wine (red and/or white)? Asking for myself, who spent way too much time looking at my Total Wine e-mail flyer today. Included a coupon for 20% off that triggered yet another attack of consumer lust.
Lyrebird
@tobie:
He’s at least able to admit this:
Been wondering if the trend of people changing their Twitter names to something like “Sweetums is a COP” with a kitty profile pic is a similar response.
Steve in the ATL
@Steeplejack: Caymus. Or his daughter’s Dairyman. Or his Red Schooner Malbec.
I don’t drink white at all. Possibly because I’m a reverse racist, or more likely because I have a mild allergic reaction to it.
Mnemosyne
I just let myself be peer pressured into signing up for Camp NaNoWriMo in April. I really need to get my ass in gear on my novel’s revisions.
Major Major Major Major
@Darkrose: Thanks.
trollhattan
@NotMax:
Oui, and sans moulin.
Lyrebird
@NotMax:
Thanks for the input. Recently moved from a cramped place to one with a better kitchen, and though I think I still own a food processor, I better wait 5-10 years before letting any small and impulsive scientists in training get near it. Not unpacked.
@satby:
No need to judge. Fried is the only way to eat okra!
Wish I could find that cartoon someone posted recently, something about middle age, the Grim Reaper comes up to this gal and says “okay I will take half of your collagen and your ability to digest fried foods, you can keep the rest” or something like that.
Wishing all a good night!
Mnemosyne
@Darkrose:
Hey, you! I would ask how your e-port is going, but everyone G knows that’s working on theirs this semester has reached the OMFG what the hell was I thinking why did I even go back to school in the first place?!?!? phase. Hopefully you already knew that phase is just a natural part of the process and can keep pushing through. ❤️
rikyrah
Samwise is adorable ?
rikyrah
@satby:
This is true..gotta spray some oil on it…same with air fryer fried chicken
Comrade Colette Collaboratrice
@Ohio Mom: @Major Major Major Major: @Steve in the ATL: @Sandia Blanca: @??? Goku (aka Amerikan Baka) ??: Thanks, all.
Sadly, it’s not low-stakes. In addition to hiring for this particular job (for which not qualified, don’ wanna, etc.), the city will use this process to create an “eligible list” for other civil service promotions that I do very much want. So I have to do my best in a bad situation and pretend I’m an expert on a bunch of very specific stuff I’m not, all so I can scrape my way to a high enough spot on the list that I might get interviews elsewhere in the municipal system. It just sucks. I’m getting too old for this shit.
And I’m getting too old to be considered for private-sector jobs at all, so I’m trapped in this crappy but safe mid-level bureaucratic hell. Right now I hate everything.
rikyrah
@Lyrebird:
I have an air fryer.Crazy about it. Made chicken legs and Turkey meatballs this past weekend.I love it. I won’t do steak in it, but, hamburgers, meatballs, all chicken, porkchops…love it.
I usually Google air fryer and the meat …I always am adding a few minutes more to the suggested time.
Love baked potatoes, but I wrap them in foil.
Love veggie fries
I have not baked sweets in it yet, but I plan to.
I love to do mini pasta bakes in it. I put foil on the top so that the cheese doesn’t crisp up. Use the mini loaf pans.
Steeplejack
@Steve in the ATL:
Oof, too spendy for me, at least for everyday consumption. They would overpower the Tater Tot casserole.
NotMax
@Steeplejack
Not every Costco has a wine department but if yours does, some of their house brand (Kirkland) wines are certainly table worthy and can be found in the $6 – $7 range.
Almost too many choices at the local Costco, where the wine department spans at least six aisles.
Steve in the ATL
@Steeplejack: concur with NotMax. Catch a wine consultant at Costco and you’ll get some great ideas at various price points. Trader Joe’s is great too. Skip the three buck Chuck, but their reserve wines can be good. Lots of good choices in the $10-16 range at both places.
Also, there are some decent boxes wines now. Black Box, Bota, really anything other than Franzia!
Comrade Colette Collaboratrice
@NotMax: @Steve in the ATL: Yup. Kirkland Brut Champagne is really good. You can always hide the label if your friends are snobs.
Comrade Colette Collaboratrice
Why am I in moderation (at about #62)? Hmmph.
ETA: Anyway, thanks to the jackals who wished me well in my interview tomorrow. Sadly, it’s not low-stakes. In addition to hiring for this particular job (for which not qualified, don’ wanna, etc.), the city will use this process to create an “eligible list” for other civil service promotions that I do very much want. So I have to do my best in a bad situation and pretend I’m an expert on a bunch of very specific stuff I’m not, all so I can scrape my way to a high enough spot on the list that I might get interviews elsewhere in the municipal system. It just sucks. I’m getting too old for this shit.
And I’m getting too old to be considered for private-sector jobs at all, so I’m trapped in this crappy but safe mid-level bureaucratic hell. Right now I hate everything.
Lyrebird
@rikyrah:
Hmmm I’m liking the potential, here, and I just Googled “veggie meatball air fryer” and found some really appealing options!
Thanks!!
Steeplejack
@NotMax, @Steve in the ATL:
Not a Costco member; BJ’s instead. Total Wine has a lot of good deals in the sub-$20 zone, which is my idea of “everyday.” I’m just always looking for new suggestions. If I ever go to Costco with my friend who’s a member I’ll check out the Kirklands.
NotMax
@Steeplejack
All this vino talk prompted me to go pick out a bottle from the tiny wine rack. Kirkland Sonoma County 2015 Old Vine Zinfandel. Robust and grapey. A bit heavy on tannins but admirably stands up to being enjoyed with food.
Think it was $6.99.
Steeplejack
@NotMax:
Noted for the hypothetical Costco visit.
rikyrah
@Lyrebird:
Veggie fries are great cause you can season them anyway you want…
Mnemosyne
@Comrade Colette Collaboratrice:
Ugh. City government hiring practices are bizarre. People I know who are interviewing for librarian positions have their first round of interviews with people who not only don’t work for that library, they work for a different city. It allegedly removes any possible bias, but it seems insane to me.
Darkrose
@Mnemosyne: Thanks for the good thoughts! I just turned in my first competency; I’ll be working on the others this week. Right now I’m focused on my application for a full-time job at Sac City College. I’m interning there and I love it.
Mnemosyne
@Darkrose:
Yay! G told me to remind you that nobody “wins” e-port. You just plug away, finish, and pass. ?
Are you in the private e-port Facebook group? He found it really helpful both before and during his e-port. If not, drop me a Gmail at mnemosyne dot muse and he can get you in.
Good luck with SCC. I have an aunt who just retired from Long Beach CC and the whole system seems to be running pretty well — better than UC, anyway!