The Growing Influence of Bloggers on Nightline!

Tonight I just finished watching Nightline and the show was on the growing influence of Bloggers on public opinion and officials. Dan Rather undercut reporting by bloggers and the exposing of whitehouse insiders. The question the show posed was, "New Rules or No Rules"! Media are taken seriously after a period of time. Bloggers are gadflys that type away in their pajamas was the thought of bloggers at first. The opinion is changing. Bloggers are fascinated by journalists and journalism. Only one third of the public knows what a blog is! Nightline crashes a blogging party and the participants while they type information into the blogosphere. Blogs keep busting into the news. Bloggers found out something wrong with Dan Rathers report on the news. Bloggers are keeping journalists honest. "Empowering the individual like no other technology before it." I liked in the show how they show two computers with the New York Times on one and a blog on the other the only difference is the blog is free to write, but a newspaper needs money for a printing press, advertising, health insurance etc. I do agree with the Nightline show tonight Blogging is powerful. I liked that they put a definition of what a blog is not just as a weblog. "Blog is short hand for weblog, online diary, frequently updated in reverse chronological order with links to other blogs." The show points out the reality that you need to see a blog for yourself and decide for yourself.
Tami

Martha Stewart is Free!!!

Tonight about an hour ago, Martha Stewart was released from Camp Cupcake Prision. She looked really happy as she boarded a plane for home with her daughter Alexis. Martha Stewart has left the building. Home Confinement is next for Martha. Martha earened $5.25 cents per month for cleaning toliets and other objects at the prison. However, her stock price has raised significantly in the last few months. I am happy that she is free from the prison walls. Seattle Supports Martha Stewart!
Chef Tami

Hitch

I went to see Hitch tonight with Kevin James and Will Smith. I liked it a lot, it was good. I liked the dancing, Kevin James can move, I bet you were thinking Will Smith can move. I will post more about Hitch later, but right now I have to finish watching Stars Without Makeup on Fox.
Tami

Talked to Jonathan Tonight and tried out my new webcam!

Tonight I tried out my new webcam and I could see myself on my webcam, but not my brother on his webcam. I guess our platforms or clients are not the same. That is what happens when you have a mac and most everyone has a PC. That is changing with the success of the iPod more people are starting to use the Apple Computers too. I love my three Apple computers. Anyway the instant messanger part works. If you leave it on than you can get messages whenever and that's neat.
I watched King of Queens tonight, it was a new episode, not a classic. Carrie the wife, Leah Remini, has gained weight since she had her baby a year ago and can not take it off. Doug the husband, Kevin James, mentioned it to her in last weeks episode big mistake. Never bring up a woman's weight that is the kiss of death. You can not win after that. Leave it alone. If you mention it she will only gain more just for spite. Tonights episode revolved around Doug going back in time to his high school football days and Carrie smoking in the bathroom with a couple of cheerleaders, one of which is dating a loser, but wants to kiss up to him. Well lets just say Carrie took care of that. She told him to dump him. Funny. I picked up my dad from the airport tonight, he flew in from Hawaii. I will post more about what we do when he is here for the week in Seattle. Take Care everyone.
Tami

Committed was on tonight!

My favorite show committed was on tonight and it was a funny episode. Marni tells her friend the nanny from across the hall that the shampoo guy gives her an O when she has her hari washed, so the nanny goes and it does not happen for her. Marni decides to shampoo her and lets just say it happens and than the after it happens akwardness occurs, it was too funny. Just then Nate gets back from somewhere and want to come clean about something he has done and she's like whatever it is I do not care things happen. This episode also had the clown perfecting a piece of fruit a peach until it was perfect to eat, than Nate takes a bite out of it at it's peak of perfection and he called him a bastard. The episode surrounds the death of this statue guy that apparently dies and well gets his wish not to move again, and the gang goes to his funeral, Nate's best friend goes just to wear his new suit. While they are there Nate a Jewish man does not know how to behave at a Catholic funeral and accidently takes communion and puts a cracker in his mouth. He takes it out and later wants to give it back. Another weird scene takes place over a sensor toliet where Nate and his best friend have dropped the communion cracker in the toliet and do not want it to flush. However, it does since his friend had to itch his nose, but the funny thing was it came back up and they thought it was a miracle, until they read nabisco on it. They realized that they did not have the right one and rushed out and luckily the priest had eaten the whole plate of cheese and crackers accept for one, the one according to Murphy's Law that probably was the communion cracker. The priest tells Nate to eat the last one, and he is shocked, and the priest comes back and says one more won't hurt. This after the sensor toliet incident, by the way there was a man in the bathroom at the same time and let's just say he thought more was going on than actually was, I guess it is anyones game when you listen in on private bathroom conversations.
Tami

I went to the PARIS hotel in Las Vegas!

Today I went to the PARIS hotel in Las Vegas and had lunch. I had a croque monseiur which is a ham and cheese sandwich with bechamel sauce served hot with melted swiss cheese on top. Oh my god it was heaven. It was so good. There is a place in Seattle that serves them, but it is pricey. This was like a French cafeteria. It was fun. Then I did some shopping there, but there prices are high for the tourists.
Tami

Watched King of Queens Season II Tonight!

Tonight I watched King of Queens Season II that my brother Bill gave me for Christmas. I love KIng of Queens. I think it is funny and I like the relationship between Carrie and Doug on the show. The older shows are classics to me and I love watching them right before I go to sleep. I used to like to watch 48 hours Mystery on the weekends before bed and I ended up thinking too much or I felt bad for the victim of a crime and could not sleep. I try now to watch something peaceful or funny before bed. I like Leah Remini and Kevin James they are a quirky couple on the show and they have such funny arguments about nothing. Like the time Carrie said she did not want capers on her pasta and she got capers on her food and freaked because the waiter said she did not say no capers. Later, she thought they were talking about her, because they rolled their eyes, so she came home and had to fixe a lean cuisine. That is a good episode from Season II. You should check it out or watch the reruns.
Tami

How Evil Are You?

How evil are you?

Insomnia

I just saw a commercial for Chasing Farrah a new reality show starring Farrah Fawcett. I wonder if she will stare off at nothing like she did on Letterman, that was funny, but I do not think I would want to watch that long term. I am a fan of Farrah, so I will probably check it out, I love reality TV. I liked Charlie's Angels, a movie Farrah made called "The Burning Bed" about her abusive marriage, and Extremeties where after being raped she fights back. I recently read, "Paper Life" by Tatum O'Neal and she did not exactly paint Farrah in the best light. I guess when Ryan O'Neal moved in to Farrah's place and they exercised, enjoyed Super Dieters Slimming Tea, etc. Tatum and her younger brother Patrick were teenagers alone living in a beach house. The part about eating dog food was gross, but hey welcome to show business families I guess. Any Thoughts. Post a comment.
Tami

Insomnia, Insomnia, Insomnia

I have not been able to go to sleep tonight. I think I mostly have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep after I wake up or I am disturbed or something. Does anyone else have this problem? I end up watching shows like Pimp My Ride on MTV, sure I like to watch cars get blinged blinged, but gold hubcaps, gold seats, a lighted steering wheel and photo booth with printer in this girl's car. There is a TV that you can watch while driving and a bubble machine in the back. Her car came in a dull white and she left with a red pearl coat paint with a gold padded top, 6000 watt stereo and a spoiler with painted lace. I have to admit her ride did look so much better, but a little over the top and a tiny bit tacky, but of course she loved it. After watching I think I like that show where they put two mini coopers going opposite directions with a hot tub in the center and an air brushed design and smoking paint job. Just my opinion.
Tami

Baby

IMG_0026
Originally uploaded by taminsea1.

Baby my Pekinese laying in the sunlight.

Pappy on the Phone!

IMG_0530
Originally uploaded by taminsea1.

Pappy on the phone!

Zephyr!

IMG_0407
Originally uploaded by taminsea1.

Zephyr the Beautiful Wonder Dog! A Border Collie twice as smart as many people!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I just wanted to say Happy Valentine's Day to everyone! I hope everyone has a wonderful day.
Thanks,
Chef Tami

Chef Tami's Graduation!

58440074
Originally uploaded by taminsea1.

Chef Tami at Graduation!

Lasagna to Die For!

Recipe for Lasagna to Die For!

Ingredients:
1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
1 lb. Italian sausage (1/2 inch dice)
1 chopped yellow onion
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 bay leaves, chopped
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. chili powder
1 6 oz. can tomato paste
4 8 oz. cans tomato sauce
2 tsp. salt
2 cups red wine (same wine served with the Lasagna)
16 slices mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
1 lb. soft provolone slices

Procedure:
Heat the beef, sausage, and onions in extra virgin olive oil until tender. Stir in the garlic, bay leaves, oregano, tomato paste, tomato sauce and red wine. Cover and simmer slowly for two hours. Add chili powder and salt. Boil 4-5 quarts of water. Cook one pound of lasagna noodles until tender. Grease two 9x13 inch casserole or pyrex pans. Start with a layer of tomato sauce, arrange layers of lasagna noodles, provolone, mozzarella and Romano cheese and repeat until there is a 1/4 inch gap from the top of pans. Bake at 325 degrees for 45 minutes to 55 minutes. Rest casserole for 10 minutes before serving.

Serves 12-16

Tami

Construction Hell

I am having trouble sleeping in lately, as the construction starts at 5 AM. I live in Seattle home of the monorail of 2009. They are digging up my driveway to put the telephone, cable wires, etc. underground. It sucks. Jackhammers suck. I need to buy a sound soother that plays nature sounds or something. The problem is that I am a night person and I tend to sleep when the construction is in full swing. They even dug several trenches in my front yard, I sure hope nobody falls in as they are near the street and are non existent sidewalk. That would be an improvement a sidewalk. It sounds like I am going off on a construction rant and bitchfest, so I will say goodnight for now.
Tami

My new favorite TV show is Committed on NBC Tuesdays at 9:30 PM

Committed is a humorous new show about a relationship with some mental health issues, like obsessive compulsive disorder. Marni played by Jennifer Finnigan who used to be on "The Bold and Beautiful" and "Crossing Jordan" plays the female lead love interest of Nate Played by Josh Cooke "Century City". This is a strange courtship of two opposites who attract despite their differences. Marni is upbeat, a free spirt, fearless, tolerant and optimistic she is drawn to Nate a brilliant, neurotic, obsessive compulsive who works at a record store to stay normal and prevent himself from falling into his family's neurotic path. Their relationship is yin and yang and takes place in the craziness of New York City. The nanny Tess played by Tammy Lynn Michaels who looks after the kids next store is edgy and sarcastic and she offers Marni advice. Nate's friend and co-worker at the record store Bowie played by Darius McCrary from "Family Matters" offers Nate advice and tries to calm his obsessive compulsive ways, like how Nate has to write everything down on legal pad notebooks before he can say something important. On one episode his apartment is so packed with legal pads, sticky notes, stacks of books, and covered with his obsessive compulsions that he had to turn out the lights before inviting Marni inside. Deep down Marni likes that Nate is so different, but he does not want to her to see that side of him. Hysterically, she breaks into his apartment to see what it look like with the lights on with her friend Tess, they leave and the next time she comes back the place is perfect. He hid everthing in his bedroom. Marni can't really say anything as she has a clown living in her closet. Each character is unique and they all seem to fit together like a puzzle, this couple's connection is quirky and irresistible to not want to watch. I love this new show and if you give it a try you might like it too. Let me know what you think by posting a comment.
Tami

Rice Pudding Recipe

Rice Pudding
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups whole milk
1/3 cup long grain white rice
1/4 Teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sugar
2 Teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/4 Teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup currants or raisins
whipped cream (optional)
Procedure:
In a medium heavy bottomed saucepan combine the milk, rice and salt. Place saucepan over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium to medium-low and simmer until the rice is tender or about twenty-five minutes. Stir the milk mixture frequently using a heatproof spatula or wooden spoon to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan. When the rice is tender remove from the heat and add the sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Return to heat and cook until the rice pudding thickens, about five to ten minutes. Remove from heat and add the currants or raisins. Spoon the pudding into your serving bowls and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for one to two hours before serving. If desired, garnish with whipped cream.

Recipe for Banana Cream Pie

Banana Cream Pie
Ingredients:
1/3 cup plus1/4 cup sugar
3 Tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 Teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups milk
2 egg yolks,lightly beaten
2 Tablespoons butter
2 Teaspoons vanilla
2 egg whites
3 bananas, sliced
One 9-inch prebaked pie shell
Procedure:
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/3 cup sugar with the cornstarch and salt. Blend in milk, then egg yolks. Cook and stir until mixture thickens. Remove from heat; stir in butter and vanilla. Cool to room temperature. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form; gradually add 1/4 cup sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Fold into egg yolk mixture. In pie shell, alternative layers of banana slices and cream filling. Cover and chill. Top with whipped cream and additional sliced bananas, if desired.
Serves 6 to 8 people

Quote from the Handbook for Higher Consciousness

Quote from The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck

life as i know it

Be the kind of person your dog thinks you are. I do not know who said that, but it is true. My three dogs follow me where ever I go, they do not care if I am cleaning out the garage they need to be there. That is how it is dogs are there for you. I have a cute pug named Cocoa that barks at dogs on TV and snores when she sleeps, but she is the sweetest dog on the planet. I have a mean dog, she is only a tiny dog, a pekinese named Baby, that rules the house and growls whenever she feels like it. She bit my Dad's hand over christmas vacation and he had to go to the hospital, because it became infected. Here we are at DisneyWorld where my brother works, so we get in for free, but we had to leave after a few hours to take my Dad to the Florida Hospital. They sent a bill for $4000 dollars, we were there like an hour and a half. Dad is fine now and is over on the Big Island in Hawaii. Oh, I need to mention my rock, my border collie, Zephyr, who is very smart of course. He can reach what he wants off counters and loves to drag stuff into the backyard to eat. He is very affectionate and loving and even though he is a male dog, he has become sort of a mother hen to the two little bitches. By the way I graduated from culinary school last year after two years of cooking and oh yes doing dishes. I am in business school now and will complete my business administration degree this year. Maybe I should go on the apprentice. Better yet when Martha Stewart it is out of prision I can go on her new reality show, sounds to me like a perfect fit. Probably not going to happen anytime soon.