Voted Off the Island

FLOTUS in the ATL

Phil Skinner, [email protected]

First Lady Michelle Obama was in Atlanta yesterday to talk about Let's Move! her initiative to restore healthy food choices for school meals and to inspire American families to fight childhood obesity.

Her speech at North Point Community Church (Andy Stanley's congregation) was terrific.  Read it and remember the days when you could really BE a free range kid who stayed outdoors until called home for dinner. 

And she quoted my friend Aaron Mark, proud dad of Murray!

Aaron Marks, a father from Decatur, Georgia, wasn't happy when he found out that his four year-old son was eating pizza for breakfast at school...and donuts and cookies for snacks. So he talked to the school administrators. He joined the school's nutrition committee. And he helped raise money to plant a garden. As he put it: "You just can't take no for an answer. You have to be tenacious." So it's never easy.

Joe College Is Home

Joe College is home...and all is right with the world.

Greek Tragedy: Mark Madoff's Suicide

Certain traumas have a grip on me.  Ghastly crimes perpetrated by "ordinary" demons seem to command my attention.  The Unabomber, Son of Sam and Bernie Madoff come to mind.  So it was riveting to read this dialogue between Gail Collins and David Brooks today on the Greek tragedy being played out by Mark Madoff's suicide:

David Brooks: The second death I wanted to mention is Mark Madoff’s. Here, I confess I have mixed feelings. Of course one feels terrible for the suicide victim himself. I find it possible to believe he didn’t know about his father’s schemes. He did turn the old guy in, after all. Moreover, he left a 2-year-old in the next room, which suggests a seriously deranged state of mind.

Gail Collins: The 2-year-old in the next room part was where he lost me. What kind of person leaves a suicide note saying, in effect, “I love you and oh, somebody better check on the kid.”

David Brooks: And yet am a I rotten person for thinking some proper retribution has been inflicted upon the old man?

Gail Collins: Wow, David. Didn’t think you were going there. But continue.

David Brooks: Bernie Madoff endangered his family and his friendships for money. He inflicted untold pain on thousands of people. Somehow there is cruel justice in the fact that the shocks of his crimes should reverberate back on him in this way. He has to live with the knowledge that he caused his son’s death.

Gail Collins: O.K., I can see where you’re going now — back to the Greeks, right?

The suicide of Mark Madoff is like a Greek tragedy where the pain would course through families, and the sons would pay for the sins of their fathers.

David Brooks: Yes, this too is Greek, because in those old tragedies, pain would course through families; and the sons, as the unavoidable saying goes, would pay for the sins of their fathers. Those old plays presumed that the universe is essentially just, and that there are moral laws and filaments so that evil eventually leads to evil.

Gail Collins: It sounded very profound when Sophocles wrote about it. But I have the terrible feeling that in our era, it’s been boiled down to “Everything happens for a reason.” I would love to see a statistic on how many times people in reality show competitions say that. Is it really possible to believe there’s a cosmic purpose behind getting kicked off the island in “Survivor”?

David Brooks: I’m not so sure we can be so confident of that. But crimes do tend to impose rippling waves of pain.

 

Bye Bye Baby. . .Goin' to College

His bags are packed.  We're ready to go.  I'm standing here outside his door.  I hate to wake him up to say, "let's go." But the Jetta's waiting, his flight's at 2:00. . . what's an empty nest mom gonna do?"  

I knew this day would come, but not so fast, not so fast!

College Packing List 2010

When I went off to Beloit College as a freshman back in the 1970's, I shipped a trunk of clothing and bedding ahead. I flew to Chicago . . . alone. I took a cab to the Greyhound bus station, then hopped the bus to Beloit, Wisconsin, and walked up the hill to campus with my typewriter in hand and a backpack strapped to my back.  Safely ensconced in Whitney Hall, there was a pay phone in the hall, a tv in the downstairs lounge, and the big innovation was the keycard -- a liberating electronic key that broke the old "parietals" system and allowed you to come and go in and out of your dorm at any hour instead of having a Proctor let you in.  My dorm was co-ed by floor - this was considered very liberal.

Hey, I'm no virgin. And I sent a child to college 6 years ago, so there are no stars in my eyes.  Admittedly, this child was a boy, so the coordinated comforter/towel/rug/curtain thing didn't apply.  I know that times have changed. But now I am sending his brother to the same college, and excuuuze me, but I think the packing list has lost its mind. My kid is going to George Washington University, in Washington, DC.  It's a major metropolis, and they have EVERYTHING he needs in the goddam CVS drugstore, which is part of his G-World "swipe" system -- Eat, Study, Consume.

Below is a major Helicopter Mom's (Southern version, to be sure) packing list for UGA (University of Georgia) freshmen. OK, OK, I bought some stuff for my kid -- the only things he specifically asked for were French Press Coffee Maker (IKEA 4.99) and an "egg crate" (foam mattress protector) to make the bed more comfy. I bought him some extras that make me happy, like over-the-door hooks, towels and multi-plug surge protectors, and new XL sheets, comforter cover, but nothing like this insane list:

Room stuff

1.     Moving cart- beg , borrow or steal one- you will need this.

2.     Desk lamp( can’t be halogen)

3.     Small microwave or refrigerator (or order [email protected]

4.     Rug- optional since room is carpeted

5.     TV

6.     Xbox  for games and dvd’s

7.     Multi plug with self contained surge protectors

8.     Extension cords ( extra long for tv)and Ethernet cable/ cord

9.     Dust buster- maids will not clean their carpets if there is stuff on the floor. There will always be stuff on the floor.

10.  Desk chair-  Container Store/ Target=bungee light weight chair can also be used for gaming and TV

11.  Large trash can- boys never take out trash. Room comes with a small one and there is one in the bathroom.

12.Fan/air purifier-optional but Brian asked for one and I had it sent from Sharper Image.

13.Bed risers- This is the only way you can lift bed to fit stuff underneath. They will sell them on moving day or buy them at container store/bbb

14. Mattress Pads/allergy liners. I got mine at Costco.

15.board for outside dorm room-optional not sure if boys use this or not will need marker and erasers

16.mirrors- this may not be necessary since there is one in bathroom. Need to check and see if there is one over their sink in their rooms. They might like a full length mirror but I am not sure where they would put it.

17.doublet closet doubler from Container Store. If they put their bureau in their closet they will need this.

18.underbed storage boxers/containers- Container Store

19.reading light and alarm clock. Most kids use their cell phones but if phone is lost or not charged it’s a nice back up.( or if you have a deep sleeper)

20.-(2 )sets of regular twin sheets, pillow cases, comforter, 2 pillows (backrest optional)

21.blackout shade and tension rod(36’’)-optional but blinds break and if they are on the sunny side of Granville- it is bright.

Bath

1.     Shower curtain-optional since Granville provides liner.( I have a shower curtain they can use)

2.     Bath mat- one that can go in washer/dryer ( ditto I have this also)

3.     Towel rack for door ( may not be necessary since picture shows a rack not sure if every room has one)

4.     Extra toilet paper

5.     (3)Towels, wash cloths (1)beach towel

6.     Liquid soap

Office supplies

UGA calendar- at bookstore with important dates included.

Printer cartridges and paper

Stationary, stamps, addresses

Files- important numbers, credit card, insurance, copies of everything in their wallet..they will lose it…passport… they will need it….

Command tape and hooks-container store/office depot

Can opener

Calculator and batteries

Lap desk-optional

Flashlight

Wall clock-optional

Chargers for ipod, phone

Tool kit

Hanging file set

Pens, pencils, notebook paper, stapler, paper clips, note cards, scissors, hole puncher, highlighters, post it notes, tape and duct tape, white out

Dictionary and thesaurus from home

Receipt for book preorder- need to show to pick up books.

UGA maps, class list/schedule- high school calculus book? Summer reading book.

 Medicine

Advil

Tylenol, benedryl, Claritin, tums, vitamins first aid kit from target. ermergen c- whole foods, Zpac/amoxiclyin, Neosporin

Acne medicine

Personal items and toiletries

Shampoo/conditioner

Video games/poker chips

Liquid soap/hands

Cooler and stadium chairs ( store underneath bed) I have 2 UGA chairs so Brett does not have to bring unless he wants more.

Tooth paste, tooth brush, shaving cream, razor, after shave, nail clippers , deodorant, brush, comb, hair dryer( winter)sunscreen, chap stick, mouth wash, goldbond, soap (dove moisturizing)

Grocery Store- move in day-location

Trash can liners (need size)

      Water, Gatorade and Coke

      Snacks ( let him pick these out- they will surprise you).

      Can opener- you will forget this

      Kleenex, tp, disinfectant wipes (probably the only cleaning supply they will use) 

      Lightbulbs

       Laundry detergent and supplies ( quarters)- although laundrymen service is a luxury             item we used for brian and will use again with drew.  Drycleaning is extra. You can             prepay on line by semester.

 Clothing

Boxers- (14) even with laundry service. On short weeks over fall holiday and thanksgiving there I s no pick up.

Shoes. Something comfortable since they have never really walked before and they will complain their feet hurt wearing their rainbows to class.

Rain jacket. 100% waterproof and breathable. Luxury item but worth it.

Tuxedo- optional now and may wait but they will need one in the spring. JBanks and men’s warehouse has good prices. Without a car its hard to get this in Athens.

Sports jacket, ties, dress slacks and shirts for cocktail parties.

Khaki pants, jeans, buttoned down shirts ( more than you think)

Fleece- most likely the only winter jacket they will wear . although it snowed several times last winter and they will need after Christmas to go bring back winter gear.

Swim suit

Umbrella

Sports equipment- tennis, bb, fb, golf, cleats, tennis shoes, bb shoes

     

      

      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Men Are From Mars

As the youngest son prepares to fly the coop and go off to college and the big world, I am just astounded how easy it is to have a boy, and reminded again what strange creatures men are.

My kid still shops contentedly at Old Navy for wardrobe basics. There is virtually no drama when we have a retail outing, and the kid looks great in clothes so you'd think that labels would matter more.  We hit Old Navy, DSW and Target and were done in under an hour. 

When I ask about dorm essentials, he tells me he is planning to bring his down comforter and duvet to college...we don't have to shop for new bedding, except maybe for X-Long sheets. No girl going to college could possibly be so low maintenance.

He does want to bring a French press coffee pot to school. :-)

Of course he has a full arsenal of media and electronic necessities. I believe he intends to bring an old Nintendo to college along with the laptop, iPod, gaming gear, chargers and dvds.

And finally, proving that men are truly from mars, he got the name of his roommate 3 days ago (!!!!) and didn't even mention it to me.  I'm flabbergasted.  How can he be so casual about stuff like this? 

Tipper & Al Gore Separation

They're calling it a separation, not a divorce. Sigh.  After 40 years of marriage! What I hate about it is that it just makes separation and divorce seem like an acceptable, rational, and even laudable option.  OK, so we're getting in each other's way a bit, and well, Tipper's not so "hot" anymore, and yeah, Al's on the road so much we're just ships passing in the night.  And she snores, and he has a pot belly, so let's do the "sensible" thing and separate. We gave it 40 years, and that's a respectable amount of time, so fuck it all, let's get divorced. C'mon, this is Washington and success in marriage is just a "mystery." Besides, everybody does it.

Did anyone ask the Gore kids how they feel about it?  Or the Gore grandchildren?

How dreadfully borrrring to be committed. How terribly tedious to be tied. Read here what we can learn about love and fidelity from pets.

Of course I know nothing about why the Gores are doing this.  I'm just saying, it sucks.

Mother's Day = Lemon Ice Cream Trifle

It just wouldn't be Mother's Day for me without this dessert, culled from a charity cookbook and now a family favorite.  It really does look fabulous in a trifle bowl, but if you don't have one, any deep dish will do.

Lemon Ice Cream Trifle

1 store bought pound cake, cut into 1/2" cubes
1/2 gallon good quality vanilla ice cream, softened

For the curd
3 eggs
1 stick unsalted butter
1/2 cup FRESH lemon juice
1/3 tsp. salt
1 cup sugar

Whisk lemon curd ingredients together and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.  Cool

Starting with pound cake . . . layer 1/2 the pound cake at the bottom of the bowl, then scoop in 1/2 the vanilla ice cream, and top with 1/2 the lemon curd.  Repeat.  Swirl the top of the trifle with the back of a spoon.  Garnish with lemon slices.

Freeze the trifle, but remove from the freezer at least 1/2 hour before serving.  Extra nice with strawberry or raspberry sauce on the side.

Quote Du Jour

Not a new quote, but new to me.  I heard it somewhere on TV -- maybe even Dr. Phil -- and it pretty much put me out of commission for the rest of the evening. Maybe because I'm facing the empty nest, the brutal truth of these words rang dark and deep.

Attributed to Pat Conroy:

“Each divorce is the death of a small civilization.”

OMG I Forgot to Bake Hamantaschen!

  Remember this?  Over the years I actually have had the dream that I forgot to get married and have kids. For women of a certain generation, it's as iconic as "I forgot to go to class/didn't study/couldn't find the classroom." 

Well, this morning I woke up in the midst of a horrible dream that I was still the mother of young children and it was Purim and OMG, not only did they not have costumes for the Purim Carnival at school, I forgot to bake Hamantaschen! 

Here's a recipe I like for these Purim pastries, based on Haman's 3-cornered hat. Plus another sephardic Purim cookie recipe that's even better.

Hamantaschen (adapted from Jayne Cohen, The Gefilte Variations)

1 1/4 sticks unsalted butter (plus butter for greasing the pan)
1/2 cup sugar
1 large egg
3 Tb. fresh orange juice
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
3 cups unbleached flour
1/4 tsp. salt
Filling Recipes - your choice

1. In food processor, blend butter with sugar. Add egg, juice, vanilla and pulse until smooth. Stir dry ingredients together and add to food processor.  Pulse until ingredients are blended and form a ball on the blades.

2. Divide dough into 4 balls and wrap each will with plastic. Refrigerate at least two yours and up to 3 days.

3. Preheat oven to 350F.

4. Work with one ball of dough at a time, leaving the rest wrapped and refrigerated. Divide/cut the ball into 12 pieces of equal size and roll each piece between your palms into balls. Flatten each ball between sheets of plastic wrap and pat into even rounds of about 3" diameter.

5. Spoon a heaping tsp. of filling in the center of each circle. Fold up one side, making a rim, then fold the two adjacent sides up, forming a triangle. Pinch and smooth the edges.  To keep hamantaschen from opening during baking keep the dough cool and don't overhandle.

FILLINGS:

• Most traditional:  Poppyseed paste, apricot jam, chopped pistachio nuts
• Also traditional:  any kind of fruit jam or preserve
• Modern interpretations: chocolate chips, Nutella

Sephardic Purim Cookies (makes 2 dozen)

1 1/4 Cups ground toasted almonds or hazelnuts
1 1/4 Cups sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/4 cup unbleached flour
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 egg, slightly beaten + 1 egg yolk

1. Combine all dry ingredients in a small bowl. Add the egg and yolk and mix well

2. Shape the mixture with your hands, a tsp. at a time, into 3" sticks.
   NOTE, the dough is sticky and you may have to wet your hands a bit to work with it.

3. Place on a greased and floured baking sheet, about 2" apart. Flatten with a fork.

4. Bake in a preheated 350 oven for 10 minutes, transfer to cooking rack