Show Notes for Pride 48

ADDENDUM 6/29/09
Thanks so much to everyone who listened to our show on Pride 48 and those who participated in the chat room. We couldn’t have gotten through it without you!

We’ll be putting out a new show on July 1, so stay tuned! Feel free to subscribe in iTunes so you’ll receive it when it is released.

Music Guide

“Take Me” (Looptron Remix)
Artist: The Sleep
Album: Never in a Million Years
http://thesleep.net (Free download of this remix!)
http://www.myspace.com/thesleepmusic
iTunes

“Dictator of My Sanity”
Artist: Katie Reider
Album: No Retakes
http://www.katiereider.com
iTunes

“Come On Petunia”
Artist: The Blow
Album: Poor Aim Love Songs
K Records
http://www.myspace.com/theblowus
iTunes

“Again and Again” (Psy’Aviah Remix)
Artist: The Sleep
Album: Never in a Million Years
http://thesleep.net (Free download of this remix!)
http://www.myspace.com/thesleepmusic
iTunes

Pride 48

Join us tomorrow morning, Saturday, June 27, at 11:30 AM, EST as we venture into the world of live streaming! Yikes! We’re scared silly!

We will be broadcasting for 30 minutes as a part of Pride 48. What is Pride 48 you ask? Well, it is 48 hours of streaming talk from GBLT and GBLT-friendly (that’s us!) podcasters.

We are fairly sure that we know how to run the technical stuff for this shindig, but you never know. Could be a train wreck! And did I mention it’s live? Craziness.

Check it out at http://pride48.com. There is a chat room where you can talk to us while we stream. Hope to see you there!

Jon and Kate – Reality Bites

Laura’s Blog Entry

I love me some reality TV. Not just any reality TV. I am a discerning viewer, after all. Many people are drawn to the genre because of the conflict and drama that is created. Others find it is a marvelous way to flex their “judgment” muscles. I mean, look at them… all those people… doing stupid stuff… right there on my TV! There have to be at least 50 ways I can slam them in a single episode!

But that’s not why I watch. Sappy, empathetic fool that I am, I watch because I love to see people grow.

Not all shows feature people that learn and grow. “Rock of Love Bus,” anyone? But the ones I watch do. I was hooked the very first season of “The Real World.” I loved how those kids came together from all over and experienced a broadening of their horizons. Can’t say that the current incarnation of “The Real World” follows this formula any more. It used to, though.

I am such a sucker for this that I am willing to give good old Spenser Pratt from “The Hills” the benefit of the doubt. I want to believe that he’s learned something about himself and is sincerely making some changes. I know. That’s hardcore hope in action.

One show that I’ve watched from time to time is “Jon and Kate Plus 8.” I generally tune in when I’ve had a really hard day of parenting. It gives me a little perspective and gets me out of my woe-is-me funk.

The last few weeks have brought about rumors and drama concerning the Gosselin family. Everyone seems to have an opinion about their situation. The judgment is in full force. They are on TV after all. That gives me free reign to criticize them and their decisions, right?  Cause heaven knows I am perfect.

Uh, no. Not even close. And that is why I have such compassion for this family. As I mentioned before, I am a recovering perfectionist. I see myself so much in Kate. I used to try to control every aspect of my world. It is not a happy way to live. I stuck with it for a long time though because I got enough good results that it was worth it. Until it became impossible.

That day comes for all perfectionists – some sooner than others. I was lucky. I was still in my 20’s and didn’t have kids yet. I was able to start to take control of what I could and let go of everything else. I still struggle with this every day, but I no longer punish myself for every mistake. My house gets dirty. Piles of stuff sit around for weeks and months. But I have some sanity. It’s a good trade-off.

I think that the criticism for Jon and Kate that struck me the most is when they are judged as not being good Christians, or not going to God about their marriage. Listen people and listen well. Christians aren’t perfect. Sorry if I burst your bubble. They make as many mistakes as anyone else.

We don’t know what this family’s relationship with God is. If you think reality TV is about any reality other than what the editors create, you are sadly mistaken. There is some truth in what we see. There is some reality. But at the heart it is TV.

I guess what I am saying is that I feel for this family. I feel for the so called “mean” mom and the “beaten down” dad and the precious children. All I really want is for them to find some peace from all this. I want them to discover their personal demons and deal with them. Just like we all have to every day. Although we able to mess up in private because we aren’t on TV.

So next time you yell at your kids, or freak out because someone set down a dirty glass NEXT TO the dishwasher instead of putting it IN the dishwasher for the 100TH TIME, be glad you aren’t being filmed. And say a prayer for the Gosselins. I think they might appreciate it.

In Search Of… The Queen City’s Best New York Style Pizza – Part 5

Neil’s Blog Entry

I know it’s been a while since I blogged about my quest for the best New York style pizza in Cincinnati and well… that’s it. That’s all you get. An acknowledgement. No apologies. I know it’s been a while. Deal with it.

Anyway, onto the search. My most recent stop has proved to be, in my humble opinion, the last. The best New York style pizza in Cincinnati has been found! I say again, “The best New York style pizza in Cincinnati has been found!” Now, I have about three more places to visit and I will indeed do so in order to be fair to the quest… but to be honest, I don’t think I’ll find anything that compares to our most recent find.

Stop #5 – Noce’s Pizzeria

Noce’s wasn’t even on my list. It was referred to me via a comment on one of my earlier pizza entries by Shaina and was recommended with such gusto that I had to try it. So Laura, Mari and I loaded ourselves into the Prius and headed out.

Noce’s Pizzeria is located at 4105 North Bend Road in Cheviot, which is on the west side of Cincinnati. It was about a 20-minute drive and so by the time we got there, we were all very hungry. It’s a small restaurant with only a handful of tables. It was very clean and cozy. We ordered a large cheese pizza and three drinks. The total bill was $14.48.

After a while, the pizza came out and it looked just like the pizza I grew up with. But what about the taste? Absolutely perfect! The sauce was perfect. The crust was perfect. The oregano and cheese and everything else was perfect. Laura and I simultaneously exclaimed with delight after the first bite that it was exactly like the pizza I grew up loving.

While eating, I asked the guys behind the counter to tell me the story of the restaurant. They said Noce’s Pizzeria was started by four people – three of whom grew up in New York – who missed the “neighborhood pizzeria where you could get a slice and hang out with some friends.” So they built one here in Cincinnati where they all live now.

I believe I have found the best New York style pizza in Cincinnati. In fact, I am prepared to say that officially – say it with me kids – “Noce’s Pizzeria is the best New York style pizza in Cincinnati.” I give Noce’s my highest recommendation and my highest praise. If you, dear reader, ever have a hankerin’ for a slice or two of the best pizza this side of Syracuse, the head on out to the west side for the best. Now, like I said before, I do plan on visiting the three places left on my list – but let’s just say I’m not as motivated as I once was before. But in the words of Cameron Frye, “I’ll go. I’ll go. I’ll go. I’ll go.”

Oh yeah, and extra special thanks to Shaina for turning me on to this great pizza joint.

Still with no pithy catchphrase,
Neil

PS – “Hey Neil, what about Balboa’s? I thought you said THEY had the perfect slice?”

Tis true, dear reader of the razor-sharp recall… but alas, I have some bad news. I’ve since been to Balboa’s two more times – once with Laura and once by my lonesome – and, truth be told, it was not nearly as good as I remembered. The second and third pizzas were very dry and tasted like they had been reheated one too many times. My thought is that the first time I had Balboa’s, I inadvertently ordered extra cheese and I think this gave the pizza a taste of freshness that just wasn’t there in subsequent visits. So I’m sorry, but I have to knock Balboa’s down a peg or two on my list. But hey, let’s remember they do have great cheesesteaks and you can’t dislike anybody who keeps Tastykakes in stock.

It’s Getting All Kinds of Crafty Up In Here

Laura’s Blog Entry

Summer is a wonderful time during which, for some reason, I think that I have lots more free time when actually I don’t. And if you count the fact that I can sleep in an hour later, I have less time. But that’s the special mojo summer works on you. The lovely delusion that it’s three months of vacation.

Except for cooking and cleaning and laundry, of course. Oh yeah. That.

Despite the drudgery of reality I love to start new projects and/or pick up old ones again in the summer months. Here’s what’s back on the needles.

The black cotton sweater from a year ago. I am not going to rehash the bloody battle with the trinity stitch, but the 2×2 rib and I are getting along famously. Enough so that I take her to the pool and to The Speckled Bird Café. It’s already 5 ½ “ long, so all is well. I may wear this sweater yet.

Then there’s the Sipalu Bag from Knit Picks. We’ve had our moments, but this one is starting to hit a rhythm. I still don’t believe that these pattern repeats are going to come together in the center of a square, but I have faith in the designer and the process. I love Knit Picks Palette Yarn and this kit will give me tons of leftovers to play with once the bag is done.

I know the corded edge looks absolutely horrible, but you know what? I couldn’t care less. I do dig the heart motif. Focus on that, would ya?

Finally, there’s the project that got me through the last week of May, the Octagon Quilt.

I’ve assembled three “flowers” of octagons in three pattern combinations so far. Can’t wait to see the others put together. Time to cut more octagons. Some of the fabrics are leftover from gifts I’ve made for people. Some of them are scraps from projects during my days as an interior designer. I adore the paisley fabric and knew someday I’d find something to do with it. The price tag on that one was fairly steep if I remember correctly.

I bet I can go on working on these things between housework tasks and managing our finances for at least a few more weeks before I realize this is no vacation. Don’t feel too sorry for me, though. I will have a proper vacation in August. One that involves seeing the lovely Martin Gore in the sparkling, angelic flesh. Albeit from section 200-and-something at Madison Square Garden, but still. Now that’s what I call a vacation!

Oh the Spoilers, DM in Leipzig

Laura’s Blog Entry

Depeche Mode. Last night. Leipzig. Dave dancing again. Hooray!

Quilting Bee and Blogs I Read

Laura’s Blog Entry

We had a crazy, insane, lose your mind, burst into tears week last week. It was the end of school, which, while exciting, causes problems. Mari becomes quite irritable and anxious when things vary from the regular schedule. Another symptom we chalk up to ADHD. Last week was full of field trips and parties – nothing was normal. Add to that the fact that we had dance rehearsal every single night, and you have a recipe for serious meltdown, both for Mari and for me.

No matter how much margin I plan into my days, the last week of school is always really, really hard. So many things came up with recital costuming that had to be done at the last minute. If you know me, you know that I am not a last minute person. I plan and plan and plan some more so I don’t have to rush at the end. But this was out of my control. By the time we got to Friday there I was, sitting on the sofa, trying to hurriedly sew ribbons on pointe shoes when I stabbed myself with the sewing needle and completely lost it. A good 15-minute cry later I got myself together and took Mari for her first performance.

The show ran quite smoothly. Mari handled things quite well and I’ve seen so much maturity in her this year. Then we got to do it all again on Saturday. Luckily that night I was able to sit in the audience and watch instead of managing the class costume changes. It was a big relief and a joy to see. Neil and I both shed a tear after Mari’s ballet number. She worked an entire year to be able to perform on pointe for the first time. We are so proud of her. It was her choice to do it and she made it happen.

This week we are taking a break from normal tasks and pointe dancing and schoolwork. We are basking in the freedom of summer. Mari has her head buried in a laptop, trying to design a computer game. And I get to start a project I’ve been dreaming about for a while. Lately there have been quite a few sewing/quilting blogs added to my RSS feed. I’ve been pouring over the pretty fabrics, designs and color combinations of various featured quilting projects.

The box of fabric scraps in the basement began calling my name and I couldn’t wait to pull them out. I was sure I could use what I have on hand to make a quilt. I decided, after a bit of thought to use paper piecing to make a hexagon quilt. The inspiration for the pattern came from here.

It’s a blog called Turning*Turning and is described by the author as “An art therapist on creativity, healing, and the power of making.” We connected through the site Accidental Creative and I feel very fortunate to have found her and her inspiring blog. I tend to wrap up my personal issues in my craft and she is helping me see how this is a very sane thing to do and can lead to growth.

The inspiration for the technique for my quilt came from here.

This is a blog by Kelley Petkun from the Knit Picks yarn company. I enjoy listening to her podcast and heard her talk about English Paper Piecing as an alternate craft to knitting.

And the color scheme for my quilt came from my fabric stash:

I am not usually a pastel kind of girl, but the attic-like upstairs of our house called for a feminine cottage look for our bedrooms. I think these colors will be something I can live with for a long time. Besides, they are very deep pastel tones. That’s OK, right?

I like the fact that there is a mix of traditional calico patterns with some more modern ones. It’s the similarity of the tone intensity that unites them. Here’s what I’ve got so far:

A long, long way to go! A neutral will need to be purchased to tie everything together, but it’s a start. This will be a perfect vacation, travel project. If I cut and prep the pieces and I can work in the car as well as anywhere else I choose on our summer travels. I love my knitting, but I need to alternate with something else.

Next week I have to go back to doing financial stuff, cleaning and organizing but this week is all about getting started on the quilt. The potential of it is delicious!

SOP030 – A Touch of the Pretty

Download this episode

Show Notes
It’s a summer school’s out special! For June we announce new free song downloads from The Sleep. Laura shares her chocolate waffle recipe, Neil celebrates Father’s Day with Star Trek, and we wonder how many TV shows with “Hunters” in the title are really necessary. It’s a landmark moment when we have our first disagreement regarding “Guys Neil Finds Attractive.” Finally, we announce the winners of our Depeche Mode prize packages. Hey listeners, you’re all winners in our eyes! Cool summery tracks by The Sleep, Hungry Lucy, Venus Hum and Bears of Winter.

Music Guide
“Pieces”
Artist: The Sleep
Album: Never in a Million Years
http://thesleep.net
http://www.myspace.com/thesleepmusic
iTunes

“Storm”
Artist: Hungry Lucy
Album: Before We Stand We Crawl
http://www.hungrylucy.com
http://www.myspace.com/hungrylucy
iTunes

“Night of a Blue Moon”
Artist: Mari Smith

“The Magic Between Us”
New Unreleased Track
Artist: Venus Hum
http://venushum.com
http://www.myspace.com/venushum

“Scar[r]ed but Free”
Artist: Bears of Winter
Album: I.Machine
http://bearsofwinter.soembaresmaekrecords.com
www.myspace.com/bearsofwinter
Facebook
iTunes

Misc. Goodies and Links
I’m done asking for iTunes reviews. Really. You’ll never hear me ask again. Probably. But if you felt like going here and leaving one I can’t really stop you now can I?

Do you Twitter? Swell! Follow us at http://twitter.com/smithsocc.

Chocolate Waffles for Lurry Dean

1-½ c cake flour (sifted)
1 Tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
4 Tablespoons butter, melted
½ cup chocolate syrup (plus extra for drizzling)
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup sugar
¾ cup milk
½ teaspoon vanilla
vanilla ice cream

Sift together flour, baking powder and salt into a large bowl and set aside.

Melt butter in a medium size bowl. Add ½ cup chocolate syrup and mix until combined. Let cool.

In a large bowl, combine 2 eggs, sugar, milk and vanilla. Stir thoroughly.

Add in the chocolate mixture and stir until combined.

Add chocolate mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir just until smooth.

Heat waffle iron to a medium setting. Spray with cooking spray before each batch. These are very soft, and burn easily.

Texture of waffle will be like a soft brownie. Top with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup.

Blog of the lovely Christa Belle from Hungry Lucy
http://www.christabelle.com

Free Downloads from The Sleep
http://thesleep.net

Depeche Mode Remix Contest
http://www.beatportal.com/remix/detail/peace-the-sleep-mix/

1)    Register for the site (Sorry you have to do this; it’s the only way you can vote.)
2)    Sign in and go to Neil’s remix at the link above.
3)    Click “Spin.” That counts as a vote.

Thanks for your help on this!

Gallery of Guys Neil Finds Attractive

Winners of the Depeche Mode SWAG Contest:
Jim Nichols
Leah
Please email us your mailing address at smithsoccasional@gmail.com so we can send your prize package!

The obligatory Depeche Mode Link
http://www.depechemode.com