Clearing Out The Fridge Soup

I made tacos the other night.  They were delicious.  And as usual, even though I am only cooking for the three of us, I managed to make enough for about six armies.  It is nearly impossible for me to make small portions when I cook.  Normally this isn't a problem because I am making some pasta or sauce dish that holds up well for a few days of leftovers.  Tacos don't translate as well three days later.  So, since my girl and I are both fighting a cold I thought I'd use the taco fixins to make a fabulous soup.  It was perfect for the occasion....AND, this time the leftovers will get finished.

Taco Soup:

Leftover taco meat
Leftover diced tomatoes (plus a little more)
Leftover chopped red onion (plus a little more)
Leftover olives
Leftover diced jalapenos
Leftover corn

Add in:
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups beef broth
4 cloves minced garlic
1 bell pepper (color of your choice)
Some flat leaf parsley and a bit of fresh cilantro
A little chili powder and cumin
A sprinkle of salt and some fresh cracked pepper

Super yummy with a dollop of sour cream when served.  Enjoy!  We sure did.

Inconceivable.

I'm a full fledged movie buff.  Movies are such a powerful art form.  They can make us laugh or make us cry.  They can inspire us and move us to action.  I love movies.  Film is extraordinary to me because, like music, there is something out there for everyone.  No matter your taste or style preference there is a movie out there for you.  And as with most art, it is rare to find a piece that appeals to everyone.  I will submit to you, however, that I have found THE perfect movie: 

The 1987 classic The Princess Bride.

You know it.  Unless you are my good friend, Julie Ross, you've seen it; probably multiple times. It struck me tonight as we were watching it for our family movie night that Rob Reiner managed to create a film that has something for everyone.  

Romance:  Generally this is my least favorite genre of either movies or books (don't believe me? Read my previous post).  But TPB is able to present a story driven by the power of true love that seems sweet, genuine and grand.  

Comedy:  From dry, subtle humor to silly sight gags, the wit  in TPB runs the gamut leaving everyone laughing at some point.

Action: Peter Faulk as the grandfather says it all..."Sports?  Fighting, fencing, torture..."  Action fans will not be disappointed.

Star Power: Previously stated Columbo, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, Billy Crystal, Christopher Guest and Andre the Giant...literally the biggest man in Hollywood.  Stars galore stud this movie.  I didn't even mention Wallace Shaun or Carol Kane.

Beauty:  If you can, take a moment to stop watching the story unfold and look behind the actors to the fabulous scenery that sets the stage for this epic movie filmed on location in England and Ireland.  Truly beautiful.  Then take a moment to look at the fabulously detailed costumes that the actors are wearing.  I don't sew, but I've watching my mother sew and bead long enough to appreciate the time and effort that went into these stunning garments.

Whimsy:  Now take a moment to look past the beautiful scenery and well constructed garments to look at the ROUSs.  They are so cheesy and silly that you just have to love them.  I appreciate the fact that Reiner realized that this is a fairy tale and therefore a certain amount of simplicity speaks volumes.

Charm:  At the heart of this story you have a boy who's grandfather comes to read him a beloved story to comfort him while he is sick.  You hear a story of unending devotion, both by the lovers and the trio of friends whose job it is to reunite the man in black and Buttercup.

All in all I think that The Princess Bride is a masterpiece.  A marker of a great movie, to me, is the ability to watch it repeatedly while finding new things to enjoy with each viewing.  TPB hits the nail on the head.  I never get tired of this sweet, funny, fabulous movie.  Best.....movie.....ever.

Hustler vs. Hallmark Channel

The world wide web has given us unrestrained access to information, which for the most part is a wonderful thing.  As a self proclaimed trivia buff, I don't know how I made it through life before the invention of Google.  But as with anything, with the good, so comes the bad.  One downside of unlimited accessibility in the privacy of our homes has been the plethora of pornographic material that is available on the internet.  I think we can universally agree that the viewing of pornography by one or both partners in a relationship is ultimately a damaging thing.  It breeds a lack of intimacy, unrealistic expectations and a feeling of distance and resentment between a couple.  All bad things, and I think we can agree that life is better when this isn't a factor.  

What drives me crazy, though, is the acceptance and even positive feedback that surrounds the plethora of channels on tv that equate to porn for women.  I'm thinking mostly about The Hallmark Channel.  This channel feeds on the unrealistic emotional stimulation of women.  Take a look at the lineup any night of the week and you'll find movies and series' filled with inane titles such as A Lesson in Romance, A Ring By Spring, Lucky in Love; all stories predicated on the idea of some poor woman who's life is unfulfilled because she has yet to find the 'perfect man.'  The presentation of the men in these movies is quixotic and is as impractical as the display of perfect 10 women in traditional porn.  Yet, it is perfectly acceptable in our society for people, women, daughters to watch this emotionally manipulative garbage.  How is that positive or productive in any way?

In fact, I'd argue that these Hallmark-style movies are even MORE damaging than traditional pornography because (unfortunately) there isn't a stigma attached to them.  Women aren't sneaking to watch them, tucked away in the darkness of their bedrooms at night, because they understand that they are inherently destructive.  Quite the opposite.  We rally around them as wholesome, family entertainment and encourage our daughters to watch them, feeding into the dubious notion that 'romance', as defined by the writers at Hallmark, is a noble goal.  

Huh?!?  As far as I'm concerned I think anything that we embrace in our lives that perpetuates unrealistic expectations and misguided notions can be very damaging.  

Now, I want to state for the record that I am not anti-love, or anti-wholesome entertainment.  I just want to encourage everyone to think beyond face value and recognize that often times, things that are seemingly harmless can be the most destructive things of all.

That being said, I'm off to watch some sports.  :)