:: Ray's Periodic Rantings ::

:: Friday, April 29, 2005 ::

Are we for freedom or not?

It was hard to escape the coverage of President Bush walking hand in hand with the crown prince of Saudi Arabia a couple of days ago. I didn't really enjoy seeing the image, because I don't believe the Saudis are really our friends. Frankly I think that the less we had to do with them, the better off we would be. Unfortunately, as long as most of us drive gasoline-drinking oinker cars and trucks, we will be dependent on them just so we can move ourselves around. As a result, we get treated to pictures of the president sucking up to the crown prince and asking him to pump more oil.

I have written before about timely news indicating just what kind of people and society the Saudis are. Today it happened again. Page 48 of today's Sun-Times carries an AP story headlined: Saudis arrest 40 Christians in raid on secret church. The headline says most of what is relevant. Here are a couple more choice quotes:

"Convictions could result in harsh prison sentences, followed by deportation."

"Although the Prophet Muhummad tolerated Christian churches in his realm, modern Saudi Arabia has made it illegal to promote any religion other than Islam and outlaws churches."

So here is the thing. I don't put much faith in Christianity or Islam, but I do believe in freedom of religion, a founding principle of our nation if I am not mistaken. So why is the president of our freedom-loving nation, the same president who likes to prattle on about how, "freedom is on the march," in Iraq, so buddy buddy with the leader of a country that prohibits open practice of a religion other than that of the state? That's messed up.
:: Ray 11:56 PM [+] ::
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Cookbook woes

So I tried the other recipe from the cookbook that I wrote about on April 10: skirt steak stroganoff. It wasn't terrible, but let's just say that skirt steak and stroganoff are two things that don't go together terribly well. I am leaning toward tossing said cookbook, in favor of other, more reliable sources. It's a shame, because it is a beautifully written and illustrated volume, but I'd rather have an ugly or plain one with recipes that turn out fantastic.
:: Ray 9:48 PM [+] ::
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If I was in charge... Part 2

There would be no opening bands to be suffered through. Bands or shows in bars would start at the time advertised, with no screwing around, or face heavy fines.

As I write this, I am suffering through a loud and fairly unentertaining band, waiting for a burlesque show. Why would I want to endure a three-guitar band if I paid to watch women tease me by taking off their clothes? Fortunately, I have my laptop with me, and I stumbled across an open wireless node.
:: Ray 9:42 PM [+] ::
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Life is Good

As indicated in the previous post, today is my first "anniversary" with Mary Green. To celebrate, this evening we plan to reprise our first date: Indian food and mini golf. We couldn't ask for a nicer day for it here in the city.
:: Ray 12:37 PM [+] ::
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Life is wierd

Five years ago, today, I drove to Des Plaines to meet Mary Clevidence, the woman who would so drastically alter the course of my life. One year ago, as of next Monday, I drove to Devon Ave to meet Mary Green, the woman to whom I am now engaged. Go figure.
:: Ray 3:52 PM [+] ::
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Bourguignon bummer

Tonight I tried a beef bourguignon recipe. I followed it to the letter with high hopes, never having cooked a bourguignon before. The result was underwhelming, especially considering how much money I put in that pot, including a $17 bottle of burgundy. The three pounds of chuck turned out tender enough, but the stew sauce with it is sort of thin and tasteless, and the vegetables don't seem like the right ones for this dish. This is the second dissappointment I have had from one specific cookbook. I already have the ingredients for one more, purchased in a fit of optimism. I'll cook a skirt steak according to their directions tomorrow or Tuesday. If that recipe doesn't turn out to be a keeper, this cookbook may find itself in my next charity drop-off.

Incidentally, I loathe cookbooks that list as ingredients something else from that same cookbook, such as Loretta's beef stock (see page 243) or Jilly's tomato sauce (see page 244) (the names have been changed to protect the guilty). I really like cooking, but I don't have time to be constantly filling my refridgerator and freezer with homemade stocks and sauces. Once in a while I like to, and I enjoy making the attempt, but don't make me feel like I am cheating if I use store-bought sauce or stock, or I won't buy your cookbook.
:: Ray 11:06 PM [+] ::
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It's Friday!

Profundity for today. (requires a sound card)
:: Ray 12:26 AM [+] ::
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