O Alquemista/The Alchemist

Once upon a time, I knew Portuguese.  Well, for the most part.  I lived in Portugal as a missionary from 2001-2003, and then I went back on vacation in 2005.  And then I promptly stopped speaking it, except for on the rare occasion.  So, for some reason, I decided to pick up “O Alquimista” after having it on my bookshelf for the past four years.  And I was pleasantly surprised by a few things.  1- I needed my Portuguese/English dictionary much less than I thought I would (though more than I WISH I did) and 2- it was a detailed and interesting story, so much that I’ll probably buy it in English to get the full understanding.

“The Alchemist” is a compelling story of a Spanish shepherd who sacrifices everything to complete his personal legend.  A long the way he gains and loses all he has, on more than one occasion, meets Melchizedek, learns new languages and skills, and falls in love.  More than once he decides to stop and to forget about his ultimate goal, but in the end he persists.  It makes for compelling fiction while at the same time helps on re-evalute their own goals and ambitions.  Like I said, I would read it it again, though probably in English.  Solid 7.5/10.

The Count of Monte Cristo, unabridged

Back in undergrad, I interned for a now infamous Idaho Senator (pre-scandal).  We were only able to take what would fit in our Altima, so our apartment was quite meager.  Where am I going with this?  Well, this is when Sandi introduced me to The Count of Monte Cristo.  We didn’t have a TV, we didn’t have internet,  so we would sit together on our air mattress and read page after page.  It got to the point that Sandi was extremely annoyed with me because I wanted to keep reading, but she did not.  That, however, was the abridged version.

The unabridged version is, for lack of a better word, LONG.  It is still engaging, but at times it lags.  (Which points, I can’t really say).  There is still the classic story of revenge and bad-assness, but you can get waded down quite easily.  It is still a sad tale of the unfortunate Edmond Dantes, wrongly accused and imprisoned on his wedding night, and is captive in the Chateau d’If for 13 years.

With the knowledge gained in prison, Edmond becomes very wealthy and anoints himself the Count of Monte Cristo.  He works his way into the social circles of those that betrayed him, opening a large can of whoop-ass in the process.  Seriously, Edmond Dantes is the Jason Bourne of the 19th Century, except with a title and loads of money.  In the end, Edmond revenges himself and goes off into the sunset.

It is really one of my favorite books of all time because Edmond is an awesome hero who kicks butt and takes names.  Also, a much more interesting read than The Three Musketeers, which I read last summer.  (Sandi gave me a 3-in-1 book which also includes The Man in the Iron Mask). Unabridged: 6/10  Abridged: 8/10.

If interested in purchasing, you shouldn’t have any problem finding a copy.  The abridged version is recommended, but the unabridged is still good.

The Last Harvest by Witold Rybczynski

I present to you what I think is the only noncase book that I was able to read last semester, even if it was for a class.  (If you want to see some of what I did read this semester go here, here, and here.)

I read this as part of my land-use planning class this past semester.  The book is a pretty easy read and I’m sure that my observations are incomplete because I didn’t read it on a consistent basis.  That being said I felt that it was a pretty easy read.  The book traces the development of a subdivision in Pennsylvania from the planning process all the way through the purchase of a home.  The owner of the property wants to develop the property (the book starts back in the “heyday” of the housing boom) but eventually butts heads with the local government as to what type of development should be there.  The neighboring parcels are all large, one acre+ lots with homes spread apart, and the government would like to see something “different.”  A new developer is brought in and it decides to try a concept called “traditional neighborhood development;” which has smaller lots, higher density, tree-lined streets, hidden garages, and the small-town feel.

The story wends its way through all the hoops that developers have to jump through to please an unbelieving and somewhat ornery public, until finally allowing a zoning change.  At the same time, it traces the development of home living in the United States from colonial times to the present.  In the end, the company is able to build what it intended, but only just in time for the housing market to take a downturn.  It presents an evenhanded view; neither favoring the NIMBY outlook of the neighbors or the (obviously) pro-growth sentiments of the developers, even if their respective representatives can be a real pain sometimes.  It’s a fun read, especially if you are interested in what goes on in land-use decisions and the planning of large developments.  6.5/10.

If you are interested in purchasing the book, it is currently selling for about $1.50 here.  If you want to check out the development as it now stands, go here, and if you want to look at the inspiration for the traditional neighborhood development on a much larger (and in my opinion, more feasible scale) go here and here.

CamelBak Water Bottles

This versatile water bottle comes in many different sizes to fit many different sizes of thirst.   I have a 750 ml or 24 oz. version, while Mike has a larger one that holds almost a liter or about 32 oz. (Although they are a little harder to find).  Some of the features that we have really enjoyed are as follows:

1.  The Straw – you bite on the end of the straw  (which is made from rubber) and suck up the beverage of your choice, this is very convenient for preventing spills.  (Examples: no spills in the car, no spills if drinking in bed, no spills if you are just clumsy – so I guess it is kind of like an adult sippy cup in that manner).  Also, I feel like I drink more water when using the straw, I don’t know if that is true, but that is something to consider.

2. Variety of colors – I have a bright pink one, Mike has a black one.  Both look very nice, and I do know that there are many other colors including  some with argyle patterns on them.

3.  Portability – There is a loop at the top of the water bottle lid that is made from hard plastic; although we haven’t used them for this yet, it seems like that would be convenient for any backpacking or hiking, as you could easily attach the water bottle to a belt or carabiner.

4.  BPA free – There has been a lot of hype about the different water bottles and what is and is not BPA free.  While I don’t know if I really believe that non-BPA is actually harmful, I suppose it is better to be safe rather than sorry. (Just check when buying to make sure that there is a little BPA free logo to avoid purchasing an old one that has BPA in it).

5.  Durability – These babies are sturdy, you don’t have to worry about breaking them unless you are planning on dropping them from any inordinate heights.

Those are all the things that we love about this water bottle, and seriously, we LOVE our water bottles.  The only con that I can think of is that you are not supposed to put carbonated beverages in them, perhaps it messes up the straw mechanism if you do.  Anyhow, ratings are as follows:

Sandi: 9.5

Mike: 9.0.  Mine has started to leak slightly when tilted, other than that I sure don’t spill on myself as much as I did with my Nalgene (though the blame can hardly lie with Nalgene).

You can view the various models, as well as where to purchase them, here.

Quiznos Free Sandwich Give Away

Being the poor college students that we are, we tend to be sensitive about where we spend on hard earned dollars.  Once in a blue moon, fate smiles upon us, and things like this happen.  Quiznos is currently giving away free selected standard (4 inch, I think) sandwiches, until their counter hits a million (at time of posting its at 550,252ish). The link is here.  The only catch is only one per e-mail address, and you get enrolled into the Quiznos marketing database, which you can promptly be removed from.  We went last night to the Quiznos in Moscow, and while the employees seemed a little peeved, we got a drink and chips, too for a grand total of $2.53 (or there abouts).  WAY cheaper than regular Quiznos.  Oh, and the coupons are good for 5 days after they are printed off, so even if the few of you that follow this blog can’t make it tonight, you can wait up to 5 days.

Mike: Turkey, Bacon, and Guacamole:  Very tasty and good.  And free, which probably bumps it up at least one point.  The store was clean and the help was friendly, though as previously mentioned, a little peeved about the coupons.  8/10.

Sandi:  Will post later.

Asian Beef Lettuce Wraps

Asian Beef Lettuce Wraps, Martha Stewart Everyday Food, Jan. 2009

1.5 pounds flank steak

coarse salt and ground pepper

1 packages cellophane or bean-thread noodles

2 tbs. vegetable oil

6 scallions, 3 sliced and 3 cut into thirds

1/4 cup fresh lime juice

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

8 leaves Boston lettuce

1 ripe mango, pelled, pitted and cut into strips

1. Heat broiler with rack 4 inches from heat.  Place steak on large rimmed baking sheet; season with salt and pepper.  Broil until medium rare 10-12 mins. Turning halfway through.  Let rest 10 mins; thinly slice against the grain.

2. While steak rests, cook noodles according to instructions; drain, return to pot.  Add 1 tbs oil and sliced scallions; season with salt and pepper.

3.  In a small bowl, combine lime juice, cilantro, garlic and 1 tbs. oil; seaons with salt and pepper.  Fill lettuce leaves with beef, mango and scallion lengths; drizzle with sauce.  Serve with noodles.

We failed the noodle part, and instead we made rice (which we didn’t use) and then ate that with the leftovers.  Serves 4.

Mike:  sauce is really good.  Make sure to use a broader leafed lettuce than say, romaine, which we used, to be able to get a good roll and ensure that nothing falls out.  Leftovers are good in burritos, too.   Wouldn’t make rice to replace the noodles again, but will search more diligently for the noodles at the store (maybe sandi can help!).  7/10.

Sandi:  Really liked the sauce.  I wish that the mango flavor had been more; not sure if it wasn’t ripe enough, but the mango flavor could have been brought out more.  7.5/10.

Tortilla Soup with Black Beans

Tortilla Soup with Black Beans:  Martha Stewart Everyday Food, January 2009

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon chili powder

2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes in juice

2 cans (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (14.5 oz) reduced sodium chicken broth

1 package (10 oz) frozen corn

Coarse salt and ground pepper

1 cup crushed tortilla chips (plus more for serving)

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, plus lime wedges for serving

1.  In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium.  Cook garlic and chili powder until fragrant, about 1 minute.  Add tomatoes (with juice), beans, broth, corn and 1 cup water; season with salt and pepper

2.  Bring soup to a boil; reduce to a simmer.  Add tortilla chips; cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Removed from heat, stir in lime juice, and season with salt and pepper.  Serve soup with lime wedges and, if desired, more chips.

Mike: Very good for the first time around, not as good (but still good) as leftovers.  Recipe is very fast, and claims that it serves 4 people.  We’ve gotten as much as 6 servings out of it.  Very good with the fresh lime (and more fresh lime) also, the addition of cheddar cheese is a plus, and green onions add a little, but not much.  8/10.

SJ:  Enjoys the addition of cilantro, and concurs that the addition of cheddar cheese is a must.  7.4/10.

Tortilla Soup with Black Beans: Martha Stewart Everday Food, January 2009.

Pink Lady Apples

Delicious.  For about a year, I have been trying to eat a piece of fruit a day (yeah, I know what the guidelines are) usually as a snack.  And all I can say is that Pink Lady apples are the best apples and far superior to any other.   They are crisp like a Granny Smith, but without the extreme tartness, sweet, tangy, and overall extremely addicting.  I didn’t know what I had been missing in the apple world, until the Pink Lady filled my void.  Also, very much worth the extra 10 or so cents at your local supermarket, pick up a couple on your next trip.  I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.  (and if you are, please share as to why).

Mike: 8.5/10.

Sandi: usually doesn’t eat apples unless they are cut up, and doesn’t partake as I do.  Her judgment is pending.

Moscow Jack in the Box

If you follow our regular blog, you will know that we had a horrid experience with the local Jack in the Box.  This is mostly a rehashing of that event, but feel free to comment!

Here is a letter that I meant to send, but by the time I would have gotten around to it, it would have been too late.  Sandi’s notes are at the bottom.

Dear Moscow Jack in the Box,

This short note is to inform you that we are no longer going to be customers at your store. Why you ask? Let me tell you. On Saturday, October 11, 2008, my wife and I decided to grab a quick bite to eat. We had a busy schedule with a limited time frame, and Jack in the Box sounded appetizing. Then I had the following experience, which ruined any appetite for your store in the future. Were we not so forgiving, this wouldn’t have happened at all, because we have been repeatedly disappointed with the service at your store. So much, in fact, that we should have stopped coming back a long time ago.

On that Saturday, we ordered 2 Jumbo Jacks (without cheese) and a medium fry. This amazingly complicated and difficult order took 25 MINUTES to be completed. I have nothing but empathy for fast food workers, having been one myself, but seriously, is this the best you can do? I understand how quickly things can get out of hand and you are overwhelmed, but the amount of time it took just scratches the surface. When we first arrived we were treated by your employees with nothing but disdain. When the woman who took our order was less than cordial, that should have tipped us off. But, our bad adventure did not end there. The dining area was filthy and unkempt from the Coke machines to the bulk of the tables. It was hard to find a decently clean table to eat our quick meal. But, as I already stated, the meal was anything but quick. As the minutes passed without our food, our frustrations grew. These frustrations were compounded by the fact that during the time we (and the other customers) were not getting our food, the management in the kitchen let someone go home. The employee sat at a table for the majority of the time we were there, not caring about the situation of her co-workers and just biding her time until her ride picked her up. I do not completely fault the employee, but every employee should understand that if things get busy, you might have to stay a little longer. The nature of the business is to allow flexibility in your staffs so you can adequately serve your guests. The complete and utter apathy of the crew was apparent. After 20 minutes, and being passed by on our order by those who ordered after us (but with very similar orders), we decided to go and ask for a refund and go somewhere else. We didn’t get that far. The single employee putting together and handing out orders was overwhelmed by a system that he clearly didn’t understand or didn’t have enough training in. As he called our order, we didn’t even get a simple apology for the wait, just more disdain for a presence in the store. 2 Jumbo Jacks and one fry and 25 minutes of our time. (This doesn’t even consider the orders that were still ahead of us that hadn’t received their food). Alas, the order we received was not right. We got a jumbo jack and another Jumbo Jack with twice the cheese, and semi-cold fries. This visit to your store will be our last, notwithstanding the fine products you usually serve. However, there are better alternatives in Moscow that are more considerate of our time and more appreciative or our limited spending dollars.

They say that customers who have a bad experience will tell, on average, ten other people. While we don’t consider our influence expansive, we hate to consider ourselves as just average. Consider yourself warned.

Sincerely,

Mike and Sandi

What do you think? Is it worth the time? Even if I don’t end up sending it, I enjoyed writing something not involved with school and maybe this could be a start of a regular “Mike and Sandi review random crap.” type of post. In case you were wondering, Moscow Jack in the Box rating is now a 0/10.

*Sandi’s Note: Things not mentioned by Mike…
1. The water tasted really weird, even after dumping it out and getting new.
2. The employee that was just sitting there was drinking a shake, I don’t know why that makes it worse but it just does.
3. The employee handing out the food just stood there looking from screen to screen for at least thirty seconds at a time…like a deer caught in the headlights.
4. Last but perhaps more importantly…I am the one that really doesn’t like the cheese at all, Mike can at least tolerate it….Well, he had already eaten a good third of his Jumbo Jack by the time I had opened mine only to realize that it was not right. So Mike, being the kind and loving husband that he is, offered to exchange. So we switched because I really don’t like that processed cheese, but the point is, I only got 2/3 of my Jumbo Jack because of it.

Mike: 1.5/10

Sandi: 1.5/10

Nile Spice Soups in a cup

We recently purchased a couple of Nile Spice soups in a cup at WinCo as  quick and painless lunch alternative to our leftover routine.  The result:  Meh.

Sandi’s take:  Nile Spice Black Bean Soup.  Has a good flavor, but could use more.  Texture of the dehydrated black beans sucks, but would eat again.  Easy to make and easy to clean, but could use some Tabasco. 5.5/10.

Mike’s take:  Nile Spice Sweet Corn Chowder.  No real flavor; lacking corn and should be more chowdery.  Looks somewhat like gruel and is not creamy at all–its actually grainy.  But what was I expecting from soup in a cup?  Never again.  3/10.