Gourmet Sunday

It's still kind of cold out, but, indeed, spring has sprung. And spring is just a few months away from summer, and summer means barbecue season! I love barbecues and love cooking on the barbecue, but who doesn't, right? We decided to blow our load a little early and fill up the propane tank in honour of spring. It was also discussed that from here on out Gourmet Sunday must implement the barbecue each week, weather permitting.

Hosts: Rob and Spark
Guests: Amy, Joelle, Momma Clark, and Tami.
Starter: Spinach pie
Salad: Greek
Main: Kababs on grilled pita with tzatziki and roasted potatoes.
Wine: 2008 Storm Bay Cabernet Sauvignon.

Music: Bob Dylan "Street Legal."

Apart from being our first Greek theme (go Beta Kappa Delta!) we had the honour of hosting Mrs. Leslie Clark. We learned a lot about Spark; including why he hates cheese, but loves pizza and nachos. Actually we didn't learn anything of the sorts because it doesn't make sense. Regardless, as always, Les was a real hoot. The kebabs were great and we've really taken a liking to the new President's Choice fake "chicken breasts."

One bowl of Shark Fin Soup please.

School sanctions steel cage match.

South Cliff High School, in Dallas, Texas, is accused of holding principal and teacher sanctioned steel cage fights between students between 2003-2005. Though the now retired principal denies such incidents occurred, students, parents and school board administrators are suggesting that several fights took place inside of a steel mesh equipment locker. Mind you, this is in a state where some teachers are required to carry concealed hand guns in their classroom. Mixed messages?

Dangerous Minds.

So I pretty much have the best job ever. This is why:

"Nick Nack Patty Wack
Still rolling cadi-lacks
I Role wit big Macks
So you call Abel
Burn down your house
Now you sleep in a stable
My flow is electric
So you can call me cable
Flows like the Ocean
So you can me sea sick
I am the god of Rap
So you can call me Jesus
So Fresh, Juss came out
the Fetus. I'm Hard
So you can call me stiff
penis."

This little gem was found in a desk after one of my classes. The words appear as they were written on the page in order to maintain it's artistic integrity. The artist is unknown, but I am sure you'll be hearing this rhyme on BET shortly.

Gourmet Sunday

Gourmet Sunday is really catching on in 2009. Last night marked the second time in less than a month that Gourmet Sunday was hosted by somebody other than Spark and myself. Joelle is starting to make quite a name for herself amongst the ranks of Sunday regulars.

Host: Joelle
Guests: Alex, Brian, Rennick, Rob, Spark, Steph and Tami.
Appetizer: Baked vegetable Wontons with Mango sauce and Peanut sauce.
Salad: Field Green and Mango.
Main: Fish or Tofu en Papillote (lime/ginger) w/spinach and oyster mushrooms, and Black and Mahogany Rice.
Wine:wine: 2006 Jackson Triggs Gewurztraminer; 2006 Rosemblum Zinfandel.
Dessert:- Dufflet Butter Tarts.

Music: Cult Cargo Eccentric Soul compilation; Bo Diddley.

The food was incredible, no doubt, but what really brought the meal together was the addition of a dining room table! Who knew what an affect such might have on the overall dining experience? Apparently, Spark and I have to pick up our game, as coffee table and milk crates can't cut it for much longer. Again, thanks Joelle for hosting an wonderful meal.

Speaking of China...

My new found love interest, Oasis, had planned to visit China on their Dig Out Your Soul tour. The shows were recently canceled because, apparently, Chinese authorities don't like that Noel played a Tibetan Freedom Festival concert 12 years ago.

Mind you I guess this dude didn't think Oasis was an appropriate act for V Fest in Toronto last summer.

Chinese Democracy... No Thank You

So our neighbours think it's cool to blast music at all hours. Usually it's really bad, but on occasion we'll be treated to the sounds of Pearl Jam or something 90s grunge band. I'm not exactly sure how their music selection works, but it's as if they have a database of all (mostly bad) music available on-line and then have their itunes set to shuffle. I can't even give an example because the musical transitions defy logic.

Tonight is no different. They were just playing some sort of horrible nu rock band when I realized I recognized the song. It was none other than one of the fine gems found on the latest "Guns N Roses" disc. Yeah, those quotation marks are there on purpose. I love Appetite as much as the next guy. I love Lies, and a lot of the Illusions records, too. However, if their latest is representative of the sounds to come out of a future liberated Chinese democracy, then, I'm sorry I'm quite content with the current state of human rights violations and digitally manufactured Olympic opening ceremonies.

I will now spend the remainder of my evening banging on our shared walls in hopes that they will turn down their music, or at least put something decent on. Gorilla Biscuits anyone?



Or how about this little treat I was also lucky enough to witness in person: