The view might be great here in Korsør, but the weather has its strengths too. I was almost blown off the vessel today. And my touch pad refused to work in the rain. I hope the tide will change.
Monday, July 30, 2007
In The Hands Of The Vikings
It has been a long time since the last serious business trip (not counted the sleepovers). But now I'm again parted from by deriously beloved Toño. Actually, I'm totally surrounded by Vikings. Blond, tall and blue eyed folks everywhere.
The view might be great here in Korsør, but the weather has its strengths too. I was almost blown off the vessel today. And my touch pad refused to work in the rain. I hope the tide will change.
The view might be great here in Korsør, but the weather has its strengths too. I was almost blown off the vessel today. And my touch pad refused to work in the rain. I hope the tide will change.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Caravan of Ridicule
Today's France Soir ran a mock obituary on its front page, telling that the Tour de France has died yesterday "at age 104, after a long illness". Le Tour had been the only sport event I was actually interested in. Seems like a long time ago. For me the obituary is real. May Le Tour rest in peace.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Michael Lives
On Sylv's request a brief review of Armistead Maupin's new book Michael Tolliver Lives, which I took on our trip to California
Was it page turner?
All books by Maupin were so far. It took me less than two weeks to read all six books of the Tales of the City series. Well, the book is quite thin and Maupin writes not that complex. It took about a couple of days to read it.
Was I laughing out loud?
No, I wasn't or I can't remember. However the characters were a lot and quite often during the many sex scenes.
Do I recommend it?
I'm not quite sure if this book was really necessary. Of course, it was nice to read what Michael is up to and how life had treated him over the last 20 years. But I think that was it. What I really like about Tales of the City are all these preposterous coincidences the characters were exposed to. I missed those. If you haven't read Tales of the City, then it's a definite No! There is no point in doing so. However, if you read them, you don't insist on preposterous coincidences and you don't mind people chuckling or doing worse while having sex you might give it a try.
Was it page turner?
All books by Maupin were so far. It took me less than two weeks to read all six books of the Tales of the City series. Well, the book is quite thin and Maupin writes not that complex. It took about a couple of days to read it.
Was I laughing out loud?
No, I wasn't or I can't remember. However the characters were a lot and quite often during the many sex scenes.
Do I recommend it?
I'm not quite sure if this book was really necessary. Of course, it was nice to read what Michael is up to and how life had treated him over the last 20 years. But I think that was it. What I really like about Tales of the City are all these preposterous coincidences the characters were exposed to. I missed those. If you haven't read Tales of the City, then it's a definite No! There is no point in doing so. However, if you read them, you don't insist on preposterous coincidences and you don't mind people chuckling or doing worse while having sex you might give it a try.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Something Between Heaven and Earth
I'm one of those schmucks who read while sitting on the loo. The appropriate printing matter for these occasions are trash mags. However this morning there was nothing else at hand but The New Yorker. And so I had to learn between first coffee and breakfast smoothie how ignorant I actually am. I basically know but can not quite tell the difference between a meteoroid, meteorite and meteor. The New Yorker gave some hints but I had to look it up:
I so have to stock up trash mags.
meteoroid
A solid body, moving in space, that is smaller than an asteroid and at least as large as a speck of dust.
meteorite
A stony or metallic mass of matter that has fallen to the earth's surface from outer space.
meteor
A bright trail or streak that appears in the sky when a meteoroid is heated to incandescence by friction with the earth's atmosphere. Also called falling star, meteor burst; Also called shooting star.
I so have to stock up trash mags.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Changing Course
We had been exposed to the cuisine of the U.S. of A. for almost two weeks.
It already shows on the waistline. Staring is never an option. However, it must have some impact on the weekend shopping list:
It already shows on the waistline. Staring is never an option. However, it must have some impact on the weekend shopping list:
Friday, July 20, 2007
Fruity Sweets & Drowning
Sometimes Toño packs me a lunch bag. Like today, when he made ma a marvelously fruity version. Besides of a peach and banana, I've got these fruity pastries by Sprüngli:
They are delicious yet anything but healthy...
Talking about health... mine seems anyway in peril. I will have to do some job related sailing in August and September. As usual, to get on a navy vessel, you need a clearance. In this case, they even asked, who is to inform in case of my decease. Nice prospect. However, I hope not to share the fate of the lady on Zappa's Ship Arriving Too Late to Save a Drowning Witch.
They are delicious yet anything but healthy...
Talking about health... mine seems anyway in peril. I will have to do some job related sailing in August and September. As usual, to get on a navy vessel, you need a clearance. In this case, they even asked, who is to inform in case of my decease. Nice prospect. However, I hope not to share the fate of the lady on Zappa's Ship Arriving Too Late to Save a Drowning Witch.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
100% Swiss Gherkins
You heard it here first (remember). Swiss Gherkins survive.
Yesterday, Hugo Reitzel presented the last truly Swiss gherkin on my brother's farm to the world media.
Harvest has started and the production line is steaming up. It takes about three weeks for the gherkins to ripe in the glass and develop its genuine flavour. They should hit the shelf right after the Swiss National Day. Be ready for a patriotic experience of the rather sour kind.
Yesterday, Hugo Reitzel presented the last truly Swiss gherkin on my brother's farm to the world media.
Harvest has started and the production line is steaming up. It takes about three weeks for the gherkins to ripe in the glass and develop its genuine flavour. They should hit the shelf right after the Swiss National Day. Be ready for a patriotic experience of the rather sour kind.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Berry Season
Summer is almost a month old and I haven't reviewed Migros' Summer Yogurt Collection. Enough of this procrastination. First I will review the yogurts and then iron the laundry.
Migros made it kind of easy for themselves or they are just running out of ideas. Two of the yogurts are recycled!
Pêche Melba was part of the Spring Collection 2006. Peaches and raspberries are actually summery delights and it makes much more sense to present them now. However, the yogurt was such a disgrace that I will not buy it again.
Kiwi & Gooseberry was part of the Summer Collection 2005 and I still think it's the perfect summer yogurt that gives great cross-grained acidulous pleasure.
The new one is Redcurrant, which is also a member of the big gooseberry family. It lacks a bit the complexity of the Kiwi & Gooseberry version, however, it is still a worthy member of this year's Summer Yogurt Collection.
Migros made it kind of easy for themselves or they are just running out of ideas. Two of the yogurts are recycled!
Pêche Melba was part of the Spring Collection 2006. Peaches and raspberries are actually summery delights and it makes much more sense to present them now. However, the yogurt was such a disgrace that I will not buy it again.
Kiwi & Gooseberry was part of the Summer Collection 2005 and I still think it's the perfect summer yogurt that gives great cross-grained acidulous pleasure.
The new one is Redcurrant, which is also a member of the big gooseberry family. It lacks a bit the complexity of the Kiwi & Gooseberry version, however, it is still a worthy member of this year's Summer Yogurt Collection.
Catching Up
On our trip to California and back we flew Business (one leg a complimentary upgrade and the other against tons of miles). Why this is so important? Well, life is too short to drink mediocre wine like one has to do in coach. To our surprise, the Maître de Cabine brought us an envelope with an accompanied bottle of Bordeaux. It was the present of our neighbours, which we had asked to take care of our plants. A really nice way to say thank you for this honour.
Back to the main thread. I used to go to the cinema at least once per week. Unfortunately, those days are long gone. I have even difficulties to remember the last film I saw in a cinema. Flying business for almost an entire day gave me the opportunity to catch up a bit. This is what I saw on my personal screen:
Shooter
A glumly macho thriller full of action clichés, probably written by a script robot. Although I have a crush on Mark Wahlberg since his days as an undies model, I'm happy not to have wasted any money at the box office.
Die Herbstzeitlosen (autumn crocuses)
A swiss version of Cocoon that does not use aliens but the rejuvenating power fine lingerie to energize some seniors with youthful vigour. I really enjoyed it (and shed some tears).
300
The carnage at the Battle of Thermopylae is brilliantly choreographed and rendered with battleship-gray skies and copper fields (The New Yorker). But there is neither something called a plot nor any characterization. The dialogues are a complete disgrace. Quite a waste.
Azul oscuro casi negro (English title: Dark Blue Almost Blueack)
The absolute opposite of 300. Touching, surprising, unusual and intriguing. I absolutely loved it. The film is about making the most of it when life takes us in unexpected directions.
The Lookout
A tick further than making the most of it, this small-scale thriller is about turning a handicap into an advantage. Unfortunately, I have no idea how it ends. They switched off the entertainment system, before it happened. Never mind, I forget anyway the ending of both films and books. All I know is that I want to see more of the leading actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who looks a bit like a smarter version of Keanu Reeves.
Back to the main thread. I used to go to the cinema at least once per week. Unfortunately, those days are long gone. I have even difficulties to remember the last film I saw in a cinema. Flying business for almost an entire day gave me the opportunity to catch up a bit. This is what I saw on my personal screen:
Shooter
A glumly macho thriller full of action clichés, probably written by a script robot. Although I have a crush on Mark Wahlberg since his days as an undies model, I'm happy not to have wasted any money at the box office.
Die Herbstzeitlosen (autumn crocuses)
A swiss version of Cocoon that does not use aliens but the rejuvenating power fine lingerie to energize some seniors with youthful vigour. I really enjoyed it (and shed some tears).
300
The carnage at the Battle of Thermopylae is brilliantly choreographed and rendered with battleship-gray skies and copper fields (The New Yorker). But there is neither something called a plot nor any characterization. The dialogues are a complete disgrace. Quite a waste.
Azul oscuro casi negro (English title: Dark Blue Almost Bl
The absolute opposite of 300. Touching, surprising, unusual and intriguing. I absolutely loved it. The film is about making the most of it when life takes us in unexpected directions.
The Lookout
A tick further than making the most of it, this small-scale thriller is about turning a handicap into an advantage. Unfortunately, I have no idea how it ends. They switched off the entertainment system, before it happened. Never mind, I forget anyway the ending of both films and books. All I know is that I want to see more of the leading actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who looks a bit like a smarter version of Keanu Reeves.
We're back
Yes, our holidays in sunny California are over. We're back in the mild Swiss climate.
Our home base was South Central Los Angeles. Yes, it's exactly the place travel guides recommend not to visit. Although, I was the only pinche güero in sight, I never felt uncomfortable in any way. Toño's relatives took perfectly care of me. I have not the slightest idea, why the gringos make such a fuss about their neighbours from the south. The Mexicans I met set a shining example of taking care of each other and holding together as a family. IMHO you can't wish more upright, decent and hard working citizens.
Well the main purpose of our visit, the Quinceañera took place at Desert Hot Springs, which is close to the famous Palm Springs. It set the antipode to our Siberia trip. The thermometer read up to 113°F/45°C. We covered a range of 175°F/97°C and 19 time zones in less than a six months.
The Quinceañera itself was a blast. The unbelievable part was that I spent more time on the dance floor than Toño. There were about 350 people. Many of whom Toño has not seen for years. He is still the better dancer, but he had to catch up a lot with his family.
We also went to Las Vegas to see an uncle and niece of Toño and to Hollywood to meet with a friend from Mexico D.F. who is a director of photography to dine in a house which ones belonged to Charlie Chaplin. You see, there was no time for any sightseeing left.
Our home base was South Central Los Angeles. Yes, it's exactly the place travel guides recommend not to visit. Although, I was the only pinche güero in sight, I never felt uncomfortable in any way. Toño's relatives took perfectly care of me. I have not the slightest idea, why the gringos make such a fuss about their neighbours from the south. The Mexicans I met set a shining example of taking care of each other and holding together as a family. IMHO you can't wish more upright, decent and hard working citizens.
4th of July Volleyball tournament in South Central LA.
Well the main purpose of our visit, the Quinceañera took place at Desert Hot Springs, which is close to the famous Palm Springs. It set the antipode to our Siberia trip. The thermometer read up to 113°F/45°C. We covered a range of 175°F/97°C and 19 time zones in less than a six months.
The Quinceañera itself was a blast. The unbelievable part was that I spent more time on the dance floor than Toño. There were about 350 people. Many of whom Toño has not seen for years. He is still the better dancer, but he had to catch up a lot with his family.
We also went to Las Vegas to see an uncle and niece of Toño and to Hollywood to meet with a friend from Mexico D.F. who is a director of photography to dine in a house which ones belonged to Charlie Chaplin. You see, there was no time for any sightseeing left.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
We're off
We're off to our holidays - sorry, vacations - in sunny California. Actually, it's visiting relatives of Toño. We're invited to a Quinceañera.
Yes. I've got Armistead Maupin's brand spanking new book with me, but we will not go to San Francisco to let our hair down. Our destinations will be Los Angeles to celebrate 4th of July, Palm Springs for the Quinceañera and maybe Las Vegas.
We will be back in a fortnight. See you then. Behave and don't do anything we would not do.
Yes. I've got Armistead Maupin's brand spanking new book with me, but we will not go to San Francisco to let our hair down. Our destinations will be Los Angeles to celebrate 4th of July, Palm Springs for the Quinceañera and maybe Las Vegas.
We will be back in a fortnight. See you then. Behave and don't do anything we would not do.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
My Sister Is The Best Swiss Miller!
My sister Marlene learned one of the oldest trades of mankind. She just completed her three-year apprenticeship as miller with the best marks of the year.
Because Marlene was the best, she was awarded with a scholarship to study mill technology at university. However, she wants to give herself two years to gain more experience. One should not start to study before one is 50.
Because Marlene was the best, she was awarded with a scholarship to study mill technology at university. However, she wants to give herself two years to gain more experience. One should not start to study before one is 50.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Bürli of Zürich
No, it's not all gloom and doom, there are things that cheer me up. Of course, my deriously beloved Toño tops the list. He and the nasty weather made it possible to have a double pleasure of a special kind in one day. Yesterday, I enjoyed both a Bürli by Buchmann for lunch and a Bürli by Gold for dinner.
The ones not living in the vicinity of the center of the known and unknown universe (exactly, it's Zürich) might think What is this weirdo talking about?. Let me explain: There are duopoly constellations in this world, e.g. think Pepsi vs Coca-Cola in soft drink market or Airbus vs Boeing in commercial jet aircraft market. Here in Zürich we have Buchmann and Gold in the Bürli market. Actually since 1910, when Gold joined the market one year after Buchmann.
A Bürli is a bread roll with a very hard crust. If you eat a good Bürli, your jaw hurts and there are bread crumbs all over the place. It also helps if they are made in a wood-fired oven. The higher temperature gives the extraordinary taste.
On the left, you can see a Bürli by Buchmann, which my caring employer sells in our canteen. I'm a late luncher and there is always the danger that they are sold out. Due to the nasty weather, less people take a salad for lunch, which increases my changes for a lunch with Bürli.
On the right, you can see a Bürli by Gold. Toño suggested to drop by at the Sternen Grill* for some sausages with Bürli. We went for both Cervelat and Bratwurst, which gave me three Bürli in one day!
Which one is better? For me, it's the Gold, it's texture is unbeatable and the jaw hurts a tiny bit bit more. Would I select the right one in a Pepsi Challenge? I think so.
* Paris has the Eiffel Tower, London the Queen, San Franzisco the Golden Gate Bridge and Zürich the Sternen Grill. It's a place where you can come in swimming attire or directly from the opera, nobody raises an eyebrow. However, the legend is that if you asked for knife and fork, the sausage chef points over the river and says the Baur au Lac is over there.
The ones not living in the vicinity of the center of the known and unknown universe (exactly, it's Zürich) might think What is this weirdo talking about?. Let me explain: There are duopoly constellations in this world, e.g. think Pepsi vs Coca-Cola in soft drink market or Airbus vs Boeing in commercial jet aircraft market. Here in Zürich we have Buchmann and Gold in the Bürli market. Actually since 1910, when Gold joined the market one year after Buchmann.
A Bürli is a bread roll with a very hard crust. If you eat a good Bürli, your jaw hurts and there are bread crumbs all over the place. It also helps if they are made in a wood-fired oven. The higher temperature gives the extraordinary taste.
On the left, you can see a Bürli by Buchmann, which my caring employer sells in our canteen. I'm a late luncher and there is always the danger that they are sold out. Due to the nasty weather, less people take a salad for lunch, which increases my changes for a lunch with Bürli.
On the right, you can see a Bürli by Gold. Toño suggested to drop by at the Sternen Grill* for some sausages with Bürli. We went for both Cervelat and Bratwurst, which gave me three Bürli in one day!
Which one is better? For me, it's the Gold, it's texture is unbeatable and the jaw hurts a tiny bit bit more. Would I select the right one in a Pepsi Challenge? I think so.
* Paris has the Eiffel Tower, London the Queen, San Franzisco the Golden Gate Bridge and Zürich the Sternen Grill. It's a place where you can come in swimming attire or directly from the opera, nobody raises an eyebrow. However, the legend is that if you asked for knife and fork, the sausage chef points over the river and says the Baur au Lac is over there.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Taking a Bath in Self-Pity
This week I'm somehow trading water when trying to keep up my unflappable self in the face of adversity. Everything starts with taking a shower early in the morning.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Retail Therapy - Monday Edition
What do you do on a Monday, when
- it's raining like only in Vancouver;
- your staff is ignoring your commands;
- both of your feet hurt like hell;
- and you have to mop up the floor because you did not notice that your foot is bleading and hence you were dragging a trail of blood behind you?
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Monder
This week we had major discussions about monder. According to Alicia (Toño's fabulously charming boss), you can't say that your are blanching and peeling a tomato. It's called monder a tomato.
Obviously, monder is French, the Lingua Franca of cooking. And being a graduate of the famous École Hôtelière de Lausanne, Alicia has to know this.
So how does one monder? It's quite easy. You even may do this at home. Just keep your kiddos away from the boiling water and the sharp knife.
Step 1: Get rid off the stalk of the tomato.
Step 2: Cut a small cross with the point of a knife
Step 3: Plunge the tomato in ebullient water and leave it there for about 30 seconds (which is the time it takes until you can observe that the skin is detaching from the flesh).
Step 4: Put the tomato in ice water.
Step 5: Now peeling is easy like taking candy from a baby.
Why all this effort? Well, I just wanted to make some Roulade Estiva.
Obviously, monder is French, the Lingua Franca of cooking. And being a graduate of the famous École Hôtelière de Lausanne, Alicia has to know this.
So how does one monder? It's quite easy. You even may do this at home. Just keep your kiddos away from the boiling water and the sharp knife.
Step 1: Get rid off the stalk of the tomato.
Step 2: Cut a small cross with the point of a knife
Step 3: Plunge the tomato in ebullient water and leave it there for about 30 seconds (which is the time it takes until you can observe that the skin is detaching from the flesh).
Step 4: Put the tomato in ice water.
Step 5: Now peeling is easy like taking candy from a baby.
Why all this effort? Well, I just wanted to make some Roulade Estiva.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Light & Easy - School Nights Edition
We've extended our Light & Easy meal theme to the entire week. These were the highlights:
Tomatoes and Mozzarella Salad with a Slice of Salmon
For the salad, Toño used Mozzarella di Bufala Campana and blanched and filleted tomatoes. You get the best results, if you use tomatoes of the kind Cuore di Bue, aka Bulls Heart oder Giant Ox Heart. Instead of basil, you can also use coriander (cilantro). Don't forget to season with Balsamic vinegar, pepper and salt. The salad goes also quite well with a slice of slightly fried tuna.
Refreshing Chicken Soup
Lemon, mint and sprouts make this the most refreshing soup I happen to know. Heat a bit of salted butter with lemon rind, lemon juice and the mint in a pan. Slice a big chicken breast and add it to the pan. Stir until the chicken turns white. Add stock and soup pasta and let it boil on low heat for 10 minutes. Decorate with sprouts of your choice.
Today we will deviate from our Light & Easy theme. We are invited to a Midsummer Night Dinner party. Life is about finding the right balance. Isn't it?
Tomatoes and Mozzarella Salad with a Slice of Salmon
For the salad, Toño used Mozzarella di Bufala Campana and blanched and filleted tomatoes. You get the best results, if you use tomatoes of the kind Cuore di Bue, aka Bulls Heart oder Giant Ox Heart. Instead of basil, you can also use coriander (cilantro). Don't forget to season with Balsamic vinegar, pepper and salt. The salad goes also quite well with a slice of slightly fried tuna.
Refreshing Chicken Soup
Lemon, mint and sprouts make this the most refreshing soup I happen to know. Heat a bit of salted butter with lemon rind, lemon juice and the mint in a pan. Slice a big chicken breast and add it to the pan. Stir until the chicken turns white. Add stock and soup pasta and let it boil on low heat for 10 minutes. Decorate with sprouts of your choice.
Today we will deviate from our Light & Easy theme. We are invited to a Midsummer Night Dinner party. Life is about finding the right balance. Isn't it?
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Ready to Flaunt
Toño's wonderjock has arrived. However, there is no reason to flock at Oerlikon tonight. Sorry, but he will not wear it during regular training sessions. We usually have to do some lanes of backstroke and we don't want to cause any shark alert.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Light & Easy
Maybe having his wonderjocks in mind, Toño asked for light and easy meals this weekend, when I went shopping on Saturday. Well this was my interpretation of his command:
Cannelloni ai zucchini
Paillard de boeuf avec ratatouille
Cherry Pie
Mediterranean Potato Salad
Cannelloni ai zucchini
Paillard de boeuf avec ratatouille
Cherry Pie
Mediterranean Potato Salad
The Moscato d'Asti Project
Self indulgence is essential. Why? Because we all have deserved it so much and we're getting far to little gratitude anyway. Having this in mind and feeling the vibes of the times, we had to come to the conclusion that both this summer's indulgence and wine must be the Moscato d'Asti.
Moscato d'Asti is a very special effervescent wine from Italy's Piedmont region. Moscato d'Asti is aromatic semi-sparkling wine (about half the carbonation of a typical sparkler) with a mild level of sweetness balanced by vibrant acidity. Moscato d'Asti also serves well as a dessert wine, but possesses enough versatility to be enjoyed as a refreshing aperitif.
This summer we plan to taste a wide variety of Moscato d'Asti. Stay tuned and indulge yourself with us. But first we (i.e. Toño) have to carry the goods home.
Moscato d'Asti is a very special effervescent wine from Italy's Piedmont region. Moscato d'Asti is aromatic semi-sparkling wine (about half the carbonation of a typical sparkler) with a mild level of sweetness balanced by vibrant acidity. Moscato d'Asti also serves well as a dessert wine, but possesses enough versatility to be enjoyed as a refreshing aperitif.
This summer we plan to taste a wide variety of Moscato d'Asti. Stay tuned and indulge yourself with us. But first we (i.e. Toño) have to carry the goods home.
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