Ohio Libraries

Here's my rant to the Ohio Governor, whose new budget cuts public library spending by 50%:

Closing libraries is a downward spiral. In a few years when there is more crime and gang activity, and more money has to be spent on prisons, libraries will lose again.

Only by thinking in the long term and realizing the value of a safe place for children, teenagers, immigrants, and people from all walks of life to congregate in a positive atmosphere that engenders understanding and good will, will you do a service to your state.

Paying a corporation to open a Chuck E.Cheese? Kroger needs your money? or the NFL? You can find these funds.

You don't have to be a resident to voice your opinion. Think of what your library has done for you. Here's how to contact Gov. Strickland. And here's a nice article for another good cause which explains where those funds can be found.

Public education, a tenant of this democracy, is going the way of the dodo bird. Don't let them take away the last place we can all obtain an equal education if we want to--and if you've been to your local library, you know we do. If you haven't been recently--Go!

Happy Sunday

Cooking unknown greens from Mr. Brodbeck's garden, which I think are going to be fabulous.

Another burner is working on the German potato salad. Never having made it before--I didn't think I would ever say these words--there is such a thing as too much bacon fat. I'm removing extra grease in increments, adding flour to some of it in a slury and then reintroducing. Keeping my fingers crossed.

If you're intrested in breaking into my house, I'll be leaving for Kansas City on Thursday, back on Sunday and then off to Chicago the 9th to the 12th of July. If you decide to break in, please clean up my work area as it is a mess. I think I need another filing cabinet. Cookie dough is in the freezer, the jacuzzi bathtub is working and there's plenty of music on the harddrive. You know what they say, leave it cleaner than you found it, or something like that.

I'm seriously considering a new smart phone and plan so I can keep up with everything while away.

Betty Crocker, Scaring Kids Since 1936

I don't know what started me down my Betty Crocker hunt today, but hunt I did, and this Web site with its images of the "official" Betty Crocker scared the bejeezus out of me. I think I started because it was about one of the first cookbooks I owned as a teenager and while basic, it served a good introductory purpose, but if someone had put this lady on the cover, I would have thought twice. No I wouldn't have needed twice to walk away from this Arsenic and Old Lace school of cookery.

The chick from 1955...maybe I would have let her cook for me, or even write a recipe, but the others look like Nazi dominatrixes or Stepford Wives. Vould you like your beating now or avter the peach melba?

But overall, my favorite is the 1996 "subtely multiethnic" Betty...what I like to think of as "Botox Betty."

Oh yes, you can darken her brows and eyes, and take away that Teutonic I vill cook for you but I vill never enjoy it!-look, but it seems that every Betty embodies the shame of her generation. Even here you can see her wanting to frown, or possibly drop a brow, but alas, it is not to be.

Calling all Roomies

Anyone going to the ALA conference next month interested in a roommate to split costs?

I'll be there the 9th through the 12th and while I don't have a room yet I'd be willing to bunk with someone or get the room myself and have someone bunk with me.

Pass it on y'all!