Thinking Republican.

I am not a Republican. I always tell people I don't make enough money to be a part of the GOP. I am not some extreme left wing Democrat either. I vote in every election and try to pick the best candidate, not just side with party lines. I tend to leave many spaces blank since I would rather not vote on a specific category I am not read-up on than to vote for the "wrong" candidate. Yep, all of those Judges and Country Sheriff spaces are left blank by me.

This year Illinois is looking at the second worst state financial crisis... California being first. Like many states, this year also holds elections for a Governor, a US Senator, and countless State House seats. Right now (and this could change) all I can think about is not voting for an incumbent. Period. This state is in so much debt, and the Democratic machine cannot seem to stop spending. What happens if there is another big dip in this recession?

Less spending and smaller government seem to look good right now... and at the same time health care seems good right now too (which is more spending). Maybe this is why I do not tend to write about politics.

Willie Mitchell R.I.P.

Willie Mitchell passed away today. A big part of the Memphis music scene, and one of the best producers ever to live. He will be missed. Here is a post I did a couple years ago about Willie...

5 of 9er... A Thoughtful Gift.

Whatsfordinner, 1.4.2010.

Spaghetti Puttanesca with Flaked Tuna out of the America's Test Kitchen magazine was tonight's dinner. Quick and easy to make... a recipe that most, if not all, of the ingredients are already in the house. I would use low salt diced tomatoes next time since it was a little salty for me. Also shrimp or salmon would be better than tuna.

Back to unemployment.

I am not going to make 2010 another year of whining about being unemployed, but this morning it was a bit difficult to read through posts about everyone going back to work. Only one person was actually excited to go back to work, and this person owns his own company. I truly feel left out... I want to complain about going to work too.

Whatsfordinner, 1.3.2010.

I do not tend to cook much Asian food, but decided to add two new recipes to this week's dinner menu. Both came out of the America's Test Kitchen's magazine and both are fairly simple to make... just called for a few ingredients that are not stocked in my kitchen. This noodle receipe was great for a day when I find myself with a little bit of a cold. The fresh ginger and chili-garlic sauce blended well with the chicken and spinach and opened my clogged nose right up! A good cold weather dinner.