Carrot Top

Ouch. You both have had some doozies! My worst "dinner guest" experience happened at lunchtime. . .in the corporate dining rooms that I was in charge of. . . Table of six, in the middle of the usual politesse by all, one of the old fellows (partner of the law firm people who were visiting) had a massive heart attack and fell right off his chair onto the guy beside him. Waitstaff came running to find me, and we gave him CPR till the ambulance arrived. Unfortunately he did not make it. Nowhere as amusing as your stories were. . but oof. Yes, a nightmare. ................................................................. Which reminds me of the second nightmarish part of the whole thing. I was wearing a rather short skirt that day. During the CPR I looked up and noticed that the eyes of the onlookers were not exactly directed at the fellow's face. Never wore a miniskirt to work again. . .

Good point, mizducky. I find the absolutely best way to save on buying groceries (and save on the endless time it seems to take to go the grocery store, too!) is to take everything that is in my freezer, and everything that is in my fridge and lay it out on the counter. . .there generally is much more stuff in there than I ever would have thought. . .and start "mixing and matching" to create meals. There is not a single time in my memory that I can come up with where, "just what was in the fridge" (and cupboards, etc.) could not yield a good four meals! There is always something to make into some sort of generalized Mexican main course. . layering things with tacos and baking. There is usually something that can be stir-fried and served with a fried rice. There is usually something that can be made into a sauce for pasta. . .and always something that can be made into a hearty soup! The added bonus, besides the thrifty side of it, is the sheer fun of being creative with what you've got! Great fun! (And I seem to remember a thread that covered times like this. . .people would post "what can I make with this, that and the other thing" and others would post responses, but I don't remember the name of it. . .maybe someone else does?) It's all in how you look at it, so often, isn't it. What might appear to be a difficulty can really be an opportunity (oh please I do not want to sound like a dreadful self help book so I will stop!). Karen

Your words are evocative of a time past that seems magical, and in ways it was. I can taste those egg sandwiches that you write of, see the slightly browned edge of the egg white and the thick pliant bread that surrounded them. And I can feel the pride of the ten-year-old girl who walked out of the house with the stance of a lady to feed the hungry man that quietly waited. These images of a time when things seemed to be safer for a child. . .times when a child could walk out into the street and trust. . .are immensely moving. And the tastes and memories of the simple food that was a vital part of life and not a fussy demanding thing is a gentle reminder of how even the most basic ingredients can be the most nourishing in the most important of ways. When I read of these past times, at first in response after reading I grow upset and angry, and wonder at how it is that things have so changed that I cannot conceive of a ten-year-old girl doing this in this time. I truly feel despair over how the sense of safety is gone for so many children. But then, I can hold onto the memories that you have written, and can tell myself, If it happened then. . .it can happen again. . .it just has to do with some small focus given to it each day by anyone and everyone to try to re-shape the reality. Your memory is precious. I would hope that many more children could have this experience, with food and with the ways it can give succor of all sorts, comfort in infinite variety, and self-assurance that will grow a person strong and good.

Your photographs are astonishingly excellent! And what a pleasant trip for a summer's day. . . (You did not ask him if the spaceship of cheese bacilli stops at his shop, did you? ) Thanks for a very pleasant vicarious experience, nice post!

Polenta with various toppings. . . Crepes of all sorts. . . Whole grain pancakes for breakfast with fruit toppings. . . Twice-baked stuffed potatoes. . . Risottos. . . Any sort of stuffed baked vegetable. . . Kasha not only "varnishkes" but hot with honey and milk for breakfast. . . Pierogis. . . Any sort of waffles (you can buy a cheap wafflemaker for about $8.). . . Vietnamese Spring Rolls. . . Chowders. . . Couscous. . . And of course, its always fun to think about how something could be used before throwing it out. Bread can be made into bread pudding or croutons, bagels into bagel chips, bananas into banana bread or other fruits the same (I know you said that you were losing weight, but lowcal lowfat versions can be done). It is challenging time-wise and mentally to re-enter the kitchen after relying on eating out or on frozen foods, but the reward is definitely there. Just takes some focus to change habits. Then of course, the problem is that when you DO eat out or eat frozen, nothing will come up to your standards most of the time, and you will be in the kitchen more than you ever expected! Ah, well. Tradeoffs. At least the food will be really good.

Just received my "fabulous prize" in the mail, and it truly is fabulous. The Fiftieth Anniversary Edition of The Art of Eating by MFK Fisher. A beautiful volume, and I am so happy to receive it. My own copy is very old and bedraggled, but it will never leave my shelves for the piles that are given away to the library or thrift stores. A heartfelt "Thanks!" to you again, Maggie. Karen

Bill, you'll enjoy it if you do make it over there! One word of advice for when you go: If you are out of practice with your Spanish language skills, try to review the numbers from 1 to 100 in your mind. . .for it is very possible that the guy that runs from the kitchen to the counter with the orders does not speak English. My own ears were breathless with that sort of anxious expectation one has when only minimally fluent in a language, to hear that "quarenta y seis" called out over the din! Enjoy. . . Karen

So, at the risk of offending several sacred cows (or perhaps in order to) here is the seperate thread. Its about irrational food beliefs, and the way some elevate food to religion rather than the foods of any particular religion; maybe its also about the the human need for received beliefs, either as religion or food (this is not just any burger, but a 100% Angus burger etc as one current advert has it), and how this need can be, and is exploited ← Going back to Jack's original post, I think he has actually presented a "workable" thesis, and one that could be presented in a form that would make a valid argument, and perhaps even a true one. Certainly a cogent one. It seems to me that the difficulty may lie in how "religion" is defined within the argument. It would have to be a definition that had enough authority to be credible to most readers. I wonder if there is anyone out there practiced enough in Aristotolean Logic who could put this argument into a form that would work to meet the final criteria for a valid and true argument. I can not do it, for the practice of symbolic reasoning always makes me feel as if I've entered a topsy-turvy world somewhat like a Marx Brothers movie. Logic makes me feel as if the world is illogical, and I leave a bit of my sanity behind after attempting this sort of exercise. I'd love to see one of you mathematical mind-types try your hand at this, it would be really interesting to see if the original point could be made.

I am curious, Culinista, for the book sounds fascinating. What is Iggers background? Is he an academic, or a writer, or perhaps a sociologist?

Add my thanks to your bundle, Michael. I am always awed at the time and attention it must take to do this for an entire week. . .and awed by the people that somehow manage to do these blogs. I agree with "whomever it was" that said you should do reviews. Your writing has a certain personality to it that draws the reader in and invites them to see, taste, think. As to how this week of seeing NY in photos has personally affected me, it has most likely given me the impetus to grab each of my children tightly by the hand, as I did when we zoomed through the subways and streets several years ago, the first time they visited what feels like my "home", and to definitely make the trip again very very soon. Alright, I'll stop before breaking into song. "New York, New York" of course, and who wants to hear that another time. Be well. Karen

One of the difficulties in sorting all this out (ha, ha, we're not looking for certainty about all this, are we?! ) is that there are differences is both the criteria for what one would call a "foodie" and in what "religion" is, to different people. Then of course there is the nature of religion itself, which, as it (supposedly) deals with mysteries, can not be pinned down in ways. And as it deals with the sacred, there are parts of it which are sacred to those who embrace it. And sacred is sacred. Sacred is something that one just doesn't mess with. (Please do not infer that there is any "tone" at all in this last paragraph, whomever reads it. There is no attitude in these words. . .) The quote above, looking at the subject as a possible "schism between free thinkers and those who need to be told" is tossing the subject around to look at it in yet another different light. And in ways it may be true, just as so many of the comments people have made so far have been true, too. It is an exploration of the subject made by focusing on the individual person rather than on the cultural happenings that affect this idea. And in a blanket statement form, it sure can seem quite true. The original post was asking for "why do some people follow (this that or the other thing) rather than decide for themselves". But taken a bit further, I can see where this statement might break down in terms of validity. For people are mutable and constantly changing, and for different reasons. The person who rejects the food "ways" they grew up with, as in someone who did not choose to keep Kosher after leaving home, may be doing so with a very well thought through reason for doing so. . .or they may be doing so just because they need to break away from their families traditions in order to find and feel something that is their own, and solely their own. Or they might do so from no real thought process at all, but just from an angry rebellion. Is the person who rejects something merely out of an emotional defiant response to be included in the "free thinker" category? Or are they to be included more in the "those who need to be told" category. . . It seems to me that the drive of this particular person (at that point in time) would be coming more from the "need to be told" area. It does not seem that thinking is involved. Then there is the fact that people change through life, and are rather flighty in terms of pinning down "what they are" themselves at any moment. The great thinker is not always the great thinker.. . .sometimes even the best thinkers do things that are not thought out well or completely. . .and sometimes "the one who follows what they have been told" can do the most unexpected things. Sigh. Then there is the factor of the minister and the chicken soup glop. Is the person who brings this sort of thing to a church supper a follower (of the ministers somehow) or are they a follower (of the general way of jello-food culture that they live in) or are they just trying to get by without fuss in a situation where if they brought something "different", it might be rejected. Flip that to the foodie side of things, it runs too. Try to bring a tuna casserole or bangers-and-mash to a group of foodies preparing for their monthly gourmet dinner and they might reject it (and the person that brings it as an extension!) Well. What can I say. I am sure happy to have taken the time to write out all this nonsense that even I can not make too much structural sense of, and that surely I can not pin down to any reality! So, can the "foodie" thing be clearly defined? It may indeed be a disparate collection of "thinkers" and "followers", but who can tell the difference?

Messing Around with Boats. That's what I intended to do, today, but of course that takes getting up early in the morning. The next place after the taco place was the American Dream made real. The New Mall. Rather fantastic. In some ways, I wanted to head back to the taco place. . .but did, regardless of my initial reluctance, enter the magical world of va va voom sparkle and dash. Yes, nice mall. Huge. And who needs to go to museums when the museum shops are right there in the mall, huh? Okay, I bought a few clothes just so I could feel "in place" then had to find another place to eat. I almost walked into Lindt Chocolates to make a meal there, but decided no. . .and finally ended up at California Pizza Kitchen. It was quick, it was shiny, it was low-key not-too-expensive la-de-dah. High energy there, seems to be a very good staff. The food was tasty and well-made. I had a raspberry mojito (lovely fresh mint, lots of it, crushed up in the glass) and the Singapore Spring Rolls. Good renditions of each. I couldn't help staring endlessly at the menu figuring food and labor costs and sales projections. Very well-crafted menu and pricing. So much so that when I get home, I definitely want to find out what their stock is going for! Driving back to the hotel, I naturally got lost again and went the wrong way down Tradeport Road. Good thing I did. Searching for coffee or something to set me straight from the mojito (which packed more punch than I realized at first) I discovered there was no good coffee to be found, but the next best thing was. Boiled Peanuts. Hot boiled peanuts will sober you up in a blink, believe me! Right there beside the Baptist Church with the sign that said. . . "Open 24 hours a day: God!" was the peanut guy parked with his pickup and a big aluminum boiling thing full of peanuts cooked fresh still in the shell. I asked for enough for a snack and he doled out about a quart (his idea of a snack obviously different than mine) and off I went. (Oh. Three dollars. Same price as my "breakfast". My "lunch" was $19.) ............................................................ That's it, except for dinner. . .I drove to Cocoa Beach and walked the pier but could not bring myself to eat there. . . then went back to Port Canaverel and went to "The Cove" and to a place overlooking the boats called Rusty's. Nice to have the saltair surrounding one on the dock. . .nice to look at the boats at night with the lights shining off their decks. . .and nice to stare at the arrogant pelican nearby. Food was nothing to write home about. I do think their idea of "fresh" grouper may actually be "freshly defrosted" but the price was again, not bad. Entire meal of grilled grouper, terrible salad and side came to $20. so it was really worth it for the smell of diesel fuel and the proximity to what I thought I was going to do today. . .go fishing! That is it for me this time. . .airport tomorrow. It has been fun.

Thanks, Susan. This steambath (oops I meant to say Florida heh heh) has been good so far. The trip down, yesterday, was another story. The heights of American Fast Food were reached by my eating a Taco Bell Crunchwrap, which was rather like eating somebody's pocketbook full of crushed up food, and then to top it off, Starbuck's newest offering. . .a Green Tea Frappucino. That was interesting. The color is totally mesmerizing. . .a sort of bright jungle green on one hand, but on the other hand it reminds me of nothing so much as a bar of that green industrial soap. Sort of tastes inbeween those two things too. So I wasn't really hungry this morning. Around lunchtime, I wandered out to find something to do. Naturally I felt that I "had nothing to wear". This always happens. So the car rental guy sent me off to Millenium Mall. I had to believe that his recomendations were good, for he told me his birthday was the same as mine. (On the other hand, as an ex-New Yorker I'm thinking the guy is getting some sort of commission for me walking through the mall doors. . .eh.) Thankfully, I got lost. I always do at first in this sort of sprawly place where one has to drive rather than take the subway, and it is a good thing that I do! Driving down Orange Blossom, I saw a taqueria with lots of old pick-up trucks in front of it. Taqueria Amica Jalisco. Corner of 44th Street. Funky little place. I was the only gringa there (no gringos, either!). Spanish spoken, menus only in Spanish posted on handwritten sheets on the wall. Tacos. All the usual sorts, plus a fish taco. One dollar each (except the fish taco which was $1.50). Twelve sorts of tacos. I chose one chicharrone and one cabeza. You place your order with the counter girl (who when hearing my fractured Spanish changed to English, nicely, for me) and then wait for your number to be called. The place was crowded with Mexican working guys eating at large laminate tables. . .a few families with children came in too. . .and. . .ei caramba. The food was good. Better than good. There is a "toppings" bar. The chicharrones I topped with a thinned guacamole, some spicy slaw, and a squeeze of fresh lime. The cabeza I topped with grilled onions. My favorite was the cabeza. Total comfort food. These tacos are small and homemade. . .not huge thin floury things, but just perfect for sopping up the yummy juices that ooze out of the fillings. And although I was the only freckled redhead in the place, I was not made to feel strange at all, and was even welcomed to sit at a table with a quiet gesture and a "Senora. . ." by one of the workmen/gentlemen. They did offer one other dish which many people were enjoying at the tables. Menudo, which was priced at six dollars, was served in large earthenware bowls with accompaniments. It looked great, and was certainly being slurped right up by those who had ordered it. Topped it all off with a pineapple soda, and I was one happy camper. So much so that when it was time to remove the take-out container from the car to throw it away, (I didn't stay in the restaurant, for by the time I got my order the line was extending out the door!) instead I opened it up to take a deep whiff of the wonderful smells that were left, and found that I had to keep it a while longer just to smell it occasionally. (Yeah, I know I'm wierd. . .) More later. Oh, yes I did make it to the mall. Naptime. (Well, it IS vacation, you know!)

Yes, the garlic eggplant looked delicious. Strangely enough, the best garlic eggplant dish I ever had was in a Chinese restaurant in Roanoke, VA. Instead of having the soft, velvety texture that the dish usually has, the eggplant was cut into fat sticks about 3" long and about 3/4" wide, then deepfried (probably in a cornstarch batter) before being tossed quickly with the other ingredients. At least that is my best guess of the preparation. It was amazing. The eggplant itself had a crackly-quick texture upon biting into in, then burst into softness immediately. Amazing. And the traditional flavors of the recipe sort of swung above the eggplant rather than melding in. I really wish I hadn't had to think of that. Now the entire day will be haunted by images of garlic eggplant.

Okay, the first cup of coffee just woke me up enough to find the threads that do have some great suggestions! Seems like there are noodle shops, Vietnamese, Cuban, and barbecue all around the place. . . Thanks! And must correct the spelling I used for Holly's site. It is not Holly's Eats but hollyeats. Yes, some good things there, too!

In about four hours, I'll be headed for Orlando (last minute trip). I won't be doing Disney, but do not remember any other places from the one previous visit. There have been some suggestions for restaurants that sound quite lovely above, but as usual, I'd prefer somewhere non-white tablecloth, casual but "real", possibly ethnic. Barbecue. . .grilled fish. . .Cuban. . .that sort of thing. Will go check "Hollys Eats" (does it cover Florida?) but wonder if anyone had any suggestions here. . . If nobody has any suggestions right in Orlando, how far do you think I would have to drive to find this sort of thing? Will check in to see suggestions later tonight! Thanks! Karen

Your beautiful manners shame me, Gregg. I would also like to thank Maggie for providing the opportunity, in this forum, to just plain have a great time playing with words on food. The Literary Smackdown seems like such a wonderful thing to have available. . .it is like a playground where one can go and find others that like to do the same thing, playing with the same toys, in a very safe environment. Till next time. . . Karen

Well, okay. . .here's another question. It's a bit off the original path Jack set us on here, but so what else is new. Why is the food at church suppers in "this day and age" so absolutely dreadful? Is it due to a sinking lack of faith in Whomever/Whatever has supposedly produced the bounty, so that the act of preparing a covered dish to take to a church supper has merely become a time-consuming burden rather than a homage? Or is it just the receding lack of interest in taking the time to prepare fresh foods rather than open a can of Campbell's soup and pour it over some other glop. . .and the subsequent lack of cooking skills that are then available? Or is it just that cans and boxes are more easily found and cooked? Or is it money? Or is it that people somehow think these covered dish nightmares are appreciated, though at the end of the day you will rarely see one single dish scraped clean? Why? Sorry. . .just a mite bit cranky over this, I am. . .having grown up reading and hearing of the wonders of church suppers then actually, finally, having met the real thing.

Interesting thoughts, Chris. As usual. It seems to me that how well one will accept (or even desire) a learning experience depends on so many ethereal things. Some people love to be open to other ideas, some just plain do not. (Can that be changed? I don't know. I don't think it can be changed by anything external but that it might be changed by an internal process, but of course nobody has control over anyone else's internal processes. Grace happens, or it doesn't.) Then there is the time of day. . .some people are cranky or withdrawn at differing times of the day. There is "what happened to them on the way to work" which will affect mood and attitude. So much more. It is such a flitting thing, this ability to be open to learning. Some people have resentment towards any sort of what sounds to them like authority. If someone says "yay" in an authorative tone, one that holds a certain extending tone of sureness, they will be angered by the tone, and will then therefore say "nay" just for the saying of it. As far as how to go about sharing knowledge (or, if you prefer, not even "knowledge" but differing ways of doing things) I agree with you that there must be a sense of calm and balance within oneself to be able to do it well. As someone once said, a great teacher does not "teach". Instead, they say, "stand beside me and see what it is that I see." And isn't it wonderful when it works, for either teacher or student. Not that the roles have to remain stable. . .the teacher can become the student and the student the teacher. Everyone knows "something", everyone has something to share, don't they? But it sure as heck is not a science, this thing. Can't put it into a standardized recipe form. Just have to do the best we each can, and when it doesn't work, say "fuhgettaboudit" till the next time. Would be great if it were to be something that could be controlled, defined, set up to work for all time. But that might take a lot of fun out of life. . .certainly it would take out a lot of the drama!

Interesting perception, Culinista. It made me wonder for a moment to what extent the facts of what are currently considered to be popular as manners (so to speak) in any given society affects the behavior of people in terms of what they consider "evil". Today, in the US, we do not talk about religion a lot in public, for it can quickly become difficult (and adversarial, too, as such a subject does). It is definitely not "politically correct". Yet I have not noticed any of this fear or reluctance to talk about religion in friends from Europe or other places. They are generally eager to do so. (Please note, when I use the words "to talk about" I mean in a general sort of way during daily life between acquaintances. Public discussion by the press and politicians is a very active thing here, but that is media chatter. . .it is not always the same thing as talking with the guy at the checkout counter or on the airplane. . .) In the past, different things have been considered "unmannerly". Probably someone like Rogov could give many excellent examples of this, and back it up with research. The only one that comes to my mind is how, in the Victorian era in England, food was generally not something one would discuss (it was unmannerly) but social networks and family "substance" or lack of it was. As a result, good and evil were carried as points based on these things. Food. . .was sort of a "nothing" in terms of carrying good or evil. How does this affect the ways of being, and particularly of eating and enjoyment? And how does it affect the ways in which people consider "evil" . . .the content of the word as played out in real life? Do certain subject become more endowed with public potential for good or evil simply because other subjects have moved to the wayside in public discussion for one reason or another? And do the subjects which have moved to the wayside somehow lose public potential as carriers for good or evil? Something to muse about. Food, is one of the few wide-open subjects left for ardent personal verbal discussion here in the US, without any potential for being considered "politically incorrect". One can say what they want, be as passionate as they want, and be considered not only mannerly but stylish and in the vogue, too.

I think maybe what she was referring to when she said "english muffin" was the wonderful ability a bialy has to soak up butter. . .(?)

Here is an answer, from "Artisan Baking Across America" by Maggie Glezer: Bialys are more closely related to English muffins than to bagels. Dusty with flour. . . quickly baked on a hearth. . .and in need of a preprandial toasting. . . . they have a deep indentation at their center, which is filled with a smear of ground onion. . . infusing them with an oniony scent. They are much lighter and less caloric than bagels. Good bagels are slightly sweet and off-white from the addition of malt syrup. . .they have a crisp, slightly blistered crust and a very dense, chewy texture. By definition, they must have a hole through their center, about the only real feature left in the counterfeits sold today. I love bialys. As you can tell by the urgent need I had to go find this book and type out this text. (There is more on them, and on bagels, and some good recipes, too in this book). Plus it is taking my mind off the idea of crying, just like Suzie Sushi said. Those photos. Those photos. . .

Aaargh. Restaurants everywhere. Good ones. Affordable ones. Interesting ones. How can you do this to (I will say "us", the ones who live in the land of good-cheap-interesting-restaurant emptiness, but really, I mean ME) us? Please, I beg of you, somewhere along the way show a photo of a line at the post office or an overflowing trash can on the street? Please. Please.

Moira Tuscanaro’s Cue’bs for the Week From Your Personal Cheesey Astrologer Moira is here, cheese-lovers! Listen up and then bite right in! Watch out for the Moon as it enters the path of Aries this week. There could be enough fire to toast your Kasseri! (I do so hope you all took the opportunity that presented itself last week for Bacchanal picnics, so encouraged by Virgo standing still for a brief moment in the sky!) Here are your recommendations for the week to come. Remember, follow the stars when it comes to your cheese. It could change your life in drastic and unimaginable ways! …………………………………………………………………………………. Aries the Ram: Aries, now don’t get too excited, but Cabrales is waiting for you. Your equally strong and demanding characters will meld into quite a match! Be sure to remember to wipe the crumbs from your mouth as you finish eating the entire pound you’ll be buying, for your companions do so enjoy hearing you define and clarify all things in the world for them endlessly! Taurus the Bull: Taurus, if you can rouse yourself from the dreams of the nice-looking girl or guy that is across the room, take your dreamy eyes right to the cheese store and place them on that traditional 40 pound cylinder of Cheddar. This sturdy, solidly yellow, conventionally pleasurable cheese will calm you down momentarily from the seemingly endless lust for love that fills you. . .and the nice huge 40 pound size of the entire cheese will satisfy your urge for stability and freedom from worry. Gemini the Twins: Ah, twisted little Gemini! How confused can you get with all the options out there?! Stand still for just a moment and stare into the sky. Can’t you see it? Can’t you just see what the stars are telling you? With your vivid imagination, I am just so sure that you can, sweetie. “Quark, quark!” they are crying. Yes, you do hear them, don’t you? So do go straight to the store and grab a container of Quark and chow down. Little bites, please, now. The gentle softness of intelligence that Quark holds does so much to make your own intelligence glow! Cancer the Crab: This week you can prove to all your sensitivity and probity, Cancer. And at the same time show them all how very different you are from them all, all those poseurs. Gaperon is your recommendation for this weeks taste. Just hold your breath as you bite into the garlic imbued savor, and remember what is was like, on the bottom of the sea whence you came from in ancient times. Leo the Lion: Stop brushing your hair for a moment, please. No, turn this way and take that eye off the mirror, Leo, for I have the perfect, I mean perfect, just as you like it, cheese for you. Cornish Yarg. You do like the way it sounds, don’t you! Yarg. Yarg. Ah, who else would be so quietly brave as to dive into a bit of nettle-covered Yarg but you, Leo! Show your friends truly what a leader you are! Virgo the Virgin: Celestial rumor has it that you are not easily pleased, dear Virgo. Whatever is presented to you must not be too sharp, too soft, too hard, too wet, too dry, too crunchy nor too out-of-date. A cheese with a style is the cheese for you, and we will attempt to assure that it will not offend. For you sure can go on forever, complaining about things. Taleggio. Beautiful (and rich! Rich! A bonus for you!) Taleggio will surely calm your nerves and settle things down for a moment or two. Do try it! Libra the Scales: Please stop smiling for a moment, Libra. I haven’t even said anything yet and there you are with that silly grin on your face that you think will charm me. And try to sit up rather than lazing on the couch in that lazy way. Are you ready? Explorateur, darling. Need I say more? Venus Rules. Scorpio the Scorpion: Your intellectual demands require a special sort of cheese, Scorpio. One that is as different and individual in its own way as you are. Sexy Sapsago is the one. If you can find someone, anyone, to share this cheese with you, you have found a true friend and perhaps a love. Try not to be too critical of them if they faint upon the first bite. Nothing but a Scorpio’s intensity could melt this cheese. Sagittarius the Archer: Happy Sagittarius, here is the cheese that will make you stop talking for a minute! Reblochon. Find a friend or two or twenty, call them all up and share it! The party has begun, and you are the star, for sensual Reblochon is by your side! Capricorn the Goat: Contemptuous you may be of all earthy things, Capricorn, as you work conscientiously toward the higher things of life. It is good to remember that even the sturdy goat needs to be nurtured on its steady path up the mountain. I advise Vacherin Mont d’Or. Full of a quiet beauty that will beckon you closer, the herby taste will remind you of your original home on the hills between the high fir trees. Keep a stiff upper lip, Capricorn, and do give it a try! Aquarius the Water Bearer: Who cares if it sounds weird, right Aquarius? Who cares if nobody else wants to try it? You know what you want, and you don’t give a damn if it sounds like a water cooler bubbling in distress. Gubeen is the cheese for you. Gubeen. Say it loud and say it proud! Damn right, both you and your cheese are full of character! Pisces the Fish: Pisces. Pisces, I am calling you! PISCES! Stop dreaming and listen for a minute here. You will be hungry soon. You will be hungry for something sweet, something salty, something pleasant and something everything. Try to find your way out of the house and get over to the cheese shop. Write down this word before you go, so you will not forget: Gjetost. It can only make you that much sweeter than you already are. Try it. …………………………………………………………………………………………….. That is it for this weeks tastes. Remember, when your cheese fits your stars, the stars shine round you. Enjoy! Enjoy!

In my own case of fairly earnest discussion of the topic, the definition of the word "religion" that was in my mind was the fourth one listed in The American Heritage Dictionary: "A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion." Perhaps with a bit of my own overtone added of "something that would give a meaning (of sorts) to life".