Top Chef

I wonder if the TV stars and producers of yesteryear (and for that matter Julia Child) could ever have foreseen the direction primetime TV would one day take. For example, among many of my friends and coworkers, Bravo's Top Chef is as widely looked forward to and discussed as much the next day as Dallas, M*A*S*H, or any other huge show of seasons gone by.

The idea that not only would cooking, but fine cooking, and truly culinary art produced by literally unknown people for the mass consumption (bad pun intended) by the masses is incredible. To have a discussion with someone at the market, at a cocktail party, or around the meeting room about last night's tuna tartar or the use of classic French sauces and how they were applied is astounding. To have it because of a relatively focused niche TV show on cable speaks to the hunger (again, I'm sorry) of people to learn and experience the world, and just a bit of what it has to offer.

It's certainly inspiring to see what is possible with fresh, healthy ingredients -- or at the very least, to see the passion and ambition it takes to make it as a chef, which I suppose, is true of virtually and discipline...

Pizza, and a Commentary on Our Culture

The Tribune has a really nice piece on a local pizzeria. Said pizzeria made all sorts of headlines after being named 'the best pizza in America' by that leading gastronomical publication, GQ. Upon that issue being released, the popularity of the mom and pop shop literally went through the roof. Please read this. It touches on the struggle of a neighborhood restaurant run on the simplest of premises struggling with the burden of the great unwashed masses streaming in and expecting, well, everything under the sun... valet parking, instant access, yes's all around. The beauty of the owners is their stated belief in quality over quality, in a neighborhood eatery doing something really well. In so many ways they are truly unique -- no car means the ingredients on the pies change each day depending on what they find within walking/biking distance.

It is wonderful to see people doing something they love for the sheer enjoyment of what they do. The art and beauty lies in their view of their eatery as a piece of life in the larger quilt of a city and of life; rather than on the bottom line and expanding to maximize profit.

If for no other reason than to see what drives those individuals among us who follow their hearts, read this.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/chi-0906-great-lakesep06,0,1578827,full.story

Fozzie's Inspiration

Our Fozzie doesn't play the piano... yet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnFQevPl_1o

Fozzie!

Okay, so I'm not gonna finish my football thoughts tonight... But, I thought I'd share a picture of what wakes me with a combination of nuzzling, licking, and pawing if I sleep a bit later than he'd prefer. Fozzie, in all his glory. He is cool.

Well Now Part II

Okay, so I didn't quite finish up my last post on the Gophers... sharing a lap top with the wife cuts into the ole blogging time... I'll finish up my thoughts on the Gophs and Pack tomorrow...

For something in a completely different vein, I thought I'd pass along this link: http://www.informationisbeautiful.net/visualizations/timelines/

It purports to show all the overlaps/potential conflicts for time-travels from a myriad of fictional millieus, from Start Trek to Marty McFly... Trust me, it's even cooler than it sounds. Have fun!

Well Now...

That the Brewers have completely and utterly capitulated their hopes at making some miracle push to the playoffs, I feel completely content to turn toward my football teams -- the Almighty Minnesota Golden Gophers and the Green Bay Packers.

Since the Gophers start up Saturday at Syracuse (and former Dukie point guard Greg Paulus!!), I'll start with them. I can not wait to see what another year of recruiting and time in the weight room has done for both lines. Getting more bulk and experience along the offensive line is absolutely key for this team. The ability to gain some tough yards to ice a game or to sufficiently protect Adam Weber during comebacks was sorely lacking last year. Between Notre Dame transfer Matt Carufel at guard and B-I-G Jeff Wills (6'7", 375 lbs!), there is certainly an infusion of bulk and talent... Now, whether or not this translates into more protection and better consistent offensive production remains to be seen.

I am sold on the talent and drive of QB Adam Weber and WR Eric Decker (glad to see he gave up baseball to focus on an NFL career), but am more than a little concerned with the depth, or lack thereof, in our running back stable. It's great that Bennett, Eskridge, and Whaley are all freshmen and sophomores, but nothing they did last year really jumped out at me and screamed game-breaker. To be fair, they are young and the line and offense were not geared toward a consistent ground attack. It is going to be fascinating to see what offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch brings to the Gophs on a week-to-week basis.

For a really detailed look at Fisch's work ethic and stated goal of becoming a head coach, check out the following story (http://www.startribune.com/sports/gophers/56664647.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUjc8LDyiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr)

It was pretty impressive to see his drive, and how he has pushed himself so hard for so long to reach it. At the very least, where he's at now is a testament to the value of sheer determination and hard work. Slogging through the workaday week can pay off if you have a goal in mind...