And about the Russian? They are badass ballroom dancers,

::nods::

It's part of the general school curriculum there, much like phys ed is here. They even scout kids to see if they have the chops to make it as pros.

Plus, hot ballroom dancer bodies, as I can attest from in person study this weekend.

IJS...

I saw The Alchemist was voted Best Brewpub Outside Chitteden County!

Woo!!!

So congrats to them. We haven't been back but I really want to because we've had a run of mediocre to bad dining experiences and The Alchemist has been one of the highlights.

Their cannery should be opening in September, I think, so beer lovers can buy Alchemist beer in cans and take it home. I am so fucking proud of him.

Of course, I'm also a smart-ass big sister. Today is my brother and sister-in-law's wedding anniversary, so I sent him this e-card: [link]

I regret nothing.

I need a recipe for gluten-free naan.

If it could be gluten-free *and* carb-free, the world would probably implode from the sheer perfection.

Will's birthday is in September.

That's a great card!

I've had pulled pork sandwiches at a few different places up here, including a bbq place and the Alchemist was the best.

If it could be gluten-free *and* carb-free, the world would probably implode from the sheer perfection.

Word.

If anyone ever finds this, I will pay tall dollars.

Laga, I'll have to get a winter/tomatillo link from you. I'm an instant convert.

In addition to the chicken chili, I dove into the fridge to cook all the things.

I've been standing and stewing and washing for hours. My fingers are pruney.

The sum: highly seasoned collards with beans and a bit of chard that wanted cooking...grated beets/diakon/ginger/cilantro/carrots salad to be dressed at a later date...gazpacho with cucumber/cilantro/peppers/jalepeno/worchester.

Also, a huge tupperware container with chopped watermelon for easy snacking...by the gallon.

A neighbor just had a baby...I'll take their toddler his own bowl of watermelon tomorrow.

Phew. I'm cooked. (see what I did there..yeah, I'm punchy.)

G'night all.

Okay, I just injured myself a lot while bathing my dog. Please pass the bubble wrap.

Pix! Don't DO that!

Hi.

Just came (again) to say something. What was possibly the biggest demonstration in the history of Israel took place last night. 4%-5% (estimations varies) of Israel's population participated in it. Secular and religious. Young and old. Lefties and Rightists. Most sectors of society. And yes, even Jews and Palestinians.

For the first time in a very, very long time, I'm a bit more proud to be an Israeli.

The protest isn't ideal. It's far from being perfect. But it's real. There's a real chance for a change in priorities and budget, at last.

So this is what hope for this country feels like. [link]

Shir, that is absolutely awesome.

Shir, thank you so much for sharing bits of your experience with us. That photo is truly awe-inspiring. I hope this brings about some real change.

bonny, insent with a d'oh!!! Sorry for flaking. Sounds like you had a yummy and productive evening.

Pix! Don't DO that!

What she said!

Roomie and I went to Frenchman St. StW met us for a drink. It was good to see him for a bit, though his focus is pretty much all study all the time. The boards are TEN HOURS LONG. Nine hours of testing with an hour of breaks total. Madness. There's so much crazy shit about being a doctor.