The main point of this article is to explain how "fine dining" has turned into awful meals. Mr. Sedaris explains that when he and his friend got out to eat in New York, they face ridiculous dishes. He would much rather prefer something simple. However, I think that many Americans can relate to what he's saying. I appreicate simplistic foods because I appreciate the affordability.
Some dishes described by the author have over ten ingredients, and sometimes no one even knows what the ingredients are. Mr. Sedaris talks about how a food with so many different ingredients is humorous because it defeats the purpose of enjoying a meal. A food with so many "odd flavors" can not really be called a food anymore. Sometimes, the plating makes the food a bit less edible and desirable as well. I would much rather prefer a huge burger with cheese over a stick of meat topped with green speckled "things" and shiny glazes with who knows what in them. Sometimes simple really is better.
On to my favorite point about this "busy" kind of cuisine: the ridiculous prices. Although the author did not really touch base on how horrible the prices are. I woud never buy a $35 salad, and I wouldn't care if it had roasted almonds that had been baked in sunflower-seed oil. I would much rather have a salad with French dressing, and for $5 to boot. Although the chefs of New York and other big cities would like to think of these weird combinations of ingredients as food, others would rather call them an "interesting experience." I know that America jumped in late to the game in everything, but this doesn't mean we have to claim new recipes and call them American "cuisine." It's not the quantity that counts when dealing with almost anything, it's the quality, and some things are best served simple (like Google's blank webpage, for example.)
I completely agree with the author's attitude toward "fine dining" : It's not worth it.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
"All's Not Well in Land of 'The Lion King' " by Margaret Lazarus
Margaret Lazarus wrote about "The Lion King" (the movie) using deep thoughts and connections she made while watching the movie. She states that the Lion King presents racist ideas, and even implies a gay character. Howver, this was not exactly the first thing that popped into my mind when I think of the movie. Mrs. Lazarus made some pretty significant assumptions when watching this movie. I don't think anyone else could quite understand what she believes, not even her young son, who she said agreed with her.
When I think of the Lion King, I think of the plot, of course. I think of the singing animals and their catchy tunes. I wonder if the little cub is going to survive. However, I never delved in to thought and analyzed the movie for deeper meaning. Lazarus mentions that the hyenas live in a dark place, and are mostly black. She thinks this implies racism. Honestly, the writer wouldn't write such a thing on purpose would he? I would like to think he just wrote it for the story. I am not much for "trying to put thoughts together that weren't supposed to be grouped that way " stuff. Sometimes those kinds of connections can lead to the wrong types of assumptions. For instance, if my grandpa had a long beard and a jolly belly, one could possibly assume that he is Santa Claus. And since "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" last year, my mother is really my grandmother?!?! No, of course not. My grandpa is just round and the fake santa last year was my dad in a suit. See what happens when you try to hard to find something, Margaret?
I thought the article was interesting, however I can't take a series of analogies that outrageous and believe them to be true of the movie. However, I managed to "analyze" one thing about Mrs. Lazarus: she doesn't like Disney.
When I think of the Lion King, I think of the plot, of course. I think of the singing animals and their catchy tunes. I wonder if the little cub is going to survive. However, I never delved in to thought and analyzed the movie for deeper meaning. Lazarus mentions that the hyenas live in a dark place, and are mostly black. She thinks this implies racism. Honestly, the writer wouldn't write such a thing on purpose would he? I would like to think he just wrote it for the story. I am not much for "trying to put thoughts together that weren't supposed to be grouped that way " stuff. Sometimes those kinds of connections can lead to the wrong types of assumptions. For instance, if my grandpa had a long beard and a jolly belly, one could possibly assume that he is Santa Claus. And since "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" last year, my mother is really my grandmother?!?! No, of course not. My grandpa is just round and the fake santa last year was my dad in a suit. See what happens when you try to hard to find something, Margaret?
I thought the article was interesting, however I can't take a series of analogies that outrageous and believe them to be true of the movie. However, I managed to "analyze" one thing about Mrs. Lazarus: she doesn't like Disney.
"Do Americans Really Want Jobs" by Ruben Navarrette, Jr.
Illegal immigration is a touchy subject for some Americans. However, many unauthorized people cross the border into our coutnry, and never check out. How are they surviving? Surely not on welfare, because they don't even exist in our country. No, they're surving because they have jobs. Yes, I said it. There are plenty of illegal immigrants with jobs in America, thousands really. Just the thought that someone who isn't even supposed to be here in the first place has a job when millions of legal citizens don't, just makes my blood boil (especially in this economy). However, this article challenged my thoughts about illegal immigrants, and the work they find in the United States.
Americans often expect the best. Because of our high-standard society, we often think that as a part of it, we have already earned our keep. The article mentions that Americans can often find jobs, but that they do not care for the type of work, or that it doesn't pay enough, or that their schedule falls over their favorite t.v. show. The author makes a point that illegal immigrants are low maintenance, and don't expect a lot, seeing as they were just happy to escape from, say for example, an impoverished country. Illegal immigrants will take anything that pays, most of the time, making them eye candy for the average employer. Some businesses have hired large numbers of illegal aliens in the past because they can save money and the workers require adn expect less of their jobs.
Although I used to be angry at the thought of an illegal immigrant taking up an American job, it's almost entirely true that there is work to be found. It might not be as much pay, or benefits, or hours as one might want. However, it's a job, and in these tough times, anything that pays is a blessing (don't take this too literally).
Americans often expect the best. Because of our high-standard society, we often think that as a part of it, we have already earned our keep. The article mentions that Americans can often find jobs, but that they do not care for the type of work, or that it doesn't pay enough, or that their schedule falls over their favorite t.v. show. The author makes a point that illegal immigrants are low maintenance, and don't expect a lot, seeing as they were just happy to escape from, say for example, an impoverished country. Illegal immigrants will take anything that pays, most of the time, making them eye candy for the average employer. Some businesses have hired large numbers of illegal aliens in the past because they can save money and the workers require adn expect less of their jobs.
Although I used to be angry at the thought of an illegal immigrant taking up an American job, it's almost entirely true that there is work to be found. It might not be as much pay, or benefits, or hours as one might want. However, it's a job, and in these tough times, anything that pays is a blessing (don't take this too literally).
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