Chic Chick

2011-02-14T12:30:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy: www.photos8.com)

Please make sure to check out the new

"TIDY SOUL FILMS"

We're online:

www.tidysoulfilms.com

On Twitter:

http://twitter.com/tidysoulfilms/

And on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tidy-Soul-Films/140522289344183

Thank you!

Super Bowl YumDay

2011-02-06T18:27:00.001-08:00

Low-key Super Bowl at home with just Patrick and the Pug. This is what happens when I decide to sit down and watch the Food Network:

Chicken Adobo, Corn bread with green chili and corn, and black bean and citrus salad:

Now... wait until you see dessert! Next post...

H & M Mania Hits Portland - Anita Kissee

2011-01-10T01:45:00.001-08:00

The retail giant, H&M, finally comes to Portland. If you're thinking, "H and what?" Anita Kissee explains the reason behind the hype. November 2010. Story courtesy of KATU-TV. www.katu.com ;www.anitakissee.com

Low-fat Coconut Mango Rice Pudding

2010-06-20T17:34:00.000-07:00

It's unhealthy, but I must confess my obsession with Rice Pudding. That sweet, creamy goodness... cold, hot... it doesn't matter - I want it!

A friend recently rekindled that devotion by taking me to "Pudding on the Rice" in Southwest Portland. Despite my resistance to fat these days, I gave in and tried it. And I didn't just go for the basic... NO! I had to go for the fat gold: coconut rice pudding. Top it with a dollop of tart frozen yogurt... and you now know where I'll be sneaking on my lunch break.

To ensure that the new bikini fits by the END of the summer, I'm attempting to master my own LOW-FAT version. Coconut and low-fat may be an oxymoron, but I choose to believe they don't have to be. So, here's my LOWER in fat recipe:

Low-fat Coconut Mango Rice Pudding:

1.5 cups - Jasmine Rice

2 cans - Low-fat Coconut Milk

1 can - Fat-free Sweetened Condensed Milk

1 cup - Fat-free Milk (Plus more to keep creamy while cooking)

3 Tbs. - Coconut Extract (Plus more to suit your taste)

1 Tbs. - Vanilla

1 tsp. - Cinnamon

2 tsp. - Ginger

Pinch - Salt

2.5 cups - Sweetened Coconut

1.5 cups - Mango (Fresh or Frozen)

Lime (optional)

Combine rice, 1 cup of water and one can of low-fat Coconut Milk. Cook on med-high until it bubbles. Reduce heat to low and simmer 15 minutes.

Toast 1 cup of coconut in the oven. Cool.

Add remaining can of Coconut Milk, Sweetened Condensed Milk, 1 cup of milk, vanilla, coconut extract, spices and salt. Simmer on low 30 minutes, adding more milk as needed to keep creamy. Stir often so it doesn't stick. (I ended up adding an additional cup of milk because I like my rice pudding very creamy.) About 15 minutes in, add the remaining uncooked coconut.

Chop mango and add, cooking rice another three minutes - just long enough to soften the fruit. Add a touch of fresh lime juice. (I added the juice from one-half of a lime. It really perks up the flavor.)

Top with toasted coconut and DEVOUR!

Assuming you can divide this in to ten servings and not eat it all yourself --

Nutritional Information: Calories - 365, Fat - 8 g, Carbs - 63 g, Fiber - 4 g, Protein - 8 g

PLEASE, LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF THE RECIPE - IMPROVEMENTS, ADDITIONS, REDUCED CALORIE IDEAS, ETC.

Emmy Nominations 2010 - Anita Kissee

2010-05-12T12:24:00.001-07:00

A collection of Emmy Nominated stories for 2010

Category: Politics/Government

All stories for KATU-TV in Portland, OR

Photographers - Sean Estes and Michael Brandenberger

Using a Pattern

2010-03-28T22:29:00.000-07:00

Ok - can I say it? I'm so proud of myself!

I'm not trying to sound egotistical, just amazed I finally completed my first sewing project using... wait for it... A PATTERN!

The most difficult part was understanding the language - a call to CraftyMom helped with that.

Cutting straight lines and sewing straight lines - also a challenge.

From this distance - not bad! Just don't inspect my seams too closely.

Feeling Crafty

2010-03-28T12:52:00.001-07:00

Gray skies are deterring me from the ambitious hike in the Gorge I intended to take on this Sunday. Instead, I think I'll actually SEW with this fabric I recently purchased, rather than just admire it. I have a horrible habit of buying everything I need to complete a project, only to have it sit a in box for a year. In a dream world, I would pick fabric combinations and someone else would do the tedious work to make my vision a reality.

Now... where is that sewing machine?

Oh yes... as usual and per request... these will be aprons. But - these aprons are not the usual you've seen from me. Just wait and see....

Learn to Dragon Boat Race

2010-03-18T13:41:00.000-07:00

Doesn't this look exciting! Wouldn't you like to try it?

Come out and try dragon boating with my team, The Castaways!

We're having a free paddling clinic THIS SATURDAY.

You can come learn the stroke and spend a sunny morning on the Willamette River.

The best part - not only is the clinic free, but you get six weeks of free paddling, and your first race in Olympia next month is FREE!

The clinic starts @ 9 a.m. at RiverPlace in Southwest Portland. We meet by the flagpole.

See ya on the water.

Why I've Been Away... Again

2010-03-03T11:28:00.001-08:00

(Photo taken by Jewel Images, Julia Radlick)

After reviewing my wordpress attempt at a website/online portfolio that I threw together while in graduate school and shooting/editing/writing a documentary...

I decided it was time for an upgrade.

Check it out - let me know what you think.

www.anitakissee.com

Eventually, the videos will be embedding on the actual website.

I really enjoyed making it, but man! It was a time suck!

(And if you don't have flash - you can always go back to:

www.anitakissee.wordpress.com)

Wondering Where I Have Been Lately?

2010-02-14T23:25:00.001-08:00

Here:

And here:

Prague and Vienna!

Yes - It was frigid - the coldest winter in 13 years.

But she who is in Europe even in January - shall not complain.

More pictures and details to come...

including from the wacky and wild Cyclocross World Championship!

He's NOT sewing

2010-01-06T12:00:00.001-08:00

Would you look at that.

Someone is fixing his own darn jacket... the one he begged me to mend for two months.

BUT -

Don't you dare say he is "sewing."

OH NO!

PatrickinPortland is "mending."

I think he might have enjoyed this exercise a bit to much.

The next post will likely be on me fighting him for sewing/mending machine time.

(Note his concentration.)

Back at it

2010-01-06T11:53:00.001-08:00

After a 17 month hiatus due to graduate school and laziness... wait for it...

The sewing machine was brought back out!

Partly under pressure from PatrickinPortland in order to fix something for him, and partly out of a craving to do something creative, I drug the machine down off the shelf, dusted it off and set out to remind myself how to use it. The methodical sound of the stitching was, in a way, soothing as I set out to make one of the few things I know how: an apron.

I think I'll finally keep this one. It goes against my nature of wanting to share them, but seeing as this was my first one in a while and it's not quite perfect... I can't stand to give it away. I'm working on another one now with... get this... a pattern! I've never used one of those things before! I don't cut in straight lines so, we'll see how that goes.

December Day

2009-12-24T17:20:00.000-08:00

After too much Christmas Eve Morn brunch... PatrickinPortland suggested a quick hike.

With the largest city park right in our backyard, we set out on a brisk walk. The colors, even slightly muted by the bright sunlight, were so eye-catching I couldn't help but try to capture them. The pictures just don't do this gorgeous, chilly December day justice.

The "Madmen" Me

2009-12-08T17:56:00.000-08:00

We're in the Newspaper!!!

2009-12-08T17:55:00.001-08:00

I don't remember posing for this!

Honestly - it could not be more accurate!

2009-11-15T13:21:00.000-08:00

I spend my Sundays with these crazy people.

One word:

Cyclocross

Catching Up!

2009-11-15T13:06:00.000-08:00

So... thanks to facebook and twitter, I seem to have been ignoring the blog.

The Chic Chick has been a bit busy these days... no time to craft.

I have cooked a few delicious items over the last few weeks... here's a quick catch up.

Comment if you want the recipes:

Stuffed Winter Squash:

Potato Latkes:

Pecan Cinnamon Rolls:
Homemade Biscuit Sandwich:
Fresh Blueberry Pie:
Spicy Asian Citrus Salmon:

Shout Out

2009-09-08T21:19:00.001-07:00

2009 M.A. alumni from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism.

We've launched a blog to highlight some of our work.

www.columbiaMA2009.blogspot.com

Please bookmark and check from time to read/watch solid journalism from around the world.

Always impressed by them.

Across America Redux: South Dakota

2009-08-28T17:28:00.000-07:00

By the time we made it through North Dakota and in to the South one... we were bored.

The eastern part of the state offers a dismal view of vastness. 1880 did provide a bit of inspiration. We're planning to build 1980 town across the way as competition. Trust me... 1980 is waaaaayyyy cooler!

I will say South Dakota impressed us the closer we go toward the West. The Badlands National Park was never on my "must-see" list. Boy - was I wrong. Have YOU seen it? WOW!

Numerous friends said, "Oh! You have to go to Wall Drug Store!"

The only place in the country where you have your choice of Jackalope paraphernalia:

And this type of "art?"

Enough of that... and on to this:

Even with the sun in the absolute worst spot... the view was impressive.

Across America Redux: Final Stretch

2009-08-28T17:14:00.000-07:00

Racing a nearing empty tank, grumbling stomachs and fading daylight... we ventured off the highway to see the infamous Devil's Tower in Wyoming. This was as close as we chose to get. Trust me - it's still quite far away, but quite impressive.

The next morning we ventured in to Yellowstone National Park for some incredible and eye-popping scenery.

Leave it to me to make a poor shoe decision. While it was almost June... I forgot we were in the MOUNTAINS! Note the snow:

FINALLY - a BUFFALO!!!! We waited three states to see this!

Sigmund - not too impressed.

Until we got to the Teton National Park. Unbelievable. It takes a lot to put me in awe... this was it. They shoot straight up out of nowhere. We had to pull over because PDX2NYC Photog and I couldn't take our eyes off of them.

3,600+ miles later: HOME.

This is 14 states worth of bugs...

And my entire NYC apartment (minus furniture) in the back to unpack.

Catching up... Graduation

2009-08-28T17:05:00.000-07:00

The culmination of nine months of intense work and extreme adventure in the big city. Graduation Day from Columbia University.

Do I look smarter?

You're looking at some of the most talented up-and-coming journalists in the country and around the world. New York, South Africa, Denmark, Mexico, China, India...

Congratulations!

Catching up... NYC

2009-08-28T16:59:00.000-07:00

I know, I know... I'm so behind in my blogging. It's hard to believe I've been back three months. I won't go through and post ALL my photos from NYC, but here are some highlights. This was my first trip to Brooklyn (Ya - I waited until my last month to get off the island). This is a really cool bar called "Camp." You obviously get the theme.

Hunting...

And smores!!!!!

Mmmmmmmmmm!

Very cool. Ok - I like Brooklyn, too.

A TV Lady's Lair

2009-08-28T16:52:00.000-07:00

OBSCENE!

For a rare day, my suits are not crumpled on the floor and hung in place.

But that allowed me to do some counting and I'm a bit sick.

I have enough suits... JUST SUITS... to wear a different one every single day for two months.

That's not counting all the sweaters, dresses and shirts I wear.

Next time I complain about not having something to wear...

Slap me!

(Or just open the closet door and remind me.)

Coast to Coast in 2.5 minutes

2009-08-27T17:12:00.001-07:00

Ever wanted to travel across country... in 2.5 minutes?
Here's the video of the trip PDX2NYCPhotog and I took home from NYC back to Portland, OR.

I like this lady:

2009-08-04T17:23:00.000-07:00

The Portland Mercury discovered this posted on SE Belmont.

I also spit out my coffee when I saw this today!

Back to blogging

2009-07-20T20:34:00.001-07:00

My life is settling down after being away from PDX for nine months. It's been a hectic adjustment from reporter to student and back to reporter. I've spent the last six weeks catching up on my life. It's so odd to have everything pick right back up where you left it. I'll aim to get back to blogging here and for Sigmund, but only if you are all still reading! I know it's been forever - forgive me! Here's my first post back... check out the new specs. My first "gucci" item! I would like more to come, please.

Dusk in NYC

2009-04-24T11:56:00.001-07:00

11th floor balcony, chilly spring night, camera - and a few of the shots!

I'm going to miss the scenery around this place. Less than one month left...

We Survived!

2009-04-24T11:48:00.000-07:00

April 20th came and went... and we survived. The M.A. thesis was due this week and I'm so very glad it's done and over. Now - on to all the other assignments and life duties I've neglected

But - before that - my classmates and I had to celebrate.

Lots of laughs a top the 11th floor balcony of LC's apartment on the UWS. This is by far my favorite neighborhood.

Website!

2009-03-23T09:57:00.000-07:00

I've put my website development plans on hold - for now - until I can complete my thesis. Until then, I'm forced to use Wordpress to create a simple portfolio: anitakissee.com

Vespa Chicks!

2009-03-21T05:51:00.000-07:00

I FINALLY got a few videos up on blip.

This isn't my BEST story, but a fun one! I also added some others, if you're bored.

Ha Ha... Real Funny!

2009-03-21T05:18:00.000-07:00

New York is such a comedian!

It's hard to tell by this bad cell phone picture, but that's snow!

Oh ya - did I mention it's the first day of spring?

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

2009-03-17T19:44:00.000-07:00

Every time I leave my apartment, I get sad.

My time here's almost over.

Hmmm...

2009-03-16T20:13:00.000-07:00

I guess in New York City, it's ok to have a mesh-wearing male belly dancer. He was quite good, judging by the cash around his chest.

Tah-Tah-Tennessee

2009-03-09T05:28:00.001-07:00

Sometimes you have to get out of the big city to really get a "feel" for America. Patrick and I spent a little time in Clarksville, TN. His new employer is based in Nashville. Conveniently, I had several people I wanted to include in my thesis here! It's a charming town about an hour outside Nashville.

And the "sights" were impressive:

Trip to Toronto

2009-03-05T16:35:00.000-08:00

Documentary filmmaking (I just like saying that - you all know it's just my thesis) took me to Toronto, Canada in January. This was the lovely view from my hotel window:

PDX2NYC assisted me on this trip in exchange for a ticket and hotel. (good deal!) With only one interview, we rented a car and played tourist for the day. Niagara Falls is stunning even in winter.

The ice formations from the spray were each a piece of art.

And check out the darling gloves she found! I can't wait to see her wear those on the subway or the vespa!

They grow them big here!

2009-03-05T16:33:00.000-08:00

Subway companion at 4 a.m.

1981 primitive Internet report on KRON

2009-01-28T21:09:00.001-08:00

WOW! If we only knew then, what we knew now. We might all still have jobs! (You have to get to the end and hear the last two lines!) BITE YOUR TONGUE!

This is what I've been up to:

2009-01-24T14:12:00.000-08:00

Putting my Columbia education and funding to work!

Fun with Photoshop!

(Actually learning to use it so I can create my own multi-media websites!)

NOT Times Square

2009-01-01T10:50:00.001-08:00

No - I didn't brave Times Square on New Year's Eve. Instead, with all the doom and gloom around NYC because of the stock market, we ventured out to one of the city's many 1929 parties. Fortunately, with the state of my bank account, I was able to repurpose my Betty Boop Halloween costume from 2006 and turn it into a flapper-esque outfit. The mask is new.

The party was a blast - fun vintage music, fire dancers, you name it.

Welcome 2009!

Christmas in New York

2008-12-27T08:34:00.000-08:00

Christmas morning we bundled up and took a beautiful stroll through Central Park. The remaining snow on the ground made it much more scenic.

Our Christmas week also included another stroll down 5th Avenue, this time at night.

This is my favorite window at Bergdorf Goodman:

The Star hanging over 5th Avenue:

The GIGANTIC bow around Cartier:

THE tree (at Rockefeller Center):

And various decorations scattered around midtown:

I'm sad the season is over! Now it's on to New Year's Eve! (And no - I'm NOT going to brave the crowds down at Times Square!)

NYC Tree - Complete!

2008-12-27T08:31:00.000-08:00

I have a slight obsession with pretty glass ornaments. Check out the one Patrick got me for Christmas! LOVE IT!

The Christmas Song

2008-12-21T09:53:00.000-08:00

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire... literally!

NapaChick loves 'em, I'm not a huge fan.

They taste like a bland potato.

Radio City Rockettes!

2008-12-21T09:44:00.001-08:00

I KNEW NapaChick would want to see the Rockettes! (Lucky for Patrick!)

We didn't want to pay the enormous ticket prices, so the two of us woke up early (for us) and made our way down to the South Seaport for some discount tickets. $50 bucks later we were sitting in Radio City Music Hall, third row, front and center.

Luckily, we had our trusty, and always attractive, three-D glasses!

2008-12-19T14:12:00.000-08:00

Why would one bundle up like this, venture out into the snowy night, only to walk 40 blocks?

For these cupcakes, of course!

They're from Crumbs Bake Shop in the Upper West Side. We were left to share a red velvet cupcake and a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup cupcake because the ones we REALLY wanted were gone: eggnog, peppermint and gingerbread. I guess you have to go there for breakfast just to get one. And the best part is they are not only huge, but only $3.75!!!!

Fried Fantastic

2008-12-19T14:07:00.000-08:00

I've discovered Pommes Frites in the Lower East Side. All they sell are Belgian-style french fries with 25 different sauces. We went twice in one week (once to take Patrick there) and sampled: malt vinegar, blue cheese, frite sauce, wasabi mayo, and sweet chili. At least the oil is trans fat free, right?

Christmas Tree

2008-12-19T11:56:00.000-08:00

My darling husband couldn't stand it that I would not have a Christmas tree in New York. So, he bought this cute one for me - just three feet tall! But because it looked so sad simply covered in lights, he mailed a few ornaments our way. Much better. Thank you, Love!

(For perspective on my past tree obsession, click on Pug in the Pearl.)

The BEST in America? Maybe not

2008-12-19T11:52:00.000-08:00

Rachel Ray and her viewers deemed this the BEST pumpkin pie in America. NapaChick's significant other was kind enough to send us one for Thanksgiving. While it was tasty, I wouldn't go so far as to say it was THE BEST. It's all hype.

5th Avenue

2008-12-19T11:47:00.000-08:00

5th Avenue is gorgeous anytime of year... especially at Christmas. The windows at Bergdorf Goodman was so intricate, the pictures just don't do them justice. I can't wait to go back at night and see them glow!

What?

2008-12-19T11:45:00.001-08:00

NYC can't quite get it together with its traffic signals.

Walk? Don't Walk?

This happens OFTEN!

Who cares...

No one follows the signs advice here anyway.

Silly Girls

2008-12-19T11:43:00.000-08:00

Our motto: Why take "normal/boring" pictures when you can take these!

Brooklyn, Yo!

2008-12-19T11:39:00.000-08:00

NYC gave us a gorgeous November day, so we bundled up and headed down to walk the Brooklyn Bridge. It's the easiest walk for the most incredible views of the city.

And the walk was made more more enjoyable by the company of good friends!

Post-Thanksgiving Tour

2008-12-19T11:27:00.000-08:00

After the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, PDX2NYCPhotog invited us over for a tour of CNN. (My future place of employment.) I could get used to sitting in front of that camera... and of this view from CNN's lunchroom!

Fresh out of the oven

2008-12-08T10:28:00.000-08:00

Banana Pecan Bread

with

Cinnamon Honey Cream Cheese Frosting!

(Can you tell I'm trying to distract myself from finishing a paper?)

Parade - Part 2

2008-12-08T06:43:00.001-08:00

A few more highlights:

(Our British friend re-named Buzz Light Year. He's now "Captain Indifferent." Maybe he'll save the world, maybe not.)

If you look closely, you can see people on the tops of all of the buildings, in penthouses and peering out of every window possible.

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

2008-12-08T06:31:00.000-08:00

NapaChick's a good friend... for far too many reasons to list.

The latest reason... she got us V.I.P. TICKETS to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!

No standing on a chilly street corner for hours for us. We had seats, with hot coffee and the perfect view of the parade right at Columbus Circle.

Here are a few highlights:

(This one just scared me... look how creepy those eyes are!)

And seriously - anyone who wears a ridiculous hat like this should be denied turkey and stuffing on Thanksgiving.

Mmmmmm!

2008-12-08T06:29:00.000-08:00

This makes me very happy (in a non-guilty way)!

In my morning cup of coffee... even better.

Parade Eve

2008-12-07T09:54:00.001-08:00

On the evening before the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, all the giant balloons have to be blown up. Fortunate for us, they do that on the Upper West Side (where I live). The Columbia crew bundled up and braved the crowds for a close-up. I honestly think there were more people crammed into this small area than were at the entire parade!

The one SHOCK of the evening: the position of Ronald McDonald and Helly Kitty. (Yes, that's her backside... someone please explain to me how that happened?)

The trip would not have been complete without the a trip to the always raved about Shake Shack. While I appreciate that they offer veggie burgers right along with a glass of wine, I wasn't all that impressed. Come on - it's no "In-n-Out Burger!" For that matter... it's no "Rocky's" either. (For all my Idaho friends.)

Much More to Come

2008-12-06T20:06:00.001-08:00

It's been a busy November... Thanksgiving Day Parade, NapaChick's visit, Brooklyn Bridge, Radio City Rockettes and 5th Avenue at Christmas... All to come very soon! (I must finish my history paper first!)

Visitors!

2008-12-06T20:01:00.000-08:00

I spend Friday morning listening to this guy.

It's pretty clear that Anderson Cooper is the coolest journalist, wait... strike that... coolest PERSON on this planet. I'd love to have his job for 1 day!

Party Like it's 1983 in the Ivy League

2008-12-06T19:50:00.000-08:00

The M.A. girls:

This party's theme shot right back to the 1980's. We did pretty good, considering no one wanted to go out and spend money on foolish 80's clothing. JH wins the costume contest, especially because he had to wear "those" on the street, on one of the coldest nights so far!

MM was clever enough to think up witty, cliche name tags of 80's sororities and fraternities. There was definitely a Biff and a Tyson.

And the evening would not have been complete without the ever popular and still available for such occassions - TAB!

(Thanks to AH for the snapshots I poached from facebook!)

First Snowfall in NYC

2008-12-06T19:46:00.001-08:00

The snow is gorgeous... when you don't have to do 5 live shots in it! Our first few flakes fell late Saturday night.

Columbia University is gorgeous anytime, but magical when it snows.

(The library... where I'm supposed to be studying!)

AHH... WARMTH!

2008-11-22T20:21:00.001-08:00

Add my ear muffs and I'm finally warm!

I used to make fun of the people who wore these jackets.

Now I know why they wear them.

It was in the 20s today... not counting the wind chill.

PDX Mamma in NYC!

2008-11-22T08:46:00.000-08:00

My sweet friend AHF made the trek all the way to NYC... 5 months pregnant! That meant "WE" had to indulge in Little Italy:

She's quite the trooper. Even pregnant, she tolerated me dragging her around town and through the subways to see the city.

And no one can shop (window-wise) on 5th Avenue like these two!

(Inside the Plaza Hotel. I will stay here one night in my life!)

THANK YOU so much for visiting me! Now on to her next big adventure! Motherhood!

Saturday Night Live! (On a Thursday!)

2008-11-16T21:25:00.000-08:00

PDX@NYC Photog got us the hook up! Tickets to Saturday Night Live!

Theses are a few rogue shots inside the studio. The bummer - it was one of the Thursday night election specials. Sadly - it was not very funny.

The experience was amazing! It made me want to wait in line for hours to see the real deal!

(This is us just screwing around waiting for the subway. I'm supposed to look mysterious!)

Eastern Fall

2008-11-13T19:52:00.000-08:00

Two things I can't seem to get enough of: Autumn & architecture in NYC.

Election Night in NYC

2008-11-13T19:44:00.000-08:00

I expected New York to erupt when Obama was declared the winner on November 4th. I didn't expect the tens of thousands of people who filled the streets to celebrate. At the stroke of 11pm, students came storming out of dorms and apartments. The packed and blocked Broadway chanting, "We don't suck anymore!!!" The giant crowd then marched the 15 or so blocks into the heart of Harlem where thousands danced in the streets. 12:30 a.m. on the night American history was reshaped... I don't think I'll ever forget it.

Obama Wins - NYC 3

2008-11-08T08:25:00.001-08:00

The Streets of Harlem PACKED with people on election night. I think this is around 12:30 a.m.

Obama Wins - NYC 2

2008-11-08T07:54:00.001-08:00

The Columbia University crowd marches up Broadway toward Harlem.

Obama Wins - NYC 1

2008-11-08T07:52:00.001-08:00

Video takes moments after Obama's Presidential Victory.
Students celebrated by blocking Broadway and marching North to Harlem. I love the quote "We don't suck anymore!!!!"

More NYC Halloween 2008

2008-11-02T21:31:00.000-08:00

"Sarah" has expensive taste... but she still has to ride the subway!

And she's not above hanging out with Rock starts like "Guns & Roses," and the occasional "Indiana Jones."

(By the way... I don't think my hair will ever fully recover from the teasing!)

Everybody LOVES Sarah!

2008-11-01T09:31:00.000-07:00

Halloween 2008 -

I assumed every brunette in Manhattan would have the same idea: easy costume = Sarah Palin. Surprisingly, there were not that many of us in New York City. Here's my version. Note the $150,000 price tag from Neiman Marcus and the rhinestone flag and GOP pins.

The costume was quite the social experiment. It was fascinating to walk down the street and get double takes. I must have posed for 50 pictures with random strangers. Even my friends found it interesting how many people were mesmerized by the costume, including the NYPD.

Lots of people tossed out rude comments related to the campaign and the election. In NYC, they seem to like this guy a little more:

But us Sarah's are strong! We can handle the trash talk.

(This is odd... President George Bush wanted to stop and say a prayer in the middle of the Greenwich Village Halloween mayhem and parade.)

P.D.T.

2008-10-30T20:28:00.000-07:00

P.D.T. = Please Don't Tell

But.. I'm going to anyway!

It's the name of another uber hip NYC secret spot. There's no sign for the place and no front door. You have to enter through Crif Dogs in the East Village:

And while you're there, you might as well chow down on some of these tasty dawgs (Veggies ones for me!) But... don't get the fries. NYC fries stink because they can't use the super bad-for-you oil.

To get inside PDT, you have to know to enter the phone booth and pick up the telephone. If you're cool enough, you get to step beyond the secret door into this:

I'm not sure Patrick and I are "cool," we think it must have just been a slow night!

(These photos are mostly courtesy: New York Magazine)

NYC Home Tour

2008-10-30T20:22:00.001-07:00

Here's a brief tour of my new home in New York City.

Chic Cupcake

2008-10-20T10:26:00.001-07:00

Any guesses who inspired this cupcake?

Is it wrong that I want to eat her?

The Costume

2008-10-19T12:51:00.000-07:00

My Sarah Palin costume is coming together quite nicely. Just a little preview of a few accessories:

(If these are lame, I'll just wear my own and put these back on ebay!)

Balance

2008-10-18T16:26:00.000-07:00

This is the healthiness I'm eating for dinner:

Because this is what I had for lunch:

Uh... Ya! It's good.

And the cornbread stuffing? YUM!

Mamie's Spoonbread, Too.

Go there.

Now.

Seriously?

2008-10-17T12:50:00.000-07:00

When are people going to realize the cameras are ALWAYS ROLLING!

The picture is from Gawker.

More eating:

2008-10-06T07:15:00.001-07:00

More highlights from JMF's eating tour.

Dessert trios at Ferrara's:

Pastrami on Rye at Katz Deli:

Yummies from Rocco's Bakery in Greenwich Village:

"Saddness" because the trip is over and I'm left here broke:

Eating our way around town

2008-10-06T07:10:00.000-07:00

For those of you who know JMF, you'll understand. For the rest of you: my foodie friend came to visit and managed to eat his way around NYC in 4 days! Here are a few highlights.

Time Square Pizza:

Milkshakes at Tom's Diner:

Italian at Vincent's in Little Italy:

Gut Bomb

2008-10-06T06:50:00.001-07:00

Really? One needs that much meat on one sandwich?

Yes, one needs that much cheesecake!

Patrick and I ventured to Carnegie Deli for lunch, somehow assuming it would not be a tourist trap. We could not have been more wrong. (I know, we must have been living under a rock on this one.) The food was extremely overpriced and simply "ok." The dessert on the other hand... incredible. But my warning to future tourists: tip 15 to 22 percent or they will embarrass you! (It happened to the guy next to us. It was so awkward, Patrick walked to the bank to get more cash for the tip!)

116th Street

2008-10-06T06:48:00.000-07:00

Reading, reading, reading...

No matter where I am, that's what I'm doing these days.

NYC Tour: Grant's Tomb

2008-10-04T09:04:00.001-07:00

I spent Saturday morning exploring Grant's Tomb on the Upper West Side. (It's for a project for my Journalism History class... he was a writer, you know!)

President Grant was also quite the romantic. He demanded to be buried next to his wife, even forgoing a spot at Arlington and West Point because she was not allowed.

(You'll have to take my "NYC Media History Tour" if you want to know more!)

Critical Mass NYC

2008-10-03T08:12:00.000-07:00

You can take a girl out of PDX, but you can't take the PDX out of the girl! I've always wanted to ride with Critical Mass, but never thought it would be appropriate, considering my profession. In NYC - I'm free! Patrick and I figured it would be a great way to see NYC - by bike! So, with 300+ other riders, we hit the streets. This CM was pretty uneventful. If you look closely in the pictures you can see we had dozens of police "escorts" the entire way. Patrick was bummed because at one point, we got dropped!

Student-Life

2008-10-03T08:08:00.000-07:00

Columbia did an incredible job of picking an amazing group for it's 2009/09 MA program. You can't even believe the talent that's in this picture: Reuters, Time Magazine, Politico, Seattle Times, The BBC, and many more! (Then there's little ol' me from local TV news!)

Central Park

2008-10-03T08:01:00.000-07:00

(This is as close to royalty as I'll get.)

Just a few pictures from a warm day in Central Park. I'm missing those! October 1st hit - and it's definitely fall!

President-want-to-be Visits

2008-10-03T07:57:00.000-07:00

September 11th, 2008 - Both Presidential candidates stopped by my neighborhood. Secret Service shut down the campus, and thousands of students (this picture was early) packed the steps to watch their interviews on "service."

Halloween Costume Preview

2008-09-29T17:53:00.001-07:00

This is going to be fun!

Swank

2008-09-28T08:16:00.001-07:00

Somehow, I managed to be "cool" enough to get into this place: Death & Co.

You have to wait outside those doors until someone comes out, then they "invite" you inside for tasty little bites and things like this:

Photos all by Ben Ritter

Courtesy: New York Magazine

Bike Tour

2008-09-27T09:19:00.000-07:00

Pug in the Pearl's getting a lot of time in on the bike!

It's hard to study when the weather looks like this!

Chinruvianish Anyone?

2008-09-27T09:17:00.000-07:00

New York has amazing restaurants.

And then sometimes you end up at this kind.

It served Chinese, Peruvian and Spanish food with a Cuban twist.

What?

Missing Patrick

2008-09-27T09:15:00.000-07:00

One more week until my travel partner returns!

Holy Cannoli!

2008-09-27T09:11:00.000-07:00

Little Italy may be shrinking... but this neighborhood knows how to throw a party. I took the "meat" picture for all my carnivore-friends. There is something to eat every two shops. Good thing I'm trying to walk everywhere!

Apt. 1B - Before

2008-09-27T09:07:00.000-07:00

NYC home sweet home! These are a few pictures I took right when we got there. I'll try to take a few more now that the place is all "settled." (I just have to straighten up a bit!) The apartment is fantastic. It's 425 square feet and charming. It's hard to tell, but there's even a fireplace! (non-working, of course.)

At first, Sigmund didn't like it:

That is... until we discovered we're withing two blocks of two dog parks!

(I'll post the "after" pictures soon!)

To top it all off...

2008-09-13T13:36:00.000-07:00

I've resisted the temptation (quite well, I might say) to shop.

But this was stronger than my willpower.

I can't wait for Fall!

Decisions, decisions

2008-09-13T13:30:00.000-07:00

This is the "sweets" section at Dean & Deluca. It's hard to tell from this snapshot, but the cupcakes were the most beautiful creations I've ever seen. Patrick had to tear me away.

West 42nd Street

2008-09-13T13:20:00.000-07:00

Pictures - taken for a class project, but I thought you might enjoy them.

Americana Tour: Almost There

2008-09-06T19:11:00.000-07:00

(Self-explanatory)

Pennsylvania was in there, too...

But here's what we were really looking forward to:

Patrick quickly took on the New Yorker accent and driving habits:

And yep - that's the mileage... only add another 40-or-so miles because we forgot to start it in Portland!

All in All... a great trip. The only mishap... when my bike fell off the top of the mini-van along I-84 in Oregon. You don't know anything about those giant scratches and slight dents on the mini-van.

Americana Tour: Chicago!

2008-09-06T19:07:00.000-07:00

The "Windy" City:

A much-needed break to see the Chic-Chick in Chicago!

That's Chicago Chic Chick and her stealth navigation technique.

A much-needed stretch for the legs and ride along the Great Lake!

Americana Tour: Fast Lane

2008-09-06T19:03:00.000-07:00

Somewhere in Nebraska. (FYI - They freak out there if you ask for "no mayo!")

Inside this truck stop, the largest trucker mug known to man. I almost bought it, but it wouldn't fit in the mini-van.

Iowa: Corn, corn, corn, corn, corn... and well-named exits.

The mighty Mississippi!

Americana Tour: Weirdness in Wyoming

2008-08-22T22:53:00.001-07:00

Perfect for the "Americana Tour"

And I refused to stop... so here's the giant Lincoln-head in motion: