I Felt I Had To

Weigh in on the "Ground Zero Mosque."  The debate has finally piqued my interest.  I tried to avoid it for a while, until my curiosity got the best of me and I started to investigate, to determine what the debate is all about.  Those who have loudly weighed in on the matter initially made it sound very interesting, as if it were truly an issue that will make or break the election of each and every candidate running for election this fall.  And, you know what that means.  Nancy Pelosi might lose control of the House, God Forbid, and then where would President Obama be, etc., etc., etc..  It does make you wonder why every campaign issue is almost universally viewed as the potential downfall of Barack Obama's presidency, as if his presidency rests on so fragile a base that one slight puff from the Big Bad Wolf could blow it all to pieces.  But, faithful readers, as usual, I digress.

In fact, there's so much Opinion out there, in the blogosphere and in the media, that on the surface the issue of the GZM appears somewhat complicated.  There are strong emotions on each side, not to mention the undeniable raw emotion now ingrained in every American, including yours truly, who remembers exactly where he or she was that September morning.  There are those that will say the issue is a simple one.  I welcome the debate, and disagree that this is a simple issue.  Of course after reading this you may believe my analysis is exceedingly simple ....

When I first saw the pictures of the GZM protesters and heard news of Glenn Beck and others taking up their side Against the GZM, I naturally chose the opposite position and initially supported the "mosque," if only Because of the Opposition.  This is AMERICA, the land of Free and Unfettered Opinion, the land of a Constitution to rival all constitutions, and the land founded on a strict belief in providing Unlimited Opportunities to All who Chose to Worship.  Conservative Republican whack jobs (whom Beck will continue to lead so long as they go blindly into the valley after him, or until his inevitable fall from grace -- which we know will happen as it Always does to those who take a position just a little bit higher up than that of their followers) couldn't be right about Anything, especially where religion is concerned.  With Ground Zero maintaining its stranglehold on its perceived designation as the most emotional and hence holiest of All political sites Anywhere in the Free World, isn't a mosque there exactly what we need, to show the rest of the Free World how forgiving, free thinking, generous, intellectual, and humane we Americans truly are? At our core Essentially above the rest? If we can place an Islamic Cultural Center at the verifiable locus of the Taliban's demonic call for destruction of all that Americans stand for, aren't we demonstrating those same exceedingly admirable qualities that we so often demand of other countries and other cultures worldwide?

Yes.  We Are.  Yes. We Can.

But, then I began to doubt myself.  Why the GZM?  Why is it so important?  Why do we need one?  Are there Muslims clamoring for a place to gather in downtown NYC?  Are the other Islamic Centers nearby filled up, beyond capacity?  Does the landlord need to rent out his space to the highest bidder in order to avoid bankruptcy?  Or, is the installation of an Islamic Cultural Center a few blocks away from Ground Zero all just to make a point? 

For a while (just about two weeks to be completely honest), I found myself agreeing with the protesters.  Hard to believe I'm coming clean about that, but it's true.  I found myself wondering Why there had to be a GZM at all.  Because, if you start reading all the editorials and articles written on the  subject, you may come to believe it's a Real Issue.  When the Issue is framed by Beck and others, and when the rest of the media becomes filled with more grey, white and black characters than you have time to read in a month of Sundays, it's easy to understand why one may have cause to pause at the legitimacy of support for the GZM.  (A side note:  If you read one thing other than this blog (and The Book Thief, of course), I suggest the New Yorker article about the Koch brothers financing conservative causes; I am certain the majority of Koch Foundation beneficiaries have No Idea what he's doing when he's not celebrating his own largess at the Met or Carnegie Hall.  Click HERE to get there).     

Well, Yes.  Right.  There are better places for a mosque than at Ground Zero.  I think most of us can agree on that.

That is Not the issue, however, despite how Beck and others might like to frame it.  There are facts to consider, and specific legitimate characteristics of the proposed Islamic Cultural Center to consider (just to keep you informed and up to date:  Initially known officially as "Cordoban House" the GZM is now currently proposed as "Park51," due to some discrepancy regarding Iberians brought to light by Newt Gingrich .... are you still with me???).

When I started to look at the actual Facts surrounding Park51, a few interesting realities came to light. First, it's unclear whether Park51 (I know, it sounds like a Top Chef boutique restaurant) will have turrets, a minaret, or a dome which make it look like a mosque at all. It will certainly have a place to worship, but its site in the middle of a city block o\in lower Manhattan will likely not allow that to be outside.  So, technically speaking it may end up being a Lite Mosque.  (I know, call me naive; that's okay, I'm not offended).  Second, Park51 is proposed in a space which was formerly a Burlington Coat Factory store located two long blocks from Ground Zero.  As a result, there is no possible way the Center will be visible from hallowed grounds.  In other words, if you miss the debate, you won't even know it's there.  Third, not building the Center is exactly what some say the Taliban actually hope for (See Newsweek online:  "Taliban officials know it’s sacrilegious to hope a mosque will not be built, but that’s exactly what they’re wishing for: the success of the fiery campaign to block the proposed Islamic cultural center and prayer room near the site of the Twin Towers in lower Manhattan. “By preventing this mosque from being built, America is doing us a big favor,” Taliban operative Zabihullah tells NEWSWEEK.... “It’s providing us with more recruits, donations, and popular support.”). 

Fourth, the whole debate seems largely overblown once you look at the actual facts.

And That's the point.  The country is so divided, so ready to go at each other in the name of politics, that the media and people with enough time on their hands to protest such causes are able to manipulate us into taking sides.  When an issue arises with September 11th at its central core, we are even more susceptible to positioning ourselves on our Usual sides for or against a particular perspective. I know how I feel about the GZM, Cordoban House, Park51, Newt Gingrich, Glenn Beck, September 11th, the Taliban, and even Newsweek.  But I did find the entire exercise of listening, investigating, and reacting, then changing my reaction, an interesting one.  I highly recommend it, because you may surprise yourself with the twists and turns your opinion takes.  I know I surprised myself.  Which is somewhat difficult to do at my age. You know, my mid 30s.

Wish I Had Thought Of That -- 2 Great Recipes

First, the Hungry Girl's Devil's Food Cake Recipe. You won't believe how good this is until you try it. To Duncan Hines Devil's Food Boxed Cake Mix, add 1 cup water and 1 cup Fage Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt. That's it! Mix well, then spread in greased pan or baking dish at 350 degrees for time indicated on the box. Absolutely no eggs and no oil needed. The end result is Delicious, and tastes more homemade than With the eggs and oil. Not sure what the comparable calorie counts are, but the yogurt version Has to be better. I serve it with homemade soft-whipped cream, and fresh raspberry sauce.

Second, Giada DeLaurentiis' Roasted Pepper Salad. I've never been a huge fan of roasted peppers, but this recipe has changed my mind, and compelled me to make homemade roasted peppers several times this summer.  First, cover a cookie sheet with aluminum foil, and place 5-6 red/yellow/orange peppers on the foil.  Then, place the pan under the broiler -- on the second closest rack to the top -- until the peppers begin to char.  When one side of the pepper is fully blackened, turn it to an unbroiled side, until the entire pepper is completely charred.  Carefully place the peppers in individual brown lunch bags (or a sealed ziploc bag if that's all you have), then seal the bag tightly and leave to rest until the peppers come to room temperature.  Once the peppers are cooled, peel the skins completely off and then remove the stem and all the seeds (I have been known to quickly run them under running water to speed up the process).  Slice the peppers into 1/2-inch wide strips, and add together in a bowl with the following:  4-5 cloves minced fresh garlic, 1/4-1/3 cup drained capers, 6-8 chopped fresh basil leaves, and approx. 1/2 cup of olive oil, plus kosher salt and ground pepper to taste.  The mixture gets better after a day in the fridge.  I use it as a favorite topping on crostini for an appetizer, or as the dressing on a pound of plain pasta for either a warm pasta side dish or a cold pasta salad.  Here are some pictures to show you the peppers along the way. Enjoy!

For The SJP Moms Sending Boys Off To College

Bella English often has a way of summing up everything I'm thinking. Couldn't help but think of my friend, Amy, and the other SJP Moms sending their sons off to college, some for the first time (Nancy). It ain't easy, but Everything will be okay.

Click on the link here: No Swimming Allowed.

Finally Something Useful -- Chicken Cutlets

Well, I finally know how to get comments on the blog (or via Facebook) .... just write about books!  But, as helpful as my book recommendations may be, apparently they are not as helpful as are recipes for meals that kids (and grown-ups) will love to eat.  So, for brother Rob, here's one of my perennial hits, with a bit of a twist inspired by Rachel Ray (who I find incredibly annoying but sometimes helpful in her own way).  I made the Sandwiches for Will's birthday dinner after he said he'd like Wendy's and no cake, just ice cream.  Needless to say, he managed to get through dinner without missing Wendy's.  You don't have to do the sandwiches described below; the recipe for cutlets alone will make youngsters Extremely Happy (Julia and her friends had a Plain cutlet sandwich, with no cheese, no sauce).  With the Italian Style Panko you get crispy and well-seasoned cutlets so easily that there's no sense in making your own breadcrumbs.  If you can't find them at the store, you can get regular Panko breadcrumbs, then add parmigiana cheese, salt, pepper and a bit of garlic powder to them for almost the same effect. This recipe will also leave you with a few leftovers for sandwiches the next day.  I used the extra (easy, easy, easy) tomato sauce on BBQ pizza the next night.  (Yes, I'm obsessed with food .....) Enjoy!

Easy Chicken Cutlets and Parmigiana Sandwiches

Ingredients

6 Boneless Breasts of Chicken
1 Box Progresso Italian Style Panko Crispy Bread Crumbs
1 cup flour
3 eggs, whisked
3-4 pints Cherry Tomatoes (or Grape Tomatoes)
4-5 cloves of fresh garlic, minced
4-5 medium-sized shallots, minced
8 Basic leaves, sliced into thin strips
12 slices Fresh Mozzarella
12 fresh sandwich rolls
Olive Oil, Salt & Pepper


For Cutlets:

Instead of Pounding away at the cutlets, I take a sharp knife and slice them right through the middle. With 6 large, thick breasts, you will get 12 nice size cutlets. After slicing the cutlets through, set up your station. Place flour in one bowl, place whisked eggs in a second bowl, and place Italian Style Panko Bread Crumbs in a third, longer bowl. You also should have a baking sheet ready, lined with parchment paper so the cutlets won't stick.

Place a single cutlet in flour bowl, and flip it over so flour sticks to both sides. Next, dip the floured cutlet into the egg, and then quickly into the bread crumbs to completely coat the cutlet. Place the finished cutlet on your parchment-papered cookie sheet. One of the best things about these is you can do them ahead, even the night before, and leave the entire sheet covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake them (no frying here, unless you Really want to).

Bake the cutlets at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes, or until they appear done. If they are very thin, they will not take as long. You may also want to flip them over at some point if you care about them being crispy on both sides.  Remove from oven as soon as they are done so they don't dry out.

For Sauce:

Place approx. 6 Tablespoons olive oil in large frying pan to heat. Once hot, but not smoking, place in minced garlic and shallots. Stir for approximately 3-4 minutes until garlic is softened but not brown and shallots are beginning to soften. Add the tomatoes, stir together, and cover. Check back on the tomatoes every few minutes to stir, until their skins start to burst. Then, with potato masher (this was Rachel Ray, can you tell?), CAREFULLY and lightly mash tomatoes into the garlic and shallots. Once tomatoes are mashed (at first mine popped out onto everything), stir "sauce" for a couple of minutes and remove from heat. Stir in the sliced basil and you are set to go.

For Sandwiches:

Slice rolls open and place one slice of fresh mozzarella on the bottom of each. Then place one cutlet on top of cheese, and heap a mound of fresh tomato sauce onto the cutlet.  I served this with only a plain green salad as accompaniment.  Your family and any guests -- even the picky ones -- will be Very happy they are at this table.  Enjoy!

How I Spent My Summer Vacation

Not the whole summer, just two weeks of virtually uninterrupted bliss on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  A plethora of Jellyfish and rip currents notwithstanding, we had a wonderful time with friends and family at our old stomping grounds in Duck.  Aside from the deep bronze skin tone I managed to develop (and keep for approximately two weeks following my arrival home ... sadly), the best part of this vacation was all the reading I was able to do at the beach.   So .... here are my reviews of the books I forged through in two weeks.

1-2. Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games and Catching Fire (Books I and II of The Hunger Games Trilogy). Collins' trilogy -- rising very quickly up the list of the Amazon Top 100 -- is set in a futuristic world divided into 12 Districts controlled by the Capitol. The Districts are starved for food and resources, while the Capitol maintains an abundance of food, materials, and all the attendant consequences of materialism gone seriously awry (think plastic surgery as well as superior medical benefits). Due to the audacity of the Districts' (failed) uprising against the Capitol decades earlier, each District is forced to pay a tithe to the Capitol, which tithe consists of two children who will compete to the death against the other Districts' child emissaries in a sort of Survivor reality game.

While I managed to get past the troublesome premise of the book, the violence continued to shock and disturb me as the story progressed. Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" echoes throughout, and while Collins' story leaves a similar indelible mark, in the end the story is not nearly as well written or believable. I initially picked up the series because of the growing buzz surrounding Mockingjay, the third book of the trilogy, and because it is a series I believed Julia and I would both enjoy. To my surprise, Julia was not as disturbed by the violent scenes as I was. When I asked her what she thought about the children forced to kill each other to survive, her response was "It's not real, Mom," and "You just kind of ignore it after a while." True enough, but still disturbing.

Final CPS Grade: The Hunger Games: B+; Chasing Fire: B-. Best Feature: Quick, Easy.
Worst Feature: Astounding Theme of Violence.

3. Justin Cronin, The Passage. Keeping up my desire to stay with "the buzz" (no Anna Karenina for me this summer), I forged my way through Cronin's 800+ page post-apocalyptic vampire thriller. Well, not exactly vampires, but almost. I can't remember the last time I read such a long book, but I have to hand it to Cronin for keeping me interested and enthralled by his central characters, at least through the first three quarters of the book. A bit difficult to describe, The Passage tells of the not completely unpredictable disastrous effects of a top secret science experiment designed to create a human super army to sustain the United States as the world suffers increasingly disastrous terrorism and human destruction. The super inhuman vampire bats are created, escape their laboratory domain, and wreak havoc on the world.

For most of the book, Cronin had me right there alongside him and his motley crew. For a while, I loved Amy, Cronin's savior, and her small army of protectors and followers. I even came to appreciate the idea of the well-crafted villainous bats, with their super human abilities and ability to viciously control the minds of the weaker humans into inevitable self-destruction. At some certain point, though, Cronin just lost me. Far-fetched can only take any reader so far. By the time the story had developed too many tentacles to handle, however, I had logged in over 600 pages and was unwilling to give up, determined to follow Amy (Noah's arc?) and her unknowing acolytes right through to the bitter end, which was rather bitter. William also read the book while on vacation and ended up reprimanding me for convincing him to even get started with such nonsense. Perhaps the movie will be better; let's hope so.

Final CPS Grade: B-. Best Feature: Mostly fast-paced and compelling. Worst Feature: Too long, beating a dead horse (literally).

4. David Nicholls, One Day. This well-written book with Great dialogue and relatable characters has an omniscient narrator who lovingly describes one couple's relationship as it evolves over twenty years. The "One Day" refers to the literary mechanism used by Nicholls whereby we are shown only a glimpse of the couples' lives, the glimpse that occurs on the same singular day (July 15th, St. Smithin's Day) each year for twenty years. In a nutshell, Emma and Dexter meet on the last day of University, are surprisingly smitten with each other though neither can describe exactly why, causing them to remain a part of each others' lives for the duration of the book. Along the way, relationships come and go, dates between Em and Dex are made and broken, marriages happen, babies are born, and parents die. The road to enlightenment is paved with loads of alcohol, frequent self-loathing, and eventual enlightenment.

Well-written and snappy, I enjoyed this book. Especially as a Very welcome departure from Justin Cronin's nightmares.

Final CPS Grade: B+. Best Feature: Believable female character. Worst Feature: Made me cry (sob).

5. Marcus Zusak, The Book Thief. If you read only one book this year, this should be the one. By far the best book I've read in a very long time. Another young adult book, but with themes and writing that demand and deserve a place on a grown-up bookshelf. Zusak tells the story of orphan Leisl Memminger, growing up in a small German village -- down the street from Dachau and not far from Munich -- during World War II. Leisl's story is told by Death, the epitome of an omniscient narrator with a unique point of view. Our hearts break for Leisl as she makes her personal journey towards young adulthood, surrounded by hatred, inexplicable violence and very real life and death consequences for each and every decision she, and others around her, make. Throughout her journey, Zusak gives us real insight into the lives of anti-Nazi Germans during this time, as the novel frequently includes true historical events and reasonable facsimiles thereof. He has created indelible characters, memorable moments, and enough surprises to give us an utterly fantastic reading experience.

This is the first book since Memoirs of a Geisha that I wanted to read again as soon as I put it down. I've re-read my favorite part already three or four more times, and have promised to start from the beginning again next summer. Julia has started reading it -- the beginning is a bit complicated for younger readers -- and I can't wait for her to finish so we can discuss it. A great way to wrap up my two weeks in OBX.

CPS Final Grade: A. Best Feature: Leisl -- a young girl with indomitable spirit and compassion. Worst Feature: The reality of it all.


I'd love to hear your impressions of these books. Let me know if you agree or disagree. And, Please Read The Book Thief. You will Love It!

P.S.  So many people have already reviewed Stieg Larsson's books that I opted to skip them here.  I read all three, enjoyed the second one the best, and will go see the movies.  Certainly not high art, but fun nevertheless.  And, loved the New Yorker's send-up of the Swedish mysteries, but certainly wish Larsson was alive to enjoy the ruckus he's created!