I love cooking. Spending time in my kitchen is my escape from this crazy life. I also enjoy learning how to cook and hope one day I have a few sous chefs of my own so I can pass on my cooking knowledge.
I also enjoy video games. I kick serious butt in Madden and can hold my own in Guitar Hero.
But I never thought these two worlds would mesh.
Food Network, one of my favorite television networks, is releasing Cook or Be Cooked for the Wii. The game features cooking instructions and techniques. Players can use the Wii remote to use appliances, utensils to create dishes. Completing challenges will unlock harder recipies.
Their food will be judged by Food Network officials, one of which is a cartoon version of Susie Fogelson (I can’t even stand the real life version).
Basically Sally’s mother doesn’t have to teach her how to cook. She can make a boxed meal while Sally dishes up a gourmet feast sitting in front of the television.
There are plenty of video games that make sense. Exercising with a video game has even peaked my interest.
But cooking isn’t something you can learn by simulating breaking eggs and stirring a batter. You can’t smell the aroma of a roast simmering in the over or steak sizzling on a grill.
If you are a novice cook and want to learn some new techniques watch Food TV or take a cooking class.
Maybe I am naive, but in a world where some of the greatest recipes and techniques have been set aside for boxed meals, I worry that this will not encourage new cooks try making items from scratch.
Please, let’s leave tackling, jamming and blowing things up for the video games and cooking for the kitchen.
(I welcome any comments, suggestions and criticism at michelleg@dailyamerican.com)
Wii need to get a life
November 27th, 2009 by michelleganassiLeave my music alone
November 14th, 2009 by michelleganassiDear Chamillionaire
I understand you are a hip rapper, and too cool for my taste, but could you please stop sampling Tom Petty’s Free Fallin’ in your song Good Morning.
While flipping through the radio channels I stopped when I thought I was going to hear the classic tune. Then I heard something about haters, love, shoes and big stacks of cash.
This isn’t the first time music lovers have been fooled.
In the early 1990s music lovers heard the baseline of Under Pressure by Queen and David Bowie, to only be disappointed at “all right stop collaborate and listen.”
I tried to stomach Rihanna using the “tainted love” beat in her catchy first single and ignore Flo Rida’s use of “you spin me” in his tune about strippers, but I cannot take anymore. I know there are more examples, but there are just some of the more current disgraces to a time when music was good.
These songs are classics and there are some things you should just leave alone.
P.S. Could you please call the oldies’ station in Pittsburgh and inform them that the 80ies are not oldies. I am not ready for my music to be “old.”
(I welcome any comments, suggestions and criticism at michelleg@dailyamerican.com)
Classless …
October 26th, 2009 by michelleganassiI applaud clever commercials - but one commercial took it a little too far.
The Wonderful Pistachios “Get Cracking’” campaign is very cleaver. The first commercial I saw was the infamous Ms South Carolina who mumbled something about maps again. It ended with the line “Beauty Queens do it without a clue.”
This was followed with “Wee Man does it dangerously” and “mobsters do it with muscle.” Classic.
But Levi Johnston, whose only claim to fame is knocking up Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin’s daughter, should have turned the script away.
He walks out with a rather large man who stops him from taking another step while Johnston eats a pistachio. Wearing a green Alaska shirt Levi eats the nut and then the announcer says “now Levi Johnston does it with protection.”
Everyone knows Palin’s eldest daughter admitted to having premarital sex with her then boyfriend Levi, warning teens not to do the same.
Since the birth of their child Palin and Levi broke-up. Levi has been everywhere from the Tyra Banks show spilling Palin family “secrets” to the gym preparing for his Playgirl debut.
To take this job shows the lack of respect he has for the mother of his child and her famous family. Let’s glamorize a mistake made by teenagers.
Sometimes in the creative business you come up some pretty tasteless material. But you hit the delete button and move on.
I think Levi needs to go to Alaska, spend time with his child, and get a job that keeps him off my television. Newsflash: Your 15 minutes are up.
To see the commercial visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwz_Tuog4NU
Christmas in …..
October 1st, 2009 by michelleganassiOne of my biggest pet peeves is stores putting out Christmas decor way too early.
While recently shopping for some Halloween decor for the new house I noticed one of my favorite stores already had Christmas items on display.
Please someone correct me if I am wrong, but doesn’t Halloween and Thanksgiving come before Christmas? Santa Claus makes his first visit to the malls before the turkey is even carved. By promoting Christmas before other holidays, especially Thanksgiving, sends a message that those holidays are less important.
What is wrong with having some fall displays for shoppers until closer to Thanksgiving? I still cannot find the exact fall garland I want for my living room, but Christmas garland is pretty plentiful.
Now I know some are going to call me a hypocrite because technically I have already started Christmas shopping. I start Christmas shopping early because I like to find the best deals (i.e. I am notoriously cheap). Also sometimes it takes me that long to decide what to get some people since I am adamantly against gift cards. But I do not wrap a gifts or put out a snowman figurine until the weekend after Thanksgiving.
It is also sort of depressing. Once you start truly thinking about Christmas you remember that the snow is about to fly.
If people stop buying Christmas decor early in the year stores will stop pushing other displays aside. Plus the best time to buy Christmas decor is after Christmas anyway, when it is at least half off. I buy all the wrapping paper, tissue paper and ribbons after Christmas (like I said, I am notoriously cheap).
So let’s try to keep the holidays in order. In dessert terms they go “lots of candy,” “lots of pie,” and “lots of cookies.”
(I welcome any comments, suggestions and criticism at michelleg@dailyamerican.com)
A first for everything
September 21st, 2009 by michelleganassiWhen I was growing up I had several dreams. One was reached last year when I traveled to Italy with my family.
By my age most people have been to the ocean, whether it was a family vacation or a spring break adventure.
But not me.
That changed Thursday when I found out a surprise trip to Wildwood, N.J. was planned for my birthday.
The ocean was absolutely beautiful. One of the first things I did was kick off my flip-flops and run through the sand and ocean. I even attempted my best effort at a Baywatch run across the beach.
Every morning I got up early to try and find as many seashells as possible. Now I know you are supposed to sit on the beach and relax, but anyone who has met me knows sitting and relaxing is not in my DNA. I played in the sand and walked in the water and tried to relax while taking in the atmosphere. I was probably acting more like a kid than an adult, but I have been told that is one of my more adorable qualities.
Now some may argue that the off-season weather was not suitable for a bathing suit. But I am from Somerset County — all we have is off-season weather.
I trekked the boardwalk dozens of times, ate some great seafood and even took a monster truck ride on the sand.
For most people my age going to the beach is an annual tradition, something they do with family or friends. For me it was a dream come true. The beauty and serenity of the ocean was not wasted on me. It was my dream come true.
(I welcome any comments, suggestions and criticism at michelleg@dailyamerican.com)
On a side note, while strolling on the boardwalk many places had shirts that said “ConVICK” “Hide your hound Vick is in town” and “Hide your Beagle Vick’s an Eagle.” These made me laugh since I have such strong views about felon Michael Vick playing in the NFL. In case you missed my two Daily American Debates against one Rick Kazmer here are some links.
Daily Debate: Should Michael Vick be allowed to play football again?
No - http://dailyamerican.com/articles/2009/06/08/opinion/columns/column516.txt
Yes - http://dailyamerican.com/articles/2009/06/08/opinion/columns/column515.txt
Daily Debate: Is Philly the wrong city for Vick?
No - http://dailyamerican.com/articles/2009/08/17/opinion/columns/column414.txt
Yes - http://dailyamerican.com/articles/2009/08/17/opinion/columns/column415.txt
Party it up, Scranton style
September 15th, 2009 by michelleganassiMindless reality television and talent shows step aside, the fall television line-up is back.
On the top of my list is the return of Michael Scott and the rest of Dunder Mifflin crew. I am anxiously awaiting the news Jim and Pam and expecting a little bundle of joy. I am sure Dwight will be giving lots of advice to the expecting couple as Michael asks questions that would get most fired.
There is something shows like The Office and 30 Rock do so well — help you escape through comedy.
It seems a lot of television shows today are unscripted and get reactions from people making fools of themselves or are scripted and need surgeries, shootouts or sex scandals to make an impact.
I was a huge Friends fan. Still to this day I choke up a bit when I think about Rachel getting off the plane and returning to Ross.
After Friends left the air, I was worried nothing would replace it since so many networks are putting ridiculous people on-air hungry for 15 minutes.
But, for the first time ever, I was so wrong.
The Office format is pretty simple — a show mocking reality television taking place in a small town called Scranton. You have the boss who doesn’t realize he is out-of-touch and a crew of characters ranging from the cat-obsessed accountant Angela to the prank-loving Jim Halpert to Dwight, the guy that drives you insane. Most people who work in an office have a few of the characters in the cubicles next to them.
Their story lines are funny, without being too over-the-top.
Here is my favorite quote of all time. To set up the scene, Pam’s ex came to the office to beat up Jim Halpert. Dwight whipped out a can of pepper-spray to save the day.
“No, don’t call me a hero. Do you know who the real heroes are? The guys, who wake up every morning, and go into their normal jobs, and get a distress call from the commissioner, and take off their glasses and change into capes and fly around fighting crime. Those are the real heroes.” — Dwight Shrute.
Maybe other networks should leave the reality shows alone and bring back the writers to put together good comedy sitcoms. It is the one thing we are truly lacking on television. There are plenty of medical dramas, cop shows and talent competitions, but we all need to laugh — it is the best medicine.
In other news Thursday is my birthday. I am turning 27 and was feeling a little old until this exchange at a rabbit club function this weekend.
A woman was asking me questions and the last was “How old were you when this happened?”
“16″ I replied.
To which she said.
“I thought you were a teenager, you are like a real person.”
I’ll be mistaken for a 18-year-old any day.
(I welcome any comments, suggestions or criticism at michelleg@dailyamerican.com)
Bleeding black and gold
September 9th, 2009 by michelleganassiAfter patiently waiting the football season is back. I enjoy a good game of football with my beloved Steelers on the field.
I really get into the games. I have been know to yell at the television, throw objects when the ref rules against the Steelers and even injure a few innocent bystanders (sorry Seth).
So I decided to make my picks for the year. Please let me know what you think.
Sept. 10, Tennessee - win. There will be a lot of excitement starting the season and the Titans did deface the Terrible Towel
Sept. 20, at Chicago – win. It will be a close game, but the Steelers will win.
Sept. 27, at Cincinnati – win. It’s a given.
Oct. 4 San Diego – lose. It will be a close game.
Oct. 11, at Detroit – win. They are just a horrible team.
Oct. 18, Cleveland – win. With one of Ben’s hands tied behind his back,
Oct. 25, Minnesota – win. Brett Farve was washed up three years ago. He just needs to retire.
Nov. 9, at Denver – win. Denver isn’t as strong as a team like in the past.
Nov. 15, Cincinnati – win.
Nov. 22, at Kansas City – win.
Nov. 29, at Baltimore – win. I was at the Ravens Monday night football game last year (since I have the world’s best fiance Seth). It will be a close, stressful game. Some will get injured on the field, and maybe even at home. But at the end of the day we have their number. Even if the game is won on Jeff Reed’s toe.
Dec. 6, Oakland – win. Oakland still has a team?
Dec. 10, at Cleveland – win. I feel bad the Browns are forced to be embarrassed twice a year by the Steelers.
Dec. 20, Green Bay – lose. By this time in the season the Steelers will have a lot of hype before games. About that time the Steelers typically lose a game they are favored to win.
Dec. 27, Baltimore – win. This will be a great game, but the black and gold will prevail.
Jan. 3, at Miami – win. This game may cause some tension in the Forry/Ganassi household. Seth grew up a Miami fan (don’t hold it against him). But the Steelers will win and have a lot of momentum going into the playoffs.
I welcome any comments, criticism or suggestions at michelleg@dailyamerican.com
The one, the only Pennsylvania
September 2nd, 2009 by michelleganassiWednesday’s announcement that Connecticut reached a budget agreement leaves Pennsylvania as the only state without a budget in place.
Here are some other things separating Pennsylvania from the rest of the country:
• Punxsutawney Phil only calls Pennsylvania his home.
• We have the best chocolate amusement in the chocolate capital of the world — Hershey.
• There is a old law that states “A person is not eligible to become Governor if he/she has participated in a duel.”
• We are the only state with a world class football team — the Pittsburgh Steelers. (Ok I am a bit biased.)
• The first American flag was made in Philly.
• We are the home to Heinz ketchup.
• The hit television show “The Office” is about a company kicking it in Scranton.
• The first day of deer season is considered a holiday.
• It is contrary to Pennsylvania law to discharge a gun, cannon, revolver or other explosive weapon at a wedding.
• We are the birthplace of the greatest toy ever — the slinky, which is also our state toy.
• And just added to my little list: The only state without a budget agreement.
Rock on!
Is everything better covered in chocolate?
August 28th, 2009 by michelleganassiAs some may know I have some pretty strong ties to the Westmoreland County Fair.
While I was there I kept hearing about the newest fair food — chocolate-covered bacon.
As a foodie, I was intrigued. At first I thought it sounded disgusting. Then, I thought about the salty/sweet combination and my mouth started to water. I am always up for trying something new and different. I do like both chocolate and bacon independently so maybe the two can mix.
So I decided I must try this new creation. I got a group of the most adventurous people I know, rabbit breeders, and made my way up the midway to the chocolate covered everything booth.
With a smile on my face and a dollar in my hand I asked for a piece.
That’s when the woman replied, “it will be 30 minutes.”
I was heart-broken since I was hoping to get back to Somerset. So I left, without trying chocolate-covered bacon.
Thursday I returned to the fair with a single goal — try the chocolate-covered bacon. This time I only had the fiancé by my side.
I got a piece and it was pretty good. It had a unique chewy texture after biting through the chocolate coating. It also had an interesting taste.
Seth also had a piece — and he didn’t like it. He cited the texture as the main reason he is anti-chocolate bacon.
But Seth’s opinions aside I encourage everyone to try this tasty treat. Trust me — I am Italian.
I welcome any comments, criticism or suggestions at michelleg@dailyamerican.com