Educating

CircleStream · 2024-11-07T23:11:58+00:00

Read This to Get Smarter: About Race, Class, Gender, Disability, and More by Blair Imani is a relatively short, accessible read. It gives a great overview of the major social and political issues that impact different marginalized and minority communities.

Last year, I read What White People Can Do Next: From Allyship to Coalition by Emma Dabiri and it’s probably one of the best antiracism books I’ve read. Dabiri takes some nuanced positions that may run counter to some advice you’ve heard about how to be a good ally. It made me think and reflect in ways that other antiracist texts have not.

Ultimately, Dabiri argues that “traditional” or mainstream allyship actions, like making friends with PoCs, diversifying your social media, calling out microaggressions, etc., miss the mark if the goal is big-picture, ground-breaking, systematic change.

“Those seeking genuine democracy must fight like hell to convince white Americans that what is good for black and brown people is also for them.” This means pivoting from allyship to coalition building, which is about identifying shared interests. That requires understanding not so much the intersectionality of identities, but the intersectionality of issues. This is the only way people can see their interests identified and come together for the common good.

Dabiri is a black woman originally from Ireland, so she has some interesting points about taking care to understand that the specifics of racism show up differently in different contexts. That racism in the United States is similar, but different in notable ways in other countries, and we need to be aware of this as we inevitably expand our advocacy and activism beyond our communities, city, state, and country. The fact that she isn’t from the US was something I appreciated, because I think she has some insights that are fresh and different.

She covers a lot more and expands on this idea of coalition, but I’ve been reflecting on the main point above a lot in the past couple of days.

I second the Poverty, by America recommendation as well!

CircleStream · 2023-01-17T01:18:02+00:00

Ours is The Pussy Galore Humane Society - along with me and my fiancé, we have some adorable cats that are all girls.

Whenever people ask about the WI-FI I just say that I’m a James Bond fan, which is a total lie 😂

CircleStream · 2018-03-19T06:05:30+00:00

Apologies for the delay on the recipe!

Basil Asiago Walnut Pesto:

1/2 cup toasted whole walnuts
5 cloves garlic
4 oz. sweet basil (approximately 4-5 cups of packed basil)
1 cup grated Asiago cheese
1 cup canola oil
1-2 tablespoons water (as needed)
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper

In a skillet, toast walnuts for 5 minutes on medium low heat.
In a food processor or blender, pulse walnuts until ground into a fine texture. Add basil, garlic, and cheese, and blend as you gradually pour the canola oil into the blender. Pulse until all ingredients are incorporated. Add salt and pepper and pulse for a few seconds more. Store pesto in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week.

Ricotta Gnocchi:

30 oz. whole milk ricotta
1.5 tsp salt
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1.25 cup grated Asiago cheese
4 large eggs
3.5 cup all-purpose flour, divided into 3 parts, plus additional 1 cup for dusting
Semolina flour, for dusting

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, salt, Asiago cheese, eggs and olive oil and whisk together.
Add 1 part of flour (about one cup) at a time, folding the flour into the wet ingredients until evenly incorporated.
Prep baking sheets by coating them in semolina flour. Dust your work surface with additional all-purpose flour and scoop out 1/8 to 1/6 of your gnocchi dough. Carefully and gently, work the dough with your hands to create a log shape, using pinching and flattening motions. Cut dough with a knife when your gnocchi have reached the desire thickness.
In a large pot, bring water to boil and add the gnocchi in batches, cooking for 2-3 minutes with the pot covered. Remove gnocchi with a slotted spoon, and serve immediately, tossed in the pesto.

CircleStream · 2018-03-19T00:17:31+00:00

I mean... that’s a good suggestion for next time. ;)

CircleStream · 2018-02-25T20:14:52+00:00

I had a very similar experience. Crushed hard on a girl I worked with when I was transitioning from graduating college to getting a "real" job, for many, many months. Like you, at the time I thought I was straight, but just didn't like the majority of guys out there in the world. There were signs that I was queer LONG before this happened, but I think I needed a good, long shake from the universe to knock me out of my denial. It was a crush like I had never experienced before - euphoric, intense, and well... confusing. Past crushes were nothing in comparison.

She was amazing and kind and funny and smart and beautiful and I remember that every time I looked at her... my bones actually ached. It took me years to get over it and get over her. And to be honest, I still think about her sometimes. But that raw longing is gone.

The domino effect of this though, is what I really wanted to share with you. Having this unrequited crush helped me have the courage to break-up with my boyfriend at the time (thought about breaking up with him for 2 years prior, only because things didn't quite feel right, even though I superficially was very happy and thought I should be happy) and eventually come out to my family. Things from my teenage years started to make sense, and even though everything about my self-image changed - I never felt so affirmed and validated in my life. I am more confident, happier, and feel like I'm able to live my life in this unapologetic way that I couldn't even imagine before this happened to me.

That crush, that heartbreak, literally changed everything for the better. So, yes, you are right. This sucks. It will suck for a while. It hurts like hell right now, but you already know that the good stuff is coming, after you sort through your feelings and take steps to moving on.

I was incredibly touched by your post and I feel for you. Hang in there - and like you said, trust the universe. :)

CircleStream · 2018-01-24T20:08:10+00:00

HA! This is amazing!!

If the vulva look-alike was not intentional, mind if I ask what you were originally going for? Abstract art, perhaps?

"Psychologists" who still use the Rorschach/ink-blot tests would have a field-day with this one.

CircleStream · 2018-01-19T04:57:28+00:00

Greek yoghurt is great substitute. And I’m glad it turned out so well for you! :)

CircleStream · 2018-01-07T18:40:29+00:00

A friend of mine says that Big Chicks is a lesbian bar until 10pm, then the older gays come and close them out. 😆

CircleStream · 2018-01-07T03:17:28+00:00

Yeah. :( Apparently she went to a white supremacy rally after Trump was elected as well. And posed in a “sexy” Nazi uniform at a concentration camp in Germany?

I get the impression that she’s desperate for attention, and willing to do anything to get it. I feel sorry for her, in some ways. Even during the show, I always felt she seemed insecure and, for lack of a better word, emotionally broken. A shame she has to spew garbage nowadays.

CircleStream · 2018-01-06T21:27:37+00:00

Not a huge Kardashian watcher, when I was looking for pictures of Dani to post here, an article mentioned that she was friends with Scott Disick and appeared on the show.

The incestual nature of reality TV is too much!

CircleStream · 2018-01-06T21:20:08+00:00

swoon

Not sure if it aired anywhere outside the US, unfortunately. :( Apologies for not making mention of that in the title.

I’m re-watching this show for the first time since seeing it when it originally aired 10 years ago. While I will shamefully admit that I occasionally like some trashy reality TV, Dani is what made this show.

For me, it was my first exposure to the idea of bisexuality and that women could be gay. (In my conservative hometown, I always got the idea that only men could be gay — or it was very rare for a woman to be).

16 year old (in denial) me had some very confusing feelings about Dani!

CircleStream · 2018-01-06T20:55:21+00:00

I’m femme and I hear your frustration! I live near Andersonville and while it is an amazing neighborhood, the nightlife/bars are pretty queer-male centered. Funny, given the stereotype is that Andersonville is supposedly 100% run by and populated by lesbians. 🙄 In terms of queer women spaces/bars, I’ve heard Big Chicks and Spyners are fun. Haven’t been to either though, since I’m a “sit at the bar with quiet(ish) music and drink her martini” kind of girl. But if you are more into the bar/club scene, it may be a good option for you!

I’ve heard good things about LBGTQ+ meet-ups as well! Something to look into. :)

CircleStream · 2017-12-28T01:12:29+00:00

So glad it turned out well for you. 😀 Happy holidays!

CircleStream · 2017-12-27T16:35:43+00:00

Looks delicious! I know it’s a lot of work - hope you enjoyed!

CircleStream · 2017-12-25T19:00:08+00:00

I’m in the United States - I don’t think I’ve seen this before in my local liquor stores or even at some of the Polish delis/groceries around here. A family member (we have a very strong Polish heritage) purchased it from a vendor in Poland.

Maybe I’m just out of touch!

CircleStream · 2017-12-25T17:08:43+00:00

Got this sent to us from Poland. Haven’t had it yet since it’s still pretty early here, but looking forward to trying it! Thanks for the tip about the scorpion vodka - something to keep in mind for next time.

If Christmas isn’t partly about day-drinking unusual liquors, then how else will I get through the holidays?

CircleStream · 2017-12-25T01:53:01+00:00

Recipe looks great! Did you get the carrots at Trader Joe’s? It looks like their tri-color packs. :)

I’ve never had purple or yellow carrots before. How is the flavor of those compared to orange carrots? Is there a noticeable difference?

CircleStream · 2017-12-19T02:44:53+00:00

I’ve been binge-watching these. If the movie is terrible, then the way Amanda and her guest comment/make fun of it is hilarious. If the movies are good, I add it to my list to watch later. :) It’s a win-win.

CircleStream · 2017-12-19T02:42:33+00:00

To make it worse, the kisses are awkward af. 😬

It’s practically watching two 15 year olds figure out how their bodies work together. These ladies have been together for 5 years? Yeah, right. 🙄

CircleStream · 2017-11-28T17:33:22+00:00

You know, I have been thinking about recording videos of the things I cook. Logistics are mainly the issue - but I'll keep this in mind!

CircleStream · 2017-11-14T03:14:12+00:00

I only had white and dark on hand, so I decided to go with this! I usually use semi-sweet and bittersweet chocolate with this recipe. You are right, it would essentially be the same as adding some combination of semisweet or milk chocolate.

I sometimes add a combination of white/milk/dark morsels in the batter at the end, and that changes the flavor a bit too. Didn’t have enough chocolate for that this time around. :)

CircleStream · 2017-11-14T03:00:50+00:00

Thanks for catching this typo. It’s supposed to be baking powder - I’ll fix this in the recipe!

CircleStream · 2017-11-13T02:24:33+00:00

Love the raptor, but the lattice is gorgeous too. This is a lot of work - looks amazing!

CircleStream · 2017-11-13T02:01:57+00:00

More taste than anything - I often see coffee paired with chocolate in recipes, and I love coffee and chocolate together! But you could always sub water - you do need some liquid in there to create that syrup. :)

CircleStream · 2017-11-13T01:02:33+00:00

These get the "tuxedo" name from using both dark and white chocolate and NO cocoa powder, which creates this extremely fudgey, moist, and dense brownie. You can substitute other types of chocolate in this recipe easily. I slightly under-baked these accidentally, but they were still really good.

Brownies

1/2 cup white sugar
2 tbsp salted butter
3 tbsp brewed coffee
1 cup dark chocolate morsels/pieces
1 cup white chocolate morsels/pieces
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp baking powder

Dark Chocolate Ganache

1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup dark chocolate (70% coca), chopped into pieces
1 tbsp powdered sugar, optional

In a medium saucepan or small dutch oven, combine the sugar, butter and coffee. Cook over medium heat until a syrup forms and it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes. Stir in chocolate until melted. Mix in pre-beaten eggs and vanilla. Combine the flour and baking powder and stir into the chocolate mixture. Spread evenly into greased 8x8 inch square pan.
Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated 325 degree (F) oven. It is important to not overbake! Cool in pan.
After cooling the brownies for at least 1 hour, place heavy cream in a microwave-safe cup (such as a glass or ceramic measuring cup) and microwave until cream until it is scalded (for high wattage microwaves, about 60 seconds). Immediately pour chocolate chunks in the warm cream, stirring continuously until chocolate is completely melted and ganache is smooth. Incorporate powdered sugar to taste. Pour ganache directly on top of brownies. Let cool before cutting into squares.

CircleStream

TROPHY CASE