Carole Coleman of Irish State Broadcasting interviewed Mr. Bush, in the White House, in the summer of 2004, prior to the president's visit to Ireland. The 10 minute interview received much attention at the time for Ms. Coleman's "muscular" journalistic approach with Mr. Bush.
I revisited the interview via a radio piece with Carole Coleman in April on WNYC, New York Public Radio. Some interesting phone calls came in during the interview. It's 18 minutes long.
WNYC also has a link to the White House transcript of interview.
My wife and I had a debate about the cost of the wine I was to purchase for the evening's meal. I said "It doesn't matter. You're cooking it. Why waste money." "The recipe calls for Pinot Noir" she said. "Get Pinot Noir." "OK", I said. "But believe me it's just a waste of money." "Pick out a nice label", she said. I buy wine according to the label design. You're going to have to look at the bottle, so why not have something aesthetically appealing. I love the label of the Red Bicycle (bicyclette), a french Merlot--I think. They didn't have a Pinot Noir so I chose a rather attractive bottle from Smoking Loon Wine Company in Napa, California. Then I found a less expensive Australian wine for myself. Kelly's Revenge is a Shiraz with a delightful fruity flavor with just a suggestion of spring rain and orchids blowing in the breeze. I'm making all that up. The label says:
"Had a hard day? Stress getting to you? Packed full of ripe berry fruit flavours, this big Shiraz is perfect at the end of a long day. Kick back, relax, forget about the pressures and take revenge with Kelly. It's all about you now. Are you up to it?"
As I was leaving the store, I noticed they had this little bar set up with Absolut vodka bottles and tiny plastic cups. A very happy young woman called out to me as I passed to ask if I'd like a little sample. Now, I can't remember the last time I had vodka or scotch or any of the stronger stuff, but heck. "Why not" I said. "It's peach flavored Absolut with peach schnapps", she said, as I turned back the wee cup. "Peachy, isn't it?" "Yes", I replied. "Very peachy."
The coq au vin was the best I've ever eaten. Really. Probably had a lot to do with the wine. Just the aroma wafting from the kitchen as it slowly simmered while I sat pecking at this keyboard, wine glass at my elbow, and listening to death cab for cutie that my eldest boy thought I would like.
Summer Skin He was right. I liked them well enough to go to YouTube to hear more. What's in a name.
The last time I made coq au vin, the recipe called for whole chicken pieces--I think it must have been James Beard or Julia Child--whereas the Cook's recipe uses boneless parts. Man! What a difference. Not only is the taste superb, it requires a much shorter prep time.
Every year I promise myself not to get caught up in the frantic rush of Christmas and each year I find myself ensnared. Not unpleasantly, you understand. I've actually grown to enjoy it. ("Grown to" is an interesting phrase. I first "grew out of" and now I've "grown to".) It has become fun. When you have an eleven year old boy, how can it not be? I still grouse and complain about the commercialism and all that, but I do love Christmas. In my heart I love it. I just try not to let on.
It just occurred to me that I haven't heard Bing Crosby sing White Christmas this year. But wait. Here's a link to Elvis singing it.
When I was a kid, I dreamt a lot about a white Christmas. I don't recall that we ever had one, but it didn't matter. The dreaming was enough. Just imagining what I would do if the snow came. I was always trying to find some definitive evidence that Santa Claus existed. Reason told me it was impossible for an overweight guy in a sleigh pulled by tiny, flying reindeer to cover so much territory in one night. Still, I had no real proof that he didn't exist. A little snow on Christmas Eve would be all I needed. It would be impossible for him to get in and out of our house without leaving sleigh tracks, footprints, reindeer droppings. Some trace.
Now that I live in New York I do see a white Christmas now and then, but I've never think to check for footprints in the snow. Hmmm.
And so it was that tonight's theme became Christmas trees and lights. From Wales, Virginia, North Carolina and Louisiana.
On the West coast lives a pretty lady who also happens to be a very funny and creative in a lot of ways lady. April Winchell is her name and her blog is one of the funniest around.
I was just there and what with Christmas coming and all, I thought how cool it would be to have on hand The Night Before Christmas to play for my son on---well, er um, the night before Xmas. Please don't strike dear Lord.
And who better to read it--I would but I always fall asleep--but Jay Leno. You too can have a copy for your very own. And, numerous other holiday delights as well. Visit April and check it out. Careful you don't split a side.
Oh, by the way. If you want to find out more about Ms. Winchell go to IMDB.
