Lauren's world of useless information

Who knew there was women's wrestling?

Equestrian 3 day eventing is now exciting just because you are trying to figure out whose protest is in favor at the moment and who really has the Gold.

where are the exhibition sports for 2004?

TiVo is a good thing for getting those shows that start at 2 am or 4 am in the morning.

Why do the women in beach volleyball wear tiny bikinis, but the men wear tank tops and shorts? Do men watch the women more, really?

Where is surfing as an Olympic sport? We have sailboarding (Mistral in the sailing section).

What does the coverage for other countries look like? Does Nigeria only show the sports where Nigerians have a chance of medaling? Do Nigerians care about the Olympics compared to other things they can do in their spare time? If you are from St. Maarten, do you even watch the Olympics? Enquiring minds want to know what the rest of the world really thinks about this big event that occurs every 4 years.

Another family member is no longer among the living. Once again, the pain I feel is probably much greater than that the dead feel.

Rowing, women's softball, sailing, the equestrian stuff. All good stuff to watch and more interesting than the "dream team". I hope to catch some fencing as well.

Basically, any sport where the commentators aren't hyping the heck out of how great the USA is, is decent viewing. I just want to see excellent athletes be excellent in their sport, with good sportsmanship. I don't care what country wins.

I find myself saddened by visiting my ailing Great-Aunt. She is 88 and was healthy for most of her life, despite being a smoker.

In the past few years, not surprisingly, here health has declined. I had visited her earlier this year and she was okay, but not in good spirits. Since my Great-Uncle died 2 years ago, she has been sad. Isaw her at the hospital this week and she seemed to be in pain, frustrated by an inability to move well, and hating the food.

Once you get to a great age, it seems that things just don't work that well. I tell myself, that I won't let it happen to me, that I hope I will struggle to keep moving and doing until I die, but one never knows.

I am already mourning for my aunt, and she is still here.

is it new for you? I have recently heard about a few new bands that are getting me all excited:

secret machine
bamboo kids
grupo fantasma

Some old bands that I am interested in:

Finn Brothers (Neil and Tim Finn of Split Enz, Crowded House, and solo fame)
Cardigans
Cure
Tears for Fears

Finally, I am bummed by the recent deaths of the following musicians:
Ray Charles
Rick James
Arthur "Killer" Kane, the bass player for the NY Dolls

I have enjoyed music by all these men and I will be saddened by their absence in my musical universe

It is blueberry time and I am ecstatic. I got blueberries from Costco and I made blueberries, peaches, and mangoes, blueberries and peaches, straight blueberries, and a tart. I am going to buy more and freeze some for later as well.

Next blueberry recipes? blueberry muffins or blueberry coffee cake or blueberry crumb cake. Maybe even blueberry cobbler.

The following recipe from Gourmet is quite good and easy. This is even better when you use puff pastry dough instead of pie dough. I actually ate it without the ice cream and really enjoyed it. Go to http://www.epicurious.com/run/recipe/view?id=109658 for this recipe and others.

BLUEBERRY GALETTE WITH LEMON ICE CREAM
For lemon ice cream

1 pt superpremium vanilla ice cream
1 tablespoon finely grated fresh lemon zest
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

For galette

1 lb fresh blueberries (3 cups)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon finely grated fresh lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup plus 1 teaspoon sugar
1 (9-inch) refrigerated pie dough (from a 15-oz package)
1 tablespoon cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 large egg, lightly beaten
Garnish: grated lemon zest (optional)

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with foil and butter foil.

Make lemon ice cream:
Transfer ice cream to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave at 30 percent power at 10-second intervals until softened, about 50 seconds total. Stir in zest and juice, then thinly spread in a shallow baking pan and freeze while making galette.

Assemble and bake galette:
Stir together blueberries, cornstarch, zest, juice, cinnamon, salt, and 1/2 cup sugar in a large bowl until combined.
Unwrap pie dough and unfold onto baking sheet, then spoon blueberry mixture onto center of dough, leaving a 1 1/2-inch border around edge. Fold edge of dough over 1 inch of blueberry mixture, pleating dough, then dot blueberry filling with butter pieces. Lightly brush pastry with some of beaten egg and sprinkle with remaining teaspoon sugar.

Bake until blueberry filling is bubbling and pastry is golden, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool slightly on baking sheet on a rack.

Serve warm galette with scoops of lemon ice cream.

Makes 6 servings.
From Gourmet July 2004