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Monthly Archives: April 2008

Serving Cafe Con Leche

24 Apr

In our Cuban family, we drink a lot of coffee

Here’s the info:

Cortadito, which in Spanish literally means “little cut”, A cafécito topped with steamed milk. It can be between 50/50 to 75/25 espresso and milk. It is similar to a cortado served in other countries, but pre-sweetened.

Café con leche, or “coffee with milk”, a cafecito served alongside a cup of steamed milk. Originally served separately the cafecito is dumped into the glass of hot milk and drunk. It is often consumed at breakfast, frequently with slices of buttered, toasted cuban bread that is dunked in theresulting “café con leche.”

Colada, 4-6 shots of cafecito served in a large cup along with small demitasse glasses. Meant to be shared.

The most important aspect of all Cuban espresso varieties is that they are sweetened while the espresso is being brewed. There is no such thing as unsweetened Cuban coffee.

 

Here I am serving George cuban espresso with “leche” and “azucar”.

 

(I should emphasize that this is NOT a tea party)

 
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Posted by on 04/24/2008 in Me and my friends, Ridiculous things I say, Stuff I'm into

 

Alligator vs. Crocodile

17 Apr

Alligator vs. Crocodile

We all know and love these guys. Here are a few you might remember: the one who ate captain hook, the lacoste logo, the Florida gators, Crocs shoes, Steve Irwin’s friends, Gali the Alligator and more. We all know how similar they are (they come from the same family Crocodilians), but here is how they differ:

Basic Facts:

  • Alligators are native to only the US and China (where there few left). Crocs are more prevelant throughout the world.
  • Alligators generally grow to 6 feet in length. Crocs up to 23ft. WOW.
  • Alligators are only found in fresh water. Crocs can stand brackish and sometimes salt water.
  • Crocodiles tend to be more dangerous.
  • Crocodile gets it’s name from the Greek meaning “worm of the stones”. Alligator comes from the spanish “Lagarto” for lizard. (Identified by Spanish Explorers in the New World)
  • Crocodiles tend to be the ones made into handbags, belts and boots. 

 

How do I tell them apart (a.k.a. impress my friends)?:

Shape of the jaw – this is the key— Alligators have wide, U-shaped, rounded snouts. Crocodiles tend to have longer, more pointed, V-shaped snouts.

Teeth— The fourth tooth (BIG) on the lower jaw sticks out on crocodiles, so you can see it when their mouths are closed. In alligators, this fourth tooth is covered up.

Quiz yourself:

 1.  Notice the nose!

2.  Again, the nose! Broad nose…

3.  Notice this guys teeth. Big tooth showing…

4.   No BIG tooth showing. And again with the broad nose…

5.   

Don’t take my word for it, I’m only 2. See for yourself:

http://www.sandiegozoo.org/animalbytes/t-crocodile.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crocodile

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-difference-between-a-crocodile-and-an-alligator.htm

http://www.vanaqua.org/education/aquafacts/crocodilians.html

Answers to quiz:

1,3,5 are Crocs, 2 and 4 are alligators.

 
2 Comments

Posted by on 04/17/2008 in Stuff I'm into

 

Yankee Doodle

16 Apr

I learned a new song this week:

Here is how I sing it:

“Yankee doodle went to town…

on a pony.

Stuck it in his hat

and called it macaroni.

 

Yankee doodle, yankee doodle,

music keep it up.

And the boys.”

 

For those of you who don’t know the song, here are the lyrics,

Yankee Doodle went to town
A-riding on a pony
He stuck a feather in his hat
And called it macaroni
Yankee Doodle, keep it up
Yankee Doodle dandy
Mind the music and the step
and with the girls be handy!
 
 
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Posted by on 04/16/2008 in Songs

 

Take me out to the ball game…

13 Apr

My first baseball game (what took so long?)

Mariner’s Stadium with its retractable roof. Click here for more info on its features. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safeco_Field#Retractable_roof

 

We had record weather for April – it was about 77 degrees and sunny – the perfect weather for the game. Needless to say, the roof was open and we were all in short sleeves.

 

It was a special evening at the Safeco Field – “Soul Patch Night” in honor or JJ Putz.

See the resemblance??

My best buddy Will (and his parents) joined us. We were speechless at the start of the game.

 

Ichiro is always fun to watch and we had great seats!

 

The stadium had a surprise for me:

 

And I sang “Take me out to the ball game” after practising for a week.

The Keigers and Megan & Zubin came too!

 

The Mariners beat the Angels – 8 to 3. The perfect end to an awesome birthday week.

 
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Posted by on 04/13/2008 in Me and my friends, Places I've been, Sports, Stuff I'm into

 

I’m a lucky boy.

13 Apr

Birthday Gifts

I’ll keep up with the neighborhood boys on my new skateboard. (Notice the cherry blossoms in bloom)

 

My new favorite things will keep me outside all summer.

Look out Tiger, here I come.

 

Some of the other things I received this year – thanks everybody!

 
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Posted by on 04/13/2008 in Family matters, Me and my friends, Stuff I'm into

 

Doctor visit

10 Apr

I discovered the bad news about being two – first, I woke up with a serious tummy ache from all the cake, fried chicken and pasta that I ate. THEN, we had to go to the doctor for my 2 year appointment. At first, all was fun, there were books and toys for me to play with while mom and the doctor talked all about me and how smart I am. I performed, sang some songs, played with the thing she stuck in my ears, said “ah” and tore the paper off the bed. The nurse came back in and pulled a GIANT needle out and gave me a SHOT. I screamed! Then they took blood from my finger. More screaming. Then a sticker. Then watching the fish in the tank. Then all was better.

I weigh 30.6 lbs – 70th percentile (woo hoo no more skinny mini)

I’m 2’11″ tall – also the 70th percentile (not the bean sprout I used to be).

My head circumference is 51 cm – off the charts.

The doctor thinks I’m brilliant, isn’t a bit worried about my lack of hair or curvey legs. Told me to brush my teeth and always wear a helmet while on my skateboard or bike.

 
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Posted by on 04/10/2008 in Family matters

 
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