Remember back when I asked you all to ask me questions so I could put them in a future post? That day didn’t quite turn out like I expected, but many of you still thought of some great questions, and I think now’s about the time that I get around to answering them. Because there were many questions, so I’m dividing them into three parts in order to keep these posts at manageable sizes. I’ll start with questions about my past…
When did you become a vegetarian? And which of the several very good reasons for doing so had the most to do with it? - Stefanie
When I was a kid, I aways wanted to be a vegetarian because it seemed cool, but when my dinner choice was eat what my parents provide, or don’t eat at all, it was hard to be strict about it. During my junior year of college, I studied abroad in London and had to cook for myself for the first time. After a disastrous attempt to make chicken (burned on the outside, raw on the inside), I decided to go vegetarian, which was easy over there where everything is labeled vegetarian or not. Ten years later, of all the things that keep me vegetarian the biggest motivation is that I like it.
(2) What made you a vegetarian?
(3) What’s your favorite book that you read last year? - Lara
(see above for #2) and The Road by Cormac McCarthy, although I technically listened to it on CD.
Here’s my question: What is your favorite 80s cartoon and why? - Courtney
I’m tempted to say “The Simpsons” because that technically started in the 80’s, but they really belong to all time, and are my favorite cartoon currently. In the 80’s, I would make time to watch “Garfield and Friends” every Saturday. It was by far and away my favorite. Nowadays, I find this kind of Garfield cartoon much more humorous than the original.
What made you decide to start swimming? - -R-
My parents put me in the pool before I could even walk, so I didn’t have much choice in the matter. But I’ve always loved it, like the proverbial fish to water. Sadly, my high school had no swim team, so I never competed until I started swimming at the Dutchess County Y and found out about the Dutchess County Masters (who actually swim at the middle school.) The rest was history!
I always ask: What was your favorite outfit in the 8th grade? - Laurel
I had a white button-down shirt that I wore with a vest that had shiny embroidery. I liked to wear it with khaki pants that I bought at Structure (which is now called “Express Men,” and does anyone else think that is a hilarious name?) I felt like a super badass when I bought pants from the men’s store.
Who do you think would win in a fight - Spiderman or Batman? If you had six months with no obligations or financial constraints, what would you do with the time? Do you have a favourite recipe from Vegan March that you could share with us? (I have a selfish motivation here.)) - Ann
- I actually know the answer to the first question from my years of dating the comic book inclined Birmingham. It’s Batman, hands down. He’s got better toys, and he’s not afraid to fight to win. Spiderman’s just a kid, and besides, DC is superior to Marvel. (The preceding opinions may actually not be mine, I was quite susceptible to Birmingham’s comic passionate ideals.)
- I’d like to say that I’d do something noble with my six months, but knowing me, I’d spend 1 month goofing off, 2 months planning something great, 2 months shopping, and 1 month trying to cram in a bunch of crap before I had to go back to a life of obligations and financial constraints.
- I do!
Carolyn’s Curried Cutlets (whoever she may be doesn’t matter, the alliteration is all that matters.)
- 1/2 brick extra firm tofu, dried
- 2 tbs flour
- 1 tsp. curry powder
- 1/2 tsp. thyme
- 1/2 tsp. cumin
- dash of salt & pepper
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1/2 lemon
- raisins!
Method:
In a shallow dish, mix flour, curry powder, herbs, salt & pepper. Lay slices of tofu into mis and coat on all sides, even the edges. In a skillet heat oil on medium-high heat. Lay tofu in the skillet and cook until browned on both sides, about 2 minutes a slice. Add raisins for 10 seconds, and remove tofu and raisins from the skillet. Squeeze lemon on finished cutlets.
I like to serve it with some kale or other dark, leafy green. Also, when eating vegan, I tend to head for the avocado often. I like to cut in in half and fill the half with salsa and have it for breakfast. Yum!
Below the jump, questions I’ll be asking next time.
I’ll answer these questions in subsequent posts…
BLOG RELATED QUESTIONS
Am I the only one who doesn’t know what Reddit is? - Stefanie
Question: Is any part of “Noelle Tannenbaum” your real name or is the whole thing made up? If the latter, how did you come up with it? - Howling Hill
Question: Who are the people in the header photograph? Who is taking the picture? - Tucker
Seriously - what’s not to like about a woman who creates a Ken Doll still motion version of The Ruins? - John
Sure makes you appreciate the “regular” commenters in this little corner of the blogsphere, doesn’t it? - Liz
Why do you blog? - RA
what is reddit? do i want to try to google that shit? - Erikka
I missed the comment extravaganza. What is going on with all the blog drama this week? - Jenn
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Seriously: are there that many people in the world who can’t tell the difference between humor and reality? - NPW
If you could have one talent that you do not have, what would you like it to be? - DOK
Okay, so here’s a question — were you to actually dine in hell, who would you want on the dinner party list? - Allie
If the guys from 300 are in your Sparta, please let me know as soon as possible. No reason… - Ben
What is the best thing about the city in which you live? Have you ever considered taking up rock climbing across the river at the Gunks (I relate everything to climbing somehow)? - Mickey
What are you reading now?
What’s your biggest pet peeve? - RA
(1) If you were a doughnut, what kind would you be? - Lara
1. What is Reddit?
2. What is your favorite book?
3. What actress would play you in a movie about your life? - Kristabella
I second the who would play you in the Noelle Tannenbaum biopic question. That’s a good one. Maybe expand on it by picking an actress for the young you and an actress for the decrepit wheelchair bound old you. - Jennifer
How do you want to be portrayed in Beej for Hire? Do you even want to be? I haven’t included the “Noelle” character yet, and I’m wondering if you have any requests. You may answer this on your own time, and not via blog, if you so choose. - Aaron
23 responses so far ↓
Kelli // April 23, 2008 at 8:53 am
I agree that The Road was phenomenal. It moved its way into my top 20 books of all time after I read it and I’ve been recommending it to everyone I can think of!
Sometimes you have to like a book despite the Oprah sticker on the front.
RA // April 23, 2008 at 8:56 am
Oh, “Garfield and Friends”! I can still sing that theme song, sad though it is. “We’re (we’re) ready (ready) to (to) PARTY! We’re ready to party, we’re ready! I hope you bring lots of spaghetti! …” I love that Garfield-less site! Oh, Jon Arbuckle. No wonder Liz the Vet never liked you.
I almost forgot about the theme song! Oh happy times when it was finally on!
Dan // April 23, 2008 at 8:57 am
You and I share a passions for books-on-CD. The Road was one of the best books I have listened to this year. The narrator was just amazing. He also did the version of No Country for Old Men that I just finished. Of course, he’s no Jim Dale, but who could be really (other than Jim Dale).
I must admit, though, that when discussing these books, I tell people that I have read them. Is that wrong?
Jim Dale is God, and there is no question about it. I feel the same way when I talk about a book that I listened to on tape. I think it gives me the ability to say “I read” it, because my head now contains the information that was portrayed in the story.
lizgwiz // April 23, 2008 at 9:00 am
I’m trying those cutlets at the first opportunity.
Oh do! And tell me what you think!
3carnations // April 23, 2008 at 9:28 am
I watched Garfield, too. I especially liked the other cartoon that was on with it…can’t remember what it was called, but it featured farm animals and a chick that wasn’t actually hatched and a duck that couldn’t swim and wore a floatation device.
Also…How did I miss the question post?
The other cartoon was called U.S. Acres. I didn’t like it at first, but then it totally grew on me. I think you missed the question post because it was the same day that I got all those insane comments. But if you want to ask me a question, fire away!
Allie // April 23, 2008 at 10:05 am
This is so much fun! And I can’t wait to try that recipe! I love it when raisins end up in food you wouldn’t think to put raisins in.
I just made kale with raisins and balsamic vinegar, and it was delish.
Aaron // April 23, 2008 at 10:25 am
Can you pretty please dig up a picture of you in eight grade rocking the embroidered vest?
(Also, Batman can beat anyone. He’s even kicked Superman’s ass.)
I will do so, next time I’m visiting my parents and can get a hold of the old photo albums.
stefanie // April 23, 2008 at 10:26 am
You get to be in Beej for Hire? Wow. Guess we all know who Aaron’s favorite blogger he’s never met is…
Also, I love Garfield Minus Garfield. Brilliant!
I also had a cameo in “Birthday of the Dead.”
stefanie // April 23, 2008 at 10:27 am
Also (also), I can’t believe the pumpkin oatmeal cookies weren’t your favorite Vegan March recipe. Those were delicious.
Oh, they were so up there as one of the favorites. But I already posted that recipe, so I wanted to chose something from the entree group.
The Modern Gal // April 23, 2008 at 10:40 am
Garfield and Friends was probably the only toon I watched regularly. I used to hate it when the barnyard scenes would come on, but I later came to appreciate the humor in those too.
Garfield Minus Garfield has made it come full circle.
I was growing away from the Garfield love until that site came along.
apollocreed // April 23, 2008 at 11:06 am
I’m quite pleased with you answer to the Batman v Spiderman question.
I’m glad that you agree. Is there any other possible answer?
Sarah // April 23, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Much love for Garfield n’ Friends.
In 8th grade, at my school, it was hip to wear your dad’s shirts. How bizarre of a trend is that?
I totally remember that! One year dad’s shirts were for art class and the next year they were for fashion.
Pam // April 23, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Is it too late to submit questions? As a fellow word nerd, I want to know (stealing from Inside The Actor’s Studio):
- What is your favorite word?
- What is your least favorite word?
And I second Tucker: Who who ARE the people in your banner picture? Enough with the teasing already!
And and, I stole your question idea for my blog. I figured it would be a way to knock out a few Friday Fives (or just posts) for a few weeks.
I actually have answered all the James Lipton questions in a previous post. You can find them here. I’ll answer Tucker’s question in the next post, promise.
erikka // April 23, 2008 at 12:48 pm
that hot 80s outfit sounds almost like one I rocked before.
Yeah, me and another girl are wearing the exact same thing in the school photo that year.
courtney // April 23, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Excellent answer on my 80s cartoon question. The Simpsons is also the answer to Best Cartoon of All Time and quite possibly Best Show Of All Time.
In the 80s, though, I was partial to the Smurfs.
I have to be honest, I never got into the Smurfs, which became a template for never getting into “Friends” as a young adult.
alexa // April 23, 2008 at 1:15 pm
i LOVE the 8th grade favorite outfit question and answer. haha
I’m assuming you did the men’s pants thing, too?
Lara // April 23, 2008 at 1:29 pm
I’m with Courtney as a Smurfs girl. Also, OMG, I thought The Road was phenomenal. I still feel my heart fall into my stomach when I think of it.
Also, your 8th grade outfit cracked me up! I, too, felt like a badass when buying pants from the men’s store. Awesome.
I would have dreams about the characters in The Road, I was that into them.
Ann // April 23, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Thanks for the recipe! For the record, I agree with you on Batman vs. Spiderman and find your reasoning sound. (Batman will totally fight dirty when it needs to be done - that’s what I like about him.)
I read ‘The Road’ around Christmas time last year and I’ve not been able to get it out of my head since. The images were just so vivid. I found the book actually excruciating to read, because I was so invested in and terrified for the father and son.
Let me know how the recipe turns out if you try it! Thanks for the question!
Kristabella // April 23, 2008 at 1:57 pm
I loved Garfield as a kid. I had the stuffed animal, watched the cartoon ALL THE TIME and so wanted to be able to drive to have that Garfield with suction cups stuck to my window. (Thankfully I grew out of that when I actually started to drive.)
That Garfield Minus Garfield blog is HILARIOUS! Poor Jon Arbuckle!
I used to read all the Garfield cartoon books when I was a kid.
Poppy // April 23, 2008 at 3:01 pm
I have starred this post so that I will remember to read it from home and make the curried cutlets. Yum!
(Look! I visited! [Mark all as read] doesn’t stop me from visiting anyway.
I’m impressed that you came here, despite marking as red! And honored…
mickey // April 23, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Wow. That’s a lot of questions.
I like your answer to the vegetarian question. That’s the best reason of all.
Yeah, it’s because of the environment, health, cost, need to be different, but most of all, it just makes me happy to not eat meat.
jennifer // April 24, 2008 at 12:46 am
Gosh Noelle! Aren’t we EVER going to agree? Batman? REALLY? Spiderman!!! His movies are cooler and his villains are better. I will give Batman the chin. Very chiseled profile - that’s HOT. But doesn’t Robin freak you out a bit?
All in good fun Noelle.
And speaking of fun, this goes hand and hand with my Thursday post. WHICH I am linking to you. You gotta know by now that I love to joke around, right?
I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you better.
Jennifer
Oh! Smurfs all the way.
Robin does ruin the equation a little (depending on which Robin, though.) But in a mano a mano fight, there’s no way Spiderman would win. He’s just a kid that got bit by a spider, but Batman worked really hard to get where he was, designing all those toys and studying the martial arts. Remember, he doesn’t actually have superpowers, and that’s what makes him superior.
Laurel // April 24, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Oh, vests!! What a wonderful fashion statement. The ones that have been trendy lately are really nothing compared to the patchwork and tapestry numbers from the late 80s-early 90s.
Leave a Comment