Cocktails and Dinosaurs: News and Libations for the Weekend of December 9, 2016

The posts that used to be weekly, then monthly, and now it's a struggle to get one in a year.  After a weak showing for VeganMofo which I blame mostly on Trump and cabinet appointments that should come with a trigger warning, I'm back with a list of this week's news that I will attempt to make not completely shitty and a tasty cocktail to take the edge off.

• The first official trailer for Spiderman: Homecoming is finally here.  7.7.17 - Who's coming with me?
  
• What about Bob?...cats and wolves.  Illinois is trying to bring back bobcat hunting and Michigan is trying to bring back wolf hunting.
  
  In Illinois: "The state banned bobcat hunting in 1972 and placed the species on its threatened list from 1977 to 1999." (via Chicago Tribune)
  In Michigan: A bill was approved "...that would allow a commission to designate wolves as a game species if they are ever removed from the federal endangered species list." (via The Detroit News)
  
  In both cases, there are a bunch of gun toting Elmer Fudd's waiting to kill an animal we just saved.  I don't have time for this!  We just elected a pussy-grabbing monster who believes climate change is a hoax for president.  We're all going to be on the endangered species list soon.
  
  To help the bobcats, there is no shortage of internet petitions and activists in Illinois are applying for the bobcat hunting permits with no intention of using it (story here).
  To help the wolves in Michigan go to http://keepwolvesprotected.com/ (associated with the HSUS) or tweet at the governor like Kristen Bell and remind him about Flint while you're at it.
  (If you have more information about what we could do to help these animals or other states nipping at the bit to kill off another endangered animal, please share!)

Dear MI Gov Rick Snyder @onetoughnerd: Michiganders have soundly rejected trophy hunting of wolves-Pls oppose SB 1187 & keep them protected.

— Kristen Bell (@IMKristenBell) December 9, 2016 

• Time Magazine names Trump "Person of the Year" and after four hours of scream crying Jezebel posted this delightful analysis of the photo quelling my scab-covered, bruised, and broken heart.  So I ask myself, how did I get here? And there's no way he could turn this honor into something misogynistic, right?

Trump is now complaining about being named Time's "Person of the Year": "Who would rather have it be the Man of the Year?" pic.twitter.com/9Id0zGExbX

— Colin Jones (@colinjones) December 9, 2016

• Oh fuck... sorry.  Aren't you glad I started with the Spiderman trailer?  That was good stuff.
   
• Injustice Boycott.  Sign up now.  It's like an advent calendar except instead of eating a piece of chocolate everyday, you send a tweet @ a politician, share an article or donate money to a worthy cause and that's just one week in.
  
• Tyson Foods, which according to Wikipedia is the world's largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef, and pork and annually exports the largest percentage of beef out of the United States, has launched a $150 million venture capital investment in meat substitutes.  (via myveganjournal.com)  
  

Cocktail of the Week:  Hard Apple Cider Fall Cocktail with Smoked Sage (recipe courtesy of Chic Vegan)

This cocktail is a delectable boozy blend of gin and hard apple cider.  I didn't know I could smoke sage until making this cocktail and I fully intend to continue.  What else could smoked sage enhance?  Martini?  Mac 'n' "Cheese"?  Hot Chocolate?  Sky's the limit!

Email that crap out of us @ monicatara[at]gmail.com.  Or just comment here!  We love you and we want feedback and cocktail ideas!

Cocktail and Dinosaurs: News and Libations for the Weekend of May 15, 2015

The posts that were intended to be weekly, but now struggle to be annual and yet still only focus on one week worth of news.  


(via The Horror of Truant!)

• This week all the major broadcast TV networks have been announcing all their new shows as well as some cancelled shows.  Some of the cancellations are sad, others I wish had happened sooner {{cough}} Two and a Half Men {{cough}} Here are some highlights, but for a more comprehensive list go here:  
• DC comics continues it's take over of CW programming by adding DC's Legends of Tomorrow, which will bring back Arrow's Sara Lance (played by Caity Lotz) as the White Canary.  (Here's the trailer.)  Rip Hunter, the Time Master, from East London and the future?  I'm not very familiar with DC comics, but that sounds very close to Time Lord, I'm getting a serious Doctor Who vibe here.  (I'm just saying if they all climb into a Police Box to travel through time, I'm calling bullshit on this show.)  DC, I'm watching you.
• CW is also adding the show, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, which the second I heard the name I was all like 'How dare you call her crazy?,' but I watched this trailer here and it looks like it could potentially be a good show.  You know, if you into musicals and women being awkward, which I am.  
• Supergirl, another DC character, is being added to CBS's schedule.   I got a little nervous at the beginning of the trailer that it might be a little Smallville meets The Devil Wears Prada.  We'll see.
• CBS also has a Doc Dram (Doctor Drama) called Code Black, with Luis Guzman, so it will probably be great and a couple half hour comedies with no perceivable laugh track (Bravo, CBS!  Seriously), Life in Pieces and Angel from Hell.
• ABC is bringing back The Muppets and Ken Jeong is getting his own show, Dr. Ken, where he plays a doctor.  Not too sure about Dr. Ken, since they open the trailer with a fat shaming joke.
• FOX has Lucifer, another comic book inspired character from DC/Vertigo, which I'm really excited about, just watch the trailer, tell me if I'm crazy.  There is also a Minority Report show that takes place post Tom Cruise.  
• NBC is bringing back Heroes with Heroes Reborn, Zack Morris finally comes back to NBC in People are Talking and is married to the Coach's girlfriend (New Girl reference).
• Speaking of TV shows, Hannibal Season 3 starts June 4th.
• Have you ever wonder what Snoop Dogg thought of Game of Thrones?  (via Jezebel)  Here's a link with a video that proves that Snoop was right and it is based on real life.
• Disclaimer:  I'm a Jem girl.  Exciting adventure, fashion, and fame!  Once you're a Jem girl, you're never the same.  Come on!  I saw the trailer for the live action movie and I'm going to rant about it.  Keep in mind, I've only seen a 2 minute and 29 second trailer and all of my comments based on speculation. Alright, let's talk about Jem and the Holograms, "The Movie".  The first sign there was trouble, Christy Marx, the creator was shut out of having any involvement in the movie. (via Comics Alliance)   She didn't just create and write for Jem and the Holograms, she was also writer for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle and G. I. Joe.  Yeah, that's right, two other pieces of my youth Hollywood is dead set on destroying.
  
  Let just talk about the trailer.  I'm excited to see Molly Ringwald and Juliette Lewis.  That's cool.  Where are the fucking Holograms?  Seriously, what make this any different from the plot of Hannah Montana.  It's like they found a script and appropriated it for Jem, except not enough because in 2 minutes and 29 seconds I don't see much of the source material coming through other than names and makeup.  Where is the awkward love triangle between Jem, Jerrica, and Rio?  Why doesn't Rio have purple hair?  Where are The Misfits?  There songs were better and they always had plots that involved putting orphans in danger.  Where are all the orphans?  Synergy is referenced, they did that much, but I can't imagine how they will work in "the ultimate audio/visual entertainment synthesizer" into a plot that looks like it focuses heavily on a group of teenage best friends torn apart by fame.  Let's just hope Zack Attack, I mean, Jem and the Holograms get back together in the end.  Where are the magical star shaped earring I always dreamed of having?  Where's fucking Synergy?
  
  
  I could be 100% wrong about this, it could just be the way they edited the trailer.  This trailer does NOT look truly outrageous.
• Wow! (via Owen Wilson or Owenergy Studios)
• Pitfall! by Activision (via kottke.com)
 

Cocktail of the Week: Margaritas 3 ways courtesy of The Edgy Veg

I recently discovered the existence of something called a Frito Pie and while googling "Vegan Frito Pie" found The Edgy Veg with a bunch of fun vegan cooking video.  Enjoy!

Email that crap out of us @ monicatara[at]gmail.com.  Or just comment here!  We love you and we want feedback and cocktail ideas!

Cocktails and Dinosaurs: VeganMoFo 2014 Week #3

The posts that I had once hoped would be weekly that I now struggle to keep bi-annual.  Check out this list of crap I found on the internet.

• Are Meatless Mondays part of the liberal agenda?  Probably.  Also, if you have some time to kill search "liberal agenda" on the Fox News website.  I just learned a bunch about feminism and I am outraged.  (Note: Meatless Mondays are not "brainwashing" your kids.  You do not need to eat meat at every meal every day to be healthly.  Quite the opposite.  New Flash!  Vegetables are actually good for you.  Who's up for Vegan Vednesdays!!!!!)
  
• Well, this t-shirt exists and now I need it!!  (via veganpizzafuckyeah.tumblr.com)
  
• Speaking of veganpizzafuckyeah.tumblr.com, they have coupons for Beyond Meat.  Boosh!
  
• Even after NYC is voted the most vegan-friendly city in the nation with vegetable skyline and all, we are in danger of losing Angelica Kitchen, who has been serving vegetarian food in the East Village since 1976.  Stop what you're doing and go eat at Angelica's!!!
  
• Do you like plants?  How about Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy?  Would you like to text Groot?  Because you can.  (via CBR)  I wonder if he's on twitter.  #obviously
  
• Ways to make your tofu taste more like meat. #veganvednesdays (via The Daily Meal)

I'll just put this here:

(via Jezebel)


Cocktail of the Week:  Blushing Bride

Tara made this incredibly sweet cocktail for us the night before our good friends got married, that's why we have the wedding theme.

Congratulations Shaun & Leila!

Email that crap out of us @ monicatara[at]gmail.com.  Or just comment here!  We love you and we want feedback and cocktail ideas!

Cocktails and Dinosaurs: VeganMoFo 2014 Week #1

Semi-regular posts from a blog that some people might say teased a taco crawl post and then disappeared for almost a year.  More on that taco crawl later.

• VeganMoFo is back!!!  Check out the 2014 blogroll here.
  
• Do you know how to eat sushi?  This video is pretty interesting if you ignore all the fish stuff. (via kottke)
  
• Dunkin' Donuts is introducing almond milk and that's not all!  If you tweet or instagram with #almonDDmilk, you are entered to win $100 or $500 gift cards.  Read more here.  #almonDDmilk #wherearemyvegandonuts #veganmunchkinswouldbecooltoo (via The Daily Meal)
  
• Check out the SNACKPOCALYPSE trailer on Funny or Die, which proves the importance of a plant-based diet within the structure of a parody of a YA novel based movie.  (via Jezebel)
  
• 12 daily struggles only a vegan will understand.  This is a good list.  Although, number #8 has never happened to me.  I guess my friends aren't monsters.  Apparently #veganprobs is a thing.  #hashtagthat  #forreal #thisisnotgettingold
  
• In animal rights news, Unilever is pledging money to research ending the horrible practice of the egg production industry of grinding up little male chick because they don't produce eggs.  Although I'm glad that they are trying to end the inhumane disposal of fluffy little baby chicks, I'm troubled by the thought of people using this to feel better about eating eggs.  Even outside of the hatchery, there are plenty of problems with the egg industry.  Why don't they use their money to research egg substitutions?  (via The Daily Meal)

Cocktail of the Week:  This thing.  I'm not sure what it's called.  It's an evening worth of drinks in one glass.

What's in there?  It's a fruity frozen margarita, an extra shot of tequila, and an inverted bottle of Corona.  I can feel my mom shaking her head as I type this.


Email that crap out of us @ monicatara[at]gmail.com.  Or just comment here!  We love you and we want feedback and cocktail ideas!

Cocktails and Dinosaurs: News and Libations for the Weekend of May 17, 2013

Semi-regular posts made to remind you this blog still exists.  I'm serious.  We're still here.


(via EV Grieve via Bobby Williams)

• The entire new season of Arrested Development finally premieres on Netflix May 26th.  Want to know the moment it's added to Netflix?  Just text ANN to 619-EGG-VEAL.  I'm not kidding.
  
  In ANNticpation of the new season, the Bluth Banana Stand has been making the rounds to Big Britain, New York, and pretty soon LA.  Check out some pictures from the Nevernude meet up at the Big Yellow Joint yesterday in Times Square (Buzzfeed).
  
  Throwing a Arrested Development Season 4 viewing party?  Need food ideas?  There are literally dozens of websites talking about this.  Pinterest!  HuffPo.  Food Republic.  BluthFamilyReunion.
  
  Oh yeah!  Watch the Trailer for Season 4 while you're waiting!
• Speaking of great shows coming back, according to Entertainment Weekly, the IT Crowd is coming back for a 40-minute finale special!!!!!  AAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
  
  Between The IT Crowd, Arrested Development, and Veronica Mars all coming back, I'm in constant state of jubilation and tears (of joy, of course).
• Marshmallow, Marshmallow.
  
  
  New York cops, firefighters, &c refer to hipsters as marshmallows because they're soft and white.  Sure, there are other forms of hate speech we should be addressing, but it's a funny video.  I am now official obsessed with John Roberts (aka Linda Belcher from Bob's Burgers) YouTube channel.
• Here's a great article on why we should care more about slut-shaming.  Read it!! (Jezebel)
• The X-Men Made Me A Feminist.  Hell yeah!!!!
• Stay tuned to our tumblr page because we will be posting awesome vegan food and beverage photos all weekend!!!!!!!

Cocktail of the Week:  Aviation

The Aviation is made with gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, and creme de violette served straight up with a cherry.  These are so delicious, I wish every bar made them.


Email that crap out of us @ monicatara[at]gmail.com.  Or just comment here!  We love you and we want feedback and cocktail ideas!

Cocktails and Dinosaurs: News and Libations for the Weekend of March 15, 2013

Semi weekly posts you waited nearly half a year to come back.  Maybe this time you'll leave comments!


(via hollywood.com)

According to ecorazzi, Tom Hardy is in New York City shooting, Animal Rescue.  Can this movie please just be 120 minutes of Tom Hardy snuggling a pit bull puppy?  Actually, the perfect movie would be him snuggling a pit bull puppy, then drunk Nick Nolte, then back to the pit bull puppy.

• While we're on the topic of dog actors, Lizzy, an adorable Corgi pouch, got fired from The Audience, a play she was starring in with Dame Helen Mirren*.  Lizzy apparently refused to "obey" Dame Mirren's commands.  Sources say Mirren took issue with Lizzy improvising during scripted scene. (via The Telegraph)
  *Helen Mirren, best known for her portrayal as Mrs. Tingle in Teaching Mrs. Tingle.  

Obligatory Corgi Video
(Special Thanks to Jezebel)

• Veronica Mars... wait for it... THE MOVIE!!!!  Holy Shit!  I never thought this day would come.  They have a Kickstarter and a video that makes me want to watch the entire series right now (which I am watching while blogging).  Oh yeah and they're going to start filming this summer.  I heard a rumor** that if they can collect $4 mil, Ken Marino is a definite!  Can you live in a Veronica Mars world without Ken Marino?  Neither can I!!!
  **When I say rumor, that means I made that up, but the internet can pressure Ken Marino if he's not already involved!  We can make this happen!!
• Are there visions of Armageddon 2:  Apocalyptic Boogaloo break dancing in my head or is that just Steve Tyler talking about writing a song with Taylor Swift? (via jezebel)
• Have you ever wondered why Die Hard with a Vengeance broke the Christmas theme in Die Hard?  It almost doesn't feel like a Die Hard movie at all to be honest except for the brother of Hans Gruber seeking revenge on McClane part.  Is it possible that the rumors about Die Hard 3 starting out as Lethal Weapon 4 are true?  Close... but if you want to know the truth read on.  (via comicbookresource.com)
• Do you know about JASH yet?  I mean you should know about JASH by now, it's the future of the internet, it's the new internet, it's going to make everyone whose reality is partially based in online life a lot better quality-wise.  Let's all send thank you letters to Sarah Silverman, Michael Cera, Tim & Eric, and Reggie Watt.  When I say thank you letters, I mean snail mail on personalize stationary with cute stickers on the envelope because these people care about us.  The Youtube we knew is gone, embrace JASH! (via The Daily What)
• Remember the Mark McGrath and Friends Cruise!  Essentially every band that didn't survive the 90's... right? There might be a couple more.  So that got cancelled and right now I am laughing hysterically at Mark McGrath's tweet about "that poop cruise" doing them no favors. (via BrooklynVegan)
• Justin Timberlake sung and danced his way into the hearts of every vegan with one skit on Saturday Night Live:

• Justin Timberlake - Bring It On Down 2... by IdolxMuzic
  and now there's a t-shirt!!!!!!

Cocktail of the Week:  Hot Toddy

There are too many recipes for a hot toddy on the interwebs.  The essentials are whiskey, hot water, honey (aka agave nectar or bee-free honee), and lemon.  Wild cards include tea, cloves, cinnamon sticks, etc.  When it comes to cocktails, just add what you like.  If you enjoy it, that's all that matters.  My recipe above included agave nectar, lemon juice, whiskey, a lemon slice with whole cloves, and hot water.

Email that crap out of us @ monicatara[at]gmail.com.  Or just comment here!  We love you and we want feedback and cocktail ideas!

Cocktails and Dinosaurs: VeganMoFo Edition Week 2

Semi-weekly posts dedicated to the discovery of week old news on the internet.

This was my meal tonight for watching the US Vice Presidential Debate.  Soba Noodle Soup from Wild Ginger and Pumpkin Ale.  Oh yeah, and tons of Sriracha.

• Speaking of Pumpkin Ale, I found a bunch of pumpkin ale taste tests on the internet, like on bon appetit, drinkcraftbeer.com, and The Daily Meal.  The Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale seems to be fan favorite.  I can't vouch for them yet, but give me a week.
• Pinnacle Vodka has a new flavor out just in time for the holidays.  But what kind of cocktail can you make with a Pumpkin Pie flavor vodka?  I got it!  Vegan White Russian with Pumpkin Pie Vodka.  That might be terrible, let me know.
• While we're in pumpkin season, why not make vegan pumpkin whipped cream or pumpkin hummus OR a pumpkin keg.  Pumpkin Keg!  Okay, it's more of a pumpkin beer trough, but PUMPKIN KEG sounds so much cooler.
• David Lynch has released his own signature limited edition Dom Perignon, The Power of Creation.  For the low low price of $150 US you can become the proud owner of your very own Lynchian Champagne filled with non-linear flavor structures and bubbles that defy logic with their own dark mystical behavior.
  Dom Perignon is vegan!  So the real question is, do I really need a new winter coat or should I buy a bottle of champagne I probably won't understand until I've drank it three or four times?
• Hey Al Gore!  I think James Cameron just called you a fraud.
  "'You can’t be an environmentalist, you can’t be an ocean steward, without truly walking the walk,' said Cameron, 58. 'And you can’t walk the walk in the world of the future, the world ahead of us, the world of our children, not eating a plant-based diet.'" (via The Examiner)

• The Cinnamon Snail's Adam Sobel shares vegan cooking tips on Ecorazzi.  Get advice about everything from "how to prepare a bad ass tofu" to vegan frosting.

Korean Sausage and Potato Special from the Cinnamon Snail

Cocktail of the Week:  Aviation

I had this cocktail at Gallow Green located on the roof of the McKittrick Hotel, home of the "long-running interactive theater hit Sleep No More". (via New York Mag)  The Aviation cocktail is made with gin, creme de violette, lemon juice and a maraschino cherry and has made me change my opposition on gin.

Send any news tidbits and cocktails ideas to: monicatara[at]gmail.com

Cocktails and Dinosaurs: News and Libations for the Weekend of June 8, 2012

Semi-monthly posts that remind you of the news you already read on the internet this past week.  This week's post is mainly a vain attempt to make Tara look bad because her last post was in March!







(via The Daily Meal)
I'm not saying anything about the Queen's Jubilee, but here's a Corgi pissing on Marmite.

• Welcome to Summer!  Time to jump into pee-filled pools to escape the heat.  Oh yes, I said 'pee-filled' and you know it's true.  Jezebel talks to one of these pee-ers to get their perspective.  It's a good read.
• Burning Love is an awesome new web series.  If not, not awesome. (You'll get that joke when you see episode 3, I'll excuse your ignorance.)  Take a couple people from The State (i.e. Ken Marino and Michael Ian Black) add Ben Stiller, Jennifer Aniston, Veronica Mars, Chang from Community, and a bunch of other funny talented people and you get an excellent show.  Honestly, if you haven't watched it already, I give up!  I'm sorry I didn't mean that, I love you. (btw, most of those links are to the Ellen show)
• A double rainbow graced Manhattan this past Sunday. A double frackin' rainbow! (via EV Grieve)
• The internet loves Michelle Obama's Top Ten on David Letterman so you should probably just watch it.
• Full Disclosure:  I have never seen MTV's The Jersey Shore.  However, being from New Jersey, I am pretty sure watching a parody of that show get attacked by sharks has to be somewhat satisfying.  You can watch the trailer to the SyFy (because that's how we spell science fiction now) channel movie, Jersey Shore Shark Attack here.  
• My mom and her sisters used to always talk about how much they loved playing with paper dolls.  I used to think, "Gee, that sucks.  All my dolls are in 3D."
  Anyway, the 'forever looking forward but in a backwards direction' folks at Vulture created Girls (on HBO) paper dolls.  Now you can recreate your favorite parts of the first season in the privacy of your own home!  All you need is a color printer, some scissors, and your imagination.  See also Downton Abbey and Ron Swanson paper dolls.  (via Jezebel)
• Did you love the movie Drive?  Did you think to yourself, "I wish Byran Cranston (who starred as Shannon in Drive) would interview the director of this fine movie."?  Well, part of your wish came true today because I have an excerpt of Nicolas Winding Refn being interviewed by Bryan Cranston.
• Have you been keeping tabs on the casting of the CBGB Movie?  It's exciting!
  
  

Cocktail of the Week:  Manhattan

My first introduction to the Manhattan cocktail was from The Simpsons Season 3 Episode 4 (Bart the Murderer).  I was searching for a clip of Bart Simpson mixing his first Manhattan, but the internet is fickle today.  Anyway,  I got this one at B-side in the East Village of Manhattan and it was superb!  Here's one recipe I found online and here's the "Real" Manhattan according to the NY Times.  Have fun with it, just make sure you don't get arrested for being the leader of a murderous criminal syndicate after you have mastered the art of making a Manhattan.

Send any news tidbits and cocktails ideas to: monicatara@gmail.com

Cocktails and Dinosaurs: News and Libations for the Weekend of May 25, 2012

Semi-regular posts that when I fail to publish on a weekly basis Tara tells me, 'it's okay maybe next week'.

(via thecolorless.net)

• Rumor has it Prince William isn't too fond of the Queen's Corgis  ...because they bark all the time?  Corgis are herding dogs that are loyal, obedient, even-tempered, confident, love to dress up in costumes, live in the sewers whilst fighting crime and eating lots of pizza.  Sounds like the perfect dog to me, WILLIAM!
  
  I should mention that the Queen also has four Dorgis...  What's a Dorgi?  Any reasonable person would ask that question.  It's a Corgi/Dachshund mix.  And I know what you're thinking, that's silly because they both have short legs.  (This information was obtained from Wikipedia)
• "First, I shall stop going to the vet.  Next, I shall take over the world.  Stupid Humans, BOW TO ME!!!" (Click here to see our new feline leader)
• Have you ever wonder what it would be like to have an Ice Cream Dad?  It's a lot like having a human dad.
• "Siri, do you think conditioning air is oppressive?"  (Zooey Asks Siri Twitter Feed)
• Let's rewind for a second.  Wolf Parade went on an indefinite hiatus since May of last year.  Last week, Handsome Furs announced on their facebook page that they were no more.  (For those who don't know, Dan Boeckner is in both of these bands.)  So all hope is lost... right?  NO.  Because early this week news comes out about a new Dan Boeckner band called Divine Fits with Britt Daniel (Spoon) and Sam Brown (New Bomb Turks).  If anyone wanted to see me dance for joy, that was the moment and you missed it.
• Random Celebrity News:  Adrian Grenier is selling beer (and the ladies love it), Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor are VEGAN (which means I like them more than you), and Jackie Chan isn't doing action movies anymore (it's time for more serious acting roles).
• Have you been wondering where The Melvins were this week?  Me Too!!!  We're like twins!

• So as of 2011, the name Tara ranked 877th in popularity with the Social Security Administration and strangely enough the name Taraji ranked 795th.  Now... how is it that the name Taraji became more popular than the name Tara?  As I was pondering this, a bit of news drew my attention.  This bit of news involves Tara Reid and 60 year old man... 
• If you live anywhere by New York, you have felt the gloomy overcast rain rain rain rain weather we've been having and for everyone where ever you are, please play this song because it's perfect (especially on the mornings when you just want to lay in bed all day):

• This is for Adam.  It's the "Call Me Maybe" Supercut video everyone was waiting for.  (via The Daily What)
• Please Save the Cakeshop

Cocktail of the Week:  Jack Rose

This cocktail consists of applejack brandy, grenadine, and lemon or lime juice (personally I prefer lime).  Jake Barnes drinks this cocktail in The Sun Also Rises and I'm always inclined to choose the drink of a fictional character.

Send any news tidbits and cocktails ideas to: monicatara@gmail.com

Cocktails and Dinosaurs: News and Libations for the Weekend of January 27, 2012

Semi weekly posts that cover quasi-relevant news in list form.  

Disclaimer:  I had planned to post some stuff three weeks ago, so you will find stuff that is as old as the Shit People Say Fad.

• The Puppy Bowl recently posted the starting line-up of poochie pies* and they are as adorable as usual.  I hate to say this, but Fonzi reminds me of a girl I went to high school with.
  Anyway, thanks to Animal Planet, most of us don't have to waste our night watching the Super Bowl and we get something to talk about with our friends the next morning. 
• However, there is a new referee this year and I think we all need to discuss this because this affects all of us.  What happened to Andrew Schechter?  He was with us through Puppy Bowls IV, V, VI, and VII and now we have Dan Schachner, whose last name is eerily similar.  I don't know if I'm comfortable with this...  What does "Dan"even know about personal fouls?(*poochie pies is a term Tara uses to refer to dogs of any age).

• Speaking of adorable things, is there anything cuter than a 7-year-old boy imploding an old granary (thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation)?  He says that watching Mythbusters inspired him to want to blow up buildings.  You know, I never thought about it before, but that show does leave me with a desire to destroy something. (via Videogum)

• Need even more cuteness?  How about this video compilation of Great Danes being scared by things like garden hoses and kitties?  Try not to go straight to petfinder looking for local rescues to bring home... I dare you! (via The Daily What)
  
• Bryan Lee O'Malley (cartoonist, best known for the Scott Pilgrim series) has recently joined the Tumblr community where he's been posting artwork including 'some roughs' from his upcoming book "Seconds" so you should follow him.
  
• If you follow Simon Pegg or Edgar Wright on twitter than you know that they are working on a new project.  Looks like it might be awhile...
  
  
• Have you been sitting at home wondering how you can get all the Ron Swanson GIFs onto one page on the internet?  Well... wonder no further because you ask, and Funny or Die delivers.
  
• Need more GIFs!  Tara and I downloaded a GIF camera app for iPhone and now we're making GIFs of everything.  Check out Tara's dancing skills.
  
  
• If you are anything like me, you are wondering what the next project is for the horse from War Horse.  Watch a clip of his new film in this interview with Inconsiderate Cell Phone Man (Rob Huebel) and Trent Hauser (Paul Scheer)

Rob Huebel and Paul Scheer Interview The War Horse from Paul Scheer

Recipe of the Week:  Roasted Vegetables with Lemon-Cannelini Sauce

My mom informed me that Brussels Sprouts are the new Kale.  In light of this new information, I decided to choose a recipe that had Brussels Sprouts for this week.  Enjoy!


Cocktail of the Week: Old Fashioned

According to Wikipedia, an Old Fashioned is a mixture of 12 parts American Whiskey, 1 part Simple Syrup, and 1-3 dashes Angostura Bitters.
"In an old-fashioned glass, add bitters to simple syrup and stir. Add about 1 ounce of whiskey and stir again. Add two cubes of cracked, but not crushed, ice and top off with the rest of the whiskey. Twist lemon peel over the top and serve garnished with the lemon peel and a maraschino cherry." 

It's also really good with an orange peel.

Send any news tidbits and cocktails ideas to: monicatara@gmail.com

Cocktails and Dinosaurs: News and Libations for the Weekend of September 23, 2011

Semi irregular posts meant to distract you from your regularly scheduled facebook stalking with unless information you heard about earlier this week.

Twitter / @GeorgeTakei: Everyone calm down about n ... via kwout

• Rumor has it Snoop Dogg will be starring as the father in a family sitcom. 
  (For some reason, this news reminded me about the spinach episode of Cookin' with Coolio.)
  
• Earlier this week Steve Martin tweeted some Oscar advice to Eddie Murphy who will be hosting the 2012 Oscars. 
  (I know it may seem as though I'm spending all my time on twitter and I am.)

• R.E.M. broke up this week.  (via Pitchfork) 
  
• Outtakes from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia from Season 6.  And have you seen any of season 7 yet?  Holy shit!  Watch it now!

Twitter / @joelmchale: The Vampire Diary isn't a ... via kwout

That's it, buster, no more military aide. 

One of the greatest parts of the movie Robocop is the commercials.  Thankfully someone has assembled them on youtube to enjoy at your leisure. (via Marginal Revolution)
BONUS:  Korean Robocop commercial for fried chicken

Twitter / @joelmchale: Tonight on Big Bang Theory ... via kwout

Have you seen the season premiere of Community yet?

Twitter / @joelmchale: Simon Cowell has not trimm ... via kwout

Tom Selleck's moustache making the world a better place. (via kottke.org)

Terrible Movie Idea of the Week:The Origin Story of Kuato from Total Recall

Kuato, giving dads the perfect Halloween option when they can't find a babysitter since 1987.


I take it back.  This is a great movie idea.

Recipe of the Week: 
Chimichurri Quinoa Stuffed Artichokes  (Excellent step-by-step photos)
While listening to episode 88 of  the podcast for Our Hen House, I heard them mention quinoa stuffed artichokes.  It sounds delightful and I need to make this immediately.

Cocktail of the Week:
Fresh brewed coffee with a splash of Pinnacle Whipped.

This cocktail help Tara and I get through our last blog-a-thon.  With the Silk creamer, this libation would probably work even without the flavored variety of vodka, but it has introduced me to the world of spiked coffee.  It just occurred to me, I need to get some of that Soyatoo whipped topping, that would makes this perfect.

Send any news tidbits and cocktails ideas to: monicatara@gmail.com

Cocktails and Dinosaurs: News and Libations for the Weekend of September 2, 2011

Quasi-regular posts that involve me skimming through my google reader and regurgitating it in list form on the blog.  Honesty hurts...


It's back to school time, so here's one of my favorite moments from Freaks and Geeks.

• I found myself checking out IMDB (internet movie database) to see what Nicolas Cage was up to because what else do you do when you're stuck at home during a hurricane.  I cannot believe I missed the chance to see Nicolas Cage in 3D!
  I have safely added Drive Angry to my Netflix queue, and mark my words, the next time I get the opportunity to see Nicolas Kim Coppola in all three dimensions of space, I will take it.  

• Milla Jovovich recently put up on twitter the new trailer for her upcoming movie, The Three Musketeers.

• Daryl Hannah was arrested earlier this week in Washington D.C. for protesting an oil pipeline from Northern Canada to the Gulf Coast of the USA.  Watch a clip of Daryl speaking out against this pipeline very eloquently to the likes of Bill O'Reilly.
  In lighter Daryl Hannah news, according to the database (of movies), which is located on the very same internets that blog 'scuse me? resides, a Kill Bill 3 is in the works?!?!?!

• Finally, a place to get vegan stock photos.  Vegistock becomes a reality. (via quarrygirl)

Items I found on Videogum:

• A promo for the upcoming season of Community.

• ABC is working on a 90's girl band sitcom... Be afraid, maybe.

• A Marilyn Manson video directed by Shia Laboeuf (NSFW). 
  However, did you know that Jude Apatow discovered Shia Laboeuf (this is a rumor I want to start!!!  Go with it!!)?  Here's Shia on an episode of Freaks and Geeks.  

Isn't that amazing how I took this thing full circle and bought us all back to Freaks and Geeks?  Have I mentioned that I like that show?


Terrible Movie Idea of the Week:
Speed 3: Savory Revenge... This time there's a bomb on the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile!

Recipe(s) of the Week:
Who needs those stupid seasoning packs with WAY too much sodium?  Do more with your ramen!  I also like to make ramen with a quick peanut sauce, except I use agave instead of sugar and add a little hot sesame oil.  If you're feeling festive, add some chopped cilantro and/or peanuts.
...and for dessert, take the phyllo dough (you bought to make something awesome but than forgot about it in the freezer) and make these cute peanut butter and jelly cigars.

Cocktail of the Week:  Hurricane (too soon?)

Hurricane with rebellious lime wedges

 As per Emeril Lagasse's recipe on the Food Network website, a hurricane consists of 2 ounces light rum, 2 ounces dark rum, 1 ounce grenadine or passion fruit syrup, 1 ounce fresh orange juice, 1 ounce fresh lime juice or sour mix, one teaspoon superfine sugar, an orange wedge for garnish and one hell of a headache when you wake up.

As usual, we want/need your feedback, we cannot do this without you guys.

Send any news tidbits and cocktails ideas to: monicatara@gmail.com

Cocktails & Blog-A-Thon Mania!

The last time we tried to do a blog-a-thon, It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown was on and fun size candy bars were $5.00 US a bag. Since the blog has been a little quiet lately and a heatwave has blanketed the northeastern region of the United States, we decided to set the A/C to tundra and sip some cocktails while we narcissistically rant about the really lame t-shirt that Beiber wore yesterday.

So sit back and relax, while we continue to stab pop culture in the neck right before your very eyes.

Lovingly yours,

blog 'scuse me?

Cocktails and Dinosaurs: News and Libations for the Weekend of July 15, 2011

Semi monthly posts that pose as weekly posts in an attempt to receive more hate mail.

"Touch my seitan again and I'll stab you in the throat. That's my protein source motherfucker!!" #VeganThugLifeless than a minute ago via Twitter for iPhone Favorite Retweet ReplyAziz Ansari
azizansari

So #VeganThugLife seems to be trending on twitter this week.

There best not be casein in this soy cheese!! #VeganThugLifeless than a minute ago via Twitter for iPhone Favorite Retweet ReplyAbel Arias
Abelg81

...and I just couldn't be happier!

What are people pissed off about this week:

• Netflix released their new plans starting September: charging everyone more for the same service. Netflix, you're starting to sound like a cable company.

• Emmy Nominations for 2011 are out and everybody is talking about who got snubbed like The Daily Beast, Amy Poehler, and many more (I'm sure - I haven't looked into it).
  
  (photo via fujiidom)
  I know I don't have TV, but Matt LeBlanc has a show? Has anyone seen this "Episodes" they speak of?
  

• Corgis are assholes! What's wrong with Steely Dan?

What you should be excited about:

• Nickelodeon brings back the 90's starting July 25th at Midnight! (Obligatory Double Dare Video)
  
  
• In other unrelated Nickelodeon news, if you didn't already know, Michelle Obama, our first lady, will make a guest appearance on iCarly. And if you didn't already know, I'm a HUGE fan of iCarly.
  
  
• Could copyright laws someday be extended to monkeys, if they are responsible for the work in question? Monkeys copyrighting their own work? "It's a mad house! A mad house!"(kottke.org)
  
  
• Austra is on tour! See interview and tour dates on BrooklynVegan. Listen at CBC Radio 3.
  

Harry Potter Fans (I didn't forget about you!):

• Need a quick refresher on Harry Potter before seeing the 7th movie? Look no further! These cats can sum it up for you in under 90 seconds. (The Daily What)
  
  
• Need some vegan treats before the movie? Go to Dumbledore's Vegan Army for recipes like Chocolate Covered Pretzel "Wands", Dumbledore's Gay Cake, and Butterbeer Sandwich cookies. Yummo!
  

MY NEW "OF THE WEEK":
Terrible Movie Idea of the Week:
Freddy Vs Jason meets Total Recall and I'll call it...
Jason's Total Nightmare: The Return of Quaid

Recipe of the Week:
Coconut Curry Sweet Potato Fries with Chili Coconut Fry Sauce, Pickle Fries, and Sesame Lie Sweet Potato Fries - Awesome, simple recipes with freezer section french fries.

Cocktail of the Week: White Russian

I had this at Vegan Drinks in NYC right before Halloween. A wonderful blend of vodka, Kahlua, and soy or rice milk. Easy enough to make at home when you're watching The Big Lebowski or maybe The Big Lebowski 2. I find myself oddly attracted to Donny in the second one.

Send any news tidbits and cocktails ideas to: monicatara@gmail.com

Cocktails and Dinosaurs: News and Libations for the Weekend of June 3, 2011

Semi weekly/monthly/whenever I feel like posts that contain the news I read during my lunch hour while being antisocial at work.


Hey look! It's the baby bullet infomercial, but it's 100x creepier. If you get a chance, watch the drunk grandma clips.

Right now, I'm really obsessed with these Christopher Boffoli photos of tiny figures on food. Remember in Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs (the book) when they sailed off to a new land and built little houses made out of sliced bread. That's kind of what this reminds me of.

This week's Cocktails & Dinosaurs is slightly different, but I barely do this so who cares. For you, this week, I shall prove that the Rapture did happen and that the end of the world is swiftly approaching this October:

Exhibit A: Michael Ian Black and Meghan McCain are co-authoring a book together. Apparently, the concept is "Chelsea Handler meets Hunter S. Thompson on a political cannonball run across America." - I don't think I read that right. Who's who and can I be Roger Moore?

Exhibit B: Fox News broke the story that Big Bird is indeed a bigot and Sesame Street is pushing a liberal gay agenda?!?! Where do I start! Is this why I'm vegan... SCANDAL! Sesame Street is turning kids into liberal gay vegans, news at 11.

Exhibit C: Sarah Palin and Donald Trump meet for "peperoni politics". (I knew he ate pizza with a knife and fork! What a ninny!) That's right, D.T., I called you a ninny, what are you going to do about it?

Exhibit D: Steve Martin is entrenched in an art forgery scandal. Am I the only one who's thinking about him as the Pink Panther right now?

Exhibit E: Dog + Balloons =Adorable Chaos Probably not a sign of the end of the world, but this will surely make you feel better about the whole thing.

I rest my case.

Recipe of the Week:
Quinoa Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing

Cocktail (and Brunch) of the Week:
Paninis and Flirtinis!

Let me introduce you to the flirtini; a wonderful blend of champagne (or sparkling wine if you're on a budget), vodka, and pineapple juice. Throw in a handful of fresh berries and it's a fantastic brunch cocktail.

Served with the Waffle, Sausage, and Cheese Panini from Alicia Silverstone's The Kind Diet.

Obscene close up on the panini. I highly suggest using Daiya cheese in this!


Send any news tidbits and cocktails ideas to: monicatara@gmail.com