More Difficult Than It Appears, + A Little Venting

Posted on 24 January 2008 under Food Blogs, Notes

JEP has left an interesting comment on my last post. One particular phrase in that comment has been brewing in my brain:

… we, as readers, think your blog posts are well-thought out before printed …

How I wish that were true.

I seldom go shopping for the express purpose of photographing and describing a particular dish for this blog. I might find something suitable, such as the Pierino frozen pastas. I might accidentally buy the wrong item, such as a pickled bologna vs. a ring bologna, and describe what happened. But unless I’m having an urge for something in particular, shopping is just … shopping.

For example, the flat-iron steak from a post from a few days ago. I’d bought one the previous week (they’re from Kroger) not having a clue what I was going to do with it. For that matter, I don’t believe I’d even seen a flat-iron steak until then. I “winged it”, plopping the finished food in front of my wife and Mr. Ottenstein.

The response was what made me go get another one for the post and photos. I figured if it’s that easy, and that good, I’d share the info.

What happens is these little spurts of thought. I used to post every day, sometimes twice a day. As my skills develop, as I try new things, as I find new things, my posts are, regretably, moving further apart.

I’m actively trying not to duplicate anything. This evening, staring at a griddle full of Eggs in a Frame, I thought it was a cool image and reached for the camera.

Nope. Can’t do it. I’ve done Eggs in a Frame to death. I put the camera back.

For you, dear reader, I struggle. Yes JEP, sometimes it’s a fierce struggle. And sometimes, it gets to the point where Mary starts offering suggestions. I don’t mind … sometimes a second set of eyes helps.

This week has been rather nasty for trying to figure out what to post. The next few days will be better. I’ll hit Bolles Harbor Café sometime tomorrow, we go to the Muskrat Dinner at the Erie VFW tomorrow evening, I’d misplaced the spicy Asian snacks from Jaden at Steamy Kitchen but found them late today, there’s a gift basket on the counter with a full Italian meal in it …

But after that? I have no idea.

Oh, till February 4th. Which reminds me …

I’d been thinking about one electronics chain this afternoon. I hadn’t been to one of their stores in almost 4 years. They’re supposed to be “experts”, but over time I’d found them to be … well … otherwise.I went looking for a camcorder microphone this afternoon. I’ll be needing one February 4th for a cooking event that I won’t describe till afterward … anyway, Best Buy wasn’t helpful for a decent camcorder microphone, and neither were the larger department and discount stores.So I headed to this other place.

Blech.

Me: “I’m looking for a suitable microphone for a camcorder.”

SalesNerd: “What kind of connector does it have?”

Ok, that’s stoopid question #1. Unless you’re dealing with pro camcorders or better Sony cameras, it’s a stereo mini plug, the same thing that’s on the end of your iPod headphone cable.

Me: “It’s a stereo mini plug.”

SalesNerd: “Is that 1/8 inch or 1/4 inch?”

Stoopid question #2. By definition, a stereo mini plug is 1/8 inch.

Me: “Ummm … 1/8 inch.”

SalesNerd: “Right this way.” [takes me to the back of the store, grabs something off the wall, and hands it to me] “Does that look right?”

Holy flurking schlidt.

In my hand was one of those narrow black plastic mics for older cassette recorders, with the bulbous fake ”chrome” mesh at the top. 10 bucks. Complete with a mono, not stereo, plug. And if memory serves, those particular plugs are about a half-a-millimeter larger than 1/8 inch.

I handed it back.

Me: “Forget it. Haven’t been in one of these stores in four years. Now I remember why. Go … go back and play with your cell phones.”

I left. There was not a word from the guy, nary a peep, as I walked through the store to the door. He was just … oblivious. Had not even the sense enough to learn the basics of what he was supposed to be selling. Probably wasn’t aware of how embarrassed he should have felt.

I think this time I’ll try for six years before my next visit. Maybe by then I might even need a cell phone.

This evening I ordered a suitable and inexpensive ($60) camcorder mic from B&H Photo/Video. Too bad I have to go all the way to NYC for something so simple.

Read Comments

  1. 25 January 2008 @ 6:43 pm Posted by JEP

    Dave, this probably sounds a little corny but…I like you just the way you are! Your readers are here to support your blog no matter which way it may ebb & tide! Keep us “posted”!

  2. 26 January 2008 @ 2:22 pm Posted by Dave

    Thanks Janis! :-D

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