Only 20 light years away

This is just so cool.  Scientists have discovered a planet orbiting the relatively nearby star of Gliese 581G that appears to be capable of supporting life.  That is, its distance from its sun and its size fall within a range that is conducive to many of the prerequisites for life as we know it, such as liquid water and maintaining an atmosphere.

Similar to Earth's moon, this planet appears to be fixed as it orbits Gliese 581G.  The same side always faces the sun and the same side always stays in darkness.  Though this suggests temperature extremes on the planet, scientists suggest that the belts near the transition from light to dark would likely be quite temperate.  Also, they would be bathed in a perpetual state of glowing sunrise or sunset light.  How would life not want to live there?

If only we had a spaceship that could speed over and check this world out.  Maybe someday...

Italy, Spain, and Georgia

I was heartened to read this story about olive oil in the Washington Post this afternoon.  Detailed and highly topical, it reminds me of some of the more light-hearted fare on NPR, and is certainly a nice break from politics, the economy and war.

The article profiles a cooperative of farmers trying to rekindle the olive growing industry in Georgia.  Parts of the South are apparently, climate-wise, very well suited for growing olives.  Georgia, in fact, had a somewhat robust harvest in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, until being destroyed by hurricanes and eclipsed by the emergence of more prominent crops, such as cotton.

But now, farmers are beginning to see the benefits of domestically produced olive oil.  Statistics identify the US as the 3rd largest consumer of olive oil in the world - much of it the lucrative, delicious extra virgin variety - yet 99% of it is imported at great cost.  There is amazing potential for a high quality, American-grown and -pressed product.  It would most likely cost less, be better for the environment, and support more job growth than the imported variety.  If these Georgian farmers can accomplish all that and manage to create a comparably tasty oil that goes well on a baguette, sprinkled with parmesan cheese and freshly grated black pepper, I'll happily buy American over Italian or Spanish any day.

Playing tourist

After a cruddy Thursday morning at work and a busy past couple of weeks, I decided to take today off. I had no particular plan for the day, and considered spending it shopping, reading, or sitting on the couch, watching dvds.

Instead, I decided to hop on the metro and indulge in one of my favorite pastimes, usually reserved for crisp weekend afternoons in the spring and fall: roaming aimlessly around DC with a camera and an intrepid spirit.

Today my adventure was slightly more focused. I have been trying for almost two years to find a good time to see the newly renovated American History Museum, so that topped my to do list. The rest was improvised.

After crying my way through exhibits on the military, 18th century fulfilment of the American Dream, and, of course, the original Star Spangled Banner, I had lunch and set out for the Tidal Basin. I often forget about the FDR Memorial, and especially never remember just how large it is, but I think it's one of my favorites.

Now, gazing across the water at the Jefferson (another favorite), as planes take-off from National behind me and families, joggers, and a teenager wielding a fishing rod roam by, I feel contentedly awash with patriotism. DC, I think, has a unique power to do that. Despite being the seat of such nasty, divisive political rhetoric, the city is also a magnet for Americans from all walks of life as well as foreign tourists who seem happy to shrug off the prevailing anti-Americanism in the world. All come to marvel at the history, the beauty, and, more than anything, the enduring institutions of our nation, generously scattered, to grandiose effect, around downtown DC.

I love living here and, most of the time, love playing tourist in my own city.

Stuffed with goodness

Driven by a desire to grill as frequently as possible while the weather is nice, I've been experimenting with some new things.  Grilled eggplant, for one, brushed lightly with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, has become a new favorite.  Another keeper are these stuffed lamb burgers, which I've made a few times now.  With a distinct Middle Eastern flavor, they go really well with that grilled eggplant and couscous salad on the side.

Stuffed Lamb Burgers

1. Combine in a bowl: about 1 1/4 lbs. ground lamb, 1 onion, finely diced, several cloves of garlic, minced, chopped cilantro, and generous amounts of cumin, salt, and black pepper.
2. Knead with hands until well mixed.
3. In a separate bowl, mix goat cheese with fresh mint and black pepper.
4. Form a patty in your hand.
5. Carve out an indentation in the patty, spooning in a dollop of the goat cheese mixture and then reforming the meat around it.  The cheese should be completely enclosed.
6. Grill patties until cooked through.
7. Serve using pita bread as buns, garnished with lettuce, tomato, and tzatziki sauce.