The Food Network

Welcome to the 6^th floor.

Today's contributors are: Ann, Sara, Tabitha, Frank, Billy and Scott.

Subject: Ace of the Food Network

“I watched a lot of Food Network while I was sick. They have some terrific shows on that station!”

“I like Dinner: Impossible. It's a little silly at times, but he has some cool missions. Did you see the one where he had to incorporate chocolate into each dish of a 5-course meal at Hershey?”

“I saw that one, He's a little obnoxious though. He must've said “I don't usually mix sweet and savory” about six zillion times during that episode.”

“Yeah, but at the end he wanted to add one of the things he made to his regular repertoire.”

“Good point.”

“I enjoy Ace of Cakes. Duff is so funny.”

“Did you see the one where they made the Harry Potter premier cake?”

“That cake was amazing! Did you hear Daniel Radcliff say they should ditch the model they use for wide-angle camera shots of Hogwarts and just use the cake?”

“Yeah. I was amused that the van kept breaking on the trip over there too.”

“They'll have to get a new van or something.”

“I like Iron Chef.”

“Iron Chef's okay I guess. It seems too scripted for me. And all the food is too fancy. I wouldn't eat most of that stuff.”

“It always seems like they have some crazy fish thing going on too.”

“Yeah, where is the simple macaroni and cheese variation?”

“Some of those competitions are cool. They had one on last week where they were constructing land marks. Someone made a really cool Statue of Liberty.”

“Didn't they forget her tablet though?”

“Well yeah..She didn't win. It still looked pretty cool though.”

“I'm always annoyed when they have chocolate competitions but use almost exclusively white chocolate. That doesn't count! It's not really chocolate!”

“Are you a chocolate snob Sara? Are you too good for white chocolate? Or maybe you're racist? You don't associate with the whitey chocolate, only the darker kind?”

“You got me. I'm a chocolate racist. Dark chocolate just has a bigger flavor in my mouth.”

Frank bursts out laughing at this.

“Nice comeback Sara. Real nice.”

“You know what show is nice? Everyday Italian, with Giada De Laurentiis. She's very nice looking.”

“You think so? I'm always turned off by her scary smile. It's freaky.”

“She's pretty, but she's overly bubbly for my taste.”

“Yeah, you're not big on the whole 'showing emotion' thing Billy. Afraid she might make you open up?”

“I might be able to tolerate it if she was cooking for me constantly.”

“The path to Billy's heart is truly through his stomach.”

“Was there really any doubt?”

Chocolate Contest

Welcome to the 6^th floor.

Today's contributors are: Ann, Sara, Tabitha, Frank, Billy and Scott.

Subject: They make that in Chocolate?

“So one of the chocolate blogs I check in on occasionally is having a contest.”

Chocolate blog? Is it edible?”

“Of course. It’s one of those Harry Potter Chocolates.”

“No no. Not a chocolate frog, a blog. Oh forget it.” Sara grumbles.

“We’re just playing with you. What’s the contest?”

“It's a Contest to find the strangest chocolate item.”

“So what are you going to enter? That nasty bacon chocolate bar you brought home the other day?”

“I found that bar through that blog, so no.”

“I know that look, you've got something.”

“Actually yes. You remember those milk chocolate headless chickens in the can that I found?”

“Yeah! Those were weird, but good. I use the can as a change tray now. It's still on my desk.”

“I can't find the product on their website anymore. I don't think they make them. I did find Chocolate Squashed Hedgehogs though.”

“Eww! What's wrong with these people?”

“Well, they're British.”

“Oh! Well that explains it doesn't it?”

6th Floor Blog Goes to the Movies: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Welcome to the 6^th floor.

Today's contributors are: Ann, Sara, Tabitha, Frank, Billy and Scott.

Subject: 6^th floor Blog Goes To the Movies: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

This post is about the new Harry Potter movie, and since the book has been out for a while, and the movie for two weeks, this post will be a little more detailed then it would for a different movie. We'll refrain from the big spoiler(s) but if you really want to see this and don't know what happens yet, you probably should skip this post.

“That wasn't too bad.”

“I think I still like the third one the best.”

“I haven't seen any of the others.”

“Really? You didn't coming with us to see Goblet of Fire last year?”

“We didn't see Goblet of Fire together. It came out four months before we moved in.”

“Oh. Who'd I see it with then?”

“The third one was the one with the time travel right? I did like that one.”

“This one was so choppy! The plot didn't flow at all.”

“Did it? I thought it was alright.”

“I was annoyed at all the inconsistencies.”

“Well, it's hard to convert a long book to a movie without cutting some stuff.”

“I don't mean cutting stuff, I mean the stuff that was just wrong. The stuff with Cho, the missing trip to the hospital, and the ending was completely butchered.”

“That ending was pretty cool on the IMAX:3D though. I wonder why they didn't let us keep the glasses like they did for Superman Returns.”

“No idea, I didn't really need to keep more junk though. I usually don't get too tied up in consistency as long as the movie flows by itself, but they could've left in easter eggs for the fans. They don't necessarily have to mention that Ron's a prefect, even though him getting the badge and Harry not getting it would've added to his anger at Dumbledore, but they could've at least given him the badge for us to see. Or at least a shot of Hermione rolling her eyes or chastising George and Fred about their business and testing on first years. Of course, they barely mention that they're going into business anyway. It also wouldn't have been too much of an effort to show a knitted sock or shirt or something in one of the common room shots. One of the items of clothing Hermione was knitting to try to trick house elves into being free. Something.”

“I agree. Adding in those little details would really add a depth to the movie that might have made the die hard fans really enjoy it.”

“It kind of felt like a clip show.”

“I know what you mean. It's almost like they chose random scenes, made cool CGI stuff for them, and then just pieced them together. They left out so much of the overall plot it's not even funny.”

“I didn't really get what was going on. They were focused on the school and that teacher, but every once in a while they'd mention Voldemort. Then suddenly they're dispatching the teacher in the forest and run off to fight Voldemort at the ministry. Fred and George dropped out of school then? Or got expelled or what?”

“Yeah. They start selling all those prank candies as a business. Harry actually funds them with the money from the Goblet tournament. Which reminds me, they really glossed over a lot of the Weasley parents' stress. Between them not talking to Percy who is siding with the ministry and worry about what Fred and George are up to with the pranks and their bad O.W.L. scores, they had a lot of depth in the book that was overlooked in the movie.”

“I really liked how they did the Black house though. It looked just like I thought it should, and they even had Kreacher being a pack rat. Of course, they neglect the part about Kreacher being the one that tattles on them later.”

“They left out a lot of the school stuff. Classes, the centaur teacher, how hard they study for O.W.L.s and how overworked Harry is between quidditch, detention, homework and studying.”

“Yeah. I find myself more and more disappointed the more I think about it, and the more I remember from the book. They really should have Rowlings in on the script writing.”

“Well, she's not writing books now, maybe she can help with six and seven. I doubt it though, It's almost like the five movies are barely related, they really gloss over the series-wide plot points.”

“Oh well. 16 months until we can be disappointed with the next one. Are we seeing the Simpsons movie this week?”

“Yeah. I'm in for that. I actually heard it got good reviews and all.”

The Thrifty Six

Welcome to the 6^th floor.

Today's contributors are: Ann, Sara, Tabitha, Frank, Billy and Scott.

Subject: The Thrifty Six

“Wow. We all spend a ton of money this week. Maybe we should take it easy for a little while.”

“Isn't that why we went to that bar with an open bar special Friday night? To save money?”

“Well yes, but if you factor in the cab ride we took home because we were too lazy to walk to the subway, and the massive amounts of food we ordered at the bar it ends up being more than we expected.”

“I also splurged a bit too, buying things I probably shouldn't have.”

“What did you buy?”

“Well there was Harry Potter, and then I realized I didn't own the first three books, I'd only borrowed them to read from my sister, so I bought those too. Then I saw the new Jeffrey Deaver book and bought that also. It was a bit more than I should've spent.”

“I wasn't great this week either. I went and bought myself some new clothes for work. I went a little overboard though.”

“I had been wanting to buy a new game for the Playstation, but I couldn't decided between Rainbow Six, the Bigs, and something else so I bought all three. I then coupled that with a really bad week of poker, I just couldn't catch any cards.”

“Should've used a bigger glove.”

Ann groans. “My schedule's thrown off still from working at Catalina's and I find myself eating out way more than I can really afford. Coupled with the bar and everything else It's putting a damper on my bank account.”

“You guys should really take some money management classes or something.”

“You didn't overspend this week?”

Scott hangs his head. “Actually..I lent Mitch some money. He was very convincing, but of course it didn't work out.”

“That Mitch. He reminds me of Edward Norton's character in Rounders. I spent too much money this week too, but I couldn't help it. My sister needed to go to the doctor, but she didn't have insurance or any money. I doubt she'll pay me back.”

“Kerri's sick? Anything serious?”

“Nothing serious. I don't remember the specifics, something about a cough and bronchitis I think.”

“Well, that was good of you to pay for her. Who knows, maybe she will pay you back.”

“Maybe. I'm not hopeful though. So we're going to be thrifty and take it easy this week then?”

“Yeah. Let's try to cut down on the expensive stuff a little.”

“10 cent wings at ..”

“No!”

“How many beers did you have last time we got cheap wings?”

“Three..or four..I don't remember. I guess you're right. So you're cooking tonight then?”

“Why don't you cook? You never cook!”

“I'll cook. I just hope you like frozen pizza.”

“How appetizing.”

“I'll cook.”

“That's alright Scott..I'll do it.”

“Don't like my cooking?”

“Do YOU like your cooking?”

“Haha! Burn!”

“Fine. I'll just lay here and nap on the couch until dinner.”

“Don't strain yourself or anything.”

“What are you going to make? I'll help.”

“I don't know. Grab that cookbook and we'll pick something.”

Harry Potter and the Butterbeer Birthday Party

Welcome to the 6^th floor.

Today's contributors are: Ann, Sara, Tabitha

Subject: Midnight Plans

“I got a phone call from Amy yesterday. She invited us out Friday night for her birthday.”

“Oh yeah? Where to?”

“She's trying to pick a good bar to hang out at. I don't think she's decided which one yet.”

“Anything is good with me, you tell the guys yet?”

“Does it matter? It's not like they're going to say no to getting a drink.”

“Well, every once in a while they have a baseball game or something.”

“I don't think they do. The Yankee game isn't anything special Friday and the Mets are in LA. They play at 10, a perfect time to watch at the bar. I can only stay a little while though.”

“Why? Where could you possible have to go?”

“I guess it depends where we are, but I want to go get my Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows at midnight.”

“Oh right. Well if we're close to home you could just run over and get it. Or did you want to stay for one of those parties?”

“I'm not that crazy. I'll laugh at the wackos when I get my book, and then just leave.”

“Then you can come back and drink. Although I think you might get laughed at if you have a Harry Potter book in a bar.”

“Certainly possible. I don't know that I'll feel like going home just to drop it off though.”

“Amy knows the bars around here best, so she might end up picking something close by. I can read it after you right?”

“Me too. I might buy it myself though, I'm not sure.”

“Billy's buying a copy too I think, so one of you could borrow his. He reads fast.”

“Billy's a Harry Potter fan? I don't think I knew that.”

“Well Billy will pretty much read anything. Once you've started reading a series, it's silly not to see how it ends.”

“I'm quite excited. I wonder what J.K. Rowling is going to do after this? Think she'll keep writing?”

“I don't know. I think she probably will write something at least. Part of it probably depends on whether she killed Harry or not.”

“I don't think she will.”

“Me neither.”

“I actually think Harry's going to bite it. Guess I'm in the minority. I doubt it, but I wonder if there is a bar out there serving butterbeer on Friday night, that would be interesting.”

“I always wondered what butterbeer would taste like, it sounds good at least.”

“Is it actually alcoholic?”

“Yes. Although having just one didn't seem to affect them much when they went out to Hogsmede. J. K. Rowling has been quoted as saying she thinks it is 'a little bit like less-sickly butterscotch'.”

“I see. I don't imagine anyone's serving it around here though.”

“Well there are recipes online, that involve mixing it with cream soda and butterscotch syrup and such things.”

“I was thinking of an actual brewed beer though. I actually have read some discussions about it, and If I was a better brewer I'd experiment.”

“It's been a while since you've brewed up a batch of your own beer.”

“I keep putting it off. I don't like to do it in the summer because it's harder to keep the temperature down to the proper level for fermentation.”

“Start preparing to brew something in the fall then. By the time you get around to it, it'll be fall.”

“Good point. I'll have to settle on a type of beer to make.”

“I just like drinking it, so pick something yummy.”

“Amen to that.”

Late Night Munchies

Welcome to the 6^th floor.

Today's contributors are: Ann, Sara, Tabitha, Frank, Billy and Scott.

Subject: Together with Beer

We often get together at a nearby restaurant when we want a late night snack and/or a drink. They often have nice deals on cheap appetizers and cocktails late at night, so this appeals to the poorer of us.”

“Who'd we get today?” asks Sara as she joins the group at the table.

“My boy Clarence.” says Scott, pointing.

“Excellent. Cindy is such a ditz.”

“Now now, that's not very nice.” Clarence says as he walks up to the table.

“Are you denying that she's a ditz?” asks Frank.

“I just said it isn't nice.” says Clarence with a wink. “Actually she flew home to Ohio to visit her sister. She won't be back until next week.”

“Oh that's nice! So who's covering her shifts?” inquires Tabitha.

“Patrick. You might not know him, he only works afternoons.”

“Lets order guys, I am famished!”

We place our orders, and Clarence turns to walk away.

“Oh! And some breadsticks!”

“You ordered a Manhattan Scott? Do you even know what that is?”

“It's alcohol of some kind right? I live here and I've never had one.”

“Well, I hope you enjoy Whiskey.” says Tabitha, giggling.

“I can't believe you ordered a whole steak Billy. Didn't you just eat an hour ago?”

“What can I say? I like my meat. I passed on appetizers at least.”

“Oh? You're not going to steal any of my potato skins?”

“They do sound good..”

“They make great potato skins here. I bet they go well with whiskey.”

“You two could just order your own you know, you don't have to steal mine.”

“Where's the fun in that?”

“Argh!”

“It's alright Sara, I won't steal your potato skins. Your French fries on the other hand..”

Later...

“I should get my own table. Either that or I should stop ordering food you guys like. Maybe I should develop a taste for snails or something.”

“Or Whiskey. Manhattans are nasty! “

Clarence arrives at the table with Scott's new drink. “Here's your beer Scotty, guess Whiskey isn't your thing.” Clarence says, winking.

“Never again. “ Takes a sip, “Mmm, beer. Wonderful beer.”

“Another Pink Squirrel Billy? I just love serving pink drinks.”

“Sure, but super-size this one. The bigger the better.”

“You got it Tiger.”

Our food arrives shortly after that. “A steak and a pink squirrel. That's such a normal order.”

“You're right. You know what else it needs?”

“What?”

Billy grabs one of Sara's potato skins, dips it in his squirrel, and takes a bite. “Mmhmm, Thsisth isth grood”

“Ugh! I _should_ charge you a quarter for that!”

“Haha, he's got a piece of bacon in his drink now.”

“It's a bacon martini. It's all the rave nowadays. “

“I'd rather have a chicken parmigiana margarita myself.”

“How about a Lobster Island Ice Tea?”

“Yuck! You guys are ruining my appetite!”

“I can help with that!” Scott snatches one of Sara's potato skins and shoves it in his mouth.

“Table manners Scott! We wouldn't want you to choke!”

“Yeah, don't expect any of us to do CPR.”

“Choking is frowned upon here. People tend to tip badly when someone dies at the next table.” Clarence says as he walks over. “You've got some bacon in your Pink Squirrel Billy. What do you get when you cross a pig and squirrel?”

“A Pearl?”

“I was going to say a Squig. Yours is better. Here is your check, have a good evening.”

“Wasn't a squig something from Harry Potter?”

“That's a squib. A person with no innate magical ability trying to learn magic.”

We all finish our drinks and pay the bill. 20 minutes later we're all back at the apartment doing our separate things. Frank's already got a poker game up and running, Billy and Sara are asleep for early shifts. Scott's lounging on the couch watching SportsCenter, Tabitha's in her room studying, and I'm messing around on my computer.