Hell's Kitchen - Tuesday June 17, 2008

Last night’s episode wasn’t as hilarious as the previous ones. When it gets down to the final four they are generally the cream of the crop and less mistakes are made.

Last night’s episode started off with a reward challenge, which Christina won by only 2 votes. Petrozza who was the runner-up was enormously disappointed. Jen thought she should have won hands down, but she only came in third place. Corey had no chance at all she wasn’t able to plate all her dishes within the allotted time.

Christina’s reward was a $1000 dollar shopping spree at Lisa Kline’s. To top it off she was actually dressed by Lisa Kline herself.

Side note: I wasn’t too impressed by the pieces that Ms. Kline picked for Christina. I expected to be blown away instead I was left feeling unenthusiastic.

As the other competitors remained at Hell’s Kitchen to complete their chores I noticed something strange. And maybe you did too. Jen was eating off the leftover plates left in the dining room. All I could do was curl my lip and say, “yuck.” You just don’t know what people do to their plates.

Chef Ramsey proclaimed that tonight’s service was the best ever in Hell’s Kitchen.

Still, there were a few mishaps in Hell’s Kitchen. Christina kept burning Chef Ramsey’s hand by leaving the pot handle over the heat. Chef Ramsey was hot about that.

Jen was inconsistent with her risotto and Petrozza had a sloppy station. Disturbingly, Corey sent raw fish to the window and out to a customer. She knew her order wasn’t right, but she sent it out anyway. I would never knowingly eat at a restaurant where the Executive Chef did those types of things.

Great News! It came back to bite her in the buttocks. She should have taken the yelling from Chef Ramsey about being late with her food. Rather than being caught sending up raw food.

With such a successful service it was a difficult decision as to who to put up for elimination.

But as usual Jen was put on the chopping block. The other competitors strategized as to who would have the best chance against Jen. And they chose Corey.

Luckily, for Corey their move paid off as Chef Ramsey sent Jen home.

I do believe of the final four remaining Jen was the better chef. She was creative and original and her dishes seemed to please the palates the most.

Although, I do believe Chef Ramsey was right in letting her go. You just never knew which Jen was going to show up at service that night. It’s extremely hard to work with a person like that.

Until next time Bon appétit!

The Art of the Silent Treatment

The Art of the Silent Treatment does it really work?

I’ve been practicing this art as far back as I can remember. Probably, as a child I thought that I could manipulate people with it. Maybe if I wanted some candy from the store or wanted a new toy I used it. I can picture myself doing that as a child. I must mention it never worked on my mother.

But when does one use it when they get older? Like me, they usually bring it into their adult relationships.

But does it truly work? It depends.

As an adult my silent treatments have turned into something else.

My silent treatments stem from Disappointments, Anger, and Heartache.

Let’s briefly explore them.

Disappointments – Do unto others as you want others to do unto you. I’ve always had a problem with people who don’t treat you the same as you treat them. Or extend you the same courtesy that you extend them.

Initially, I was very vocal about what bothered me. But the feedback I received was: It’s no big deal, get over it or nervous laughter. Which didn’t resolve anything, it only disappointed me further. One way that it manifested itself was by friendships ending. You know how you haven’t spoken to so and so in so long. And now you just don’t talk at all.

Anger – The Silent Treatments I’ve practiced at these times has saved me. At my previous job my supervisor called me out in front of my co-workers for something I didn’t do.

Immediately, I was filled with embarrassment then anger. Lots of anger. But I had to take a deep breath and shut my mouth. Be silent, be still.

If I hadn’t done that, I would have cursed her out all the way up and down that aisle. I would have been in her face in a threatening manner and I would have been terminated on the spot. And I would have had my very own escorts called, “security.”

Heartache – When your heart is hurting your body shuts down. As your body shuts down you feel there’s nothing to talk about—nothing to say.

It hurts too much to even speak about it anymore. And when you can’t get your point across you feel like what’s the use.

Theses Silent Treatments are the worst of all. It’s because while you are in these silences you feel a little helpless hopeless.

So does the Silent treatment work?

It works if it serves a purpose. But if it doesn’t all it really is—is silence.

How to Save Money on your Prescriptions

Always comparison shop if you can.

Unfortunately, people generally assume that they are getting the best deal on a prescription if they only have to pay co-pays. But sometimes co-pays can be higher that the actual cost of the prescription drug.

A very good way to save is asking for the generic brand whenever you can.

Always consult with your physician first to see if a generic brand will be suitable for you.

Consult your pharmacist. They can explain in detail if the generic contains the same ingredients as the name brand drug. The pharmacist can also let you know how generic brands differ from the original if they do at all. This gives you the chance to make an informed decision.

Physicians are often courted by drug company representatives. They are given free samples for their patients to try. Once the patient has tried the product and it works for them they generally begin to ask for the prescription by name. It is usually because the patient begins to identify that name brand with what ails them at the time. Why would they ask for anything different if that product works so well?

If all goes well with your physician and pharmacist. I know a great way you can save money on your generic drug prescriptions.

It’s Wal-Mart. Yes, that’s right Wal-Mart.

Wal-Mart offers many generic prescriptions for only $4 dollars. And they’ve also recently began to offer 90 day prescriptions for $10 dollars.

If you are insured and paying $25 dollar for your co-pay by requesting the generic brand you can save $21 dollars.

If you are uninsured and paying anywhere from $15 dollars and up, imagine how much you can save if you requested the generic brand and only paid $4 dollars per prescription. An even greater savings is $10 dollars for a 90 day prescription.

Visit a Wal-Mart store or go on line and obtain the list of all the generic $4 dollar prescriptions that Wal-Mart offers.

They offer a variety of medications that they have listed in specific categories. Ex. Diabetes, hypertension, Women’s Health, thyroid, mental health etc…

I recommend checking Wal-Mart’s list frequently if your prescription isn’t currently there. Wal-Mart adds new prescriptions and categories as they become available. Hopes this helps you.

Until then save save save!

Footnote – Target has recently added $4 dollar generic prescriptions.

Grace After Midnight - By Felicia "Snoop" Pearson

The most chilling chapter I have ever read in any book was in Felicia Pearson’s memoir. It was the chapter called, “That’s why they call it Grandma’s House.”

After reading that chapter I had to immediately close the book. Imagining what happened was horrific and I knew I needed to end my reading for that night.

I first picked up this book because I was a fan of HBO’s “The Wire” and the series had just ended.

I wanted to know how someone so young could fill up the pages of a memoir.

My interest was piqued and that began my quest of finding out about this character they called, “Snoop.”

What I respected about her memoir was her honesty. No pretenses, no dressing it up—just plain truth.

This memoir takes you from the birth of “Snoop” who was a three pound cross-eyed crack baby. It takes you through her formative years, adolescence, to where she is today.

You are a fly on the wall of the life of an urban teenager growing up in the streets of East Baltimore.

Ms. Pearson grants you all access to her life. She shares her sexuality, her criminal past, her heartbreaks, and her loves.

This is a gritty in your face memoir well deserving of a read.