minahkaypoh

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg 's stewardship of his city's education system has taken a troubling turn. The resignation of New York Schools Chancellor Joel Klein precipitated an incredibly secretive process to name his replacement -- Cathleen Black , chairwoman of Hearst Magazines (you know, Cosmo, Esquire, Oprah) and former publisher of that beacon of journalism, USA Today . Black has absolutely no education experience nor has she ever sent her children to public schools or herself attended public schools. In fact, Black is so unqualified for the job (she does not have three years teaching experience and did not complete graduate work in education) that a waiver from David Steiner, the state education commissioner , will be required in order for her to actually work as NYC Schools Chancellor. (A Wednesday New York Times editorial calls on Steiner to "thoroughly vet" Black "to determine if she is up to the job.") Of course, Klein himsel...

Last week we covered the blue. This week we cover the red. This week's Foodie Finds features restaurants in Red States (although not necessarily red cities). Bon appetit. Wait a minute. That's French. Can't say that in Red States. Ahem. Good eatin'. Buz and Ned's Real Barbecue - The real deal - Richmond, Virginia Hansen's Sno-Bliz - A magical combo of shaved ice and homemade syrup - New Orleans, Louisiana House of Tricks - Contemporary American cooking in a charming atmosphere - Tempe, Arizona McCrady's - Sean Brock won 2010 James Beard Best Chef Southeast - Charleston, South Carolina Salt Lick Bar-B-Que - Authentic Texas BBQ - Austin, Texas

This week's culinary offerings include some fabulous restaurants safely ensconced in Blue States and one in Canada (in case anyone is thinking of fleeing after Tuesday's results): Delfina - Stellar neighborhood trattoria - San Francisco, California Flour Bakery - Delicious sandwiches and to-die-for baked goods - Boston, Massachusetts Passionfish - A focus on sustainable seafood and local ingredients - Pacific Grove, California Saucebox - Pan-Asian dishes and cool cocktails since 1995 - Portland, Oregon Soif Wine Bar - Surprisingly good food for a casual wine bar - Santa Cruz, California Toro - Sorry, Jose Andres. The tapas here (not at DC's Jaleo) are transcendente - Boston, Massachusetts Vij's - Best Indian in North America? - Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Sorry for the long hiatus. Life and work have taken over in the past several weeks and it's been hard to find time to put pen to paper put fingers to keypad. Today is Election Day. And I am not hopeful for America. I am fearful for our democracy and our unraveling social fabric. America's dark underbelly is exposed this election year. Fear, bigotry, and lack of empathy are rampant -- and constitute the entirety of some candidates' platforms and rationales for running for public office. I think we should be represented by the best among our ranks, not the worst. I think we should look to leaders willing to offer solutions, not just cast aspersions and look for scapegoats ... whether the President who inherited the worst economy since the Great Depression, immigrants who are trying to do the best they can for the families, or those of Muslim faith who all are branded with the terrorist label. Sadly, this will not be the outcome or result of this election. Some true leaders, ...