New Clever Platform

If you have been coming here and wondering where I've been- I've been at www.soveryclever.com which now takes you directly to the new platform.  It took me a couple months to figure it out- but I wanted to have much more user interaction- I wanted to be able to get to know the readers better and NING provides a really interesting platform to do so.
Please come and visit me there, become a member- create a profile and let me know what you think.  To catch you up on what I have been doing ...
I'm now a contributing writer to www.bleacherreport.com- a fantastic on-line sports magazine.  I've really enjoying extending the So Very Clever concept to the male realm in their own back yard!  What's next- contributor to Playboy- I'm ready.
I've entered the final stretch for my first novel, "Consumed"- it is available now on www.bn.com, at www.tltpublishing.com and will be published on the 15th of December.
I've been doing a ten minutes segment once a week on ESPN radio Austin with some of the most authoritative voices in sports today.  Erin Hogan and Chip Brown- love, love, love those guys and they have been kind enough to welcome my thoughts weekly.  So Very much fun.  You can hear me live if you go to www.espnaustin.com and download the software.  I am heading to Austin this week to have my segment filmed so look for it on Soveryclever.com in a week or so.
I tell you, I love what I do, I love who I do it with.  What do they say- if you do what you love you will never work a day in your life?  That is how I feel, if only I didn't have a full-time job too.  In time.
OK- let's get ourselves over to the new NING platform and catch up!!

A New Straitjacket

I've had and overheard a few interesting conversations I thought I might share- and yes, about marriage.

The first was a friend of mine told me he thought his wife was having an affair.  We talked about it and what it came down to was that he wasn’t sure- but he had a strong suspicion.  So I said- "So … what if she is?"  He answered- "I can't be with her anymore."  I had to ask why.  He was baffled as to why I would inquire.  He relied on the marital vows as a defense.  Again I inquired.  "Why do you think she had an affair?"   His response was- "How would I know?"

So Very Interesting- don’t you think?  This guy has no idea why his wife might have been having an affair- but I do.  I don’t know his wife very well, but I know him and I can think of a few reasons why she might have had an affair.  Again, don''t forget we've gotten into a whole new articulation of "affair"- now we have "intellectual affairs," "emotional affairs," "physical affairs."- It's becoming increasingly difficult to have any type of relationship with a person of the opposite sex- and that is a shame.

Now, for the same reason all of these different types of affairs exist- the holistic aspect of marriage is no longer being valued.  Apparently, no other person of the opposite sex is allowed to be significant in your life without it being "inappropriate."  Now, instead of this "strengthening" marriage by encouraging the man and woman to value one another first and most- it is tying their hands and making it nearly impossible to function within the intractable confines of marriage.  Marriage is becoming remarkably similar to a straitjacket- actually.  This figures prominently with my post of last month- "Are you COMMITTED to the INSTITUTION of Marriage?"

A man lies to his wife about finances and she wants a divorce.  A woman has an inappropriate exchange with a man and her husband wants a divorce.  A woman doesn't get along with the man's children from another marriage so the marriage needs to end.  Why do we bother getting married at all if the dissolution is so easy?  Are we less commitment-phobic now that it is so acceptable to divorce?

Last I checked- marriage was not one-dimensional.  So, if someone cheats- it is likely the symptom of a problem in the marriage. The best thing to do if you both still value the other person is to sit down with a marriage counselor and find out why it happened and what can be done moving forward to keep it from happening again.

It reminds me of some ethnic cultures that accept a "girlfriend"- the wives are exhausted, overwhelmed by the house and the children, and they are grateful they don’t have to put out as often as the husband wants- OR, the man likes to unload some perversion on someone without disrespecting his wife.  It happens. 

Marriage is not finite- it’s dynamic.  As the two people grow and change, the entity evolves and changes.  It's specious to think part of that evolution won't be intellectual, sexual or social. 

I have another friend from my hometown (which is VERY small)- he married his high-school sweetheart and they moved to a bigger city with more opportunity for him.  He hit his stride in business and has blown it out of the water.  She is no longer comfortable with who he has become. He’s sharp, handsome, charismatic, charming, winsome, successful and ambitious.  This new version of the boy she met in high school does not sit well with her.  She's wracked with fear and insecurity about whether he will outgrow her.  I see it happening, but only because she doesn’t evolve with him and embrace who he is becoming.  She is withdrawing and sulking- acting jealous and suspicious- he is growing resentful and contemptuous.  He hasn't cheated on her- of that I am certain- but her suspicion and desire to micromanage him will erode the relationship quickly. 

She's growing further away so their sexual relationship is on the decline. He might have an affair someday- if he is going to be punished for something, he might as well be doing it.  Her bitterness toward his work is pervading their parenting (alternate complaints about wanting more money and resenting the amount of time he is working) and their friendship.  I hate seeing it happen.

The fundamental problem is that we have stopped viewing marriage holistically.  Look at your spouse and put down all of their great qualities- and I mean defining ones- not "he takes out the garbage without being asked."  Now, think about fidelity- it is but one aspect of marriage and would you really throw away a fantastic father, a loving and dependable husband who provides a nice home and maintains it just because he was unfaithful?  And if he were- do you have the capacity to be introspective enough to ask yourself  "WHY?"

If a marriage is to be successful- it needs to continue to evolve, grow and change with the two people invested in it.  I honestly believe if a woman throws her husband out because he has a casual affair- she wants out.  Of course. if this is the last straw because he is not a good man, provider or father- he should have been kicked out long before. 

I've said this before- I have a ton of male friends and the wives of the ones who are not faithful are the happiest.  Weird. 

A Standing Ovation

Mike preparing for his 2009 calendar shoot

As I walked into the American Airline’s Center last evening for the Dallas Stars home opener against Detroit, I had no idea my Friday game day post was going to take on an emotional bent.

I expected business as usual for the game at which my two favorite teams would face off, but there was so much at play.  I don’t think I had truly wrapped my mind around the fact that Mike Modano would be wearing a Red Wings jersey.  My rational self knew this would be the case, and while I knew he would not be wearing Gordie Howe’s jersey (Clever Girls- Gordie Howe was number 9 on the Detroit Red Wings and easily one of the best players in the history of the game.  His number has been immortalized in retirement- so it was unavailable to Mike, who has alway worn number 9.), it still was absolutely shocking to me.  

Mike was truly the heart and soul of the Minnesota North Stars and then the Dallas Stars- the leader who didn’t need a C on his chest to lead.  He was the marquee player, handsome and magnetic- a man who put asses in seats.  Asses in seats who didn’t know center ice seats were not the same as seats at the 50-yard line.  Mike Modano was responsible in a big way for making hockey come alive in a city that had never seen ice let alone try to stand on it. 

I am not, in any way, minimizing Derian Hatcher’s quiet, stoic and effective leadership as captain- nor am I discounting Brenden Morrow’s capable execution as the new front man. As a matter of fact, from the day I met Brenden, I told his wife he was the future of the Dallas Stars organization.  I’m proud to know all three men and am impressed with how they have maintained their integrity and brought their teams to championships. 

My emotions were startlingly mixed to see Mike in the jersey I’ve revered since I was a child.  A Sterling Heights native- a young star in the state of Michigan- it is poetic to have him go home.  However, when I saw his face, as he received a four-minute continuous standing ovation, I actually choked up a bit.  He misses Dallas- his life was here for more than a decade.  What he accomplished as a Dallas Star might likely never be exceeded, records that might go unbroken.  He left a legacy here and the city of Dallas came to their feet to express their gratitude.  It was lovely.  Awe inspiring.  The true mark of the value of your presence is the appreciation that lingers when you leave. 

Brenden, me and his gorgeous wife, Anne-Marie Carbonneau Morrow

Brenden Morrow is a fantastic leader and a good man, loving father and husband (with a hot wife)- he IS the future of the Dallas Stars- but Mike Modano has left an indelible mark not only on the organization but the hearts of the fans. 

Mike will be an asset where ever he is- he holds the record for the most goals by a U.S.-born player and is a quintessential finesse forward (for Clever Guy’s Girls- this means he is a master puck handler and will find holes that don’t exist- could find the net in the dark and can skate circles around those in his way).  As the number one draft pick in 1988, the North Stars knew then what we all know NOW. 

We all wish you the best of luck and I'm expecting greatness out of you, Mike.  You are wearing my team colors now. 

Mike Modano featured at Hotel ZaZa in one of the Magnificent Seven suites

On a less kind note- I was horrified to see the Wings had not retired Bob Probert’s number, 24.  For Clever Guys’ Girls, Bob Probert was easily one of the most feared enforcers (thugs) of all time.  He spent the bulk of his career exacting revenge on players stupid enough to mess with his fellow Red Wings and then did a stint with the Chicago Blackhawks.  Either way, after more than a decade of battling substance abuse- he passed away a couple months ago from a heart attack while on a boating trip with his family.  I was devastated, as I’d known Bob for 20 years and he was, by far, one of the kindest, gentlest men I’ve ever met.  In light of his contribution to the Red Wings, I’d like request they retire the number.  Thank you.

OK- enough of this emotional shit.  Game day, game day, game day.  What do I want?  That’s easy- a four-game upset.  Auburn, Michigan, Texas and Wisconsin.  Why?  I love UT and hate to see them struggle- I understand everyone has to rebuild, but …  

UM because I detest what RichRod is doing to my team.  I said during my interview on ESPN radio that if RichRod allowed the defense to dismantle this season, he might as well jump in front of a bus- it’s not looking good for him.  He will not be back next year.  Clever Girls- UM is about to face some intense conference defense and Iowa is going to try to stifle Denard Robinson on the run.  So, I hope he’s taken the week to gain some confidence in the air- because if the MSU debacle was any indication of his depth against a strong offense- we are in a river of shit and trying to swim upstream. 

Wisconsin proves a challenge for OSU every year so let’s just hope upon hope they take a header on this one.   I need them to drop the ball so UM’s loss to State isn’t such a detriment.  Right now it’s looking to be MSU and OSU battling it out for the Big Ten Championship and while I will still be able to smile at being there- State won’t win it- so "it just doesn’t matter.  It just doesn’t matter.  It just doesn’t matter."  Clever Girls that is a line from "Animal House," easily one of the all-time Guy movies and a must see.  

Arkansas- needs to take a bath.  I want to make sure Ryan Mallet gains no Heisman cred because I fear he’s about to be knocked out of contention.  This weekend is going to be a huge upset for the Heisman hopefuls.

Taylor Martinez (Nebraska) will go up.  Denard (the current leader) will go down.  Terrelle Pryor will go up, LaMichael James is on a bye (Oregon), Kellan Moore (Boise State) will go up.  So big shake-ups.  Know this stuff, ladies- it’s invaluable. 

I am pretty sure that’s all you need to know for this week.  Big UPSETS WANTED.

I’m over and OUT.  Back at it Monday. 


For more on week 7, click here to go to my Bleacher Report article. 

Something HOT for Game Day- YUM

Welcome Clever Tribe!  If you caught me on ESPN Radio this morning with Erin Hogan, here are the recipes I promised.  Don't be intimidated- you won't believe how easy this stuff is to prepare and can be done ahead of time.  The key to game day grub is ease and taste.  

If you didn't catch me on the Bud Light Morning Rush- go to www.espnaustin.com and download the software.  It looks like (for the time being) I have secured a 10-minute segment discussing football and food.  See you next week at 8:45 a.m.  X

Sicilian-Style Shrimp

Place a pot of water on to boil

You will need ice later, so make sure you have some at the ready

1 lb. of peeled and deveined 20-ish count fresh shrimp (from the seafood counter- not frozen in a bag)

To peel and devein shrimp- remove legs. This will open the shell so you can peel it off. I pull the tail from the very end. There is quite a bit of meat in there to be preserved and it looks nicer when they are cooked. Slice the back of the shrimp open from one end to the base of the tail and expose the, well, we will call it a vein, and remove it. Don't cut too deep or you will "butterfly" the shrimp, which is neither here nor there, it just cooks faster and looks differently.

In a large bowl combine the juice of five lemons, a quarter cup of olive oil, kosher or sea salt, a teaspoon of oregano or "Italian spices." Let the spices unfurl a bit while you are cooking the shrimp.

Once the water is boiling, put the shrimp in. As soon as it all turns pink (no longer than four minutes)- remove the pot from the stove and drain contentst in a colander (the thing with all the holes you use to drain pasta). Quickly cover the shrimp with ice- seat the colander in the pot and run cold water over the shrimp. This set is critical because the shrimp WILL CONTINUE TO COOK IF IT IS NOT COOLED. Let the shrimp sit in the cold bath until they feel completely cold.

Add the shrimp to the lemon and oil mixture. Now, if you double or triple the shrimp amount- increase the lemon and oil accordingly. Put this in the fridge for up to two days and serve with the liquid drained.

Meatball Subs

Two large cans of tomato sauce into a crock pot

Add a generous amount of dried oregano

Add a generous amount of garlic powder

I like to add some cayenne pepper, but I like it HOT

Set on medium heat

In a large bowl, combine 2 lbs. of ground beef

1 cup of Italian bread crumbs

½ cup of egg substitute or 2 large eggs

½ red onion, chopped small

5 large leaves of fresh basil, chopped

3 cloves of garlic, minced

I think the most critical aspect of this meal is the bread.  You are going to want to head to Whole Foods or Central Market and find a really hearty Italian bread.  Do NOT go with a hoagie roll or sub roll unless you want this to turn into casserole after the first bite.  Nobody wants a wet, soggy mess.

Mix with hands (use gloves if this is a repellant concept), then begin making small- to medium-sized meatballs and add them to the sauce. Cook on medium-low until you are ready to eat.

Once the meatballs have cooked for five hours on medium heat they are ready, however, if you are So Very game day CLEVER, you can do this during the week and put them in the refrigerator until Saturday (or Sunday if you like that PRO stuff).  Turn it on low and it can go until you are ready- if it seems to be getting too hot, put it on "keep warm."

When you are ready to serve- cut your bread down the middle from the side to open it up flat. Broil it until it is lightly browned- take the inside out of the bread to make room for the meatballs.

Fill the larger hollowed out side of the bread with mozzarella cheese and then meatballs. Cover with sauce and close (or broil it a bit so the cheese is melty). Cut in half and serve. Yum.

How Did Favre Get Those Phone Numbers?

OK, as you all know, you only have to ask me 12 times before I feel compelled to share my view regarding a subject.  Now, generally I’m disinclined to comment on the NFL and the NBA- why?  Because they are quickly becoming leagues ruled by thugs and miscreants.  Yes, there are some notable exceptions- the Mannings (though I don’t agree with Eli’s crybaby fit when he was drafted), Tom Brady, Grant Hill, Barry Sanders, Walter Payton and many more. Sadly, though, a few stinking rotten carcasses ruin an otherwise lovely walk down a country road.

Sports are supposed to be pasttimes and family events- a part of the fabric of our country- but are quickly turning into political machines. The athletes are overpaid, overappreciated, overworked, undermananaged and allowed to run amuck. 

So, why the FREAKING hell is Brett Favre (whom I don’t particularly care for) being harangued for alleged inappropriate behavior? Because let’s be honest- the conduct of nine of 10 professional athletes, most of which is far more offensive, goes unpunished.  This is absurd and nothing more than a distraction for the Monday night football game.

If you are going to dress the way Jenn Sterger dresses off the "field"- there is a good chance you will become the "target" of some inappropriate advances.  This is directly in line with the woman who wears low-cut shirts and feigns offense when men and or women are preoccupied with the cleavage.  Please stop pretending you are offended- it's offensive.  Wear a freaking turtleneck if it is such an affront to you.

Further- I have to say it- you know what you are getting into when you becoming a sideline commentator and nine of 10 not only accept the cast of characters but have found a clever way to put themselves directly in the path of wealthy players.  Honestly- are we going to pretend that isn’t part of the appeal?  I love sports as much as the next girl- but I have loftier goals than to shove a microphone in the face of a professional athlete or coach. 

Next?  Brett Favre is, well, Brett Favre, and I will not, for one second, believe that any "sideline reporter" who tends to dress like a dancer when not at "work" would be offended by his interest.  If you revere your craft- you will be able to respect his accomplishments and would likely be flattered.  I’d be flattered beyond flattered to be pursued intellectually by Stephen King or Greg Iles.  I doubt highly Brett was rebuffed by any of the women he allegedly pursued via text. 

Further, how did he get their phone numbers?  Did he inquire politely asking if they could sit down and discuss his future, maybe in the form of an exclusive interview? If so, why a "sideline" report and a couple of masseuses?  Are the masseuses independent contractors- so that he'd need to acquire their phone numbers?  It smacks of desire to extort, defame or humiliate.  Am I surprised?  No.  You can guarantee some money has already changed hands from the Favre camp- I just hope these girls put it to good use, maybe toward enriching their careers.  While he does nothing for me- he’s not exactly hideous- he’s famous- rich and tres male.  What is not to love if you are a "sportscaster?" 

The whole thing is absurd.  I have a feeling the texts have been held fast and only now hit their peak sale price due to the Monday night football game. And, yes, I know they were "released" in August, but that was off-season- no one cared.  If he is "reprimanded" for this, when Randy Moss and Terrell Owens are allowed to disgrace the game with their brazen and idiotic behavior EVERY time they take the field, then I'm even more disgusted today than I was yesterday.

To some degree this is a private matter.  What about Tiger Woods?  I KNEW you were going to say that.  Totally different.  Brett Favre has not made a living and built a reputation of bulletproof purity and morality.  He's just a normal guy's guy.  He's not out there protecting his halo- he simply functions.  TWinc. is a different ballgame all together.  Much of his fortune was built on his "character."

OK- enough about that gross topic.  NCAA football.  I'm obviously upset with University of Michigan's performance- Denard is still the Heisman front runner, but we have a problem.  Michigan is about to start a tough conference run and we are all but without defense.  Now, while this has nothing to do with Denard directly, we can’t win without stopping our opponent.  Momentum does matter- and if we are running up the score, but allowing the opponent to do the same …

I stated on ESPN radio the other day- if RichRod allows the defense to implode this season he might as well jump in front of a train. It's not looking good for him. 

Michigan State cracked the top 10 and they already have Notre Dame and Wisconsin behind them- they are in a better position to play OSU for a championship.  There’s no doubt I'm deeply distressed- it wasn't in the bag, at all, but come on. 

Alabama and Stanford dropped the ball as well. The playing field is leveling.  Now, OSU and Boise State and TCU need to fall. 

OK, I'll continue with my Top Five Clever Topics for Guy's Girls Week Seven on Friday.  There will be recipes up on Thursday in conjunction with my ESPN radio segment with Erin Hogan.

Tomorrow I need to run some Clever Commentary- I’ve been itching to explore adultery again.

X

Top Five Clever Topics for a Guy's Girl Entering Week Six

In a feature that will begin appearing up to twice weekly (on bleacher report), here is the first list of five items a woman who might want to be considered a So Very Clever Guy’s Girl should peruse.  I won’t exhaust any of it- as with all things So Very Clever, I will give you the broad strokes and depend on you to delve further if you are inclined.  One reason you might be inclined is if you’ve been invited to view one of the games in question- it is tantamount to locker room talk for guys to listen to well informed sports talk from a woman (as long as it’s not during play).  Another reason you might brush up is if one (of many) of the men in your life is a big fan of one of the teams I reference.  So, don’t be lazy.  Use Bleacher Report- sign up for your man’s alma mater, his favorite professional teams and receive emails daily.  They might as well be holding your hand (the way I do).

5.  Texas does NOT play this week- so if you live there, and are invited to watch football with the guys- do not ask, “When is the Texas game?”  They are on a “bye”- which is a week off from play.  This could be a good time for the bye with Texas- it will give them time to rest (though I doubt that is happening) and gear up for what will likely amount to a good old fashioned whoopin’ by Nebraska.

4.  Florida and LSU play this weekend and both teams are struggling.  Les Miles is still coaching for LSU so it’s an adventure every week.  Clever Girls, Les Miles was an assistant at University of Michigan (a great item to inquire about- note I said inquire about not assert) and was the hopeful for coach when Rich Rodriguez (RichRod) was hired from West Virginia. 

3.  The Michigan State Spartans coach, Mark Dantonio was slated to return to the field with his team for the first time since his heart attack following a win over Notre Dame.  Now, I personally think the overtime win itself was reason enough for the heart attack, but I think it had more to do with the faked field goal run in for a Bates to Gannt touch down.  Pretty awesome stuff- the play, not the heart surgery- though that is pretty impressive as well.  Dantonio will be coaching from a box.

2.  The University of Michigan will take on the Michigan State University Spartans.  This is a HUGE college rivalry and emotion will be a factor.  I could spew stats all day long, but playing in the Big House (the Michigan Stadium) is unlike play anywhere and it can weigh heavily on the outcome.  Bottom line, the best defense wins.  It is questionable whether Michigan’s defense can hold up against the run or the pass (RichRod’s former team, West Virginia, was not known for defense either).

1.  Denard Robinson is likely to be his explosive self and hold his position as number one Heisman choice by the Heisman pundit poll.  I couldn’t be more proud if he were my own.

Here is a fantastic trivia question a So Very Clever Girl posed- How many college teams have mascots that do not end in s?
The answer is 28.  These are the teams and their mascots.  Now, before I give up the goods, I want to make clear- this is not a change for you to show off- guys HATE girls who act as if they know more about sports (or anything else) than the guys.  So, you will say instead- "Oh my gosh- I had someone ask me a trivia question and I could only answer like TWO!  Can you guys help me fill in the blanks?"  They will likely pay worship.  And the teams are:

Alabama Crimson Tide
Notre Dame Fighting Irish 
NC State Wolfpack 
Nevada Wolfpack 
Illinois Fighing Illini 
Marshall Thundering Herd 
Tulane Green 
UMass Minutemen 
Syracuse Orange 
St. Johns Red Storm 
North Texas Mean Green 
Stanford Cardinal 
Navy Midshipmen 
Tulsa Golden Hurricane 
North Dakota Fighing Sioux 
Wisconsin-Green Bay Phoenix 
William and Mary Tribe
Harvard Crimson
Dartmouth Big Green 
Cornell Big Red 
Hofstra Pride 
Bucknell Bison 
Elon Phoenix
Centenary College of Louisiana Gentlemen 
Howard Bison
Union Dutchmen
St. Francis Red Flash
North Dakota State Bison  

So Very Clever Update and Game Day Grub

Welcome soon to be So Very Clever readers.  I hope you were able to catch me this morning on ESPN Austin with Erin Hogan.  If you did, here are the recipes I mentioned on the show.  Enjoy!  Just print them out and hand them off to the So Very Clever Guy's Girl in your life.  If she looks at what you're handing her like it's a used bed pan, you have two options:  Get a So Very Clever Guy's Girl- or steer your girl to this blog so she can learn some tips for becoming a Guy's Girl.  

Pork Tacos

1 package of pork tenderloin (should contain two tenderloins)- not pork roast

salt

pepper

garlic
ground cumin
20 tortillas of choice (use whole wheat from Central Market if you are health-conscious)

HOW TO PREPARE THE PORK
The great thing about this dish is the pork can be grilled or baked (either way, pork should always end up at 170 degrees). If baked- go with an oven temperature of 350 degrees. Season pork liberally with salt, pepper, garlic powder and cumin.  Once cooked, slice and serve hot or cold with tortillas.

BBQ Coleslaw
1 head of green cabbage

1/2 each red, yellow and orange pepper (you can use the other half from Texas Caviar - see below)

Jalapenos
1 bunch of cilantro

1/2 red onion

1 bottle of Kraft Original barbecue sauce

1/3 cup Kraft Light Mayo reduced-fat mayonnaise (or regular fat, if preferred)

cider vinegar

white pepper

1 packet of Splenda

HOW TO PREPARE THE BBQ COLE SLAW

Core the cabbage and slice ultra thin (shred). Julienne the peppers.Cut the japs into rings- core if you don't like the heat.Coarse chop the cilantro after rinsing.Slice half of the red onion- thin. Add the Splenda, a dash of white pepper and a generous portion of the barbecue sauce to the mayonnaise Now, if you want to doctor your Kraft Original barbecue sauce- add to it-

Garlic powder -1/2 tsp
Worcestershire sauce - 1 tsp
Tabasco- a liberal dash, based on taste, for heat
Cayenne pepper - 1/2 tsp
Chilli powder - 1/2 tsp

Feel free to use your favorite barbecue sauce instead. Mix this well and pour over the cabbage mixture. I use my hands to make sure it is well coated. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

TEXAS CAVIAR
(having nothing to do with fish or fish eggs)

This fantastic recipe was introduced to me only last year by Charter Member of the Clever Tribe, Julie. Born and raised in the Dallas area, she has exposed this Yankee Clever Girl to all kinds of fabulous cuisine.

2 cans of black-eyed peas (no bacon), rinsed

1 can of black beans, rinsed

1/2 each red, yellow and orange pepper, diced
1/2 red onion, diced

3 pickling cucumbers, unpeeled and diced bite-size (be sure to wash well first!)

Jalapenos, sliced
Your favorite Italian dressing- I like to make Good Seasons (red wine vinegar and oil)
1 tomato, diced (I add this at the last minute before serving so the tomatoes hold their shape and look fresh)1 bunch cilantro - rinsed, picked and chopped coarsely (I like to add this right before serving because it looks nicer)
Tortilla chips


HOW TO PREPARE TEXAS CAVIAR

In a large bowl combine the black-eyed peas, black beans, peppers, onion and cucumbers, plus as many jalepenos as desired. Add ¾ s of a bottle of your favorite Italian dressing. I am partial to making Good Seasons in the little glass cruette. When you make it healthy, use 2/3 red wine vinegar, almost a third of heart-smart oil (I like Enova) and a splash of water- plus seasoning packet.Shake, then pour over your Texas Caviar. Stir in tomato and cilantro. Chill and serve with a variety of chips- the baked Scoops from Frito-Lay are perfect.

. . .

OK, Clever Tribe- I'm now responding to the "Where TF have you been"s.  As I recall, I believe in May, I made clear I was coming into a season that would prevent me from posting daily.  I'm in the final editing stage of "Consumed."  I've been filming the trailer for the novel, creating the website for my fiction, reworking the So Very Clever platform, and shooting author interviews and podcasts (please don't ask me what these are- I'm filming them and still have NO idea). I've been doing research to position my children's book series with the right agent/publisher, researching Book Two (as yet, unnamed) and managing Clever.

Because I felt I wasn't busy enough (don't forget I'm a professional photographer)- I decided to become a contributing sports writer for Bleacher Report- the most well organized online sports magazine I've seen. Now, don't expect me to spew facts, figures, stats or numbers- why?  Because none of that matters when the two teams take the field.  Emotion is a factor, coaching is a factor, if your dad is kind of famous seems to be a factor, politics- it's just not as easy as your batting average.  Life is coming at me right now- up to 105.4 mph (football, baseball and then hockey beats baseball by .4) so I have to stay on top of things.  You will be happy to know, Bleacher Report was open to my So Very Clever method by which to immerse women into the sports realm, so ... I have decided (after consulting my wise counsel, Erin Hogan from ESPN Austin) to do a twice weekly "Top Five Clever Topics for Guy's Girls."

As is typical with So Very Clever- I am going to give you the broad strokes- this will get you by and allow you to generate intelligent and insightful conversation, but I would recommend you do a little more research if the men/man in your life is a big fan of one of the teams in an upcoming game.  I will run similar content here, but would rather you read at Bleacher Report- they are watching me.

Again- bored here- nothing to do, so I agreed to be a weekly contributor on the Bud Light Morning Rush with Erin Hogan on The Horn in Austin.  That is if they decide I am worthy after my first segment today.

Clever Girls can capitalize on an at-home game day by wearing something a little sexier- a higher heel, because you won't be beating a path to a stadium or tailgate party- a tighter jean, because you will be up and down- and maybe short sleeves.  You don't have to worry about humidity, so go ahead and whip out the flat iron.  I prefer curly- big surprise.

XXX