hey where my girls at?! (and is rachael ray a terrorist?)

The answer to the first question is:

Soon to be in Warner Village Cinema in Lamezia Terme anxiously awaiting:

Sex and the City!

Sex and the City movie

And that’s where I’ll be shortly too.

Wanna come?

Or are you having your own girls’ night out in celebration?

But before you answer, let’s move on to the second question in the post title.

Did you hear about the Dunkin’ Donuts ad with Rachael Ray that was pulled because of what she’s wearing?

Scantily clad, you’re thinking?

Rachael Ray of EVOO and the Garbage Bowl?

OUR Rachael?

Not exactly.

Here’s a still shot from MSNBC.com:

Rachael Ray and her scarf pushing Dunkin' Donuts

Can you spot the offensive article of clothing?

Michelle Malkin said Ray’s neck accessory resembles a kiffiyeh, a head scarf “popularized by Yasser Arafat and a regular adornment of Muslim terrorists appearing in beheading and hostage-taking videos.”

Um, is that what you thought when you saw that photo?

I mean, I’m not exactly lovin’ the scarf for fashion purposes, but personally
I just want some Dunkin’ Donuts iced coffee, extra cream no sugar. YUM!

Buon weekend everyone!

And be sure to check out Ms Adventures in Italy for Sara’s
La Buona Cucina Americana recipe!

36 Beans of Wisdom to “hey where my girls at?! (and is rachael ray a terrorist?)”
  1. Gil
    05.30.2008

    The first thought I had when I saw Rachael Ray in a DD commercial is that she had sold out what little creditability she had as a cook. I think that my daughter had your DD iced coffee last night. I wish that New England had a few Caribou Coffee shops like you ole rebels in North Carolina had.

    I hope your daughter enjoyed it…I know I would have ๐Ÿ˜‰ As for Caribou, you know I’ve never tried it?!

  2. Yes Rachel Ray is a terrorist…against good food!

    Okay seriously, Malkin is crazy. Those scarves are everywhere in NYC and lots of people wear them, including non-Muslims. Malkin has said some off the wall things in the past but this takes the cake.

    The ad should have been pulled only for bad fashion. There is too much going on with the scarf and the purse. It’s distracting from the product.

    SATC is playing a few of the English Language theaters here. Hopefully I can get a ticket. I’m a little worried that it’s so long and the reviews are not good but I’m looking forward to getting a little American pop culture. My friends back in the States are going together.

    nyc/caribbean ragazza’s last blog post..Clive Owen is in Rome and nobody told me?

    I hear you NYC/C gal, all of it. I wonder if you got to go see the movie yet….

  3. Joanne at frutto della passione
    05.30.2008

    HA! Yes she is a danger to good food and good fashion sense everywhere!!
    And YES Linda and I are organizing a SATC night here in Milan and we have
    invited all the local (women) bloggers we could find. June 7th! Woo hoo can’t wait!

    Joanne at frutto della passione’s last blog post..Pascoli part 2 – I primi

    Ooh fun! No spoilers from me Joanne!

  4. 05.30.2008

    I’m so so excited about the movie and was even happier to find it in English at the German cinema. I’ve been watching the reruns on DVD ever since the show ended. Never tire of it!

    Diane Mandy’s last blog post..What I didnโ€™t blog about this week

    I never tire of it either Diane! I simply can’t turn off an episode if I find one on….

  5. Greg
    05.30.2008

    Back in the 1980’s and into the early 1990’s many people wore such scarfs. They were large and worked well against the harsh Minnesota winter! I do, however, remember receiving icy stares when wearing mine during the 1st Gulf War.

    Wow, if people were annoyed during the first Gulf War, I can only imagine the hostility towards them now….

    Thanks for commenting Greg ๐Ÿ™‚

  6. Christina
    05.30.2008

    Terrorist? That seems like a stretch, I say just bad taste.

    Iced coffee sounds so good right now! It’s getting HOT down here!

    I hope you get to see SATC, I’ve been hearing good things about it already. I can’t wait to see it!

    Christina’s last blog post..Traffic jam

    If you’re a SATC fan, you’ll definitely enjoy the film Christina. Enjoy!

  7. 05.30.2008

    A scarf! just a scarf! Next thing you know they will be canceling commercials because of the bearded men in the background playing chest (a war game!) I will rather watch the SatC movie, and get inspired by all the crazy fashion. ( I might join Joanne and Linda in Milan) FUN!

    Beatriz’s last blog post..A great book meme.

    I hope you get to join the gals Beatriz! And yes, I don’t know where the cancellations and pulling of ads, etc. would really stop….

  8. 05.30.2008

    I think the scarf thing is ridiculous. We are so super-sensitive about everything here – it is annoying.lol I’m not a big fan of Rachel (seriously, how much screaming and arm flailing can a woman do?) but this commercial thing has me rolling my eyes.

    can’t wait to hear how yall like the movie!

    stacy’s last blog post..Mother-in-laws are fun!

    Stacy the movie was so fun! Of course the company I had made it *amazing* but I really think SATC fans will be pleased…I thought it was a bit long and could’ve been edited more tightly, but overall, I liked it ๐Ÿ™‚

  9. 05.30.2008

    I’d love to be going to the opening night of SATC, but I think it’s smarter to wait until next weekend when the crowds won’t be as bad. Can’t wait to see the flick, though! Will it be coming to a theater near you?

    Christina Arbini’s last blog post..I Have Caulk, And I’m Not Afraid To Use It

    The nearest theater to me was about an hour away, but that wasn’t too bad…there were more people than I thought, though, and definitely more men that I imagined I’d see…this *after* the movie finally showed up!

    We went for the 6:30 show but had to wait until 9:30 b/c the movie hadn’t arrived yet from Naples! “Le ragazza sono in ritardo” the ticket-seller told us…the girls are late! The explanation? We’re in Calabria! So we were *forced* to shop for several hours first. Poor us, I know!

  10. 05.30.2008

    What I immediately thought was ‘Pubblicita’ Occulta’ ! For the Latte, I mean, not for Yassah !

    Scintilla’s last blog post..Flippin’ Jellyfish

    Love it Scintilla ๐Ÿ™‚

  11. 05.30.2008

    Don’t know much about RR, other than she appears on the cover of about every third magazine in the supermarket checkout line, and that she’s small dark and yum. Isn’t she part Sicilian or something?

    What I think is really hilarious is that Michelle was all up in arms about Starbucks being pro-illegal-immigration or something – and tried to get all her readers to start going to Dunkin’ Donuts! I guess now they’ll all have to go to the corner coffee shop – which, in a lot of cities, is probably run by a Palestinian family. Pwned Michelle!!!!

    I tell ya, American political discourse in the 21st century resembles nothing so much as pro wrestling…

    Paul’s last blog post..moonlight sleeping on a midnight lake

    Hadn’t heard the Starbucks thing. Huh. I know RR has Italian blood, but I’m not sure where from exactly. I actually enjoy her…but don’t you mean yum-mo?

  12. 05.30.2008

    I may be a Rachael Ray fan, but she just looks horrible in that ad. Time for a new stylist, perhaps?

    That being said, the terrorist implications are laughable!

    Kathy’s last blog post..Finally, an explanation!

    Laughable is a good word Kathy!

  13. 05.30.2008

    I swear, people are so crazy over things in this day and age. The thought never would have entered my mind…as I’m sure that it didn’t Rachel’s either. It’s just a freaking scarf for gosh sakes! It’s all the rage right now.

    Oh well, I’m off to “scarf” down some donuts…har! har!

    Lulu’s last blog post..Eat Right, Exercise Regularly, Die Anyway

    Good one Lulu!!!

  14. 05.30.2008

    Rachel a terrorist – reporters are really taking things too far, they feel they have some right or power to make a ridiculous statement. I bet she’s giddy that he was able to get the DD ad pulled.

    SaTC Girl’s Night Out – we are leaving work early today and catching the 4:30p showing and having dinner and cosmos afterwards with an in-depth discussion of the movie. Can’t Wait!!

    Linda

    Ice Tea For Me’s last blog post..my new toy

    Hope you enjoyed the movie Linda! Or at least the night out ๐Ÿ˜‰

  15. 05.30.2008

    Rach is not a terrorist, what a bunch of media hype junk.
    I’ve never seen Sex in the City and my friends here won’t let me go because they think I might be offended.

    More upsetting than all that is this:

    Seamus is leaving; there is a farewell post on Shameless Words. He has said good-bye.

    Teary eyed…

    Scarlett & Viaggiatore

    Wanderlust Scarlett’s last blog post..The Rhythm of the Heart

    Thank you so much for the news about Seamus. Sooooo sad!

  16. 05.30.2008

    The whole thing is absurd and racist. I’m not a Rachel hater. But a part of me thinks she gets what she deserves here. I always wondered what she was after with endorsing Dunkin Donuts and Ritz Crackers. How much money does one woman need?

    Laura Schenone’s last blog post..Winepress in the Basement

    RR is definitely becoming her own empire ala Martha Stewart and Oprah. I’m rather impressed myself!

  17. 05.31.2008

    Wow. I’m offended that the ad was pulled over that.

    I hear you, Sara.

  18. 05.31.2008

    Am I just too lame that I don’t pay attention to Rachel OR the girls from sex in the city? Sigh…

    Susan’s last blog post..How Does Your Garden Grow?

    Lame? Nah. Different interests is all…I only started watching SATC a few months ago when I noticed it was on here in English–not too many choices!

  19. 05.31.2008

    We are SO spoiled in Kuwait. Dunkin Donuts opened up numerous stores here last year or the year before – can’t remember. I love their glazed cakey chocolate donuts. As far as firing Rachael Ray? I think someone is being a bit too sensitive but I understand how it would hurt business and it all boils down to the mighty dollar.

    Speaking of donuts, if you or anyone else reading this has a good recipe for Graffa (Neapolitan donuts) – I really really miss them and have attempted to make them but they’re missing that sumthin’ sumthin’. I even bought donuts from the Carrefour bakery in Kuwait because my little son said, “Mama! They look like graffa!” but they weren’t even close.

    Stinni’s last blog post..Summer Anthem, 2008

    Hmm, I haven’t seen a recipe for those doughnuts, but I’ll definitely keep an eye out. I’m wondering now, actually, if there’s anything in Dolce Italiano by Gina DePalma….

  20. 05.31.2008

    Nothing like some really mean spirited and clueless prejudice to promote one world. I am sometimes offended by belonging to this bunch called humans. Yannow, a dog never lies, and even if he tries his tail will give him away.

    Judith in Umbria’s last blog post..Classroom foods

    Here here, Judith.

  21. 05.31.2008

    Though I don’t like Racheal and am appalled that the Food Network actually let her represent Dunkin Donuts, I think she is only guilty of hiring a bad stylist, but she is no terrorist. The ad should have stayed. I think sometimes we are too politically correct in this country.

    As for SATC…never really liked it on TV, so I won’t be going to *a theater near me* to see it!

    Hope you have a good time and that you like it Michelle ๐Ÿ˜‰

    My Mรฉlange’s last blog post..Stormville Flea Market

    Thanks for the good wishes Robin…I enjoyed myself *immensely* ๐Ÿ™‚

  22. 05.31.2008

    Have fun

    african vanielje’s last blog post..Eat In RMB Private Bank SA Produce Awards

    Thanks AV!

  23. eleftheria
    05.31.2008

    yes sooo excited the film will start playing in athens on june 5 th!!! my best friend (a canadian expat/greek-canadian) and I wil go see it. cant wait…..

    dont know rachel ray…do know the scarf…is it ? isn’t it ??? who is rachel ray ??? one of these years I will make it back to the us to visit and I can see that I am alllllllready loooooooong out of the loooop!!! my slang will be out of date too!!!! haha….

    baci from athens
    E

    Rachael Ray is with the Food Network–started with a cooking show doing 30-minute meals and now does cookbooks, a magazine, and I think even a talk show?

    Hope you enjoy the film, and thanks for stopping by ๐Ÿ™‚

  24. 06.01.2008

    Couple of years back I was at the Barnes & Nobles at East 86th Street.
    There was a huge crowd on the second floor.
    I thought, “Deepak must be in town.”
    Suddenly someone said, “There’s Rachel Ray now!”
    The crowd went wild as a short little thing bounded up the escalator.
    I walked up to information and said to the young man,”Call me stupid, but who the heck is Rachel Ray?”
    He couldn’t stop laughing.
    Honestly I think the scarf is just plain ugly myself.
    Sending good vibes your way.
    PS I’d rather see you with your own Food Network Show!
    ((hugs))

    Frances’s last blog post..look closelyโ€ฆ

    Oh that’s so sweet Frances…if you happen to know anyone at the Network…. ๐Ÿ˜‰

  25. 06.01.2008

    I am annoyed my Rachael Ray, but will admit that her magazine is pretty good for quick, fun ideas. The scarf nonsense is just that.

    What did you think about SATC? I quite enjoyed it.

    Geggie’s last blog post..Weekend Escapades

    I’ll have to ask my mom to pick up a copy of the mag for me; I think I’d like it too.

    I did like the movie. A tad long, some plot points that I would’ve changed, more on the other characters besides Carrie would’ve been nice, deeper developments of some things, but overall, good film…and definitely a fabulous experience ๐Ÿ™‚

  26. Tina
    06.01.2008

    Gosh I’m going to have to see if I can go watch Sex and the City here in Argentina.!

    Rachel Ray gets on my nerves and I can’t stand her at all but really, a terrorist? no no no. She may be annoying as hell but she’s a good person, I’m sure of it.

    That said, the scarf is unflattering!

    Tina’s last blog post..10 Things I love about Buenos Aires

    Hope you get to see the movie Tina; I wonder if it opened there at the same time…I couldn’t believe it opened in the US and Italy on the same day!

    Agreed on Rachael’s being a good person and wearing an unflattering scarf ๐Ÿ˜‰

  27. 06.01.2008

    I haven’t seen the movie yet – knee deep in moving/end of school – but the RR thing was silly and outrageous.

    I thought I’d heard it wrong it’s so outlandish.

    So did I Lisa! I heard a snippet and then had to go investigate b/c I was *sure* I had misheard, but nope.

  28. 06.02.2008

    The funniest thing is it isn’t even a kaffiyeh. You can see that in the patterning.

    I haven’t gone to see SATC yet. We did see Indy 4 today, though.
    I think I have to see SATC with a group of girlfriends. D and I watched it together and both liked it, actually, but it’s not the same in terms of the theater. Hope you enjoyed it!

    jen of a2eatwrite’s last blog post..Farmers Market Thursday – May 29, 2008

    Yes Jen, it just “resembles” the Mid-Eastern garb…I mean honestly!

    And yes, definitely grab the girls to see SATC; it’s an experience!

  29. I am doing the same for girl’s night. Hmmm, it amazes me how hard people look to see the worst on others. I seriously would never have given two thoughts to the scarf.

    Simply…Gluten-free’s last blog post..Garden Party Lemon Aide

    So true; I wouldn’t have even thought of the scarf at all either even though it is quite tragic (fashion-wise) ๐Ÿ˜‰

  30. 06.02.2008

    I’m with all of the folks that thought she looked just plain awful. Bad hair, bad makeup, bad clothes, bad coffee, fake background. Yuck.

    I will be waiting a few more days to see the movie. I prefer to munch on my popcorn and eat my non parels in peace and quiet, thank you very much.

    I DID see a wonderful film this weekend, though. “Young @ Heart”. An indie documentary. Laugh and cry and feel good. Loved it ***** ….that’s 5 stars.

    Hope all is wonderful with you Michelle.

    If you are planning to be in Rome around June 22-25 let me know. We’ll sip some decent coffee or have a glass of vino.

    karen cole’s last blog post..IMITATION AND INSPIRATION

    We were lucky here regarding crowds for the movie. While there was a good number of people in the theater, it wasn’t packed, thank goodness.

    So you’re coming to Rome! I’ll be sure to let you know if I’m around ๐Ÿ™‚

  31. re: Ms. Ray Italian background. Her mom is Sicilian and she grew up in upstate NY.

    nyc/caribbean ragazza’s last blog post..Sex And The City in Rome

    Thanks for the info! I do remember her talking about her Italian grandfather a bit ๐Ÿ™‚

  32. 06.02.2008

    Do you think it would be in poor taste if I joined Girls Night Out? Just for research purposes, mind you. Enjoy S&TC.

    Billy’s last blog post..Black Satin Dress

    Not poor taste at all! I love sociological experiments ๐Ÿ˜‰

  33. 06.03.2008

    I can’t even think of a word to describe my dislike of Michelle Malkin. Use your imagination.

    As for Rachael’s scarf – I can’t even tell you how many people I know who have owned those scarves. I had one in red/white and black/white myself. They were THE fashion accessory. OK, so it was 1984, but still. I had them. And I was “in” okay??

    But seriously – people are just OUT OF WHACK with all this crap. I honestly don’t know how things are over there where you are, but I am fed up with the delusional crap I hear coming out of people’s mouths.

    We were just in Canada’s Atlantic Provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island) crossing borders and taking ferries and not ONE person asked us for identification or even wanted to know what we were carrying on our truck. Well, okay, at the border we show our ID and manifest, but the ferries? Nothing.

    Granted, not much happens up there, but the calm and ease that was around us was extremely noticeable. We even commented on the absense of people checking everything from toenail clippers to water bottles here in the states. I’m tired of the fear mongering and the crap.

    Sorry to rant – but crap like this just annoys me. And like Sara said – I’m offended they PULLED the ad because of that. What BS.

    Oh – and in the northeast, where I am now, Dunkin’ Donuts is just KING. And I have to say, I JUST had a large iced latte and boy oh freakin’ boy, was it YUMMO!!!

    Salena’s last blog post..Lining Up For Lobster Season

    Rants always welcome! Especially when I agree with them ๐Ÿ˜‰

    My mom will be flying soon, and I just sent her several pages of information on restrictions, how to package liquids, etc., for both Europe and America. Woohoo.

    And I’m *molto* jealous of that iced latte….

  34. 06.03.2008

    that’s crazy. soon they’ll be saying we’re un-American if we don’t wear a flag pin…. oh, wait… they already said that.

    I wonder if it’d be OK if I used a flag pin as a kind of brooch to keep the scarf in place…hmm….

  35. One funny bit of trivia about that Rachael Ray ad is that here in Oregon, we weren’t so much noticing her attire as we were the backdrop… While Dunkin Donuts claims it’s just some mash-up of random background images, it just so happens that the building over her left shoulder is the Oregon state capitol building in Salem, Oregon! The newspapers here had stories about the stupid scarf controversy, but they spent more time saying, “Did Rachael Ray come to Salem?”

    Ha… ๐Ÿ™‚

    Jessica, Italy Logue’s last blog post..How to Look Like a Local in Italy This Summer

    Oh that’s hilarious Jessica! More controversy! Hah!

  36. 06.06.2008

    It’s not the scarf that’s most offensive – it’s that hideously artificial tan! Sheesh, Rachael, stay outta the tanning booths!

    Hah, yeah, it *is* a bit, um, orangey….

Michelle KaminskyMichelle Kaminsky is an American attorney-turned-freelance writer who lived in her family's ancestral village in Calabria, Italy for 15 years. This blog is now archived. 

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Recipes

 

Homemade apple butter
Green beans, potatoes, and pancetta
Glazed Apple Oatmeal Cinnamon Muffins
Pasta with snails alla calabrese
Onion, Oregano, and Thyme Focaccia
Oatmeal Banana Craisin Muffins
Prosciutto wrapped watermelon with bel paese cheese
Fried eggs with red onion and cheese
Calabrian sausage and fava beans
Ricotta Pound Cake