Thinking isn’t agreeing or disagreeing. That’s voting.
– Robert Frost
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Large Christian Organization Starts Petition Against Sarah Palin
As they should...
Faithful America is the largest and fastest growing online community of Christians, putting faith into action for social justice. They have watched the right-wing political agendas highjack the true messages of Jesus, and this faith-based organization will no longer be silent.
In her ever smug and sarcastic way, Sarah Palin, made an incredibly hateful, bizarre, and insensitive statement during the annual NRA/NRAAM event. Speaking to a cheering NRA crowd, Sarah Palin spouted:
"…Water-boarding is how we baptize terrorists."
In disgust, and to distance themselves as Christians, from the pseudo-Christian Palin claims to be, Faithful America started a petition against her, and began the petition with these words:
"This is what we've come to in America: A former candidate for vice-president can equate torture and Holy Baptism, and one of the nation's most powerful political lobbies erupts into cheers and applause.
As usual, Palin's remarks are already making international headlines, once again portraying Christianity as a religion of hatred and violence. But this time, let's show just how many Christians are appalled by Palin's twisted misrepresentation of our faith."
Read more
Faithful America is the largest and fastest growing online community of Christians, putting faith into action for social justice. They have watched the right-wing political agendas highjack the true messages of Jesus, and this faith-based organization will no longer be silent.
In her ever smug and sarcastic way, Sarah Palin, made an incredibly hateful, bizarre, and insensitive statement during the annual NRA/NRAAM event. Speaking to a cheering NRA crowd, Sarah Palin spouted:
"…Water-boarding is how we baptize terrorists."
In disgust, and to distance themselves as Christians, from the pseudo-Christian Palin claims to be, Faithful America started a petition against her, and began the petition with these words:
"This is what we've come to in America: A former candidate for vice-president can equate torture and Holy Baptism, and one of the nation's most powerful political lobbies erupts into cheers and applause.
As usual, Palin's remarks are already making international headlines, once again portraying Christianity as a religion of hatred and violence. But this time, let's show just how many Christians are appalled by Palin's twisted misrepresentation of our faith."
Read more
Megacities contend with sinking land
In some parts of the globe, the ground is going down 10 times faster than the water is rising, with the causes very often being driven by human activity.
Decades of ground water extraction saw Tokyo descend two metres before the practice was stopped.
Speaking at the European Geosciences Union General Assembly, researchers said other cities must follow suit.
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Decades of ground water extraction saw Tokyo descend two metres before the practice was stopped.
Speaking at the European Geosciences Union General Assembly, researchers said other cities must follow suit.
Read more
Tennessee Criminalizes Pregnant Drug Use
It’s about to become illegal to use drugs while pregnant in Tennessee. The state is the first in the country that will be able to charge women for harm done to their babies due to drug use during pregnancy. The bill, which was signed by the governor on Tuesday and will go into effect on July 1, had strong opposition. Civil and reproductive rights groups argue that it will drive women away from drug treatment programs.
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Here’s What Happens When the GOP Takes Over the Senate
Passing a federal law banning almost all abortions after 20 weeks. Defunding parts of Obamacare. Weakening the Environmental Protection Agency. Gutting the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. And—maybe, just maybe—letting a Supreme Court seat sit vacant until after the next presidential election. That, reports Michael Tomasky after talking to top Republicans and Democrats, is the future that may await the American public if the GOP wins the Senate.
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Supreme Court Says Clean Air Trumps State’s Rights in Upholding EPA Rule
In a victory for environmentalists and the Obama administration, the Supreme Court today ruled to uphold the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule set by Obama’s EPA in 2011. The rule requires 28 states to reduce power plant emissions that can negatively affect the air quality in neighboring states.
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Victory for Voters in Wisconsin As Voter ID Law Goes Down in Flames
In another victory for voting rights, U.S. District Court Judge Lynn Adelman struck down Wisconsin’s restrictive voter ID law.
In his ruling released on Tuesday afternoon, Judge Adelman concluded that the law violates the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act because it discriminates against African Americans and Latinos.
It’s interesting to note that, once again, the Walker government tried to claim that violating voters fourteenth amendment rights was justifiable to prevent in person voter fraud.
Read more
In his ruling released on Tuesday afternoon, Judge Adelman concluded that the law violates the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act because it discriminates against African Americans and Latinos.
It’s interesting to note that, once again, the Walker government tried to claim that violating voters fourteenth amendment rights was justifiable to prevent in person voter fraud.
Read more
Bernie Sanders Delivers The GOP’s Worst Nightmare: Red Staters Who Call Healthcare a Right
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) described what Republicans fear most. On recent trip to South Carolina and North Carolina, Sanders found red state residents who believe that healthcare is a right.
Read more/video
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3 Relationship Red Flags That Should Send You Running
You've found your soul mate, you've been together for a while, and you feel like you're ready to take it to the next level. Maybe even marriage -- eek! Is he the prefect life-long partner for you? Wouldn't we all love a crystal ball to show us exactly what to expect from a man in the future. I've known women who fretted over doubts all the way up to the altar who went on to enjoy long, fulfilling marriages. And I've known women who were 100 percent sure of their man only to find out they'd ignored some pretty important red flags along the way.
The thing is, sometimes a red flag looks a little, well, gray. And chances are there might be something about your man that makes you wonder a little. But you kind of want to just give him a pass because you don't want to be hypercritical -- and because you really love him, dammit! Sometimes those little things can turn into a big deal later on. Here are 3 red flags you're better off facing right now, before you let things go any further.
The thing is, sometimes a red flag looks a little, well, gray. And chances are there might be something about your man that makes you wonder a little. But you kind of want to just give him a pass because you don't want to be hypercritical -- and because you really love him, dammit! Sometimes those little things can turn into a big deal later on. Here are 3 red flags you're better off facing right now, before you let things go any further.
Eat your vegetables
When mama told you to eat your vegetables, she didn't mean you should stop once you grew up and left home. But a survey by the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that fewer than a third of Americans are getting the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
Fruits and vegetables are lower in calories, so they can help keep people trim. And they have fiber that will help stave off colon cancer and other intestinal diseases. And, the more people eat the good stuff, the less room they have for the bad stuff.
Listen to your mama.
Fruits and vegetables are lower in calories, so they can help keep people trim. And they have fiber that will help stave off colon cancer and other intestinal diseases. And, the more people eat the good stuff, the less room they have for the bad stuff.
Listen to your mama.
Spring Vegetable Pasta
Ingredients
3 medium leeks, white and light green parts halved lengthwise, washed, and cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices (about 5 cups); 3 cups roughly chopped dark green parts reserved
1 pound asparagus, tough ends snapped off, chopped coarsely, and reserved; spears cut on bias into 1/2-inch-thick pieces
2 cups frozen baby peas, thawed
4 medium garlic cloves, minced or pressed through garlic press (about 4 teaspoons)
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup water
2 tablespoons minced fresh mint leaves
2 tablespoons minced fresh chives
1/2 teaspoon finely grated zest plus 2 tablespoons juice from 1 lemon
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Table salt
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 pound campanelle
1 cup dry white wine
1 ounce grated Parmesan cheese (about 1/2 cup), plus extra for serving
Ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Place dark green leek trimmings, asparagus trimmings, 1 cup peas, 2 teaspoons garlic, vegetable broth, and water in large saucepan. Bring to simmer over high heat, then lower heat to medium-low and gently simmer 10 minutes. While broth simmers, combine mint, chives, and lemon zest in small bowl; set aside.
2. Strain broth through fine-mesh strainer into 8-cup measuring cup, pressing on solids to extract as much liquid as possible (you should have 5 cups broth; add water as needed to measure 5 cups). Discard solids and return broth to saucepan. Cover and keep warm over low heat.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add sliced leeks and pinch salt; cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until leeks begin to brown, about 5 minutes. Add asparagus pieces and cook until crisp-tender, 4 to 6 minutes. Add remaining 2 teaspoons garlic and pepper flakes; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add remaining cup peas and continue to cook 1 minute. Transfer vegetables to plate and set aside. Wipe out pot.
4. Heat remaining 4 tablespoons oil in now-empty Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add pasta and cook, stirring frequently, until just beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Add wine and cook, stirring constantly, until absorbed, about 2 minutes.
5. When wine is fully absorbed, add hot broth. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to boil. Cook, stirring frequently, until most of liquid is absorbed and pasta is al dente, 8 to 10 minutes.
6. Remove pot from heat, stir in lemon juice, Parmesan, half of herb mixture, and vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, passing Parmesan cheese and remaining herb mixture separately.
For Better Flavor, Cook Pasta Like Risotto
To deepen the overall flavor of our Spring Vegetable Pasta and add body to the sauce, we cooked the pasta like rice.
1. TOAST PASTA Sautéing the raw pasta in oil, as you would raw rice for risotto, gives it a golden brown color and nutty, rich flavor.
2. ADD WINE A cup of white wine introduced to the pot gets absorbed by the pasta, further contributing to the dish's flavor.
3. ADD BROTH Instead of using water, we boil the pasta in vegetable broth (simmered first with vegetable peelings to concentrate its flavor).
4. COOK UNTIL CREAMY As the pasta cooks, it gets coated in the creamy, starch-thickened broth. No need to add any actual cream.
Marbled Blueberry Bundt Cake
Spray the pan well in step 1 to prevent sticking. If you don’t have nonstick baking spray with flour, mix 1 tablespoon melted butter and 1 tablespoon flour into a paste and brush inside the pan. For fruit pectin we recommend Sure-Jell for Less or No Sugar Needed Recipes. Ball Fruit Pectin will not work. If using frozen berries, thaw them before blending in step 3. This cake can be served plain or with Lemon Glaze or Cinnamon Whipped Cream
Ingredients
CAKE
3 cups (15 ounces) all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest plus 3 tablespoons juice
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 large eggs plus 1 large yolk, room temperature
18 tablespoons (2 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups (14 ounces) sugar
FILLING
3/4 cup (5 1/4 ounces) sugar
3 tablespoons low- or no-sugar-needed fruit pectin
Pinch salt
10 ounces (2 cups) fresh or thawed frozen blueberries
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest plus 1 tablespoons juice
Instructions
1. FOR THE CAKE: Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 325 degrees. Heavily spray 12-cup nonstick Bundt pan with baking spray with flour. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon together in large bowl. Whisk buttermilk, lemon zest and juice, and vanilla together in medium bowl. Gently whisk eggs and yolk to combine in third bowl.
2. Using stand mixer fitted with paddle, beat butter and sugar on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes, scraping down bowl as needed. Reduce speed to medium and beat in half of eggs until incorporated, about 15 seconds. Repeat with remaining eggs, scraping down bowl after incorporating. Reduce speed to low and add one-third of flour mixture, followed by half of buttermilk mixture, mixing until just incorporated after each addition, about 5 seconds. Repeat using half of remaining flour mixture and all of remaining buttermilk mixture. Scrape down bowl, add remaining flour mixture, and mix at medium-low speed until batter is thoroughly combined, about 15 seconds. Remove bowl from mixer and fold batter once or twice with rubber spatula to incorporate any remaining flour. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and set aside while preparing filling (batter will inflate a bit).
3. FOR THE FILLING: Whisk sugar, pectin, and salt together in small saucepan. Process blueberries in blender until mostly smooth, about 1 minute. Transfer 1/4 cup puree and lemon zest to saucepan with sugar mixture and stir to thoroughly combine. Heat sugar-blueberry mixture over medium heat until just simmering, about 3 minutes, stirring frequently to dissolve sugar and pectin. Transfer mixture to medium bowl and let cool for 5 minutes. Add remaining puree and lemon juice to cooled mixture and whisk to combine. Let sit until slightly set, about 8 minutes.
4. Spoon half of batter into prepared pan and smooth top. Using back of spoon, create 1/2-inch-deep channel in center of batter. Spoon half of filling into channel. Using butter knife or small offset spatula, thoroughly swirl filling into batter (there should be no large pockets of filling remaining). Repeat swirling step with remaining batter and filling.
5. Bake until top is golden brown and skewer inserted in center comes out with no crumbs attached, 60 to 70 minutes. Let cake cool in pan on wire rack for 10 minutes, then invert cake directly onto wire rack. Let cake cool for at least 3 hours before serving.
Sausage Cheese Balls
If you have to take a snack to a gathering or want to make quick snack for home this old standard is easy and delish!
2 lbs (32 oz) Sausage, uncooked
1-1/2 cups Bisquick or Jiffy Mix
16 oz Sharp Cheddar cheese (or 4 cups shredded)
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Preheat oven to 375.
Shred cheese and mix all ingredients. Form into 1" balls.
Bake 15 minutes on ungreased cookie sheet until golden brown. Makes about 6 dozen.
Sausage cheese balls can be frozen uncooked.
For a firmer texture, add an extra 3 cups of Bisquick add an extra 2 cups shredded cheese.
2 lbs (32 oz) Sausage, uncooked
1-1/2 cups Bisquick or Jiffy Mix
16 oz Sharp Cheddar cheese (or 4 cups shredded)
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Preheat oven to 375.
Shred cheese and mix all ingredients. Form into 1" balls.
Bake 15 minutes on ungreased cookie sheet until golden brown. Makes about 6 dozen.
Sausage cheese balls can be frozen uncooked.
For a firmer texture, add an extra 3 cups of Bisquick add an extra 2 cups shredded cheese.
Fairies
A married couple in their early 60s were out celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary in a quiet, romantic little restaurant.Suddenly, a tiny yet beautiful fairy appeared on their table and said, "For being such an exemplary married couple and for being faithful to each other for all this time, I will grant you each a wish."
"Oh, I want to travel around the world with my darling husband" said the wife. The fairy waved her magic wand and - poof! - two tickets for the Queen Mary II luxury liner appeared in her hands.
Then it was the husband's turn. He thought for a moment and said: "Well, this is all very romantic, but an opportunity like this will never come again. I'm sorry my love, but my wish is to have a wife 30 years younger than me.
"The wife, and the fairy, were deeply disappointed, but a wish is a wish... So the fairy waved her magic wand and - poof! - the husband became 92 years old.
The moral of the story: Men are ungrateful idiots who should remember fairies are female.
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Today's Quote
"Life is like a puzzle. There may be difficulties finding the right pieces but in the end your puzzle will be complete.”
~ Alma Sales
~ Alma Sales
Travel Advisory: The United States Is Not Safe
I’ve come to the realization that nothing will be done to stop the madness. The mass killings by crazed gunmen with weapons that serve no purpose other than to kill will continue unabated.
After all, we’ve already witnessed the unthinkable:
◾a congresswoman meeting with constituents outside of a grocery shot in the head. She was lucky enough to survive, but six people who went there to meet her were not.
◾TWENTY 6 and 7 year-old children slaughtered in their classroom, along with 6 adults who did everything possible to protect the children in their charge.
Read more
After all, we’ve already witnessed the unthinkable:
◾a congresswoman meeting with constituents outside of a grocery shot in the head. She was lucky enough to survive, but six people who went there to meet her were not.
◾TWENTY 6 and 7 year-old children slaughtered in their classroom, along with 6 adults who did everything possible to protect the children in their charge.
Read more
The gun supremacists’ folly
Nothing better reveals the utter irrationality of our politics for the whole world to see than this madness about guns — and no issue better demonstrates how deeply divided our nation is by region, ideology and party.
The New York Times reported that in the 12 months after the Sandy Hook shootings, 39 laws were enacted tightening gun restrictions; 25 were passed by state governments under full Democratic control. Seventy laws were passed loosening gun restrictions, 49 of them in Republican-controlled states. The Wall Street Journal cited data showing that 21 states strengthened firearms restrictions in 2013 and 20 weakened them.
Nowhere else in the world do the laws on firearms become the playthings of politicians and lobbyists intent on manufacturing cultural conflict. Nowhere else do elected officials turn the matter of taking a gun to church into a searing ideological question. But then, guns are not a religion in most countries.
The program for the NRA’s annual convention, held over the weekend in Indianapolis, listed sessions on “Survival Mindset: Are You Prepared?”; “Creating a Constitutionally Centered Estate Plan”; and “Refuse to be a Victim.”
Party on, guys. I can’t wait for you to figure out the ways in which even Georgia’s law is too restrictive. In the meantime, the nation’s unarmed majority might ponder how badly we have failed in asserting our own rights.
Read more
The New York Times reported that in the 12 months after the Sandy Hook shootings, 39 laws were enacted tightening gun restrictions; 25 were passed by state governments under full Democratic control. Seventy laws were passed loosening gun restrictions, 49 of them in Republican-controlled states. The Wall Street Journal cited data showing that 21 states strengthened firearms restrictions in 2013 and 20 weakened them.
Nowhere else in the world do the laws on firearms become the playthings of politicians and lobbyists intent on manufacturing cultural conflict. Nowhere else do elected officials turn the matter of taking a gun to church into a searing ideological question. But then, guns are not a religion in most countries.
The program for the NRA’s annual convention, held over the weekend in Indianapolis, listed sessions on “Survival Mindset: Are You Prepared?”; “Creating a Constitutionally Centered Estate Plan”; and “Refuse to be a Victim.”
Party on, guys. I can’t wait for you to figure out the ways in which even Georgia’s law is too restrictive. In the meantime, the nation’s unarmed majority might ponder how badly we have failed in asserting our own rights.
Read more
Fox Obscures Findings Of New Report On Low-Wage Jobs To Attack Obama
This isn't really news........
Fox & Friends misrepresented the findings of a new report on the increase in low-wage jobs during the economic recovery to attack President Obama, failing to mention that the report cites cuts to public sector employment -- not Obama's economic policies -- as a major culprit for the post-recession net job loss.
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Fox & Friends misrepresented the findings of a new report on the increase in low-wage jobs during the economic recovery to attack President Obama, failing to mention that the report cites cuts to public sector employment -- not Obama's economic policies -- as a major culprit for the post-recession net job loss.
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‘Gun enthusiasts’ stalk and threaten CEO after she develops weapon only owner can fire
Why we call them 'gun nuts'....
Belinda Padilla, president and CEO of the U.S. division of firearm manufacturer Armatix, says she was stalked and threatened by “gun enthusiasts” after she tried to bring a safer handgun to market.
Armatix, a German company, has developed so-called “smart guns” that can only be fired by the owner. The company uses a watch that ties the owner to the weapon, called the iP1. Armatix is already selling the personalized weapons in Europe and Asia.
In an interview published by The New York Times on Monday, Padilla explained what happened when a forum of online “gun enthusiasts” published her cellphone number.
She said it began with a “few fuming-mad voice mail messages and heavy breathers” that got her to stop answering her phone.
And then photos of her home were posted online.
“In a crude, cartoonish scrawl, this person drew an arrow to the blurred image of a woman passing through the photo frame. ‘Belinda?’ the person wrote. ‘Is that you?’” according to the Times.
Read more
Belinda Padilla, president and CEO of the U.S. division of firearm manufacturer Armatix, says she was stalked and threatened by “gun enthusiasts” after she tried to bring a safer handgun to market.
Armatix, a German company, has developed so-called “smart guns” that can only be fired by the owner. The company uses a watch that ties the owner to the weapon, called the iP1. Armatix is already selling the personalized weapons in Europe and Asia.
In an interview published by The New York Times on Monday, Padilla explained what happened when a forum of online “gun enthusiasts” published her cellphone number.
She said it began with a “few fuming-mad voice mail messages and heavy breathers” that got her to stop answering her phone.
And then photos of her home were posted online.
“In a crude, cartoonish scrawl, this person drew an arrow to the blurred image of a woman passing through the photo frame. ‘Belinda?’ the person wrote. ‘Is that you?’” according to the Times.
Read more
Glenn Beck says he got a message from God: ‘I am coming and I will settle scores’
Yeah, right! Because of all the people on the planet, God would speak to a right wing hack like Beck. News flash for Glenn Beck...'the voices in your head are NOT God!'
Conservative radio host Glenn Beck claimed during a commencement speech at Liberty University last Friday that God delivered an angry message to him while preparing for a 2011 appearance in Jerusalem.
“I know the love, I know the gentleness of Christ,” Beck said in video posted by Right Wing Watch on Monday. “[But] I’ve never felt the wrath.”
Beck, a Mormon, told the crowd at the Christian university that God then informed him, “You tell them I am coming and I will settle scores.”
Read more
Conservative radio host Glenn Beck claimed during a commencement speech at Liberty University last Friday that God delivered an angry message to him while preparing for a 2011 appearance in Jerusalem.
“I know the love, I know the gentleness of Christ,” Beck said in video posted by Right Wing Watch on Monday. “[But] I’ve never felt the wrath.”
Beck, a Mormon, told the crowd at the Christian university that God then informed him, “You tell them I am coming and I will settle scores.”
Read more
Sarah Palin to her patriots: 'Waterboarding is how we baptize terrorists'
There she is espousing her Christian Torture values. What an idiot!
Sarah Palin speaking to the National Rifle Association sounds like a recipe for good old-fashioned nightmare fuel, and you will be happysad to know she did not disappoint.
"C'mon! Enemies who would utterly annihilate America, they would obviously have information on plots. They carry out jihad. Oh, but you can’t offend them. Can’t make them feel uncomfortable, not even a smidgen," Palin said on Saturday during a speech at the National Rifle Association's "Stand And Fight" rally. "Well, if I were in charge, they would know that waterboarding is how we baptize terrorists."
C'mon, she says.
We nearly—and when I say nearly, I mean not that nearly—had a vice president of the United States who would make big public jokes about torturing people. Another one, I mean. A tin pot spokesmodel for the decay of America, the single and precise moron that H.L. Mencken was awaiting.
Read more
Sarah Palin speaking to the National Rifle Association sounds like a recipe for good old-fashioned nightmare fuel, and you will be happysad to know she did not disappoint.
"C'mon! Enemies who would utterly annihilate America, they would obviously have information on plots. They carry out jihad. Oh, but you can’t offend them. Can’t make them feel uncomfortable, not even a smidgen," Palin said on Saturday during a speech at the National Rifle Association's "Stand And Fight" rally. "Well, if I were in charge, they would know that waterboarding is how we baptize terrorists."
C'mon, she says.
We nearly—and when I say nearly, I mean not that nearly—had a vice president of the United States who would make big public jokes about torturing people. Another one, I mean. A tin pot spokesmodel for the decay of America, the single and precise moron that H.L. Mencken was awaiting.
Read more
Walmart heirs pour more than $1 billion into reshaping American education
Walmart isn't just reshaping work in America. The company's largest shareholders, members of the Walton family, are also pouring money into reshaping how future American workers are educated, promoting and funding everything from individual charter schools to charter-friendly policies, voucher policies and legislative attacks on teachers:
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Youth Are Taking the Government to Court Over Its Failure to Address Climate Change
In an unprecedented federal court case that has made it to the DC Circuit Court of Appeals, young people from California are suing the EPA and Departments of Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, Energy and Defense under the historic public trust doctrine for failing to devise a climate change recovery plan.
In their legal brief, they argue, “Failure to rapidly reduce CO2 emissions and protect and restore the balance of the atmosphere is a violation of Youth’s constitutionally protected rights and is redressable by the Courts.”
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In their legal brief, they argue, “Failure to rapidly reduce CO2 emissions and protect and restore the balance of the atmosphere is a violation of Youth’s constitutionally protected rights and is redressable by the Courts.”
Read more
The Mainstream Media Finally Abandons Sarah Palin and Declares Her Over
Treating Palin as a legitimate political figure rather than the brain dead idiot she is, is all the proof that one needs to conclude that our media is run by hacks!
For years, the media has happily pretended that Sarah Palin was a star, and a rival to President Obama. Palin was always the novelty that Republicans claim President Obama to be. Palin has taken to making radical statements to get media attention. Her latest is that if she were in charge she would baptize terrorists through waterboarding.
Palin will always have her fans, but even they realize that there is no future in supporting Sarah. There is no Senate campaign, or a presidential run coming. Palin is still living off of those few months in 2008, when she was a national political somebody.
Sarah Palin is the one hit wonder who started out playing arenas, then moved down to the clubs, then moved further down to the county fair circuit. When you stop drawing a crowd on the county fair circuit, it’s over.
The media is finally catching on that it is time to ignore Sarah Palin.
Read more
For years, the media has happily pretended that Sarah Palin was a star, and a rival to President Obama. Palin was always the novelty that Republicans claim President Obama to be. Palin has taken to making radical statements to get media attention. Her latest is that if she were in charge she would baptize terrorists through waterboarding.
Palin will always have her fans, but even they realize that there is no future in supporting Sarah. There is no Senate campaign, or a presidential run coming. Palin is still living off of those few months in 2008, when she was a national political somebody.
Sarah Palin is the one hit wonder who started out playing arenas, then moved down to the clubs, then moved further down to the county fair circuit. When you stop drawing a crowd on the county fair circuit, it’s over.
The media is finally catching on that it is time to ignore Sarah Palin.
Read more
Bush Socks?
For a $35 donation, the GOP will send you a special-edition pair of socks honoring former president George H.W. Bush. Designed by the RNC, the socks are embroidered with the Republican elephant and feature Bush’s signature.
Racist Double Down: Like Cliven Bundy LA Clippers Owner Donald Sterling Is a Republican
Republicans are so cluelss........acting as if being a Democrat would make Sterlings remarks any less offensive to Democrats. It's offensive no matter what party the offender is affiliated with. Democrats don't believe there are no racists in the Democratic party....the difference is....Democrats call them out. Republicans it seems would only be offended if Sterling were a Democrat!
After getting burned by racist rancher Cliven Bundy, Fox News, the Tea Party, and others thought they had their gotcha moment when they claimed Clippers owner Donald Sterling was a Democrat. The problem is that he's a Republican.
After getting burned by racist rancher Cliven Bundy, Fox News, the Tea Party, and others thought they had their gotcha moment when they claimed Clippers owner Donald Sterling was a Democrat. The problem is that he's a Republican.
President Obama Shreds Fox News For Their Bogus Criticisms Of His Foreign Policy
President Obama engaged in one of his favorite press conference hobbies. The president handed Ed Henry his head for asking yet another Fox News fueled stupid question that was entirely based on Republican talking points. As soon as Henry broke out the phrase red line, it was easy to see the utter BS question coming.
Obama went through and debunked point by point the right’s bogus criticisms of his foreign policy. The president got in an immediate jab at Fox News by suggesting that the network ignored the complimentary pieces about his foreign policy. Obama directly took on the Republican talking point that Fox News pushes on a daily basis that his foreign policy isn’t strong or manly enough.
The president hit Fox News and the Republicans hard by saying that haven’t learned the lessons of the decision to invade Iraq, and that they keep hitting the same note over and over again. He called out Fox and the GOP for being wrong about Syria, and for advocating military strikes that the American people want no part of. He made it clear that his foreign policy decisions aren’t made because some clown at a cable news network thinks that they will make him look strong.
Read more
Obama went through and debunked point by point the right’s bogus criticisms of his foreign policy. The president got in an immediate jab at Fox News by suggesting that the network ignored the complimentary pieces about his foreign policy. Obama directly took on the Republican talking point that Fox News pushes on a daily basis that his foreign policy isn’t strong or manly enough.
The president hit Fox News and the Republicans hard by saying that haven’t learned the lessons of the decision to invade Iraq, and that they keep hitting the same note over and over again. He called out Fox and the GOP for being wrong about Syria, and for advocating military strikes that the American people want no part of. He made it clear that his foreign policy decisions aren’t made because some clown at a cable news network thinks that they will make him look strong.
Read more
Christian Left Stands Up: Progressive Church Files Suit Vs NC Gay Marriage Ban
Citing the freedoms protected by the 1st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, the United Church of Christ (UCC) filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Charlotte, NC today arguing that the state’s law defining marriage as being between a man and a woman was unconstitutional. The suit argues that the law prevents UCC ministers from performing their religious duties. North Carolina not only prohibits same-sex couples from obtaining a marriage license but it also goes a step further by making it a criminal offense for ministers to conduct a wedding without determining first whether the couple has obtained a license to marry. Ministers who violate the law can face as much as 4 months in jail.
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The Benefits of Sex
1. Sex is a beauty treatment. Scientific tests find that when women make love they produce amounts of the hormone estrogen, which makes hair shine and skin smooth.
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2. Gentle, relaxed lovemaking reduces your chances of suffering dermatitis, skin rashes and blemishes. The sweat produced cleanses the pores and makes your skin glow.
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3. Lovemaking can burn up those calories you piled on during that romantic dinner.
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4. Sex is one of the safest sports you can take up. It stretches and tones up just about every muscle in the body. It's more enjoyable than swimming 20 laps, and you don't need special sneakers!
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5. Sex is an instant cure for mild depression. It releases endorphins into the bloodstream, producing a sense of euphoria and leaving you with a feeling of well-being.
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6. The more sex you have, the more you will be offered. The sexually active body gives off greater quantities of chemicals called pheromones. These subtle sex perfumes drive the opposite sex crazy!
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7 . Sex is the safest tranquilizer in the world. IT IS 10 TIMES MORE EFFECTIVE THAN VALIUM.
============ =
8. Kissing each day will keep the dentist away. Kissing encourages saliva to wash food from the teeth and lowers the level of the acid that causes decay, preventing plaque build-up.
============ =
9. Sex actually relieves headaches. A lovemaking session can release the tension that restricts blood vessels in the brain.
============ =
10. A lot of lovemaking can unblock a stuffy nose. Sex is a natural antihistamine. It can helpcombat asthma and hay fever.
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2. Gentle, relaxed lovemaking reduces your chances of suffering dermatitis, skin rashes and blemishes. The sweat produced cleanses the pores and makes your skin glow.
============ =
3. Lovemaking can burn up those calories you piled on during that romantic dinner.
============ =
4. Sex is one of the safest sports you can take up. It stretches and tones up just about every muscle in the body. It's more enjoyable than swimming 20 laps, and you don't need special sneakers!
============ =
5. Sex is an instant cure for mild depression. It releases endorphins into the bloodstream, producing a sense of euphoria and leaving you with a feeling of well-being.
============ =
6. The more sex you have, the more you will be offered. The sexually active body gives off greater quantities of chemicals called pheromones. These subtle sex perfumes drive the opposite sex crazy!
===========! ==
7 . Sex is the safest tranquilizer in the world. IT IS 10 TIMES MORE EFFECTIVE THAN VALIUM.
============ =
8. Kissing each day will keep the dentist away. Kissing encourages saliva to wash food from the teeth and lowers the level of the acid that causes decay, preventing plaque build-up.
============ =
9. Sex actually relieves headaches. A lovemaking session can release the tension that restricts blood vessels in the brain.
============ =
10. A lot of lovemaking can unblock a stuffy nose. Sex is a natural antihistamine. It can helpcombat asthma and hay fever.
Study: 1 IN 25 Death Row Inmates Likely Innocent
More than 4 percent of inmates sentenced to death in the United States are probably innocent, according to a study published Monday that sent shock waves across the anti-death penalty community.
What the researchers call a "conservative estimate" about the number of wrongfully convicted death row inmates is more than double the percentage of capital defendants who were exonerated during more than three decades that were studied. That means innocent people are languishing behind bars, according to the study.
“The great majority of innocent people who are sentenced to death are never identified and freed," said Samuel Gross, lead author of the study and a University of Michigan Law School professor, in a statement. "The purpose of our study is to account for the innocent defendants who are not exonerated."
The four authors reviewed the outcomes of the 7,482 death sentences handed down from 1973 to 2004. Of that group, 117, or 1.6 percent, were exonerated.
Read more
What the researchers call a "conservative estimate" about the number of wrongfully convicted death row inmates is more than double the percentage of capital defendants who were exonerated during more than three decades that were studied. That means innocent people are languishing behind bars, according to the study.
“The great majority of innocent people who are sentenced to death are never identified and freed," said Samuel Gross, lead author of the study and a University of Michigan Law School professor, in a statement. "The purpose of our study is to account for the innocent defendants who are not exonerated."
The four authors reviewed the outcomes of the 7,482 death sentences handed down from 1973 to 2004. Of that group, 117, or 1.6 percent, were exonerated.
Read more
Spring Vegetable Barley Soup
This light and airy soup is as fresh as the season. The barley helps to refresh and serves as a tonic to the liver, so we move easily from cold to warm weather without discomfort. And since it cooks quickly, you can make healthy soup on the busiest of days!
MAKES 4-5 SERVINGS
1 tablespoon extra- virgin olive oil
1 small leek, split lengthwise, rinsed free of dirt, diced
Sea salt
2 medium carrots, diced
2 cups sliced fresh shiitake mushrooms
2 new potatoes, unpeeled, diced, do not peel
1 small zucchini, diced
½ cup pearled barley, rinsed well
4 cups spring or filtered water
2 tablespoons sweet white miso
Several leaves fresh dandelion, coarsely chopped
Grated zest of 1 fresh lemon
Place oil and leek in a soup pot over medium heat. When the leek begins to sizzle, add a pinch of salt and sauté for 2 minutes. Stir in carrots, and a pinch of salt and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in mushrooms and, a pinch of salt and sauté for 2 minutes. Stir in potatoes and, a pinch of salt and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in zucchini and, a pinch of salt and sauté for 1 minute. Add barley and water and bring to a boil.
Cover; reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the barley is soft. Remove a small amount of broth and dissolve miso. Stir back into soup and simmer (do not boil) for 3-4 minutes more. Stir in dandelion and lemon zest just before serving.
MAKES 4-5 SERVINGS
1 tablespoon extra- virgin olive oil
1 small leek, split lengthwise, rinsed free of dirt, diced
Sea salt
2 medium carrots, diced
2 cups sliced fresh shiitake mushrooms
2 new potatoes, unpeeled, diced, do not peel
1 small zucchini, diced
½ cup pearled barley, rinsed well
4 cups spring or filtered water
2 tablespoons sweet white miso
Several leaves fresh dandelion, coarsely chopped
Grated zest of 1 fresh lemon
Place oil and leek in a soup pot over medium heat. When the leek begins to sizzle, add a pinch of salt and sauté for 2 minutes. Stir in carrots, and a pinch of salt and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in mushrooms and, a pinch of salt and sauté for 2 minutes. Stir in potatoes and, a pinch of salt and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in zucchini and, a pinch of salt and sauté for 1 minute. Add barley and water and bring to a boil.
Cover; reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the barley is soft. Remove a small amount of broth and dissolve miso. Stir back into soup and simmer (do not boil) for 3-4 minutes more. Stir in dandelion and lemon zest just before serving.
Death By Chocolate
1 Chocolate Cake
1 Can Hershey's Syrup
1 Containter or 2-3 cups homemade whipped cream
2 Bag of crumpled Heath Bars
1 Box instant chocolate pudding (mixed according to box directions)
1 Bar semi-sweet chocolate
Bake the cake and cool; in a truffle bowl (preferred for presentation), you crumble a layer of cake into container, then dribble with Hershey's syrup, put a layer of chocolate pudding, a layer of whipped cream, sprinkle with the crubled Heath bar mixture; continue layering in this fashion until you have filled the container. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with shaved chocolate (from the semi-sweet chocoate bar)...and you are done! Easy as 1-2-3!
1 Can Hershey's Syrup
1 Containter or 2-3 cups homemade whipped cream
2 Bag of crumpled Heath Bars
1 Box instant chocolate pudding (mixed according to box directions)
1 Bar semi-sweet chocolate
Bake the cake and cool; in a truffle bowl (preferred for presentation), you crumble a layer of cake into container, then dribble with Hershey's syrup, put a layer of chocolate pudding, a layer of whipped cream, sprinkle with the crubled Heath bar mixture; continue layering in this fashion until you have filled the container. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with shaved chocolate (from the semi-sweet chocoate bar)...and you are done! Easy as 1-2-3!
Five Tips for Women
1. It is important that a man helps you around the house and has a job.
2. It is important that a man makes you laugh.
3. It is important to find a man you can count on and doesn't lie to you.
4. It is important that a man loves you and spoils you.
5. It is important that these four men don't know each other.
2. It is important that a man makes you laugh.
3. It is important to find a man you can count on and doesn't lie to you.
4. It is important that a man loves you and spoils you.
5. It is important that these four men don't know each other.
Monday, April 28, 2014
Today's Quote
"One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it’s worth watching.”
~Unknown
~Unknown
America’s Fastest Shrinking Cities
The U.S. population rose by just 0.72% in 2013, the lowest growth rate in more than 70 years. Not only has the country become less-attractive to immigrants than in years past, with net immigration down from nearly 1.2 million as of 2001 to 843,145 last year, but also the U.S.’s domestic birth rate has dropped to a multi-decade low.
While the population of most of the country’s metro areas grew at a low pace in recent years, in a small number of metro areas the population actually shrank. Looking at the most recent years, the U.S. population rose by just 2.4% between April 2010 and July 2013, but in 30 metro areas the population shrank by at least 1%. The population in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, fell a nation-leading 4.4% in that time. Based on recently released U.S. Census Bureau estimates, 24/7 Wall St. examined the cities with shrinking populations.
Read more
While the population of most of the country’s metro areas grew at a low pace in recent years, in a small number of metro areas the population actually shrank. Looking at the most recent years, the U.S. population rose by just 2.4% between April 2010 and July 2013, but in 30 metro areas the population shrank by at least 1%. The population in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, fell a nation-leading 4.4% in that time. Based on recently released U.S. Census Bureau estimates, 24/7 Wall St. examined the cities with shrinking populations.
Read more
Cheddar Meatloaves
1 egg
3/4 cup of milk
1 cup (4oz) Shredded chedder cheese
1/2 cup quick oats
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 tsp salt
1# ground beef
2/3 cup ketchup
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1-1/2 tsp prepared mustard
In bowl beat egg and milk. Stir in cheese, oats, onion and salt. Add beef and mix well. Shape into 8 loaves. Place in greased 13" x 9" x 2" baking dish. Combine ketchup, brown sugar and mustard. Spoon over loaves. Bake uncovered at 350 for 45 minutes until no longer pink.
3/4 cup of milk
1 cup (4oz) Shredded chedder cheese
1/2 cup quick oats
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 tsp salt
1# ground beef
2/3 cup ketchup
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1-1/2 tsp prepared mustard
In bowl beat egg and milk. Stir in cheese, oats, onion and salt. Add beef and mix well. Shape into 8 loaves. Place in greased 13" x 9" x 2" baking dish. Combine ketchup, brown sugar and mustard. Spoon over loaves. Bake uncovered at 350 for 45 minutes until no longer pink.
Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
An urban myth is a modern folk talke, its origins unknown, its believability enhanced simply by the frequency with which it is repeated. This signature chocolate chip cookie is the subject of one such myth. If you haven't heard the story...well I won't perpetuate it here. If you have, the recepe below should refute it. Copy it, print it out, pass it along to friends and family. It's a terrific recipe and it's absolutely free.
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1 cup light brown sugar
3 tbls granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tsp vanilla extract
1-3/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1-1/2 tsp instant espresso coffee powder
1-1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Cream the butter with the sugars using an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy (approx 30 seconds).
Beat in the egg and the vanilla extract for another 30 seconds.
In a mixing bowl, sift together the dry ingredients and beat into the butter mixture at low speed for about 15 seconds. Stir in the espresso coffee powder and chocolate chips.
Using a 1 ounce scoop or a 2 tblsp measure, drop cookie dough onto a greased cookie sheet about 3 inches apart. Gently press down on the dough with the back of a spoon to spread out into a 2" circle. Bake for about 20 minutes or until nicely browned around the edges. Bake a little longer for a crisper cookie.
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1 cup light brown sugar
3 tbls granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tsp vanilla extract
1-3/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1-1/2 tsp instant espresso coffee powder
1-1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Cream the butter with the sugars using an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy (approx 30 seconds).
Beat in the egg and the vanilla extract for another 30 seconds.
In a mixing bowl, sift together the dry ingredients and beat into the butter mixture at low speed for about 15 seconds. Stir in the espresso coffee powder and chocolate chips.
Using a 1 ounce scoop or a 2 tblsp measure, drop cookie dough onto a greased cookie sheet about 3 inches apart. Gently press down on the dough with the back of a spoon to spread out into a 2" circle. Bake for about 20 minutes or until nicely browned around the edges. Bake a little longer for a crisper cookie.
Home Remedies
1. If you are choking on an ice cube, don't panic!
Simply pour a cup of boiling water down your throat
and presto! The blockage will be almost instantly
removed.
2. Are you clumsy? Avoid cutting yourself while
slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold
them while you chop away.
3. Avoid arguments with the Mrs about lifting the
toilet seat by simply using the sink.
4. For high blood pressure sufferers: just cut
yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing
the pressure in your veins.
5. A mousetrap, placed on top of your alarm clock,
will prevent you from rolling over and going back to
sleep after you hit the snooze button.
6. If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of
laxatives, then you will be afraid to cough.
7. Have a bad toothache? Smash your thumb with a
hammer and you will forget about the toothache.
Simply pour a cup of boiling water down your throat
and presto! The blockage will be almost instantly
removed.
2. Are you clumsy? Avoid cutting yourself while
slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold
them while you chop away.
3. Avoid arguments with the Mrs about lifting the
toilet seat by simply using the sink.
4. For high blood pressure sufferers: just cut
yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing
the pressure in your veins.
5. A mousetrap, placed on top of your alarm clock,
will prevent you from rolling over and going back to
sleep after you hit the snooze button.
6. If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of
laxatives, then you will be afraid to cough.
7. Have a bad toothache? Smash your thumb with a
hammer and you will forget about the toothache.
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Today's Quote
"The best way to predict the future is to create it."
Peter F. Drucker
1909-2005, Educator and Author
Peter F. Drucker
1909-2005, Educator and Author
It Figures
Many people hold down two jobs, so I wasn't surprised when my hairdresser mentioned to me that he also worked part-time at the race track. "That's interesting," I said. "What do you do?"
As he finished styling my hair, he replied, "I groom horses."
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Today's Quote
"Happiness, not in another place, but this place; not for another hour, but this hour."
Walt Whitman
1819-1892, Poet
Walt Whitman
1819-1892, Poet
A fatal wait: Veterans languish and die on a VA hospital's secret list
At least 40 U.S. veterans died waiting for appointments at the Phoenix Veterans Affairs Health Care system, many of whom were placed on a secret waiting list.
The secret list was part of an elaborate scheme designed by Veterans Affairs managers in Phoenix who were trying to hide that 1,400 to 1,600 sick veterans were forced to wait months to see a doctor, according to a recently retired top VA doctor and several high-level sources.
Read more
The secret list was part of an elaborate scheme designed by Veterans Affairs managers in Phoenix who were trying to hide that 1,400 to 1,600 sick veterans were forced to wait months to see a doctor, according to a recently retired top VA doctor and several high-level sources.
Read more
Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes
1 medium onion, sliced and separated into rings
3 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges
1/2 cup vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup water
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper
1/4 cup oil
Combine ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.
Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.
Real Estate Agent
My wife, a real estate agent, wrote an ad for a house she was listing. The house had a second-floor suite that could be accessed using a lift chair that slid along the staircase.
Quickly describing this feature, she inadvertently made it sound even more attractive: "Mother-in-law suite comes with an electric chair."
No Bake Golden Oreo Lemon Dessert
The magic of this no-bake recipe is in its layers. No-Bake Creamy Lemon Crunch is an irresistible layered recipe filled with delicious ingredients like Golden Oreos, lemon curd, Cool Whip and more. An Oreo crust is topped with a pudding layer, then a bright yellow lemon curd layer, then a layer of Cool Whip and topped with crushed Golden Oreos. The cookies add a delicious crunch to this creamy dessert, making it the perfect warm weather treat.
Ingredients
◾36 Golden Oreos, divided
◾3 tablespoons butter, very soft
◾1 box (3.4 ounces) cheesecake, lemon, coconut, or vanilla pudding
◾1 cup milk
◾4 cups whipped topping (about 12 ounces, from two 8-ounce packages), regular or fat-free
◾1 cup lemon curd (jarred or homemade)
Instructions
1.Place 20 cookies in a gallon sized sandwich bag. Seal the bag except for one corner so air can escape and roll with a rolling pin to coarsely crush the cookies. Place cookies and butter in a large bowl. Mix with a spoon (or your hands) until the butter has been worked through. Place in the bottom of a 9x9” pan. Note: this is not a crust in the traditional sense. It’s loose and not compacted.
2.Wipe out your bowl and add pudding mix and milk. Whisk until smooth and let sit for 2 minutes. Fold in a heaping 1 cup (about 1 1/2 cups) of whipped topping. Carefully spread over cookies in pan.
3.Crush remaining cookies in a new gallon sized sandwich bag. Sprinkle half over pudding. Reserve the rest for the topping.
4.Mix lemon curd gently with 1 even cup of whipped topping. Spread over pudding.
5.Spread remaining whipped topping over the curd mixture. Sprinkle with remaining cookies. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 8 hours before serving.
Ingredients◾36 Golden Oreos, divided
◾3 tablespoons butter, very soft
◾1 box (3.4 ounces) cheesecake, lemon, coconut, or vanilla pudding
◾1 cup milk
◾4 cups whipped topping (about 12 ounces, from two 8-ounce packages), regular or fat-free
◾1 cup lemon curd (jarred or homemade)
Instructions
1.Place 20 cookies in a gallon sized sandwich bag. Seal the bag except for one corner so air can escape and roll with a rolling pin to coarsely crush the cookies. Place cookies and butter in a large bowl. Mix with a spoon (or your hands) until the butter has been worked through. Place in the bottom of a 9x9” pan. Note: this is not a crust in the traditional sense. It’s loose and not compacted.
2.Wipe out your bowl and add pudding mix and milk. Whisk until smooth and let sit for 2 minutes. Fold in a heaping 1 cup (about 1 1/2 cups) of whipped topping. Carefully spread over cookies in pan.
3.Crush remaining cookies in a new gallon sized sandwich bag. Sprinkle half over pudding. Reserve the rest for the topping.
4.Mix lemon curd gently with 1 even cup of whipped topping. Spread over pudding.
5.Spread remaining whipped topping over the curd mixture. Sprinkle with remaining cookies. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 8 hours before serving.
Friday, April 25, 2014
Today's Quote
"I align myself with people who support my growth."
-Dr Wayne Dyer
If you meet someone whose soul is not aligned with yours, send them love and move along.
-Dr Wayne Dyer
If you meet someone whose soul is not aligned with yours, send them love and move along.
Bloody Mary
4 parts Clamato juice (e.g. 4 cups)
1 part vodka (1 cup)
1/8 part dill pickle juice (1/2 cup)
Pour into glass with ice and add McClure's to taste (it is to die for!)
Garnish with celery, pickles and/or olives.
Enjoy!
SC GOP candidate: Women cause ’95 percent’ of divorces by loving their kids too much
There's something in the DNA of Republicans that makes them so ignorant........they clearly don't respect women.
One of the six Republican primary challengers to Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) once blamed women for causing most divorces – even when their husbands are unfaithful.
Det Bowers made the remarks during a sermon at the Christ Church of the Carolinas, where he served for more than a decade as pastor. The sermon was available for download until the podcast was removed recently ahead of the June 10 primary.
But Politico obtained an audio recording of the sermon and published his comments Thursday.
“I find that in about 95 percent of broken marriages, though the husband’s the one that ran out on his wife, the wife loves her children more than she does her husband,” Bowers said. “That is an abominable idolatry.”
He then directed his comments, his voice rising, to the women in his congregation, which he led from 2000 to 2012.
“Do you hear me, ladies?” Bowers said. “It is an abominable idolatry to love your children more than you love your husband, and it will ruin your marriage. And yet you blame it on him because he ran off with some other woman! He did run off with some other woman, and you packed his bags. All of his emotional bags, you packed for him. Is that true in every case? No, but it’s true in the vast preponderance of them.”
Read more
One of the six Republican primary challengers to Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) once blamed women for causing most divorces – even when their husbands are unfaithful.
Det Bowers made the remarks during a sermon at the Christ Church of the Carolinas, where he served for more than a decade as pastor. The sermon was available for download until the podcast was removed recently ahead of the June 10 primary.
But Politico obtained an audio recording of the sermon and published his comments Thursday.
“I find that in about 95 percent of broken marriages, though the husband’s the one that ran out on his wife, the wife loves her children more than she does her husband,” Bowers said. “That is an abominable idolatry.”
He then directed his comments, his voice rising, to the women in his congregation, which he led from 2000 to 2012.
“Do you hear me, ladies?” Bowers said. “It is an abominable idolatry to love your children more than you love your husband, and it will ruin your marriage. And yet you blame it on him because he ran off with some other woman! He did run off with some other woman, and you packed his bags. All of his emotional bags, you packed for him. Is that true in every case? No, but it’s true in the vast preponderance of them.”
Read more
KY reporter’s hidden camera catches Tea Party candidate lying about cockfighting rally
These Teapartiers are despicable people.
Recently released video footage shows U.S. Senate candidate Matt Bevin speaking in support of a state’s right to legalize cockfighting, which contradicts his description of his involvement in the rally held last month in eastern Kentucky.
The Tea Party challenger to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) had previously claimed he believed the event, which was organized by cockfighting enthusiasts, was not related to the illegal blood sport but was simply a state’s rights rally.
But a WAVE-TV reporter went undercover to the March 29 event and recorded some of the speakers, including Bevin, who followed the event’s organizer, Dave Devereaux – who clearly explained the rally was held “for the sole purpose of legalizing gamecock fighting at the state level.”
The activists want voters to decide whether Kentuckians should be legally allowed to force two game birds to be outfitted with sharpened spurs, tossed into a ring, and fight to the death as spectators gamble on their lives.
Read more
Recently released video footage shows U.S. Senate candidate Matt Bevin speaking in support of a state’s right to legalize cockfighting, which contradicts his description of his involvement in the rally held last month in eastern Kentucky.
The Tea Party challenger to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) had previously claimed he believed the event, which was organized by cockfighting enthusiasts, was not related to the illegal blood sport but was simply a state’s rights rally.
But a WAVE-TV reporter went undercover to the March 29 event and recorded some of the speakers, including Bevin, who followed the event’s organizer, Dave Devereaux – who clearly explained the rally was held “for the sole purpose of legalizing gamecock fighting at the state level.”
The activists want voters to decide whether Kentuckians should be legally allowed to force two game birds to be outfitted with sharpened spurs, tossed into a ring, and fight to the death as spectators gamble on their lives.
Read more
Rare Zonkey Born at Mexico Zoo
Proof that love knows no limits, the unlikely romance between a female zebra named Rayas and a donkey named Ignacio at a zoo in Mexico has resulted in a rare and adorable baby "zonkey" named Khumba. The baby was born on April 21 at the Reynosa Zoo. Ignacio is a dwarf albino donkey who lives on a nearby farm, and according to the zoo, Rayas would visit him every afternoon when he crossed into the zoo. The pregnancy was a big surprise, as the zebra and donkey chromosomes are not usually compatible.
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25 Dead Cats Found Stuffed in Bags
Public works employees were in for a bit of a surprise Friday while cleaning a wooded area in Yonkers. The workers found dozens of bags filled with what remained of at least 25 dead cats. The bags were found hanging from trees. The workers took a closer look after they found a dead cat on the ground. “Many of these cats were already decomposed, where there was only a skull or a skeleton and then you had some fresher ones where they had only been there three days,” said Ernie Lungaro, director of humane law enforcement at the SPCA. In order to determine what killed the cats, necropsies have been scheduled.
Read more
Read more
The End of Heart Attacks
A world without heart disease seems impossible. But researchers at Johns Hopkins may be one step closer. Dale Eisinger reports on the new study showing that a synthesized drug reduces, and may even eradicate, the effects of high-fat and high-cholesterol diets
Read more
Read more
Here's the Joke......
Hung Chow calls into work and says, "Hey, I no come work, I really sick. Got headache, stomach ache and legs hurt, I no come work."
The boss says, "You know something, Hung Chow, I really need you today. When I feel like this, I go to my wife and tell her to give me sex. That makes everything better and I go to work. You try that."
Two hours later Hung Chow calls again. "I do what you say and I feel great. I be at work soon. You got nice house."
The boss says, "You know something, Hung Chow, I really need you today. When I feel like this, I go to my wife and tell her to give me sex. That makes everything better and I go to work. You try that."
Two hours later Hung Chow calls again. "I do what you say and I feel great. I be at work soon. You got nice house."
9 Uses for Ketchup That May Surprise You
The tomato-based condiment has many uses beyond the culinary that can save you money and time.
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Rush Limbaugh Says Meet The Press is Dying Because David Gregory Is Too Liberal
I ended my Sunday tradition of MTP long ago when it became apparent Gregory was a hack for the right and the guests go largely unchallenged.
Here we have another example of Rush Limbaugh talking about something that he knows nothing about. (which is EVERYTHING!) The problem isn’t that Gregory is too liberal. The main issues are that Gregory is too willing to push Republican talking points as fact and that he is a completely unlikable moderator.
Limbaugh’s claims that Gregory is failing because he is too liberal is based on the myth that America is a conservative country, but the nation is clearly moving to the left. Eventually, some smart person on network television will figure this out, and stop boring their shrinking audiences with so many Republican appearances. If the Sunday shows want the audience to come back, the worst they could do would be to hire an extreme conservative. Rush Limbaugh’s audience is even older (66 years old) than that of Fox News (65 years old).
The fact that Limbaugh thinks David Gregory is too liberal illustrates how far out of the mainstream the conservative movement has fallen.
Read more
Here we have another example of Rush Limbaugh talking about something that he knows nothing about. (which is EVERYTHING!) The problem isn’t that Gregory is too liberal. The main issues are that Gregory is too willing to push Republican talking points as fact and that he is a completely unlikable moderator.
Limbaugh’s claims that Gregory is failing because he is too liberal is based on the myth that America is a conservative country, but the nation is clearly moving to the left. Eventually, some smart person on network television will figure this out, and stop boring their shrinking audiences with so many Republican appearances. If the Sunday shows want the audience to come back, the worst they could do would be to hire an extreme conservative. Rush Limbaugh’s audience is even older (66 years old) than that of Fox News (65 years old).
The fact that Limbaugh thinks David Gregory is too liberal illustrates how far out of the mainstream the conservative movement has fallen.
Read more
Sean Hannity Claims That He Is The Real Victim of Cliven Bundy’s Racist Comments
Sean Hannity is running away from his new BFF Cliven Bundy. Hannity took no responsibility for promoting Bundy, and called the racist obnoxious and ignorant.
Read more/video
Read more/video
Whitewishing
Chief Justice John Roberts may not appreciate her saying so, but Justice Sonia Sotomayor was right. The Court’s decision in Schuette v. BAMN – allowing states to ban public universities from weighing race in admissions – was a classic example of whitewishing.
Whitewishing is my term for white people ignoring evidence of continued racial inequalities, or pretending those inequalities simply reflect the inherent intellectual or moral superiority of the winners, and the intellectual or moral inferiority of the losers.
In whitewishing, racial discrimination ended back in … well, who cares when it ended. The point is, racism is over and the only racists are people of color and their liberal media supporters who keep complaining about race.
Read more
Whitewishing is my term for white people ignoring evidence of continued racial inequalities, or pretending those inequalities simply reflect the inherent intellectual or moral superiority of the winners, and the intellectual or moral inferiority of the losers.
In whitewishing, racial discrimination ended back in … well, who cares when it ended. The point is, racism is over and the only racists are people of color and their liberal media supporters who keep complaining about race.
Read more
14.5-Pound Baby, Born In Massachusetts
Meet Carisa Ruscak, the second-biggest baby ever born at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Carisa came into the world on Tuesday, weighing 14.5 pounds -- nearly double the size of the average American newborn.
"Everyone in the operating room was like, ‘Oh my God, look at the size of this baby! Let’s get her on the scale, what does she weigh?’” mom Caroline told WHDH.
"It validated me because I was in a lot of pain when I was pregnant, so to hear the size, it made sense," she told WCVB.
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Carisa came into the world on Tuesday, weighing 14.5 pounds -- nearly double the size of the average American newborn.
"Everyone in the operating room was like, ‘Oh my God, look at the size of this baby! Let’s get her on the scale, what does she weigh?’” mom Caroline told WHDH.
"It validated me because I was in a lot of pain when I was pregnant, so to hear the size, it made sense," she told WCVB.
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Everything You Need To Know About The End Of Net Neutrality
It may be the end of the Internet as we know it.
That was the reaction from consumer advocates and some websites after the Federal Communications Commission announced new rules governing Internet service on Thursday. The rules effectively put an end to net neutrality, or the idea that all web traffic should be treated equally.
"Definitely, consumers are the losers," said Todd O'Boyle, a program director at Common Cause, a left-leaning public interest lobbying group. "The sites they rely on on a daily basis may not work in a way they've come to rely on."
The FCC insists, however, that the new rules would not harm Internet users. In a blog post Thursday, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler said there had been “a great deal of misinformation” about the proposal, which he said would not permit “behavior harmful to consumers or competition by limiting the openness of the Internet.”
Here are some key points to understand regarding the changes:
That was the reaction from consumer advocates and some websites after the Federal Communications Commission announced new rules governing Internet service on Thursday. The rules effectively put an end to net neutrality, or the idea that all web traffic should be treated equally.
"Definitely, consumers are the losers," said Todd O'Boyle, a program director at Common Cause, a left-leaning public interest lobbying group. "The sites they rely on on a daily basis may not work in a way they've come to rely on."
The FCC insists, however, that the new rules would not harm Internet users. In a blog post Thursday, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler said there had been “a great deal of misinformation” about the proposal, which he said would not permit “behavior harmful to consumers or competition by limiting the openness of the Internet.”
Here are some key points to understand regarding the changes:
New York-Style Crumb Cake
Yield: Serves 8 to 10
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 to 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
For the Crumb Topping
1/3 cup granulated sugar (2 2/3 ounces)
1/3 cup dark brown sugar (2 2/3 ounces)
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon table salt
8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick), melted and still warm
1 3/4 cups cake flour (7 ounces)
For the Cake
1 1/4 cups cake flour (5 ounces)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (3 1/2 ounces)
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon table salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (3/4 stick), cut into 6 pieces, softened but still cool
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup buttermilk
Confectioners' sugar for dusting
Directions:
1. To make the Topping: Whisk sugars, cinnamon, salt, and butter in medium bowl to combine. Add flour and stir with rubber spatula or wooden spoon until mixture resembles thick, cohesive dough; set aside to cool to room temperature, 10 to 15 minutes.
2. To make the Cake: Adjust oven rack to upper-middle position and heat oven to 325 degrees. Cut 16-inch length parchment paper or aluminum foil and fold lengthwise to 7-inch width. Spray 8-inch square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and fit parchment into dish, pushing it into corners and up sides; allow excess to overhang edges of dish.
3. In bowl of standing mixer fitted with paddle attachment, mix flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt on low speed to combine. With mixer running at low speed, add butter one piece at a time; continue beating until mixture resembles moist crumbs, with no visible butter chunks remaining, 1 to 2 minutes. Add egg, yolk, vanilla, and buttermilk; beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 1 minute, scraping once if necessary.
4. Transfer batter to baking pan; using rubber spatula, spread batter into even layer. Following photos below, break apart crumb topping into large pea-sized pieces and spread in even layer over batter, beginning with edges and then working toward center. Bake until crumbs are golden and wooden skewer inserted into center of cake comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool on wire rack at least 30 minutes. Remove cake from pan by lifting parchment overhang. Dust with confectioners' sugar just before serving.
Note: Don't be tempted to substitute all-purpose flour for the cake flour, as doing so will make a dry, tough cake. If you can't find buttermilk, you can substitute an equal amount of plain, low-fat yogurt. When topping the cake, take care to not push the crumbs into the batter. This recipe can be easily doubled and baked in a 13 by 9-inch baking dish. If doubling, increase the baking time to about 45 minutes. Cooled leftovers can be wrapped in plastic wrap and stored at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Whole Poached Artichokes
Low in calories, high in fiber and a rich source of Vitamins C and K and in the top ten most antioxidant-rich veggies, artichokes are the stuff of legend. Said to have been created when Zeus turned the object of his affection into a thistle after she rejected his love, women of the Renaissance were forbidden to eat artichokes because they aroused passion. That all changed when Catherine de Medici took the artichoke to France upon her marriage to the king and ate them lustily.
Cleaning artichokes is easy...start with this simple recipe and build your own repertoire of dishes with this powerfully nutritious plant!
Rich in antioxidants, pantothenic acid, and other essential nutrients, artichokes are said to be an aphrodisiac, a diuretic, and for the mere 25 calories in a whole uncooked artichoke, you get 16 essential nutrients as well as fiber.
MAKES 4 SERVINGS
4 globe artichokes
Extra- virgin olive oil
8 whole cloves fresh garlic, peeled, left whole
Sea salt
Trim the artichokes by removing the stem at the base so the artichokes stand upright. Peel the stem and set aside.
Using kitchen scissors, trim the tips of each leaf, removing the prickly end. When you get to the top third of the artichoke, slice it completely off with a sharp knife. Repeat with the remaining 4 artichokes.
Arrange them tightly in a pan that holds them tightly and can be covered. Add about an inch of water to the pan. Drop garlic cloves in the pan. Place artichoke stems on top of each artichoke. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt. Cover pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cook for an hour.
The artichokes are done when you can easily pluck a leaf from the bottom. Lift the artichokes out of the pan and transfer to a platter. Remove garlic cloves to the platter and raise the heat to high. Reduce the liquid to a syrup. Spoon syrup over the artichokes and serve.
Cook's Tip: Some people like to scrape the purple 'choke' from the center of the artichoke before cooking as it is spiky and not tender enough to eat when cooked. I use a grapefruit spoon and only do this on the occasion that I am stuffing the artichoke. Otherwise, I remove it as I eat it.
Cook's Tip: You can add other vegetables to the poaching liquid: diced onions, cherry tomatoes, chunk cut carrots. When the veggies are tender, you can spread them on bread to enjoy with the artichokes.
Cleaning artichokes is easy...start with this simple recipe and build your own repertoire of dishes with this powerfully nutritious plant!
Rich in antioxidants, pantothenic acid, and other essential nutrients, artichokes are said to be an aphrodisiac, a diuretic, and for the mere 25 calories in a whole uncooked artichoke, you get 16 essential nutrients as well as fiber.
MAKES 4 SERVINGS
4 globe artichokes
Extra- virgin olive oil
8 whole cloves fresh garlic, peeled, left whole
Sea salt
Trim the artichokes by removing the stem at the base so the artichokes stand upright. Peel the stem and set aside.
Using kitchen scissors, trim the tips of each leaf, removing the prickly end. When you get to the top third of the artichoke, slice it completely off with a sharp knife. Repeat with the remaining 4 artichokes.
Arrange them tightly in a pan that holds them tightly and can be covered. Add about an inch of water to the pan. Drop garlic cloves in the pan. Place artichoke stems on top of each artichoke. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt. Cover pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cook for an hour.
The artichokes are done when you can easily pluck a leaf from the bottom. Lift the artichokes out of the pan and transfer to a platter. Remove garlic cloves to the platter and raise the heat to high. Reduce the liquid to a syrup. Spoon syrup over the artichokes and serve.
Cook's Tip: Some people like to scrape the purple 'choke' from the center of the artichoke before cooking as it is spiky and not tender enough to eat when cooked. I use a grapefruit spoon and only do this on the occasion that I am stuffing the artichoke. Otherwise, I remove it as I eat it.
Cook's Tip: You can add other vegetables to the poaching liquid: diced onions, cherry tomatoes, chunk cut carrots. When the veggies are tender, you can spread them on bread to enjoy with the artichokes.
Long John Silver
A man went into the pet shop, "I am playing Long John Silver in the local amateur dramatic societies version of Treasure Island and need a parrot to sit on my shoulder," he said.
"I don't have any parrots at the moment, but you wouldn't want a real parrot for that. It would squawk in all the wrong places, poop on your shoulder and generally be a nuisance. What you need is a stuffed parrot. Just as realistic and easily controlled."
"I'm not sure a stuffed parrot would be okay," said the customer. "I do want this performance to be as realistic as possible."
"I am sure a stuffed parrot would be fine," said the pet shop owner. "I have one at home. I'll bring it in and if you come back on Thursday you can have it."
"Sorry," said the customer, "I can't make it on Thursday. That's the day I'm having my leg cut off."
31 Ways to Get Happy—for Free!
Every day there are trillions of treasures that cost nothing, and they enrich our lives in countless ways. When we turn our attention to counting and embracing the small things in front of us, we feel like a million bucks.
Have fun celebrating, discovering, inventing and sharing the things that you love to do that cost nothing.
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Have fun celebrating, discovering, inventing and sharing the things that you love to do that cost nothing.
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Thursday, April 24, 2014
Today's Quote
“A loving person lives in a loving world. A hostile person lives in a hostile world: everyone you meet is your mirror.”
~ Ken Keyes Jr.
~ Ken Keyes Jr.
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Today's Quote
Christianity has it wrong.
We are not broken. We are not fallen. We are not flawed. We are simply fragile. We are beautifully distractible. We are self-invested because of love but that love also gives us a slight bias toward justice. We are so deeply invested in life that we can, at times, deny the larger good for the experience of the moment.
We are not broken. We are human. We are flesh and blood, and we are experiential. Sometimes that makes us better. Sometimes that make us worse. It never makes us less. Or sinful. Or unredeemable. It means we are real. It mean that life has a relentless hold on us. The struggles, the stumbles, the seemingly endless short-fallings simply point to our humanity not to our unworthiness. They mean life is difficult -- but they also mean life is vibrant - pulsing with potential, ripe with possibility, constantly presenting lesson from which to grow.
YOU - you are not broken. You are a unique expression of God here on Earth. You are bursting with potential that has not yet been expressed. You are God's beloved.
You are NOT broken. You are in process. You are love hoping to not only be expressed but to be recognized.
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Today's Quote
"There are lots of ways of being miserable, but there's only one way of being comfortable, and that is to stop running round after happiness. If you make up your mind to be happy there's no reason why you shouldn't have a fairly good time."
Edith Wharton
1862-1937, Pulitzer Prize Winning Novelist
Edith Wharton
1862-1937, Pulitzer Prize Winning Novelist
Monday, April 21, 2014
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Today's Quote
“Criticism is something you can easily avoid by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing.”
~Aristotle
~Aristotle
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Today's Quote
I will tell you the kind of fast I want:
Free the people you have put in prison unfairly
and undo their chains.
Free those to whom you are unfair
and stop their hard labor.
Share your food with the hungry
and bring poor, homeless people into your own homes.
When you see someone who has no clothes, give him yours,
and don’t refuse to help your own relatives.
- Isaiah 58:6-7 (NCV)
Free the people you have put in prison unfairly
and undo their chains.
Free those to whom you are unfair
and stop their hard labor.
Share your food with the hungry
and bring poor, homeless people into your own homes.
When you see someone who has no clothes, give him yours,
and don’t refuse to help your own relatives.
- Isaiah 58:6-7 (NCV)
Friday, April 18, 2014
Today's Quote
“When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.”
~John Lennon ~
~John Lennon ~
Italian Easter Pie
Serves 12 Use a cake pan that’s at least 2 inches deep. If your pan is light-colored, increase the baking time to 45 to 50 minutes. Substitute low-fat ricotta if you like. Note that the dough needs to rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour before you roll it out, and the baked pie must cool for about 4 hours.
Ingredients
DOUGH
3 large eggs
3 tablespoons cold water
3 cups (15 ounces) all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces and chilled
6 tablespoons vegetable shortening, cut into 1/2-inch pieces and chilled
FILLING
1 tablespoon olive oil
12 ounces broccoli rabe, trimmed and chopped
8 ounces hot Italian sausage, casings removed
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound (2 cups) whole-milk ricotta cheese
4 ounces Pecorino Romano cheese, grated (2 cups)
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pepper
8 ounces thinly sliced aged provolone cheese
6 ounces thinly sliced hot capicola
1 large egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
1. FOR THE DOUGH: Whisk eggs and cold water together in bowl; set aside. Process flour and salt in food processor until combined, about 3 seconds. Scatter butter and shortening over top and pulse until only pea-size pieces remain, about 10 pulses. Add egg mixture and pulse until dough ball forms, about 20 pulses. Turn out dough onto lightly floured counter and knead until smooth and elastic, about 20 turns. Divide dough into one 1-pound ball and one 10-ounce ball (roughly into two-thirds and one-third) and form each into 6-inch disk. Wrap disks tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.
2. FOR THE FILLING: Heat oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add broccoli rabe, sausage, and salt and cook, breaking up sausage with spoon, until sausage is cooked through and broccoli rabe is tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Transfer to plate and let cool completely, about 15 minutes. Whisk ricotta, Pecorino, eggs, and pepper together in large bowl.
3. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 375 degrees. Grease dark-colored 9-inch round cake pan. Roll 1-pound disk of dough into 14-inch circle on well-floured counter. Loosely roll dough around rolling pin and gently unroll it onto prepared pan, letting excess dough hang over edge. Ease dough into pan by gently lifting and supporting edge of dough with your hand while pressing into pan bottom and sides with your other hand. Leave overhanging dough in place.
4. Shingle half of provolone in bottom of dough-lined pan. Spread ricotta mixture over provolone. Scatter sausage mixture over ricotta mixture and press lightly into even layer. Shingle capicola over sausage mixture, followed by remaining provolone.
5. Roll remaining disk of dough into 10-inch circle on well-floured counter. Brush overhanging dough of bottom crust with egg wash. Loosely roll 10-inch circle around rolling pin and gently unroll it over filling. Trim overhanging top and bottom doughs to 1/2 inch beyond lip of pan and pinch firmly together. Fold overhanging dough inward so folded edge is flush with edge of pan. Crimp dough evenly around edge of pan with tines of fork.
6. Brush top of pie liberally with egg wash. Using paring knife, cut eight 1-inch vents in top of dough in circular pattern. Bake until filling registers 150 degrees in center of pie and crust is golden brown, 35 to 40 minutes. Transfer pie to wire rack and let cool for at least 4 hours or refrigerate for up to 2 days. Remove pie from pan, slice into wedges, and serve.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Today's Quote
"In many shamanic societies, if you came to a shaman or medicine person complaining of being disheartened, dispirited, or depressed, they would ask one of four questions. When did you stop dancing? When did you stop singing? When did you stop being enchanted by stories?When did you stop finding comfort in the sweet territory of silence?
Where we have stopped dancing, singing, being enchanted by stories, or finding comfort in silence is where we have experienced the loss of soul. Dancing, singing, storytelling, and silence are the four universal healing salves."
~ The Four-Fold Way: Walking the Paths of the Warrior ~
Where we have stopped dancing, singing, being enchanted by stories, or finding comfort in silence is where we have experienced the loss of soul. Dancing, singing, storytelling, and silence are the four universal healing salves."
~ The Four-Fold Way: Walking the Paths of the Warrior ~
Tortillas with Black Bean Sauce
If your family loves Mexican food, then this simple dish is for you. Spicy and well-seasoned, you'll be the only one who knows it's as good for them as it is yummy.
Makes 4 Servings
Black Bean Sauce
2 teaspoons avocado oil
2 cloves fresh garlic, crushed
½ red onion, cut into thin half-moon slices
Sea salt
Generous pinch crushed red pepper flakes
6 maitake mushrooms, soaked until tender, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, roasted, peeled, seeded, thinly sliced into ribbons
1 medium zucchini, cut into fine matchstick pieces
1 yellow summer squash, cut into fine matchstick pieces
1 cup cooked or canned black beans, mashed with a fork
¼ cup white wine
1 tablespoon organic soy sauce
2 teaspoons brown rice syrup
2 tablespoons arrowroot dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
4 whole wheat tortillas
2 cups baby arugula
Make the sauce: Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, onion, a pinch of sea salt and red pepper flakes and sauté until onion is translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in mushrooms and a pinch of salt and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in bell pepper and a pinch of salt and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in zucchini and a pinch of salt and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in squash and a pinch of salt and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in beans, wine, soy sauce and rice syrup and cook, stirring, for about 3 minutes. Stir arrowroot mixture into bean mixture. Stir until the arrowroot is clear and mixture thickens slightly.
To serve, lay tortillas on individual plates. Stir arugula into hot bean mixture to wilt it. Spoon equal amounts of black bean sauce on each tortilla, roll and enjoy.
Makes 4 Servings
Black Bean Sauce
2 teaspoons avocado oil
2 cloves fresh garlic, crushed
½ red onion, cut into thin half-moon slices
Sea salt
Generous pinch crushed red pepper flakes
6 maitake mushrooms, soaked until tender, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, roasted, peeled, seeded, thinly sliced into ribbons
1 medium zucchini, cut into fine matchstick pieces
1 yellow summer squash, cut into fine matchstick pieces
1 cup cooked or canned black beans, mashed with a fork
¼ cup white wine
1 tablespoon organic soy sauce
2 teaspoons brown rice syrup
2 tablespoons arrowroot dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
4 whole wheat tortillas
2 cups baby arugula
Make the sauce: Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, onion, a pinch of sea salt and red pepper flakes and sauté until onion is translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in mushrooms and a pinch of salt and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in bell pepper and a pinch of salt and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in zucchini and a pinch of salt and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in squash and a pinch of salt and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in beans, wine, soy sauce and rice syrup and cook, stirring, for about 3 minutes. Stir arrowroot mixture into bean mixture. Stir until the arrowroot is clear and mixture thickens slightly.
To serve, lay tortillas on individual plates. Stir arugula into hot bean mixture to wilt it. Spoon equal amounts of black bean sauce on each tortilla, roll and enjoy.
Lemony Lemon Brownies
Ingredients:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup flour
2 eggs, large
2 tbsps lemon zest
2 tbsps lemon juice
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
For the tart lemon glaze:
4 tbsps lemon juice
8 tsps lemon zest
1 rounded cup powdered sugar
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with butter and set aside.
3. Zest and juice two lemons and set aside.
4. In the bowl of an electric mixture fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the flour, sugar, salt, and softened butter until combined.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice until combined.
6. Pour it into the flour mixture and beat for 2 mins at medium speed until smooth and creamy.
7. Pour into baking dish and bake for 23-25 mins, should turn golden around the edges.
8. Allow to cool completely before glazing. Do not overbake, or the bars will dry.
9. Filter the powdered sugar and whisk with lemon zest and juice.
10. Spread 1/2 the glaze over the brownies with a rubber spatula and let glaze set.
11. Spread 1/2 the glaze over the bars, and let it set (not harden like most).
12. Cut into bars and serve.
Golf
My boss, who was out of the office playing Golf, phoned me today. He asked, "Is everything okay at the office?"
I answered, "Yes, it's all under control. It's been a very busy day, so I haven't stopped to even take a breath."
My boss then asked, "Can you do me a favor?"
I replied, "Of course. What is it?"
He said, "Pick up the pace a little. I'm in the foursome behind you."
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Today's Quote
"Once you realize that the road is the goal and that you are always on the road, not to reach a goal, but to enjoy its beauty and its wisdom, life ceases to be a task and becomes natural and simple, in itself an ecstasy."
~ Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj ~
~ Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj ~
Rachel Maddow: Why is the U.S. so reluctant to confront its own right-wing terrorists?
Tuesday night on her MSNBC show, Rachel Maddow discussed the real threat of violence from right-wing extremists here in the U.S. as opposed to Islamic terrorism, which most Americans are much more afraid of.
She began by detailing the arrests in the late 1980s of several members of the Aryan Nation gang, a ring of counterfeiters and criminals who hoped to bring about an all-white homeland, or at least a section of the country devoted to the white race.
In 1987, 15 neo-Nazi leaders of the Aryan Nation were arrested and charged with sedition.
According to the New America Foundation, she said, since the 9/11 attacks, 21 people have been killed in the name of Islamic extremism in the U.S., whereas the number of people killed by right-wing extremists stands at 34 after the three deaths in Kansas.
Nevertheless, huge swaths of U.S. policy are dedicated to fighting Islamic terrorism abroad, “But when it comes to the proven and interconnected threat of the armed, American extreme right wing, we’re still treating every attack by them like a surprise, still treating those attackers like a lone wolf, regardless of however many letters you find between them,” regardless of the places where they talk to each other online, “regardless of the tide of evidence that these organizations exist and are operational.”
Why won’t the country at large acknowledge the real threat of right-wing extremism, she asked. “Should that change?”
Read more/video
She began by detailing the arrests in the late 1980s of several members of the Aryan Nation gang, a ring of counterfeiters and criminals who hoped to bring about an all-white homeland, or at least a section of the country devoted to the white race.
In 1987, 15 neo-Nazi leaders of the Aryan Nation were arrested and charged with sedition.
According to the New America Foundation, she said, since the 9/11 attacks, 21 people have been killed in the name of Islamic extremism in the U.S., whereas the number of people killed by right-wing extremists stands at 34 after the three deaths in Kansas.
Nevertheless, huge swaths of U.S. policy are dedicated to fighting Islamic terrorism abroad, “But when it comes to the proven and interconnected threat of the armed, American extreme right wing, we’re still treating every attack by them like a surprise, still treating those attackers like a lone wolf, regardless of however many letters you find between them,” regardless of the places where they talk to each other online, “regardless of the tide of evidence that these organizations exist and are operational.”
Why won’t the country at large acknowledge the real threat of right-wing extremism, she asked. “Should that change?”
Read more/video
Touching, Beautiful Portraits of Rescued Farm Animals
Like many animal lovers, photographer Sharon Lee Hart is concerned about the mistreatment, abuse, and neglect of animals. But for her book, Sanctuary: Portraits of Rescued Farm Animals, Hart decided to tell a different kind of story about animals that have seen hard times. “Folks are disturbed by images that depict abuse and torture that can occur on factory farms, and I don't blame them. It is unbearably disturbing, but I think those types of images are essential because they inform the public about the horrors that are occurring,” Hart said via email. “I admire those that make those difficult images, but I wanted to approach this from another angle and create portraits that people don’t want to look away from.”
Hart was in a residency program in Michigan in 2009 when she heard about Grateful Acres Animal Sanctuary, a facility that rescues and rehabilitates farm animals. The sanctuary was only open to the public a few times a year, but Hart persuaded the owners to let her take a look, and she ended up spending eight hours there on her first visit. Inspired by that experience, Hart ultimately visited 10 sanctuaries over the course of a year, taking powerful, intimate portraits of the lucky animals that have survived harrowing experiences. She donates a portion of her print sales to those sanctuaries
Read more/photographs
Why Should We Make Vet Mental Health a Priority? Because One Dies by Suicide Every 65 Minutes
Our veterans put their lives on the line so that we can go about the business of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." But after they come home, because of post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health issues, that same pursuit of happiness is elusive for many soldiers. That can make their lives, and the lives of their loved ones, a nightmare. As we saw from Wednesday's horrific shooting at Fort Hood, veteran mental health challenges can snatch away someone else's life too.
Thanks to enduring societal stigmas about mental illness, it's tough for vets to admit they're suffering from PTSD or other issues. When they do ask for support, too often the help isn't there. The result is tragedy and heartbreak for many American families: One veteran dies by suicide every 65 minutes. But as this infographic collaboration among TakePart; our sister network, Pivot; and the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America shows, providing resources helps save thousands of lives—proving that one of the best ways to thank soldiers for serving is to take care of their mental health.
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Thanks to enduring societal stigmas about mental illness, it's tough for vets to admit they're suffering from PTSD or other issues. When they do ask for support, too often the help isn't there. The result is tragedy and heartbreak for many American families: One veteran dies by suicide every 65 minutes. But as this infographic collaboration among TakePart; our sister network, Pivot; and the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America shows, providing resources helps save thousands of lives—proving that one of the best ways to thank soldiers for serving is to take care of their mental health.
Read more
Louisiana Keeps Sodomy Ban
Ridiculous!
On Tuesday, the Louisiana House of Representatives rejected legislation that would officially remove a ban on certain types of sodomy from the state’s law. In 2003, the Supreme Court ruled that Louisiana’s anti-sodomy law was unconstitutional, but the ban has remained on the state law books symbolically, even though it cannot be used as cause for arrest. The bill to remove the law altogether was overwhelmingly rejected, 27 to 67. The conservative Christian Louisiana Family Forum lobbied strongly against it, sending letters to representatives stating “Louisiana’s anti-sodomy statute is consistent with the values of Louisiana residents who consider this behavior to be dangerous, unhealthy, and immoral.”
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On Tuesday, the Louisiana House of Representatives rejected legislation that would officially remove a ban on certain types of sodomy from the state’s law. In 2003, the Supreme Court ruled that Louisiana’s anti-sodomy law was unconstitutional, but the ban has remained on the state law books symbolically, even though it cannot be used as cause for arrest. The bill to remove the law altogether was overwhelmingly rejected, 27 to 67. The conservative Christian Louisiana Family Forum lobbied strongly against it, sending letters to representatives stating “Louisiana’s anti-sodomy statute is consistent with the values of Louisiana residents who consider this behavior to be dangerous, unhealthy, and immoral.”
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American Traitors Sean Hannity and the Koch Brothers Back a Seditious Movement
Patience, or longsuffering, is the state of enduring difficult circumstances which can mean persevering in the face of delay or provocation without acting on annoyance or anger in a negative way. Parents, like vicious wild animals, demonstrate patience in dealing with their impetuous and defiant young in the hope they eventually outgrow their offensive behavior and develop into respectful adults due to their parents longsuffering. For twenty years the federal government has exhibited patience few parents or wild beasts possess in dealing with Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy who defiantly stopped paying the government fees for allowing his cattle to graze on taxpayer land. Whether it is a mental defect unique to 1870s Mormon settlers, severe schizophrenia, or belief he is a law unto himself and hates being an American, Bundy’s primary problem is that “I don’t recognize the United States Government as even existing.” However, militia members who recognize the government exists rushed armed and dangerous to impede federal agents in the performance of their duties with the sole purpose of inciting a rebellion against the United States government.
Bundy realized the United States government does exist when, after three court rulings ordering him to remove his trespassing cattle from land Bundy claims the government is forbidden to own, the Interior Department followed through on court orders to seize and evict Bundy’s cattle from government property. The result was a call to arms and incitement to armed conflict against the United States government militias claimed was the start of the 2nd American revolution; it was also sedition. In the past it was questionable whether or not assassination threats against President Obama, Republican calls for revolution, or Republican states threatening federal agents with arrest for enforcing legally passed laws was sedition, but in this instance, it is indisputable that armed militias , Bundy, and to a lesser extent the Koch brothers’ Americans for Prosperity, Fox News’ Sean Hannity, and some Republicans are guilty of sedition among a rash of other violations.
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Bundy realized the United States government does exist when, after three court rulings ordering him to remove his trespassing cattle from land Bundy claims the government is forbidden to own, the Interior Department followed through on court orders to seize and evict Bundy’s cattle from government property. The result was a call to arms and incitement to armed conflict against the United States government militias claimed was the start of the 2nd American revolution; it was also sedition. In the past it was questionable whether or not assassination threats against President Obama, Republican calls for revolution, or Republican states threatening federal agents with arrest for enforcing legally passed laws was sedition, but in this instance, it is indisputable that armed militias , Bundy, and to a lesser extent the Koch brothers’ Americans for Prosperity, Fox News’ Sean Hannity, and some Republicans are guilty of sedition among a rash of other violations.
Read more
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