The Chef

I caught this show by accident and now I am a fan, Chef Roble.  He is an African American chef from my home, Brooklyn, NY.  This is a cooking show and they are showing the outrageous demands put on him and staff and they do come out on top.  Nice to see a positive African American male starting up his own business with his sister as his business partner.  Really nice show - give it a look see on the Bravo channel on Sunday nights.  Good show to DVR if you have one and if not, give it a watch.

http://www.bravotv.com/chef-roble-and-co

Gluten Free

I attended a class last night on gluten-free cooking.  I am not gluten intolerant and wanted to know more about this.  A lot of the alternatives to flour are more nutritious than flour and more tasty. The chef last night was Genevieve Sherrow who hails from Philadelphia.  She has a degree from Bastyr University located in the state of Washington.   This university sounds like a place I could enjoy.


Last night she focused on desserts for the holidays I have to say if you did not tell me that the desserts were gluten free I would not have known.  The gingerbread was especially outstanding.


If you are interested in learning more I have some materials that I got from her and would be happy to share.  She is on Facebook (gluten-free warrior) and has written and published a small cookbook that she has for sale on her web site.


If you think you are gluten intolerant this may start you on the path to feeling better. . . . .some signs of gluten intolerance


Weight loss or weight gain; nutritional deficiencies due to malabsorbtion e.g. low iron levels; nastro-intestinal problems (bloating, pain, gas, constipation, diarrhea); fat in the stools (due to poor digestion); aching joints; depression; eczema; head aches; exhaustion; irritability and behavioural changes; infertility, irregular menstrual cycle and miscarriage; cramps, tingling and numbness; slow infant and child growth; decline in dental health; undiagnosed for long periods of time, food intolerances have been found to contribute to diabetes, bowel cancer, anemia and osteoporosis..


Why are gluten intolerance symptoms so varied?


It is still a bit of a mystery; gluten intolerance and allergies affect adults and children in a variety of ways, but we do know that the less stress the better.

Last of the Food Show

Now that the food show at the Convention Center is a pleasant memory and one to be planned for next year, I have tried the balsamic vinegars I bought from JD Gourmet. . . . http://www.jdgourmet.com/products1.html

These vinegars are out of this world delicious.  I have tried them so far making salad dressings and drizzled on Prairie bread.  The flavor I like most is the dark cherry and jalapeno flavored balsamic vinegars.  The blood orange is quite tasty as well.  I wish I had bought more of their products but there is always next year.

The other product that I bought was Sacha Inchi seeds and also their oil.  Their oil is not used for cooking - salads.  The taste is very fresh and it, too is filled with healthy oils. . . .48% of  heart healthy omega 3's. . . http://sachavida.com/sacha-vida-oil/product-highlights/ .  I also bought the seeds and they are delicious and come in roasted and salted, plain and chocolate covered.

I am so looking forward to next year's show!

A New Product

This weekend I picked up a bottle of Olivado Chili & Bell Pepper Infused Avocado Oil.  I had no idea what this would taste like but I like avocados and I like spicy so I decided to give it a try.  I am so glad I did because it absolutely delicious.  The main reason that I bought it is because of the high omega 3's in it and rich in vitamin E and the healthy fats.  Avocado oil also has a high smoke point so it works well for cooking (stir-fry anyone).  This oil can also be used for the skin and in the hair.

http://www.olivado.com/avocado_oil_new_zealand.htm

When you next go to the store, give it a try -I don't know that I will used the infused one (Olivado Chili & Bell Pepper Infused Avocado Oil) but I will try the plain on my hair and skin soon.


I bought it from Whole Foods and it is sold in many other stores. . . . . http://www.olivado.com/usa/index.htm

Happy Holiday

Well folks "Thanksgiving" has rolled around again and it kicks off the mad shopping season.  As we look back on this year almost over we do so with heavy hearts for those burdened with unemployment, foreclosure, illness and the loss of loved ones in an unjust war.  These will not be the people standing out in front of the stores at midnight to shop for the latest electronic gadget.  They will look for those of us with more blessings than we can count to reach out to them and hopefully we will.

Our Native Americans do not celebrate Thanksgiving and in deference to them I would rather called this a holiday of Family.  Let not the turkey and the food be the main focus of this holiday but instead look around the table, count your blessings and love the family who are there and those who are not and keep them in your prayers as they struggle in their daily lives.

Happy Family Day to you all.

Metro Cooking Show, Part 2

We didn't make it out early Sunday so I had a chance to surf the web.  I came across lots and lots of information on the waterless cookware that my friend bought.  From all that I was reading it appeared that she was a) overcharged; b) all of the claims about the cookware left something to be desired; and c) lots of people had buyers remorse after buying these pots from independent dealers who seemed to sell mainly at home shows, fairs and trade shows.  She decided that she would cancel her order.

We got to the show about 11:30 AM and reported to the volunteer office.  When we arrived and were walking down the hall I almost bumped into a person and when I said excuse me and the person turned around it was Paula Deen.  Imagine I got to see Paula Deen and I did not have to pay $300-500 for ticket to hear her speak at a luncheon at the show.  Two or three y'alls and I am ready to scream.

Upon reporting to the volunteer office we were asked if we wanted to scan tickets for the celebrity luncheon with either Paula Deen, Giada DeLaurentis or Guy Fieri to which we replied no.  We were then asked if we wanted to volunteer at the wine pavilion and again we said no since another person there said you got no breaks and just stood for the entire 5 hours.  I asked if we could work at the celebrity book counter and off we went.

Each time there was a luncheon or cooking show with a celebrity people flooded the book counter to buy the celebrity's book.  Jacques Pepin did not make the show but I was good at selling his book and we sold all of his books that were out for display.  There were also aprons and chef coats for sale for adults and children.

Taking frequent small breaks was easy at this location because once the mad rush subsided after the celebrity show things pretty much slowed down.

On one of our breaks my friend was buying some Sacha Inchi oil as I stood next to her.  I spotted a plate of cookies and thought to myself that these were not very attractive cookies.  I took one, took a bite and thought to myself these are very hard and bland and I spit them out.  As I did I looked at the whole display and that is when I saw that they were dog cookies.

I laughed and laughed and laughed and with tears streaming down my face was finally able to tell my friend what happened.  She asked the vendor if I should be concerned about the ingredients in the cookie and he said no (thank goodness).

With the short breaks I was unable to get back to the vendors I wanted to get back to but I was able to get my box kit for growing exotic mushrooms.  The young man selling these was very polite and professional and I was very impressed with his sales demeanor.  We did not get to go to the vendors who were giving away samples, etc. at the end of the show because we had to pack up the books we had not sold (hard work).

At the end of the day I now had a real appreciation for people who have to be on their feet for an entire day doing their job.  My feet did not hurt but they were very tired.   Next year I plan to work the counter in the morning and enjoy the show in the afternoon so that I don't have to pack leftover books in boxes and move to the storage room.

Spitting Nails

I am telling you that this whole sex scandal makes me so angry.  The most vulnerable of children attacked again and YES I believe that Paterno should be fired.  Read the story. . . .all of the clues were there from way back when a mother confronted him about showering with her son and the security guard who heard what Sandusky said. . . .yes, I think go down the line and FIRE ALL OF THEM.  I hope that these children and their families sue Penn State and all of these individuals.  Paterno will have to live with the extremely bad decision he made. . . football over children!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/colleges/joe-paterno-says-he-has-penn-states-best-interests-at-heart-but-sadly-his-actions-say-otherwise/2011/11/09/gIQAYwxf6M_print.html

Metro Cooking Show

We didn't get as earlier start this past Saturday as I would have liked to attend the cooking show in DC.  Didn't help that the red line was not stopping at Silver Spring so we had to take a bus bridge to Ft. Totten to take the green line to the convention center.  Once we got there and the convention center is huge we had to walk around to the side entrance since America's Got Talent was there and having auditions.  Once we made our way to the volunteer office to get our free tickets we found our way to the convention hall for the show.  We really did not walk into the show until after 1:00 PM and I wanted to be there at 10:00 AM (there is always next year).

For a foodie like me this is close to Heaven.  I had a ball looking at and sampling various foods.  The show is heavy on cooking oils, balsamic vinegars and sweets.  So much fun talking with these small vendors who are trying to find their way into the market with their products.  I was kind of surprised to find that a lot of the foods had high fructose corn syrup in them given the bad press that product gets.

There was a couple of vendors that stood out for me and they were  Walt's Homemade Salsa.  I tried the extra hot - jalapeno and habanero peppers - yummy and oh so hot!  I bought and have not yet tried a kit to grow your own mushrooms.  Loved the young man selling it - so polite and so professional.  It is a business that he and his two friends have started - wishing them all the luck.  The footsaver sold us inserts for our shoes and what a difference that made as we trudged home up and down the metro escalators that never work.

We met a man selling oil from The Amazon (not amazon.com) and it sounds extremely healthy.  After listening to him for a while I said to him that this sounded like a product for whole Foods.  He replied that they had just entered into a contract with them.  I purchased the oil and while waiting for my friend to buy the oil I looked over and spotted some cookies.  I thought to myself that the cookies looked rather ugly but I would give them a shot.  They were hard and bland and as I spit them out I noticed that sign that said Dog Cookies.  Needless to say this gave my friend and I some very hearty laughter.

Now from about 2:30 pm to maybe 4 pm we attended a demonstration of cooking pots - waterless cookware given by Americraft.  Have never meet such a dynamic salesman.  The pots did look and sound phenomenal.  My friend bought a starter set for $1800!  Pricey, yes.

The next morning I looked this company up on the web and was dismayed to see that there are other waterless cookware brands for FAR LESS than $1800 and that these vendors made a huge markup on this cookware.

My friend and I read the contract and saw that she has three days to cancel.  Off we went to the show on Sunday to volunteer our time that paid for the ticket we had to Saturday's show. . . . . more about Sunday in the next blog

Might have turned out differently!

Because your employees represent you in all businesses and I had these same thoughts when I first heard all of this on the news.  I would be ashamed to even show I had an Apple product; and would think twice about buying one.  Hopefully Apple will make a statement and speak with all of their employees as all businesses should. . . . very sad to think if even one person had called the police this young woman might still be alive. . . . http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/whats-scarier-the-slaying-or-the-bystanders-who-heard-and-did-nothing/2011/10/31/gIQA9y2tZM_story.html

Tell me what you think. . . agree???

Root Vegetables and the like

It's been a long time since I've written but as we head into colder weather my cooking classes at Whole Foods have centered on soups and root vegetables.  Last night we had creamy fennel, root vegetable hash and borcht.  The surprise hit was the borscht . . . absolutely delicious.

We also learned that root vegetables are extremely health and why?  They absorb all the minerals and vitamins directly from the soil because they are grown underground.  I've attached the recipes so enjoy and comment when you do so that I know what you like and dislike.

Russian Borscht

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, diced

4 garlic cloves, minced

4 potatoes, diced

4 cups cooked beets, diced

(steam beets until slightly tender, not soft and skin will slip off.  when cool enough dice)

2 carrots, diced

2 cups cabbage, shredded

8 oz. tomato sauce

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 bay leaf

6 cups vegetable broth

salt, pepper to taste

Sour cream and dill for garnish (chop fresh dill for garnish)

Pre heat a medium pot over medium heat.  Add the oil to the pot and saute the onion and garlic until soft.  Add vegetables, tomato sauce, bay leaf and broth.  Bring to a boil, turn down to simmer and cover and cook approximately 45 minutes to one hour.  Taste to see that beets and potatoes are tender.  Add salt, pepper and vinegar and stir.  Serve with dollop of sour cream and fresh dill.

***************************

Root Vegetable Hash with Pecans and Bourbon

1 tablespoon butter

1 sweet potato, diced

1 parsnip

2 turnips, diced

2 rutabagas, diced

1/3 cup dried cranberries

2 stalks celery, diced

1 onion, diced

1/2 cup roasted pecans, chopped

1 oz. Bourbon

You can add/delete any number of vegetables to this dish like brussel sprouts, apples, zucchini, etc.

Pre heat a pan over medium heat, add butter and saute the first 6 ingredients on low heat until soft and caramelized, about 40 minutes.  Deglaze the pan with bourbon and season with salt and pepper.  Garnish with chopped pecans and fresh herbs of your choice.

***********************

Creamy Braised Fennel and Shallots

2 fennels sliced (use only bottom and light green portion not hard green tops)

10 shallots, sliced

1 leek, sliced

3 tablespoons butter

1/3 cup cream

1 tablespoon fennel ferns*

Salt and pepper

1 loaf ciabatta bread, sliced

Pre heat a skillet over medium heat, add the butter and fennel and shallots.  Cook on low heat heat until caramelized, about 30 minutes.  Add the cream and simmer for one minute.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Serve over warm crostini and garnish with chopped fennel ferns.

*Fennel ferns are the wispy tops of the ferns, chopped.

Black Chick Pea Curry

I tried a black chickpea curry this weekend (made it on Sunday) and it is delicious.  You can find black (really dark brown) chickpeas in most Indian markets.  There is one in downtown Silver Spring (across the street from the Greyhound bus terminal on Fenton Street).  I have included the recipe.  I did not use a pressure cooker but put some sea vegetable in the cooking water and it still took a longer time than the lighter colored chickpeas but they are very tasty and as you can see below, good for you.

Indian Super Market 

8107 Fenton Street, Silver Spring, MD 20910-6702(301) 589-8417 ‎
Most garbanzo beans found in the grocery (especially canned garbanzos) are cream-colored and relatively round. This type of garbanzo bean is called the "kabuli-type." Worldwide, there's a far more common type of garbanzo bean called the "desi-type." This second type of garbanzo bean is about half the size of cream-colored type we're accustomed to seeing in the grocery, and it's more irregular in shape. The color is also different - varying from light tan to black. Researchers have recently determined that many of the antioxidants present in garbanzo beans are especially concentrated in the outer seed coat that gives the beans their distinctive color. Darker-colored "desi-type" garbanzo beans appear to have thicker seed coats and greater concentrations of antioxidants than the larger and more regularly shaped cream-colored garbanzos that are regularly found at salad bars and in canned products. Of course, it is important to remember that antioxidants can be found in both types of garbanzo beans and you'll get great health benefits from both types. But if you have previously shied away from darker-colored or irregularly-shaped garbanzo beans, we want to encourage you to reconsider and to enjoy all types of garbanzo beans, including the darker-colored and irregularly-shaped ones.

Here is a link to the youtube video of the two women cooking the peas and the recipe:

http://showmethecurry.com/daalsbeans/kala-channa-black-chick-pea-curry.html

Recipe under video:  

Emergency Contacts

 The Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) announced it has added an emergency contact option

to Maryland driver's licenses.

Maryland drivers can now add three emergency contacts to their driver's license so police will know who to call if an accident occurs. The emergency contact information is stored electronically on an individual's driver's license and will be available only to authorized law enforcement personnel.

https://securetransactions.mva.maryland.gov/emvastore/MustHave2.aspx?SingleUseWindowGuid=45af0088-26d5-4a40-aa7c-815d630bd0ae

A Healing Soup

http://www.lovefoodeat.com/healing-south-indian-tomato-black-pepper-soup/

Eat Seasonally

http://www.eatingbirdfood.com/2011/09/a-guide-to-eating-seasonally-whats-in-season-when/

Whole Foods Primes You to Shop

http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/113511/how-whole-foods-primes-you-shop-fastco

United We Stand and DIVIDED WE FALL

http://loop21.com/content/dr-cornel-west-forms-group-find-democratic-challenger-obama

comment below

Can You do it? Car Free Day!

http://www.worldcarfree.net/wcfd/

Delicious!

I cannot wait to try this!

Dark Chocolate and Chili Vinaigrette

http://contact.washpost.com/go.asp?/bCAW013/mQNZF4YM1/uJZGQ9UM1/xT0E74YM1

comment below

Refinance?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/realestate/low-mortgage-rates-are-beyond-reach-for-many-with-underwater-home-values/2011/09/13/gIQAG6kEXK_print.html

Vegan Festival 2011

http://dcvegfest.com/

Saturday, September 24 · 11:00am - 6:00pm
Location:  George Washington University Yard at 2000 blk H St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20052
Created By:  Compassion Over Killing

The DC VegFest is a FREE outdoor festival vegetarian celebration in the nation's capital. We've got amazing speakers including Isa Chandra Moskowitz, Wayne Pacelle, Colleen Patrick-Goudreau and Dr. Michael Greger.

Chicken Class Action

Kentucky Fried Chicken class action:

https://couponmarketinglitigation.com/Portals/0/Documents/KFC_CF_v3.pdf

Hidden Cameras

Now we have to be aware that THERE MAY BE cameras in public bathrooms:

http://www.printthis.clickability.com/pt/cpt?expire=&title=Suit+Alleges+Spy+Cam+in+Starbucks+Bathroom+|+NBC+Washington&urlID=460701122&action=cpt&partnerID=521042&cid=130107193&fb=Y&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcwashington.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2FDC-Suit-Alleges-Spy-Cam-in-Starbucks-Bathroom-130107193.html

Meatless Monday

Vegetarian Chili with rutabaga, butternut squash, corn, black beans, kidney beans over quinoa

Jobs Act and African Americans

http://politic365.com/2011/09/10/white-house-heres-how-american-jobs-act-will-help-african-americans/

High Fructose Corn Syrup

We all know how bad this is so be aware of the new name "corn sugar" - so many tricks to get you to buy what is "bad" for you

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/AP-Exclusive-Official-slams-apf-2529890392.html?x=0

$5 Food Challenge

Are you in?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cj9MSutJc_w&feature=youtu.be&hd=1

Cyberspace Complaints

The new way to complain and a lot more effective than a telephone call or email - Facebook, Twitter, etc.

http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Shouting_in_Cyberspace_Washington_DC-129838498.html

Mary J Blige

Here's what we missed if we weren't at the Fillmore in Silver Spring

http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Mary_J__Blige_At_Fillmore_Silver_Spring_Washington_DC-129945328.html

Unintended Pregnancy?

OK, please look into this if you take birth control pills or know someone who does

http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20110915-714535.html

Take Cover

West Nile in PG County

http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/health/West-Nile-Confirmed-in-Prince-Georges-129942833.html

Fruit and Vegetable Delivery

Well, I have given a delivery of fruits and vegetables to my door a try.  I have to say I like it very much.  This is a small family owned farm and their deliveries are at night.  To make it convenient you can leave a cooler at your door and they will put your delivery in it.  However, in my case I am in an apartment building so that would not work outside the building.  The guard station, however, said they would take it and bring it to my apartment.  I can choose to have a cooler outside my apartment door or I can open the door and accept the delivery.  Guess depending on where you live you would have to make arrangements for your delivery.

First time I got a delivery I was confused about the day though they did tell me Wednesday, the 14th around midnight as I was the first delivery.  Ended up with them coming at 10:45 pm on the 13th.  I heard the tap on the door but I was not about to open my door at that time since I was expecting no one.  I did peep through the peep hole and seeing no one went back to bed.  At that point the telephone rang and it was South Moutain Veggies (http://www.southmountainveggies.com/home.php) telling me that my delivery was outside my door.  I opened the door and there was their signature green bag with my produce.

I am new at this ordering thing so I didn't know what to expect.  I had gotten a deal through Groupon - (get 50 to 90 percent off the best stuff your city has to offer. Hot deals in Chicago, New York, Boston and many other cities with http://www.groupon.com/ ).for a $38 basket for $19 that is supposed to feed a family of 4.  When I looked at the list it didn't appear it would so I decided not to share with two other friends and splitting the cost.

Well, I have to tell you the produce and fruits are beautiful and the pears are to die for.  It really is enough fruits and veggies for I would say 2-4 people.  I will be eating lots of fruits and vegetables this weekend.  I did customize the basket which you can do.  I have lots of garlic and spinach now and a big head of savoy cabbage along with lots of pears, etc.  The pears are seckels (brownish yellow and russet, most often having a dark reddish blush, the small almost bite-size Seckel pear, pronounced SEHK-uhl, sometimes has a dull green cast. A very sweet pear with a rather grainy texture, this hybrid offers a subtly spicy flavor.)


I really like this idea and have decided that I will do a smaller basket that I can customize.


If you want to give them a shot please mention that I referred you.  Doesn't get me anything from them but lets them know that word of mouth works.

Brothers and Sisters

I just rewatched the finale and this the best that television has to offer and yet it got cancelled.  Love the quote Nora made at the end

"It is never too late to be what you might have been"

This show has an excellent cast and some of the best writing on television

Jury Duty

Off I went on Monday morning to jury duty.  Last time I had jury duty was 15+ years ago in DC and I was in and out in 2 hours with check in hand BUT NOT THIS TIME.  The room was full to overflowing.  Court started at 10 AM and the first 45 people were called (1-45) and I am #262 so I settle in for a long wait.  At 11:30 we were told that all four cases on the docket had settled and my heart skipped a fast beat in anticipation of leaving soon and having some shopping fun on Rockville Pike.

At 12:00 names were called randomly to be dismissed and that is when I found out that Montgomery County has an instant jury thing going on.  Means that a case in the lower court can ask for a jury trial which is kicked to the higher court (us) so some of us would be sitting in anticipation of being called for a case from the lower court.  As she called the numbers I was really happy until I heard the dreaded 262!  Just to check I asked in a cheerful voice, "does that mean I have to come back" and she replied in an even happier voice "yes, we will see you after lunch".  The smile quickly left my voice and my face as I trudged out of the room.  Lunch, mind you, is from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM.  At 2 PM she entered the room and told us to have a seat and begin the wait.  Wait we did until 4 PM and I was so happy to leave then I almost ran to the door but I did remember to get my check ($15 minus my contribution of $5 to the generous juror fund for abused children).

The waiting is bad enough but going through the metal detectors (turn on all electronic devices and for me that is the Palm, the cell and the Nook) and take off my belt.  At lunch time I forgot to get my belt so after reaching the cafeteria (thank goodness I brought my lunch so no money spent there) I had to go back upstairs to get it.  Didn't realize that after entering the cafeteria and leaving you have to go through the metal detector again - enough is enough - I will not leave that room again except to go to the bathroom.

A whole afternoon of playing Angry Birds and I guess I was so frustrated that I was winning because I felt like I wanted to knock something off so better the pigs in the game than somebody.

Well, the day ended on a good note because that evening I went to a cooking demo at Whole Foods and was treated to pan roasted tilapia, couscous with almonds, raisins, parsley and chives and a peach crisp - delicious and again Chef Egg pulled off a fabulous meal.

I tell you it takes us seniors a while to get over the weekend and here it is Tuesday and I am still tired.

Good Weekend

It started with the sun coming out on Friday as I walked home - beautiful.  Saturday up and out early to go see the 9-11 exhibit at the American History Museum.  I forget, living here in MD so close to DC, that we have some of the best museums in the country.  In any event the line was way too long so we skipped it and headed over to Chinatown to stop at the Asian market for some ginger drink.  When we got to the Portrait Museum (across from Zola's) we happened upon the Art on Foot festival.  What a blast!  We spent a good amount of time sitting in the food tent watching various chefs from DC prepare dishes and the we sampled - always good to try new foods and I did try cerviche and I have to say the best were the tuna sliders.

Now for dessert - Co Co Sala blew it out of the park with their dark chocolate mousse, salted caramel brulee with crunchy chocolate balls - I could have eaten it until I went into a coma!

We cruised some of the tents and there was beautiful furniture, paintings, clothing, etc.  Prices were a little steep though.  There was a photographer there who did have the most amazing pictures - amazing enough that I just had to buy 4 of them - various animals that I will hang in my bathroom.

We then trooped down the street to the wonderful dance enticing sounds of the brass section from the House of Prayer.  This was music you could not sit down and listen to.  Even in the hot sun there was a line following the tuba player as he came off the stage and wandered around - great to get your heart pumping.

When we left to go to the Asian store we noticed a line of people waiting to go into the Verizon Center.  We found out it was something called Spirit of America (multimedia show of the armed forces from George Washington through today complete with orchestra).  A very nice lady turning in two extra tickets gave them to us (the show was free for all who wanted to attend).  To my amazement I sat there for 2 hours and enjoyed every minute.

We never made it to the Asian store on Saturday but came home exhausted and fulfilled at 10:30 PM.  We were lucky that we caught a train right away since the wonderful metro was of course doing track work on the red line AGAIN!

Sunday brought us another beautiful sunny day and I headed out early to see the 9-11 exhibit.  This time I got in with just a 20 minute wait.  It is a small exhibit but nevertheless it stirs up all the emotions from 10 years ago.

Leaving there I went back to the Art on Foot festival in time to eat what the chef at Legal Seafood cooked up.  I have to say in this one weekend I had more raw fish than I have ever had - raw tuna, raw scallops, raw shrimp, raw pollock. . . . and while it is not something I would prepare at home I did eat and enjoy it.  The chefs were very entertaining and we did get courtesy cards for free food at some of the restaurants.  I did again get the opportunity to stroll some of the tents and look at the wonderful items for sale.

This time I made it to the Asian market and again went home exhausted.

P.S.  I did get up on Sunday at 5 AM so that I could prep the food I needed to cook for the week and also do laundry and prepare for jury duty on Monday before I went off to enjoy the day.

Desegregation in 2011!

It is 2011 and we still need the Federal Government to deregulate communities!

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/11/nyregion/11settle.html?pagewanted=all

Confession Time

Did you know that Chipotle had to confess to using pork in its beans?  If you are on a strict diet either for health or religious reasons then you need to ask exactly what is in the food being dished up and if you can't get a definite answer from the server then ask for the manager.

http://blog.usfoodsafety.com/2011/08/18/chipotle-menu-to-fess-up-to-bacon-usage/

Grandparent's Day

This year it falls on September 11, 2011 - how will you celebrate and for all the grandchildren don't forget

Jersey and Bullying

Just heard on the news tonight that Jersey has instituted one of the toughest anti bullying laws - ZERO TOLERANCE!  What's your take on that?

Another job to disappear

People who deliver packages to your home. . .now you can pick them up yourself when you stop in 7-11.  Sometimes you don't want the package delivered at home for fear of theft.  Now, you have an alternative and the number of drivers will drop. . .http://technolog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/09/07/7651025-pick-up-your-amazon-package-and-a-slurpee

The New School Year

Some helpful tips

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/class-struggle/post/8-back-to-school-worries/2011/08/31/gIQA7e1psJ_blog.html

Money, Money, Money

Here are some great ideas on getting your finances in order. . . http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/farnoosh-torabis-money-management-strategies/2011/08/25/gIQAx9PzwJ_story.html

Not Good News

Geez, this is certainly not good news. . . . http://loop21.com/content/why-obamas-foreclosure-program-failing

Supplements

This is my new blogging site - let's talk supplements

Supplements

I read an article in the Post asking if supplements really work?  Looks like in some instances they do and guess it depends what stage of your life you are in.  What do you think?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/dietary-supplements-do-we-need-them-or-can-we-get-all-our-nutrients-from-food/2011/08/18/gIQAAKlkYJ_story.html

The Fit

I want to try the fit on this one