Here is another recall for the day! Fisher-Price has recalled more than 10 million products, including high chairs for laceration hazards, trikes that may cause bleeding, and toys for chocking hazards. Unbelievable....
For details on the high chair recall, please click here
For details on trikes recall, please click here
For details on toys recall, please click here
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Have You Had Your Veggies Yet?
Three out of four Americans don't eat their daily vegetables and fruits. Shame on you/us!
Easy homework to do, but somehow convenience is always calling...
Here are a few tips to try to incorporate more veggies in our diets:
1. Plan ahead
Pre-slice fruits and vegetables at home and bring them to work/school to snack on through out the day.
2. Eat seasonal produce
As we fall into Autumn, get inspired by seasonal dishes. Eating seasonal produce means eating fruits and vegetables at their freshest and most delicious.
3. Add vegetables to your favorite meals
Include fruits and vegetables into salads and heartier meals that you would not necessarily think to, such as salads, pasta sauces, smoothies, etc
4. Go vegetarian, at least once a week
A vegetarian diet isn't for everyone, but mastering even one delicious vegetarian meal a week can make a big difference for your health.
5. Make it fun
Make a family occasion out of it like "Fruit Night Fridays," "Berry Sundays/Sundaes," or "Monday Night Crudite."
6. Get the kids involved
Have your kids think up exciting ideas that they would want to eat and make it a project you can share with them.
7. Journal your daily fruit and veggie intake and monitor it
Try and see if you can increase just one more serving a day for a few months. In no time, it will become a daily habit, you will look better and feel healthier!
Sources: Yahoo and The Daily Green
RECALL: Sleep Positioners
In the last 13 years, U.S. officials have received 12 reports of infants who suffocated because of sleep positioner products.
Sleep positioners sometimes are marketed with the claim that they can reduce gastroesophageal reflux disease, so-called "flat head syndrome", and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), but can suffocate babies and cause other harm, CPSC and FDA officials said in the statement.
Source: FDA and msnbc
Help Spread the Word
Every 69 seconds, a woman dies of breast cancer somewhere in the world. #fightbreastcancer at http://69-seconds.org/.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Aircel, Apollo JV to bring healthcare on mobiles
Through the 'Aircel Apollo Mobile HealthCare' service, users can get medical consultation over phone for Rs 45."Aircel will launch by Diwali this year for its users in Chennai and Tamil Nadu circles, and later expand it to other parts of the country," Aircel Chief Operating Officer Gurdeep Singh told reporters here.
Through Tele Triage, which is one of the service under the initiate, Aircel subscribers can call the Apollo physicians and paramedics to seek medical help round-the clock.
The companies, however, declined to comment on the revenue-sharing agreement between Apollo and Aircel. "This initiative with Apollo Hospitals Group, will bring a revolution in healthcare as it provides the best in medical care on mobile phones anytime," Singh said.
Aircel and Apollo will also offer tele-medicine facility (which allows patients to consult physicians over video for immediate health care) through Aircel Retail outlets and other retail stores from the first quarter of next fiscal.
Aircel has a subscriber base of over 45 million. "This first-of-its-kind initiative will help in taking healthcare services to the masses," Apollo Hospitals Group Chairman Prathap C Reddy said.
Bill Blass's Meatloaf
I've had this recipe for decades! It's so old probably many of you haven't even heard of it. (But I DO hope everyone knows about designer extraordinaire Bill Blass.) And yes, it really is Bill Blass's recipe! Everywhere we went for dinner in the 70's people were serving it. After all, if Bill Blass served it at HIS dinner parties, why not us?
It was even on the menu at Mortimer's in NYC, owner Glenn Bernbaum's public outpost for the rich and famous that closed in 1998.
"Virtually from the day Mortimer's opened its doors in 1976, the restaurant has been ubiquitous in the social columns, attracting an eclectic crowd ranging from Richard Nixon and Henry Kissinger to Mick Jagger and Boy George to Jackie O., Fergie, and Brooke Astor, and even Cal Ripken Jr. Oh, and the parties -- using set designers, Bernbaum could transform his humble saloon, re-creating the Paris Opéra, the Plaza's Palm Court in 1907, or an overgrown wild jungle in the fairly mundane shell of the restaurant."
And when Mortimer's segued into Swifty's, the meatloaf went along; they still serve it, surrounded by mashed potatoes and gravy. Here's their menu:
Have you ever been to Swifty's in NYC? I LOVE going there for lunch. Very European in ambiance. It's small (only 60 covers) and so very intimate and cozy on a cold winter's day. Oh...and the food is dee-vine.
Do you know where the name came from? Swifty was the name of Mortimer owner Bernbaum's dog...and the dog was named after Irving "Swifty" Lazar, the Hollywood deal maker.
Sorry, I DO tend to get sidetracked.
Bill Blass's meatloaf is the subject of this post!
Do you think meatloaf is not grand enough to serve to company? Blass disagreed. He served it often to his guests.
"The man who once wrote that blue jeans were 'the most significant contribution America has made to fashion' had no such pretensions about serving meatloaf. Although the provenance of his recipe is unclear, friends suspect he brought it from hometown Fort Wayne, Ind. He felt that simplicity was real elegance."
In Bare Blass, which was finished just weeks before his death in 2002 and published soon after, he said that, after all, this recipe may be the way people most remember him.
And this recipe is the real McCoy, my dears. I always made it free form in a baking dish...which is what the original recipe suggested, although you certainly could make it in a loaf pan if you are a perfectionist.
BTW: Rumor had it that his banana cream pie was divine, but I've never seen a recipe for it.
Bill Blass's Meatloaf
In a small bowl, beat egg, stir in Worcestershire sauce and reserve.
In a large pan over low heat, melt butter and sauté celery and onions, stirring occasionally, until onions become translucent.
In a large bowl, combine onion-celery mixture with sirloin, pork, veal, parsley, bread crumbs, beaten egg mixture, salt and pepper, thyme, and marjoram.
On a baking sheet, form mixture into an oval loaf shape. Top with chili sauce and bacon strips.
Bake 75 minutes.
Remove from oven and let rest 10 minutes before serving. Serves 6-8.
I served it with roasted sweet potatoes the first night (because I had some left over):
and then, last night, the way meatloaf should be served...with mashed potatoes, peas and yes, gravy on the side.
Here's kind of an interesting article about Mortimer's and Glenn Bernbaum:
http://nymag.com/nymetro/food/industry/features/3157/
It was even on the menu at Mortimer's in NYC, owner Glenn Bernbaum's public outpost for the rich and famous that closed in 1998.
"Virtually from the day Mortimer's opened its doors in 1976, the restaurant has been ubiquitous in the social columns, attracting an eclectic crowd ranging from Richard Nixon and Henry Kissinger to Mick Jagger and Boy George to Jackie O., Fergie, and Brooke Astor, and even Cal Ripken Jr. Oh, and the parties -- using set designers, Bernbaum could transform his humble saloon, re-creating the Paris Opéra, the Plaza's Palm Court in 1907, or an overgrown wild jungle in the fairly mundane shell of the restaurant."
And when Mortimer's segued into Swifty's, the meatloaf went along; they still serve it, surrounded by mashed potatoes and gravy. Here's their menu:
Have you ever been to Swifty's in NYC? I LOVE going there for lunch. Very European in ambiance. It's small (only 60 covers) and so very intimate and cozy on a cold winter's day. Oh...and the food is dee-vine.
Do you know where the name came from? Swifty was the name of Mortimer owner Bernbaum's dog...and the dog was named after Irving "Swifty" Lazar, the Hollywood deal maker.
Sorry, I DO tend to get sidetracked.
Bill Blass's meatloaf is the subject of this post!
Do you think meatloaf is not grand enough to serve to company? Blass disagreed. He served it often to his guests.
"The man who once wrote that blue jeans were 'the most significant contribution America has made to fashion' had no such pretensions about serving meatloaf. Although the provenance of his recipe is unclear, friends suspect he brought it from hometown Fort Wayne, Ind. He felt that simplicity was real elegance."
In Bare Blass, which was finished just weeks before his death in 2002 and published soon after, he said that, after all, this recipe may be the way people most remember him.
And this recipe is the real McCoy, my dears. I always made it free form in a baking dish...which is what the original recipe suggested, although you certainly could make it in a loaf pan if you are a perfectionist.
BTW: Rumor had it that his banana cream pie was divine, but I've never seen a recipe for it.
Bill Blass's Meatloaf
Ingredients:
1 egg
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped onion
2 pounds ground sirloin
1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 pound ground veal
1/2 cup minced fresh parsley
1 1/2 cups fresh bread crumbs
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
1 12-ounce bottle Heinz Chili Sauce
4-5 strips uncooked bacon
Method:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
1 egg
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped onion
2 pounds ground sirloin
1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 pound ground veal
1/2 cup minced fresh parsley
1 1/2 cups fresh bread crumbs
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
1 12-ounce bottle Heinz Chili Sauce
4-5 strips uncooked bacon
Method:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
In a small bowl, beat egg, stir in Worcestershire sauce and reserve.
In a large pan over low heat, melt butter and sauté celery and onions, stirring occasionally, until onions become translucent.
In a large bowl, combine onion-celery mixture with sirloin, pork, veal, parsley, bread crumbs, beaten egg mixture, salt and pepper, thyme, and marjoram.
On a baking sheet, form mixture into an oval loaf shape. Top with chili sauce and bacon strips.
Bake 75 minutes.
Remove from oven and let rest 10 minutes before serving. Serves 6-8.
I served it with roasted sweet potatoes the first night (because I had some left over):
and then, last night, the way meatloaf should be served...with mashed potatoes, peas and yes, gravy on the side.
Here's kind of an interesting article about Mortimer's and Glenn Bernbaum:
http://nymag.com/nymetro/food/industry/features/3157/
Activity Clock
Made with environmentally safe materials. Ideal for kids 4+ years of age.
By Plan Toys
Top 10 Toxins, How to Protect Your Family
The USA Today published a list of the top 10 toxins and how to protect our families. Very insightful. Take a look:
Lead -- potent neurotoxin that can cause brain damage, even in low doses.
Although it was taken out of gasoline three decades ago, it's still found in many homes, especially those built before 1978....When renovating an older home, use only contractors who are trained in lead-safe work practices. If you do the work yourself, consider taking a one-day class in lead safety.
Phthalates -- these chemicals, often used to soften plastics, can interfere with the hormone system.
When possible, choose products labeled as phthalate-free or PVC-free. Some hospitals are switching to phthalate-free products, especially in their neonatal intensive care units. Avoid bottles marked with the #3 recycling code.
Tobacco -- Its smoke can contain up to 4,0000 chemicals, including cadmium, lead and formaldehyde.
Don't smoke or allow anyone to smoke near your family.
Pesticides - poisons intended to kill weeds, fungi, insects and small animals.
Wash your produce...Don't use insect sprays in the home or on your pets. Take off your shoes when entering the home to avoid tracking in pesticides...When possible, buy food that is organic or locally grown, because the U.S. has stricter pesticide laws than many other regions.
Mercury -- potent neurotoxin.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, pregnant women and children should completely avoid high-mercury fish: shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish.
Radon -- a naturally-occurring, radioactive gas that's the second-leading cause of lung cancer (behind tobacco.)
Test your home for radon or have an inspection by a radon specialist. Professionals can seal a home's foundation, if needed.
Cadmium - heavy metal linked to cancer, kidney damage and bone damage.
Check product recalls from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which has recalled thousands of pieces of cadmium-tainted products. The commission's chairman, Inis Tenenbaum, advises parents to think carefully before buying low-cost children's jewelry.
Arsenic -- common wood preservative that was banned from playgrounds in 2004 but can be found at older ones as well as on fences and decks.
Leave your shoes at the door to avoid tracking it in and wash your hands frequently.
Volatile organic compounds - chemical fumes produced by paints , solvents or cleaning products that are linked to health problems such as asthma.
Open the windows at least once a day, when possible...Choose low-VOC paints. Reduce use of chemical cleaning products in favor of homemade, green cleaning products such as vinegar and baking soda.
Bisphenol A - estrogen-like ingredient often found in clean, hard plastics, the lining of metal cans and slippery paper receipts. It's associated in animal studies with genital birth abnormalities and breast cancer.
Choose BPA-free products. Instead of liquid formula, use powdered formula, whose can't aren't lined with BPA, according to the Environmental Working Group. Choose fresh produce or dried beans, rather than canned.
Source: USAToday
Lead -- potent neurotoxin that can cause brain damage, even in low doses.
Although it was taken out of gasoline three decades ago, it's still found in many homes, especially those built before 1978....When renovating an older home, use only contractors who are trained in lead-safe work practices. If you do the work yourself, consider taking a one-day class in lead safety.
Phthalates -- these chemicals, often used to soften plastics, can interfere with the hormone system.
When possible, choose products labeled as phthalate-free or PVC-free. Some hospitals are switching to phthalate-free products, especially in their neonatal intensive care units. Avoid bottles marked with the #3 recycling code.
Tobacco -- Its smoke can contain up to 4,0000 chemicals, including cadmium, lead and formaldehyde.
Don't smoke or allow anyone to smoke near your family.
Pesticides - poisons intended to kill weeds, fungi, insects and small animals.
Wash your produce...Don't use insect sprays in the home or on your pets. Take off your shoes when entering the home to avoid tracking in pesticides...When possible, buy food that is organic or locally grown, because the U.S. has stricter pesticide laws than many other regions.
Mercury -- potent neurotoxin.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, pregnant women and children should completely avoid high-mercury fish: shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish.
Radon -- a naturally-occurring, radioactive gas that's the second-leading cause of lung cancer (behind tobacco.)
Test your home for radon or have an inspection by a radon specialist. Professionals can seal a home's foundation, if needed.
Cadmium - heavy metal linked to cancer, kidney damage and bone damage.
Check product recalls from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which has recalled thousands of pieces of cadmium-tainted products. The commission's chairman, Inis Tenenbaum, advises parents to think carefully before buying low-cost children's jewelry.
Arsenic -- common wood preservative that was banned from playgrounds in 2004 but can be found at older ones as well as on fences and decks.
Leave your shoes at the door to avoid tracking it in and wash your hands frequently.
Volatile organic compounds - chemical fumes produced by paints , solvents or cleaning products that are linked to health problems such as asthma.
Open the windows at least once a day, when possible...Choose low-VOC paints. Reduce use of chemical cleaning products in favor of homemade, green cleaning products such as vinegar and baking soda.
Bisphenol A - estrogen-like ingredient often found in clean, hard plastics, the lining of metal cans and slippery paper receipts. It's associated in animal studies with genital birth abnormalities and breast cancer.
Choose BPA-free products. Instead of liquid formula, use powdered formula, whose can't aren't lined with BPA, according to the Environmental Working Group. Choose fresh produce or dried beans, rather than canned.
Source: USAToday
Healthy (and Nomable) Mix In Muffins
By the end they had a little of all the mix ins in their muffins.
Harmony even helped me wash the dishes! It doesn't get much better than that!
I found the original recipe for these fantastic muffins online and it calls for butternut squash. I used canned pumpkin the first time, instead. The second time, I made them with 4 super ripe bananas. Then Sunday, I made it with 2 ripe bananas pureed and 1 HUGE sweet potato, peeled and shredded. Then I cut up the other .5 banana, an apple, and maraschino cherries into small pieces and put them in individual bowls. I also put out some raisins and shredded coconut. *my kids don't like nuts, but those would be good, too...or pineapple, or whatever you have on hand.* I filled the muffin tins about 1/2 way (SUPER important that you pan spray it or use muffin liners) and then let them stick whatever mix ins they wanted on top. When they were done, I poked everything down into the batter and baked them up.
SO GOOD! I left Marc and mine without mix ins (so just banana pureed and sweet potato) and they were delicious, too!
Basically, it's a very versatile recipe. I also decreased the sugar yesterday to 1/2 cup and Marc and I both thought it was PLENTY sweet still. So here is the recipe and nutrition facts for the butternut squash version and the banana version. Enjoy!!!
2 cups whole wheat flour
2 tsp cinnamon (I prefer Saigon Cinnamon for the extra heat)
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup sugar
3/4 c. unsweetened applesauce (I replaced oil with applesauce to make it healthier)
3 large eggs
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
3 cups shredded/mashed roasted butternut squash
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Sift flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt together in a medium bowl.
In a separate bowl mix sugar, vegetable oil, milk, eggs and vanilla. Combine both mixtures and fold in the roasted butternut squash and optional mix ins. Once the ingredients are incorporated, pour them into 1 9x5x3 inch loaf pan, or 18 muffin cups or 9 jumbo muffin cups.
Bake loaf for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Or bake muffins for about 25 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
User Entered Recipe
9 Servings (9 jumbo muffins)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 195.0 (for a JUMBO muffin!!!)
Total Fat 2.3 g
Saturated Fat 0.7 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3 g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.7 g
Cholesterol 70.8 mg
Sodium 320.3 mg
Potassium 226.4 mg
Total Carbohydrate 40.1 g
Dietary Fiber 5.8 g
Sugars 12.5 g
Protein 6.3 g
Vitamin A 97.8 %
Vitamin B-12 2.8 %
Vitamin B-6 5.5 %
Vitamin C 20.2 %
Vitamin D 2.2 %
Vitamin E 0.9 %
Calcium 5.8 %
Copper 2.5 %
Folate 5.3 %
Iron 4.9 %
Magnesium 5.6 %
Manganese 10.8 %
Niacin 3.4 %
Pantothenic Acid 4.6 %
Phosphorus 5.4 %
Riboflavin 5.9 %
Selenium 7.9 %
Thiamin 4.1 %
Zinc 1.9 %
Substitute 4 bananas for the squash-
Nutrition Facts
User Entered Recipe
9 Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 231.8
Total Fat 2.5 g
Saturated Fat 0.8 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5 g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.8 g
Cholesterol 70.8 mg
Sodium 147.2 mg
Potassium 354.4 mg
Total Carbohydrate 49.2 g
Dietary Fiber 5.0 g
Sugars 23.1 g (So much of this is natural sugars- compare to butternut squash version!)
Protein 6.3 g
Vitamin A 3.0 %
Vitamin B-12 2.8 %
Vitamin B-6 21.0 %
Vitamin C 11.5 %
Vitamin D 2.2 %
Vitamin E 3.2 %
Calcium 5.8 %
Copper 8.1 %
Folate 7.4 %
Iron 9.6 %
Magnesium 13.6 %
Manganese 60.7 %
Niacin 10.0 %
Pantothenic Acid 6.1 %
Phosphorus 14.4 %
Riboflavin 11.7 %
Selenium 35.2 %
Thiamin 10.2 %
Zinc 7.1 %
Here are just some extra pictures of my cutie patooties doing what Mommy does...baking!! Harmony decided to make some adorable smiley face "cookies" out of her play doh all by herself and I just HAD to take her picture.
Here is Layla helping Mommy bake a lemon pound cake.
Waiting, waiting, waiting for it to bake.
I really need to make more of an effort to get pictures of them EATING the goodies, huh? They just disappear so fast that I don't really get the time to do that often.
Back to school on Monday!
Hawaii star Ball, the kick off
Tuesday evening and I tried again and this time the "C" bus got there only a couple minutes late and I made it fast to the Ala Moana Shopping Center. And on the street, just to the other bus stop about 50 yards down the street and the #8 bus was right behind me.
I asked someone and they said it was probably across the street. Happen to run into the Ladertas, Numazus, and David, relaxing in the lobby and they said it was "that way" and on the way I asked at a desk and they pointed me in the right direction. it was "Village Green."
Ran into Roger immediately and he mentioned that many had left already, and he pointed out Geoffrey and Geoffrey was surprised. I looked over the terrain and then got my first photo.
Geoffrey and friends enjoying the terrific show
Of course had to get a photo of the good Show, for the show must go on. They were doing just great even with less people, they were pleasing everyone.
And the show must go on. Lucky for the people there.
I like to move around and got another couple photos of the crowd.
Left side of a good group
The right side of the group
Some people were still snacking and I was even offered something to drink, but I had to cover ground in a short time.
Left early enough to get the bike and noticed the time. I could get the last "C" bus which leaves Ala Moana at 8:35 in about 15 minutes. I wasn't going to wait for a bus and decided to bike it. I made it in ten minutes, waited five minutes and away I went, back to Nanakuli. Lucky I had some good music on my tapes.
I will make tomorrow's write up in the Town Dancer blog.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Health Officials Ready For Flu Season
Last year, there were two shots available — one for the seasonal flu and one for the H1N1 virus. This year's vaccine protects against H1N1 plus the H3N2 virus and Influenza B strains.
And unlike last year, experts aren't expecting any delays in the vaccine's availability. This year, 165 million doses are expected to be ready nationally, compared with the 114 million last year.
Vincent Sacco, immunization program manager for the state Department of Public Health, said the state should receive 1.3 million doses of the vaccine this season. He doesn't know how much has been shipped to Connecticut so far but says it is available widely in the state.
"There was really a push to get the seasonal vaccine out as early as possible this year," Sacco said. He recommends getting immunized as soon as possible. "It's important to get it before the disease starts to be transmited."
Besides the shot, a nasal spray is also available that protects against the same three strains. Unlike the shot, which is made from a killed virus, the nasal spray consists of a live virus. The CDC says the nasal spray is safe for anyone between the ages of 2 and 49.
Balanced Monkeys
Made with environmentally safe material only. Ideal for kids 3+ years of age.
By Plan Toys
Good Ol' Pasta: Redressed
We came across this rice pasta recipe and loved the idea! Not only it tastes great, it is nutritious, come with fewer calories and is gluten-free. Nothing like a good change from time to time! Kudos to Martha Shulman, the author.
Rice Sticks With Uncooked Tomato Sauce, Tuna, Capers and Olives
Servings: 4 portions
Place the rice sticks in a large bowl, and cover with hot water. Soak for 20 minutes or until pliable, and drain. Using kitchen scissors, cut the noodles in half, into roughly 6- to 8-inch lengths.
When the water comes to a boil, salt generously and add the rice sticks. Boil one minute until tender but still al dente, and drain. Toss at once with the tomato mixture and the basil, and serve.
Nutritional information per serving: 287 calories; 5 grams fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 19 milligrams cholesterol; 47 grams carbohydrates; 3 grams dietary fiber (6 grams if using brown rice noodles); 293 milligrams sodium (does not include salt added during preparation); 13 grams protein
Source: NYTimes
Rice Sticks With Uncooked Tomato Sauce, Tuna, Capers and Olives
Servings: 4 portions
- 1 pound ripe, locally grown tomatoes
- 1 to 2 garlic cloves, green shoots removed, finely chopped or pureed
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon balsamic or sherry vinegar
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 5-ounce can water-packed light tuna, drained and broken up with a fork, or 5 to 6 ounces cooked fresh tuna, cut in thin bite-size pieces
- 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed
- 10 imported black olives, halved and pitted
- 2 tablespoons slivered basil leaves
- 7 to 8 ounces thin rice sticks
Place the rice sticks in a large bowl, and cover with hot water. Soak for 20 minutes or until pliable, and drain. Using kitchen scissors, cut the noodles in half, into roughly 6- to 8-inch lengths.
When the water comes to a boil, salt generously and add the rice sticks. Boil one minute until tender but still al dente, and drain. Toss at once with the tomato mixture and the basil, and serve.
Nutritional information per serving: 287 calories; 5 grams fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 19 milligrams cholesterol; 47 grams carbohydrates; 3 grams dietary fiber (6 grams if using brown rice noodles); 293 milligrams sodium (does not include salt added during preparation); 13 grams protein
Source: NYTimes
Monday, September 27, 2010
Keeping Up
So how is it that so many people are still in the dark? Well, in short, they've been misinformed, and sometimes deliberately, by people who would rather protect their own short-term interests than help our fellow reader/dancers.
We are witnessing a change in the entire dance environment, one that will see greater kokua between all the different factions of dance. The little groups of party poopers are gradually receding into their rightful distance. They can retire to their little caves and snarl at the world.
Now the blogs, due to the interested parties, including the guest authors are establishing their own interests which is very good for all. They will each develop their own perspective on our the dance world. And they will be able to evolve the best methods for cooperation.
The Universal Dancer apparently sits right between the American and Country styles. In fact some have hinted that if they had not been designated "Country" and danced exclusively to "Country," They may have been the "Universal" dancers of today. So we all live and learn.
The ultimate goal is for the dancer to enjoy the music, the dance comes a few seconds later. And there is no "correct" or "incorrect" way to really dance, if the dancer is dancing. Perhaps later on there can be hints, but no dictation from the "heavens."
That is what makes so many of our local amateur teachers so great. So I must plan with the help of others to make Town Dancer the first real independent blog for the reader/dancers. We need at least two Guest Authors and one, of all the guest authors. will become a co-administrator.
Then I can resign my Administrator position and remain as a guest author for a time, while I slowly phase myself out. Only when I have resigned as Guest Author and I am completely out, will the blog be a fully independent blog and on it's own.
"Yes, we have too many clowns and not enough circuses."
Now the blogs, due to the interested parties, including the guest authors are establishing their own interests which is very good for all. They will each develop their own perspective on our the dance world. And they will be able to evolve the best methods for cooperation.
"Signs" by Five Man Electrical Band
The ultimate goal is for the dancer to enjoy the music, the dance comes a few seconds later. And there is no "correct" or "incorrect" way to really dance, if the dancer is dancing. Perhaps later on there can be hints, but no dictation from the "heavens."
"Jazzman" by Carole King
Then I can resign my Administrator position and remain as a guest author for a time, while I slowly phase myself out. Only when I have resigned as Guest Author and I am completely out, will the blog be a fully independent blog and on it's own.
"Hope is patience with the lamp lit."
International buyers see deals in Florida real estate
Well, at least Florida's struggling real estate market has been good for some.
Apparently, plummeting values combined with a weak U.S. dollar is making Sunshine State real estate a little more desirable for international buyers, according to a survey from the Florida Realtors.
Two out of every three Realtors in the state had at least one international transaction within the past year, and that's helped offset declines in home sales.
The National Association of Realtors and the Florida Realtors recently conducted a survey of Florida agents. A total of 936 responses were received about their experiences with International buyers.
Here are some of the highlights:
•Sixty-five percent said they worked with an international client in the past 12 months. One in five worked with two international clients, and 18 percent working with three or more.
•Half of the respondents said international clients accounted for 25 percent or less of their business; 15 percent said international homebuyers accounted for more than half of their business.
•One in three said that international clients were an increasing share of their customers in the past two years, while just under half noted that their share of international clients stayed about the same.
•Canada had the largest share of buyers, accounting for 36 percent of recent sales. Buyers from the United Kingdom accounted for 15 percent, and the rest of Western Europe accounted for an additional 14 percent.
Latin America, defined for the report as Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and South America, accounted for 16 percent. Specific countries with a small but significant share of sales included Germany (5 percent), Venezuela (3 percent), Brazil (3 percent) and France (3 percent).
Episencial Eco-Giveaway: Be the Next Winner!!
Have you entered to win our weekly Episencial Eco-Giveaway yet? The third winner will be announced next Monday! Episencial is a skincare line formulated specifically for the developing skin type of babies and kids. This all natural skincare is free from the bad stuff (like fragrances and parabens) and loaded with good stuff like healthy organics. Products are packaged in recycled materials free of phthalate and BpA and are manufactured using solar power.
The prizes are amazing!
- 4 baskets of products worth US $75 each. More winners will be announced on October 4 and 11, 2010.
It is very easy to participate!
Sign up for our new EcoLogical Mom e-Newsletter by clicking here.
All participants must be subscribed until the end of the Eco-Giveaway.
Logon to Episencial's Facebook page for specials and great tips on gentle skincare. Also, check Episencial.com for product information and baby skincare education.
Good luck!
Winners will be chosen at random.
"Episencial Baskets" are provided by Episencial.
"Episencial Baskets" are provided by Episencial.
Stop Infections In Its Tracks
- Teach kids to wash their hands with soap and warm water after playing and before eating. They should scrub for 30 seconds. Maybe you can create a 30 second song for when they wash hands!
- Use alcohol-based hand wipes or hand gels when you can't get to a sink. Avoid those with triclosan, an antibacterial agent that kills only weaker bacteria.
- Show your child how to cough into her sleeve, and use tissues instead of her hands to wipe her nose.
- Have each family member use his/her own towel.
- Clean all wounds properly: Flush for one minute with running water, wash with soap, rinse, and cover with a bandage until healed.
- Make sure your kids are eating a healthy diet, full of vitamins that will help boost their immune systems.
- Lastly, consult your pediatrician on best ways to keep your kids healthy.
Congratulations Kailey, Another Winner!
Congratulations Kailey Bettasso, Zip Code 61356. You are the winner of our second Episencial Eco-Giveaway. Please e-mail us at EcoLogicalMom@ymail.com to redeem your prize.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Game Day Bites
Whatever sport you're watching on TV, one thing I bet we all have in common is a plate of something delicious to nibble on. Football is our game of choice in the fall and University of Michigan is MY team of choice. (M Go Blue!) Whether college or pro ball, I'm always on the lookout for new game day treats so I thought I'd post a few here and there this fall.
Quite a while back, I came across these spicy little mouthfuls on Big Girls Small Kitchen, a favorite blog of mine. Cara and Phoebe are old high school friends, each living in New York city, which they refer to as "a big city of small kitchens". They have some super recipes and are publishing a cookbook, called Cara and Phoebe's Quarter-Life Kitchen, due out in 2011.
Phoebe's family have been friends with Ina Garten (The Barefoot Contessa) for years and in 2006, in an oft-repeated episode called Good Home Cooking, Cara and Phoebe were guests on Ina’s show, returning from college to a huge platter of gravlox, fresh fruit, and a basket of sour cream blueberry muffins. In 2009, Phoebe actually got to cook a holiday meal with Ina on her show, which I unfortunately haven't seen.
This recipe is Phoebe's. Not only can it be used as a game day bite, it would be a super appetizer for a Mexican or Southwestern themed dinner. Delicious AND healthy. An unbeatable combination.
Black Bean Cakes with Mango-Lime Crema
From Big Girls Small Kitchen
Ingredients:
For the cakes:
2 15oz cans black beans
2 garlic cloves
½ lime, juiced
1 tbsp sour cream
¼ cup cilantro leaves, chopped
1 cup fresh breadcrumbs (directions follow)
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp chili powder
¼ tsp cayenne
1 tsp salt
For the crema:
3/4 cup sour cream
½ mango, finely diced
1 tbsp shallot, chopped
1 tbsp lime juice
¼ tsp chili powder
¼ tsp salt
Method:
Method:
In a food processor, blend the garlic, 1 can of beans, lime juice, and sour cream until moderately smooth. Transfer to a mixing bowl and fold in the remaining ingredients. Mix until properly combined.
With clean hands, form the bean mixture into 1 inch balls and set aside on a plate. Chill the balls for twenty minutes or so.
For the crema, combine a third of the mango, and all remaining ingredients in a food processor. Transfer to a bowl an fold in the rest of the mango.
NOTE: everything up to this point can be prepared the night before.
Heat a skillet over a medium-high flame, adding a healthy layer of olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Once the bean cakes have cooled, remove from the refrigerator. Pan-fry the bean cakes, making sure to press each down into a round patty as you add them to the pan. Cook until dark brown and crispy on both sides. Reserve on a paper towel until cool enough to handle.
Alternatively, you can bake the cakes on a cookie sheet in a 400 degree oven for 20 minutes, or until they have crisped up (the outside will resemble falafel).
Arrange cakes on a platter, and serve room temperature with a dollop of mango-lime crema on top and some torn cilantro leaves for garnish. Makes about 20 cakes.
Making Fresh Bread Crumbs
Making Fresh Bread Crumbs
You'll get the best results if your bread is slightly stale, although I've done it with fresh; you just have to pulse so it doesn't turn gummy. Remove the crusts and tear the slices into pieces; fill your processor about halfway full. Pulse until you get the size crumb you like.
Make more than you need and store the crumbs in zip-top bags in the freezer; thaw them thoroughly before using. In a pinch, if you don't have a machine, rub slices or chunks of stale bread on a box grater.
That's My Desire
Over fancy jewelry that comes in little blue boxes; over high-end phones or gadgets that cause a line when the first day of sale arrives; over expensive clothes I will tire of or grow out of; over pricey hair cuts; over keeping up with the Jonses, or anyone else. Over all this: I will always choose travel (food being an integral part of the experience).
Each day in New York City, I pass legions of suitcase-lugging tourists. It's with a happy and grateful heart that I announce I will soon be a suitcase-lugging tourist myself in the cities of Barcelona, Madrid, and Lisbon and hitting the road throughout Spain (think Mario Batali and Gwyneth Paltrow, but without all their money!)
This humble little blog is on hiatus as I prepare, travel, and recover from it all. I shall be back, hopefully full of sangria, vegetarian paella and a lifetime of memories. Hope to see you then.
Each day in New York City, I pass legions of suitcase-lugging tourists. It's with a happy and grateful heart that I announce I will soon be a suitcase-lugging tourist myself in the cities of Barcelona, Madrid, and Lisbon and hitting the road throughout Spain (think Mario Batali and Gwyneth Paltrow, but without all their money!)
This humble little blog is on hiatus as I prepare, travel, and recover from it all. I shall be back, hopefully full of sangria, vegetarian paella and a lifetime of memories. Hope to see you then.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Greg's Salsa at the Honolulu Club
I left when it was already dark, and the Nanakuli beach was empty. Nothing on the water either. But I could look up and see the moon and the stars. Nice. I put the bike on the "C" bus at about 7:40 and found a seat near the back of the bus. I like to change different places where I sit.
Put a nice Roberto Carlos CD and it was a nice ride. Got off at the
Main Library and the #1 bus right behind it. Left me off on Ward and rode the bike over to the Honolulu Club building. The music was still going on the CD as I walked into the Honolulu Club. Amazing, I had made good time.
The lady at the door asked for five dollars but Greg came over and straighten that out. I gave him the DVD dance movie to add to the door prizes and got myself a Rum & Coke. Couldn't find a seat at the bar and Greg got me a seat at a table with a couple of nice ladies.
The people on the dance floor were having a ball. Looked like plenty of bachata, but Salsa was also going strong. A little Merengue now and then to spice up the scene. Most of the dancing is very arm extensive., switching around, turning, in and out, back to back etc.
Was able to get photo at the door. Passed out cards with the URL of the Dancing in the Dark blog. Quotes: Elva, "Vamos a bailar"; Cecilia, "Bailemos"; Lisa, "Salsa Hawai, Da Best"
Then I went around, plenty people but the crowds were small, There were an awful lot photographers there. Probably with memory cards, because they were really taking plenty photos.
I got photo above with two of the most prominent photographers in the place. I also told them they could email me a few of their favorite photos for inclusion in the blogs if they wish. Quotes: Grant, "Honolulu Club,where the friendliest people and the best dancers go."; Greg, "Come on down to the Salsa Lounge every Friday night. Learn, laugh and live Latin dance with us."
Greg bought me another Rum & Coke, I took another photo but two of the people disappeared before I could get all the names. Some other time, and I settled down to enjoy the entire scene. Good conversation with Lisa, a lovely lady. Julia McCormick came in late.
And I left at about 10:15. The "E" bus got to Alakai at a little after 10:30 and hit the freeway. Arrived at Waipahu Transit Center before 11:00 and the #40 bus got there late in about 15 minutes. I was feeling no pain. My nice music and my Time Solution in a Thermos flask.
I must have been enjoying my trip because I missed my stop and didn't recognize my surroundings. So I thought I had better get off. Then I realized I must be a mile or so past my regular stop. However, my music was still going and I still could take a sip now & then, making for a very pleasant ride and got home way after midnight.
Hungry and ate, checked out the computer and conked out.
"Si Vuelves Tu" by Eydie Gorme
Put a nice Roberto Carlos CD and it was a nice ride. Got off at theMain Library and the #1 bus right behind it. Left me off on Ward and rode the bike over to the Honolulu Club building. The music was still going on the CD as I walked into the Honolulu Club. Amazing, I had made good time.
"Tres Deseos" by Ednita Nazario
The lady at the door asked for five dollars but Greg came over and straighten that out. I gave him the DVD dance movie to add to the door prizes and got myself a Rum & Coke. Couldn't find a seat at the bar and Greg got me a seat at a table with a couple of nice ladies.
The people on the dance floor were having a ball. Looked like plenty of bachata, but Salsa was also going strong. A little Merengue now and then to spice up the scene. Most of the dancing is very arm extensive., switching around, turning, in and out, back to back etc.
Greg Henry, Elva Pantoja Castro, Cecilia Campos, Lisa Wong, Lee
and in back, Anthony Joiner.
Was able to get photo at the door. Passed out cards with the URL of the Dancing in the Dark blog. Quotes: Elva, "Vamos a bailar"; Cecilia, "Bailemos"; Lisa, "Salsa Hawai, Da Best"
Then I went around, plenty people but the crowds were small, There were an awful lot photographers there. Probably with memory cards, because they were really taking plenty photos.
Joyce Liva, Grant Woo, Jiang Wang, Greg Henry, Gabriel Apilado
and in back, the famous Salsero Loco.
I got photo above with two of the most prominent photographers in the place. I also told them they could email me a few of their favorite photos for inclusion in the blogs if they wish. Quotes: Grant, "Honolulu Club,where the friendliest people and the best dancers go."; Greg, "Come on down to the Salsa Lounge every Friday night. Learn, laugh and live Latin dance with us."
And I left at about 10:15. The "E" bus got to Alakai at a little after 10:30 and hit the freeway. Arrived at Waipahu Transit Center before 11:00 and the #40 bus got there late in about 15 minutes. I was feeling no pain. My nice music and my Time Solution in a Thermos flask.
I must have been enjoying my trip because I missed my stop and didn't recognize my surroundings. So I thought I had better get off. Then I realized I must be a mile or so past my regular stop. However, my music was still going and I still could take a sip now & then, making for a very pleasant ride and got home way after midnight.
Hungry and ate, checked out the computer and conked out.
"It is not death that people should fear,
they should fear never having lived."
Save The Date: For the Earth, Animals, and Your Fellow Citizens
Three causes, all very close to my heart, I wanted to share with those in my area.
Help fulfill Action Against Hunger's goal of reaching 100 tons of food for their food drive on Sunday, October 3rd in northern New Jersey. Click here for the dropoff locations and most needed items. Please, if you can afford to, donate food to this very worthy cause.
Gather by candlelight, enjoy music based on water themes, and hear readings of river stories at the Hackensack River Story Night to benefit BergenSWAN. This all takes place Friday, October 1st, at 8:00 pm, at the Church of Holy Communion in Norwood, New Jersey. Tickets are $25. Learn more.
BergenSWAN's good work is evident in Pascack Brook County Park in Westwood, New Jersey, where I so admire the trees they planted this year. On the way to my local farms and the park, I drive by the Emerson Woods Preserve, which they were crucial in helping to preserve, and participated in a clean-up of those very woods with them a few years ago. Your money will be well-spent. Communities need these environmental friends and watchdogs.
A favorite ode to the river is certainly Natalie Merchant's Where I Go.
Farm Sanctuary's annual Walk for Farm Animals, a nationwide event to raise awareness and funds, is coming to New York City's Central Park on Sunday, October 24th. Come here Farm Sanctuary Co-founder and President Gene Baur, enjoy a bagged vegan lunch, a raffle and much more.
The Biggest Loser celebrity trainer Bob Harper is the first-ever celebrity spokesperson for the Walk for Farm Animals. Read his interview here.
One of my earliest entries on this blog was about my visit to the Watkins Glen, New York, sanctuary, which I had to visit after reading Gene Baur's moving and compelling Farm Sanctuary. I enjoyed vegan eats all around town, and have fond memories of my visit there.
Help fulfill Action Against Hunger's goal of reaching 100 tons of food for their food drive on Sunday, October 3rd in northern New Jersey. Click here for the dropoff locations and most needed items. Please, if you can afford to, donate food to this very worthy cause.
Gather by candlelight, enjoy music based on water themes, and hear readings of river stories at the Hackensack River Story Night to benefit BergenSWAN. This all takes place Friday, October 1st, at 8:00 pm, at the Church of Holy Communion in Norwood, New Jersey. Tickets are $25. Learn more.
BergenSWAN's good work is evident in Pascack Brook County Park in Westwood, New Jersey, where I so admire the trees they planted this year. On the way to my local farms and the park, I drive by the Emerson Woods Preserve, which they were crucial in helping to preserve, and participated in a clean-up of those very woods with them a few years ago. Your money will be well-spent. Communities need these environmental friends and watchdogs.
A favorite ode to the river is certainly Natalie Merchant's Where I Go.
Farm Sanctuary's annual Walk for Farm Animals, a nationwide event to raise awareness and funds, is coming to New York City's Central Park on Sunday, October 24th. Come here Farm Sanctuary Co-founder and President Gene Baur, enjoy a bagged vegan lunch, a raffle and much more.
The Biggest Loser celebrity trainer Bob Harper is the first-ever celebrity spokesperson for the Walk for Farm Animals. Read his interview here.
One of my earliest entries on this blog was about my visit to the Watkins Glen, New York, sanctuary, which I had to visit after reading Gene Baur's moving and compelling Farm Sanctuary. I enjoyed vegan eats all around town, and have fond memories of my visit there.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Health Department Encourage Early Flu Shots
It's the first full day of autumn and flu season is fast approaching. Health experts say it's not too early to start making plans to get your flu shot.
The Springfield-Greene County Health Department says this year's version of the flu vaccine will protect against three different strains, including the H1N1 virus.
And they encourage you to get vaccinated as soon as you can because it takes time for the antibodies to build up in your system to offer you full protection.
Even if you had a flu shot last year, you'll need another one this year, health experts say.
Retail pharmacies like Walgreens and Walmart are already offering flu shots. Public health departments will also begin offering flu clinics soon.
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