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January 2010

“To be hopeful in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness.
What we choose to emphasize in this complex history will determine our lives. If we see only the worst, it destroys our capacity to do something. If we remember those times and places—and there are so many—where people have behaved magnificently, this gives us the energy to act, and at least the possibility of sending this spinning top of a world in a different direction.
And if we do act, in however small a way, we don’t have to wait for some grand utopian future. The future is an infinite succession of presents, and to live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory.”
—

(via thoughtsdetained)

Howard Zinn RIP

Jan 28, 201035 notes
#rip
“

One woman wrote to me and said, ‘We are strained but hopeful, struggling but encouraged.’

It’s because of this spirit – this great decency and great strength – that I have never been more hopeful about America’s future than I am tonight. Despite our hardships, our union is strong. We do not give up. We do not quit. We do not allow fear or division to break our spirit. In this new decade, it’s time the American people get a government that matches their decency; that embodies their strength.

”—President Barack Obama, State of the Union Address 1/27/10
Jan 28, 2010
#politics #obama
“VIRGO
It’s not just you who are trying to make a living, or maintain an enjoyable life style when you retire. Fortunately you are enterprising and creative enough always to dive into muddy waters and come up with the pearl. Let’s hope that continues.”
—

www.michaellutin.com

Apparently, this is my January horoscope.  The whole muddy waters bit might be more believable if it was raining.

Jan 27, 2010
#horoscope
Help YourselfSad Brad Smith

( via rocknroll)

Sad Brad Smith - Help Yourself

From the ‘Up In The Air’ soundtrack.

The music is eloquently paired with this practically perfect movie.

Jan 27, 201045 notes
#up in the air #movies
Jan 23, 201034 notes
#technology
Jan 22, 20101 note
Jan 20, 2010
#neat without need
Update on Karaoke

What should I sing?

I have karaoke plans on Friday so I am working on a list of song possibilities.  I would like to avoid the top 10 or so most sung karaoke anthems.  I want something not too hard, something a little more original than Pat Benatar and something the crowd will enjoy. What should I sing?

Last Friday’s karaoke night was one for the record books.  An amazing time was had by all who stayed the distance.  Old friends, new friends and a largely Samoan frat can make for an unexpected evening.  It was a wonderful night of comradery, with what seemed to be the whole neighborhood singing 90’s power ballads at the top of their lungs.

At the beginning of the evening, I did Sheryl Crow’s Everyday is a Winding Road.  Then Matt and I tried to take a blog viewer’s suggestion and do Gangsta’s Paradise.  We even had a back up dancer lined up but the dj couldn’t find the song.  We went with 500 miles instead which was a bunch of fun.  Thanks to everyone for your song suggestions, to Kona Kitchen for a wonderful night and to the frat kid who had the birthday, your friends are super great!

Jan 19, 2010
#original
1.8 days

According to itunes I have downloaded enough podcasts that I could listen to This Amercian Life for 1.8 days.  There are much worse things.

Jan 13, 2010
What should I sing?

I have karaoke plans on Friday so I am working on a list of song possibilities.  I would like to avoid the top 10 or so most sung karaoke anthems.  I want something not too hard, something a little more original than Pat Benatar and something the crowd will enjoy. What should I sing?

Jan 12, 20102 notes
Chicken in Tarragon Cream Sauce, White and Wild Rice with Walnuts


4 servings

Prep: 5 min
Cook: 20 min
Total: 25 min


Ingredients
•    1 package, 5 to 7 ounces, white and wild rice (recommended: Uncle Ben’s or Near East brands) cooked to package directions – either chicken or herb flavors are fine
•    2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 turns of the pan
•    Salt and pepper
•    4 pieces, 8 ounces each, boneless, skinless chicken breast
•    1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, eyeball it
•    1/4 cup water, eyeball it
•    1 tablespoon tomato paste
•    1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon leaves, plus extra for garnish
•    1/2 cup heavy cream, half-and-half or 1/3 cup sour cream
•    1/4 cup, 1 (2-ounce) package chopped walnuts, available on baking aisle, toasted
•    2 tablespoons chopped parsley leaves
•    Edible flowers (available in produce section with herbs) for garnish

Directions


Cook rice according to package directions.


Preheat extra-virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Brown and cook chicken, 5 minutes on each side. Remove chicken to a plate and cover. Reduce heat a bit. Add vinegar and water, scrape up pan drippings. Stir in tomato paste, cream, half-and-half or sour cream and tarragon. Remove from heat.


Toss nuts and parsley with cooked rice. Slice chicken on an angle and arrange on a bed of rice. Top with sauce and serve. Garnish plate with edible flowers and tarragon.

This is a good recipe that tastes like it is a lot more effort than it actually is.  I made this for Matt and Kerry a long time ago and I am making it again tonight. Delish!

Jan 10, 2010
#52 recipes
Play
Jan 8, 2010
#things that make my day
Lefse Recipe

ecklandacres:

There has been a request for the Lefse recipe and my dad has obliged. The key, I’m told, to keeping them tender is to not add the flour until the next day and not to add too much flour when rolling them out “so tin”. Best of luck!

Lefse

Yield 18 lefse

4 cups potatoes riced (or mashed)

¼ cup butter (or margarine)

½ cup heavy cream (DON’T WHIP)

2 Tblsp. White sugar

1 tsp. salt

Drain spuds well (6-8), Put spuds through ricer, stir in butter, cream, salt and sugar with spoon.

Cover with plastic wrap & leave on counter overnight.

NEXT DAY:

Stir in 1  cups flour with spoon until well blended.  Knead it for a bit and make a log and cut into ¼ to ½ cup chunks.  Roll out using a stockinette covered, flour sprinkled rolling pin until very thin and round on flour sprinkled pastry cloth. Cook on hot griddle about one minute on each side.

345 calories per serving.

Apparently, we are giving away the family secrets.

Jan 8, 20101 note
#recipes
Jan 5, 2010
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