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Monday, November 12, 2007

The Mixer

I have a special chocolate chip cookie recipie that I have been making for the past 16 years. I started making it when I was expecting my daughter. She is now a teenager but has raved about the cookies to her little brother since he was three. He's now nine.
The thing about the cookies though is that I make a big batch and then freeze the rest so that there aren't too many cookies out there for them to eat at once.
However to make a big batch you'd have to pump iron mixing it by hand. I did once and my shoulder hurt forever. I switched from my electric hand mixer I got at a discount store to mixing it by hand because I couldn't get my hand mixer through the dough after adding the flower.
Last week my children hinted that warm chocolate chip cookies would be nice for Thanksgiving. I said, "O.K." and then I forgot about it. Today, while shopping with mom, I saw this gorgeous Hamilton Beach® Mixer that was available in an array of colors like licorice, sterling, pineapple, apple, sugar and Ultra Marine. I swooned.
With 400 watts of power on my side, I could mix even the toughest jobs--like 9 dozen cookies at once or dough for a huge loaf of bread.
I read about some of the features. It has a professional 2-way rotating head for thorough hands-free mixing (someting anyone who cooks can apprecieate--and don't you hate scraping the bowl when you have a lot in it?), high-performance electronics ensure constant power--I burned out the motor in a couple of hand mixers in my day and 12 settings so that I can really take care of business in the smallest amount of time possible. The stainless steel bowl locks in so it's secure and it has a handle. It has several types of beaters, a splatter sheild and a three year limited warrenty. Another plus is that it's modern so it isn't waking the neighbors with a loud motor.
How much easier would I have it if I had a Hamilton Beach® Stand Mixer in sugar sitting on my counter. I'd invite people over just to see it. I could place all of my ingredients in the mixer bowl and not have to hold on to the bowl for dear life when I put my hand mixer into it. And I'm tired of that mixing spoon. It's like having one of those old-timey potbellied roller washer (that you could see dotting many porches back in the day down South) and everyone else has the new modern washer.
I mean, I kind of really need the mixer because I do an awful lot of baking--besides cookie dough.
Here is the recipie if you want to give it a try. I triple mine. If you do that too, please use the Eclectrics® Mixer and you will not be sad.

2 1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
2 cups Chocolate Chips or favorite candy

King of Queens

I am stuck like stupid on the King of Queens. I have this strange habit of only liking a show only after it has entered into reruns. There are only so many sitcom shows that have a high quality of writing where, a. it's believeable b. it's funny.
Like tonight this is the one where Carrie's dad Arthur brings home a ping pong table and the dude the works inside the subway booth's girlfriend gets promoted to waitress at the BOWLING ALLEY. How funny is that? Real jobs for a change. Paralegal Delivery Driver, Retirement.
By the way, TV Links has ended and the creator arrested.

The Mist

I remember when I first read "The Shining" by Stephen King. It was scary--very suspenseful and it took me a while to get over the fear. A while passed by and I came to see "The Shining" on the silver screen. Like I said, it was a while ago and I can't even remember who I went with but the one thing I will never forget is when Jack's wife went into the study to look at the book. She had been walking on eggshells all of that time and she was snowed in with no apparent way out. And her husband was acting strange. The hotel was acting strange. She felt as if she was there all alone there with her little boy.
What she found there was every woman's nightmare. I will never never forget the fear and panic that went through my body and landed in my gut when she finally saw how completely insane her beloved husband had become. And there was no one to help her.
All of Stephen King's characters have a supernatural edge and have frightened me over the years but The Mist by Stephen King is something else.
Have you ever gotten up early to go to work or whatever and had to drive in heavy fog or Mist? You can't see two feet in front of you and you're driving and all of a sudden you think you see something in front of you and you slow down?
The thing about this movie is that there is something in the Mist. It's the anticipation in the supernatural thriller that is so scary.
The Mist will be in the theaters November 21 but I saw the trailers and once again, it seems as King has outdone himself with those creepy characters. And this time they are all stuck in a grocery store.
The thing about the characters he creates is that they hit close to home. There is a Bible thumper amongst the crowd trying to outlive whatever it is in the Mist, that utters the line ...It calls for blood."
She was talking about the times of sacrifice for sins and ultimately, in the movie, it is believers against unbelievers against what ever it is in that Mist.
I tend to look behind the door a few too many times after each encounter with Mr. King. Go see this movie.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Music lightens your mood and alleviates stress

I'm A Sucker For Your Love [1981/Live In Long Beach, CA]

I found another WAR video

Slippin' Into Darkness with Hillary Clinton & Robert Novak

[via FoxyTunes / War]

Hell naw...Listen to Gimme More ("Kimme More" Remix) by Britney Spears featuring Lil Kim

Chaka Khan & Rick James - Slow Dancin'

[via FoxyTunes / Chaka Khan & Rick James]

Listen to Can't Hide Love by Earth, Wind & Fire

Listen to Illumination by Earth, Wind & Fire :

Listen to Pure Gold by Earth, Wind & Fire :

Listen to The Essential Earth, Wind & Fire by Earth, Wind & Fire :

Listen to That's The Way Of The World: Alive In '75 by Earth, Wind & Fire :

Listen to The Eternal Dance [Reissue] by Earth, Wind & Fire :

Listen to The Collection by Earth, Wind & Fire :

Listen to That's The Way Of The World/All 'N All/Gratitude (3 Pak) by Earth, Wind & Fire :

Listen to All 'N All by Earth, Wind & Fire :

EL DEBARGE

All This Love

20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: Best of DeBarge

Time Will Reveal [Single Version]

SAY YOU LOVE ME BY DJ ROGERS (HE RECORDED THIS IN 1976)

Listen to Love Brought Me Back by D.J. Rogers :

click on the title to view the complete document
Summary: The use of music as a means of inducing positive emotions and subsequent relaxation has been studied extensively by researchers. A great deal of this research has centered on the use of music as a means of reducing feelings of anxiety and stress as well as aiding in the relief of numerous pathologies. The precise mechanism responsible for these mediated effects has never been truly determined. In the current report we propose that nitric oxide (NO) is the molecule chiefly responsible for these physiological and psychological relaxing effects. Furthermore this molecules importance extends beyond the mechanistic, and is required for the development of the very process that it mediates. Nitric oxide has been determined to aid in the development of the auditory system and participate in cochlear blood flow. We show that NO is additionally responsible for the induced exhibited physiological effects. We proceed to outline the precise neurochemical pathway leading to these effects. Furthermore we explore the interrelationship between the varying emotion centers within the central nervous system and explain how the introduction of music can mediate its effects via NO coupled to these complex pathways. Defining Stress The term stress as defined in the strict biological sense is an event or stimulus that alters the existing homeostasis within a given organism [1]. Some theorists now refer to the healthy state as one of stability in the face of change.

Thursday, November 08, 2007

Your Site for Backgammon

If you want to improve your backgammon game visit 1 on 1 Backgammon for tips and strategies.
On the site there is information about backgammon--whether you’re looking for basic backgammon rules or strategy. They have rules for all the variations of backgammon but the site's focus is on playing backgammon for money.
The site is also geared towards online backgammon players who are looking for tips and strategies to improve their online backgammon play. Backgammon pros who have been playing the game a while and are looking to try a different type of backgammon game would be interested in the site as well.
The site also has the history of the game and related articles--all things backgammon.
There is information on Tavli and Favga--Greek backgammon; Jackquet and Narde.
Click on the link below to find out more.

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

Rollmio Picks New Video: Thinking Green

Sales pitch (written by video creator)
There are things all around us that can be changed with a conscious choice on our part, to help preserve the environment. From transportation to city planning, it all depends on how you look at the world. Think, see, be, green.

Rollmio is a consumer generated creative network where anyone can participate as a CREATOR or PROMOTER.

As a CREATOR, you can create video commercial clips for clients(brands） in need of powerful consumer insight and fresh creativity.

As a PROMOTER, you can promote the video commercial clips you like by introducing them on your blog.

CREATORS will receive cash and prizes when their video clip is selected by the client, and PROMOTERS can earn money by promoting the selected video clips.

How to submit commercials to rollmio
Submit your video clip using the form on your “my page”.
Upon review, selected video clips will be introduced on rollmio website for Promoters to post on blogs.
If your clip is selected by the client, we'll let you know through your "my page".

How to participate
After you register, you will receive promotion requests through e-mail.
Check the video clips on your “my page”. Select one and introduce it on your blog before the deadline.
（By posting the tag located next to the video clip on your “my page” , you can post the video clip onto your blog）

Monday, November 05, 2007

Clean that Garage

This is a sponsored ad
There are two rolls of old carpet, spare tires that have yet to make it in the trunk or to the junkyard, roller skates--the old fashioned kind--and loads of old high school clothes. I need some garage cabinets
to hide all of that stuff. I can barely put the car in the garage.
Someone told me about carguygarage.com so I’m going to do something about it right away because I can’t continue to live like this.

Sunday, November 04, 2007

Chid abuse is not a secret

Keepers of a child abuse website are asking those who care to wear a blue ribbon every day this month to promote child abuse prevention awareness.
But National Child Abuse Prevention Month won’t only be about handing out blue ribbons. Several local agencies are increasing their visibility in the community.
Laura Newbery, founder of Children Hope and Horses, helps child abuse victims by showing children how to ride and care for horses. The program has been in existence for two years but Newbery has been a life long equestrian.
“I started when I was three or four, I know what horses have done for me over the years. They are great at building self-confidence and self esteem.
She became interested in helping children who are adopted or who have abuse in their history because of the way she was raised.
“I had very good life growing up. There is just something about child and animal abuse I don’t agree with.”
Newbery, 38, says she grew up watching her close friends go through tough times.
“I know growing up watching childhood friends and how their parents handled them – very rough. Hitting, slapping, (using) belts. You could see the fear in those children. Back then it was just one of those things – how children were raised. It was acceptable back then, times have changed for the better,” she said.
“The one girl who whose father was heavy handed – I had two ponies – she loved to spend time with the ponies. It was her quiet time,” she said.
Child abuse victims who are later adopted into an appropriate environment still need support and counseling. Sometimes the worst scars are the ones that are hardest to notice, Patrice Kelty of Child and Family Connections said.

It's Almost Christmas

It's almost Christmastime but I'm feeling a little selfish. I'm supposed to be thinking of stuff to get my family for that special holiday time but every time I set out to do so, I see stuff for myself.
I could use some new frocks and can get some with a Catherine's coupon. I haven't bought myself a new dress in years. Catherine's has a wide selection of sizes for the Rubenesque woman. While I'm at it, I should get myself some dedicates. I can get some with a Biggirlsbrasetc coupon.
Well, I guess with the money I save I could buy mom, dad and the kids something fabulous with the coupon codes I found at CouponChief.com.
Target coupons can bring some nice deals--like discounts on cool shoes the kids would actually wear. I’ve been wanting to order something so a Overstock.com coupon would be helpful. Mom would really love a 600 thread count down comforter and she would be surprised that I'm the one that gave it to her.
I'd be the Christmas hero.

Essays