Cream of Broccoli Soup Without Guilt

 I love soup, and since I've been on WW for the past year, soup has become a mainstay of my diet.  Not just the boring old vegetable soup which we all know, but cream soups.  Yes, cream soups.  I have perfected cream of carrot, cream of mushroom, and cream of cauliflower soup.  I usually make one of those each week and eat it for lunch with a half sandwich.  Delicious, satisfying and guilt free.  

I decided to try cream of broccoli.  There are only three ingredients in the recipe, and you wouldn't know there's no milk or cream.  Here's the recipe I made, and can't wait to enjoy this week.

                                                   Cream of Broccoli Soup

Broccoli (I bought crowns, and cut them up, but you could buy a whole big piece and cut.  Do not use frozen broccoli)

Chicken broth

Non fat sour cream

I'm sorry I can't be too specific about the amounts, but I think I used about 24 ounces of chicken broth, and about 6 large tablespoons on non fat sour cream.  I must have used 1/2 pound of broccoli, or more.

Spray broccoli with olive oil spray, season with a bit of salt, and roast in the oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.  Transfer to a large soup pot, add chicken broth, and cook until broccoli is tender.  In at least 2 batches, transfer to a blender, a mix of the broccoli and chicken broth, and add several tablespoons of non fat sour cream.  I use a Ninja, which pulverizes everything, and it comes out nice and smooth.  Transfer to a large bowl, season with salt as need, and continue the process until all the soup is made.  

Transfer to a large air tight container and refrigerate.  It will keep for about a week.  You'll be surprised how smooth and creamy it is, all for just 1 WW point!  Enjoy

Should School Teachers Be Armed?

 The NY Times has a wonderful podcast called First Person, where people tell important stories, in the own words, and explain how they came to believe what they believe.  Recently I listened to a two-part podcast that explained how one sheriff in Utah started The Teachers Academy, to teach Utah teachers how to use a gun in an active shooter situation.

There have been more than 40 school shootings in 2022.  I know, you've only heard about a few, like Uvalde, but they happen almost every week!  Imagine that.

One sheriff in Utah decided to start a 20 hour training session to teach teachers how to react, with a gun, in an active shooter situation.  Utah is a state where teachers who have a concealed weapon license can bring a gun to school.  

The average time response from first shot to police on the scene is typically 3-5 minutes.  That sounds pretty fast to me, but apparently this sheriff feels that teachers with guns could do a lot to lessen the damage in those 3-5 minutes.

His academy spends 20 hours over 6 weeks, training teachers about what to do.  Although I don't believe that teachers should be armed, at least those that are trained have the possibility of a better outcome.  

It was mentioned that in 29 states teachers have the right to bring a weapon to school.  I was shocked by this statistic, but I also understand how frightening it must be to be involved in an active shooter situation when you may have 30 5 year olds to keep safe.

I think there must be better ways to deal with the possibility of school shooters than arming the teachers and administrators, but I don't have the answer.  It's just something else to think about.

Does America First Really Mean What You Think It Means?

 You hear the phrase "America First" and think it sounds like something you would definitely support.  Think again.  The phrase is often thought to be traced back to Charles Lindbergh in the l940's, but it's origins go even further back.

The earliest use of the phrase was in the 1880's.  It was a phrase used by Republicans, but it didn't enter the national discussion until 1915, when Woodrow Wilson used it in the speech arguing neutrality in World War 1.  What Wilson meant was not isolationism.  He meant America would be first in Europe to help whichever side won.  

When Mussolini took power in November 1922, the word "fascism" entered the American political conversation.  This was between 1915 to mid 1920's, when the Second Klan was on the rise.  The Klan instantly declared "America First" one of its most prominent slogans.  They would march in parades with banners saying they (the Klan) was the only "America First" society.  

By the 1930's "America First" stopped being a presidential slogan and began to be claimed by extremist, far-right groups  who were self-styled American Fascist groups, like the German American Bund and the Klan.  When the America First Committee was formed in 1940, it became a magnet that attracted all of these far-right groups.  Lindberg and the Committee used the phrase, but it's history started long before the 1940's.

Think again when you hear the phrase "America First" and you'll realize it's not something you want to be associated with.  It's a far-right, anti-Semitic, White Nationalist phrase that has no place in our democratic society.

Child Labor and Slavery Are Prevalent In The Chocolate Industry

 The widespread use of child labor and slavery has been documented by a number of organizations and journalists over the years, yet little has changed.  70% of the world's cocoa, is supplied by Ghana and the Ivory Coast, two small West African countries.  The farms of Western Africa supply cocoa to international giants, such as Hershey's, Mars and Nestle,  revealing the industry's direct connection to the worst forms of child labor, human trafficking and slavery.  About 2.1 million children in the Ivory Coast and Ghana work on cocoa farms, most of whom are likely exposed to the worst forms of child labor.

The children of Western Africa are extremely poor, and many begin working at a young age to help out the family.  Some children end up on the cocoa farms because they need work and traffickers tell them that job pays well.  Others are sold to traffickers or farm owners by their own relatives.  Often, traffickers abduct the young children from small villages in neighboring countries and sell them to cocoa farmers.  

Once taken to the cocoa farms, the children may not see their families for years, if ever.  The children live in huts, locked up at night, and work 12 hour days.  They do not attend school.  Many of the children are girls who end up working on the cocoa farms through adulthood.  Young children are using chainsaws to clear forest, a direct violation of international labor laws and a UN convention on the worst form of child labor.  Children are also using machets to expose the cocoa bean and remove it.  

Check out the documentary Chocolate's Heart of Darkness to learn more.  It is shocking, and the fact that the chocolate industry has not sufficiently addressed accusations of child labor in its supply chain, is deplorable.  Recently some large chocolate companies have acknowledged these abusive practices, but have distanced themselves from responsibility.  

There's so much to this story, but I think you get the picture.  When you see Fair Trade on the label of a chocolate bar, don't necessarily believe it.  There are dozens of small companies that have been inspected regularly, and are indeed, Fair Traded.  But most of the big companies are using child labor.

 What can you do?  Go to foodispower.org and read the list of chocolate companies to support.  There are many.  Speak out, and let chocolate companies how you feel about the injustices in the industry.

Google "Slave free chocolate" or "Ethical Chocolate" to get lists of companies acting responsibly.  This should not happen, and we can help stop it.  I guarantee after reading this and even going further on the subject, you'll never look at a chocolate bar the same.

Is There Reason To Be Hopeful About The Future?

 As I look at the world today, I often think there is little for which to be hopeful.  War in Ukraine, crimes against humanity taking place around the world, shootings, hate, drug overdoses, destruction of our planet due to climate change, crime, and ethnic and religious hate like we haven't seen in years, poverty, inequality and injustice, just to name a few things that come to mind.

This is the season of giving, giving thanks, helping others.  Jews celebrate Hanukkah, Christians celebrate Christmas, and both holidays emphasize peace and goodwill.  The reason I am hopeful is that I see so much love and kindness by individuals around the world, that I think optimistically.  Most people are good.  Most people are kind.  Look in your own neighborhood and you will see kindness and giving all around.  Unfortunately, a few bad apples spoil the bunch.  

I think we need to figure out why so many people today are so angry and are acting out.  More of this is happening in America than anywhere else, but it is happening everywhere.  If we could figure out why, then we could deal with the problem.

I see the rise in hate crimes as one of the biggest threats to our way of life.  Much of the hate people have for those who are different than themselves comes from ignorance and fear.  People fear what they don't know and understand.  Ask a white supremist if he's ever known a Jew, and he will likely say 'No",  We must educate people who don't understand that most Muslims, Jews, LGBTQ people are just like you and I.  They really are.  We should all make it  our mission to get to know someone who is different than us.  We could all learn alot from getting to know someone we think we don't understand.

No doubt the world seems to be quite a mess right now, but my guess is we'll get out of this mess, as we have before.  We've got to make sure we're teaching our kids that kindness matters, giving is good, and acceptance of others is absolutely necessary.  We need peace on earth, and if we'd learn to respect one another, it would go a long way toward peace.

It's All About Who You're With

 I've been on plenty of cruises.  Costa, Princess, Oceania, Crystal, and most recently Holland America.  They've varied in luxury from average to sensational.  You probably know where these cruises rated in my opinion.  I just returned from a seven-day cruise on Holland America's, 2600 passenger, Koningsdam ship.  It was built in 2016.  It is beautiful.  All the common areas are gorgeous, and the staterooms are comfortable and well thought out.  I shared a room with Barbara, and we had plenty of space for all our stuff.

Regina had organized a fund raising cruise for City of Hope.  About 10 us of went, and we had a ball.  We all did our own thing during the day, but got together for several evening dinners.  There was organized mah jongg available for the group, and lessons and duplicate bridge games every afternoon for the bridge players.  Everyone found something to do.

Dinner at the specialty restaurants, Pinnacle and Rudi's, were really special.  I think the dinner at Rudi's was memorable!  Beef tartare to start, dover sole as an entree, and salzburg nacharal for dessert.  I was stuffed, but happy!  Pinnacle was steaks and seafood with all the trimmings, and again delicious, but not memorable.  

Sure, there were a few things that I didn't like about the cruise ship, but when you get down to it, it's the people you travel with that make the trip.  We had a great group.  Regina is a great leader.  The great showers and the great french toast for breakfast were always top of mind when something went wrong, like the TV not working on Election Night.  

So, yes, I've been on ships with better food, better entertainment, and better organization, but it's all about the people.  We were with a great group, and had a great time.

Pumpkin Spice Latte Pudding

 I often watch The Kitchen on The Food Network while I'm eating lunch.  The food they make and the creativity they exhibit are amazing.  I was watching one day in November when they were doing a Thanksgiving themed show.  Katie made a pumpkin dessert that looked so good I made it the very next day.  I adapted it to my Weight Watchers program, so the whole dessert, made the WW way, is only about 4 points.  I will give you both versions.  WW version is in (  ) Enjoy.

                                                     Pumpkin Spice Latte Pudding

1 package instant vanilla pudding (or sugar free instant vanilla pudding)

11/2 c. milk (non fat milk)

2T. espresso powder

2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1/2 c. pumpkin puree

Pinch of salt

3oz thin ginger snaps, crispy, not soft, crushed in a plastic bag (big crumbs)

1 c. whipped cream (cool whip)

Prepare the pudding by putting packaged pudding, milk, espresso powder, pumpkin pie spice and salt in bow and stirring until it starts to thicken.  Then add the pumpkin puree and refrigerate for about an hour, until pudding is set.

In the meantime, crush the ginger snaps.  To serve, layer like a parfait.  A little ginger snap mixture on the bottom, pudding, more ginger snaps, pudding and top with whipped cream.  This is delicious, healthy, low in WW points if you want, and perfect for fall and winter.  I think it will become your new favorite dessert.  And perfect for guests, as you can make it well in advance.  Enjoy.

Factors In Low Academic Scores For Children

 We all realize the loss that two years on Zoom had on young children and their academic progress.  Scores were way down for most children in both reading and math.  So many children found focusing on school remotely to be near impossible.  Areas of the country where in person learning continued, fared better.  Obviously in person learning is best for most students.  

There is another reason academic scores have dropped dramatically during this time.  That is the mental health of children.  Depression, isolation, lack of socialization, are all conditions that can lead to poor academic performance.  

Schools have a huge task before them.  Yes, they must work hard to help children catch up.  Home schooled children and some kids in private schools continued with good academic progress during the pandemic, but the vast majority of kids have fallen behind.  Public schools have a daunting task.  In addition, teachers must deal with the mental help many kids now need.  Isolation has led to depression, lack of motivation, in short, many kids are lethargic.  The teacher now has to be both teacher and psychologist.  The physical learning cannot take place if the child is depressed.

What can we do?  First, we need more psychologists in the schools.  Kids need help, and most cannot afford private therapy.  We need to fix the child psychologically before we can increase math and reading skills.  Good luck to the teachers and health professionals out there.  Such a difficult job!

Everyone's Welcome On Sesame Street

 So says Sal Perez, new Executive Producer of Sesame Street, and first Latino to have that job.  Sal is only 38 years old, but has been with the Sesame Street organization for many years.  Sal grew up on Sesame Street, and will now be leading them in their 53rd year.

My kids grew up on Sesame Street.  The variety of characters, both puppets and human, is extraordinary.  Black, white, Latino, LGBTQ, everyone is represented.  I guess that's the point.  Everyone is welcome on Sesame Street.  With the way things are today, couldn't we all learn a lesson?  The values taught through Sesame Street are invaluable, yet so many young people who grew up watching the show didn't get the lessons taught.  We are in such a divided world!  All of us need to take these lessons of respect, compromise and acceptance, and just get along.

By the way, who was your favorite character, human or puppet, on the show?  A survey of adults had Cookie Monster in first place, and Big Bird next.  I hope the show is around for many generations to come, teaching kids values that many just aren't getting at home.

What We Learned From Project M & M's

 Several years ago Google did a study.  They wanted to see if the amount of M & M's candy consumed by it's employees changed, when a clear glass jar filled with candy was changed to an opaque jar.  Also, the jar was moved to a more remote location (but still accessible), and healthy snacks like nuts and fruits were put into the clear glass jar.

The results were astounding.  In the New York office of 2,000 employees consumed 3.1 million fewer calories during a seven week period.  This is scientific evidence that visually seeing something makes you more likely to want it, and in the case of M & M's, more likely to consume it.

Are you trying to watch what you eat, stick to healthier snacks, trying to avoid sweets?  Here are some ideas.  Get them out of your sight!  Put candy in a drawer in the refrigerator, or even in the freezer.  Have healthy snacks front and center, maybe a fruit bowl on the counter in the kitchen, or cut up veggies in the front of your refrigerator.  

Easy access and visibility to healthy foods make one more likely to go for them.  If the candy is in a bowl in your living room, chances are you will take a piece when you pass it.  It's so much easier to put it away where it's not in your face.  

I have a favorite candy, scotch kisses from See's.  If I had them out and available I could eat a pound in a few days.  If I have them, I freeze them, and stick them in the back of the freezer so they're not visible every time I open the door.  The old saying, "Out of sight, out of mind,"  is really true.  The only ones that did not benefit from Project M & M's is the company itself, that must have lost a lot of business!

The Terrifying Rise Of White Nationalism (Again)

Jews have fought for thousands of years to keep from being extinguished by haters.  They have survived so far.  Here we go again.  Phrases like "Jews will not replace us" have become all too common.  Billboards in the south saying, "Kanye was right" have appeared lately.  The sad truth is that you don't hear many Republicans criticizing this rhetoric.  We should all be condemning hate speech against any group!

My mom's friend told a terrifying story of what happened to her grandson and his family.  The grandson, with wife and four daughters, was visiting LA from Brooklyn.  They are devout Orthodox Jews, which must have been apparent from their dress, as they boarded a flight back to New York.  The six family members were sitting together, and the seventh seat was taken by a female passenger.  As soon as she saw the family next to her, she started  yelling religious epitaths.  The family was humiliated and intimidated by her words.  I don't know exactly what the slurs were, but it was so bad that the plane was emptied, the flight cancelled, and I assume, the woman was reprimanded at the very least, more likely arrested.  I don't know any more details about the incident, but I will eventually find out.

I'm hoping some passengers spoke up to say the woman was out of line, inappropriate and should be removed from the plane.  The airline chose to remove everyone from the plane and cancel the flight!

There is no place for hate speech in this country.  Often religious or racial slurs are spoken and people let it go.  No more.  If you see something, say something.  It is not acceptable to demean anyone, and people who do so need to be called out.  They need to know others don't accept their behavior.

Leaders in Congress make statements that reflect their hate for certain groups, and often no one says anything.  What's wrong with this world?  What's wrong with leadership that talks this way?  What's wrong with Americans that they elect leaders who only represent white Christian America, not all America?  I fear for our country. 

Classic Encinitas Holiday Parade

 Saturday night was the annual Encinitas Holiday Parade.  Our boogie boarding group, The Wave Chasers, along with the Encinitas Heritage Museum, were part of the parade.  Fran asked me and long time boogie boarder Pam, to hold the banner and lead our group.  It was so much fun.

The parade must have included half of Encinitas, and the other half must have been watching, standing for almost 2 hours.  There were 82 entries in the parade, from our group, to the YMCA, to San Dieguito Academy, to a home construction company, a horse boarding and training center, and just about everything else that makes Encinitas so great.

Kids were everywhere!  Hundreds, maybe thousands of kids were in the parade, watching the parade, or riding around on beautifully decorated bikes.  E bikes were in abundance.  What a business that must be.

The theme of the parade was classic Encinitas, so there were literally hundreds of classic cars.  Our entry was a 1969 T-Bird.  Fran (my friend and one of the leaders of the boogie board group of 132 members) and Charlotte, our Classic boogie boarder, age 97, rode in the car.  Pam and I led our group, followed by 15 boogie boarders dressed as santa's helpers and holding decorated boogie boards followed, then came the car.  

It was wonderful to see the community all out supporting this annual event.  Families, grandparents and lots of dogs, all dressed in holiday costume.  If you've never been to the Encinitas Holiday Parade, sorry you missed it this year, but mark your calendar for 2023.  It was such fun.

Revisiting Old Friends

 I moved to North County 20 years ago.  The first, and best thing I did, was join Newcomers.  The friends I made in those first few years are still in my life, even with all the ups and downs and changes that have taken place in my life.  One of the first activities I helped organize was a boogie boarding group.  There were about 7 of us:  Susie, Fran, Kim, Barbara, Linda, Christie and Christa.  Actually, Christa came up with the idea of getting a little flag to mark our location on the beach.  Most of us showed up to a boogie boarding reunion, which Fran organized in October.  

Many of us have moved away from Newcomers.  Linda lives most of the year in New Hampshire, Christa has moved to Carlsbad by the Sea, I live in Ocean Hills, so it's hard for us to get together much.  We met at 11:30 on a Friday morning for a beach picnic, followed by boogie boarding in 65 degree water.

What a treat it was to have our group together, and to get in the ocean.  It was fun catching up with everyone.  I have to be honest.  I was a little worried about catching the waves again after such a long absence.  Knee replacement, rotator cuff repair, and a broken wrist, have kept me out of the water for quite a while.  After one or two waves, it all came back, and I felt relaxed and happy.  What a thrill it is to ride the waves.

Another highlight of the day was meeting up with Alex and David, longtime Newcomers too.  We were eating lunch,  and I saw them walking, wasn't quite sure it was them as I haven't seen then in probably 10 years, but we called out to Alex, and she responded.  They were as thrilled to see us as we were to see them.  They have gone through some difficult times, but seem to be enjoying life once again.

There is nothing like catching up with old friends.  Our reunion at the beach and our chance encounter with old friends Alex and David, got me thinking.  If you're thinking about an old friend, call him.  You never know about tomorrow.