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Monday, November 30, 2015
Cranberries Are Not Just For Thanksgiving
I always look forward to November, because that's when Trader Joe's brings back their cranberry relish. The one I love is the cranberry/orange relish, chunky relish filled with cranberries and oranges, and just enough tang. I buy that now instead of making my own. It's that good. Trader Joe's carries it in November and December, then it's gone until the next year. I wonder why we don't make more use of the cranberry during the fall and winter season. It pairs so well with turkey and chicken, but is also delicious with pork or fish. I've used cranberry relish to top plain Greek yogurt. It's a delicious lunch. It's also great as an accompaniment to gingerbread. Or use the chutney version with your favorite Indian dish. One of my favorite web sites for food is Tasting Table. Here are some ideas for how to prepare cranberries that you may not have though of. There are some that I will try. Maybe you will too.
Friday, November 27, 2015
California Agrees To Overhaul Use Of Solitary Confinement
Knowing a bit about the penal system, articles about improving the quality of life for those incarcerated, always catch my eye. There has been much talk about decriminalizing marijuana and reducing the sentences for first time offenders. President Obama even did what no president before him has done, visit a federal prison. It's hard to have an opinion on such a topic when you have only heard about it. Seeing it and talking to prisoners gives one a very different perspective.
Solitary confinement is used to separate dangerous prisoners from the general population, either because they ahave been violent in prison or because they have been identified as gang members. Such prisoners are left in solitary confinement indefinitely, with severe psychological effects. Solitary confinement is also used in low prisons or "camps," for very minor offences. (Playing music too loud, gambling, being late for work, having more than the accepted amount of food and toiletries in your locker), or just because they don't know what to do with you.
Ron was put in isolation for 17 days when he first arrived at Taft. Why? Because the warden said so. Later we found out that Ron's paper work had been lost, and they put him in isolation until everything was sorted out. Those days were probably the worst Ron ever experienced. He had no idea how long he would be in isolation, and as the days wore on, his letters to me became more desperate and he sounded more despondent. Singing to himself, reciting poems he learned 50 years ago, sleeping in a cell on a box spring without a mattress, being awakened at 3am for breakfast, having no one to talk to and nothing to do for hours, days, on end, had a profound effect on him. Is this punishment or torture? Tens of thousands of inmates across California have participated in hunger strikes since 2011 to protest the state's use of solitary confinement.
Finally, it looks as if this practice may be reduced and used only in extreme cases. Under the settlement, prisoners will no longer be sent to isolation indefinitely. Gang members will no longer be sent to solitary based solely on their gang affiliation. Only inmates found guilty of serious prison infractions, like violence, weapons and narcotics possession will be sent to isolation.
The state will create a new unit for prisoners who are deemed too dangerous to return to the general population. There, they will have more privileges than in solitary, including more time out of their cells, small group leisure activities, and phone privileges.
Solitary confinement has its place. Dangerous prisoners made need such a placement, but for most prisoners, who will return to either general population in prison, or be released, it is not a good option. They are severely damaged, probably beyond repair. The problem too is that they don't get much psychological treatment to help them deal with extreme isolation. I for one am happy to see some prison reform in the 21st century
Solitary confinement is used to separate dangerous prisoners from the general population, either because they ahave been violent in prison or because they have been identified as gang members. Such prisoners are left in solitary confinement indefinitely, with severe psychological effects. Solitary confinement is also used in low prisons or "camps," for very minor offences. (Playing music too loud, gambling, being late for work, having more than the accepted amount of food and toiletries in your locker), or just because they don't know what to do with you.
Ron was put in isolation for 17 days when he first arrived at Taft. Why? Because the warden said so. Later we found out that Ron's paper work had been lost, and they put him in isolation until everything was sorted out. Those days were probably the worst Ron ever experienced. He had no idea how long he would be in isolation, and as the days wore on, his letters to me became more desperate and he sounded more despondent. Singing to himself, reciting poems he learned 50 years ago, sleeping in a cell on a box spring without a mattress, being awakened at 3am for breakfast, having no one to talk to and nothing to do for hours, days, on end, had a profound effect on him. Is this punishment or torture? Tens of thousands of inmates across California have participated in hunger strikes since 2011 to protest the state's use of solitary confinement.
Finally, it looks as if this practice may be reduced and used only in extreme cases. Under the settlement, prisoners will no longer be sent to isolation indefinitely. Gang members will no longer be sent to solitary based solely on their gang affiliation. Only inmates found guilty of serious prison infractions, like violence, weapons and narcotics possession will be sent to isolation.
The state will create a new unit for prisoners who are deemed too dangerous to return to the general population. There, they will have more privileges than in solitary, including more time out of their cells, small group leisure activities, and phone privileges.
Solitary confinement has its place. Dangerous prisoners made need such a placement, but for most prisoners, who will return to either general population in prison, or be released, it is not a good option. They are severely damaged, probably beyond repair. The problem too is that they don't get much psychological treatment to help them deal with extreme isolation. I for one am happy to see some prison reform in the 21st century
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Helicopter Parenting May Be Ruining A Generation Of Children
Many months ago, I blogged about helicopter parents, and how I thought constant hovering, not allowing children to experience failure, always being involved in school, sports and friends, was unhealthy for both parent and child. Now Julie Lythcott-Haims, former Stanford dean, has expressed the same view. She noticed a disturbing trend during her decade as dean of freshmen at Stanford University. Incoming students were brilliant and accomplished on paper, but with each year, more of them seemed incapable of taking care of themselves.
Simultaneously, parents were becoming more and more involved in their children's lives. They talked to their children multiple times a day and swooped in to personally intervene anytime something difficult occurred. Lythcott-Haimes came to believe that parents in affluent communities have been hobbling their children by trying so hard to make sure they succeed, and by working so diligently to protect them from disappointment and failure. Overhelping might assist in developing and impressive resume for college admission, but it robs the child of the chance to learn who they are, what they love and how to navigate the world. Overhelping can leave young adults without the strengths of skill, will and character that are needed to know themselves and to craft a life.
Lythcott-Haims, along with a growing number of writers, are urging stressed-out helicopter parents to breathe and loosen their grip on their children. Our job as parents is to put ourselves out of a job. We should be striving to raise independent adults, ready to take on all that life might throw at them. Lythcott-Haim's has a short test for parents to take to see if they are a helicopter parent.
1.. Check your language. If you say "we" when you mean your son or daughter, as in "We're on the travel soccer team" it's a hint that you are intertwined in an unhealthy way.
3. Stop doing their homework.
My children had many failures along the path to adulthood, and hard as it was to see them disappointed when not making the team, serving detention at school for rule infractions, not finishing assignments on time and suffering the consequences, it did teach them there are roadblocks in life. I think it has served them well in adult life, as they have all overcome obstacles and have succeeded. I like to think that our parenting had something to do with this.
Simultaneously, parents were becoming more and more involved in their children's lives. They talked to their children multiple times a day and swooped in to personally intervene anytime something difficult occurred. Lythcott-Haimes came to believe that parents in affluent communities have been hobbling their children by trying so hard to make sure they succeed, and by working so diligently to protect them from disappointment and failure. Overhelping might assist in developing and impressive resume for college admission, but it robs the child of the chance to learn who they are, what they love and how to navigate the world. Overhelping can leave young adults without the strengths of skill, will and character that are needed to know themselves and to craft a life.
Lythcott-Haims, along with a growing number of writers, are urging stressed-out helicopter parents to breathe and loosen their grip on their children. Our job as parents is to put ourselves out of a job. We should be striving to raise independent adults, ready to take on all that life might throw at them. Lythcott-Haim's has a short test for parents to take to see if they are a helicopter parent.
1.. Check your language. If you say "we" when you mean your son or daughter, as in "We're on the travel soccer team" it's a hint that you are intertwined in an unhealthy way.
3. Stop doing their homework.
My children had many failures along the path to adulthood, and hard as it was to see them disappointed when not making the team, serving detention at school for rule infractions, not finishing assignments on time and suffering the consequences, it did teach them there are roadblocks in life. I think it has served them well in adult life, as they have all overcome obstacles and have succeeded. I like to think that our parenting had something to do with this.
Monday, November 23, 2015
Chia Seeds:Not Just For Your Chia Pet
We all remember years ago when the Chia pet appeared in every store as a novelty gift. Spread the seeds on a wet terra cotta planter, and watch it grow. It was cute at the time, still is, and I guess it's still popular. But the health and food industry has discovered that it's also loaded with nutrients that can positively effect your body and brain. A one ounce serving contains the following: Fiber, 11 Grams. Protein, 4 grams. Fat, 9 grams, of which 5 are Omega-3s. Calcium, 18% of RDA, Manganese, 30% of RDA, Magnesium, 30% of RDA, Phosphorus, 27% of RDA. They also have decent amounts of Zinc, Potassium, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B1 and Vitamin B2. Now that you know this, aren't you going to go out and buy them? There are many more reasons to include them in your diet, and here are a few,
1. Chia seeds are loaded with antioxidants. Antioxidants fight the production of free radicals, which can damage molecules in cells, contribute to ageing and diseases like cancer.
2. Almost all the carbs in chia seeds are fiber. Fiber doesn't raise blood sugar, doesn't require insulin to be disposed of and therefore is very good for diabetics. Because of the high amount of fiber, chia seeds can absorb up to 10-12 times their weight in water, making you feel full and theoretically, making you eat less.
3. Chia seeds are high in many important bone nutrients. It's an excellent source of calcium for those that don't eat dairy.
4. Chia seeds can cause major improvements in Type 2 diabetics. This was most interesting to me, as Ron is a Type 2 diabetic. A study gave half the participants 37 grams of wheat brain, the other half 37 grams of chia seeds, for 12 weeks. The results was that blood pressure went down by 3-6 mm/Hg and an inflammatory marked called hs-CRP went down by 40%. The effect of the fiber on reducing blood sugar spikes after meals is still being tested.
2. Almost all the carbs in chia seeds are fiber. Fiber doesn't raise blood sugar, doesn't require insulin to be disposed of and therefore is very good for diabetics. Because of the high amount of fiber, chia seeds can absorb up to 10-12 times their weight in water, making you feel full and theoretically, making you eat less.
3. Chia seeds are high in many important bone nutrients. It's an excellent source of calcium for those that don't eat dairy.
4. Chia seeds can cause major improvements in Type 2 diabetics. This was most interesting to me, as Ron is a Type 2 diabetic. A study gave half the participants 37 grams of wheat brain, the other half 37 grams of chia seeds, for 12 weeks. The results was that blood pressure went down by 3-6 mm/Hg and an inflammatory marked called hs-CRP went down by 40%. The effect of the fiber on reducing blood sugar spikes after meals is still being tested.
5. Chia seeds can improve exercise performance as much as a sports drink. The Aztecs and Mayans used chia seed to fuel performance back in the day, and look what they did!
Chia seeds are easy to incorporate into your diet. I make a hot cereal that I eat 3-4 days a week, which gives me a great, nutritious breakfast. 3T. chia seeds, 3T. flax seeds, 1/4 cup quinoa, 1/4 cup oats. Add water and cook for about 30 minutes, or until the quinoa pops open. I usually make a big pot and just dole it out each morning for breakfast. You can also sprinkle them on cereal, yogurt, vegetables or rice dishes. They can be added to water or juice, which makes the whole thing rather gelatinous, which I don't particularly like.
Chia seeds are not tolerated well by everyone, so either check with your doctor before incorporating them into your diet, or start slowly, about 1T. per day. Your body will love the benefits.
Chia seeds are easy to incorporate into your diet. I make a hot cereal that I eat 3-4 days a week, which gives me a great, nutritious breakfast. 3T. chia seeds, 3T. flax seeds, 1/4 cup quinoa, 1/4 cup oats. Add water and cook for about 30 minutes, or until the quinoa pops open. I usually make a big pot and just dole it out each morning for breakfast. You can also sprinkle them on cereal, yogurt, vegetables or rice dishes. They can be added to water or juice, which makes the whole thing rather gelatinous, which I don't particularly like.
Chia seeds are not tolerated well by everyone, so either check with your doctor before incorporating them into your diet, or start slowly, about 1T. per day. Your body will love the benefits.
Friday, November 20, 2015
The Bellows In San Marcos: Old World Charm, Contemporary Menu
I'm always on the lookout for new places to eat, and since moving to Oceanside, I find that the driving distance to places I want to try are long. Luckily I have noticed that Oceanside, Vista and San Marcos are actually beginning to have a nice restaurant scene. Oceanside and Vista are filled with small breweries and gastropubs, and San Marcos is getting into the act as well. I had heard about The Bellows, in San Marcos, and after looking at the menu, wanted to give it a try. We liked it and will go again.
It's located in a new small strip mall on Twin Oaks Valley Parkway, just a few blocks from Cal State San Marcos. It is surrounded by an area of new, upscale apartments and condos. It's definitely not college age kids renting these apartments. The restaurant itself is warm and inviting. It's a bit noisy, but that's what you have to expect from a gastropub. There's a large, beautiful bar in the center, and many tables and booths around the perimeter. The alcohol menu is extensive. None of us are big drinkers, so that was not a big draw for us. We came for the food.
We started with a plate of grilled sourdough topped with butter and garlic. It was a delicious way to start the meal, as I enjoyed one of the many "by the glass" wines along with it. The menu is extensive, with starters and small plates making up the bulk of the menu, with only about six entrees. Ron had the Niman Ranch flat iron steak and frites. He loved it. He ate every bit of it, which is unusual for him. The potatoes were especially good. They were similar to French fries, but were thicker and puffy. Just delicious. Richard had the grilled salmon on a bed of roasted vegetables. I didn't taste it, but he ate it all so I assume it was good. Laura and I split a lot of salads and appetizers. We shared a bowl of steamed mussels (excellent) and a grilled radicchio salad with melted mozzarella. I loved the salad. We also ordered two of the prepared salads, which come in a little ramekin. An artichoke heart and goat cheese salad was fair, but the white bean salad I ordered was not good at all. Other items on the menu include numerous flatbreads, cheese and charcuterie plates, whiskey burger, in house made sausages, pot roast, and several other salads. To finish off the meal, we ordered their home made gelato, three scoops per order. It was excellent.
It's located in a new small strip mall on Twin Oaks Valley Parkway, just a few blocks from Cal State San Marcos. It is surrounded by an area of new, upscale apartments and condos. It's definitely not college age kids renting these apartments. The restaurant itself is warm and inviting. It's a bit noisy, but that's what you have to expect from a gastropub. There's a large, beautiful bar in the center, and many tables and booths around the perimeter. The alcohol menu is extensive. None of us are big drinkers, so that was not a big draw for us. We came for the food.
We started with a plate of grilled sourdough topped with butter and garlic. It was a delicious way to start the meal, as I enjoyed one of the many "by the glass" wines along with it. The menu is extensive, with starters and small plates making up the bulk of the menu, with only about six entrees. Ron had the Niman Ranch flat iron steak and frites. He loved it. He ate every bit of it, which is unusual for him. The potatoes were especially good. They were similar to French fries, but were thicker and puffy. Just delicious. Richard had the grilled salmon on a bed of roasted vegetables. I didn't taste it, but he ate it all so I assume it was good. Laura and I split a lot of salads and appetizers. We shared a bowl of steamed mussels (excellent) and a grilled radicchio salad with melted mozzarella. I loved the salad. We also ordered two of the prepared salads, which come in a little ramekin. An artichoke heart and goat cheese salad was fair, but the white bean salad I ordered was not good at all. Other items on the menu include numerous flatbreads, cheese and charcuterie plates, whiskey burger, in house made sausages, pot roast, and several other salads. To finish off the meal, we ordered their home made gelato, three scoops per order. It was excellent.
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Ice Cream and Candy Tart
This may become one of your favorite ice cream desserts. I was watching The Chew one day just after Halloween, and watched the chefs prepare an ice cream tart. Below is my version of this delicious tart. One of the best things about it is that you can vary it in so many ways. Here's the basic recipe.
Ice Cream and Candy Tart
Crust
2 candy bars, any kind (Hershey's or Twixt would work well)
4 large salted pretzels(the thin twisted ones, not the big fat twisted ones)
3 T. melted butter
Combine ingredients in a food processor until dry ingredients are crumbly. Take the mixture and press it into a rectangular shaped tart pan. Place in freezer until hard
Before making the crust, remove vanilla ice cream from the freezer and let it soften while you make the crust. When the crust is frozen hard, scoop softened ice cream over the crust, and spread to make it smooth. Return tart to freezer and let the ice cream harden
Once the ice cream is hard, drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the ice cream. Don't use too much. Then take a few Kit Kat bars and crush them. Take the crushed candy bars and cover the tart. The caramel will work as a glue to keep candy from falling off,
That's it. Slice into small servings, as it's very rich. You will love this dessert. You can change the recipe to suit your tastes. Use a candy bar with peanuts for the crust, or an Almond Joy, if you like coconut. Use any kind of ice cream you like, and you can use chocolate sauce instead of caramel. The candy bars you crush for the topping can be anything you want too. I love the original recipe, but may try it with some chocolate flavors, for my chocolate loving friends. Enjoy
Ice Cream and Candy Tart
Crust
2 candy bars, any kind (Hershey's or Twixt would work well)
4 large salted pretzels(the thin twisted ones, not the big fat twisted ones)
3 T. melted butter
Combine ingredients in a food processor until dry ingredients are crumbly. Take the mixture and press it into a rectangular shaped tart pan. Place in freezer until hard
Before making the crust, remove vanilla ice cream from the freezer and let it soften while you make the crust. When the crust is frozen hard, scoop softened ice cream over the crust, and spread to make it smooth. Return tart to freezer and let the ice cream harden
Once the ice cream is hard, drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the ice cream. Don't use too much. Then take a few Kit Kat bars and crush them. Take the crushed candy bars and cover the tart. The caramel will work as a glue to keep candy from falling off,
That's it. Slice into small servings, as it's very rich. You will love this dessert. You can change the recipe to suit your tastes. Use a candy bar with peanuts for the crust, or an Almond Joy, if you like coconut. Use any kind of ice cream you like, and you can use chocolate sauce instead of caramel. The candy bars you crush for the topping can be anything you want too. I love the original recipe, but may try it with some chocolate flavors, for my chocolate loving friends. Enjoy
Monday, November 16, 2015
What Took Me So Long To Discover Nicholas Kristof?
What took me so long to discover Nichoas Kristof? I guess it's that I don't read the New York Times regularly, but I have been reading it recently. I just read one of his articles, and now follow his blog. He is a Harvard graduate (Phi Beta Kappa), a Rhodes Scholar, and a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist. He and his wife Sheryl have travelled the world, investigating regions of the world that are often overlooked. He currently works for the New York Times, writing articles of interest about everything from Darfur to Afghanistan. He's interested in improving the lives of people in underdeveloped nations, and his article called "Gift With Meaning," caught my eye
In thinking about the upcoming holiday, he suggests giving gifts that are more meaningful than a sweater or a gift card. He has a number of ideas, which I will share with you, that will really make a difference. I have decided that this year I am going to give a "meaningful" gift to all my adult friends and family, and toys for the children. Here are some of his suggestions:
1. For $20, through Heifer International (heifer.org) you can buy a flock of ducks and halep a family work its way to a better life. Several years ago my mother donated a cow to a family in Africa from Heifer International for me as a Christmas present. What a great present for an impoverished family. Hard to believe, but owning a cow may keep them from starving.
2. For $74 through CARE (care.org) you can pay for a schoolgirl's books and supplies for a year, so she can attend school. This may be the highest-return investment available in the world today.
3. You can contribute $15 a month per child to Communities in Schools. This organization supports disadvantage kids, mostly black and Latino, in elementary, middle and high schools. The monthly donation will offer mentoring, pregnancy prevention, college counseling and more. It is effective. 91% of the students it helps end up graduating from high school.
4. Trickle Up (trickleup.org) is an organization that lifts people out of extreme poverty. The gift of a cow or other animal, training, a savings account and other support, seems to work by giving people hope.
5. HeroRats is another amazing program. In Angola, rats have been trained to sniff out land mines. In a day, they can clear 20 times as much of a minefield as a human. You can adopt a rat for $7 a month through Apopo.org.
6. CureBlindness.org is an organization fighting blindness in Asia and Africa. Dr. Sanduk Ruit and Dr. Geoffrey Tabin head this organization . For just $25, the cost per cataract surgery, you can give someone the gift of sight.
There are many other worthwhile organizations doing amazing work throughout the world. These got my attention, and I have decided that I will donate to CureBlindness this year, in the name of my adult friends and family. Knowing you are giving someone the gift of sight is worth more to me than another gift.
Nicholas Kristof is also conducting a a win-a-trip contest for 2016. Unfortunately I'm too old to qualify, but it's just the kind of experience I would have loved to have had. He is seeking a university student to travel with him to the developing world, writing posts for his blog. What an opportunity. If you know anyone who might like this opportunity, tell them to check out Kristof's website. In the meantime, think about making this holiday season a really "meaningful" one.
In thinking about the upcoming holiday, he suggests giving gifts that are more meaningful than a sweater or a gift card. He has a number of ideas, which I will share with you, that will really make a difference. I have decided that this year I am going to give a "meaningful" gift to all my adult friends and family, and toys for the children. Here are some of his suggestions:
1. For $20, through Heifer International (heifer.org) you can buy a flock of ducks and halep a family work its way to a better life. Several years ago my mother donated a cow to a family in Africa from Heifer International for me as a Christmas present. What a great present for an impoverished family. Hard to believe, but owning a cow may keep them from starving.
2. For $74 through CARE (care.org) you can pay for a schoolgirl's books and supplies for a year, so she can attend school. This may be the highest-return investment available in the world today.
3. You can contribute $15 a month per child to Communities in Schools. This organization supports disadvantage kids, mostly black and Latino, in elementary, middle and high schools. The monthly donation will offer mentoring, pregnancy prevention, college counseling and more. It is effective. 91% of the students it helps end up graduating from high school.
4. Trickle Up (trickleup.org) is an organization that lifts people out of extreme poverty. The gift of a cow or other animal, training, a savings account and other support, seems to work by giving people hope.
5. HeroRats is another amazing program. In Angola, rats have been trained to sniff out land mines. In a day, they can clear 20 times as much of a minefield as a human. You can adopt a rat for $7 a month through Apopo.org.
6. CureBlindness.org is an organization fighting blindness in Asia and Africa. Dr. Sanduk Ruit and Dr. Geoffrey Tabin head this organization . For just $25, the cost per cataract surgery, you can give someone the gift of sight.
There are many other worthwhile organizations doing amazing work throughout the world. These got my attention, and I have decided that I will donate to CureBlindness this year, in the name of my adult friends and family. Knowing you are giving someone the gift of sight is worth more to me than another gift.
Nicholas Kristof is also conducting a a win-a-trip contest for 2016. Unfortunately I'm too old to qualify, but it's just the kind of experience I would have loved to have had. He is seeking a university student to travel with him to the developing world, writing posts for his blog. What an opportunity. If you know anyone who might like this opportunity, tell them to check out Kristof's website. In the meantime, think about making this holiday season a really "meaningful" one.
Friday, November 13, 2015
Who Was Raphael Lempkin?
You probably have never heard of Raphael Lempkin, but he was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize seven times. He never won, but when you hear about the work this Polish born Jew, born in 1900, you'll understand why he was considered so many times for this prize.
Around 1933 Lempkin realized he had to escape from Europe to survive. He knew the Nazis were on the way, but he could not convince his family to leave with him. In the end, 49 members of his family were killed in concentration camps, the Warsaw ghetto and death marches. He reached the U.S. safely, where he took a teaching position at Duke University. In 1942 he moved to Washington, D.C, where he worked tirelessly for the rest of his life to document Nazi atrocities, to define genocide, and is responsible for coining the word "genocide."
The defendants in the Nuremberg Trials were being tried, among other things, for crimes against humanity. Lempkin felt that there should be a word to describe the destruction of a nation or of an ethnic group. He coined the word "genocide,", from the ancient Greek word genos (race, tribe) and the Latin cide (killing). Today, the word genocide is part of international law. In 1948, the United Nations approved the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide. Lempkin committed the rest of his life to urging nations to pass legislation supporting the Convention.
Since the word genocide was officially coined and became part of international law, genocide has continued to wreak havoc around the world. Rwanda, Darfur, Yugoslavia and most recently, Syria come to mind. Although President Omar al Bashir of Darfur has been indicted by the United Nations for genocide, he has not been arrested or captured. He committed horrendous crimes while the whole world watched, yet has not been punished.
I just watched a most moving documentary, Watchers of the Sky. Lempkin was one of the four men featured in the film, all fighting for justice for victims of genocide. It was an inspiring film. Lempkin himself is inspiring. He devoted his life to urging nations to pass legislation supporting the Convention. He died in 1959, impoverished and exhausted by his efforts.
Around 1933 Lempkin realized he had to escape from Europe to survive. He knew the Nazis were on the way, but he could not convince his family to leave with him. In the end, 49 members of his family were killed in concentration camps, the Warsaw ghetto and death marches. He reached the U.S. safely, where he took a teaching position at Duke University. In 1942 he moved to Washington, D.C, where he worked tirelessly for the rest of his life to document Nazi atrocities, to define genocide, and is responsible for coining the word "genocide."
The defendants in the Nuremberg Trials were being tried, among other things, for crimes against humanity. Lempkin felt that there should be a word to describe the destruction of a nation or of an ethnic group. He coined the word "genocide,", from the ancient Greek word genos (race, tribe) and the Latin cide (killing). Today, the word genocide is part of international law. In 1948, the United Nations approved the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide. Lempkin committed the rest of his life to urging nations to pass legislation supporting the Convention.
Since the word genocide was officially coined and became part of international law, genocide has continued to wreak havoc around the world. Rwanda, Darfur, Yugoslavia and most recently, Syria come to mind. Although President Omar al Bashir of Darfur has been indicted by the United Nations for genocide, he has not been arrested or captured. He committed horrendous crimes while the whole world watched, yet has not been punished.
I just watched a most moving documentary, Watchers of the Sky. Lempkin was one of the four men featured in the film, all fighting for justice for victims of genocide. It was an inspiring film. Lempkin himself is inspiring. He devoted his life to urging nations to pass legislation supporting the Convention. He died in 1959, impoverished and exhausted by his efforts.
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Natural Homemade Deodorant
Thanks, Renee, for reminding me about natural homemade deodorant. I had made it years ago, liked it, but just never got around to making it again. With all the toxins in store bought deodorants I should have. Tests have shown that most deodorants contain chemicals that may cause cancer or Alzheimers. Here are two recipes for homemade, natural deodorant. They both work well. The second one, with the cornstarch, may be a little more absorbent. They both work. The problem is, applying the deodorant is a little messy and probably the reason why everyone doesn't use them.
Deodorant #1
3 T. coconut oil
3T. baking soda
2 T. shea butter
2T. arrowroot
several drops of essential oils
Melt shea butter and coconut oil in a double boiler, until just melted. You can also put the butter and oil in a small mason jar that you plan to store the deodorant in, and melt it in a double boiler. Remove from heat, add baking soda and arrowroot and mix. If you don't have arrowroot, just add more baking soda. Finally, add a few drops of essential oils. I like lavender. Let it cool completely and store in a small mason jar, put in an old stick deodorant container for easier use. It does not have to be refrigerated, but at more than 67 degrees it does get soft. You can refrigerate it.
In order to apply it from a jar, take a little bit with your fingers, roll it into a ball, and apply it to your underarms. It's a little messy, but I think you'll like the results.
Deodorant #2
2 T. coconut oil
2 T. shea butter
3 T. baking soda
2 t. cornstarch
5 drops essential oils
Follow directions for deodorant number 1. The only difference is that this one contains cornstarch, which may make the deodorant more absorbent. Give it a try. It will save you money and keep you from putting toxins into your body. If it keeps you smelling sweet on a hot day, it's a win, win, win situation.
Deodorant #1
3 T. coconut oil
3T. baking soda
2 T. shea butter
2T. arrowroot
several drops of essential oils
Melt shea butter and coconut oil in a double boiler, until just melted. You can also put the butter and oil in a small mason jar that you plan to store the deodorant in, and melt it in a double boiler. Remove from heat, add baking soda and arrowroot and mix. If you don't have arrowroot, just add more baking soda. Finally, add a few drops of essential oils. I like lavender. Let it cool completely and store in a small mason jar, put in an old stick deodorant container for easier use. It does not have to be refrigerated, but at more than 67 degrees it does get soft. You can refrigerate it.
In order to apply it from a jar, take a little bit with your fingers, roll it into a ball, and apply it to your underarms. It's a little messy, but I think you'll like the results.
Deodorant #2
2 T. coconut oil
2 T. shea butter
3 T. baking soda
2 t. cornstarch
5 drops essential oils
Follow directions for deodorant number 1. The only difference is that this one contains cornstarch, which may make the deodorant more absorbent. Give it a try. It will save you money and keep you from putting toxins into your body. If it keeps you smelling sweet on a hot day, it's a win, win, win situation.
Monday, November 9, 2015
The Invention Of The Cesar Salad
< Ever wonder where the Caesar salad came from? Not from Italy, as one might expect, but from Tijuana, Mexico! It was invented by Italian immigrant Caesar Cardini in 1924, and is perhaps the most ordered salad on the planet. Cardini was a restaurant owner who lived in San Diego, but also owned restaurants in Mexico. By owning restaurants in Mexico, he avoided Prohibition. Just by chance, the Caesar salad was invented one summer evening at his Tijuana restaurant.
One 4th of July afternoon while preparing for the evening meal, Cardini ran low on many food items. He improvised, by taking what he had left in the kitchen and adding additional ingredients. He added some extra flair by having his new salad creation served tableside. The Caesar salad was born. Julia Child visited the restaurant with her parents and apparently made the following comments following her visit there.
"My parents, of course, ordered the salad. Caesar himself rolled the big cart up to the table, tossed the romaine in a great wooden bowl, and I wish I could say I remembered his every move, but I don't. They only thing I see again clearly is the eggs. I can see him break 2 eggs over that romaine and roll them in, the greens going all creamy as the eggs flowed over them. Two eggs in a salad? Two one-minute coddled eggs? And garlic-flavored croutons, and grated Parmesan cheese? It was a sensation of a salad from coast to coast, and there were even rumblings of its success in Europe."
Another myth debunked. All these years you probably thought the Caesar salad came from Italy, Thank you, Mr. Caesar Cardini, for creating my favorite salad.
One 4th of July afternoon while preparing for the evening meal, Cardini ran low on many food items. He improvised, by taking what he had left in the kitchen and adding additional ingredients. He added some extra flair by having his new salad creation served tableside. The Caesar salad was born. Julia Child visited the restaurant with her parents and apparently made the following comments following her visit there.
"My parents, of course, ordered the salad. Caesar himself rolled the big cart up to the table, tossed the romaine in a great wooden bowl, and I wish I could say I remembered his every move, but I don't. They only thing I see again clearly is the eggs. I can see him break 2 eggs over that romaine and roll them in, the greens going all creamy as the eggs flowed over them. Two eggs in a salad? Two one-minute coddled eggs? And garlic-flavored croutons, and grated Parmesan cheese? It was a sensation of a salad from coast to coast, and there were even rumblings of its success in Europe."
Another myth debunked. All these years you probably thought the Caesar salad came from Italy, Thank you, Mr. Caesar Cardini, for creating my favorite salad.
Friday, November 6, 2015
Daniel Thompson Changed The American Diet
You probably have never heard of Daniel Thompson, but his invention, the bagel machine, changed the American diet, ushering in the packaged bagel and making it a staple of fast-food outlets. Bagel making history is divided into pre Daniel Thompson and post Daniel Thompson says Matthew Goodman, author of "Jewish Food: The World at Table." "What happened with the advent of the automated bagel-making machine was that bagel makers were capable of producing far more bagels than had ever been imagined." Mr. Thompson's machine proved to be a mirror of midcentury American history. For bound up in the story of its introduction, is the story of Jewish assimilation, gastronomic homogenization, the decline of trade unionism, the rise of franchise retailing and the perennial tension between tradition and innovation. Prior to Mr. Thompson's invention, bagels were a staple in Jewish households only. Making them by hand was time consuming, so the only place bagels could be bought were in a Jewish deli.
Although many might argue that the automated bagel machine made the bagel a widespread food item, enjoyed by all. Others think it's a tragic story, what happened to the bagel. The tough, round heart of North American Jewish cuisine, with European roots reaching back hundreds of years, the bagel was until the mid 1960's, only available in neighborhoods dominated by Jews. Bagels were meant to symbolize the circle of life.
Bagel making used to be a skill that was passed down from father to son, and the technique was fiercely guarded from outsiders' prying eyes. All bagel makers were members of the International Beigel Bakers Union, founded in 1907. Every bagel made in New York City up until the 1960's was a union bagel, the reason being that their members were the only ones who knew how to make a proper bagel. If the bagel union threatened a strike, headlines might say something like, "Bagel Famine Threatens in City." It was Lender's Bagels that first used Mr. Thompson's machine. Today, Lenders is the largest maker of bagels in the U.S., producing 750 million a year.
Mr. Thompson was a math teacher by profession, but his love was invention. His other notable invention was the foldable ping pong table. He resided in California all his life, and died at 94 in Rancho Mirage. He is gone, but his invention of the automated bagel machine, changed our lives forever.
Although many might argue that the automated bagel machine made the bagel a widespread food item, enjoyed by all. Others think it's a tragic story, what happened to the bagel. The tough, round heart of North American Jewish cuisine, with European roots reaching back hundreds of years, the bagel was until the mid 1960's, only available in neighborhoods dominated by Jews. Bagels were meant to symbolize the circle of life.
Bagel making used to be a skill that was passed down from father to son, and the technique was fiercely guarded from outsiders' prying eyes. All bagel makers were members of the International Beigel Bakers Union, founded in 1907. Every bagel made in New York City up until the 1960's was a union bagel, the reason being that their members were the only ones who knew how to make a proper bagel. If the bagel union threatened a strike, headlines might say something like, "Bagel Famine Threatens in City." It was Lender's Bagels that first used Mr. Thompson's machine. Today, Lenders is the largest maker of bagels in the U.S., producing 750 million a year.
Mr. Thompson was a math teacher by profession, but his love was invention. His other notable invention was the foldable ping pong table. He resided in California all his life, and died at 94 in Rancho Mirage. He is gone, but his invention of the automated bagel machine, changed our lives forever.
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Are You For Or Against The Death Penalty?
Whether you're for or against the death penalty, you should check out a new web site I've enjoyed reading called deathpenalty.org. The purpose of the web site is to find alternatives to the death penalty. I for one, have been against the death penalty since I first became aware of what it was. I was on the high school debate team, and our topic was the death penalty. We spent weeks and weeks researching the topic and had to prepare both sides of the argument, so I felt knowledgeable when I determined that my personal position was against the death penalty. Preparation for that debate is still fresh in my mind. We spent hours in the library doing research, then writing our points on small index cards. How much easier preparing for that debate would be today! Many states now have introduced bills against the death penalty. Connecticut just passed a bill to outlaw the death penalty. Here are some facts you may or may not be aware of to enlighten you. Whatever your position, on this or anything else, make it an informed one.
The cost of executions is staggering to taxpayers. It costs more to execute a person than to keep him or her in prison for life. A 2011 study found that California has spent more than $4billion on capital punishment since it was reinstated in 1978 and that death penalty trials are 20 times more expensive than trials seeking life sentences.
There is no credible evidence that capital punishment deters crime. States without the death penalty have much lower murder rates. The South accounts for more than 80% of US executions and has the highest regional murder rates.
Innocent people have been convicted and executed. The wrongful execution of an innocent person is an injustice that can't be undone. More than 150 men and women have been released from Death Row nationally...some just minutes away from execution. In the past two years evidence has come to light which indicates that four men may have been wrongly executed in recent years for crimes they did not commit. The error rate is appalling.
Race plays a role in determining who lives and who dies. It plays a role in who is arrested, convicted and ultimately what their sentence is. The poor often have inadequate legal representation. This is a complex issue.
Capital punishment goes against most religious teachings. It is a human rights abuse. The vast majority of countries in Western Europe and North and South America have abandoned capital punishment in law or in practice. The US remains in the same company as Iraq ,Iran, North Korea and China in this area.
To me, the alternative, life without parole is more sensible. In many cases life in prison is a harsher punishment than lethal injection. I get the feeling that many US states are leaning toward the abolishment of the death penalty. Wherever you stand on the issue, it's good to be armed with facts, when arguing your case.
The cost of executions is staggering to taxpayers. It costs more to execute a person than to keep him or her in prison for life. A 2011 study found that California has spent more than $4billion on capital punishment since it was reinstated in 1978 and that death penalty trials are 20 times more expensive than trials seeking life sentences.
There is no credible evidence that capital punishment deters crime. States without the death penalty have much lower murder rates. The South accounts for more than 80% of US executions and has the highest regional murder rates.
Innocent people have been convicted and executed. The wrongful execution of an innocent person is an injustice that can't be undone. More than 150 men and women have been released from Death Row nationally...some just minutes away from execution. In the past two years evidence has come to light which indicates that four men may have been wrongly executed in recent years for crimes they did not commit. The error rate is appalling.
Race plays a role in determining who lives and who dies. It plays a role in who is arrested, convicted and ultimately what their sentence is. The poor often have inadequate legal representation. This is a complex issue.
Capital punishment goes against most religious teachings. It is a human rights abuse. The vast majority of countries in Western Europe and North and South America have abandoned capital punishment in law or in practice. The US remains in the same company as Iraq ,Iran, North Korea and China in this area.
To me, the alternative, life without parole is more sensible. In many cases life in prison is a harsher punishment than lethal injection. I get the feeling that many US states are leaning toward the abolishment of the death penalty. Wherever you stand on the issue, it's good to be armed with facts, when arguing your case.
Monday, November 2, 2015
Shade Balls Save Water
California is always looking for ways to save water, and Los Angeles has just introduced a novel, inexpensive way to do so. Shade balls. 96 million shade balls have just been dumped into the Los Angeles River. They cover the water and keep water from evaporating and becoming polluted. At 36 cents a piece, this is a relatively easy way to save water. The amount of water saved by the shade balls is the equivalent of drinking water for a year for 8,100 residents.
This is part of a $34.5 million project in Los Angeles to protect water quality. After doing their job for ten years, the balls will be removed, recycled and replaced with new shade balls. The balls are made from high density polyethylene (similar to a gallon milk jug). At some point they will lose their structural integrity and could split at the seams. The idea was introduced by Brian White, a biologist with the DWP. He based his idea on "bird balls," something he observed in waterways near airport runways. He's thinking outside the box. This idea is not new. It's been used in other California reservoirs since 2008. Hopefully with the exposure it is getting now, it will be introduced in other areas. Water is a precious commodity, and any idea that can reduce water loss is greatly appreciated by us all.
This is part of a $34.5 million project in Los Angeles to protect water quality. After doing their job for ten years, the balls will be removed, recycled and replaced with new shade balls. The balls are made from high density polyethylene (similar to a gallon milk jug). At some point they will lose their structural integrity and could split at the seams. The idea was introduced by Brian White, a biologist with the DWP. He based his idea on "bird balls," something he observed in waterways near airport runways. He's thinking outside the box. This idea is not new. It's been used in other California reservoirs since 2008. Hopefully with the exposure it is getting now, it will be introduced in other areas. Water is a precious commodity, and any idea that can reduce water loss is greatly appreciated by us all.
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