Best of 2008

Food - Won't we all be glad when the New Year rolls around and we can finally go back to our normal diets?! I don't know about you, but I am getting tired of all the food. I never thought I would hear myself say that, but my gosh, enough is enough. However, there is one day left, that being today: New Years Eve. So just for one more day, you have a walk-past-the-scale pass - so eat, drink and be merry - but DO NOT drink and drive!

Dish - A year in review - we did the homework so you didn't have to. Happy New Year (early)!
CNN offers their "Year in review for 2008."
http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2008/news/year.in.review/index.html

2008 Through the writings of The Washington Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/19/AR2008121901343.html

Top word for 2008. Can you guess what Merriam Webster's top word of 2008 is? Guess before you click on the link.
http://www.merriam-webster.com/info/08words.htm

Breakups, hookups, new arrivals, undressed, best & worst songs, best & worst TV shows for 2008 - it's all here!
http://movies.msn.com/movies/year-in-review/?vendor=google&pkw=best%20of%202008&ocid=iSEM_G_Ent&refcd=goae8fadcb11B_best%20of%202008&mtcr=go2886926742
2008 Year of Weirdness
http://wcco.com/slideshows/2008.review.weird.20.888494.html

2008 Quirky baby names:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28139078/

Top vacation spots for 2008 (without kids)
http://www.wral.com/lifestyles/travel/story/2299636/

Top vacation spots for 2008 (with Kids)http://travelwithkids.about.com/od/topvacations/tp/top_vacation_spots.htm

Top 50 Websites of 2008
http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/0,28757,1809858,00.html

Noteable deaths in 2008
These links below, take a look at the noteable deaths in 2008. I ,myself, think all deaths are noteable. A death, is a death, is a death; and they are all noteable to someone. So, maybe the headline should read: "Some of the deaths that occured in 2008."

To all of those, we've loved the most, and have now passed on into the gates of heaven, you are noteable to us and we miss you! (x0x0)
http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2008/06/12/us/2008-NOTABLE_index.html
http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-obits08,0,5839617.htmlstory
http://wcco.com/slideshows/2008.notable.obituaries.20.653062.html

A Year in the life in Minnesota 2008
http://wcco.com/slideshows/2008.minnesota.news.20.881758.html

Year by Year events 1900-2008
http://www.infoplease.com/yearbyyear.html

Thee Most Historical Event in 2008 (hint: it includes Barack Obama)
One of thee most historical of events that took place in 2008 was the Presidental campaign and the election of the first African-American - ever -to be President of the United States; President Elect Barack Obama.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/04/election.president/index.html

Not quite historical, but it was a part of the political process; Tina Fey impersonating Sarah Palin on SNL
http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/clips/palin-hillary-open/656281/


Physicians enjoy a year-end rush! (I'm just glad the headline didn't read: Physicians enjoy a "Rear-End rush!")
During tough times for health care, a year-end boost in procedures is helping as patients try to get in before their deductibles reset.









Stay away from the light! Both headlines that appear for this article (link provided), scare me a little bit. First of all the fact that they enjoy a year end rush, is just wrong. I know they need to make money too, but in the end, is this the way you want to make it; flash light in hand, doing only who knows what?

And the second headline talks of: Year-end boost in procedures, before deductibles reset. I know many people who practice this year end "boost" method so they reach their deductibles, it just doesn't sound good to me.
http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/36860664.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUsr

Embellish - What is life for? It is for you!

Bristol Palin welcomes a son - check out the name

Food - We started a new tradition for Christmas this year; Tom & Jerry's. You could say, we had too. I bought my first Tom & Jerry bowl this past year at an antique store. Keep in mind, when I bought the bowl (set), I had never tasted a Tom & Jerry before in my life. But I was in love with the idea of our family all gathered around sipping something that carried so much nostalgia.

I loved the idea so much - I bought each of my children one for Christmas presents too! From antique store to antique store I went searching for just the right set for each of them. Not sure if they would appreciate it, or even like Tom & Jerry's, but it's all about tradition, I told myself. So, I wrapped them up and presented them on Christmas Day. They too, loved the idea. The Tom & Jerry's, not so much. Maybe our new tradition, next year, will be Cocoa in a Tom & Jerry Bowl.

Dish - Bristol Palin Welcomes a Son. Tripp Easton Mitchell Johnston.
I wonder what significance the name has? Bristol took a page out of her mom's book by picking this name.
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20245389,00.html

Bristol Palin's baby makes Sarah Palin a grandma!
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/12/sarah-palin-3.html

Criss Angel on Larry King Live!
I am a fan of "The Girls Next Door" reality TV show. I know it is mindless nonsense, but sometimes my mind is; mindless and wants nothing but nonsense. I watch this, and other reality TV shows when I just want to "get away" from reality - go figure!

The first time I saw Holly Madison with Hugh Hefner, I thought, ewe. But when I saw Holly with Criss Angel, I thought, what the heck is she doing with him? I had never seen any of his shows, nor did I know much about him. My reaction was based strictly on looks. He just seems kinda grungy and dark; and she is ditsy and bright, they just don't seem like a good match.

But, I stand corrected. He was on Larry King Live and he was quite charming, almost magical. He was soft spoken, kind and not grungy at all. Larry King is hugely fond of Criss and had nothing but nice things to say to him, and about him.

Holly joined Criss towards the end of the interview and it is very apparent, these two are smitten with each other. Sure, I bet the sex is dark, ditsy and rocking! (if you saw the interview, I'm sure you saw the hicky too.) But the tenderness and respect they displayed for each other was real.

Scandal - Holly did admit that she had a crush on Criss Angel for quite some time. Larry King, quick as he is, ran with that and said: "You were living with Hef then, when you had a crush on Criss?" To which Holly replied (sheepishly), "Yes."

Criss Angel freaks us out! We'll take you behind the scenes of Criss' latest Vegas spectacle. Plus, Larry's got the first-ever interview with Criss and his new squeeze, Holly Madison. It's no illusion!
http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/larry.king.live/

Embellish - Miracles happen to those who believe in them.

It ain't over till the fat lady sings!

Our Christmas Prime Rib. (sorry the picture is so blurry picture, but it sure was good!)

How to make a delicious Prime Rib

1 T. Course Salt
1 T. Flour
2 tsp. crumbled Thyme
½ tsp. Pepper
Olive Oil
Roaster & Meat Thermometer
(If you like more seasoning or are having a larger prime rib, make seasoning according to your preference.)

* Always have meat at room temperature for proper cooking.

Preheat oven to 500°
Pat meat dry
Rub with olive oil
Rub on seasoning (above ingredients)

Place prepared prime rib (rib side down, fat side up) in roaster and cook at 500° for 20 minutes, searing the meat, and making the outside crispy. Reduce heat to 325° and continue to cook 15-20 minutes per pound. (cooking chart below.) *Always use a meat thermometer to check properly done. Remove from oven and let set for 20 minutes before carving.

Approximate Weight
Oven Temperature
Total Estimated Time Only
Meat Thermometer Reading (Rare)
--------------
2 ribs
4 to 5 pounds
450 deg/325 deg F
60 to 70 minutes
120 degrees F
--------------
3 ribs
7 to 8.5 pounds
450 deg/325 deg F
1 1/2 to 1 3/4 hours
120 degrees F
-----------------
4 ribs
9 to 10.5 pounds
450 deg/325 deg F
1 3/4 to 2 1/4 hours
120 degrees F
----------------
5 ribs
11 to 13.5 pounds
450 deg/325 deg F
2 1/4 to 2 3/4 hours
120 degrees F
-----------------
6 ribs
14 to 16 pounds
450 deg/325 deg F
3 to 3 1/4 hours
120 degrees F
-----------------
7 ribs
16 to 18.5 pounds
450 deg/325 deg F
3 1/4 to 4 hours
120 degrees F
-----------------
Beef Roast Cooking Temperatures ~
Rare -120 to 125 degrees F -center is bright red, pinkish toward the exterior portion
Medium Rare -130 to 135 degrees F -center is very pink, slightly brown toward the exterior portion
Medium -140 to 145 degrees F - center is light pink, outer portion is brown
Medium Well -150 to 155 degrees F -not pink
Well Done -160 degrees F and above -meat is uniformly brown throughout

Our Christmas story ~ (everyones got one.)
The food was devoured, the stockings UN-hung, the presents unwrapped and the games had just begun; when someone said, "I could go for some eggs." There was pure elation from just about everyone in the room, for they realized, they were not the only one wanting to eat again.

It was the symphony of stomachs; with all the hunger pains growling in perfect harmony. The alto, deeply growled, "I could go for some fried Potet Klub." The soprano, highly-pitched, "I could go for some egg-in-the-hole." The flute, fluted, "I could go for some piping-hot toast." While the tuba, blasted out, "I want it all!". (There is one in every orchestra.)

¤ Disclaimer: The names of the stomachs have been changed to protect their size.

This is part where The Fat Lady, "The Conductor," feels the need to add to the harmony by singing: "what do you think this is a restaurant?!" Not today! No - today was a day that she sung nothing but good cheer and glad tidings. So, with the roundness of her belly, the jiggle of her arms, and with all the sway that her hips could muster, she reached for the fry pan, walked over to the stove and created a cluster of food for her Choir Members, until they were full.
The choir, their stomachs full of food, all sang the chorus: Thank You, Conductor, we've enjoyed the food & show!

Okay. Now for the real version of Our Christmas Story.....It was a great Christmas! Christmas Eve we went to church and then spent the evening with my side of the family feasting on Potet Klub, playing games, and laughing so hard our sides ached.

On Christmas day we had our children, their families, and my husband's mom and sister over. We feasted on Prime Rib, Au-gratin potatoes, more Potet Klub, Jello, Asparagus, Corn, Broccoli Jello salad, salad and rolls.

The kids plowed the pond off and went ice skating and played hockey. This was such a beautiful sight to see. They were having an absolute blast out there. As a parent, nothing is more gratifying then watching your children enjoying each others company. We started to play games and...that's when...the symphony of the stomachs begun. The only part that didn't really happen is the part about The Fat Lady singing. I can't carry a tune, and I'm not fat, but I did feed them till their stomachs were full - and put I on a darn good show!

Hope your Christmas was Merry & Bright!

Dish - Another count down has begun. New Years Eve is 3 days away, counting today. Here are some links giving you ideas for Minneapolis, MN., if you don't already know what you will be doing.

http://minneapolis.about.com/od/eventsfestivals/a/newyearseve.htm

Cool Party~
http://www.vita.mn/event_detail.php?event_id=68161

http://www.newyears.com/?stateList=23

Local rocker Brian (GB) Leighton performed at Bunkers Bar & Grill on Wednesday night
http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/music/36686469.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUsr

Embellish - Be happy!

It's Here - Merry Christmas! 1 million dollar anonymous donation given to fire victims

Merry Christmas!

xoxoxo

And so this is Christmas - anonymous donor gives 1 million dollars to the fire victims! There are a lot of good people in the world, and you don't need to look very far, they often live in your communtiy.

To all of those who gave to others in need, thank you!

It's here!

Merry Christmas!

Oreo Truffles

Food - 2 days, counting today, until Christmas Eve.
I didn't plan on making a lot of cookies this year, and I didn't. There were still many creations that were made though, one of them are these Oreo Truffles, which have now become my family's favorites (yes, they were eating them as I was putting them out.)

Oreo Truffles
Ingredients:
1 lb. package Oreo cookies
1 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
Chocolate or/and vanilla melts (for dipping them in)

Place Oreos in a food processor and grind, be careful not to leave any big chunks. In a bowl combine cream cheese and Oreos until thoroughly mixed. Roll into small balls on place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment or wax paper, put in fridge for 1 hour. Heat white or chocolate melts until they are a smooth consistency; remove Oreo balls from fridge and using either a tooth pick or a truffle tool, dip them in the chocolate. Invert balls onto parchment lined cookie sheet (make sure there is not an excess of chocolate on them) set aside and allow to set up. Cut the feet off (excess chocolate) and embellish these any way you want. I put Oreo crumbles sprinkled on the tops of them.

Dish - Burnsville fire evacuees awaken to uncertain future!
Losing your home to fire is bad enough, but right before the Christmas Holiday Season, is even worse. While they will never be able to replace all of their momentos, luckily no one was injured; that is the greatest gift anyone could receive! Our thoughts and prayers go out to them.

Anyone wishing to contribute to the fund is asked to contact The Goodman Group at (952) 361-8000. You can also bring food, clothing, gifts, and toys for the victims to The Goodman Group offices at 1107 Hazeltine Boulevard in Chaska.

Read the full story online here ~
http://kstp.com/article/stories/S717024.shtml?cat=1

Franken +48
---------
Coleman (by a small lead...let the count continue 1,2,3,6,18....on and on and on.)
http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/36589859.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUycaEacyU


HAVE IT YOUR WAY! This is not the way I want my man to smell.
Remember my blog "Does this make scents to you?" If not, check it out. http://fooddishembellish.blogspot.com/search/label/scents

Well this flame-broiled, beef scented campaign (cologne and all) does not make any scents, or sense, to me. Do they think women will herd to men as if they are a hunk-a hunk-of-flame-broiled-beef - just waiting to be devoured?

Burger King is also in the midst of its Whopper Virgins campaign that features a taste test with fast-food "virgins" pitting the Whopper against McDonald's Corp.'s Big Mac. Who do they think they are Madonna? I guess they have caught on that sex sells.
http://www.twincities.com/ci_11263584?nclick_check=1

Embellish - Seize the day!

Busy day

Food - 3 days until Christmas Eve....and there will be no blogging today, no way. I will shop till I drop, and bake until it's too late.

I didn't plan on making a ton of Christmas cookies this year. It's not that I haven't been in the Christmas spirit, but there was a day of Potet Klub making, a day of truffle making, a day of cookie and bar making....and then, my daughter said: "Aren't we going to make some cookies?" How could I resist. Spending time with your kids (family), that is what life is all about. So, one more day of eating raw cookie dough was in line.

Dish - Many dishes will be washed.

Embellish - Cherish the time spent with your loved ones.

Let the party begin!

Food - Doesn't this dessert scream "LET the party begin?" We thought it did - so it did! This dessert is not only festive looking, it's delicious too. I hosted the annual Christmas Party at my home for a group of girls I call "Emily Girls," and we had a blast (we always do!) I made this dessert and everyone loved it so much, they asked for the recipe. Girls, I have a confession to make. I did not do it on purpose, but, I gave you the wrong recipe, hopefully you haven't tried making it yet....So, without further ado, here is the recipe:

8 Step Triple Chocolate Peppermint Trifle Cake
Cake Ingredients:
Vegetable oil cooking spray
2 T. unsalted butter
1/2 c. whole milk
3/4 c. all-purpose flour
1/4 c. unsweetened Dutch process cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 lg. eggs, room temp.
3/4 c. granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla

Syrup Ingredients: Hershey's chocolate syrup or a chocolate flavored liquor.

Mousse Ingredients:
2 1/2 c. heavy cream
12 oz. white chocolate, finely chopped. (I used Ghirdeli's bar)
1/2 c. coarsely chopped peppermint candies or candy canes. (I also added Andes mints.)

Pudding Ingredients: 1 lg. pkg. chocolate pudding, make as directed on box.


Topping Ingredients: 1 container cool whip and chopped peppermint candies or candy canes.


1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Make the cake. Coat a 9" round cake pan with cooking spray. Line bottom with parchment paper, coat with cooking spray.

2. Bring milk and butter almost to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove from heat, and set aside. Whisk flour cocoa, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Put eggs into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Beat on high speed until pale and fluffy. Gradually add sugar, beating until pale and thick, about 5 minutes. Add vanilla. Reduce speed to low. Add hot milk mixture in a slow, steady stream. Add flour mixture and beat until just combined.

3. Pour batter into ban. Bake until center springs back when lightly touched, 25-30 minutes. Let cool in pan on a wire rack 20 minutes. Turn out onto rack. Remove parchment; let cool completely. Halve cake horizontally, set aside.

4. Make the mousse. Prepare an ice-water bath; set aside. Bring 1 c. cream just to a boil in a small sauce pan. Place white chocolate in a food processor; with machine running, pour in hot cream in a slow, steady stream, and process until smooth. Transfer to a medium bowl set in ice-water bath. Let cool, stirring occasionally, until thick enough to hold ribbons on surface, about 15 minutes.


5. Beat remaining 1 1/2 c. cream to nearly stiff peaks. Fold into white chocolate mixture, then fold in candies. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until thickened and almost firm; 4-6 hrs.

6. Make the chocolate pudding as directed on box.

7. To assemble the trifle: spread one third of the mousse into bottom of a glass trifle bowl that is 8-10 inches in diameter. Top with 1 cake layer, and brush cake with chocolate syrup. Top with half the pudding, then another third of mousse. Place remaining cake layer on top; brush with chocolate syrup. Top with remaining pudding, then mousse. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 12 hours.

8. Top trifle with whipped cream and sprinkle with crushed candies and with a shaved chocolate bar.

Merry Christmas to all and to all - - - a good night! This dessert is the perfect ending to any event.

Dish - Annual Christmas Parties are also a great way to catch up on all the "dish" going on in each other's lives.

Researchers and studies show that people have many acquaintances in their life time, but only a couple true friends.

While it's true that people come in-and-out of our lives, leaving foot prints on our souls (hopefully not too many heel prints though.) It is equally true, that we are never the same, as we were prior to them entering our lives. In some way, shape, or form, they have either added something, or taken something from us. Forever, continuing the process of molding us into who or what we are to become. You might say helping us, in a sense, to achieve our real potential; our true meaning in this little thing called life. And we in turn, without always consciously knowing it, we have helped shape them as well. As Good, bad, or indifferent some of these friendships we may have garnered have been - they are ours - we own them! To keep forever and ever....until death do us under.

But we don't need studies to tell us all of this, and the fact that, if you are fortunate enough to have had numerous friends in your life time, then you have been blessed. I have truly been blessed then! Because I am fortunate to have, and have had, a host of people in my life that I call "friend." Without them, life would not be all it was meant to be. Would it?

Here is a picture of some of the gals I happen to call: FRIEND! Thanks, Emily Girls, for helping "shape" me. God knows I need all the shaping I can get! I'm so glad we choose laughter as our aerobic workout routine.


Emily Girls - Sorry I wasn't the perfect host (ask Jackie.)

We missed you girls not able to attend - xoxo

Just in case your group of friends don't know how to "dish" or have a good time, here are some jokes you can tell at your next party.
What does Santa Claus use when he goes skiing? A North Pole.
What happens when Frosty the Snowman gets dandruff? He gets snowflakes.
How does Santa Claus take pictures? With a North Pole-aroid camera.
What is Santa's favourite breakfast cereal? Frosted Flakes.

If you need more lame jokes to tell....maybe you shouldn't go to the party, or maybe.... you need to pick a new group of friends.

Embellish - I would rather have 30 minutes of "wonderful" than a lifetime of nothing special.

Jello Salad. The tie that binds us...Jen and Brad.

Food - 4 days, counting what is left of today, until Christmas Eve. If you're like most families, you are getting together with an extended group of family members at "one lucky family member's home," to celebrate the holiday. Our family has a meal that was passed down from my fathers ancestors it is a Norwegian potato dumpling called: Potet Klub.

All the original family members love this dish, but the ones who married into the family - not so much, or I should say, not all of them like it.

What is Klub? Short version: glue. Just kidding. However, some of the newer members welcomed into the family say it is (they're wearing out their welcome, real quickly.) Klub is basically made up of ground potatoes and flour mixed together to form a ball, but we put cubed up ham in the center of the balls. Then you boil them in for about 1 hour and serve them stemming hot with butter on top and a milk, flour and ham gravy.

This meal is a lot of work and a very messy meal to make, especially for a large group of over 33 people. 40+ pounds of potatoes are used to create this feast...that's a lot of potatoes to peel. The messy part is all the pots and electric ovens it takes to make these gooey Klubs have to be emptied out in-between each batch (spilling usually is involved) and new water has to be added and brought to a boil. But, I think it is worth it! This is a tradition that I just love!
I have a question for those newer family members. What's so wrong with eating glue?

Some of my family members, would disagree. In fact they would like to discontinue this tradition; not because they don't like the Klub, they do. They love to eat them, but, they just think it is far too much work and mess. They would like to opt out and have
hors d'oeuvre's instead.

I am putting up the good fight on this one. I am fighting the fight. Fight, fight, fight. Fight till the death. I argue to them that it is only once a year, surely we can manage that. I argue that it is a tradition that we can pass down to our kids. I argue that in a world of so many changes, there should be something that stays the same. They hear me argue, but still don't agree. I am pulling out the heaviest arsenal in my repertoire that I have: guilt. I argue that it is the only thing we have left that was our fathers.

Oh, dang, I am good. That got'em.

If you need a great ruby, red Jello salad to go with your meal, I have just the recipe for you.
Grandma Shirley's Jello
Ingredients:
2 c. boiling water
2 small pkgs red jello
2 pkg frozen raspberries (brake apart so there are not huge clumps)
2 c. apple sauce
1 container cool whip

Boil water. In a medium bowl combine water and jello, stirring to disolve; add remaining ingredients and refrigerate until set-up. (I usually make this the day before serving it.) Top with cool whip and serve.

Dish - The tie that binds...Jen and Brad.

The topic of the just about every TV talk show lately is the "tie with stripes." And the body wearing it. Jennifer Aniston has barely graced the cover of GQ magazine; only a striped tie cascading ever so gently, fluidly flowing down her naked body. Accompanied by two strategically placed hands (yes, they're Jens) to hide the breasts of a woman.

Recently she started her day off at the crack of dawn with an appearance on Good Morning America and the fanfare continued into the TV late night show scene. David Letterman was the well suited host to be the recipient off the tie; given to him as a Christmas gift from Jen.

That's not the only tie that's been tied though. The article on Jennifer inside GQ talks about Jen and Brads tie and the comment she makes: "We don't not talk," leading us to believe that there is still a tie that binds them. (I bet Brad will sneak away from Angelia long enough to get a peek at the stripes Jen is wearing.)

When Jennifer was asked about Jolie, she hemmed and hawed, and It becomes obvious, that she feels about Jolie as exactly how you'd think she'd feel.

That's the part, however, that makes me go hmmm....

As if Brad was an innocent by-stander? What? - I suppose Angie made him have the affair? It's as if I can hear Jen saying: "I know Brad; he would never have done this, she must have forced herself upon him.

This mentality reminds me of a parent that whose child gets in trouble and it is always the child's friends fault. This must be our way of coping with things seeing the glass half-full, making sense out of a senseless situation, trying to salvage some of the investment we invested in that person proving it was all - not just wasted time.

But then again - " It must be the tie! "

You can read the full interview here ~

http://men.style.com/gq/features/landing?id=content_7757

Embellish - Dress for success - wear it like you own it!

It's not a Ponzi scheme but....

Food - The Christmas count down is well on its way; there are 6 days, counting today, until Christmas Eve. I can hardly wait! Do you have your favorite Christmas cookies made? Part of the fun in this holiday's preparation is the baking of cookies (this includes the right for me to eat raw cookie dough,) the cookie exchanges, and recipe exchanges.

It's fun to see the different kinds of cookies people make as a part of their holiday baking tradition. Some people never stray to far from the cookie cutter, they always make the same exact kind(s) year after year. While some people like to mix the dough up and make different kinds each year. But most of us usually have that one favorite cookie (or bar) that we just cannot go through Christmas without.

What kind of cookies or bars do you have to make every year?

In case you missed it the St. Paul Pioneer Press provided readers with FREE Holiday Cookie Recipes via email. I'm told it's not too late, sign up. (there's still 6 days, counting today.)
http://www.twincities.com/jenkins/ci_10916870?nclick_check=1


Dish - Obama defends choice of pastor for invocation.
Many people are angry because Rick Warren backed the Proposition 8, banning gay marriage. But it should come as no surprise that while Barack may not have backed the Proposition 8, he has repeatedly stated his opposition to gay marriage, believing marriage should be between a women and a man. However, Barack does believe in Civil Unions.

Most of the people that voted for Obama fell in love with him because of his adeptness to readily embark upon change. He wants to show that he has no boundaries. That we can all work together even if we don't agree on everything. Who knows maybe Warren and Obama will learn something from one another, and provide the rest of us with a way for us to view others as well.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gzvGCkk8NrhRtloI63tpl5ps1jRQD955BJ400

Mark Felt, who felt deeply about Nixon, dies at the age of 95.
"People will debate for a long time whether I did the right thing by helping Woodward," Felt wrote in his 2006 memoir, "A G-Man's Life: The FBI, `Deep Throat' and the Struggle for Honor in Washington." "The bottom line is that we did get the whole truth out, and isn't that what the FBI is supposed to do?"

My condolences go out to his family members and his friends in their time of loss.
https://www.guardiananytime.com/app3/wps/myportal

It's not a Ponzi scheme, but....Gas prices are up just in time for the Christmas Holiday travel time - hmmmm.
Is this the gas companies way of wishing us Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year? I don't like their gassy sense of humor - it stinks! After all, it's not supposed to be the gassiest time of the year; but the happiest. Momma isn't gonna be happy with this, and we all know what that means.

Speaking of Ponzi schemes ~
I was listening to a one of the Minneapolis radio stations this morning, they interviewed a lawyer who is representing a number of the people from Minneapolis area who invested with Bernard Madoff and have lost millions, maybe even as much as 1 billion.

One thing we can be pretty certain of is: Bernard was well versed in marketing 101. Here's how he used his wealth of marketing knowledge to build his wealth. There was an investment firm in Minneapolis who represented many of the well-to-do in Minneapolis. Unfortunately the owner of this firm developed brain cancer and was forced to close his business. Just about that time, he had heard about Bernard Madoff who had built quite a reputation for himself, so he referred some of his clients to him.

Bernard's return on investment was pretty good, in some cases it was 10-12%. It wasn't long before people were lining up to invest with him. (Fortunately the early investors received the return on their investments and took it home.) Bernard's marketing 101 soon kicked in and he started turing people away, thus creating a demand. Now it became something of notch in the old belt to say you were associated with Bernard. He had a product (himself) and he created a demand. The SEC whose job it was/is to provide regulation had inquires into this, but failed to regulate...unfortunately the rest is history in the making.

Up until Bernard Madoff, Tom Petters was known as the highest Ponzi scheme at 3 billion dollars. Madoff has now topped that with 50 Billion + counting. Unlike Petters, who has some assets (companies), Madoff does not.

Bottom line ~ don't put all your eggs in one basket and don't invest your life savings.

Embellish -The rainbow is more beautiful than the pot at the end of it.

Tom Petters and Bernard Madoff - made off with Millions, no make that Billions!

Food - I feel like dancing, dancing, dancing the night away! Tis the Season! More holiday partys to go to? Have I got an EASY appetizer for you to bring to your next gathering. This recipe was created by a friend of mine, Trisha. It is a twist on the old shrimp appetizer, but in place of the shrimp cocktail, you use BBQ sauce, we like a local flavor: BIG JAKE'S Apple Honey BBQ Sauce.The sweetness that the apple & honey brings to this bbq sauce, combined with the right combination of spices, makes this bbq sauce truly unique. Bring this appetizer to your next party, and you'll be asked back - guaranteed!

BIG JAKE’S Apple Honey ~ Shrimp Dip Appetizer
Ingredients:
1 8oz. pkg. Cream Cheese
1 sm. package raw small shrimp, thaw and drain
½- ¾ cup BIG JAKE’S APPLE HONEY NORTH WOODS STYLE BBQ SAUCE
Your choice of crackers.

Place cream cheese on plate. Pour desired amount of BIG JAKE’S APPLE HONEY BBQ sauce over cream cheese. Top with shrimp, serve with crackers.

Dish - Do either of these men look like someone you could trust?




Many people said yes, and did. But now they are wishing they would have said - NO! If you ask which one of these men is the worse of 2 evils, you would not have to wait long for an answer. It would be the evil one in which each investor invested money with/in. But, if we are measuring strictly in terms of the almighty dollar the answer would be a resounding: Bernard Madoff - to the tune of 50 Billion Dollars!

Instead of being called by his name, Mr. Madoff, they are calling him Mr. Made-off. As in, he made-off with all of their hard earned money! In both of the Ponzi schemes, investors who prided themselves as financially savvy, suddenly seemed gullible, as they were scammed by "one of their own." Much like "The Fonz," "The Ponz" are usually attractive, smart, charismatic, gregarious people who evoke trust; someone everyone immediately befriends, but in this case, later regrets.

It was all about a handshake and trusting someone. In many cases, the investors were wealthy in their own rights, and it could be safe to say they were not looking for any get rich quick type of investment. Sure it was about money, it usually is when you're investing. But it parlayed into so much more than that. It was a group of people who wanted to be a part of something BIG! They just didn't know how BIG it would be.

We can't really blame the investors for investing their money. I think we can all look back at a time in our lives (mine was this last Friday) when we trusted and believed in someone or something that we thought was a good deal. And in the back of our minds we may have thought "This is too good to be true." But who can pass up a good deal or a great investment? Thankfully, my trust, was not misplaced (this time) it proved to be well placed as I received the delivered goods. However, it could have turned out differently...."There but for the Grace of God Go I." This is not the first time, and it will, no doubt, be the last time that we will place our trust in people we "hope" will deliver. Because we are all human beings who believe in the good of mankind.

Life without hope is like being dead to all the possibilities that surround us. Let's just try to eliminate the risk factor by properly doing our homework.

Unlike "The Fonz" who wears a cool leather jacket and skin tight jeans, these two men will be trading in their fancy suits, for a blaze orange jumpsuit of their very own.

Read the headlines here! And get a view of the video interview of Tom Petter"s girlfriend, the mother of his 2 young sons, Tracy Mixon.
Savvy Investors Were Ponzi Scheme Victims. Bernard Madoff made off with the money; all 50 BILLION!
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/12/15/cbsnews_investigates/main4670729.shtml

Petters case ~ A Ponzi Scheme bilking 3 Billion from investors. He awaits his sentencing trial February 9, 2009.
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/12/02/petters_trialdate/?refid=0
Watch the WCCO exclusive interview of Tom Petter"s girlfriend Tracy Mixon being interviewed for the first time, with Tom Petters encouragement, of course.
http://www.wcco.com/video/?id=50693@wcco.dayport.com

Embellish - "I have never been a millionaire. but I have enjoyed a great meal, a crackling fire, a glorious sunset, a walk with a friend, a hug from a child, a cup of soup, a kiss behind the ear. There are plenty of life's tiny delights for all of us." - Jack Anthony

The Holiday Stress

Food - The Holidays can be a very stressful time of the year for most people. They should, however, be a time filled with friends and family enjoying each others company.

We live in a world that is filled with enormous amounts of pressures, some of which are brought on by ourselves, and the Holidays tend to add to the pressure. The stress usually begins with Thanksgiving, (although most people say this is their favorite holiday) for those who are hosting it, it can be somewhat stressful. But the real stress comes at Christmas time, and the weeks leading up to it. There is shopping that needs to be done, a meal that needs to be planned, cards that need to be sent out, the house that needs cleaned....and let's not forget, the stress of "What is everyone going to wear to Church?"

It needs not be filled with stress though. Rather, we can choose to slow down and enjoy it! We just need to remember what the Holidays mean, rather than what we turn them into.

If you're going to a party, here is a recipe for some Crab Turnovers. There, one less thing to plan.

Crab Turnovers
Ingredients:
3 T. unsalted butter
3 T. flour
1 C. Milk
1 lb. crabmeat, decartliged, drained. (I used the pure white crabmeat from the meat department, (not imatation) but it can range anywhere from 8.99-15.99 per can.)
2 T. green onions, chopped
2 T. parsley
8 sheets filo dough
Cayenne Pepper to taste
salt and pepper to taste

In medium saucepan, melt butter over med. heat, stirring with a wire whisk add flour and milk; bring to boil and cook until it thickens. Remove from heat, add crabmeat, onions, parsley, and salt, pepper and cayenne pepper to taste. Let cool to room temp.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly butter cookie sheet.
(see below instructions for time saving and fancier versions) Take 1 filo sheet 12 x 16" and lay it out on counter, tear or cut the sheet in half veritically. Brush each smaller sheet with melted butter. Fold it vertically in half and then width wise in half. You will end up with about 4 x 6" square. Brush 1" of the right side of the square with melted butter and fold this part over. Take a scoop of crab mixture and place in the center of the square, spreading it out a bit. Fold the square to make a triangle, pressing seams together. Repeat this step until all 8 sheets of filo are gone. Bake for 15-25 minutes or until slightly golden brown. Remove from oven, let cool slightly and serve.

(For a time saving version of these crab turnovers, you can buy the Wonton skins or wrappers in the produce department of most grocery stores. Take one Wonton wrapper and brush edges with melted butter, place crab mixture in center and fold diagonally to make a triangle; bake until slightly golden brown. For a fancier version ~ take one Wonton wraper, cut into about 1/8 inch strips to use as ties, set aside. Take one Wonton wrapper and brush edges with melted butter, place crab mixture in center and pull up all sides to make a purse, tie with set aside Wonton strip.) Bake as until slightly golden brown.

Dish - The wonderful world of...airports.
As I make my way back to the land of "colder," from California, I arrive at the airport early enough to "people watch." Whenever I am at LAX I always think I will have my brush with someone famous. My husband had a brush with the famous model, Claudia Shiffer, he literally brushed her back-side. (Should I be worried about this, or was it really an accident as he states?, 'I guess my 'back side' just wasn't good enough.'" (Sometimes I just crack myself up!)

My brush, however, was not quite so seductive, nor did I even realize I was having a brush. Mine was a conversation with Sandra Lee, the star of Semi-Home Cooking Show, and I didn't even know who she was. ("I, I, I, didn't know who I was with," as said by, The God Mother - me.) We were discussing, none other than food, and she told me she has her own cooking show. I was limited on time and didn't want to insult her by admitting that I didn't have a clue who she was, so I did what any "nice Mid-Western" gal does, I faked that I knew who she was, and upon landing home I immediately Googled the Food Network Channel for a face that matched hers. Does it qualify as a brush with fame if you didn't know it at the time?

Top 3 reasons I love getting to the airport really early when I travel:
# 3. Set-up camp.
# 2. Visit all the stores that intrigue me, and holler my wallet by name.
And the # 1 reason: People watch.

As I partake in my delight of the views that surround me, I am acutely aware that there are some really beautiful people walking the face of this earth (I am not amongst this camp.) There are some very average looking people (I am in this camp.) And then there are some "unique looking people."


Where we fall in this ranking is purely a matter of genes and luck. The older I get, the more I see the beauty in everyone (hence the category "unique looking," rather than odd, unattractive, or ugly.) Maybe that is a testament to the adage: "The older one gets, the wiser one gets.

"My husband and I spotted an older gentlemen and his wife (in their 70's) and my husband said to me: "That's me when I get old, and there you are wearing those old lady pants." To which I replied: "I hope we still travel when we get old, and you can carry my Vera Bradley Bag for me, just like he is for his wife." How cute is that! "Oh the wonderful world of travel!"

I'm back!

Baby it's cold outside, but not quite as cold as those who leave in the east....
Ice storms leave New Englanders in dark
Those northeast winds really began to blow and than it started to snow and now it has turned into an ice storm, leaving thousand of people cold and in the dark.
http://www.usatoday.com/weather/storms/winter/2008-12-14-northeast-ice-storm-power-outages_N.htm

Embellish - Time spent with cats is never wasted.

What to serve as a side dish? Guess who may be coming for dinner? It could well be the Govenor's wife....or Clay Aiken!

Food - You've got the main dish already prepared in your mind, but you cannot for the life of you decide what to make as a side dish. Here is a great hash brown recipe from The St. Paul Grill, located in St. Paul, MN. These hash browns are so crispy and good, they are the perfect compliment to any fine cut of meat or breakfast dish you're serving. We serve these for Christmas with Prime Rib.

St. Paul Grill Hash Brown Potatoes
1 lb. Fresh Hash Brown Potatoes
1 oz. White Onion Chopped
2 oz. Bacon Chopped
3 oz. Clarified Butter

Heat butter in 8” Teflon saute pan
Add ½ potatoes, spread onion and bacon evenly over surface
Top with remaining potatoes
Brown to crispy on both sides for about 10 minutes
Serve hot from the pan on serving plate.

Dish - Suspicous minds want to know: Do you ever pick up a penny believing it will bring you good luck? Or do you let it lay right where it was dropped if - it's "tails" side up? Some people believe the "tails" side up will do the opposite of heads - bring you bad luck - not me. (but then I own a black cat too.) A penny found, is a, well, a penny found - and into my piggy bank it goes! My momma didn't raise no fool. She taught me to never look at a gift-penny on the ground, and not pick it up! Plus, I am NOT one of those "straight up now" kinda people, "I am more of the "hit me with your best shot" type. Heads, tails, sideways, it don't matter to me - just give me the MONEY!

Do you ever....get a fortune cookie, only for the "luck of 'fortune'" it may bring? And what happens when you get 2 fortunes in one fortune cookie? Will you be extra-fortunate? Will both fortunes come true? If this is true, I hate to think of what happens when you don't get a fortune in your cookie.

Or..... do you ever....pull a wish bone, actually believing your wish will come true if you end up with the larger portion of the wish bone? Leaving the person who got the short end of the bone, feeling like a turkey!

I must admit, I have done all of the above; heck, I have even crossed fingers, knees, and toes.

Minneapolis gossip ~ Minneapolis' tie to American Idol! Randy Kelly, guess who may be coming for dinner? http://www.starmagazine.com/clay_aiken_dating_reed_kelly/news/14947

Obama calls on Illinois governor to resign ~ It is quite obvious that Democratic Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich did not pick up enough pennies, because his luck has just done run out! He doesn't have enough money in his piggy bank to buy his way out of this one! We all know that - because he was trying to get his wife a job. Anyway you flip the coin, it's not coming up heads or tails, it's landing sideways and rolling down the street into the Chicago sewer system where all the other stinky things reside. (I'm just glad it's not Minnesota's Govenor their talking about - remember Jesse Ventura?)

PS - They should have sent the re-enforcer, OPRAH, to ask for the governors resignation. http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/10/obama.blagojevich/index.html

The News on foreclosures ~ CNN Money reports "Foreclosures dip, but hold the applause!"
~ NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Foreclosure filings dropped 7% from October to November, according a report released Thursday. But don't break out the bubbly. The tide of foreclosures may be ebbing now, but the flood isn't over yet.
"There are several indications that this lower activity is simply a temporary lull before another foreclosure storm hits in the coming months," James Saccacio, Realty Trac's CEO, said in a statement. ~
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We all know, and understand, that the media is in the industry of "reporting the news" to the masses, but somewhere along the line, it went from "reporting" to "sensationalizing." The theory behind all of this sensationalizing, is to simply create a love/hate relationship with the "masses," thus being you and I. They have figured how to report the news in a way that grabs our attention - sensationalizing achieves just that! And the media, knows and understands, that we are a generation that lives for out-of -the-box thinking. (We love them for this) Out with the ordinary, in with the new - we want something unique and sensational!

When the media is discussing what works, and what doesn't, amongst themselves they say: "We'll give them sensational, addictive news." "They'll hate us in the beginning, but we will get'em in the end." (We hate them for this.) What are we going to do, sue them?

I say - applause this dip in the foreclosure rates and don't worry about when it may end, it's positive and that's enough for me! http://money.cnn.com/2008/12/11/real_estate/foreclosures_sink/index.htm

Embellish - Be a light that shines brightly ~ Dawn Erickson

The Govenor (no, not Arnold) ~ What's Oprah got to do with it?

Food - Have you been pondering how many ways you can cook hamburger? I thought so. I have the answer; it's 365. At least that's what the cook book I recently bought says. "365 Ways to Cook Hamburger."

One of the ways quickly grabbed my appetite. Olive Meat Loaf. I have adapted the recipe and made it into BBQ Olive Meat Loaf. BBQ - it's not just for summer anymore!

BBQ Olive Meat Loaf
Ingredients:
1 lb. hamburger
1 lb. ground lean pork (I used veal)
1 1/2 cups chopped olives
2 cups soft bread crumbs
1 cup cottage cheese
1 egg slightly beaten
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 Sm. can French's onion strings
BIG JAKE'S Hickory Honey BBQ Sauce http://www.big-jakes.com/

Mix all ingredients except BBQ sauce and onion straws. Place in a greased loaf pan, top with BBQ sauce and sprinkle with onion straws. Bake for 1 hr at 350 degrees. Serves 8.

Dish - It's here! Winter that is. For those of us who live in the great state of Minnesota, we got our 1st "real" glistening of snow fall on Friday, December 4Th, just in time to slide into the Christmas Holiday Season. Those old North winds really began to blow as Mother Nature so kindly gifted us with flurries galore. The actual accumulation did not break any records, mind you, a mere 2" in all. It added just enough pure white snow to cover the yards, streets and driveways. (Some would point out that the dusting is nothing more than a nuisance; as the "chore" of shoveling is now needed, a chore mind you that some people say is about as dumb as picking up dog poop.) I say let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! (I don't own a dog, and I like shoveling.)

I feel like I am Dorthy in the Wizard of Oz. I put on a pair of UGG boots, clicked my heels together twice and repeated the wish: Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! And, It magically appeared! (Over the weekend we ended up getting up to 8-10 inches.) Oh, if it were only that easy to get the things we wished for we would all be changing our names to Dorthy.

I, myself, think the snow is beautiful! If you were not in the Christmas Spirit, this blanket of snowfall will surely help you get in the mood. Even, Scourge, himself would not be able to deny the beauty, splendor, wonder, and innocence that this pure white snow brings to this Magical Season!

OPRAH On OPRAH ~ "I'm embarrassed," she writes in the next issue of O magazine on shelves December 16Th.

"I'm embarrassed," she writes. "I can't believe that after all these years, all the things I know how to do, I'm still talking about my weight. I look at my thinner self and think, `How did I let this happen again?"

Ms.Foodie on OPRAH: I said to myself; self, why does this sound so familiar? Haven't I heard this somewhere before? I know - my very own mother has said those same words all of her life! As I listened to all the "talk" on the radio today about OPRAH Winfrey, I had a "Ah-ha - Dawned" on me moment. I now know why I don't like fad-diets! My mother spent most of her adult life on one fad-diet after another. The grapefruit diet, cabbage soup diet, banana diet, Atkins diet, high fiber diets, no carb diet, juicing, fasting, Weight Watchers, etc... I hate to say, my Mother is still overweight (sorry Mom.) Which proves diets don't work!

Good thing because I never done deprivation very well. I have never been good at giving anything up, at least things I love, that is. I lack the discipline needed to cut out - FOOD.

It was years of Yo-yO-InG ago, that OPRAH Winfrey shed enough weight (67 lb.s to be exact) that she brought a wagon full of butter on stage to symbolize all the "fat" she had lost. Only to mutter these words: "I had literally starved myself for four months - not a morsel of food," Winfrey recalled in 2005. "Two hours after that show, I started eating to celebrate - of course, within two days those jeans no longer fit!"

Now - her goal isn't to be thin. Her goal is to be the weight her body can hold (that's a scary thought, hasn't it been able to hold up to 237 lbs. before?) —to be strong and healthy and fit, to be itself. Her goal is to learn to embrace her body and to be grateful every day for what it has given me.

The answer to this weighted problem is as obvious as the nose on our face: moderation and exercise. But we ALL know how simple that is to say and how hard it is to do. We can do it for a day, a week, a month, heck even a year - sometimes - until "Mr./Mrs. Nasty" rears it's ugly mouth and wants to eat everything in sight! Soon we have lost our drive to exercise and the pounds start packing on. And we, too, find our selves asking: how did this happen? I really don't think we need an answer to that question - we all know the truth - even Oprah knows. We just want to send this question out into the cosmic void hoping a different answer will come back to us.

I truly believe that every one's body has a set weight it wants to be at and no matter how hard one tries to be a different size, we always end up back at our target weight. One of the problems with this target weight is the target keeps moving, it gets higher as we get older. (my aim sucks.)

Maybe by Oprah embracing her body and being grateful for what it has given her, she can move on and love herself for who she is, not how thin she is. It should be about health, not size. I'm just glad she decided to wait until after the 1st of the year to start!
(Maybe Oprah could get her exercise today by walking over to the Governor's office and whip him into shape. If anyone can do it, Oprah can!)

http://www.oprah.com/article/omagazine/200901_omag_oprah_weight

Do you think our society places to much "weight" on our body size?

Embellish - Where there is no struggle, there is no strength. ~ Oprah Winfrey

O.J. Simpson found Guilty! What am I guilty of ?

Food - I have been found guilty of over indulgence these last few weeks and I am sorry to say, that it is likely to continue in the near future with the Christmas Season upon us.

When I was young, I thought everyone in California, warm weather and all, was thin. Not so true. Sorry, Califor-neigh-A's. Take a look around you if you don't think I carry my "weight" in the truth dept.

All I know is, I have been here a few days and I'm not any thin-ner. As a matter-of-fact I think my Thanksgiving meal pounds were late for dinner - and they have now arrived - I hate those uninvited guests, such pests. (Or it could be the cake shown here from Sweet Jill's Bakery in Seal Beach? - Yummy!) As I walk down the streets (more like waddle and gobble, too much Thanksgiving day meal, and cake, remember?), I am passed by workers on their lunch breaks who, well, are bigger than I am, and I live in the land of, not under, but colder, don'tcha know? Now, I am not saying there are no thin people who live in California, NO I would never say that, but shouldn't they all be thin if you live in a warmer climate?

For those of you who live in California maybe it's all that: "California knows how to party" that could tip the scales a bit higher. Or the fact that you all really "have to have a job" contrary to what the rest of the world's believes; that you get to play all day, and spend the entire day at the beach. ~You know, all that fun in the Sun, it's a day at the beach theories. Songs like Cheryl Crow's "I just want to soak up the sun," or The Beach Boys "Surfing USA" start playing in my mind. Don't hate us, we're just jealous, that's all.

Maybe, it depends on the part of California you visit. For I have been to San Diego, Rodeo Drive to be exact, and it is a whole other body type there - mostly silicone!

Seriously though, I thought I would come out here and shed a few pounds; this little get-away would be the magic diet, but NOPE. Being the Mid- Westerner that I am, I am still in the "hunker down" mode of winter, even when I'm in California. You know how they say: "You can take the girl out of the country, but you can't take country out of the girl." Here is my parody: "You can take the girl out of the Midwest, but you can't take the "hunker down" out of the girl." I thought you would like that one!

The one thing I know I'm not doing while I'm here in California is... running to my car before I freeze to death. Maybe that's explains why I haven't shed a few pounds? --Doubt it. Conclusion - we all like to eat no matter where we call home, or visit.

Why don't you weigh in on this topic? Come on step on the scale - I dare you to!

Dish - The O.J. saga continues....Oh what a difference a verdict can make! Take a look back at the trial of the century that polarized so much of the nation with the murders of Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman, the white bronco chase, and the arrogant look on the defendants face throughout the trial and his jubilation upon the reading of an innocent verdict.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/12/05/oj.simpson.sentencing/#cnnSTCOther1O.J.

Simpson found guilty! It was 13 years ago today that he stood trial for the Murders of Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman....2008 he stands trial for Hotel Robbery; it took the jury 13 hours of deliberation, is this a coincidence of is someone sending him a message? 13 is not his lucky number. The message is: if you do the crime, you do the time. http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/10/04/oj.simpson.verdict/index.html#cnnSTCVideo

Now, he says he's sorry! Where where those emotions 13 years ago when his wife and friend were murdered? He didn't even shed a tear or show any remorse in the court room, only a smug, arrogant look was displayed on his face. Is this karma? I'm sure the Goldman's think it's JUSTICE! The judge in the trial said she explained to jurors of this trial that this is in no way to be a pay back for the trial that took place in 1995, but one has to wonder what role that trial and subsequent ones played in this verdict. If you take a look at the timeline chart on this video page, O. J. Simpson has been involved in one trial or another since the 1995 trial, I guess it was only a matter of time before your luck runs out and you have to pay the jail cell a visit. http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/12/05/oj.simpson.sentencing/#cnnSTCVideo


Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
Is too much of a good thing, too much? In this case it is. What started out as a dusting of the pure white snow glistening ever so beautifully on the trees, yards, and roadways, quickly turned into a nuisance and wreaked havoc on the Twin Cities this past weekend! Two deaths were reported after Friday's 2 inch snow fall and with more snow falling into the weekend the injuries just kept piling up. http://kstp.com/article/stories/S695197.shtml?cat=1


Calling all Will Smith fans ~ Will Smith will be in Minneapolis for the debut of his "Seven Pounds" movie. Will will donate 100 turkeys to the Second Harvest Food Bank.
http://kstp.com/article/stories/S695366.shtml?cat=1

Embellish - Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without words and never stops at all.

Does this make "Scents" to you?

Food - Ooooh that smell, can't you smell that smell? For the "scent" of it all.....we researched what affect color has on food, now we will research the affect that the "smell or scent" has on our food choices.

We invite you to follow your nose, where ever it goes (well, maybe not) and help us explore whether or not if all this sniffing around, makes good 'scents' to you. People's noses in the work place have had many strong reactions to co-workers indulgences in popcorn and tuna, but I know of few have ever complained about the smell of warmed chocolate chip cookies.

A cats appetite is stimulated primarily by the sense of smell. Any food with a strong aroma trigger the appetite. And warm food smells more than cold. So let's get it heated in here -Meow!

But if smell alone were to dictate our food choices, how could we possibly explain the overweight person who has no sense of smell? And does "The Aroma Patch" hold any clues as to the strong impact that the smell of food has on us? Some. "In scientific research, people preferred sweet smells, and strongly sweet scents such as chocolate often triggered feelings of hunger and led to over eating or binge eating, while “neutral” sweet smells (including banana, green apple, vanilla, and peppermint) actually curbed appetite."

Here are some of my whiff preferment's:
Tuna - ewe!
Popcorn - poppin!
Sauerkraut - p-ewe!
Lutefish - ish!
Freshly baked cookies or cake- Yum-mo!
Hot dogs - come'on dawg, that stinks!
Pizza - yeah baby!
Turkey - carve it!
Steamed Cauliflower/Broccoli - healthy!
BBQ sauce - saucy!
Baked potato - that's hot!
Fried Food - grease never smelled so good!
Bread - I'm loaving it!
Chocolate - I think I died and went to Heaven!
Hard boiled eggs - stinky!

But really, I think, it is a combination of: smell, color, taste, and texture that really gets ones appetite starving for another bite.

Dish - FM107 listeners - Stephanie has made a post on her blog, click below to view it!
http://gabster.fm1071.com/stephanie/blog/

India's home minister resigns over Mumbi attacks
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/e1ccc782-bd7e-11dd-bba1-0000779fd18c.html

Following the case of the 8 year old boy accused of murder!
http://news.aol.com/article/deal-offered-to-boy-8-in-murder-case/260733

Embellish - Fake it till you make it! Act as if!