Happy Halloween From the staff and Management of Solitary Views!
Kids - Remember only take candy from those you know and trust.
And Adults, If you are going to that big Halloween Costume Party, Remember to take a cab home or arrange safe transportation if you are going to be drinking!
The word itself, "Halloween," actually has its origins in the Catholic Church. It comes from a contracted corruption of All Hallows Eve. November 1, "All Hollows Day" (or "All Saints Day"), is a Catholic day of observance in honor of saints. But, in the 5th century BC, in Celtic Ireland, summer officially ended on October 31. The holiday was called Samhain (pronounced sow-in), which means "end of summer", the Celtic New year.
Trick for Treat
The custom of trick or treating probably has several origins. During Samhain, the Druids believed that the dead would play tricks on mankind and cause panic and destruction. They had to be appeased, so country folk would give the Druids food as they visited their homes.
An old Irish peasant practice called for going door to door to collect money, breadcake, cheese, eggs, butter, apples, etc., in preparation for the festival of St. Columb Kill.
Also a ninth-century European custom called souling. On November 2, All Souls Day, early Christians would walk from village to village begging for "soul cakes" made out of square pieces of bread with currants. The more soul cakes the beggars would receive, the more prayers they would promise to say on behalf of the dead relatives of the donors. At the time, it was believed that the dead remained in limbo for a time after death, and that prayer, even by strangers, could expedite a soul's passage to heaven.
Did You Know...
- A traditional food eaten on Halloween is barnbrack, a kind of fruitcake that can be bought in stores or baked at home. A muslin-wrapped treat is baked inside the cake that, it is said, can foretell the eater's future. If a ring is found, it means that the person will soon be wed; a piece of straw means that a prosperous year is on its way.
When the Celts were absorbed by the Roman Empire, many rituals of Roman origin began. Among them was the worship of Pomona, goddess of the harvest, often portrayed sitting on a basket of fruits and flowers. Apples were the sacred fruit of the goddess, and many games of divination involving them entered the Samhain customs.
The Witch's Broomstick:
The witch is a central symbol of Halloween. The name comes from the Saxon wica, meaning wise one. When setting out for a Sabbath, witches rubbed a sacred ointment onto their skin. This gave them a feeling of flying, and if they had been fasting they felt even giddier. Some witches rode on horseback, but poor witches went on foot and carried a broom or a pole to aid in vaulting over streams. In England when new witches were initiated they were often blindfolded, smeared with flying ointment and placed on a broomstick. The ointment would confuse the mind, speed up the pulse and numb the feet. When they were told "You are flying over land and sea," the witch took their word for it.
Jack-O-Lanterns:
Irish children used to carve out potatoes or turnips and light them for their Halloween gatherings. They commemorated Jack, a shifty Irish villain so wicked that neither God nor the Devil wanted him. Rejected by both the sacred and profane, he wandered the world endlessly looking for a place to rest, his only warmth a glittering candle in a rotten turnip. Read about Jack in the 'Legend of the Jack-O-Lantern' short story.
Did You Know...
- The Irish Potato Famine (1845-50) prompted over 700,000 people to immigrate to the Americas. These immigrants brought with them their traditions of Halloween and Jack o'Lanterns, but turnips were not as readily available as back home. They found the American pumpkin to be a more than an adequate replacement. Today, the carved pumpkin is perhaps the most famous icon of the holiday.
From earliest times people wore masks when droughts or other disasters struck. They believed that the demons who had brought their misfortune upon them would become frightened off by the hideous masks. Even after the festival of Samhain had merged with Halloween, Europeans felt uneasy at this time of the year. Food was stored in preparation for the winter and the house was snug and warm. The cold, envious ghosts were outside, and people who went out after dark often wore masks to keep from being recognised.
Pumpkin Facts
- In 1584, after French explorer Jacques Cartier explored the St. Lawrence region of North America, he reported finding "gros melons." The name was translated into English as "pompions," which has since evolved into the modern "pumpkin."
- Pumpkins have been grown in North America for five thousand years. They are indigenous to the western hemisphere.
- Pumpkins are fruits. A pumpkin is a type of squash and is a member of the gourd family (Cucurbitacae), which include squash, cucumbers, gherkins, and melons.
- Pumpkin seeds should be planted between the last week of May and the middle of June. They take between 90 and 120 days to grow and are picked in October when they are bright orange in color. Their seeds can be saved to grow new pumpkins the next year.
- 2007 New World Record! In what has become an annual event, the world record has fallen once more. The largest pumpkin ever grown stands at 1,680 pounds. It was grown by Joe Jutras of Rhode Island. It was weighed in on October 7, 2007 at the Rhode Island Weigh-off.
The Real Mr. Lance, My Dad
December 5, 1940 - October 19, 1993
(You = My Dad) Sorry I am not talking about you.?!?
When I was a kid, (thinking) about 5 - 7 years old.
I remember when we would go out for family dinners...
We would go to A&W, we would always have the same table as-if you called ahead to reserve. I would have a fish burger, it was always too hot, you would stand the patty up and let it cool. Onion Ring's were our favorite.
I go to this A&W now with my family, and sometimes Mom, we sit in the same booth, and although Fish is no longer on the menu, I stand My son's patty up when it is to hot.
We would go to Wendy's, again we had our own table. although I do not remember what we would eat, I remember that you always made sure I got that new cool toy.
The pop was always too cold and hurt my thought, you told me to drink slower. (it worked)
We would go to the mall food court, You would always go to EDO Japan, Mom and I would go to donair & pasta. they sold really large slices of pizza.
Funny thing? I never ate at EDO Japan, ever. in over 16 years because I looked at it as your place to eat. I finally broke that this year, and I have been 3 times.
I remember the house you built for us...
Everyone loved it, the perfect size for us. you made me a sand box under the deck, I loved it. It was my favorite place to play (besides the playground across the road.)
If it ever goes up for sale again, I'm going to buy it, and move my family in.
I drive by this house every once and a while
Everyday I still miss my Dad, Now I have my own son, and I have big shoes to Fill, often I remember things we did together when I am doing things with Aden. it is remarkable how much impact you had on me in such a short time.
I miss you Dad!
Please place this badge on your site as a reminder to others who may not know about the movement.
Here is the accompanying link with new globe templates and complete instructions.
The video is here. Feel free to embed it on your site:
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Mimi Lenox
From: Mimi Lenox
|
This is a snippet from the Prologue of LOST... DEAD SPACE. My editor is out of town for the moment with limited access to her email and has not had a chance to proof read the Prologue or chapter one. (I don't want to look like an idiot you know!)
But here is a small snip from the beginning (of the book. it is a letter that Cameron Jackson receives:
Dear Cameron Jackson,
Thank you for accepting the request and joining us at our compound. I realize that you must be confused at this point; I will try now to give you some insight on who we are and what we need from you. I will get right to the point.
In August 1995 a ship crashed on the western edge of Greenland, it is about the size of a bus and of alien origin. It went un-detected by surrounding government radar. We were already in the area doing research and since the craft went unclaimed we decided it was up for grabs. Due to a shield the craft was virtually undamaged. The shield lost power shortly after the crash.
It was immediately transported to what is now our compound, and is housed 100 feet underground in a large lab dedicated to its research. The history of who we are is a topic for latter discussion and is seemingly unimportant to discuss now. The craft is only known about by about 40 people today.
After 14 years of research and slowly learning about this craft, we have recently discovered that it is genetically operated; certain DNA is needed as sort of a key.
After hacking into confidential medical files and searching out the DNA markers we need, we have found that you are the only person out of the 300 thousand files that we looked through that has all nine markers necessary to operate the crafts functions.
The helicopter carrying Jackson, Richard, and Heather takes off
and heads for the Compound in the Northwest Territories.
Jackson was told about his special DNA makeup that made him one of only a handful of people that could go.
What a bad day it turned out to be as Jackson stood in dead space on top of one of the hangers of the badly damaged ship. Clearly it was not going to be able to travel much more. He must jump ship.
Now without food or water, Jackson finds himself on a planet. Alone and in the cold.
All he wants to do is get home.
JOIN SOLITARY VIEWS WEDNESDAY NIGHT AND READ MR. LANCE'S: LOST... DEAD SPACE
*********************************
Cheers,
Mr. Lance
Blogged on the go from mr. lance's smartphone.
Exclusively on Solitary Views
BURGER.....
I need to know where to find a Wicked Burger! Every city or town must have the best place to get a burger... Right?... Maybe? Or maybe you make one hell of a burger? either way I would really like to know about it!
Tell me about it by sending an email to Chef@solitaryviews.net
or leave a comment right here! whatever you prefer.
Your Burger and Name could be featured on SV and perhaps even put on a menu as a feature!
Now that we got that out of the way, lets talk about the worlds largest burger...
Denny's Beer Barrel Pub Says It Has World's Largest Burger:
"Weighing in at 123 pounds, this giant burger features an 80-pound beef patty, a 30-pound bun, 12 tomatoes and 160 slices of cheese. Denny's Beer Barrel Pub also throws on a pound each of lettuce, ketchup, mustard and mayo -- and up to five onions. The menu price for the Beer Barrel Main Event Charity Burger comes to $379." it does have to be pre-ordered.
If you think the photo on the left looks terrifying, go see the larger version on the Denny's Beer Barrel Pub homepage—it made me feel queasy, which I assure you is not an easy feat. I wonder if it comes with sides?
We are sorry, Chef Lance did not get a chance to get to the chicken.
I spent 4 hours this morning trying to change the battery in my SUV, Then grocery shopping, Dinner with the family at the Farm. Then more shopping,
Who the hell invented thanksgiving anyway?
We will be back tomorrow!
(CNN) — President Barack Obama made history again on Friday, winning the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize for his “extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.”
The Norwegian Nobel Committee recognized Obama’s efforts at dialogue to solve complex global problems.
Obama’s recognition comes less than a year after he became the first African-American to win the White House.
The announcement came as a surprise — Obama’s name had not been mentioned among front-runners — and the roomful of reporters in Oslo, Norway, gasped when he was named.
Former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari, last year’s Peace Prize laureate, said it was clear the Nobel committee wanted to encourage Obama on the issues he has been discussing on the world stage.
“I see this as an important encouragement,” Ahtisaari said.
The committee wanted to be “far more daring” than in recent times and make an impact on global politics, said Kristian Berg Harpviken, director of the International Peace Research Institute.
Wangari Muta Maathai, the Kenyan who won the 2004 Peace Prize, said Obama’s win will help Africa move forward.
“I think it is extraordinary,” she said. “It will be even greater inspiration for the world. He has shown how we can probably come together, work together in a cooperative way.”
The award comes at a crucial time for Obama, who currently has administration officials dispatched on global peace missions.
Obama’s envoy to the Middle East, George Mitchell, has returned to the region to advocate for peace negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians. Mitchell met Thursday with Israeli President Shimon Peres. He plans to meet Friday with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before talking with Palestinian leaders in the West Bank.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton starts a six-day trip to Europe and Russia on Friday. On the trip, the secretary will discuss the next steps on Iran and North Korea, and international efforts to have the two countries end their nuclear programs.
The centerpiece of the trip will be her visit to Moscow, where she will work toward an agreement to take the place of the Start II arms control pact, which expires December 5. She also will address the new bilateral presidential commission that is working on a broad range of issues, from arms control to health.
Obama became the third sitting president U.S. president to win the prestigious prize. Jimmy Carter was the fourth American leader to win, but he was long out of office when he was recognized in 2002.
This year’s Peace Prize nominees included 172 people and 33 organizations, the highest number of nominations ever.
The Nobel recipient receives a prize of about $1.4 million
Welcome to Solitary Views on a Thursday, Today: Ask and she shall receive. A new blog called Starquest written by Michelle has asked that we write a meme. That's exactly what what was on the agenda today so, here we go:
just a few random questions which random bloggers might answer to keep random people like myself entertained (be truthful)
1. If you are in a current relationship and there is someone out there who loves you ...would you want to know?
I would not want to know if I would have to break her hart, I would want to know if I had feelings for her too... Tough one!
2. Who sent you the first email you recieved today and what was it about?
The first email I got today was from Abdul Haboddi We wanted me to send him $1000.00 so that in 6 months I could get two million and split it with him. (he works at the bank) Now where did I put my cheque book?
3. what is the most devious thing you have done to someone?
Because I do not what to get sued, I will take you back to 8 years old, It was -27 *c outside and I wanted revenge, so I found a fire hose, hooked it up to a hydrant, hid behind a wall, and hosed everyone down as they got off the school bus. Then I ran like hell. (I have done worse but as I said I don't want to get sued.)
4. Have you intentionally hurt a friends feelings ? what was the situation?
When I was in High school, a Friend of mine was head over heals from this girl he finally got the nerve to ask to the big dance, said girl annoyed me, But I bought her flowers and convened her to go with me instead. The friend of mine asked for it when he got caught cheating on a test off of me and we both got in trouble.
5. Given a free night to sleep with any celebrity you choose ...who would it be?
Kate Hudson
Kate Hudson launched a law suit against me, she says I was stalking, I say it was admiring..
.
7. Whats the name of the last book you read?
Dan Brown's 'Lost Symbol'
8. Is there anyone you truely hate?
Only one person, grrrr. Unfortunately, I must keep her nameless for the next 15 years, then I will tell you all about it!
9. If you could move somewhere , where would you move and why?
Australia, I have been working on it for the last two years. I want to box a kangaroo!
10. what are you thinking this very minute?
I need another Vodka / Coke
Friday On Solitary Views, Chef Lance Does Chicken! (get your mind out of the gutter)
Cheers!
Almost everyone I know, If not Everyone, has been touched by some form of Cancer, Weather it be themselves or a family member. Would it not be amazing if a major breakthrough was announced?
I wanted to make it known that today, I was thinking of the victims, survivors, family, friends, and anyone else.
Too many people are getting sick and dieing.
I recived an email today, and although I am not a religions Man, it touched me. this was the only thing in the message body:
93% won't forward a small request.. Just one line
Dear God, I pray for a cure for cancer. Amen
All you are asked to do is keep this circulating, even if it's only to one more person.
This one was hard to ignore.
Taking blogging to the next level, this post is the final test for our mobile blogging. Now we can blog whereever we go.
I don't have anything good to talk about (did i mention this was a test?)
TTFN
*********************************
Cheers,
Mr. Lance
Blogged on the go from mr. lance's smartphone.
Exclusively on Solitary Views
The Snow Starts to fly in Grande Prairie.
Mr. Lance (mobile)
Sent in from Rogers SmartPhone
Mr. Lance (mobile)
Sent in from Rogers SmartPhone
Our Queen has a lot to deal with these days, and It seems that her real life is keeping her from her other one.
That's OK, SV understands! But what happens when no Tuesday meme is posted from the castle?
That's easy! We Create the Best Of Post!
I grabbed this meme from Mimi's Blog Mimi Writes:
Now Because The Queen's meme is only 7 questions, and because I am feeling kind of lazy today, let's stick with that. I grabbed the first seven questions
Feel free to play along if you like!
If our Queen get's a meme up, you will find it here on Wednesday.
Hurry Back My Queen, you are missed!
Tuesday, May 12 2009
Monday Mimisms: Cabbage Is So Yesterday (Click here to Read Mimi's version)
First thing you wash in the shower?
That would be my face. you thought I was going to say penis! no?
What color is your favorite hoodie?
Did you know that in Saskatchewan they call hoodie's "bunny hugs" I have no idea why!?!? It's Gray
Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?
By law I am obligated to, that's what happens when you get married!
Do you plan outfits?
No, I just wear the first pant and shirt combination that fits and is clean, it's not as easy as it sounds!
How are you feeling RIGHT now?
Hungary, confused, maybe a little drunk.
What's the closest thing to you that's red?
The water gun I am going to use to take over the world..... It's possible
Tell me about the last dream you remember having?
My mother reads my blog, but if you wish, grab a penthouse forum, it is comparable!
Cheer's and Happy Tuesday!
The Many Deaths of Daniel Jackson
October is Stargate Month on Solitary Views!
October 5 - 10: Youtube features SG1
October is Stargate Month on Solitary Views!
No it is not geeky!
Although We do not yet know If Stargate Universe is worthy of the brand name. Join SV as we celebrate the New Series, (and the 3rd installment in the Stargate saga) with Robert C. Cooper and Brad Wright, (Creators of Stargate)
Throughout the Month of October, Sv will feature Video's, Biography's, secrets, and much more from throughout the years.
It Starts today! 6:00 PM MST, We will feature a look at the deaths of Daniel Jackson
From Youtube be sure to check back later!
Sunday Stealing: The Starrlight Meme
1. What was the last thing you put in your mouth?
Ummm, ahhh, ummm..... That's personal!
2. Where was your profile picture taken?
I have a lot of them, some come from a lab, others from around the world, Chef Lance was taken in a professional kitchen
3. Can you play Guitar Hero?
I never have, but I can do anything you can do better!
4. Name someone who made you laugh today. What was it about?
A Newfie cook I know, he always cracks me up!
5. How late did you stay up last night and why?
I was sick all day and stayed in bed, so I guess the answer is 11 pm the day before yesterday!
6. If you could move somewhere else where would you and why?
Australia Such a beautiful place!
7. Ever been kissed under fireworks?
I don't remember, maybe, I'll ask.
8. Which of your friends lives closest to you?
Friends?
9. Do you believe ex's can be friends? With benefits?
Never has worked out for me yet, but I will keep you posted.
10. Do you like Dr. Pepper?
*barf
11. When was the last time you cried really hard? Really hard as opposed to just sniveling?
That's classified, you would have to sign a non-disclosure agreement!
12. Who took your profile picture?
My Wife, Ashley
13. Who was the last person you took a picture of?
Page 47 of this months Penthouse magazine
14. Was yesterday better than today? Why?
I was sick! and still am.
15. Can you live a day without TV?
Easy, I do it all the time.
16. Are you upset about anything now?
I'm sick and now getting pissed off because I keep getting reminded.
17. Do you think relationships are ever really worth it?
TBA
18. Are you a bad influence?
Nope, just a rebel!
19. Night out or night in?
Out, I like it there!
20. What items could you not go without during the day?
Coffee and smokes!
21. Who was the last person you visited in the hospital?
Everyone I visit in the hospital dies shortly after, needless to say I stopped visiting!
22. What does the last text message in your inbox say?
"how dare you ditch me you SOB"
23. How do you feel about your life right now?
I'll feel better when I win the lottery!
24. Do you hate anyone?
Only one person, she should remain nameless!
25. If we were to look in your Facebook inbox, what would we find?
Updates from groups
26. Say you were given a drug test right now, would you pass?
Let me fill up a coffee mug for you, let's find out.....
27. Has anyone ever called you perfect before?
All the time when we finish in bed.
28. What song is stuck in your head?
Heal the world, make it a better place.....
29. Someone knocks on your window at 2 a.m., whom do you want it to be?
Someone that is bullet prof, so I do not serve hard time...
30. Do you (or did you) want to have grandkids before you’re 50?
Not sure how I feel about that.
31. Tell us your Saturday night.
Working, and feeling like crap, I'm at an art show and sale
32. Do you think too much or too little?
Somewhere in the middle, I think.
33. Do you smile a lot?
Can't say that I do.
October 12 Is Canadian Thanksgiving and Chef Lance is with you every step of the way!
It's that time of year again--time to gather with friends and family, turn on some football, put away the bathroom scale and pig out like you haven't since... well... last Thanksgiving. This year, instead of just shoveling food that someone else cooked into your mouth, take a chance at preparing the meal yourself. It's time that you tackled the hosting of a holiday event. After all, cooking can be fun, rewarding and tasty.
- Follow a Countdown ScheduleIf you think your guests will let you get away with slapping together whatever you happen to have in the fridge, think again. Thanksgiving dinners require a lot of planning in advance and at least a couple of trips to the supermarket.
Here's an useful itinerary when planning your Thanksgiving feast. Print it out to refer to as the day approaches.
1. As soon as you decide to host a dinner: Make up a guest list and invite your guests. Don't go overboard and invite more people than you can afford to feed. Invite people via phone calls, so you can get an instant yes or no.
2. One week before: Do your shopping now. If you wait until the last couple of days, all the decent-sized turkeys will be gone and you'll either have to settle for a small one or fool your guests with a giant chicken. Buy all the ingredients listed for the recipes in Step 2, Step 3 and Step 4, and stick the turkey in the coldest part of your freezer.
At this point, make sure that you have all the necessary cooking equipment. Besides the usual assortment of pots and pans, locate a cheese grater, a strainer, an electric mixer and various sized mixing bowls and baking dishes.
3. Three days before: Do a massive cleaning job on your fridge--you're going to need the room. This is also when you defrost the turkey. For a full description on how to cook the bird, read Step 2.
4. One day before: This is when you prepare all of your side dishes and pies. Unless you have more than one oven, you might not have the room to bake any thing with the turkey at the same time. This also gives you more time to schmooze with your guests tomorrow. This is also the day to get dinner rolls, salad, drinks, ice, napkins and table decorations.
5. The big day: Prepare the rest of the food (especially the turkey) about 5 hours before you plan to eat, set the table, serve the meal and take all of the credit for the wonderful meal.
- Pick Out, Defrost and Roast the Turkey
Pick out a turkey
To get the tastiest and safest bird possible, follow these tips:
* Make sure you pick out a turkey that is 4- to 6-months-old, Grade A, and USDA-approved. This is key.
* Buy a frozen turkey at least 3 days in advance, so you can properly defrost it.
* To figure out how big of a turkey you need, estimate that each guest will eat about 1.3 pounds, and then round up. Here are some examples:
8 guests: 8 x 1.3 = 10.4. Your turkey should weigh at least 11 pounds.
13 guests: 13 x 1.3 = 16.9. So the bird should weigh at least 17 pounds.
* Avoid turkeys that are pre-stuffed. Even though they seem efficient, baking turkeys with the stuffing already inside them promotes bacterial growth, which can lead to mass illness among your guests.
* Once you buy your turkey, stick it immediately into the coldest part of your freezer and keep it there a couple days.
Defrost the turkey
Three days before the big meal (that would be Monday), take the turkey out of the freezer and move it into the refrigerator, so it can properly defrost.
Any turkey under 20 pounds should take no more than 3 days to thaw in the fridge. For turkeys over 20 pounds, give it 4 to 5 days.
Roast the turkey
On Thursday morning, you'll have a nice, defrosted turkey sitting in your fridge. Here's what to do next:
* Preheat the oven to 325°F.
* Remove the turkey wrapper.
* "Wash" your turkey by running cold, wet, paper towels along its body.
* Dry off the turkey with paper towels.
* Pull out the neck from the body cavity and remove the giblets from the neck cavity.
* Drain the juices and blot the cavities with paper towels.
* Rub the outside of the turkey with olive oil. Then rub on some salt and pepper.
Now you're ready to start roasting. Your turkey will probably come with roasting directions on its packaging, so it's best to just follow those. However, here are some universal instructions:
* Place the turkey breast-side up on a flat rack in an open roasting pan about 2 inches deep.
* In general, a turkey should be roasted 10 to 12 minutes per pound at 325° F. You'll know when your turkey is done when a meat thermometer that's inserted into the thigh reads 175 to 180° F.
* About a half hour before you expect the turkey to be done, check in on it and make sure there aren't any catastrophes.
* If you find that your turkey is browning too quickly (which often happens to larger birds), cover the entire pan with a loose tent of aluminum foil.
* Let the turkey stand about 15 to 20 minutes before carving.
Stuff the turkey
Stuff the turkey after it's been fully cooked in order to prevent bacterial growth. Follow the directions on how to make bread stuffing below, and then spoon it into the two "empty compartments" at the front and back of the bird.
Preparation Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
* 12 cups day-old bread, cut into ½-inch cubes
* 4½ cups chicken stock
* 2½ sticks celery, finely chopped
* 1¼ onion, peeled and finely chopped
* 2½ large eggs
* ½ cup walnuts, chopped
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Melt the butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Then add the celery and onions and cook for about 5 minutes.
3. Throw all the ingredients into a large bowl and mix well. Use your (washed) hands if necessary.
4. Transfer the stuffing into a 9 x 13 inch buttered baking pan and cover with aluminum foil.
5. Bake for 20 minutes, and then remove the foil, raise the oven temperature to 400° F and bake for another 20 minutes. The stuffing is done when the top is brown and crisp.
6. After the turkey is fully roasted, stuff the stuffing into it and serve. Any leftover stuffing can be served as a side dish.
-
Prepare the Traditional Thanksgiving Side DishesAll the following dishes yield 8 servings.
Cornbread
Preparation Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
* 1 tbsp. vegetable shortening
* 1 tsp. baking powder
* 1 tsp. baking soda
* 2 cups buttermilk
* 1¾ cups stone-ground cornmeal
* 2 large eggs
* ¾ tsp. salt
* 1 tbsp. sugar
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 450° F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, baking soda, baking powder, sugar and salt.
3. Beat the eggs in a medium bowl, and then add buttermilk to it. Combine this mixture with the cornmeal mix. Stir everything until just barely blended to get that mealy cornbread texture.
4. Drop the vegetable shortening into the center of an 8 x 8 inch glass baking pan. Put the pan in the oven and watch it until smoke starts rising from the shortening.
5. Quickly remove the pan from the oven, pour the batter in and bake the whole thing for 20 to 25 minutes. The cornbread is done when the top is brown and the center feels firm when you poke at it.
Cranberry sauce
Preparation Time: 4 hours (including chilling time)
Ingredients:
* 16 oz. fresh cranberries
* 1¼ cup sugar
* 1¼ cup water
Directions:
1. Boil the water and sugar in a medium saucepan.
2. Add the cranberries. Bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce the heat to low and cook for another 10 minutes. Stir occasionally.
3. When all the cranberries have split open from the heat, pour the contents of the saucepan into a strainer placed over a medium-sized bowl. Push the sauce through the strainer with the back of a spoon until there is no pulp left in the strainer.
4. Stir the cranberry sauce and transfer it to a small bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and stick it in the fridge to cool for at least 3 hours.
Mashed Potatoes
Preparation Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
* 8 medium-sized potatoes
* 6 tbsp. butter
* ¾ cup warm milk
* salt and black pepper to taste
* ½ cup chopped chives (optional)
* ½ cup bacon bits (optional)
If you opt to use both optional options, incorporate only ¼ cup of each.
Directions:
1. Peel the potatoes, and then cut them in half width-wise. If you want to make your mashed potatoes more nutritious, leave half the potatoes unpeeled (but wash thoroughly).
2. Boil the potatoes in a large pot of slightly salted water for 20 minutes, longer if they're not tender enough to be pierced easily. Drain them, stick them back in the pot, cover the pot and shake the potatoes around a bit.
3. Add the milk and butter, and bring out an electric mixer. Mix on medium speed until the potatoes are smooth and creamy. If necessary, add more milk, but go slow with that (add only one tablespoon at a time) or you might end up with really watery potatoes.
4. Add the optional ingredients, and then salt and pepper to taste.
Make the DessertsFor dessert, we're offering you two choices of pies: pumpkin and mixed berry. If you have time, make both.
Pumpkin pie
If this pie isn't being made on Thanksgiving day, it should be the last thing you make the night before; the pie crust will begin to soften after it's baked with the filling, so the sooner your guests devour it, the better.
Preparation Time: 4 hours (including chilling time)
Ingredients:
* 1 ready-made pie crust
* 2 cups canned pumpkin puree
* 1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
* ½ cup sugar
* 1½ cup evaporated milk
* 3 eggs
* 1 tsp. group cinnamon
* 1 tsp. ground ginger
* ½ tsp. ground nutmeg
* ½ tsp. salt
* Whipped topping
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375° F and warm the pie crust in the oven until it is feels hot.
2. In a large bowl, mix all the other ingredients together until smooth.
3. Remove the pie crust from the oven, pour the pumpkin filling into it, and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Keep checking up on the pie because it'll crack if over-baked. The pie is done when the filling is mostly solid and only a tad bouncy when nudged.
4. Cool the pie on a rack, and then refrigerate until the next day. Don't freeze pumpkin pies because they don't thaw to the same consistency.
5. Serve with a dollop of whipped topping on each slice.
Cranberry-blueberry pie à la mode
Preparation Time: 1½ hours
Ingredients:
* 1 ready-made pie crust
* 12 oz. frozen unsweetened blueberries
* 12 oz. fresh cranberries
* 1½ cups sugar
* 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
* ½ tsp. ground nutmeg
* ¼ cup cornstarch
* 6 tbsp. orange juice
* 2 tbsp. heavy cream
* Half gallon of vanilla ice cream
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375° F.
2. Combine the blueberries, cranberries, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg in a large bowl and mix well.
3. Heat up the orange juice in a large saucepan and slowly add cornstarch until it dissolves.
4. Add the berry mix and bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook and stir the mixture constantly for 5 to 8 minutes until the sauce thickens. Then remove it from heat and let it cool completely.
5. Carefully spoon the berry filling into the ready-made pie crust. Sprinkle the top of the pie all over with 1 tbsp. of sugar.
6. Bake for about an hour, or until the crust is browned and the berry filling is bubbling. Check on the pie constantly to make sure the crust doesn't crack and the berries aren't bubbling over.
7. Cool the pie and refrigerate until 1 hour before it's to be served.
8. Consider serving the pie warmed over and with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of each slice. Call it "pie à la mode" to impress your guests.
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Set the Table and Serve the FoodSet the table
1. Make sure that you have enough space, chairs and utensils for everybody.
2. Get out the fancy silverware, dinnerware, napkins, and glasses and wash them all off. If you don't own any fancy dining equipment, buy a matching plastic set.
3. Arrange the tableware at each seating nicely.
3. If you're serving chowder, place a soup bowl on top of each plate.
4. If your table isn't large enough to accommodate all your guests, all the dishes, and the turkey, then get out a folding table, situate it right on the end of the dinner table, and place all of the dishes and food there. After each guest has had some of each side dish, the dishes can be placed on this back-up table and easily accessed for seconds and thirds. Drinks and ice can also be placed on the folding table.
Serve the food
* Bring out the dishes. Get everyone seated before presenting the side dishes. Bring out the turkey last. You want to make a grand entrance, so clear out a space for it on the table beforehand. Get someone else to help you carry it if it's too heavy.
* Carve the turkey. When carving your turkey, keep these tips in mind:
1. Cut the joints, not the bones.
2. Go with the grain of the meat.
3. Separate the thighs and drumsticks by bending the turkey legs away from the body and cutting at the place where they meet.
4. When cutting the breast meat, place your knife parallel and as close to the wing as possible. Cut straight to the bone. Then cut slices perpendicular to this base cut.
* Leftovers. Don't fear leftovers--they're good to eat for up to 5 days after you prepared them, if stored properly. Cover the dishes with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and stick them in the fridge. Remove all the stuffing from the turkey and store the two separately.
Ferreira's latest role is Colonel Everett Young in Stargate Universe, the latest instalment in the science fiction Stargate franchise, which sprouted from the1994 movie starring James Spader and Kurt Russell. Stargate SG-1, starring Richard Dean Anderson, lasted an amazing 10 seasons, beginning in 1997; the spin-off Stargate: Atlantis ran five seasons, having just ended earlier this year.
Stargate SG-1 followed a secret military team as they explore the Stargates, which are basically tunnels through space that connect with each other, allowing instantaneous travel to other planets. Stargate: Atlantis moved the show to another galaxy, where a group of military personnel and scientists discover the secrets of the ancient city and battle alien threats. Stargate Universe (SGU) moves the franchise in a whole new direction.
The new series, which also stars Robert Carlyle (The Full Monty, Trainspotting) as Dr. Nicholas Rush, features a group of soldiers, scientists and civilians who are forced to jump through the Stargate to an unknown destination when their hidden base comes under attack. They emerge on an ancient spaceship – the aptly named Destiny – with limited food, water and air, and apparently very little chance of making it back to Earth.
Ferreira is impressed with the decision of co-creators Brad Wright and Robert C. Cooper to switch things up with the new show.
"I was a fan of SG-1, and I was a fan of the idea that they wanted to change the show, or evolve it, maybe would be the right word. It's grittier and edgier. There is no reason for them to change a format that works, so it's very ballsy, for lack of a better word, for them to go in a different direction and get someone like Robert Carlyle to be the lead. I was very impressed with that execution."
When any television show moves in a new direction, there is always the chance of alienating old fans. Ferreira doesn't seem too worried about it.
"Hopefully fans of the old series will see it as an evolution and give it a chance. Fans of shows like the CSIs, Lost and House will give it a chance because it's a serial drama with the backdrop of space. Hopefully the two come together and merge into just good television."
Instead of focusing on the alien "threat of the week" idea that prevailed in much of SG-1 where Earth was often in danger from various alien species, the new series goes deeper into the individual characters.
The people on board Destiny are worried about their own survival, which brings much more realism to the show than could be seen in either SG-1 or Atlantis. SGU's darker tone and more serious, character-driven storylines call to mind comparisons with Battlestar Galactica, a show which Ferreira says "bridged the gap between the old Stargate and (serial dramas) and found something completely unique, that has its own niche." It looks like Stargate Universe might fit nicely into that niche as well.
Although I do not have H1N1, (I don't think?!?!)
SV want's to help you be informed, Have a read...
I'm going back to bed!
Influenza A virus subtype H1N1
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For the H1N1/09 virus strain responsible for the 2009 flu pandemic, see Pandemic H1N1/09 virus. For the current pandemic of Influenza A(H1N1), see 2009 flu pandemic. For the 1918 pandemic of Influenza A(H1N1), see 1918 flu pandemic.
For information on ways to decrease one's chances of contracting H1N1, see influenza prevention.
Influenza A (H1N1) virus is a subtype of influenzavirus A and the most common cause of influenza (flu) in humans. Some strains of H1N1 are endemic in humans and cause a small fraction of all influenza-like illness and a large fraction of all seasonal influenza. H1N1 strains caused roughly half of all human flu infections in 2006.[1] Other strains of H1N1 are endemic in pigs (swine influenza) and in birds (avian influenza).In June 2009, World Health Organization declared that flu due to a new strain of swine-origin H1N1 was responsible for the 2009 flu pandemic. This strain is often called "swine flu" by the public media.
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