My friend J- shared this story with me. This is what happens to kids growing up in a home where both parents are pastors.
Bobby grabs Susie's dessert fork away for the third time at the dinner table, and she coyly responds by folding her hands, bowing her head, and saying a little prayer:
"Dear God...please help Jonathan...he is such a bad boy...and we both know, God, that you love me, but not him...and he is a turkey...so, God, please help him...because he just needs you so much in his life....amen."*
* Names have been changed
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Mexican Chocolate Tofu Pudding
With the cool and wet weather I have been hankering for some comfort food. One of my all time favourites is chocolate pudding. Today I tried my hand at an 'intriguing' variation on the old standby!
"and it has tofu -- go figure" .
Sounds weird. But, trust me. You won't regret it!
Mexican Chocolate Tofu Pudding
By MARK BITTMAN
Published: May 15, 2009
Time: 10 minutes, plus 30 minutes’ chilling
3/4 cup sugar
1 pound silken tofu
8 ounces high-quality bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon chili powder, or more to taste
Chocolate shavings (optional).
1. In a small pot, combine sugar with 3/4 cup water; bring to a boil and cook until sugar is dissolved, stirring occasionally. Cool slightly.
2. Put all ingredients except for chocolate shavings in a blender and purée until completely smooth, stopping machine to scrape down its sides if necessary. Divide among 4 to 6 ramekins and chill for at least 30 minutes. If you like, garnish with chocolate shavings before serving.
Yield: 4 to 6 servings.
Click here to watch Mark Bittman make this amazing pudding!
"and it has tofu -- go figure" .
Sounds weird. But, trust me. You won't regret it!
Mexican Chocolate Tofu Pudding
By MARK BITTMAN
Published: May 15, 2009
Time: 10 minutes, plus 30 minutes’ chilling
3/4 cup sugar
1 pound silken tofu
8 ounces high-quality bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon chili powder, or more to taste
Chocolate shavings (optional).
1. In a small pot, combine sugar with 3/4 cup water; bring to a boil and cook until sugar is dissolved, stirring occasionally. Cool slightly.
2. Put all ingredients except for chocolate shavings in a blender and purée until completely smooth, stopping machine to scrape down its sides if necessary. Divide among 4 to 6 ramekins and chill for at least 30 minutes. If you like, garnish with chocolate shavings before serving.
Yield: 4 to 6 servings.
Click here to watch Mark Bittman make this amazing pudding!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Blessing of The Bikes
A Prayer For Cyclists
reprinted from here
Present in a world groaning under the excesses of consumption, we acknowledge the inherent goodness of non-motorized human powered transportation and give thanks for the simple beauty of the bicycle. God of life,
Hear our prayer.
Present in a community filled with children, we pray for those learning to ride. Keep them smart, safe, and visible on their neighborhood roads. God of life,
Hear our prayer.
Present in a community filled with strife, we pray for the victims of road rage and bike theft. And we ask for the strength to forgive mean people. God of life,
Hear our prayer.
Present in a world of work, we pray for those who build, repair, and clean our bikes and those who rely on bicycles to earn their living. Bless those who choose to not drive to work and those for whom driving isn’t even an option. God of life,
Hear our prayer.
Present in a community of beautiful diversity, we ask your protection and blessing on all who ride: pedi-cabbies, weekend warriors, athletes, homeless folks, students, children, eco-warriors, bike co-op anarchists, messengers, and all the others who take to the Denver streets, bike paths, parks, and mountains. Keep us safe as we ride. God of life,
Hear our prayer.
We now observe a moment of silence for all who have died while riding …
God of life,
Hear our prayer.
AMEN
reprinted from here
Present in a world groaning under the excesses of consumption, we acknowledge the inherent goodness of non-motorized human powered transportation and give thanks for the simple beauty of the bicycle. God of life,
Hear our prayer.
Present in a community filled with children, we pray for those learning to ride. Keep them smart, safe, and visible on their neighborhood roads. God of life,
Hear our prayer.
Present in a community filled with strife, we pray for the victims of road rage and bike theft. And we ask for the strength to forgive mean people. God of life,
Hear our prayer.
Present in a world of work, we pray for those who build, repair, and clean our bikes and those who rely on bicycles to earn their living. Bless those who choose to not drive to work and those for whom driving isn’t even an option. God of life,
Hear our prayer.
Present in a community of beautiful diversity, we ask your protection and blessing on all who ride: pedi-cabbies, weekend warriors, athletes, homeless folks, students, children, eco-warriors, bike co-op anarchists, messengers, and all the others who take to the Denver streets, bike paths, parks, and mountains. Keep us safe as we ride. God of life,
Hear our prayer.
We now observe a moment of silence for all who have died while riding …
God of life,
Hear our prayer.
AMEN
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Roots Sighting
Look what I stumbled upon!
I was on my way to Sprinkles for cupcakes when I found a Roots Store in the heart of Beverly Hills!
Roots Store in Beverly Hills, 1 block East of Rodeo Dr
I asked and they said they honour gift cards bought in Canada.
Next time I am in L.A. .... shopping spree in Beverly Hills!
I was on my way to Sprinkles for cupcakes when I found a Roots Store in the heart of Beverly Hills!
I asked and they said they honour gift cards bought in Canada.
Next time I am in L.A. .... shopping spree in Beverly Hills!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Amazing Amazing Ride
5 am and I was on my bike zipping through the streets of L.A.
Wow, WoW, WOW. It took my breathe away.
Riding through the heart of the city with nothing but bikes on the road ... watching the sun rise over downtown .... spectacular!!
I have some fun pictures and video - but alas this is also a crazy work week for me... so this poster is a little place holder until I can catch my breath and share the fun I had.
Wow, WoW, WOW. It took my breathe away.
Riding through the heart of the city with nothing but bikes on the road ... watching the sun rise over downtown .... spectacular!!
I have some fun pictures and video - but alas this is also a crazy work week for me... so this poster is a little place holder until I can catch my breath and share the fun I had.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Registered and Ready to Go
I finally made it up to L.A. The plan was to leave first thing this morning ... but that didn't materialize. My body decided it is a long weekend and it wanted to take things nice and slow and easy.
I hit some holiday traffic coming into the city - but now I have arrived and am busy picking up my Bib at the convention center.
L.A. Convention Center, The Hub for Marathon and Bike Tour Registration
Picking up my bib
The Bike Tour hits the L.A. Marathon course the moment the roads close at 5 a.m. The cyclists need to clear the route before 7:30 am when the runners hit the road. I am jazzed to be riding through the heart of L.A. with NO traffic!
Now that I have my bib - I am off to grab a bite to eat and head to bed freakishly early. I need to be back up by 3 a.m. to head downtown and queue up for the ride!
I hit some holiday traffic coming into the city - but now I have arrived and am busy picking up my Bib at the convention center.
The Bike Tour hits the L.A. Marathon course the moment the roads close at 5 a.m. The cyclists need to clear the route before 7:30 am when the runners hit the road. I am jazzed to be riding through the heart of L.A. with NO traffic!
Now that I have my bib - I am off to grab a bite to eat and head to bed freakishly early. I need to be back up by 3 a.m. to head downtown and queue up for the ride!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Boom Boom #1
My set of boom boom cards arrived today.
As I flip through my set of cards I am both excited and a little nervous about dipping my toes into the boom boom revolution.
Here is card #1. Wish me luck!
As I flip through my set of cards I am both excited and a little nervous about dipping my toes into the boom boom revolution.
Here is card #1. Wish me luck!
Friday, May 22, 2009
Quote For The Day
Curiosity is one of the permanent and certain characteristics of a vigorous mind.
- Samual Johnson
- Samual Johnson
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Up Up And Away
I love the slower pace of commuting to work by bicycle. There are so many things that just pass me by when I am whizzing down the freeway.
This morning, while waiting at a stop light, I met a guy that runs 10 miles to work each day. We had a fun little chat comparing routes while we waited for the light to change.
On my way home this evening I saw people pile into the basket of this hot air balloon and take off!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Do Something Good Today!
Need a little kick in the pants to get out there and do some good! Time to become a cards carrying member of the Boom Boom Revolution by paying it forward with 26 acts of guerilla goodness.
The idea behind the Boom Boom Cards is beautifully simple and brilliant!
I just ordered my set of cards. I'll let ya know how it goes!
The idea behind the Boom Boom Cards is beautifully simple and brilliant!
- Pick a card, any card. There are 26 to choose from.
- Commit the act of goodness prescribed on your card.
- Pass your card on to another person.
- Track your card on the website and watch your own 'Pay it Forward' movie unfold!
I just ordered my set of cards. I'll let ya know how it goes!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Sighting
This just in ... a Tippe Canoe sighting in!
A friend from work shot this on her phone during a drive by in Laguna Beach.
Have you seen a Tippie Canoe? Send me your pics!
A friend from work shot this on her phone during a drive by in Laguna Beach.
Have you seen a Tippie Canoe? Send me your pics!
Monday, May 18, 2009
May Grey
It is that time of year again. The morning skies are a gloomy grey marine layer that burns off by noon.
View today as I rode my bike through the canyon on my way to work
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Yes, that was an earthquake!
May 17, 2009
An earthquake struck at 8:39 p.m. with a magnitude 5.0. It was centered about 1 mile east of Lennox, which is north of Torrance.
Details here
An earthquake struck at 8:39 p.m. with a magnitude 5.0. It was centered about 1 mile east of Lennox, which is north of Torrance.
Details here
Gospel Sunday
U2's I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For.
A reminder that we all have our struggles
A reminder that we all have our struggles
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Space. The Final Frontier.
This afternoon I meandered over to the local movie theatre and for two hours disappeared into the mesmerizing world of Star Trek. It felt good to be home!
Growing up I would race home from school to watch the latest adventures of James T. Kirk and Mr. Spock. I had my very own communicator, tricorder and phaser that shot little plastic space age disks. Saturday's, I would spend the day at the local library, reading about science and space and dreaming what it would be like to roam the galaxy in search of adventure. Although the childhood whimsy may have faded, it is not gone. To this day, my talking Jean-Luc Picard action figure that sits proudly on the shelf in my study.
Reaching back into the archives... I found a little treasure from my grad school days. The assignment was to make a 3 - 5 minute presentation on a topic .... any topic. The content wasn't important. - the goal was practice speaking in front of an audience, while not melting down with anxiety and hopefully managing to hold their attention and peak their interest in your topic. Good practice for the many many research presentations that lay ahead of us.
The rest of the class waxed poetic about data structures and algorithms ... but not I! My talk was on the Enigma of Star Trek.
The Enigma of Star Trek
Presented Nov 24, 1994
By Elizabeth Tudhope
CS690 Graduate Research Skill Seminar
University of Waterloo
To boldly go where no one has gone before ....
If you are like me, your heart beats a little faster when you hear these words. So I ask myself, what is it about Star Trek that turns otherwise intelligent and capable people, into to devoted followers?
After all it is only a T.V. show!
First off the majority of the time it is not just another show, it is an intelligent T.V. show. Now, intelligence and T.V. are not something we normally speak about in the same sentence. But then, it is not every show that questions the nature of time and space, discusses quantum physics and confronts the nature of humanity, all in the course of a hour show. Where else but on Star Trek would you see Einstein, Sir Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking engaged in a game of poker?
While entertaining us, Star Trek deals with the big questions and topical issues of our time. Issues such as vengeance, sexual preference, euthanasia and genetic engineering are explored without preaching. Star Trek is definitely much more than phasers, warp speeds, and techno babble.
Sure, not all episodes are worthy. There are the occasional playful romps through the garden of Eden. Never the less, most episodes confront head on big questions. Whether it is wrestling with what defines a living being, or the possibility that time is not linear, the result is the same. We more than entertained, we are challenged to think.
Much can be said about the seven seasons of TNG. The show has achieved huge critical ratings and success. Both creatively and economically it has had great influence. When doing a literary search, I found 628 references over the past two years in major American Newspapers, made to the fictional character Captain Jean-Luc Picard.
It seems that over the seasons, the crew of the Enterprise has some how become real. They have ceased to be the two dimensional beings we normally encounter on the T.V. screen. Indeed, they have become alive.
Captain Picard.
How could anyone so enchantingly complex be fictional? What other major T.V. character reads Homeric poems in the original greek, quotes passages from Shakespeare, plays Mozart Concertos, is an avid student of archeology, and commands a Star Ship, all while sipping on his cup of Earl Grey.
Picard is a 90's kind of guy. He always listens, he will always ask questions and hear opinions. I've read that Picard's command style has become lecture material in several institutions. Picard's bridge style is being taught as an ideal that should be aimed at for the proper use of authority. It emphasizes the need to be aware that an authority figure is a member of a broader team.
I wish some of my past supervisors had gone to the Picard School of Management.
Somehow the disillusionment of another day on the battlefield of work place politics, is eased as we watch Picard and the crew solve problems with a minimum of violence and a maximum of team effort. We are encouraged me to be faithful to these same ideals.
To boldly go where no one has gone before ....
Essentially, Star Trek is about a journey of exploration. Not just of space, but of humanity! It provides us with an opportunity to think about things in a different way. In the world of Star Trek humanity is an evolving species that keeps getting better and better. Civilization has overcome many of the societal ills of war, poverty and discrimination. The future is something to look forward to. The exploration of space, and the development of our quality of life go hand in hand. We are presented with a vision of tolerance and co-operation.
I am not purposing the answers to the universe can be found in Star Trek. After all it is only a T.V. show, not holy writings. But Star Trek is a modern day myth. It has stories to be told, perspectives to share, and ideas to ponder.
Growing up I would race home from school to watch the latest adventures of James T. Kirk and Mr. Spock. I had my very own communicator, tricorder and phaser that shot little plastic space age disks. Saturday's, I would spend the day at the local library, reading about science and space and dreaming what it would be like to roam the galaxy in search of adventure. Although the childhood whimsy may have faded, it is not gone. To this day, my talking Jean-Luc Picard action figure that sits proudly on the shelf in my study.
Reaching back into the archives... I found a little treasure from my grad school days. The assignment was to make a 3 - 5 minute presentation on a topic .... any topic. The content wasn't important. - the goal was practice speaking in front of an audience, while not melting down with anxiety and hopefully managing to hold their attention and peak their interest in your topic. Good practice for the many many research presentations that lay ahead of us.
The rest of the class waxed poetic about data structures and algorithms ... but not I! My talk was on the Enigma of Star Trek.
Presented Nov 24, 1994
By Elizabeth Tudhope
CS690 Graduate Research Skill Seminar
University of Waterloo
To boldly go where no one has gone before ....
If you are like me, your heart beats a little faster when you hear these words. So I ask myself, what is it about Star Trek that turns otherwise intelligent and capable people, into to devoted followers?
After all it is only a T.V. show!
First off the majority of the time it is not just another show, it is an intelligent T.V. show. Now, intelligence and T.V. are not something we normally speak about in the same sentence. But then, it is not every show that questions the nature of time and space, discusses quantum physics and confronts the nature of humanity, all in the course of a hour show. Where else but on Star Trek would you see Einstein, Sir Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking engaged in a game of poker?
While entertaining us, Star Trek deals with the big questions and topical issues of our time. Issues such as vengeance, sexual preference, euthanasia and genetic engineering are explored without preaching. Star Trek is definitely much more than phasers, warp speeds, and techno babble.
Sure, not all episodes are worthy. There are the occasional playful romps through the garden of Eden. Never the less, most episodes confront head on big questions. Whether it is wrestling with what defines a living being, or the possibility that time is not linear, the result is the same. We more than entertained, we are challenged to think.
Much can be said about the seven seasons of TNG. The show has achieved huge critical ratings and success. Both creatively and economically it has had great influence. When doing a literary search, I found 628 references over the past two years in major American Newspapers, made to the fictional character Captain Jean-Luc Picard.
It seems that over the seasons, the crew of the Enterprise has some how become real. They have ceased to be the two dimensional beings we normally encounter on the T.V. screen. Indeed, they have become alive.
Captain Picard.
How could anyone so enchantingly complex be fictional? What other major T.V. character reads Homeric poems in the original greek, quotes passages from Shakespeare, plays Mozart Concertos, is an avid student of archeology, and commands a Star Ship, all while sipping on his cup of Earl Grey.
Picard is a 90's kind of guy. He always listens, he will always ask questions and hear opinions. I've read that Picard's command style has become lecture material in several institutions. Picard's bridge style is being taught as an ideal that should be aimed at for the proper use of authority. It emphasizes the need to be aware that an authority figure is a member of a broader team.
I wish some of my past supervisors had gone to the Picard School of Management.
Somehow the disillusionment of another day on the battlefield of work place politics, is eased as we watch Picard and the crew solve problems with a minimum of violence and a maximum of team effort. We are encouraged me to be faithful to these same ideals.
To boldly go where no one has gone before ....
Essentially, Star Trek is about a journey of exploration. Not just of space, but of humanity! It provides us with an opportunity to think about things in a different way. In the world of Star Trek humanity is an evolving species that keeps getting better and better. Civilization has overcome many of the societal ills of war, poverty and discrimination. The future is something to look forward to. The exploration of space, and the development of our quality of life go hand in hand. We are presented with a vision of tolerance and co-operation.
I am not purposing the answers to the universe can be found in Star Trek. After all it is only a T.V. show, not holy writings. But Star Trek is a modern day myth. It has stories to be told, perspectives to share, and ideas to ponder.
Friday, May 15, 2009
National Bike To Work Day
After dragging all week and feeling sick - today I arrived at work energized by the fresh air and exercise from the bike ride in!
How did you observe National Bike To Work Day?
How did you observe National Bike To Work Day?
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Cow Sighting
Today @burgerlounge tweeted that all their twitter followers could get a free half and half ... so after work I was off to LaJolla. While I was circling for a parking spot I spotted this cow!
Link to the LaJolla Cow Parade
Link to Burger Lounge.
I recommend the Quinoa burger and their amazing Lemon-Basil Vinaigrette salad dressing
Link to the LaJolla Cow Parade
Link to Burger Lounge.
I recommend the Quinoa burger and their amazing Lemon-Basil Vinaigrette salad dressing
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
My Documentary
I have always been an active observer and there is nothing that makes me laugh more than smart observational humour. As I move through the experiences of life, it is if I am simultaneously watching and narrating my own documentary. I am in constant dialogue about the snapshots of life around me and the emotions of my daily experience. Photography is a vehicle to capture and celebrate the everyday moments of life and to draw others into experiencing “my documentary”.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
U.F.O.
Approximately 9:00 pm tonight as seen from Harbour Island --looking back at the city of San Diego!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Beverly Hills, Cupcakes, A Porsche and "THE Jacket"
Spent the day at The Getty. On the way home I met up with friends in Beverly Hills for cupcakes at Sprinkles. There was a L-O-N-G line down the street ... almost an hour to get into the bakery. But, WoW, it was worth the wait!
This is the scene in the parking lot - shortly after consuming the cupcakes!
This is the scene in the parking lot - shortly after consuming the cupcakes!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Aunt Tippie
My little niece arrived at 9:10 pm tonight.
Here is a quick sneak peak. She is already gettin' in the California groove.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Geeking Out
Today I have been geeking out and listening to Grammar Girl Podcasts all day.
Why?!
I have no idea. But it was oddly exhilarating to listen to someone obsess about grammar all day.
Here is my favourite of the day ... Irony
Why?!
I have no idea. But it was oddly exhilarating to listen to someone obsess about grammar all day.
Here is my favourite of the day ... Irony
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Home Sick For Canadian T.V.
Canadian T.V. In a league of its' own.
For those who give me a raised eye-brow when I mention bowling in Canada has 5 pins and a small ball... watch closely at 4:55!!
For those who give me a raised eye-brow when I mention bowling in Canada has 5 pins and a small ball... watch closely at 4:55!!
Monday, May 4, 2009
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Dude's at the Beach
These guys were watching the surf from their perch on the Grandview steps in Leucadia. The two of them sitting there represents the quintessential Encinitas day. They were super friendly so I stopped and chatted with them for a while - they are regulars pole sitters ... watching the surf for hours on end and contemplating whether it is worth suiting up. I was wearing my Merrel's (when am I not!) and one of them commented on them. Turns out he works at the Merrel Shop in Carlsbad. I told he we would probably meet again!
Friday, May 1, 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)