June 15, 2011 archive

Vox Frustrati (Vol. 4 ): Demand


Welcome to the Vox Frustrati diary series.  Vox is a persona and this project is a collaboration by a group of people.

Vox Frustrati is here to give voice to our progressive concerns.  He welcomes correspondence from you at VoxFrustrati at gmail dot com.

If you have something to say, a rant, a comment or a question, Vox might decide to lend you his voice, either anonymously or with your byline. It is your choice.  Vox does reserve editorial rights.

My White House is Solar Cool. Mr. President, why isn’t yours?

Sometimes, your kids tell you great things.

We have the coolest house on the street.

Wow.  

We’re cool — according to the kids.  

Certainly isn’t the non-existent slide for the pool that isn’t there.  

Our lack of a huge media room and the glaring absence of a gym didn’t contribute.  

And, while I’ve always thought it cool that we live on the white house of the street, that isn’t it either.  

My fourth-grader son explained to me why it’s cool:

Because we know where our electricity comes from.

Last fall, facing a bit of pressure (mainly from 350.org) about the absence of solar from the White House roof since the Reagan Administration took off the panels President Carter put it, the Administration promised that the White House would have solar panels up on the roof “before the end of spring”.

As of today, 15 June 2011, the White House still doesn’t have solar panels on it.

The clock is ticking as even with climate disruption messing up our seasons, spring still ends 20 June …  

Vermont, Arts and Crafts (Photo-essay)

Earlier this month, my partner and I took a short vacation in Southeartern Vermont…in the area of Putney (at the Putney Inn, to be precise.  George Washington never slept here.  The land was Tory-owned.).

Our first day there, we visited Green Mountain Spinnery…where I screwed up most of the photos by first discovering I had forgotten my digital camera and then having my iPhone set to video rather than photographs.  Then we proceeded to take a trip to see this country’s longest covered bridge (below) after which we got lost.  I was driving so I didn’t take any more interesting photos along the way.  I now wish I had.

Letting Go

Earlier in the week, I learned an important lesson. The effect was an abrupt about-face that revealed my own flaws and also granted me an opportunity to gain greater wisdom. For over a year, I have been actively involved in almost every aspect of the Young Adult Friend group at my Monthly Meeting. Being so closely invested in the process has provided me a sense of satisfaction and greater purpose. At long last, I have found a way to put my leadership skills to good use and, for the most part, my mental health has cooperated. And I’ve also gotten a chance to see the direct result of my hard work, which is one of the most gratifying feelings I have ever experienced in my life. Many toil for years in similar circumstances with nothing physically tangible to show for it. The ultimate credit, of course, is not mine to take but I couldn’t help but feel pride in the creation.

Just Some of ‘Lessons of War’ Not Learned!!

And now we’re over a decade of oh so many lessons not learned and in not one but two theaters of with a third front being bombed and invaded right next door to one of the two and joined with NATO in bombing another that the previous administration had brought the leader of back into the fold after years of calling him a terrorists supporter and supporting terrorists criminal acts!

Health and Fitness News

Welcome to the Health and Fitness weekly diary which is cross-posted from The Stars Hollow Gazette. It is open for discussion about health related issues including diet, exercise, health and health care issues, as well as, tips on what you can do when there is a medical emergency. Also an opportunity to share and exchange your favorite healthy recipes.

Questions are encouraged and I will answer to the best of my ability. If I can’t, I will try to steer you in the right direction. Naturally, I cannot give individual medical advice for personal health issues. I can give you information about medical conditions and the current treatments available.

You can now find past Health and Fitness News diaries here and on the right hand side of the Front Page.

Building a Better Breadstick

Photobucket

On the popular television show “Glee,” the ultimate prize for a great performance is a trip to a restaurant called Breadstix. And in the real world, breadsticks are a main attraction at restaurants like the Olive Garden, and even pizza delivery services have gotten on the breadstick bandwagon.

But in terms of nutrition, the typical breadstick is not a food most people associate with healthful eating. This week, Martha Rose Shulman tries to change that image with five new recipes for baking a more healthful breadstick. . . .

Here are five flavorful ways to prepare healthful homemade breadsticks. And for a gluten-free breadstick, you can substitute gluten-free flour mix for the whole-wheat flour in this week’s recipes.

Whole-Wheat Breadsticks

These grainy breadsticks can be irresistible, and they’re much healthier than the restaurant variety.

Whole-Wheat and Walnut Breadsticks

Walnut oil gives these breadsticks a nutty flavor.

Whole-Wheat Breadsticks With Sesame

Sesame seeds are used in both the dough and the coating of these nutty-tasting breadsticks.

Rye Caraway Breadsticks

Rye and caraway, a match made in heaven, aren’t just for Jewish rye bread and rye crisps.

Seeded Semolina and Rice Flour Breadsticks

Sesame, poppy and sunflower seeds give these breadsticks a satisfying crunch.

Muse in the Morning

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Muse in the Morning

Time for a break from poetry…in order to create some art.

I am not eccentric. It’s just that I am more alive than most people. I am an unpopular electric eel set in a pond of goldfish.

–Edith Sitwell



Kindle 2

Late Night Karaoke