FIRE and ICE

SOMETIMES the tone of things these days leads one to believe that
we, the upright walking creatures, mean to do ourselves irreparable harm.
And take the rest of this amazing planet with us.
x
I came across this poem by Robert Frost. Clever fellow.
x
FIRE AND ICE
X
Some say the world will end in fire;
Some say in ice.
From what I've tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire.
But if I had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.
x
Robert Frost


xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxAyles Ice Shelf
x
x
Mary Travers
November 6, 1936- September 16, 2009
"Blowin' in the Wind"
Rest In Peace

Noodles!

THIS LOOKS PRETTY GOOD TO ME. I'LL GET AROUND TO THE VERY SIMPLE recipe in a sec. See, every morning,(practically) after I open my computer, and check the mail...delete...I go to.....myrecipes.com..to see what's for dinner tonight!

It's pass or print.. if I print it, I jot down the ingredients on my shopping list, because with my Aries nature, I've got to have this tonight! Clutching the list, I take it with me on my daily walk through the park, tasting it over and over in my mind, making adjustments so I can claim it as my own. I always add or subtract a couple of ingredients. Then, exercise done, I stride up and down the aisles of the market till I've got dinner in my hands. Can't wait for tonight.

COLD SESAME NOODLES with CHICKEN and CUCUMBERS

8 oz. Udon or Soba noodles/ 1/4 cup rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar/ 2 tbls. sesame oil / 2 tbls. soy sauce (low sodium)/ 1 tbls. honey/ 1/2 tsp. chopped ginger/ 2 tsps. chili paste/ 2 cups shredded, cooked chicken/ 2 cloves chopped garlic/ 1 medium cucumber, halved and thinly sliced/ 1 grated carrot/ 6 tbls. thinly sliced scallions/ 3 tbls. chopped peanuts/ 1 tbls. toasted sesame seeds/

Cook noodles, drain and rinse under cold water, drain. Combine vinegar and next 5 ingredients in a large bowl. Add noodles, chicken, cucumbers, and carrots. Toss to coat. Top with scallions, peanuts, and sesame seeds. Serves about 5/6. A light floral white wine goes very well with this.

A Walk In The Park

THIS IS THE VIEW OF THE CITY THAT I SEE ALMOST EVERY DAY. The body of water is the Reservoir, and the view is towards the West Side of Central Park. I am standing at an East Side point, having just climbed a few steps to the path, which circles the reservoir. Runners and walkers take over the path all day long, around and around. I hesitate to take this route. Usually do some stretches and stare at the incredible early morning view. I'm inspired by all the effort, and calmed by the harmony of it all.

Today there was a battle between the trees and the wind. Leaves were persistent, held fast to the branches, too early in the approaching season to let go just yet. What compares to the sound of shaking, rustling leaves? I can't quite find that music anywhere else.

x

Cool at 63 degrees this morning. An early fall? We sometimes reach that temperature on a special day in the winter, and say,"My, it's hot today"! But today's 63 seems to be an entry to fall.

x

I'm holding on to my pink New York Yankees cap, feels as if it will be swept off my head, become airborne. Dozens of sparrows skitter on the ground, and in the air. A fat breasted pigeon walks close to my steps, spotting a crumb. Many folks eat in the park, drop food intentionally, or by accident. The birds know that there's a never ending supply, have the nerve to walk closely to those of us who share their space. I talk to them, they don't mind. The original tweeters.

x

I sit on a park bench, close to the 90th Street/ Fifth Ave. entrance. A plaque is fixed to the back of the bench, this one paying respect to the beloved Iris. Anyone can have a plaque placed on a park bench to honor a loved one, or a moment in time. I thought that I would like that sort of memorial to be placed on a bench someday for me. I could even slip some money to my friends and family to tack one up when the time comes. Then I found out how much it would be. $7500. Not so fast. Guess I'll have to count on good memories alone. I told a friend to write my name in the sand. Remember, no energy is ever lost.

Thieves Oil

THERE ARE MANY SOAPS AND SANITIZERS FOR SALE, TO HELP US GET RID OF THE GERMS ON OUR HANDS AND BODY. Unfortunately these seem to be getting less resistant to bacteria.
x
Researchers have concluded that the dispensing of cinnamon oil, which has antiseptic properties, would serve as a natural anti-microbial. The combination of cinnamon bark, lemon oil, and eucalyptus, is a recipe that goes back to the Middle Ages, where it was used by thieves who stole jewelry from dead bodies. They didn't get sick. The mixture came to be known as Thieves Oil.
x
As the Bubonic Plague decimated Europe in the year 1413, the thieves who were captured robbing the dead and dying, were offered leniency if they revealed how they resisted infection. As perfumers and spice traders, they used a special concoction that they rubbed on themselves. This wasn't the first time in history that herbal mixtures were medicinally used. In the Old Testament, Moses used aromatic substances to protect the Israelites from the plagues that decimated ancient Egypt.
x
And here we are, facing another flu epidemic, waiting for the next bulletin to save ourselves. But, keep in mind, most bacteria can't live in many essential oils. I'm not suggesting to anyone to substitute herbal remedies for flu vaccine. It's just interesting to me that a bunch of thieves in the Dark Ages survived the Black Plague with a rub of oil, a dusting of spices. By the way, there are companies that market Thieves Oil. I think I may order a dab!

Going Home.

TAKING CHANCE/ 2008
x
This film was originally shown on HBO (cable). It's available on DVD. The story is based on a journal kept by Marine Lt.Col. Michael Strobl, a Desert Storm veteran, with 17 years of military service. The film and journal chronicle Strobl, played by an excellent Kevin Bacon, who volunteers to escort the body of the 19 year old slain Marine, Lance Corporal Chance Phelps, killed by hostile fire in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, to his final resting place.
x
Strobl was so moved by the outpouring of respect for the fallen Marine, that he decided to capture the experience in his journal, which became an Internet sensation before it was made into a movie. The journey from Iraq, taking Chance Phelps home, was made in 2004. The sad voyage is shown in the simplest terms. There isn't a false or embellished note, verbally or visually.
x
Truly one of the best films I've ever seen dealing with the consequences of war. There is a great lesson about true selflessness and courage, and a very strong look at military rituals for honoring their war dead.
x
At the end of the film, pictures and videos of the real Chance Phelps and his family are shown. Pure and honest film making of the highest order. The movie was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at Sundown Film Festival for Best Drama.

Let's Eat!

I THINK THAT EVERYONE WHO COOKS HAS A VERSION OF CHICKEN PARMESAN. Mine is very easy, very delicious. It cuts down on fat content, on calories. Instead of the usual heavy breading of the chicken breasts, I coat just once. Also the cheeses, (parm, mozzarella) are low fat. Taste isn't lost because of the variety of the ingredients. I use a favorite brand of pasta sauce, one that has chunks of tomato, a rough chop that feels homemade. Of course, you can make your own from scratch...I do sometimes. I love this with long, crispy green beans, or very green asparagus, or, to be sure..pasta! And crunchy bread. Actually I love to dip it into the sauce, probably more than even eating the meal!
x

CHICKEN PARMESAN

x

Preheat oven to 375 deg.

x

2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (increase amount to what is needed). Pound between sheets of plastic wrap or wax paper till about 1/3 in. thin. Salt and pepper.

x

Spread seasoned bread crumbs(or make your own), on a plate. Press chicken halves into crumbs till they adhere.

x

Heat about 1 tbls. olive oil in oven proof skillet over medium high heat. Add coated breasts, cook about 2 minutes on each side. Remove to platter.

x

Spread 1/2 cup tomato sauce on bottom of skillet, add chicken, place 2 tbls. sauce on each piece. Sprinkle some fresh basil leaves over each, 2 tbls. Parmigiano-Reggiano on each, 3/4 cup of shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese over all.

x

Bake for about 15 min. till cheese is melted and chicken is cooked through. Remove and sprinkle with parsley.

x

I like to drink a medium bodied Pinot Grigio, rich and fruity, perfect for this meal. Enjoy!

The Clock Tower

THERE'S A TRIPLEX PENTHOUSE APARTMENT AVAILABLE IN A CLOCK TOWER overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge and New York Harbor. It's available for $25,000,000. The price is more than double the amount previously paid for a Brooklyn home.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxone of the bathrooms

x

The main floor is dominated by four working clocks housed in 14 foot high windows, which provide unobstructed views out to four points of the compass, on top of one of the tallest buildings in Dumbo, a cobblestone neighborhood that went through renewal in the 1980's.

The clocks are synchronized to show exactly the same time.

A glass-walled elevator and 3 story floating staircase lead to the top of the tower.

There are 3 bedrooms on the 2300 square foot second floor.

At the top of the building is a windswept crow's nest.

x

x

One wonders who will buy this "home". Someone who's probably not too affected by the current economic downturn. A major star? Sports? Rock? An oil king? As they say, if you got it, flaunt it. Well, it's not me. Not only because it's sort of out of my league,(ha), but I get vertigo just looking at the photos. Or it could be rented out for a remake of "The Big Clock".
x

x

Thanks to the NYTimes, for the info and photos.

First Star

Publicity photo taken in 1924.
x
Virginia Davis McGhee / December 31, 1918- August 15, 2009
x
VIRGINIA DAVIS BECAME THE FIRST DISNEY STAR AT THE AGE OF 4, she recently passed away at the age of 90. Blond and curly haired, she beat out Mickey Mouse, often thought to be Disney's first star. The adorable Virginia was the star of a series of silent films titled ,"Alice in Cartoonland", which featured her interacting with cartoon characters.
x
The young Disney, in the early 1920's, was facing bankruptcy. He received backing for the Alice series only if he would allow Virginia to play Alice. Mickey didn't show up till 1928.
x
Walt Disney first spotted the tot at the age of 4 in an ad, eating a slice of bread and jelly, smiling and licking her lips, (a filmed commercial, way back then!). She then became the first person to appear with animated characters.
x
The series were generally shot in a vacant lot. Virginia was asked to perform in front of a white cloth, strung up in the lot. Disney directed her to look sad, happy, or scared. Animated characters were added later. There were no rehearsals, and they filmed without a permit, left quickly if the police were spotted. Passers-by and neighborhood children usually became part of the movie.
x
In an interview in 2006, Ms. Davis/ McGhee recalled Disney's favorite instruction: "Let's pretend".

MeMe

THANK YOU, SYLVIA, AT STUDIO SYLVIA, for honoring me with the MeMe Blog Award. It is wonderful to find kindred souls, isn't it? Your Blog is always imaginative and you are genuinely charming. I thank you and fate. A good combination!
What's required of me is to list 7 pieces of information about myself. Now the brain is going to work! I hope to come up with, and surprise myself with something new. I thought that I had already told all...maybe not!!
x
Then I am to pass the MeMe Blog Award on to 7 lovely bloggers... not difficult at all, and hopefully to be taken up and passed along..and on and on....
x
MY LIST:
x
1. I will talk to strangers and they will be laughing within 10 seconds..and no, I'm not making funny faces!!
x
2. I believe that God, dreaming us, has bestowed the great gift of Mozart, Chocolate, Fred Astaire, and Julia Child, to us, to keep us from going really nuts. Oh yes, Vermeer, and, and .... Plus all of yours.
x
3. Both of my Grandfathers emigrated from Russia after the Revolution, left wives and children behind (to be summoned later), came to NYC to look for streets paved with gold. One became a bootlegger, the other became a poet. Neither found too much gold, just a few flecks! Changed professions.
x
4. I'd usually rather cook for you than go out. Although sometimes I don't mind being served. I love to cook, to throw a party. I always adjust recipes, I can taste what's on the printed page, make it my own. No one has ever complained. My ideal life has someone else doing the clean-up.
x
5. I was almost arrested by the KGB in Moscow. Once I tempted fate, the second time was bordering on entrapment.
x
6. I've had 2 major professions. #1..Makeup artist to the stars. #2...Consulting the stars(the heavenly ones) for answers...astrology, Tarot, any kind of divination that inspires me. Teaching meditation, healing with Reiki, spiritual consultations, all around psychic, ghost whisperer with a very ecumenical point of view.
x
7. I am old enough to retire from anything, but I really wish that I was retiring from having been a Prima Ballerina. Or even a Broadway gypsy. Maybe next time.
x
Now, here is my list of bloggy pals..will you please accept? It's good to know more about us!
ARTIT
eclectique
goddessoftheconfluence
Hello, Absurd World
POETIKAT'S INVISIBLE KEEPSAKES
Rubbish By Roan
The Keeping Room

The Edge

THE EDGE
x
What part of Heaven are you in, dear friend?
Have you settled in your boyhood choir,
awash in holy water,
fragrant as musky incense?
Did you find that intention
counts for more than the deed?
x
Not in Hell, it doesn't seem to be.
x
You didn't mean to stray
from the hallowed course,
but fancy
liberates and enslaves us all.
x
Maybe you followed my mystical path,
took my advice
and threw bits of your worth into the air,
knew that God was playing catch,
just waiting for that long toss home.
x
To be the dream within the stone,
a prospect yet to be,
a hope to be a facet,
still not polished to a gleam.
x
I think that you, like me,
will be pushed back
into the ebb and flow of things,
still on the edge of Heaven.
x
x
c copyright/ all rights reserved