I've been asked to bake my father's jalapeno cornbread. Here is the recipe:
Ingredients
2 TBS butter
1 box Jiffy Corn Bread
1 egg
1 cup sour cream
1 cup creamed corn
4 jalapeno peppers minced
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1 medium onion chopped
½ green pepper chopped
½ red pepper chopped
Directions
pre-heat oven to 350
Gently saute the onion and peppers in butter until soft. While the onion and peppers saute, mix the corn, sour cream, egg and Jiffy mix together. Let the onion mixture cool for a couple of minutes then combine all ingredients. Pour into a lightly greased 12 inch cast iron skillet and bake for 50 - 60 minutes.
It should be golden brown
Perform a toothpick test to check done-ness
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Technology and fitness goals
It started on Twitter. Someone I follow tweeted about a fitness product unfamiliar to me - FitBit. Being curious, I went to the website http://www.fitbit.com/. The first thing I saw was the price - $99.00. I did not look further - it was too high. I did not know exactly what FitBit did or if it warrented the $99.00 price. My vague impression was that it was a high tech pedometer.
Then, at TED@MotorCity, it was mention by Thomas Goetz, Executive Editor of Wired and author of The Decision Tree. Thomas made the point that people need personal, relevant information to make better choices. He showed graphs and charts from FitBit. Thomas talked about the nature of the personal, relevant information the FitBit provided. Additionally, he talked about the ease of use, tracking against goals and against others. My interest in FitBit went up. I went back to the website to find out more information. In addition to keeping track of activity, it also keeps track of sleep. Sleep is important. The price seemed a lot more reasonable.
I needed more information, so I checked out the reviews in Wired and the Wall Street Journal. The reviews were from October and November of 2009. Generally, they were positive. Both mentioned a lack of a manual. Time to go back to the FitBit site. A link for the manual is right on the home page. I am even more interested, but not quite ready to order. In addition to the features already mentioned, it also tracks calories consumed and expended. Usefull personal relevant information.
A blog post by Angela Jenkins (@AJhealthcoach) on the Healthier Michigan website moved me to action. Five Ways Technology can Help You Achieve and Maintain Your Ideal Weight http://bit.ly/fk2nPk . One of the technologies mentioned - FitBit.
All of this happened within two weeks. I got the hint and ordered my FitBit.
11/04/09 WSJ.com - Fitbit Sees How You Run, Walk and Sleep
http://on.wsj.com/3LK73g
10/16/09 Pocket-Sized Workout Pal Is Data Geek's Dream | Product
Reviews | Wired.com http://t.co/pcAbmdF
Then, at TED@MotorCity, it was mention by Thomas Goetz, Executive Editor of Wired and author of The Decision Tree. Thomas made the point that people need personal, relevant information to make better choices. He showed graphs and charts from FitBit. Thomas talked about the nature of the personal, relevant information the FitBit provided. Additionally, he talked about the ease of use, tracking against goals and against others. My interest in FitBit went up. I went back to the website to find out more information. In addition to keeping track of activity, it also keeps track of sleep. Sleep is important. The price seemed a lot more reasonable.
I needed more information, so I checked out the reviews in Wired and the Wall Street Journal. The reviews were from October and November of 2009. Generally, they were positive. Both mentioned a lack of a manual. Time to go back to the FitBit site. A link for the manual is right on the home page. I am even more interested, but not quite ready to order. In addition to the features already mentioned, it also tracks calories consumed and expended. Usefull personal relevant information.
A blog post by Angela Jenkins (@AJhealthcoach) on the Healthier Michigan website moved me to action. Five Ways Technology can Help You Achieve and Maintain Your Ideal Weight http://bit.ly/fk2nPk . One of the technologies mentioned - FitBit.
All of this happened within two weeks. I got the hint and ordered my FitBit.
11/04/09 WSJ.com - Fitbit Sees How You Run, Walk and Sleep
http://on.wsj.com/3LK73g
10/16/09 Pocket-Sized Workout Pal Is Data Geek's Dream | Product
Reviews | Wired.com http://t.co/pcAbmdF
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Our Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday tradition
A couple of years ago, we started a Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday tradition. It began over the holiday weekend. I went to Sam’s Club – just normal weekend routine errand running. Both girls were with me and very well behaved. They kept asking to look at the cakes. We need a cake they chanted. I had other things on my mind - I was focused on getting the items on my list. And this did not include cake. The store was not crowded and I was not in a hurry, so we did browse. The girls looked and insisted that we needed a cake. I purchased everything on the list and we left without a cake.
During that weekend, we spent time talking about Dr. King. My oldest likes his mustache. My youngest thinks he is good looking. At the time both girls thought he never smiled. We assured the girls that Dr. King was a father who enjoyed time with his friends and family and smiled and even laughed.
Monday, the girls again insisted we needed a cake. I asked why? They said we needed a cake to celebrate Dr. Kings birthday. Here was their flawless logic and reasoning: on their birthday, the celebration includes cake; we were celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday so we needed cake. I went to the store with my oldest to pick out a cake. We bought candles, sang Happy Birthday to Dr. King and had cake.
A new tradition was born and continues.
During that weekend, we spent time talking about Dr. King. My oldest likes his mustache. My youngest thinks he is good looking. At the time both girls thought he never smiled. We assured the girls that Dr. King was a father who enjoyed time with his friends and family and smiled and even laughed.
Monday, the girls again insisted we needed a cake. I asked why? They said we needed a cake to celebrate Dr. Kings birthday. Here was their flawless logic and reasoning: on their birthday, the celebration includes cake; we were celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday so we needed cake. I went to the store with my oldest to pick out a cake. We bought candles, sang Happy Birthday to Dr. King and had cake.
A new tradition was born and continues.
Friday, January 14, 2011
TED@MotorCity
There was a TED event in Detroit, TED@MotorCity on January 9th. What is TED? The best and most clear explanation comes from the TED.com site:
"TED is a small nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, Design. Since then its scope has become ever broader. Along with two annual conferences -- the TED Conference in Long Beach and Palm Springs each spring, and the TEDGlobal conference in Oxford UK each summer -- TED includes the award-winning TEDTalks video site, the Open Translation Project and Open TV Project, the inspiring TED Fellows and TEDx programs, and the annual TED Prize."
The event, supported by Lincoln was held in The Music Box at the Max M. Fisher Music Center in Detroit. The venue is beautiful. Lincoln vehicles were out front and inside and people were encouraged to examine the vehicles and take a survey about the brand.
Gary Bolles, curator of the event, is CEO of Xigi Inc. From the website:
"xigi (zig'-ee) builds custom software solutions for social-information network mapping and online publishing. The xigi Insight Engine™ provides a flexible and highly scalable platform for the delivery of hosted social-information solutions to the business, government, and non-profit sectors."
Gary introduced C.J. O'Donnell, Group Marketing Manager for Lincoln Mercury, who gave brief remarks.
The theme for the TED@MotorCity event was "New Tomorrows".
Thomas Goetz, Executive Editor of Wired and author of The Decision Tree spoke about personal health care. Better information (personal and relevant) can lead to people making better health choices. He used a standard blood test result document to illustrate his point. The document - dense text did not really convey the information in a way that was meaningful for the patient. Wired changed the report to a color chart showing where the patient was relative to the ideal results. People need personal relevant feedback to make better choices. Technological examples he gave are FitBit, a device that measures activity; Withings Wi-Fi Body Scale which will tweet your weight; and Lose It! a calorie-counting app. His book, The Decision Tree, is now on my reading list.
Dale Dougherty, founder of MAKE Magazine spoke about the societal change from makers to … A few generations ago, people made things. People were handy. Now, not so much. We need to get involved and return to our maker heritage. His talk reminded me of the folks who tinker and mashup and create. I’m sure this is due to the fact that I am reading Wikinomics: How Mass Collaboration Changes Everything by Don Topscott , Anthony D. Williams.
John Gallagher is the architecture critic for the Detroit Free Press and the author of Rethinking Detroit. He spoke about the origins of urban sprawl and a return to community. Cheap energy allowed people to move further and further out. Now, there is a desire to live, work and play close to home. People want walkable communities. John encouraged us to imagine Detroit as a blank canvas and to adopt a “let’s try it” attitude. His book, Rethinking Detroit is now on my reading list.
Jessica Care Moore is an internationally renowned poet/ publisher/ activist/ rock star/ playwright and actor. She performed poetry accompanied on cello by Cecelia Sharpe. I became a fan after seeing her at the TEDxDetroit event in September. The photo in the background, cello and poetry combined into an exhilarating experience. Jessica ended her performance with a challenge “I see ideas everywhere. Do you?” I do Jessica, I do.
Craig Newmark, founder of craigslist.org was interviewed by curator Gary Bolles. Craig spoke about the power of connectedness and collaboration. Again, this fits nicely with the book I am reading: Wikinomics: How Mass Collaboration Changes Everything. Craig encouraged us to get connected and get involved.
Lisa Gansky, author of “The Mesh: Why the Future of Business Is Sharing” was the final speaker and she talked about seeing the planet as one big sharing platform. Lisa encouraged us to share and learn – from our successes and failures. And again, her talk resonated with the book I am reading: Wikinomics: How Mass Collaboration Changes Everything. Lisa’s book, The Mesh: Why the Future of Business Is Sharing, is now on my reading list.
The reception was full of new connections, insightful conversations and fabulous food. A very well done event by the fine folks at TED and Lincoln.
Other folks also wrote up the event:
TED
NYTimes
Beck Davis
Jeannette Gutierrez
Benjamin Slayter
The speakers on Twitter:
Thomas Goetz
Dale Dougherty
Craig Newmark
Lisa Gansky
Saturday, December 11, 2010
The power of making a list
I was not one for making list. Lists were for people who could not remember what they wanted. I was different. I could remember and take action. Sure, there were the occasional second trips to the grocery store because I forgot to pick something up. "To do" list and task list were for other people.
Every book (or blog) I've read about goals stressed writing them down. I thought I was the exception. I thought thinking about my goals and tacking action was more than enough. There was no need to write it down.
I was wrong.
I was not really making progress on my goals. Heck, I did not really have goals – I had vague notions about what I wanted to accomplish – nothing really specific. I was tired of looking back at the end of the year and being no closer to my vague unwritten goals than the year before. This year in January, I decided to write my goals down on paper. I planned my day based on my written goals. I reviewed my goals and checked them off. As they were accomplished, I wrote new goals. The progress made this year is tremendous. It really is as simple as every else states it - write your goals down.
As the year draws to a close, I am developing my goals for 2011 and my plans to accomplish them.
Every book (or blog) I've read about goals stressed writing them down. I thought I was the exception. I thought thinking about my goals and tacking action was more than enough. There was no need to write it down.
I was wrong.
I was not really making progress on my goals. Heck, I did not really have goals – I had vague notions about what I wanted to accomplish – nothing really specific. I was tired of looking back at the end of the year and being no closer to my vague unwritten goals than the year before. This year in January, I decided to write my goals down on paper. I planned my day based on my written goals. I reviewed my goals and checked them off. As they were accomplished, I wrote new goals. The progress made this year is tremendous. It really is as simple as every else states it - write your goals down.
As the year draws to a close, I am developing my goals for 2011 and my plans to accomplish them.
Friday, November 26, 2010
"the rest of your life"
The doctor used the phrase, "the rest of your life." I listened and reflected. Fine by me was my reaction. However other people (co-workers and family) heard the news and over reacted. Does it really matter? My doctor informed me that I will be on anticoagulants for the rest of my life. The expectations are that I will live a long time. I do not see a problem with taking a pill. The inconvenience is minimal. The pill is readily available. I do not suffer any side-affects. All in all - no problem. When I tell others, there is always a reaction. Some place a hand on my shoulder. Some ask if I am ok. They react as if my life is more complicated because I need to pop a pill daily. They react as if my life is now more fragile. While I appreciate the concern, I do not understand.
I were glasses (or contacts) and have since age 11. If I want to see (and I do) I will require corrective eye wear "for the rest of my life". No reaction. No hand on my shoulder. No one ask if I am ok. No one reacts as if my life is more complicated because I need wear glasses.
Generally, I do appreciate the fragility of life. I am glad I live in a time and place where a drug I need is available and low cost. I do not see taking it as a burden, but a blessing.
I were glasses (or contacts) and have since age 11. If I want to see (and I do) I will require corrective eye wear "for the rest of my life". No reaction. No hand on my shoulder. No one ask if I am ok. No one reacts as if my life is more complicated because I need wear glasses.
Generally, I do appreciate the fragility of life. I am glad I live in a time and place where a drug I need is available and low cost. I do not see taking it as a burden, but a blessing.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
A Secret Family Recipe
He handed me a sheet of paper as I entered. I took a glance - this was it! This was the Sweet Potato Pie recipe! Pop's Sweet Potato Pies are legendary. As a child, I took them for granted - it was just the pie my father baked. Others raved. When he baked them for family or church functions, they quickly disappeared. As an adult, I really appreciate the pies. Recently, he baked 18 pies. It was a multiple day effort. The pies were gone in moments at a church function. This was the recipe I held in my hands. Pop had never shared it - not even with his children. Having it was like a license to print money. I folded the paper and put it away.
We were gathered at my father's house for Thanksgiving. After a wonderful meal, out came a few pies. My siblings ask when Pop would share the recipe. I was silent. Pop was not. "I just gave Chris a copy. Do you want one too?" Pop asked. My siblings all replied yes enthusiastically. My license to print money was diminished, but it was ok. Pop, went to his computer and printed a couple copies. We all looked at the recipe. Ah, the secret was sweetened condensed milk. Oh, I thought I tasted a hint of ginger. Then my sister asked the question "how many pies does the recipe make?"
Pop replied "That recipe makes four pies." Wait. Pop is very precise in his use of language. "That recipe” This implies that there are others. This implies that this is not "thee" recipe. I asked. Pop, with a twinkle in his eye, repeated his answer. I asked a different question: "is this the recipe you used for these pies?" Pop replied "pretty close. Every recipe is just a starting point."
Pop is right. He gave me a starting point. I'm curious enough to try it and make adjustments. My adjustments will make it my recipe. And when the time is right, I will share it (mostly) with my daughters - giving them a starting point.
We were gathered at my father's house for Thanksgiving. After a wonderful meal, out came a few pies. My siblings ask when Pop would share the recipe. I was silent. Pop was not. "I just gave Chris a copy. Do you want one too?" Pop asked. My siblings all replied yes enthusiastically. My license to print money was diminished, but it was ok. Pop, went to his computer and printed a couple copies. We all looked at the recipe. Ah, the secret was sweetened condensed milk. Oh, I thought I tasted a hint of ginger. Then my sister asked the question "how many pies does the recipe make?"
Pop replied "That recipe makes four pies." Wait. Pop is very precise in his use of language. "That recipe” This implies that there are others. This implies that this is not "thee" recipe. I asked. Pop, with a twinkle in his eye, repeated his answer. I asked a different question: "is this the recipe you used for these pies?" Pop replied "pretty close. Every recipe is just a starting point."
Pop is right. He gave me a starting point. I'm curious enough to try it and make adjustments. My adjustments will make it my recipe. And when the time is right, I will share it (mostly) with my daughters - giving them a starting point.
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