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Homemade Wonton Soup

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Homemade Wonton Soup

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch green onions, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, divided
  • 6 fresh mushrooms, sliced 1 pound ground pork
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup dry bread crumbs 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 (16 ounce) package wonton wrappers
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 16 uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (optional) 1 medium head bok choy, torn into 2-inch pieces
  • 16 snow peas
  • 1 dash soy sauce, or to taste (optional)
  • 1 dash sesame oil, to taste (optional)

Directions

Dice the green onions, and set aside all but 1 tablespoon. Slice the mushrooms, and set aside all but 1 tablespoon. Finely chop the 1 tablespoon of green onions and 1 tablespoon of sliced mushrooms, and place in a bowl with the ground pork, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, egg, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper. Stir to thoroughly mix the pork  filling.

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the pork filling onto the center of each wonton wrapper. Use your finger or a pastry brush to lightly moisten the edges of the wonton wrappers with water. Fold one corner of the wrapper over the filling onto the opposite corner to form a triangle. Press the edges together to seal. Moisten the two long  ends of the triangle, fold them together, and press them firmly to seal.

Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Drop the wontons, one by one, into the broth, and let them cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until they float to the surface. Reduce heat to a simmer, and gently stir in the shrimp, bok choy, and reserved sliced mushrooms. Let the soup simmer 2 more minutes, until the shrimp turn pink, and then drop in the snow pea pods. Garnish with the remaining green onions and a dash of soy sauce and sesame oil, and serve immediately

Homemade Smoked Almonds

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Homemade Smoked Almonds

Ingredients

  • 1 egg white
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder 2 teaspoons celery salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke flavoring
  • 1 cup  whole unblanched almonds, toasted and cooled

Directions

In a bowl, whisk egg white until foamy. Add garlic powder, celery salt, salt and liquid smoke; stir until blended. Add almonds and stir until well coated. Evenly spread almonds in a 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan coated with nonstick cooking spray. Bake at 300 degrees F for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Cool. Store in an airtight container.

Homemade Chorizo

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Homemade Chorizo

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground beef 1 pound ground pork 3/4 cup chili powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 3/4 cup dry red wine 1/4 cup white vinegar

Directions

In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, ground pork, chili powder, oregano, garlic, salt, red wine and vinegar. I find that using my hands works the best. Cover, and refrigerate for 2 to 3 days.

Take out daily, and mix thoroughly.

 

If you are not going to cook with it immediately, divide it into 1 to 2 pound portions, and store in freezer bags in the freezer.

Homemade Crispy Seasoned French Fries

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Homemade Crispy Seasoned French Fries

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon garlic salt 1 teaspoon onion salt 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 cup water, or as needed 1 cup vegetable oil for frying

Directions

Slice potatoes into French fries, and place into cold water so they won’t turn brown while you prepare the oil.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil is heating, sift the flour, garlic salt, onion salt, (regular) salt, and paprika into a large bowl. Gradually stir in enough water so that the mixture can be drizzled from a spoon.

Dip potato slices into the batter one at a time, and place in the hot oil so they are not touching at first. The fries must be placed into the skillet one at a time, or they will clump together. Fry until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Homemade Bagels

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Homemade Bagels

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cups warm milk (110 to 115 degrees F)
  • 1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
  • tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

Directions

In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. Add the butter, sugar, salt and egg yolk; mix well. Stir in enough flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6

-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Punch dough down. Shape into 12 balls. Push thumb through centers to form a 1-in. hole. Place on a floured surface. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes; flatten. In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil. Drop bagels, one at a time, into boiling water. When bagels float to the surface, remove with a slotted spoon and place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Bake at 400 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

Mushroom Slow Cooker Roast Beef

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Mushroom Slow Cooker Roast Beef

Ingredients

  • 1 pound sliced fresh mushrooms 1 (4 pound) standing beef rib roast 1 (1.25 ounce) envelope onion soup mix
  • 1 (12 fluid ounce) bottle beer ground black pepper

Directions

Place the mushrooms in the bottom of a slow cooker; set the roast atop the mushrooms; sprinkle the onion soup mix over the beef and pour the beer over everything; season with black pepper. Set slow cooker to LOW; cook 9 to 10 hours until the meat is easily pulled apart with a fork.

Slow Cooker Tomato Chicken

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Slow Cooker Tomato Chicken

Ingredients

  • 5 (6 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
  • (16 ounce) can diced tomatoes with basil
  • tablespoons minced garlic 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon dry mustard
  • 1/2 (10 ounce) package frozen peas

Directions

Place the chicken breasts in a slow cooker. Stir together the tomatoes, garlic, soy sauce, and dry mustard; pour over the chicken breasts.

Cook on Low 7 hours; stir in peas and cook 1 hour more

Fisherman’s Catch Chowder

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Fisherman’s Catch Chowder

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds cod fillets, cubed 1 (16 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, mashed
  • 1 (8 ounce) jar clam juice 1/2 cup chopped onion 1/2 cup chopped celery 1/2 cup chopped carrots 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 3 tablespoons butter, melted 1/3 cup light cream

Directions

In a slow cooker, stir together the cod, tomatoes, clam juice, onion, celery, carrots, wine, parsley, rosemary, and salt. Cover, and cook on Low 7 to 8 hours or on High 3 to 4 hours.

One hour prior to serving, mix flour, butter, and light cream in a small bowl. Stir into the slow cooker until the fish mixture is thickened.

Slow Cooker Oatmeal

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Slow Cooker Oatmeal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup oats
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 cup half-and-half cream
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, or to taste

Directions

Just before going to bed, combine the oats and water in a slow cooker. Set on Low, cover, and let cook overnight. In the morning, stir in the salt and half-and-half. Scoop into bowls, and sprinkle brown sugar over the top.

Baked Slow Cooker Chicken

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Baked Slow Cooker Chicken

Ingredients

  • 1 (2 to 3 pound) whole chicken salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

Directions

Wad three pieces of aluminum foil into 3 to 4 inch balls, and place them in the bottom of the slow cooker.

Rinse the chicken, inside and out, under cold running water. Pat dry with paper towels. Season the chicken with the salt, pepper and paprika, and place in the slow cooker on top of the crumbled aluminum foil.

Set the slow cooker to High for 1 hour, then turn down to Low for about 8 to 10 hours, or until the chicken is no longer pink and the juices run clear.

Hot Chili Cheese Dip

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Hot Chili Cheese Dip

Ingredients

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoons vegetable oil
  • 2 (15 ounce) cans chili without beans
  • 2 cups salsa
  • 2 (3 ounce) packages cream cheese, cubed
  • 2 (2.25 ounce) cans sliced ripe olives, drained
  • Tortilla chips

Directions

In a skillet, saute onion and garlic in oil until tender. Transfer to a slow cooker. Stir in the chili, salsa, cream cheese and olives. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until heated through, stirring occasionally. Stir before serving with tortilla chips.

 

Hearty Split Pea Soup

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Hearty Split Pea Soup

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces dried split peas
  • 2 cups diced fully cooked lean ham
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • medium onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • bay leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon  salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 5 cups boiling water 1 cup hot milk

Directions

In a slow cooker, layer the first nine ingredients in order listed (do not stir). Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or until vegetables are tender. Stir in milk. Discard bay leaves before serving

Sloppy Flank Steak Sandwiches

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Sloppy Flank Steak Sandwiches

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds beef flank steak 1 tablespoon steak seasoning (such as Montreal Steak Seasoning®)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • small red bell pepper, chopped 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • cups tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste 6 hamburger buns, split and toasted

Directions

Sprinkle the beef flank steak with steak seasoning on both sides. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until the oil shimmers, and place the flank steak into the hot oil. Quickly brown the steak on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Set the beef aside.

Stir brown sugar, onion, red bell pepper, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, and tomato paste together in a slow cooker until the brown sugar dissolves. Place the flank steak into the slow cooker, immersing it in the sauce. Set the cooker on  on High and cook 4 hours, or set on Low and cook 8  hours.

To serve, shred the meat with 2 forks, or remove the meat, chop, and return to the sauce. Toast buns, and serve the sloppied steak on the toasted buns.

Squash Stuffing Casserole

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Squash Stuffing Casserole

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted 1 cup sour cream
  • yellow summer squash, cut into 1/2-inch slices
  • 1 small onion, chopped 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 (8 ounce) package instant stuffing mix
  • 1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted

Directions

In a bowl, combine the flour, soup and sour cream until blended. Add the vegetables and gently stir to coat. Combine the stuffing mix and butter; sprinkle half into a 5-qt. slow cooker. Top with vegetable mixture and remaining stuffing mixture. Cover and cook on low for  4

-5 hours or until vegetables are tender.

The Ultimate Chili

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The Ultimate Chili

Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 (15 ounce) cans dark red kidney beans
  • 3 (14.5 ounce) cans Mexican-style stewed tomatoes
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • red bell pepper, chopped 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • tablespoons chili powder 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 dash Worcestershire sauce 1/2 cup red wine

Directions

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until evenly browned. Drain off grease, and season to taste with salt and pepper.

In a slow cooker, combine the cooked beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, celery, red bell pepper, and red wine vinegar. Season with chili powder, cumin, parsley, basil and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to distribute ingredients evenly.

Cook on High for 6 hours, or on Low for 8 hours. Pour in the wine during the last 2 hours.

Turkey in a Pot

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Turkey in a Pot

Ingredients

  • 1 (3 pound) boneless turkey breast, halved
  • 1 (16 ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup apple juice
  • 1 tablespoon cider vinegar 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • teaspoon ground mustard 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • tablespoons all-purpose flour 1/4 cup cold water
  • 1/4 teaspoon browning sauce (optional)

Directions

Place the turkey skin side up in a 5-qt. slow cooker. Combine the cranberry sauce, sugar, apple juice, vinegar, garlic, mustard, cinnamon, cloves and allspice; pour over turkey. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or until a meat thermometer reads 170 degrees F.

Remove turkey to a cutting board; keep warm. Strain cooking juices. In a saucepan, combine flour and water until smooth; gradually stir in strained juices. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in browning sauce if desired. Serve with sliced turkey.

What’s Laughing Got To Do With It?

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What’s Laughing Got To Do With It?

Feeling run down? Laughing a little more could be the solution. Laughter could be the best regimen, helping you feel better and putting that bounce back in your step. It automatically follows, and, makes sense, that people are happier and healthier if only they can get more laughter into their lives. This article explores the amazing outcomes of laughter and really humorous things.

Laughter is the best medicine, and there is solid evidence that it can improve health and boost immunity against disease. It really is an extraordinary thing.

You could test the hypothesis on your own. Firstly, reflect back on some really comical things; situations you have been in or photos you have seen, as long as it be extremely hilarious. Now, smile. You can do it. Slowly, steadily, let your mouth turn up at its corners. Giggle, chortle, chuckle, snigger, and gurgle. Slowly, fire it up and laugh out loud.

Do you feel invigorated? Elated? Laughter is the greatest universal cure discovered yet, according to recent studies done by neuroscientists and psychologists. Apparently, even the newest fads in holistic medicine think so.

Laughter has been ascribed with everything, ranging from reducing chances of heart attacks and strokes and lowering blood pressure to raising your IQ and capabilities to keep a hold of processed information.

On a regular basis, wit and laughter are being utilized in an array of remedial situations. Humor has the power to encourage, ease up stress and pain and progress one’s sense of well being according to research into the use of therapeutic humor. When very comical things stimulate our laughter, natural killer cells which destroy tumors and viruses increase. Alongside these, a disease fighting protein called Gamma interferon, important cells for the immune system called T-cells and cells which make disease-fighting antibodies called B-cells also increase. In addition to lowering blood pressure, laughter increases oxygen in the blood, which also encourages healing.

Unbelievably, laughter is not the same as humor. So, what then is it? It is the physiological reaction to wit. It is a combination of two elements; creation of sound and a set of gesticulations. As such, laughing makes the brain to concurrently produce sound and a set of gestures.

What are our reasons for laughing? Laughter comes more easily and frequently when people are at ease with each other, hence according to some researchers, fortifying human links is connected to it.

People in dominating positions use laughter more frequently than their subsidiaries. This is why you may note that everyone in an office laughs when the boss does.

Laughter and humor can unite families during strife, quench rage and aggravation and lower your distress levels. They indeed are like a potent prescription. Laughing at yourself or a situation you are in can greatly help to disperse the stress, especially situations that seem staggering. Additionally, laughter and really hilarious things have a great function in our existence, not only from a medical standpoint but also in making you feel better about yourself and the world around you. It will make a dreadful situation seem slightly less of-putting. Keep looking for really witty things, because a mirthful laughter a day may keep the doctor away!

 

 

Which Is Better: Dog or Man?

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Which Is Better: Dog or Man?

If there could only be one perspective in the world from a woman, which would it be, between a man and a dog?

When you mull over it, they have several mutual traits. Tricks, both can do, only that a man’s version of playing dead is in front of the television. While a dog can be taught to fetch the newspaper and your slippers, a man knows how to fetch and can fetch…only beer and the remote control. And if you taught him how to fetch the newspaper, the only portion of it you would get is the sports section. The common ground does not end there; both beg while standing on two legs and neither understand when a woman has a headache, neither ever makes the bed they sleep on.

Honestly, get a dog if you’re only concerned about a mess because as much as it cannot clean up after itself, the mess it makes is not as much to be cleaned up. Another point where dogs beat men is in obeying the command to stay. They not only stay, but also love unconditionally. They are also very forgiving; whether you’re late, you feed them the same meal daily or you put them outside. They neither gripe nor whine about a woman’s shopping, lengthy conversations or how much time she uses up to look her best.

Dog relationships outlive most human relationships; hence it boils down to this – get a dog if you want a long-term relationship. “Men are not dogs. Uh-uh. Dogs are loyal and can lick their own balls,” said Wanda Sykes once. That wraps it up perfectly

Moschino Photoshop F#@!* Up!

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Moschino Photoshop F#@!* Up!

Moschino, the Italian fashion label, unveiled a new campaign. In the shot, a model’s leg is completely missing!

This comes at a time when the use of Photoshop in print ads is receiving more and more animadversion. An increasing number of people are protesting strongly that Photoshop is creating a fake vision of people’s actual looks. They also argue that the self-consciousness of young girls is being damaged most by this deceptive view of women. Basically, it is just some minor alterations which are done, such as removal of blemishes, making models appear slightly thinner or cutting off a little cellulite. This ad took it to a whole new level to make the aforementioned model lose weight though, and in the process a colossal blooper that cannot easily be missed was made – obliteration of an entire limb.

Perhaps this is their way of fighting the wide use of Photoshop in the fashion world. Since Moschino is a little risque, for the most part, who knows?

 

Would Women Like To Be Men For A Single Day?

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Would Women Like To Be Men For A Single Day?

Perhaps, if women were to become men for a day – just one day – it would certainly help them to better understand the male species. Perhaps they would even like it. I mean, who wouldn’t want to walk a mile in Nikes instead of heels? A woman would ask for directions if she got lost while hiking the mile though.

Of all the envious things men boast of, such as being physically stronger, faster and having less body fat, the crowning jewel on the list of envy is their attire. When you can just don a different shirt and have the result regarded as a different outfit, it becomes unbelievably easy to get dressed in the morning.

Men are unappreciative of the advantages they have, though they should be grateful. For instance when shaving they get to remove the top layer of facial skin before it wrinkles. In order to get the same result, women pay ridiculously large amounts of money for laser treatments or chemical peels. Also, men don’t have to contend for equal pay with women. Regrettably, women have managed to gain equal rights to stress-related heart disease in their contention to overcome barriers to their advancement. Life has qualified women for positions in the house and the senate because on a daily basis, they solve-within budget too- problems regarding health, education and much more when it comes to their family. As a matter of fact, there is an equal rights bumper sticker that reads, “A woman’s place is in the House…and the Senate.”

Presently, stewardesses are now flight attendants. Actresses are referenced as actors. And soon a mentor will be called a “peopletor”. Gone are the days that it was considered a man’s world. A man who keeps anticipating his home to be his castle might as well expect the man on the Tidy Bowl cleaner to be sailing his little boat in the king’s throne. If a man considers his dog as his best friend, he better teaches it how to cook, clean and should like to watch football.

I’m certain one day as a man would be quite enough for most of the daring women, despite the fact that they like new experiences and challenges. It took God a very short time to decide to improve His work by making a woman after all!

 

Life is a Gamble…

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Life is a Gamble…

There is only one family that believes that a family that gambles together prays together – a family that has its reunion in Las Vegas! I neither have the face for poker nor do I have an idea how to play craps. I realized this on our flight home. There are many players who seem to lack a sense of humor when it comes to gambling. I encountered one such player once when playing black jack, and got the courage to double down on a pair of aces. Regrettably, the pair belonged to them. Such are the ones that think the distance from the front door of the casino to the nearest betting opportunity is a twelve-step program.

If there is one thing I learned in Vegas, yet, I learned how to be a good loser. Using my losses, I explained to my husband that they were proof that I am lucky at love. I used to view gambling as something we did in order to try to match other people’s lifestyles which seemed better than ours, but now I realize it is part and parcel of who we are. With as little effort as the throw of a dice, the spinning of a wheel or the turn of a card, we want to become rich all at once. This must explain why foreigners came to America, and why wagon trains headed west – in order to seek streets paved with gold.

Every aspect of life is pervaded by the desire to be a winner. In the absence of this deeply rooted aspiration, there would never be things worthy to be desired such as race tracks, poker parties, lotteries, office pools, water cooler bets… there wouldn’t even be political candidates. We get a kick from putting money in a soda machine and waiting to see if upon pressing the return button we get more change than expected. By putting money in a parking meter, it is similar to betting that we’ll run against time and be back before it expires. Even having the car washed becomes a gamble; we say it is not going to rain. We risk going through a red light, hoping that the policeman will have seen the light being a different hue of orange, such as very dark orange. Dodging our income taxes, and thus risking reducing the United States to the equivalent of a collector of bets in a casino.

Marriages are also not forgotten in that list. Couples continue to bet their lives by taking vows despite the fact that more than half of them end in divorce. Every day is a gamble, this truth of the matter we must accept. Anything can happen to you, from being hit by a car, to slipping on a banana peel or falling in a bathtub. A significant number of deaths occur around am, therefore avoid losing any more than you already have and get up. Even staying in bed is a gamble!

 

Finger Jousting, Really ?

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Finger Jousting, Really ?

Although it hasn’t taken off as quickly as other extreme sports, finger jousting is on the rise in Dallas, Houston and elsewhere in Texas. Individuals can often be found finger jousting in living rooms and open air malls throughout the state and around the country.

Finger jousting begins when two participants clasp their right hands together, with the index finger extended. The object of the joust is to attempt to poke the other individual anywhere but the right arm. Individuals may move in any direction as long as their hands remain clamped together, and they may not use their left arms or either of their legs in an offensive fashion. Players can vary the scoring, but players usually play to a set score.

The length of a finger jousting match can range from a few seconds for beginners to a few hours for two evenly matched, well-trained opponents. Players begin by showing a sign of respect, which can include a handshake, bow, or hug, then they interlock their right hands. When both index fingers are extended, the match officially begins. A player then tries to poke the opponent with his or her own index finger before the opponent can do the same. Different offensive and defensive moves can be performed to gain an advantage during the match. Matches are played for a desired prize, usually honor and/or spoils. The preset prize is awarded to the victor following his or her victory. Each round of a finger jousting match ends after one minute. The round may also end when a point is scored or a foul is committed. After each round, there’s short break, usually thirty seconds. There are several variations for scoring:

One point is scored each time a player pokes his or her opponent. This format is usually played to an odd number of points (best of three, best of five, etc.). In this format, a player receives a warning for one foul; two fouls result in a subtraction of one point, and three fouls result in disqualification.

Point play rules are similar to quick play rules, except that different parts of the body are worth a different amount of points. The left arm and legs are worth one point, the chest and central body are worth two, and the head is worth three. Point Play Matches are usually determined by the winner attaining six points.

There are some moves which, if performed during a match, result in a penalty. The punishment for a penalty usually changes, depending on the type of scoring method the opponents have agreed upon.

-Using a left arm, or either leg, as an offensive weapon

-Letting go of your opponent’s hand

-Curb stomping, smoke tagging, whipping, or generally beating your opponent after you win a round

-Biting

-Any action that compromises your own or your opponent’s integrity, including, but not limited to, intentionally aiming for your opponent’s groin.

The origin of finger jousting is hazy. Some historians believe the sport was founded by the ancient Israelites, who referred to it as finger spearing. There are references to finger spearing contained in the Book of Phalanges, an apocryphal manuscript that was excluded in the Bible at the Council of Nicaea, held during the late 10th century. Most finger jousting historians, however, agree that finger jousting developed its modern form during the 1970s.

The biggest event in the modern history of finger jousting was the World Finger Jousting Federation’s founding on August 1, 2005.

Found in the World Finger Jousting Federation’s Code of Conduct:

Respect – Always honor the outcome of a match. Without personal integrity, the WFJF would cease to exist. Respect also includes not intentionally aiming for the groin.

Decorum – Do not use profane or lewd speech before, during, or after the match. Remember every time a member jousts, he/she is acting as an ambassador of the WFJF.

Non-disturbance – Avoid disquieting surrounding bystanders and inanimate objects while leisure jousting. Do not engage in finger jousting matches at inappropriate settings or during inappropriate times.

Manicure – Taking care of your fingernails is a sign of respect for your opponent and shows an interest in maintaining a healthy body.

It may seem like a silly extreme sport, but serious finger jousters put themselves through a physically demanding regime to stay on top.

Three Tips That Will Make You A Speed Reading Pro

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Three Tips That Will Make You A Speed Reading Pro

The basic skill of rapid reading is learning to read in phrases.

This simply means taking wider visual bites as your eyes move across a line of type. As I explained in the introduction, your eyes read words in a series of stops, or fixations, jerking to the right after each stop to take in the next portion of the line. You read only when your eyes are stopped. The more words you can take in at each bite, the fewer stops will be necessary on each line and the faster you will read. By widening what is called your span of recognition, you automatically increase your reading speed.

To test your present span of recognition, try focusing your eyes on the sixth word in the next line. Although you will be consciously fixed on a single word, your span of recognition should let you read the word to the left and the word to the right – perhaps a bit more. As you practice stretching your side-vision, the span of recognition will widen, and you will absorb more words with each fixation.

If you were reading a list of unrelated words you would have to read word by word. But in normal reading the words are held together by the broader meaning of phrases and sentences. Sentences are made up of units of meaning. The eyes and mind can be trained to absorb these units of meaning far more readily if you read in phrases rather than at the plodding rate of one word at a time.

 The Three Kinds of Readers:

 To understand more clearly how phrase reading improves skill, let’s find out what kind of reader you are now. There are three types, and it is a simple matter to test yourself.

First,  He forms words with his lips, just as though he were reading aloud, and so he can grasp only one word at a time. You could still be a motor reader, even though your lips do not move. Give yourself this test: Put your fingers on your throat. Now go on reading. If you feel any movement in your larynx now (except from the pulse there), you are still a motor reader, grasping only one word at a time. This means that you can read silently only as fast as you can read aloud.

Second, Though his lips and larynx do not move, he hears every word in his mind. You can test yourself on this, too. Open a novel, if you have one handy, though any book will do. Fix your eyes on a page but before you start reading say aloud some such nonsense phrase as ”Mary had a little lamb.” Repeat it several times and then start reading, still saying aloud ”Mary had a little lamb” as you try to read. If you are unable to comprehend what you are reading – if the words are just a meaningless jumble – then you are definitely an auditory reader. Even though you understood fully what you were reading in spite of the nonsense you were repeating, you could still be an auditory reader. Read the next few paragraphs in the book on which you have just tested yourself. Now stop and think back. Were you conscious that you were reading words? Did you hear them in your head? Then I am afraid you are still an auditory reader. The auditory reader can read much faster than the motor reader, but he is still handicapped in reaching high speed, because he is held back by the necessity of ”hearing” words in his head.

Third, With him, the eye-mind relationship I described in the introduction is fully adjusted. His eyes photograph words which are translated by the mind instantly into ideas without the aid of either the vocal or auditory senses. Obviously he has a head start toward becoming a rapid reader as quickly as he is trained in the techniques which will make him aware of how to use his talent.

 

Things Only Middle Aged People Will Understand

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Things Only Middle Aged People Will Understand

I’m going to put an ad in the newspaper’s LOST & FOUND column to find out where 2015 went. I don’t know when years started to have only eight months. It must have been when hours started to have only forty minutes. What I do know is that all of us will have something in common in 2016, no matter how fast the year passes. We will all be a year older. I, like everyone else, want to live healthfully and happily to a very old age; but presently I’m dealing with middle age. 

According to statistics, the average life expectancy is now 77.6, which means middle age would be 38.8. The dictionary is more generous. Using the euphemism ”adulthood”, it defines this time as the years between 40 and 65. Of course, with 50 being the new 40 and 70 being the new 50, who knows anymore. My personal definition is 10 years older than I am. However, we can’t fool ourselves. We know when we’re ”mature”, which is another one of the dictionary’s euphemisms. It’s when we start fighting the signs of aging. We diet, exercise and dye our hair. Men stop tucking their shirts in and women pray for sack dresses to come back into style. 

A man knows he’s ”no longer young” when the weight of the world falls from his shoulders to his love handles. For women it falls to their hips. It’s the time in our lives when the only thing we don’t have trouble hearing is our bones creaking when we stand up. It’s the time when fortune tellers read the lines in our faces instead of the lines in our palms. It’s when men start hoping that jogging their memories counts as exercise and women are tempted to mix fabric softener with face cream to get rid of wrinkles.

 But let’s look on the bright side. Yes, there is a bright side. With middle age comes the wisdom and experience which helps us to better understand the world. Of course, being better able to understand the world is Mother Nature’s way of compensating us for not being able to see the world without glasses. 

When I was a teenager, I thought middle age was old. Now I think teenagers are too young to know what it is. Now I don’t think it’s old. I think it’s just older. In fact, because I’m going to be a day older tomorrow, I’m going to enjoy being a younger man today.

 

The Promise Of Easy Money Could Be An Easy Scam

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The Promise Of Easy Money Could Be An Easy Scam

If you’ve ever been interested in making money on the internet, you’ve probably searched one of the following phrases: “Make Money” – “Work From Home” – “Get Rich Online”. And, you’ve probably encountered some interesting results.

My personal favorites are the websites that have a collage of a husband and wife living their lives blissfully. One picture shows them holding each other lovingly. Another picture shows them playing tennis on their own private court. The next photo shows them standing in front of their private mansion inside of a gated community as they point to the home as if to say to you ”Look at how big this thing is! With a house this size we must be telling the truth!” I especially like the pictures that show the lucky couple on their yacht, sailing in the Pacific, holding up a fish they caught that’s not even half as large as the lie they’re telling you about how they can teach you to make millions on the internet if you just fill out the email form on their website so they can begin sending you informative tidbits about making money that will ”change your life.”

So with fervent anticipation, you fill out the email form on their website, and an autoresponder begins sending you a series of emails, usually spread 24 hours apart, about how this ”revolutionary new system” has changed their lives and the lives of others they’ve recruited into their business. As you’re reading the email, you start to ask yourself, ”Hmmm….I wonder what the heck this business actually is. The website doesn’t say what the business is, and the email doesn’t say what the business is….I wonder how these wonderful people are lining their pockets with so much cash?”

By the time they’ve sent you the fifth email, you’re so excited that you simply can’t hold out any longer, so you order their program, and then a few days later you receive a package in the mail. What do you find inside? You find books and/or CD’s telling you how you can get rich online if you set up the same kind of website they did that tells people that they can get rich online if they purchase the same scam you just did. I love it when this happens.

Don’t get me wrong, some of these websites do actually have a legitimate service for which they want to train you so that you can resell it, such as being a vitamin distributor, or teaching people about internet marketing, or, my personal favorite, hosting and inviting people to Christian mentor conferences (I love that one). Yes, there are a slew of defrauders in cyberspace who actually try to convince people how they can ”Get rich with Christian mentor conferences.” Jeez, if only I had thought of that. Here I am working 10 hours a day with a legitimate company, all the while I could’ve been cashing in on those hot Christian mentor conferences.

But, most of the time, there is no legitimate product or service whatsoever, and when there is, they’re usually like the stuff I’ve already mentioned – items or services that no one needs or wants, things that aren’t practical and don’t make any sense. So, these charlatans have a very simple approach – they set up a convincing sales pitch, they keep pushing it by bombarding you with emails until your mouth is watering, then you place your order and they send you a business venture that is unremarkable or a waste of your time.

Here’s How To Avoid Long Lines At Customs

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Here’s How To Avoid Long Lines At Customs

Many of us have experienced long lines at the United States immigration and customs station when re-entering the country after an international flight. Going through the hassle and waiting in the lines seems inevitable, especially with the world in the state that it is in. But, in the age of smartphones, there is actually a way to bypass those long lines in some U.S. airports – by using an app.

While it is not a secret, not many flyers know they can take advantage of this downloadable, free app that is available to both Android and iPhone users through their respective app stores. The app, called the Mobile Passport, enables users to enter their travel and passport information and electronically submit it, thereby generating a receipt to show agents at the immigration and customs checkpoints.  And, there really is no hidden catch.

In 2014, the free Mobile Passport app was launched by the Airside Mobile and Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) jointly with Customs and Border Protection (CBP).  

Currently, use of Mobile Passport is limited to United States citizens with a U.S. passport and Canadian citizens holding a Canadian passport. The five airports that are part of program as of now are as follows: Atlanta (ATL), Miami (MIA), Seattle (SEA), Chicago (ORD), and San Francisco (SFO). The project’s plan is to have at least 20 airports recognizing and accepting the app in the very near future.

Once you have downloaded the app to your phone, the process is as follows: land in the U.S. at one of the participating airports; exit the “airplane mode” on your phone; open the app; follow the listed instructions; and obtain your immigrations and customs clearance. As part of the process, you must enter your full name, date of birth, gender and country of citizenship.

You must also select your arrival airport and airline; take a selfie (no joke); answer some customs-related declaration questions; and submit the form via the app. You will then receive an “electronic receipt with an Encrypted Quick Response (QR) code,” which automatically expires four hours after it is issued. You then bring both your smartphone and passport to a customs agent and receive a warm welcome back to the States.

Who knew?!

Ever Wonder What That Tiny Hole Is In Your Airplane Window?

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Ever Wonder What That Tiny Hole Is In Your Airplane Window?

When sitting through a long flight, it is natural tendency to get bored and check out all possible surroundings ad nauseum. We stare at the back of the seat in front of us, the people all around us and even read the little magazine situated next to the safety instructions. It is simply amazing what Skymall thinks we will purchase from that catalog.

Another thing flyers do is look out and at the window, even though for most of the flight there is nothing to see but darkness or the clouds. And, while looking out the window, we notice that there is that tiny little hole at the bottom of the window. We often look at it without a second thought, but it is intriguing. Why is that tiny hole there? What is its purpose?

Well, that tiny hole actually serves a very important purpose. It is a safety feature that is found on every single window of the airplane. It is called a breather hole and serves to regulate the pressure amount that flows between the window’s outer and inner panes. Basically, the design of the window, including that little hole, ensures that the outer pane bears the brunt of the majority of air pressure – so if ever there was added strain on the window, the outer panel panel gives way. And in turn, we can still breathe. A very important necessity.

Another feature of the tiny hole: it keeps the window free of fog and condensation by sucking out moisture that gets stuck between the inner and outer window panes. So, mystery solved!

Bon Voyage and happy flying!

Why Millennials Choose To Travel The World Now Rather Than Later

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Why Millennials Choose To Travel The World Now Rather Than Later

It is no secret that we are living in tough economic times. The stock market is extremely volatile; there is quite a bit of uncertainty regarding the future of Social Security benefits; and it is more difficult than ever for young adults to obtain quality, decent-paying jobs. Additionally, many young people graduate from college with obscene amounts of student debt.

So, what are many young people doing about their situation? They are choosing to travel!   

Research indicates that the segment of the population referred to as millennials (those aged 16 to 34) are far more interested in traveling as much as possible than older generations. In fact, the United Nations estimates that millennials make up about 20% of international tourists. This represents 200 million people and more than $180 billion in tourism revenue each year. And rather than seek out week-long “fun in the sun” vacations, many young people are embarking on long-term experiences including months-long backpacking adventures.

These interesting facts illustrate just how differently young adults view their situations than older generations. For older Americans, it was very common to follow the traditional path to old age: start working at a company at a very young age; marry relatively young; start a family; remain working at that company for decades; retire; and then spend the golden years relaxing and doing some traveling.

Young adults follow a much different path, and the most notable difference is the lack of any clear, linear direction. Work-life balance is much more important to young adults than it was 50 years ago. Today’s young adults typically will not put up with an 60-hour work week, less than ideal working conditions and overdue work stress. Rather, they change employers frequently and spend more time with their families.

And, rather than wait until their golden years to travel, young adults view the future with such uncertainty that they choose to travel now while they still can.

After all, in this day and age, who knows what the future will hold?

Monterey Spaghetti

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Monterey Spaghetti

Ingredients

  • 4 ounces spaghetti, broken into pieces
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/8 teaspoon crushed garlic
  • 3 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
  • 1/2 (6 ounce) can French fried onions

Directions

In a large pot with boiling salted water cook spaghetti until al dente. Drain.

In a large bowl mix together the sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic. After beating the egg in a small bowl, transfer to the large bowl and blend together. Transfer to a greased slow cooker.

Mix cooked and drained spaghetti, 2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese, thawed spinach, and half of the French fried onions to the slow cooker. Stir contents of slow cooker until just blended.

Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high heat for 3 to 4 hours.

In last 30 minutes of cooking, turn to high if cooking on low and add remainder of grated Monterey Jack cheese and French fried onions to top of casserole. Serve when cheese is melted.

A Brief History Of Luggage And Man’s Obsession With Travel

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A Brief History Of Luggage And Man’s Obsession With Travel

Since time immemorial, man has been moving from place to place for different reasons. During all this time, he has had to carry some of his belongings along with him using some kind of luggage. The primary purpose of the luggage was to keep man’s items safe, organized and together. Just like all manmade things, luggage has evolved significantly.

When circumnavigating the world, Christopher Columbus likely had luggage for carrying his clothing and basic navigation tools. The trunks back then were made from fine woods such as cedar, pine or oak. Some were made from a combination of materials, such as cloth and leather. The trunks were magnificently decorated, using nails and brass plates. They have since undergone continuous transformation to be what they are today – family heirlooms.

Just as was from the very beginning, luggage is made from a variety of materials. The hides of cows, the deer, and even the horses were popularly used in the making of the luggage. To this day, leather is still a popular material in the manufacture of luggage. All luggage made from pure leather last long.

Since the trunks were often huge and cumbersome, smaller and more convenient bags were made. Currently, we have tote bags, backpacks and suitcases. Today, there are wheeled luggage, expandable luggage, soft luggage that is capable of being packed in tight spaces, and tough luggage that are meant to protect your belongings and remain usable for a long time.

Currently, there are luggage with wheels, coming with telescoping handles and pull straps made of leather. They are designed to accommodate water bottles, CD players, and such essential things as lunchboxes. They can as well accommodate laptops, and are even more durable than before.

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