December 25th, 2006 by CD
R.I.P. (1933-2006)
What a sad day it is as an international singer James Brown is announced dead. He is known around the world. Known in France as “Le parrain de la soul and papa de la soul” he gave the world good times with his soulful voice.
French News (French only)
Video one
Video two
Article one
U.K. News
Article one
Article two
American News
Article one
December 24th, 2006 by CD
Welcome back to another edition of “Sunday’s Food.” Today, I thought I would share one of my all time favorite snacks which are “Chinese donuts.” These are the donuts that you get at the Chinese buffets with lots of sugar on them. Well to be honest, there is nothing Chinese about these donuts at all other than the fact they are served at a Chinese buffet! Nonetheless, we all know them as Chinese donuts! I can eat 8-10 of these in a row and it’s a miracle I still look skinny!
These things are so easy to make, it’s not even funny. So here is the recipe and I hope that you will enjoy these with your family or by yourself! Enjoy and good cooking!
Recipe
1 (10 count) can refrigerated biscuits
1/3 cup of sugar
oil, to deep fry in
1. Use either a deep fryer, or a large deep skillet.
2. Be sure to add enough of oil to line the bottom of the pan a couple of inches deep.
3. Heat oil to 350 degrees.
4. Remove biscuits from can and fry a few at a time in the fryer.
5. When browned on one side, turn over.
6. When golden brown on both sides remove from oil, and drain on paper towels.
7. Pour sugar into a small container, and once the doughnuts have cooled slightly toss the doughnut into the sugar, and coat on both sides.
8. Be sure to fry only a couple at a time.
December 14th, 2006 by CD
Human Rights Day was actually on December 10th, but I was unable to post something on that day. In any event Human Rights Day is an awareness day in which we recognize that “All human beings are born with equal and inalienable rights and fundamental freedoms.”
For this year, the United States has announced to the world by its policies and actions that these rights are not recognize. No longer can the United States lecture other countries such as China on their Human Rights issues. Now, the United States must look within its own boarders to change legislation that was passed and to stop practicing torture.
Torture is only one human rights violation. Poverty is also a cause of human rights violations. According to the U.N. “People whose rights are denied — victims of discrimination or persecution, for example — are more likely to be poor. Generally they find it harder or impossible to participate in the labor market and have little or no access to basic services and resources. Meanwhile, the poor in many societies cannot enjoy their rights to education, health and housing simply because they cannot afford them. And poverty affects all human rights: for example, low income can prevent people from accessing education — an “economic and social” right — which in turn inhibits their participation in public life — a “civil and political” right — and their ability to influence policies affecting them.”
The U.S. along with countries like the Sudan and Iraq must now turn towards a movement which enhances human life. As we have seen across the globe, the rich are getting richer and the poor are staying poor. Nations must enact policies that benefit the lower class and to promote social policies such as education and health care. As we have seen in Darfur, women are raped as a means of retaliation, child soldiers are forced to participate in killings and mass killings happen as a means to enforce power must stop.
Additional info can be found here:
Study guide on Torture, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment
Statement on Darfur from the U.N.
December 13th, 2006 by CD
Last night, CNN had an excellent look at “Racism in America.” Paula Zahn was the host along with several distinguished guest that took an in-depth look at racism in America has changed and has not changed. Today, there are no signs that say “Whites Only,” rather as was evident in the broadcast, racism has taken a new form. Linguistic discrimination which can be used in numerous ways is now common in determining such things as housing and employment for many minorities.
I was truly saddened to hear the stories of discrimination that were presented in last night’s broadcast. Whoopi Goldberg was a special guest and she had a story in which she told of her and her mother shopping at a mall. She said “My mom and I, years ago, were on Madison Avenue. And this is just after everything had happened and we were like kids in the
candy store. We went in and out of all these stores, blah, blah, blah. We had the greatest time. We split up. And she went into a clothing store where she was followed around by this woman. Now, there were several patrons in the store and my mother said, can you come over here? There’s just something I’m interested in. And so the lady proceeded to tell her why she couldn’t afford it. Now, I came and said, mom, what’s going on? Oh, oh, is this your mother? Oh. And my mother says, you know what? I can’t afford anything in this store.”
CNN conducted an Opinion Research poll in which 88 percent of blacks, 86 percent of whites, don’t consider themselves racially biased. Well, I can say a lot of those people asked are in a state of denial. A perfect example of this is Peggy Fruge (Caucasian) of Vidor, Texas. She was interviewed last night in which she said “I don’t mind being friends with them (African Americans), you know, talking and stuff like that. But, as far as mingling and eating with them and all that kind of stuff, I mean, that’s where I draw the line.” This woman has so many problems with her life, it’s not even funny. She can’t even eat with an African American that is where she draws the line. Well, I didn’t know how to feel on that statement. It seemed like something I would have expected to hear in the 1920’s or something. This is why I said, people are in a state of denial.
Paula S. Rothenberg author of “White Privilege: Essential Readings on the other Side of Racism” gave two very true and wonderful analogies. She said:
White privilege is everywhere in this society. It’s the other side of racism. And it is pervasive. People can’t see it, because it’s invisible, because it is everywhere.
What, after all, doesn’t the fish know? That it’s all wet. White people are the fish. And white privilege is the water. And we are immersed in it and submerged in it. The best definition I ever heard of privilege came from Molly Ivins, where she said, George Bush was born on third base, and he thinks he hit a triple. Well, white people were born on second base, and they think they bought a double.
Part two comes on tonight at 8.00 EST on CNN.
What are your thoughts on Racism in America? Please comment!
December 12th, 2006 by CD
So, with the 109th congress set to exit capital hill soon, what exactly have they accomplished in their 3 day work week? Well, I must admit that a 3-4 day work week with a $165,000 yearly salary sounds awfully good. Hell, I would work 7 days a week for $165,000.
So, what does the 110th term expect to do? Well, Pelosi has her first 100 hour plan in which she said:
Well, we will in due time see if this congress is any better than the last. What are your thoughts?
December 12th, 2006 by CD
Welcome back to another edition of Tuesday’s Music! Today, I’m going to introduce to you a very smooth singer, not only in his personality but his voice too. Sung Si Kyung 성시경, is a Korean singer who has gained fame in many countries. Even if you do not speak Korean, his voice will surely put you at ease. He is considered a K-pop ballad singer who has appeared on many Korean variety shows including X-man. He was born on April 17, 1979 and has already produced 7 albums. These albums include (chronological order):
Remake Album: Blue Night at Chejudo
Downloads/Samples:
Request for individual songs or additional information can be made by adding a comment telling me what you would like or by sending me an email.
Enjoy the music!
December 12th, 2006 by CD
Just another quick post on Gordon Smith (R-OR) and his emotional speech on the senate floor last week. For those of you interested, you can read the full text version of his speech here. He was on CNN recently and said if you have something to say “now is the time to say it.” Well, I suppose its better late than never, right? Senator Gordon Smith brings up a lot of interesting points during his CNN interview. So watch it and share your comments.
December 11th, 2006 by CD
It was such a great pleasure to hear Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR) of Oregon speak his mind on the Iraq issue. I have to give Senator Gordon a round of applause for the speech he gave on the senate floor late last week. He stood up against President Bush with his whole heart to say that this war based on deceit towards the American people and that he can no longer support it. Hopefully others will have the courage to speak out as it was reported that Senator Gordon Smith is not the only one with these kinds of feelings.
