Tag Archives: islam

Making an Edible Bird’s Nest

Much has been made of the most recognizable Olympic venue in Beijing, China. The eye-catching National Stadium, or “Bird’s Nest” was home to the memorable opening ceremony and it is currently housing the track and field events along with men’s soccer. In addition, this Sunday the Bird’s Nest will host the 2008 Olympic closing ceremonies. According to the building’s designer, the hollowed complex allows in maximum sunshine in an effort to make spectators feel like they are in a forest. The designer also noted that the bowl shape was designed specifically to help the audience focus on the bottom center … Continue reading →

Olympic Opening Ceremony Spectacular, But How Much of it was Real?

There is absolutely no question that the Olympics opening ceremony in Beijing was brilliant, amazing, breathtaking, and every other superlative you could possibly think of. But, now questions are being raised as to just how authentic the stunning technological masterpiece really was. In the hours (yes, hours) following the opening ceremony, which aired in the United State on Friday night, several media outlets reported that some of the footage NBC and the BBC ran of the fireworks exploding across China’s capital during the finale was digitally inserted into television coverage. Reports say the networks did so over concerns that not … Continue reading →

Michael Jackson: Converting to Islam?

There is talk that Michael Jackson is planning to convert to Islam. It was brother Jermaine that released this news to the media earlier this week. Jermaine, a Muslim since 1989, said that Michael had been reading Islamic books and is interested in the faith. Maybe Michael is looking for something to provide him with inner peace after two very tumultuous decades. Michael has actually been lying relatively low lately. Through the years though, he has been in the news for one reason or another. It used to be that Michael was in the news for good reasons. The self-professed … Continue reading →

My Unsocialized Daughter

Socialization, as defined by the dictionary, is the process by which one learns the behaviors necessary to survive in one’s culture. One who is socialized then, is one who uses and applies cultural knowledge and understanding to various situations. According to the definition of socialization, we can say that socialized people learn to recognize the ‘norm’. I know some people would buck the abstract concept of ‘the norm’. But in reality there are things that we can agree upon that are considered socially unacceptable. Running and yelling through a library, dancing on top of a table at dinner. . .you … Continue reading →

The Holidays are Over!

Actually, when I wrote the titles, I realized that when I think of the Holidays, I think of our High Holidays of Rosh Hashannah (our Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (our day of atonement). However, when I refer to them here, I refer to the Happy Hannukwanistmas and new year. Yes, finally, the “holidays” of Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year’s are done! My son is back in school and life is finally getting back to normal. Watching the Christmas season go by is always exhausting, and we don’t even celebrate it! During Hanukkah, we shouldn’t have to worry about … Continue reading →

Herbed Sweet ‘n’ Sour Chicken with Sesame Broccoli Salad

Here is a delicious recipe for sweet ‘n’ sour chicken with sesame broccoli salad on the side. Herbed Sweet ‘n’ Sour Chicken For this recipe, you will need uncooked long-grain white rice, olive oil, honey, soy sauce, distilled white vinegar, dried thyme, ground paprika, ground cayenne pepper, ground allspice, ground black pepper, and 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Mix 2/3 cups of the long-grain white rice and 1 1/3 cups of water in a medium pan and bring to a boil. Cover the pan and reduce the heat. Let the rice simmer for … Continue reading →

Kung Pao Chicken

With a little bit of spice and whole lotta savory appeal, this dish will have you yearning for nothing when you’re finished. Serve it with white rice and enjoy. For this recipe you’ll need: 1. 1 1/3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2 inch pieces 2. 5 tablespoons soy sauce 3. 2 tablespoons sherry 4. 1 tablespoon cornstarch 5. 2 teaspoons sugar 6. 2 tablespoons white-wine vinegar or rice vinegar 7. 2 teaspoons Asian sesame oil 8. 2 teaspoons cornstarch 9. 1/3 cup water 10. 2 tablespoons cooking oil 11. 1/2 cup peanuts 12. 4 scallions, white bulbs … Continue reading →

Stress Balls – How Can They help You

Stress balls, or Chinese health balls as they are commonly known, date back to the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644). In ancient Chinese medicine, the use of these health balls was so successful that they were acclaimed as one of the Three Treasures of Baoding, China where they were created. Originally, the balls were solid and it was only later that they were designed to be hollow with sound plates inside that make various tones in the high and low ranges. According to traditional Chinese medical theory Jingluo (this term refers to the various energy pathways in the body and … Continue reading →

Interview with Pervez Musharraf

In an interview on Fox News Channel’s Hannity and Colmes show, September 25, 2006, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, was asked tough questions on several issues. Asked about pardoning the man who shared nuclear secrets with Iran, Libya, and North Korea, Musharraf explained that Khan is seen as a hero to people on the streets. Despite his “mistakes,” Musharraf said Khan still brought nuclear technology to Pakistan. He felt he had no choice but to pardon the man, and described being the President of Pakistan as similar to walking a tightrope. When asked how he felt about the label “Islamic Fascist,” … Continue reading →

Cashew Chicken

My husband is a health nut and from the very start of our marriage, I have experimented with all sorts of stirfry recipes and funky salads. He’s still in love with me, so I guess I haven’t goofed too badly so far! This is a delicious recipe that even my picky eaters will eat, when sprinkled with enough stirfry noodles. 1 lb. boneless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips 2 T. soy sauce 1 T. flour 2 T. olive oil (2X) 1 small onion, peeled, diced 1/2 lb. mushrooms, sliced (fresh, not canned) 1 small napa cabbage, shredded 1 t. … Continue reading →