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Archive for October, 2007

BlogBlast for Peace November 7th

October 30, 2007 By: Danielle Vyas Category: Peace|War, Me|mes 12 Comments →


Mimi, the Queen of Memes and author of Mimi Writes is the founding mother of the Dona Nobis Pacem Blogblast for Peace. I participated in my first blogblast in June and the launch of this domain had to be completed well before the next scheduled blast Wednesday November 7, 2007. It just had to be.

Modern Musings is all about Peace, what keeps us away from Peace, what we need to do to achieve Peace and how Peace truly begins with the individual.

Scrumptious Sanni author of Coffee to Go, Web Designer Extraordinaire and a great blogging compatriot has once again shown her dedication to an honorable cause. She has offered to pimp your peace globe for the reward of awesome karma which translates to be free!

Just look what she created for Modern Musings!

Check out Mimi, grab a peace globe, customize it yourself or employ the talent of Sanni, send Mimi your completed peace globe at mimiwrites2005 at yahoo.com and create a post on November 7th entitled Dona Nobis Pacem which is Latin for Give Us Peace.

An orchestrated effort, on a dedicated day serves to keep our eyes on the Prize. Is there a bigger Prize than Peace? The struggle toward realizing Peace is continuous as it is merely an investment toward survival. Mimi has created a powerful movement, bloggers who participate are pondering Peace, readers are pondering Peace, and demanding, in their own unique way, Peace.

I am adding a blogging challenge for those who wish to participate. Let me know within the comments if you will accept the challenge as I will spotlight your offerings on November 7th.

In your post, address what you feel keeps us from realizing the reality of Peace.

Spread the word here and here.

Do what you can to spread Peace to Darfur. Find out how here and here.

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My Birthday Gift to Hillary Clinton

October 26, 2007 By: Danielle Vyas Category: Politics, 2008 Elections 17 Comments →


Today is Hillary Clinton’s birthday and I was moved to lovingly gift her a CLUE.

Up until this year, I was an average voter. A voter who wanted to vote for media appointed winner so I wouldn’t WASTE my vote. A voter who choose between the lesser evil. A voter who didn’t delve deeper into the candidates’ voting records.

Slowly but surely as my thirst for knowledge continued, as my college assignments led me to new resources and ideas, I began scrutinize to my political ideologies. I have reevaluated what is important to me and have found that public servants to garner my support require honesty, integrity, a dedication to careful analysis which is based critical thinking skills and not illogical fallacies, and a deep commitment to serving the whole of the public not as a leader, specifically but as, primarily, a member of that public.

This last requirement urges me to look at which groups a public servant belongs to, who shares their vision, and the capacity of their empathy.

There are so many reasons that I cannot stomach Hillary Clinton.

  1. She voted to prohibit any US court, justice or judge from hearing or considering a writ of habeas corpus filed by or on the behalf of a non US citizen who is detained at Guantanamo Bay.
  2. Hillary Clinton voted for the Lieberman Iran Proposal as she voted for the American War in Iraq in 2002.
  3. She attempts to maneuver toward the right during the primary and I predict will jump over to the left for the general election.
  4. We have had Yale graduates as our President continuously since 1989, nothing against Yale but it is time for a leader with a different alma mater.
  5. Hillary Clinton promises a “return to transparency” if elected while 2 million documents concerning her time as first lady will conveniently be unavailable until after the election.
  6. Documents that have been reviewed as relating to policy or political matters have been closed to the public. The very information which should be offered to the capable thinking American public.
  7. Clinton is sponsored by the U.S. Arms Industry.
  8. Her campaign contributors speak volumes, she tops both parties accepting the most from these industries Pharmaceutical Companies, Commercial Banks, health professionals, lawyers and law firms, lobbyists, real estate, and securities and investments. Here is a full list of her donors as reported to the Federal Election Commission.

Hillary! Uncensored
“Hillary’s top donor: She’s getting away with fraud!” by Peter F. Paul

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Update on A Day for Darfur

October 25, 2007 By: Danielle Vyas Category: Peace|War, Call to Action 11 Comments →


Declaring merely a day of action for Darfur is rubbing me the wrong way, we have a lot of work to do and there is no way that progress can be achieved within the span of one day. A blogblast on a dedicated day serves to educate as many as we can and hopefully inspire some engaged civic participation.

I personally take all of the actions that I present here and join most organizations to receive the latest news on issues that concern me. When one signs an open letter to either public servants or corporations you will receive the lovely stock letter reply which thanks you for participating and gives you a sound byte response.

The ones I receive from my Senator John Ensign contain the threat of persecution if I reveal it’s contents, in today’s world I take that threat quite seriously.

The form letters of response I got after signing the open letter to the corporate sponsors of the Olympics in Bejing were pathetic.

From Coca Cola:

Thank you for contacting The Coca-Cola Company. We appreciate your interest in our Company.

The Coca-Cola Company has been sponsoring the Olympic Games since 1928 and believes that the ideals of the Olympic Movement of building a better world through sport, friendship and fair play are more relevant than ever. Our sponsorship allows these positive messages to reach a broader audience and inspire both athletes and spectators.

The Coca-Cola Company does not have a role in the internal policy decisions of sovereign nations such as China and the Sudan. It is our responsibility to conduct our business with the same high standards of corporate responsibility and integrity in each one of the more than 200 countries where we do business. We respect international human rights principles aimed at promoting and protecting human rights, including the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights.

The situation in the Sudan is complicated and tragic. Our Company applied for and received appropriate U.S. government approval to provide humanitarian relief in the Sudan. We have given $750,000 to the Red Cross and Red Crescent to provide humanitarian relief to people in communities in Darfur who have been displaced or been victims of violence in that region’s long-standing conflict. The funds have provided:

- Primary healthcare, including immunizations and malaria prevention
- Children’s healthcare, including feeding centers
- Food and supplies such as blankets, tarpaulins and kitchen sets
- Water and sanitation facilities

We believe that our role in society is to operate our business responsibly, in full compliance with both local and international laws, and to support the work of responsible NGOs, such as the Red Cross and Red Crescent, and we will continue to help those who have been affected by conflicts and disasters around the world.

From Anheuser-Busch

Dear Danielle,

Thank you for contacting Anheuser-Busch.

For nearly 25 years, Anheuser-Busch has been a proud sponsor of the Olympic Games. Over that time period, many organizations have used the high profile nature of this world-wide event to raise awareness for their causes. We respect the rights of these organizations to voice their concerns and appreciate your comments as well.

Our association with the Olympic Games is to support the athletes who bring the world together in the spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play.

Sincerely,

Anheuser-Busch, Inc.

From Staples:

Thank you for your recent email to Staples expressing your concern about the Darfur issue and
encouraging Staples to urge the Chinese government and the International Olympic Committee to use
their leverage to help end the crisis in Sudan.

As you may know, Staples is not a sponsor of 2008 Beijing Olympics. Rather, we are the exclusive
supplier of office furniture to the Olympics, including the Olympic Committee as well as official
Olympic locations. This is the first time Staples has been involved in the Olympic Games.

As a company that does business around the world, Staples takes very seriously its obligations as a
corporate citizen. However, corporate pressure is no substitute for the coordinated international
diplomacy that is required to resolve the conflict in Sudan.

In recent months the Chinese government has begun to raise the Darfur issue with the government of
Sudan and has finally supported the deployment of a UN peacekeeping force in the region. There have
been some hopeful developments on the international diplomatic front as well. While the conflict
and the humanitarian toll it has taken are far from over, these developments suggest that the best
course for resolving the crisis in Darfur is a vigorous and concerted diplomatic effort.

Sincerely,

Staples, Inc.

The theme here is the same. These megacorporations are trying to dilute the influence they hold. They operate for profit alone for if they did not they would hold U.S. regulatory laws {not enforced enough} and true democratic ideals as supreme and operate under those laws wherever they run their businesses.

Many countries, especially those considered “third world” do not have any assurances toward their people that their health and human value are to be honored and protected against industrial greed. Therein lies the loophole, the argument that regulations send jobs beyond our borders are merely covering up the loophole.

Awhile back I participated in an action toward Starbucks to avoid buying milk products from suppliers who use the growth hormone RGHB. Enough people participated that Starbucks agreed.

Should a boycott be organized toward these companies that deny their influence in stopping the violence in Darfur?

Another heads up from Villager led me to another Muser stepping up the boycott. I highly recommend visiting the Ultraviolet Underground for more information.

Will their position change if enough people flood their inbox with letters?

From SaveDarfur.org I received another call to action surrounding the scheduled peace talks to occur this weekend in Libya. Again I urge you to use your voice and take action.

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Darfur Day of Action

October 24, 2007 By: Danielle Vyas Category: Peace|War, Call to Action 15 Comments →


I found out about today’s call to action from the Electronic Village and I just had to respond.

Tens of thousands of people have been murdered in Darfur, women are repeatedly and brutally raped by both the Janjaweed, an Arab militia and also the Sudanese military, millions of people are displaced within Sudan and a quarter of a million have fled the bloodshed to Chad. Nearly 100 children a day are dieing from this hate filled violence. This genocide has been going on since 2003 in an area that has seen famine, desertification due to global warming and internal conflicts. The first question one asks is Why? Why is humanity being slaughtered? Once again the quest for the Earth’s blood is causing human blood to flow. Oil, yes oil and again oil.

Why should you care about what is happening in Darfur? It is so simple. You are human. Humanity has a failsafe mechanism called empathy. Empathy is recognizing the common thread that holds all humanity together. Empathy makes one stop and think about the consequences of their actions on others. I have heard many soldiers who have declared they are against war only after they have killed. When they saw the destruction and death laid by their hands they are overwhelmed with empathy for their fellow humans, only then does a shift occur. I am continually disheartened to see that the human trait of empathy has become lessened. When we see the news of a child abused or murdered the event hits us hard since we too have children, and we all have been vulnerable, innocent children, we can easily recognize that common thread. The people of Darfur share that common thread as well. If you expect others to honor your human value you must stand up against those who deny that value to others.

A plethoria of information on Darfur can be found here.

Contact your Representative, your senator, and the dishonorable President and remind them that Americans are against genocide, that real freedom is inseparately bound to respecting human value and that you will hold them accountable for the murder of our brothers and sisters worldwide.

Before composing your letter or picking up the phone watch these videos first.
Sudan and others deny the genocide in Darfur. See the footage for yourself.

An American witness in Darfur

Handcuffs not Handshakes

The ongoing Darfur Genocide is no accident, no local tribal conflict. The genocide is the brutal plan of three men in the Sudanese national Government — President Bashir, Vice-President Taha, Security Chief Gosh. Now they are spreading their system of terror to other African countries, including Chad and the Central African Republic . Yet our governments continue to cut deals with them - deals they repeatedly break. It is time for the US and European governments to stop appeasing genocide. We call on our governments to fully support the International Criminal Court to indict the perpetrators of genocide, and to help ensure their arrest. It is time for justice, because only justice can bring peace.

For Bashir, Taha and Gosh, it is time for handcuffs, not handshakes. From Darfur: A Genocide We can Prevent

Here are some more talking points from Oprah.com

Since China has used it’s veto power in the United Nations against international peacekeepers assisting Sudan in ending the murder, contact the corporate sponsors of the Olympics to be held in Bejing.

Sign this petition demanding the money launders to stop investing in Darfur’s genocide.

Sign this petition “Children in Darfur Need a Future” Every day 70 children under the age of 5 die DAILY in Darfur.

Sign the Global Petition to End the Violence in Darfur from Amnesty International.

What is the blogosphere saying on Darfur:
Heat from Electronic Village
Day of Action for Darfur from BlackPerspective.net
Darfur Day of Action, Will You Blog from BlackPerspective.net
A Day for Darfur from Eddie G. Griffin

You can spread the word further by sharing this article on digg and stumbleupon.

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Political Links

October 23, 2007 By: Danielle Vyas Category: Politics No Comments →


US Generals will quit if Bush orders Iran Attack” by Michael Smith and Sarah Baxter

Where are the Lawyers of America” by Ralph Nader

Alienation and Dissociation: The Two Sides of Powerlessness” by Susan Rosenthal

Here are some of the political links from Modern Musings on Blogger:

The End of America: The Police State is Right Here, Right Now” by Carolyn Baker

Blogger Comments:

Be more frightened of the paramilitary organizations of zealots like the Patriot Riders.

Think about their mission statement and then ask yourself who gave them the power to interfere with your right to free assembly and the right to protest…

~Dirk Star

Yes as Clare Wolfe has said “America is at that awkward stage, to late too work within the system, and too early to shoot the bastards.”

~Becky

I’ve been saying for the last 5 years the difference between Cold War Russia and America today…is that Americans today have a greater false consciousness. And that ladies and gentlemen saddens me.
Great link!

~Notfearingchange

Now, America is a world terrorist

~Syam

That is an excellent article, and right on point. Hard to find that type of unflinching commentary anymore that bores right in on the issue without looking away.

Thanks for that, Danielle.

~Keith

American Warning” created by PuppetGov

Democrats.com Poll Finds Majority Want to Bring Our Troops Home from Iraq in 6 Months” by Bob Fertik

War is Peace, Freedom is Slavery, Ignorance is Strength: the John Edwards Approach” by Alex H.

In the Lawless Post-Katrina Cleanup, Construction Companies Are Preying on Workers” by Brian Beutler

John Edwards’ Fortress” by David Swanson


Kennedy’s Shameless support for Chavez


Chavez moves on telephone companies


Chavez invites Peru to energy summit


Venezuela Signs Deal to Buy Seneca


Chavez’s anti-corruption commission


Bush’s upcoming tour to divide Latin America


U.S. shouldn’t buy oil if it doesn’t want it


Venezuela buys Argentine debt


Why Chavez isn’t another Castro


How to transform a government


Standard Socialist Operating Procedure


U.S. turns to Brazil for oil


Venezuela’s Power Grab


Chavez landslide tops all in U.S. history

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Meatless Meals

October 23, 2007 By: Danielle Vyas Category: A Viable Future 6 Comments →


The recipes below have been transferred from Modern Musings on blogger, but I just had to add a new meatless recipe for the launch.
Last year we used small pumpkins for our jack o’ lanterns and I attempted for the first time roasted pumpkin seeds but decided to make them savory. They were a huge hit.

Seeds from smaller pumpkins work much better than the huge ones.

Collect the seeds, wash them thoroughly and lay them on towels to dry overnight. Put the seeds in a bowl and coat with olive oil, not to much. Add any combination of seasonings. I used curry powder, garlic powder and a little salt, again just to coat. Spread onto pan in a single layer and bake at 250F until golden brown. I usually start checking after 20 minutes. Make sure to turn them a few times. Care2 offers a simple recipe and features a lot of helpful comments.

Inspired by Gwen Schantz and the official non profit location of Meatless Mondays. Cutting meat from your diet once a week will benefit your health and play a major part in preserving our Earth.
For more information visit the source.

Delicious Artichokes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ready In: 25 minutes
Ingredients:

  • 4 medium artichokes
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons basil pesto
  • 1/4 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs

Directions:
Trim the stems from the artichokes, and remove the small leaves from the bottoms. Slice 1 inch or so off the top so that it is flat. Pour 2 cups or 1 inch of water into a large pot, and insert a steamer basket. Place artichokes into the steamer, cover, and bring to a boil. Allow them to steam for about 15 minutes, or until a fork can easily pierce the stem.
In a cup or small bowl, mix together the melted butter and pesto. Drizzle the mixture over upright artichokes, being sure to dribble into all of the crevices. Then sprinkle bread crumbs across the tops and serve.
Nutrition Information:
Servings Per Recipe: 4
Amount Per Serving

  • Calories: 349
  • Total Fat: 28.7g
  • Cholesterol: 66mg
  • Sodium: 643mg
  • Total Carbs: 19.5g
  • Dietary Fiber: 7.6g
  • Protein: 7.6g

Basil Pesto Submitted by FuzzyGreenMonkey
Original Recipe Yield: 12 servings
Preparation Time: 15 Minutes
Ready in: 15 Minutes
Ingredients
:

  • 3 cups chopped fresh basil
  • 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup pine nuts
  • 1/8 cup Brazil nuts
  • 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

Directions:
1. Place the basil in a blender. Pour in about 1 tablespoon of the oil, and blend basil into a paste. Gradually add pine nuts, Brazil nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, chili powder, and remaining oil. Continue to blend until smooth.
Nutrition Details:
Servings Per Recipe: 12
Amount Per Serving

  • Calories: 241
  • Total Fat: 24.3g
  • Cholesterol: 4mg
  • Sodium: 106mg
  • Total Carbs: 2.1g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0.8g
  • Protein: 4.3g

Cashew Rice Pilaf Submitted by Tina Coburn
Original recipe yield: 12 servings
Preparation Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes
Ready In: 40 Minutes
Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups uncooked long grain rice
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 1 cup golden raisins
  • 1/4 cup butter or margarine
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon onion salt
  • 2 cups frozen peas
  • 1 1/2 cups cooked wild rice
  • 1 cup cashews
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions

Directions:
In a Dutch oven, sautée the long grain rice, onion, carrots and raisins in butter until onion is tender. Add the broth and onion salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Stir in peas, wild rice and cashews; heat through. Sprinkle with green onions if desired.

Eggplant Casserole
Makes 6-8 servings
Ingredients

  • 1 large eggplant
  • 1 tablespoon of cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons non-fat milk
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 medium tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped or 1 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 2 cups stale breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 large zucchini, diced
  • 2 small onions, chopped

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut eggplant into half-inch slices. Place in a large bowl and cover with boiling water. Add vinegar and let stand for 15 minutes, then drain and pat dry.Mix flour and sesame seeds together in a large, shallow bowl or plate. Dip eggplant slices in milk, then in the flour-sesame seed mix. Heat half the oil in a large frying pan and add half the eggplant in a single layer. Fry until lightly browned on both sides. Drain on absorbent paper. Repeat with the remaining slices.Place a layer of eggplant in a shallow ovenproof dish, top with mushrooms and tomatoes, and sprinkle with basil. Combine breadcrumbs, walnuts and cheese in a small bowl and sprinkle half the mixture over tomatoes. Top with combined zucchini and shallots. Cover with remaining eggplant, then sprinkle with the remaining breadcrumb mixture. Drizzle with oil. Bake for about 30 minutes, until golden brown. Serve with a fresh bean medley: butter beans, french beans and broad beans topped with a little fresh-ground pepper.
Nutrition Information per Serving

  • Calories 370
  • Total Fat 18g
  • Saturated Fat 2g
  • Cholesterol less than 5mg
  • Sodium 330mg
  • Total Carbohydrates 43g
  • Protein 11g

Quick ‘n Easy Irish Soda Bread
Makes 1 large loaf (6-8 servings)
Ingredients

  • 2 cups light rye flour (or whole-wheat flour)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons double-acting baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • Oatmeal

Directions
Combine the flours, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and brown sugar in a large bowl. Mix the egg with the buttermilk and stir into the dry ingredients just to blend. Dust the counter with oatmeal flakes. Turn out dough and knead about 10 times to cover with flakes and form a round ball. Place on cookie sheet sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Cut a cross lightly on top of loaf and bake at 375 degrees for 45-50 minutes or until it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Nutrition Information per Serving

  • Calories 300
  • Total Fat 2g
  • Saturated Fat 0.5g
  • Cholesterol 35mg
  • Sodium 750mg
  • Total Carbohydrates 59g
  • Protein 10g

Cool Summer Mojito Recipe
Ingredients

  • 2 ounces light rum
  • 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice (from organic limes, if you can get them)
  • 3 fresh mint sprigs
  • 1 heaping tablespoon of organic brown sugar
  • 1 ounce club soda
  • 1 lime wedge (for garnish)
  • A cup of ice cubes

Directions
Add rum, lime juice, brown sugar, and mint to blender and blend on low speed just until mint is barely chopped up. Add ice and club soda and blend on low speed until ice is crushed but not dissolved. Pour over whole ice cubes and garnish with a lime wedge.

Summer Breakfast Sundae
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh fruit in bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons chopped dried fruit
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 2 cups nonfat plain or vanilla yogurt
  • 2 cups nonfat cottage cheese
  • 4 tablespoons toasted almonds, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons bran flakes
  • 2 teaspoons fresh mint leaves, minced

Directions
Assemble a mix of fresh fruit (such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, sliced nectarines, apricots or plums) in a medium-sized mixing bowl then add your choice of dried fruit (such as dates or figs) and mix well. Drizzle with honey. In another mixing bowl, blend together the yogurt and cottage cheese. Divide the creamy mixture among four bowls then ladle a quarter of the fruit mixture on top of each. Sprinkle with nuts and bran flakes, then garnish with mint.
Nutrition Information per Serving:

  • Calories 300
  • Total Fat 4.5g
  • Saturated Fat 0g
  • Cholesterol 5mg
  • Sodium 520mg
  • Carbohydrates 46g
  • Fiber 5g
  • Sugars 39g
  • Protein 21g

Ziti with Sun-Dried Tomato “Cream”
Makes 6 servings
Ingredients
*Tofu replaces heavy cream in this flavorful no-cook sauce, which is warmed when you toss with the hot cooked pasta.*

  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 pound dried ziti
  • 1 cup silken tofu, drained
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions
In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil. When water boils, add salt and pasta, stirring to prevent sticking. Cook until al dente, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a food processor or blender, combine remaining ingredients except parsley and process until smooth, adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of pasta water to thin sauce to desired consistency. Drain pasta and transfer to serving bowl. Spoon sauce over pasta and toss to mix. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.
Nutritional Information Per Serving:

  • Calories 158
  • Protein 5g
  • Total Fat 6g
  • Saturated Fat 1g
  • Carbohydrates 23g
  • Cholesterol 0mg
  • Sodium 583mg
  • Fiber 2g

Alan Alda’s Che Cha
Ingredients

  • 14 good-size Italian plum tomatoes
  • or 2 (14 ounce) cans plum tomatoes
  • 2 handfuls fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/3 pound reduced fat mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 10 ounces fusilli (corkscrew macaroni) or your choice of noodle

Directions
Fill a pot with enough water to cover tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Add tomatoes to boiling water. Remove after about 10 seconds. Mix the tomatoes, basil, garlic and cheese with the olive oil. Let stand in a covered bowl for at least 3 hours (or overnight) refrigerated. Cook fusilli. Drain. Add sauce to hot pasta. Mix well, and serve warm.

Geared Up Ginger Granola
Makes 12 servings (about 6 cups)
Ingredients

  • 4 cups oats
  • 1 cup wheat bran
  • 1/2 cup slivered almonds
  • 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 orange, for zest and juice
  • 1/2 cup bite-sized mixed dried fruit (raisins, dried cranberries, chopped apricots, etc)
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped candied ginger (optional)

Directions
Preheat oven to 350F. In a large bowl, mix oats with bran, almonds, sunflower seeds, cinnamon, and salt. In another bowl, whisk maple syrup with oil and vanilla. Finely grate 1 teaspoon peel from the orange, then squeeze out 2 tablespoons of juice. Stir both into syrup. Pour over oat mixture and stir until well-mixed. Spread out on a large, rimmed baking sheet. Bake on the center rack of a preheated oven, uncovered. Stir occasionally to keep from sticking or burning (watch the edges of pan, which are more likely to burn). Bake until oats are golden, about 20 minutes. Remove pan from the oven and place on a rack to cool. Stir occasionally. When cooled, stir in dried fruit and candied ginger. Can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container up to 1 week. If refrigerated, keeps up to 1 month. If stored in the freezer, keeps up to 6 months.
Nutrition Information per Serving

  • Calories 320
  • Total Fat 8g
  • Saturated Fat 1g
  • Cholesterol 0mg
  • Sodium 100mg
  • Carbohydrates 54g
  • Fiber 9g
  • Protein 11g

Roadside Bean & Potato Salad
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients

  • 1/2 pounds small red potatoes, quartered
  • 1/2 cup tomato-vegetable juice
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 red onion, halved and thinly sliced
  • 1 15-ounce can red kidney beans, rinsed well and drained
  • 8 ounces fat free mozzarella cheese, cubed

Directions
Cook the potatoes in a large pot of boiling water until tender (will take about 10 minutes) then drain well. Whisk together the tomato juice, vinegar, mustard, oil, basil, and black pepper in a large bowl. Add the drained potatoes to the dressing and toss to coat well. Add the tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, beans and mozzarella cheese then toss again. Ready to serve at room temperature or refrigerate to chill slightly.
Nutritional Information Per Serving

  • Calories 308
  • Total Fat 4.5g
  • Saturated Fat 0.6g
  • Cholesterol 10mg
  • Fiber 8g
  • Carbohydrates 43g
  • Protein 25g
  • Sodium 845mg

Indian-Style Chick Peas
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients

  • 1 large onion, chopped coarsely
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 chili, finely diced (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 2 15-ounce cans chickpeas, reserve half the liquid
  • juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons peanut butter
  • 2 cups cooked Basmati rice

Directions
Sauté onion, garlic and chili (optional) in nonstick pot until slightly browned. Add cumin and cook about 30 seconds, or until spices start to give off wonderful smells and turn slightly brown. Add chick peas and the reserved liquid. Add lemon juice and tomato paste. Cook for about five minutes. Place half of the chickpea mixture in a blender and blend for about 15-20 seconds. Add it back to the pan and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until heated through. Stir in peanut butter and cook a few minutes more. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve over basmati rice.
Nutritional Info Per Serving

  • Calories 390
  • Total Fat 4g
  • Saturated Fat 0.5mg
  • Cholesterol 0mg
  • Sodium 650mg
  • Carbohydrates 88g
  • Fiber 11g
  • Protein 16g

Summer Greens Pasta with Garlicky Mustard Butter
Inspired by The Tassajara Recipe Book, by Edward Espe Brown (Shambhala, 1985).
Serves 4
Ingredients

  • 1 stick organic butter or to taste (some folks find this amount to be too much)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon or country-style mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 tablespoons parsley, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons finely snipped chives or minced scallions
  • Sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
  • 3/4 pound pasta of your choice
  • 4 cups assorted fresh greens, well-washed, and coarsely chopped. These may include Swiss chard, spinach, turnip greens, broccoli rabe, curly mustard, collards, or whatever is fresh

Directions
Allow the butter to soften, then blend with mustard. Remove skin from garlic, chop coarsely, and pulverize in a mortar with a pinch of salt. Add parsley and chives and continue to pulverize for a little while to allow flavors to be released. Combine garlic-chive mixture with mustard butter and add a few grinds of pepper. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add pasta. Cook according to package directions and in the last couple of minutes of cooking, add the greens. When done, drain pasta and greens in a colander, then place in a large heavy-bottomed skillet. Heat pasta and greens over medium heat with the prepared butter, tossing until well-coated. Be sure not to allow the butter to brown. Serve hot.

Zucchini Pancakes Topped with Diced Tomatoes
Makes 6 servings
Ingredients

  • 1 pound tomatoes, peeled, seeded and coarsely chopped
  • 1-1/2 lbs zucchini or summer squash
  • 1 medium red onion
  • 1-1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint or basil, chopped
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup egg substitute
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions
First, pour the chopped tomatoes into a colander and place over the sink to drain while you’re working. Next, start on your pancakes. Grate the zucchini and onion, then roll up the grated veggies in a hand towel or a few layers of sturdy paper towels and press gently to remove excess moisture. It’s tempting to take a short cut, but don’t skip this step! The excess moisture needs to be removed or the pancakes won’t be the right consistency. Combine the pressed zucchini and onion with garlic, salt, fresh mint or basil, nutmeg, cheese, eggs, flour, salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet until a drop of water skitters across the surface of the pan. Pour 1/4 cup of the zucchini batter into the hot oil. The batter will be lumpy, so you may want to tilt the skillet to distribute the batter nicely. Let the pancake completely brown on one side then flip to brown the other side. Remove from the pan and place on paper towels (this blots out some of the oil you’ve used for frying). When you’re ready to serve, just remove the tomatoes from the colander and season lightly with salt and pepper. Serve the zucchini pancakes topped with fresh diced tomatoes.
Nutrition Information per Serving

  • Calories 120
  • Total Fat 6g
  • Saturated Fat 1g
  • Cholesterol 0mg
  • Sodium 650mg
  • Carbohydrate 12g
  • Fiber 3g
  • Protein 6g

Greek Breakfast Yogurt
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients:

  • 4 fresh figs
  • 2 fresh peaches
  • 4 ripe yellow plums
  • 1 honeydew or cataloupe
  • 16 strawberries
  • 3 cups fat-free plain or vanilla yogurt
  • 5 tablespoons honey

Directions:
Peel and slice the figs. Remove pits and cut the peaches into thick slices. Remove pits and quarter the plums. Place fruits around the rim of a large plate or platter. De-seed the melon, remove the outer skin, chop into bite-size pieces, and add to the plate. Hull the strawberries and add to the plate. Pour the yogurt into the center of the plate. Drizzle with fruit and yogurt with honey.
Nutrition Information per Serving:

  • Calories: 330
  • Fat: 1g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 15mg
  • Total Carbohydrates 70g
  • Dietary Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 18g

Escalivada - Catalan Roast Vegetables
Serves 4-6
Ingredients:

  • 3 red peppers
  • 3 large tomatoes
  • 2 small eggplants
  • 2 onions
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Salt to taste

Directions:
Wash, dry, and then brush all the whole vegetables with olive oil. Place vegetables on the grill (roasting on the grill is called “a la brasa” in Catalan). If you don’t have a grill, you can use an oven. Once the skins of the vegetables are blackened all over, remove from heat and place in a covered bowl or paper bag. Allow to cool, and the skins should loosen. Peel the skins off the vegetables and arrange on a platter. Dress in olive oil and salt to taste. Escalivada can be served on its own, or as a side dish. This is a beautifully colorful dish and an elegant addition to a dinner party.
Nutrition Information per Serving:

  • Calories 210
  • Total Fat 12g
  • Saturated Fat 0g
  • Cholesterol 0mg
  • Sodium 250mg
  • Total Carbohydrates 25g
  • Fiber 8g
  • Sugar 14g
  • Protein 4g

Black-Eyed Pea Salad
Makes 8 servings
Ingredients

  • 2 15.5-ounce cans black-eyed peas
  • 1 large tomato, chopped
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 red onion, diced
  • 1 stalk celery, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste

Directions
In a medium bowl, toss together black-eyed peas, tomato, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, celery, and parsley. In a small bowl, mix balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Pour over vegetables and toss. Cover and chill in the refrigerator 8 hours or overnight.
Nutritional Information Per Serving

  • Calories 133
  • Total Fat 4.1g
  • Saturated Fat 0.6g
  • Cholesterol 0mg
  • Sodium 479mg
  • Carbohydrates 19.4g
  • Protein 5.8g
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Honorable Hemp

October 23, 2007 By: Danielle Vyas Category: A Viable Future No Comments →


Market ready for Hemp? CNN Video which begins with an absurd commercial.

Farmers sue D.E.A. for right to grow Hemp.

U.S. State official supports Hemp CNN Video which again begins with an absurd commercial.

History of Hemp: Interactive Timeline

“Yolo County Board of Supervisors supports Hemp Bill” by Lizeth Cazares

“Sustainable Textiles boost Canadian firm” by Ecotextile News

“California Farmers should be able to grow hemp” by Senator Maldonado

“Television Coverage of Industrial Hemp Confused with Puns and Drug References” from U.S. Newswire

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The Consequences of Genetically Modified Food

October 23, 2007 By: Danielle Vyas Category: A Viable Future 1 Comment →


“Iraqi Farmers prefer death to Bremer’s Order 81″ by Nancy Scola

“Iraqi’s New Patent Law: A declaration of war against farmers” from Focus on the Global South and GRAIN

On India’s Farms a Plague of Suicide” by Somini Sengupta

“The Dying Fields” from PBS’ Wide Angle

“The Trouble with Percy” by Leora Broydo on a Canadian Farmers fight against Monsanto.

“Are there drugs in my corn flakes?” by Gregory M. Lamb
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Genetically modified organisms or better yet frankenfood is getting scarier by the day. Now the USDA is backing the commercial production of rice that has been genetically altered with HUMAN genes. Is this cannibalism? Even scarier is currently there is no labeling of such unearthly creations so we truly do not know what we are ingesting.

This rice is “said” to be a deterrent against diarrhea which is potentially deadly to children in poor countries. Isn’t there so many ways to fight against diarrhea causing bacteria and illnesses such as working to provide access to clean water, education and basic hygienic practices.
We have every right to know and make our own decision on whether or not to take these altered forms of nature into our bodies and feed them to our children.

USDA Backs production of Rice With Human Genes
GM Trials to find medicine raise new ethical fears; human gene crop fury
Rice with human genes: pharming in California
GM fears as human liver gene is put into rice
Human Gene gets put into rice
GM Potatoes could cause cancer
Federal Court Orders Halt on new field trials of genetically engineered crops
Genetically Modified Foods
Bayer defends genetic contaminated crop as “Act of God”

Congressman Dennis Kucinich and potential presidential candidate has devised a bill that would demand genetically modified foods to be labeled.
From his website:

Biotechnology and GM Seeds
“Advocate only for responsible farm sector biotechnology, creating an indemnity fund financed by the corporations responsible for the technology, for farmers who incur losses caused by genetically modified organisms. To protect farmers, labeling GMO seeds with disclosure and liability information must be required. To protect consumers, food containing GMOs also requires labeling.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Since humans began practicing the art of agriculture, we have strived to produce crops that would yield the most benefits. It all started simply enough by means of selective breeding using the seeds of the best plants in hopes to produce superior plants. “About 8,000 years ago, farmers in Central America crossed two mutant strains of a weedy looking plant called Balsas teosinte and produced the first corn on the cob” (Groleau). This form of genetic modification is a long process.In the 1990s biotechnological companies began, producing genetically modified (referred to as GMs) crops that are created by inserting specific genes from different plants and animals into plants. Since then there has been an influx of GM crops. “Global acreage of GM crops have risen 25- fold in just four years, from approximately 4.3 million acres in 1996 to about 100 million in 1999” (Tyson). This rampant insurgence of GM crops is frightening.

Americans have been consuming GM foods without their knowledge. “GM ingredients, in the form of modified enzymes, are found in virtually all breads, cheeses, sodas and beers, and farmers have been raising GM crops such as corn, soybeans and potatoes since the mid- 1990s”(Tyson). Eighty percent of all processed foods contain GM foods (Tyson).

The health risks of consuming these foods are for the most part unknown. What we do know is that GM foods have the risk of creating new allergens through the process of inserting exotic genes into plants, which may cause new proteins to be created. “After Pioneer Hi-Bred, Inc. used genetic engineering to add a gene from a Brazil nut into its soybeans, doctors found that consumers allergic to Brazil nuts were also allergic to the genetically altered soybeans”(Sanders). Since GM foods are not labeled, consumers are at risk of developing health problems with no way to trace them back to their origin. Those of us who follow diets such as Kosher or vegetarian restrictions may consume foods that go against their morals. Genes from chicken embryos are inserted into potatoes to aid in disease resistance. Genes from the Artic Flounder are inserted into strawberries as an anti-freeze (Webber).

Another health risk imposed by the consumption of GM foods is antibiotic resistance. According the WHO the third largest danger to human health is antibiotic resistance. “There is some concern that the process of inserting genes is not precise. Scientists can not tell exactly where they go or how many reach their target, necessitating the need for marker genes, many of which are resistant to an antibiotic” (Webber). If someone where taking an antibiotic and ate a tomato which retained a marker gene it would negate the power of the medication.

There are risks to agriculture with GM crops. Producing genetically modified crops is an expensive business and biotechnological companies are extremely profit driven. Small farmers do not have the resources to pay for GM seeds therefore the risk of creating large agro businesses that will create the majority of our food stuffs is very real .“Far from being a solution to the world’s hunger problem, the rapid introduction of genetically engineered crops may actually threaten agriculture and food security” (Rosset). There is also the danger of creating super pests and super weeds. “If pests evolve tolerance to a crop’s built-in insecticide, say, or if weeds develop immunity to weed killers sprayed over fields of herbicide resistant GM plants, that crop– and the people that count on it—could suffer” (Tyson).

the other hand, biotechnology is a promising new field of scientific discovery, which can lead to numerous benefits. The nutritional value of staple crops can be increased. Golden rice, for example, stimulates our own bodies to produce vitamin A. In developing countries 2 million children die each year of vitamin A deficiency and 500,000 become permanently blind (Tyson). The possibility of genetically adding vaccines to tomatoes or bananas would make it easier to ship, store and deliver vital immunizations in developing countries.

Farmers typically produce GM crops using fewer pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers creating less pollution. Biotechnology can also aid in increasing crop yields. Scientists have used biotechnology to pinpoint a gene that could help wheat, a major food staple, grow on millions of acres worldwide that are now hostile to the crop.

Legislation that would mandate the labeling of genetically modified foods has been stuck in committees for four years. Opponents of GM labeling based on the premise that labeling would cause confusion to public (Hyps). There seems to be a condescending air to their comments. In 1992, the FDA declared that biotech foods are the same as conventional foods so labeling is not necessary. A reasonable alternative to labeling of GM foods would be mandatory approval of GM foods before they are marketed under the FDA’s current policy that is not necessary.

In January 2000, an international trade agreement for labeling GM foods was established. More than 130 countries, including the US, the world’s largest producer of GM foods, signed the agreement. The policy states that exporters must be required to label all GM foods and that importing countries have the right to judge for themselves the potential risks and reject GM foods, if they so chose (Coffield). American consumers deserve the same right to know. The United States was forced to sign this policy due to the sentiment of the European Union and developing countries against GM foods.

Cloned animals also play a part in this debate since their creation depends upon genetic engineering. The FDA has imposed a voluntary moratorium on allowing cloned animals and their products into the food supply while it creates regulations. On October 31, 2003 the FDA, releases a preliminary report stated that there is no evidence that meat or milk derived from cloned animals can harm people. “The FDA wants public reaction to it’s assessment of cloning’s impact on the food supply before it decides if cloned farm animals will require government approval before being sold as food” (CBS/AP). The FDA’s preliminary report is based on no studies on cloned meat and one study on cloned milk (Mendelson).

It seems clear to me that interest groups such as the large Biotechnological Firms are influencing the US federal regulations at the expense of the consumer. You are what you eat is commonly accepted, but without labeling and in depth study of genetically modified organisms we have no idea what we are consuming and providing to our families.

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Torture

October 23, 2007 By: Danielle Vyas Category: Peace|War No Comments →


These links contain strong images.

Is Torture a Good Idea?

Abu Ghraib

Video Links

October 23, 2007 By: Danielle Vyas Category: Creative Contributions 2 Comments →


Escalation - A Film by Ward Kimball

The Secret Government: The Constitution in Crisis
Princeton Security Analysis on Diebold Voting Machines

Proof 2000 Election Stolen; Conyers Hearing

Steve Connell’s Tell Us the Mission {Accomplished}

The War on our Civil Liberties

Iraq War Veteran Speaks Out

Melissa Etheridge “I Need to Wake Up

Mouth Revolution

Iraq for Sale

9/11 Mysteries

Life and Debt - Globalization and Jamaica

Empire of Oil: The hidden history of 9/11

Exxon Mobil and the Iraq War

Freedom River by Orson Wells

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