The news was full of the death of Ted Kennedy this morning at 77. Not unexpected as he had been suffering from cancer. He was the grand old man of American politics, famous because of his two brothers as well as in his own right. However, although Good Morning America was full of his biographical information no-one even mentioned Chappaquidick and the death of Mary Jo Kopechne in 1969. It may have been conveniently forgotten by most and never known about by younger generations, but it is something that has stuck with me for many years. He ran his car off a bridge causing the death of Mary Jo and was accused of leaving the scene of the crime. It was also said, at the time, that he was drunk - they had been at a party. He received a suspended sentence. If you want to read more about it
read here - I am not sure why this incident stuck with me, probably because I was so disgusted about it at the time and it was such a big scandal, well reported in the British papers. It will, no doubt, be said that he has made up for it since by being a devoted Senator working for his country. I wonder what Mary Jo's family think about all this?
About a month ago, a 2 yr old was suffocated by a python kept as a pet. The
mother and her boyfriend have now been charged with manslaughter, third degree murder and child abuse. What, I ask you, were they doing with a baby and a python in the same house. I don't understand keeping a python at any time, but when there are little kids around, its ridiculous. I didn't pursue the story, but I suspect the python was put down. I
hope it was taken to a zoo - whether I like pythons or not, it wasn't the snake's fault, it just assumed the toddler was food.
On a pleasanter note, Matt's Yukata Kimono arrived yesterday, I had intended to save it for Christmas, but the mail man took me by surprise as he needed custom's duty and I wasn't dressed so Matt had to go downstairs and pay it. Unfortunately the parcel showed exactly what it was so that was the end of that. I was a bit ticked off at nearly $30 duty I might add. Matt says, with justification, that I am not the best photographer in the world. However, the Kimono looks pretty good on him and is more of a change from the one he has been wearing than I anticipated. Matt never smiles in a photo!!
Another great recipe from Eating Well for those who want something vegetarian for a change.
Greek Orzo Stuffed Peppers
We steam brightly colored bell peppers in the microwave to save time and then stuff them with orzo, spinach and feta. This basic recipe will work with almost any filling—try substituting different types of cheese, herbs or beans. Serve with whole-wheat pita bread and cucumber salad.
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients
4 yellow, orange and/or red bell peppers
½ cup whole-wheat orzo
1 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
6 ounces baby spinach, coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried
¾ cup crumbled feta cheese, divided
¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes (not oil-packed), chopped
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar or red-wine vinegar
¼ teaspoon salt
1. Halve peppers lengthwise through the stems, leaving the stems attached. Remove the seeds and white membrane. Place the peppers cut-side down in a large microwave-safe dish. Add 1/2 inch water, cover and microwave on High until the peppers are just softened, 7 to 9 minutes. Let cool slightly, drain and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add orzo and cook until just tender, 8 to 10 minutes or according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
3. Mash chickpeas into a chunky paste with a fork, leaving some whole.
4. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, until soft, about 4 minutes. Add spinach and oregano and cook, stirring, until the spinach is wilted, about 1 minute. Stir in the orzo, chickpeas, 1/2 cup feta, tomatoes, vinegar and salt; cook until heated though, about 1 minute. Divide the filling among the pepper halves and sprinkle each pepper with some of the remaining 1/4 cup feta.
Have a great day.
The news was full of the death of Ted Kennedy this morning at 77. Not unexpected as he had been suffering from cancer. He was the grand old man of American politics, famous because of his two brothers as well as in his own right. However, although Good Morning America was full of his biographical information no-one even mentioned Chappaquidick and the death of Mary Jo Kopechne in 1969. It may have been conveniently forgotten by most and never known about by younger generations, but it is something that has stuck with me for many years. He ran his car off a bridge causing the death of Mary Jo and was accused of leaving the scene of the crime. It was also said, at the time, that he was drunk - they had been at a party. He received a suspended sentence. If you want to read more about it read here - I am not sure why this incident stuck with me, probably because I was so disgusted about it at the time and it was such a big scandal, well reported in the British papers. It will, no doubt, be said that he has made up for it since by being a devoted Senator working for his country. I wonder what Mary Jo's family think about all this?
About a month ago, a 2 yr old was suffocated by a python kept as a pet. The 
mother and her boyfriend have now been charged with manslaughter, third degree murder and child abuse. What, I ask you, were they doing with a baby and a python in the same house. I don't understand keeping a python at any time, but when there are little kids around, its ridiculous. I didn't pursue the story, but I suspect the python was put down. I hope it was taken to a zoo - whether I like pythons or not, it wasn't the snake's fault, it just assumed the toddler was food.
On a pleasanter note, Matt's Yukata Kimono arrived yesterday, I had intended to save it for Christmas, but the mail man took me by surprise as he needed custom's duty and I wasn't dressed so Matt had to go downstairs and pay it. Unfortunately the parcel showed exactly what it was so that was the end of that. I was a bit ticked off at nearly $30 duty I might add. Matt says, with justification, that I am not the best photographer in the world. However, the Kimono looks pretty good on him and is more of a change from the one he has been wearing than I anticipated. Matt never smiles in a photo!!
Another great recipe from Eating Well for those who want something vegetarian for a change.
Greek Orzo Stuffed Peppers
We steam brightly colored bell peppers in the microwave to save time and then stuff them with orzo, spinach and feta. This basic recipe will work with almost any filling—try substituting different types of cheese, herbs or beans. Serve with whole-wheat pita bread and cucumber salad.
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients
4 yellow, orange and/or red bell peppers
½ cup whole-wheat orzo
1 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
6 ounces baby spinach, coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried
¾ cup crumbled feta cheese, divided
¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes (not oil-packed), chopped
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar or red-wine vinegar
¼ teaspoon salt
1. Halve peppers lengthwise through the stems, leaving the stems attached. Remove the seeds and white membrane. Place the peppers cut-side down in a large microwave-safe dish. Add 1/2 inch water, cover and microwave on High until the peppers are just softened, 7 to 9 minutes. Let cool slightly, drain and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add orzo and cook until just tender, 8 to 10 minutes or according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
3. Mash chickpeas into a chunky paste with a fork, leaving some whole.
4. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, until soft, about 4 minutes. Add spinach and oregano and cook, stirring, until the spinach is wilted, about 1 minute. Stir in the orzo, chickpeas, 1/2 cup feta, tomatoes, vinegar and salt; cook until heated though, about 1 minute. Divide the filling among the pepper halves and sprinkle each pepper with some of the remaining 1/4 cup feta.
Have a great day.
I never thought that the young people (under 30s for example) might not know all that there is to know about Ted Kennedy, but this might be so. Mary Jo, yes, I thought of her too yesterday. I wonder whether her parents are still alive, probably not. He abandoned her in the car, saved himself and off home he went to report the accident only the following morning. I don't praise anyone who can do a thing like that, so yesterday, when all of America, praised Ted Kennedy, I switched off the tv and read a book instead. Had he not been Ted Kennedy he might have gone to jail instead of having received only a 6 months suspended sentence. I am pleased thought that French tv and radio did mention that incident. So did the British ones.
ReplyDeleteNice Kimono! Will you be his geisha?
There has been absolutely no hint of Chappaquiddick on any of the news reports, it has been conveniently forgotten and glossed over. I am glad the Europeans aren't wearing rose tinted glasses.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, of course.