Showing posts with label Marlee Matlin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Marlee Matlin. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Somali Pirates, Donald Trump, Marlee Matlin,

Donald Trump was interviewed on Good Morning America today and he also thought (as Matt and I have been saying for days) security guards should be posted on the ships which are vulnerable to Somali pirates. That is fine for commercial vessels, but as mentioned in yesterday's comments, what do yachts do? I thought piracy on the high seas was something which disappeared a couple of centuries ago, but obviously not. The Pirates are threatening revenge on those countries which have retaliated. Er, you can kill and capture us, but we must be nice to you?????? Its a pity we can't go the long way round for a while - I wonder if paying a ransom is more cost efficient than travelling right round Africa? If you would like to see what Donald Trump has to say about pirates and the economy click here for the video. He has some very good advice about buying real estate. He even said its maybe better to walk out of your current house and then go to your bank and buy another. He said don't go to a realtor or a private seller, go to the bank which has hundreds of homes to dispose of. That way they will lend you the money. Anyway, don't listen to me, watch the video for good advice and maybe also read his book "Think Like a Champion" where he offers sound strategies for money management. Lot of people writing books lately, Marlee Matlin has just published one called "I'll Scream Later" which is apparently a very revealing book about her life as a deaf actress. Who would ever think of Marlee Matlin having drug problems, I certainly wouldn't have. There is another video of the interview with Marlee at the same GMA page if you want to watch it. Her life is now on a good track she tells us. Last year, a lot of people were pretty stunned that she took part in Dancing With the Stars which is a very popular programme in this part of the world. Apparently she can hear the beat if not the actual music. There are a couple of people I know who have celiac disease and I came across this recipe which would be great for them. It is from the Eating Well website - we have always enjoyed Eating Well as both a magazine and these days an ezine too. Flourless Chocolate Torte

Makes 8 servings

Ingredients

½ cup matzo meal ⅓ cup walnuts 2 large eggs 1 ¼ cups sugar, divided 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 cup grated peeled apple, preferably Delicious 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 2 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped 8 large egg whites, at room temperature ½ teaspoon salt Confectioners' sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. 2. Combine matzo meal and walnuts in a food processor; process until nuts are finely chopped. Spread on a baking sheet and toast until fragrant, 5 to 10 minutes. Let cool. 3. Whisk eggs, 3/4 cup sugar and vanilla in a large bowl until blended. Stir in the matzo mixture, apple, cocoa and chocolate. 4. Beat egg whites and salt in large, clean bowl, with an electric mixer on medium speed until frothy. Increase speed to high and beat until soft peaks form. Add remaining 1/2 cup sugar 1 Tbsp. at a time, beating until glossy and stiff peaks form. 5. Stir one-quarter of the beaten whites into the batter. Gently fold in remaining whites with a rubber spatula. Scrape the batter into an ungreased 9-inch springform pan, spreading evenly. Tap pan lightly on counter to release air bubbles. 6. Bake torte until top springs back when touched lightly and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes. With a knife, loosen edges of torte. Let cool in pan on a wire rack. (Torte will sink in center.) 7. Remove pan sides and place torte on a serving platter. Dust with confectioners' sugar and serve.

Have a great day.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Spring, Famous people with Disabilities

I was out and about for the first time in a while and discovered that Spring is, indeed, springing, a lot of trees have a slightly green look about them and you can just see the beginning of the unfurling leaves. Spring never takes long to happen here once it starts. Surprisingly I saw lots of well developed daffodils and tulips which didn't seem to be that far advanced last week. They are so pretty aren't they? There are none in the park unfortunately, its not that kind of park. Lots of trees and grass, no formal flower beds.

I have been looking for information on the Good Morning America website on an incredible interview I saw yesterday, but I cannot find anything. Robin Roberts interviewed a woman who has been blind since she was 15. She appeared on the programme beautifully dressed and made up (she does her own make-up) and talked to Robin about the books she has written - several - and how her first books were written with pen and paper and lots of help, now of course there is computer software to help her but of course she had to learn that. She also plays the piano beautifully. Trouble is, I cannot remember what her name is which is why I have been looking for a report on the segment but am unable to find it. I was so impressed with her. One story Robin told was of the woman mixing up her eye liner and lip liner one day and her children commenting on it, she assured them this was the current fashion.

Talking of people with disabilities, we have a programme in North America called Dancing with the Stars which is very popular. We don't in fact watch it ourselves. However, one of the contestants was Marlee Matlin who is very well known over here, she is an Academy Award winner and is as deaf as a post. Everyone is staggered that she could have done all these dance routines when she can't hear the music. Unfortunately for Marlee and her partner, they lost out last night, but to see her dance, you would never guess that she is unable to hear. She has an interpreter with her all the time.

Well, once again I have a busy day, that's the way it is this week. North America loves Pasta, so here is a pasta dish for you.

Angel Hair Pasta with Herbed Chicken
Serves: 4

Source: Jeanne Jones
4 (1-3/4-CUP) SERVINGS

1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1 carrot, cut into small dice (about 1/2 cup)
3 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, (about
12 ounces), cut into 1/2-inch dice
1/2 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/8 teaspoon thyme
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1-1/2 cups small broccoli florets
1 (12-ounce) can evaporated skim milk
1 (9-ounce) package fresh angel hair pasta
3/4 cup (or about
2-1/2 ounces) freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions: 1. Heat oil in large non-stick skillet. Add onion and carrot and saute over medium heat until onion is soft but not brown, about 5 minutes. Add some water if it seems dry.

2. Add diced chicken to pan and saute just until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with basil, oregano, thyme and freshly ground black pepper. Add broccoli, cover and steam for 5 minutes. Stir in milk and warm, but do not allow to boil.

3. Meanwhile, boil water for pasta and cook according to package directions; drain well. Stir pasta into sauce mixture, then add cheese. Cover pan for 3 to 5 minutes or until sauce has thickened slightly. Serve immediately.

Have a great day.