Black Tie And Flip Flops

#24 Magnetic Poetry Foodie Edition #Photo365

2012-01-24T11:27:00.000-08:00

#23 @GetGlue Stickers #photo365

2012-01-23T16:51:00.000-08:00

Get Glue! I just got my latest set of stickers from GetGlue.com. This is the best set yet - Dr Who, Rachel Maddow, McKinleigh from the Glee Project, and The Hour from BBC America are here!

A Wall Of Yellow Peppers At Whole Foods Montclair NJ

2012-01-23T10:02:00.000-08:00

#22 The Snowy Day #photo365

2012-01-22T10:17:00.000-08:00

Do you remember your first snowy day?

The wonder of the landscape changing overnight..the hushed softness of the snow, the simple adventures building snowmen, children making snow angels and climbing mountains of snow and then sliding down.
Ezra Jack Keats 1962 Caldecott medal winning book "The Snowy Day" tells of the adventures of Peter. This is one of the first books I ever checked out of a library and perhaps the greatest piece of American literature, ever.

#21 Gonzo, Estelle and Isobel Enjoy The First Snow of 2012 #photo365

2012-01-21T15:21:00.000-08:00

#20 Presby Iris Gardens #photo365

2012-01-20T18:52:00.001-08:00

Discarded Christmas trees are collected and brought to the Presby Iris Gardens in Montclair NJ where they are stripped of their branches and the boughs are placed over the iris beds to protect them from sun scald and heaving during the winter.

#19 Paper Rolls #Photo365

2012-01-19T17:12:00.000-08:00

Cardboard rolls from bathroom tissue and paper towels on their way to the composter. With most of the compost additions being nitrogen rich kitchen scraps this time of year the addition of carbon paper rolls balances out the mix. (In warmer months dried leaves are usually added to the compost)

The Facts About President Obama's Energy Record

2012-01-18T16:40:00.001-08:00

#18 The Internet Went Dark #photo365

2012-01-18T15:46:00.000-08:00

Save The Date : 6 May 2012 Sherlock Returns To Masterpiece Mystery, Only On PBS

2012-01-18T14:36:00.000-08:00

#17 Kilim Me Softly #photo365

2012-01-18T12:02:00.001-08:00

Why I Love @BlueJersey : Their Homepage Today :

2012-01-18T04:08:00.000-08:00

Congress is currently debating two bills in the name of "protecting the internet from piracy" that would essentially give the government new powers to block Americans' access websites that corporations don't like. The bills let corporations and the US government censor entire websites and cut sites off from advertising, payments and donations.

This legislation will stifle free speech and innovation, and even threaten popular web services like Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook.

The bill is scheduled for a test vote in the Senate on Jan. 24th.

Today, January 18, many websites, including Wikipedia, Mozilla, Reddit, BoingBoing, Raw Story and MoveOn are "going black" in protest to show what the internet would be like if these bills were to pass. Blue Jersey stands with these sites against this legislation.

You can contact your Congressman or contact your Senators and tell them what you think.

#16 Lambert Castle, Paterson NJ #photo365

2012-01-16T09:53:00.000-08:00

a lesson from Martin

2012-01-16T05:30:00.000-08:00

#15 Red Maple Blues #photo365

2012-01-15T13:41:00.000-08:00

The buds that will eventually become leaves are starting to show their bright red blush on the red maple in the garden, despite it being mid-January, the rush of anticipation for spring is all around.

Estelle Think's She's At Downton Abbey

2012-01-15T12:47:00.001-08:00

But really it's Kips Castle in Essex County NJ, on the Montclair ~ Verona Border.

#14 Vanilla Extract #Recipe #photo365

2012-01-14T06:32:00.000-08:00

After discovering that many of even the best Vanilla Extracts contain water as a prime ingredient I decided to dive in and make my own.

The recipe is simple, two vanilla beans, split lengthwise, a cup of vodka, a glass container with a tight lid, and about 3 months in a cool dark place.

The seeds have most of the vanilla flavour, hence the splitting of the pods to expose them to the vodka immediately. Using a sharp knife I split the beans leaving the ends attached so the bean keeps its shape and looks better in the container.

A mason jar works fine, but I had this great clamp top bottle that originally contained Vermont Maple Syrup so I put it to work for me here.

Photo updates of the vanilla extract project will, of course, follow.

#13 California Dreaming On Such A Winter's Day #photo365

2012-01-13T19:20:00.000-08:00

#12 A Mini Endorsement For @BillPascrell and @BarackObama

2012-01-12T19:07:00.001-08:00

#11 Chinese Dragon #photo365

2012-01-11T18:10:00.000-08:00

With the New Year starting in a few days, what better way to celebrate the year of the dragon than with my own chinese dragon!

Where Have I Seen Mitt Romney's Campaign Logo Before?

2012-01-11T07:24:00.000-08:00

OOPS !

Mary and Matthew's "Wicked Game" on Downton Abbey

2012-01-10T13:59:00.000-08:00

"Downton Abbey" appears on Masterpiece Classic on most PBS stations this Sunday night at 9pm. In some markets it is shown again during the week. Check PBS.org for air times in your market

#10 Pier1 Bargain Placemats #photo365

2012-01-10T10:49:00.000-08:00

$1.97 each! They'll probably find their way into a photo shoot for Latin Food.

Sometimes Having The Blues Is A Good Thing

2012-01-10T06:17:00.000-08:00

#9 Lady Isobel, Dowager Countess Of Jersey #photo365

2012-01-09T15:10:00.000-08:00

Estelle's sister, the Dowager Countess, has joined the flock.

Melissa Harris-Perry On The Colbert Report Tonight !

2012-01-09T12:00:00.000-08:00

Melissa Harris-Perry will be on the Colbert Report tonight (9 January 2012) to discuss her book Sister Citizen: Shame, Stereotypes, and Black Women in America

Save The Date :

Starting 4 February 2012 Melissa Harris Perry will host a new two hour weekend program starting at 10 am.

Something I'll Never Serve : Gringomole #foodie

2012-01-09T10:38:00.000-08:00

Gringomole – noun – Gringomole is a culinary item favoured in flyover states consisting of Mashed Avacados, a variety of ‘Mexican’ seasonings and either Mayonaisse, Sour Cream, or a combination of the two.

Gringomole started appearing in the US in the late 1980’s and rose to popularity in the late 1990’s. It is believed the dish has its roots in the flyover states (the same people who think Velveeta is cheese)

Real guacamole has neither mayonaisse nor sour cream.

If you don’t know what a Gringo is, you probably live in a flyover state.

If you don't know what a flyover state is, you probably live in one. (And its altogether possible you think 8 is a prime number).

Ingredients Matter : Elevation Burger

2012-01-08T16:23:00.000-08:00

Since setting the goal of writing even more about the food I love, the possibilities just keep popping up before me. And my continued obsession with Elevation Burger on Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair NJ elevates the possibilities just a little more!

Elevation Burger uses only free range organic grass fed beef which is ground on premises (those of you who have atteneded any of my classes know how grinding my own beef and not relying on pre-ground meat has become a new foodie obsession of mine. I'll write more on that some other time). The beef at EB is actually, well, beefy. Surprise : Omega 3 is naturally occuring in free range beef (stockyard cattle are fed mass quantities of corn, which not only changes the taste and texture, but increases fat and bad cholesterol). The other bright spot on the menu is the fries. They are just potatoes, peeled and cut on site, and cooked in olive oil. Its a totally different flavor spectrum than most burger joint fries which contain more than potatoes.

Going gluten free? Most fries at other places have a flour coating that makes them brown more quickly for a more photogenic appearance. No flour on the elevation burger fries - so they are gluten free! Plus, you can order your burger gluten free as well - instead of a bun you can order it wrapped in lettuce. (so its gluten free AND no carbs!) Of course regular burgers come with a bun, but ordering one "Protein Style" reminds me of home in California.

It gets better - the founders of Elevation Burger started the company because they couldn't find a good burger outside of California. (tell me about it!) But as a SoCal boy, I gotta admit, the folks at In-N-Out have something to worry about. (now if Elevation Burger could just do something about the weather in the Garden State I'd never want to got back home!)

In addition to the organic beef burgers, Elevation Burger also features Veggie Burgers - a Vegetarian Version as well as a Vegan variety. Both are pretty amazing. Don't get me started on the shakes - I could go on for paragraphs on them. (perhaps I will have to do an entire blog post just on shakes, what do you think?)

And if that were not enough, the owners of Elevation Burger are dedicated to Montclair and the surrounding communities. They frequently have fundraiser nights at which a percentage of all sales for the evening go to a particular group or charity. In the past EB has raised funds for the Montclair - Glen Ridge - Nutley chapter of the Red Cross, Friends of Anderson Park, YMCA Summer Camp Scholarships, and several athletic organizations.

Elevation Burer is located on Bloomfield Avenue Montclair at the corner of North Willow. Parking is in the rear.

#8 Lion On Noah's Ark #photo365

2012-01-08T13:22:00.000-08:00

Part of my series of 43 lions in 43 places and Photo365; the Lion from the Fisher-Price Little People Noah's Ark playset helps me achieve two goals in one photo.

Downton Abbey ~ Series Two ~ Premiers Tonight Only On PBS

2012-01-08T11:04:00.000-08:00

The Gardens Of Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey)

2012-01-07T15:56:00.000-08:00

#7 Full Moon Late Afternoon #photo365

2012-01-07T14:04:00.000-08:00

I love it when the moon shows itself during daylight hours!

I'm Thinking I Need Another Take Away Box From Little Daisy Bake Shop

2012-01-07T12:10:00.000-08:00

#6 Cookbooks #Photo365

2012-01-06T20:10:00.000-08:00

It's the annual Winter Sale at Williams-Sonoma ~ how can I resist stocking up!

An Epiphany About Epiphany (Twelfth Night)

2012-01-06T06:14:00.000-08:00

Epiphany.
Twelfth Night.

"Little Christmas" to some.

Christmas in the Orthodox Tradition.

The Twelfth Day of Christmas to others.

Epiphany is an insight, something that has suddenly become apparent. Reading and reflecting on the day, one realizes that the historic events of the day really are quite simple, and a lesson so many of us need to learn, again, and again.

Epiphany marks when the Magi, the Three Wise men, rode into Bethlehem to visit the Christ child. The were wise indeed, learned men of science, and philosophy, and politics. They came from the East, Persia, in what is now Iran and Iraq.

The Magi followed a star, a new star in the sky, under which they found the Christ Child. They brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. But what they really brought was recognition. Recalling our lessons from Sunday School, the Christ Child was already visited by shepherds, but shepherds don't have much authority. Their knowledge is tending to sheep and not much more. But here were Wise Men, perhaps some of the most learned people around, who traveled a great distance, to see the new born King.

The Church regonizes Epiphany as the manifestation of the Christ to the Gentiles, the non-Jews. Recognition. Someone of authority recognizing something as worthy of beholding.

How many times in our lives do we have a chance to have an epiphany moment, a chance to recognize something as worthy? There are so many simple times in each day that we can change the world, or at least someone's world for one brief moment, by the simple act of recognizing them or their work. Praising a child for a simple line drawing, complimenting someone's suit, even recognizing someone's existence by waiting a moment as we hold the door for them.

These simple acts, though not as significant as the visit of the Magi, can change the world.

It's Foodie Friday ~ So Of Course I'm Thinking About Samba In Montclair

2012-01-06T05:39:00.000-08:00

The Secret Of Downton Abbey's Van Dyck of Charles I

2012-01-06T05:29:00.000-08:00

Downton Abbey series two premiers on Public Television this Sunday at 9pm

Words I Love : Garconanokin

2012-01-06T05:07:00.000-08:00

Words I Love : Garconanokin ( it's the precise moment when dog doo turns white )

Now Filming In Montclair NJ : Law And Order,Special Parking Unit #photo365

2012-01-05T20:09:00.000-08:00

This is the 5th photo of the year long photo-a-day project being shared on flickr and shuttercal.

Shop Rites Can Can Sale Helps Area Food Banks ~ Just "Like" On Facebook

2012-01-05T13:44:00.000-08:00

In 2011, ShopRite donated 40,000 cans of food to local food banks in commemoration of 40 years of Can Can savings by way of its famous, annual Can Can Sale.

Now in its 41st year, the Can Can Sale has become extra special with the “Cans for Fans” Facebook program, which enables fans to get involved in the fight against hunger. During the 2012 Can Can Sale, January 5th through the 21st, ShopRite will donate one can of food (up to 50,000 cans) to local food banks in the communities it serves, on behalf of every new ShopRite Facebook fan.

Just Like ShopRite on Facebook starting tomorrow. http://on.fb.me/SRFbook The more “Likes” that ShopRite receives, the more cans it will donate to those in need – it’s that simple! So, be sure to share this post with all of your friends on Facebook. 50,000 cans is a lot of food, people. Hurray for Shoprite for their continued support of the FoodBanks in New Jersey.

Information provided by ShopRite through MyBlogSpark.

Much thanks to JerseyBites for the above information.

// Of course this doesn't preclude you from picking up several cans of food during the Can Can Sale yourself to donate to a local food program in your area. There are civic and church programs throughout the area that serve people in need in our communities. These not only include people affected by the economy, but countless others who are elderly and have health challenges, as well as the mentally and physically disabled. //

Downton Abbey : Two Hour Season Premier, This Sunday On PBS

2012-01-05T05:35:00.000-08:00

Behind the Scenes at Downton Abbey (Highclere Castle)

2012-01-04T18:44:00.000-08:00

#4 Vegan Lentil Soup Even Carnivores Love #photo365

2012-01-04T15:53:00.000-08:00

It's a masala every way you look at it. A masala is a mixture and in this lentil soup a mixture of lentils, a minture of cultural influenes (Indian and Italian), as well as Garam Masala came together in a really simple soup that anyone can pull together easily.

This photo is a part of my #photo365 project in which a photo is taken every day.

#3 Fortune Cookie #photo365

2012-01-03T15:59:00.000-08:00

The first really cold day of the year calls for hot and spicy takeaway Chinese food. Singapore Mei Fun is a must! Of course Fortune Cookies are a must - "The only way to have a friend is to be one"

Annie Oakley Returns To Nutley NJ

2012-01-03T09:09:00.000-08:00

Annie Oakley was an American sharpshooter and exhibition shooter. For a time she had a a starring role in Buffalo Bill's Wild West show, which propelled her to become the first American female superstar.

From 1892 to the early 20th Century she lived on Grant Avenue in Nutley NJ. This mural is on the southern wall of the US Post Office in Nutley.

#2 American Holly (Ilex olpaca) #photo365

2012-01-02T17:11:00.000-08:00

The American Holly (Ilex olpaca) is chock full of red berries today. Holly serve as a great shelter for songbirds but during winter and during summer storms. In winter, if food sources are scarce, many species of bird will eat the berries. This season has been incredibly mild so the berries are very much intact. If the mood strikes to try these colourful berries strikes, Don't Do It! They are posionous to humans.

This is my second photo for my #photo365 project in which a photo is taken each day to document some event or knowledge from that day. So this is the last time you'll see the American Holly in the garden, unless something interesting happens to the holly. At the end of January the first slideshow of the project will be posted.

Save The Date : Downton Abbey Returns This Sunday On PBS

2012-01-02T11:32:00.000-08:00

John Lee Palooza ~ Nom Nom Nom!

2012-01-02T08:57:00.000-08:00

After seeing these cookies at the Little Daisy Bake Shop in Montclair I realized they are not candy canes, they are backwards Js. So I headed over to Williams Sonoma and picked up the last J cookie cutter they had. I suddenly have the urge to bake cookies for others. :D

Most Popular New Year's Resolutions for 2012

2012-01-02T05:23:00.000-08:00

The robots over at 43things.com have compiled a list of the Top 10 resolutions made on the goal setting website for 2012. The list is inspiring, and some, like #10, are a lot of fun

1.Lose weight

2.Read at least one book each month

3.Keep a notepad of awesome moments

4.Eat, drink, learn, or try something new

5.get enough sleep

6.Set an attainable athletic goal, like running a 5 or 10k

7.Take charge of your own financial life!

8.Embrace your personal style and beauty

9.Take Time to Read!

10.Sing a song at the top of your lungs at least once a week

Of course these resolutions are only those goals created in the last few week in the special New Year's Resolution section of the social media site. There are literally thousands of people doing thousands of things, all the while being cheered on by other site members and sharing their experiences. Looking to do something to make 2012 the best year yet? Check out 43things.com

2012 Best Bets : Downton Abbey Returns To PBS

2012-01-01T16:21:00.000-08:00

Series Two Returns 8 January 2012 ~ Only On Public Television

#1 New Years Day ! #Photo365

2012-01-01T06:21:00.000-08:00

It's New Year's Day ~ Clean Slate Sunday! So many blank pages just open to opportunity!

(Today is also the first day of my #Photo366 Project)

I'm Declaring Victory In 2012

2011-12-31T14:57:00.000-08:00

By doing at least one

new and fulfilling thing

in January, February,
and March 2012.

Tree Curbing : An Annual Green Tradition

2011-12-28T11:49:00.000-08:00

There are Trees waiting on the curbside for the trash hauler or mulchers to pick them up. If it is not illegal to go curbing (i.e. taking things from the curb that are meant to be discarded/recycled) why not grab one or two like I did ?

With hand clippers I took off the branches the trees so they can be used on top of the planting beds in the garden. They will actually serve several purposes :

- first they will hold the leaves and other top mulches in place over the course of the winter

- they will help shade the soil on warmer days to prevent the freeze-thaw cycles that can disturb bulbs, seeds, and plants

- the garden beds will look better with greens on them

- over the course of the winter, most of the needles will fall off the branches and become mulch and slowly decay into the soil

- come spring the remaining branches will find themselves chopped up to become mulch and compost

- berries love the boost of soil acidity from evergreen branches as do broadleaf evergreens like Azaleas and Rhodedondrons

- even if there is snow on the ground, placing the branches in the garden now will still work, as the snow melts the branches will eventually make their way to soil level

( so get out there, and go curbing for trees! )

Favourite Websites : @BlueJersey ~ All The News That Slips From Print

2011-12-28T05:55:00.000-08:00

Launched in September 2008, Blue Jersey is dedicated to being the progressive source of news, political analysis and activism in NJ. With about a dozen regular contributors, and an opportunity for the community to contribute their own articles and commentaries, Blue Jersey truly lives up to its moniker of "All the news that slips from print."

Let's face it, with so many small towns and communites across the Garden State, finding out what's really going on, whether its a local Congressional Candidate's Town Hall Meeting or a new unusual ordinance that may be a bellwether for other communities, is a real challenge for the established press in the state. That's where BlueJersey really shines!

Part of the excitement of Blue Jersey is that individual members of the community can have a voice, not a comment buried with dozens of others below a news story, but an honest to goodness voice. A section called "Diaries" is where individual members can post their own opinions, ideas, or even coverage of a local event. At times, when those diaries receive enough comments or are promoted by the editors, they may very well appear on the front page. (It happened to me a few times and was an experience I could only describe as "simmered in awesome sauce")

Let's face it, most of us work so Chris Christie's 11 am "Town Hall Meetings" are events that the real taxpayers cannot attend. BlueJersey goes beyond the soundbytes and YouTube clips to show what the Governor is really doing to not only cut the services you depend on, but raise your taxes through fees, tolls, and increased local property taxes.

2012 will be an expecially good year for BlueJersey readers. With Christie's cronies and lunch buddies redrawing congressional districts to favour the GOP getting the information we need will be even more challenging. In areas like Montclair, we've been tossed into the new 11th Congressional district, an area in which people consider "Cracker Barrel" fine dining. Our beleoved Bill Pascrell no longer represents us directly, but his support for seniors, veterans, and the disabled has many of his former constituents showing support for his re-election. Blue Jersey gives us the information we need to know what's really going on.

Check out Blue Jersey today

Montclair's Best Kept Foodie Secret

2011-12-27T11:13:00.000-08:00

The size and variety of the cookbook collection at Watchung Booksellers is Montclair's Best Kept Foodie Secret

Downton Abbey ~ Series 2 Is Going To Be Irresistible

2011-12-27T03:28:00.000-08:00

"When the stomach is full, it is easy to talk of fasting." ~ Saint Jerome

2011-12-26T10:19:00.000-08:00

Today Is A Great Day To Ride The Endangered Species Carousel at @TurtleBackZoo

2011-12-26T05:52:00.000-08:00

A Reflection BEFORE Making Those New Year's Resolutions

2011-12-26T05:30:00.000-08:00

“It doesn’t happen all at once… You become.”
- Margery Williams, author of The Velveteen Rabbit

Best Tweet About Christmas EVER ~ From @JohnFugelsang, of course

2011-12-25T12:02:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to a radical revolutionary
who never defended torture,
badmouthed gays,
or asked a leper for a co-pay.

John Fugelsang is an actor-comedian-writer-tv & radio person-photographer-monologist.

Follow him on Twitter at @JohnFugelsang or on his blog John Fugelsang

Estelle Loves Christmas Cookies At Little Daisy Bakeshop Montclair

2011-12-24T10:26:00.000-08:00

Snow Globe Los Angeles

2011-12-23T18:28:00.000-08:00

Snow Globe Los Angeles from All Cut Up Films on Vimeo.

Green Holiday Inspiration From Little Daisy Bake Shop In Montclair NJ

2011-12-22T10:22:00.000-08:00

The paper chains decorating the Little Daisy Bakeshop in Upper Montclair NJ remind me of Christmases past, but also inspire me with ideas of Christmas future.

As we get older, starting in our teens, so much of Christmas is about the memories of Christmases past, of good times, great stories, and time shared with loved ones who are no longer with us. Photographs are a great way to share memories, but what if something from then could be a part of next Christmas?

Paper chains were a big part of primary school Christmas decorations. Teacher would cut strips of contruction paper on that big guillotine slicer for everyone to assemble into chains with ample amounts of paste. The paste always worked best if whacked the paper with your fist creating a big ruckus but also ensuring the paper stuck to the glue and vice versa.

The paper chains at Little Daisy Bake Shop in Montclair recalled those memories for me, but also reminded me of a family tradition of reusing gift wrap from large packages for smaller packages the following year. My grandparents started the tradition because of the Great Depression, but carried on with it into the 1980s. There's a sheet of shiny green paper from my very first Christmas that is so crinkled its sad, but every year someone gets the treat of using it to wrap a gift for the immediate family (there is no way that heirloom is leaving the house!), no tape is used, just careful folding and ribbons to minimize any damage.

Imagine for a minute all the paper that is being used this Christmas. Some of it big, some small, little if any of it in such poor condition that it can'd serve another purpose. Trim the rips, fold under the tape, and suddenly a great deal of paper is suitable for another gift, or perhaps a fun project for next Christmas.

To start a fun family tradition why not save the paper, perhaps even marking the "bad side" with a note of the year, for paper chains for Christmases future. Next year, perhaps on Thanksgiving weekend, start by making small chains of perhaps 6 or 8 paper chains each. Link the smaller chains with a bit of ribbon. Hang them on the foyer, on the tree, over the mantel. In years to come snip the ribbon, and add a few links of paper chains with new gift wrap chains. Over time a long chain, with Christmas 2011 alongside Christmas 2016, which is next to Christmas 2012, will be created. When the kids come back from college, or return with kids of their own, the paper chain will be waiting for new memories to be added.

Baaaa! Humbug ~ It's Never Too Late To Give A Christmas Gift

2011-12-21T12:21:00.000-08:00

A Last Look At The Autumn Garden

2011-12-20T08:25:00.000-08:00

Today is the last day of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, here's a last look at my garden during the past season, including a bit of the freak October snowstorm.

Gift Books : "Walks With Farley" / A Journey Of Loss, Love, And Lotsa Tail Wagging

2011-12-19T20:08:00.000-08:00

From the author :

"Walks with Farley" is the book version of a Facebook photo album that documents the daily walks taken with my Jack Russell Terrier, Farley, who came to live with me in New Jersey after the death of my son, Maurice Mannion-Vanover. The book took shape after friends requested a permanent form for the photos and comments that accompany them, all written on my Blackberry (and later, Droid) while actually out walking. All profits from the purchase of the book will be donated to my son's high school, Shepard Academy, in Morristown, NJ, and his summer camp, Camp Henry at Lake Logan, near Asheville, NC. Thank you for your support, love, and encouragement!

Timothy J. Mannion grew up in Torrington, Connecticut, and graduated from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He has worked in human resource information systems at The World Bank Group, Ernst & Young, LLP, and Citigroup as a business analyst. An adoptive father of two sons, Kindoo and Maurice, an amateur photographer, singer, organist, music arranger, and author. Upon the unexpected death of his younger son Maurice in Canada in early 2011, he was adopted by a Jack Russell Terrier named Farley, who contributed to his healing from Maurice's loss. While taking "Walks with Farley", he captured fleeting moments of natural beauty, the type that would usually be missed by others, and posted them to a Facebook photo album along with descriptive and sometimes poignant commentary. This volume gathers together a selection of those photographs and comments, all composed while on the sidewalks while walking with Farley. He and Farley live in Montclair, New Jersey.

To share this gift with others, orders for "Walks With Farley" can be placed here:

order "Walks With Farley"

Of course if you want to preview the book (just in case you cannot decide if you want to order 1, 2, or 5 copies to share, preview Walks With Farley here (preview).

An Artifact Called A "Typewriter" at Watchung Books Montclair

2011-12-19T13:02:00.000-08:00

On the shelf above the register, one can find an archaic device called a "typewriter" perched on a shelf. In addition there is also a pillow (which is for sale) featuring a print of the "typewriter's" keys. Upon closer examination, I discovered that the "typewriter" has keys that are aligned in the exact same way as on my phone, so why use a device like that when everyone has a phone? Sometimes things are so confusing.

Koreander Is Coming To Montclair !

2011-12-19T05:16:00.000-08:00

QBA's gone, but a new Korean Fusion Cafe will be taking it's place in Watchung Plaza.

Did Dr Seuss Inspire This Mosaic at Bay Street Station?

2011-12-18T10:32:00.000-08:00

As a child I loved the world of Theodore Geisel (Dr Seuss) - those incredbile places and stories that, unknown to us, inspired children of all ages to ask the big moral questions about our place in the world and among others. Okay, as a kid I didn't know they were morality tales, I just liked the stories and the pictures.

Doesn't the green portion of this mosaic remind you of one of those landscapes? Can't you just see one of his characters standing atop the upswung portion?

Today's #SocialJustice Sermon : Tolerance

2011-12-18T05:05:00.001-08:00

Quick Recap : Slow Roasted Prime Rib (#recipe)

2011-12-17T14:42:00.000-08:00

Since there was no hand-out for today's class here are some of the key take-aways from this morning:

Having the rib roast at room temperature is essential to having the roast turn out perfectly. Usually this can mean two hours sitting out of the fridge. Keep it covered. A half hour before roasting it, season with salt and pepper. We used an herb rub this morning, that was applied about a half hour after seasoningjust before putting the roast in the oven.

To flavour the roast last year we just used salt and pepper, this year we did a bit more with an herb and garlic paste. The paste consisted of 8 finely chopped cloved of garlic, 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary finely chopped, and 1 tablesppon finely chopped thyme.

Starting with a tablespoon of oil (my inner Suze Ormon forbids you from using the really good $30+ a bottle Olive Oil) combine to form a paste, you might have to add up to an additional tablespoon of oil. Supermarket Olive Oil and Canola Oil are ideal here.

Roasting will be done bone side down, so rub the herb paste on the other sides. Since there was a bit of a fat cap I scored it with a sharp knife so that some of the herb rub would get stuck instead of sliding off the roast as the fat melted.

We used a 6 pound rib roast; with the oven preheated to 500F the roast went in for 15 minutes, the oven was then turned down to 325F for about and hour and a half. For rare the temperature should read 115 to 120F; for medium it should read 120 - 125F. There were a few people who went for the rare meat but the medium roasted meat seemed more popular. An oven thermometer is essential here. At an hour and a half we were only at 110F, the outside looked gorgeous at this time so appearances are not the best just, invest in a thermometer, they are worth it.

The "rules" stated baste every half hour. The store was insanely busy this morning and since I was so engaged in providing excellent customer service (yes, you may roll your eyes now) basting was totally overlooked. Whoopsie! But the roast turned out perfect!

Upon removing the roast from the oven cover it with foil and allow it to rest for 20 minutes. Since we didn't want to sit around staring at the ceiling this morning we didn't wait. The first tasting samples were good, but the last people to get samples go the better pieces as those rested a bit.

While the roast is resting, the drippings can be used to make Yorkshire Pudding. If you are intimidated about trying to pour hot fat from a hot roasting pan don't fret, I've used grapeseed oil, canola oil, and bacon fat to make yorkshire pudding. I find that when using the less falvorful oils adding a bit of ground pepper to the batter makes up for any flavour shortcomings in the oil.

Save The Date : 10th Annual Tour De Montclair 20 May 2012

2011-12-17T13:55:00.000-08:00

Bike & Walk Montclair just announced 20 May 2012 as the date of the 10th Annual Tour De Montclair. Rain or shine the much loved event will take place at Essex County's Brookdale Park which straddles the Montclair-Bloomfield border.

And since this is the season of resolutions why make "bike more" a health and fitness goal for 2012! For inspiration why not check out these great Bikes of Montclair including several from Bike and Walk Montclair's participation in NJ's best Fourth of July Parade.

To find out more about Bike & Walk Montclair click here.

Vamp! in Upper Montclair

2011-12-17T10:32:00.000-08:00

Deer Hunt In NJ Starts 17 January ~ Because Deer Invade Montclair?

2011-12-16T14:46:00.000-08:00

I Love The Macaroni and Cheese At Suzyque's Barbeque In West Orange NJ

2011-12-16T11:44:00.000-08:00

Susan Hoffberg, namesake and chief executive honcho of SuzyQues, BBQ & Bar in West Orange, draws on the flavors and techniques of Texas, Midwest, and Carolina barbeque, then follows the three rules of barbeque (low, slow, and smoke) to create dishes that put West Orange NJ on any national BBQ tour map.

A recent afternoon visit resulted in bog flavor, big portions and .... read more at Suzyque's Barbeque in West Orange on Hot From The Kettle

Sometimes I Just Love Peaking At My Horoscope

2011-12-15T14:40:00.000-08:00

Aquarius

A big change comes your way today -- one that could mean a world of difference between today's daily life and what comes tomorrow. Be ready for anything but expect the best.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

2011-12-15T10:04:00.000-08:00

Whoopie In Upper Montclair!

2011-12-15T03:31:00.000-08:00

... at the Little Daisy Bake Shop, Valley Road Upper Montclair, across from Saunders Hardware

Brilliant! The Puppini Sisters Cover Blondie's "Heart Of Glass"

2011-12-14T12:14:00.001-08:00

Shop Local Montclair NJ This Christmas ~ I Did

2011-12-14T07:09:00.000-08:00

Major Potential Public Art Space Remains Unused In Montclair NJ

2011-12-13T10:13:00.000-08:00

Don't you just wish the powers that be in Montclair would work with the building owner to create a mural akin to the World Famous Montclair Rooster for this space?

Favourite Recipe Remixed : Original NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-12-13T07:14:00.000-08:00

Even if you are not in a baking mood today, get thine self to the supermarket and pick up the chocolate (hide it in way back portion of the freezer behind the peas so no one snacks on it) and when one of those "I'm Bored" days rears it yawning face you'll be ready to make excitement in the kitchen.

_______________________________
We've made a few discoveries that have improved upon and remixed this classic - read about them after the original recipe.

Original NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
1 cup chopped nuts

Directions:
PREHEAT oven to 375° F (190° C)

COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.

BAKE for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.
And Now The Remix :

Having had the opportunity to make several batches of these classic cookies, and run side by side taste tests, there are a few things that we've learned can make these cookies even better than you remember!

Unsalted Butter. Using unsalted butter, often called "Sweet Butter" is a must the kitchen. The butter is actually fresher since it doesn't have salt, a preservative, in it, and the butter flavor pops, big time. When we made batches of toll house cookies with both salted and unsalted butter, the batches made with unsalted butter were favored by everyone. (afterwards we told them the secret)

Raw Sugar. Most of us have become so accustomed to refined white sugar that its the only thing found in most kitchens these days. We changed up the recipe to use raw sugar (turbinado sugar) which is a less processed sugar and a light brown in color. Making side by side batches we found that everyone preferred the flavour in the batch made with raw sugar AND, the carmel in the cookies developed making them a feast for the eyes as well! Our favorite brand is Sugar In The Raw which gets all of its sugar from Hawaii.

Vanilla Extract. (Vanilla Essence) Go with a name brand; some of the store brands of vanilla essence are so diluted with alcohol that there really isn't much flavor when compared to the name brand vanilla. Avoid "Vanilla Flavouring" or Imitation Vanilla Extract, it's made from trees and trees are better left alone making oxygen in the forest.

Nuts. Walnuts seem to be the traditional nut for chocolate chip cookies, but mix thing up a bit : we can't decide if our favourite is pecan, hazelnut or macadamia. Perhaps it's time to bake a few batches to conduct a new taste test!

Ginger Chips: Leave out the cup of nuts and replace them with a cup of ginger chips. Ginger cakes had a major part in holiday celebrations of the early colonies so why not bring a little of that all American 18th Century tradition to this 20th Century tradition? The Ginger People make ginger chips for baking but if you cannot locate them finely diced crystalized ginger works perfectly well.

Dark Chocolate Baking Chips: Why not? The folks at Nestle are probably going to scream when they see that I suggest using something other than their chips but Dark Chocolate Baking Chips are an incredible change to this recipe.

This Christmas Is All About Giving

2011-12-13T07:10:00.001-08:00

Another Reason To Love Virgin Atlantic This Christmas Season

2011-12-12T06:17:00.000-08:00

Who’s flying with Christmas presents this year?

Virgin Atlantic's elves will wrap your last minute gifts in the gate area next week, ensuring they get safely through tight airport security while still preserving the surprise for your loved ones!

Virgin Atlantic

Favourite Dish At Samba Montclair : Strogonoff de Frango

2011-12-11T14:42:00.000-08:00

Strogonoff de Frango

little strips of chicken, fresh cream, mushrooms, tomatoes and match stick potatoes

Brazilian fare has come to Montclair! After months of preparation, Samba Montclair, hosted it’s opening this week. Since opening the space at 7 Park St., exactly one year ago, as Park St. Gourmet, owner, 30-year-old, Ilson Goncalves, who trained with the acclaimed Zod Arifai, has developed a loyal following, some of which came out past this week for the preview night of Samba as “followers” of Ilson.

Read more of Samba Brings Brazilian To Montclair on Hot From The Kettle

A New Episode Of All American Muslim : Tonight At 10pm on TLC

2011-12-11T13:00:00.000-08:00

Really Red ~ A Collection Of My Photos That Are Red

2011-12-11T11:52:00.000-08:00

click on the white triangle to view the slideshow

Today's Sunday Sermon : The Periodic Table Of The Bible

2011-12-11T07:33:00.000-08:00

Downton Abbey On PBS This Sunday ~ But What To Serve As Snacks? #foodie

2011-12-10T15:16:00.000-08:00

Downton Abbey will return to PBS in the New Year with its second season but for those who missed season one, or who want to experience the acclaimed period drama again PBS will rebroadcast series on over the next two Sunday Nights on most public television stations.

On New York's WNET (Channel 13) Episodes 1 and 2 or Series one will air at 8pm and continue back-to-back until 11:30 pm.

Suggestions for the Downton Abbey snack menu :

Cucumber Sandwiches. A must! Thinly sliced cucumber, perhaps some with super thin radish, some watercress, or just some finely chopped dill.

Gentlemen's Quarters : Simple ham sandwiches onto which the bottom slice of bead is spread with hot english mustard and the top is spread with apricot preserves. The contrast of hot and sweet is brilliant!

Curry! (okay, it's not a period dish at all, but Tikka Masala is the national dish of the UK) Play with the concept and dash some curry or garam masala over buttered popcorn.

Of course everything should be served on the your best silver service. No silver, no problem! Wrap a chinet plate in Reynolds wrap and voila!

Episodes 3 and 4 of Downton Abbey will air next week, 18 December on Masterpiece Class. Consult local listings for exact times.

Rick Perry "Strong" ~ Brokeback Mountain Edition

2011-12-10T06:50:00.000-08:00

I've Fallen In Love With Samba Montclair

2011-12-09T12:00:00.000-08:00

(watch for details)

Baby, It's Cold Outside

2011-12-09T04:14:00.000-08:00

Words We Love, Christmas Season Edition : Appeasement

2011-12-08T16:22:00.000-08:00

Appeasement is rooted in the word Appease.

Appease (noun) to bring to a state of peace, quiet, ease, calm, or contentment; pacify; soothe

Words We Love : Immaculate Conception

2011-12-08T06:59:00.000-08:00

–noun Roman Catholic Church .

the dogma of the unique privilege by which the Virgin Mary was conceived in her mother's womb without the stain of original sin through the anticipated merits of Jesus Christ.

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is marked on 8 December which always seems to be a point of confusion for some Roman Catholics and non-Catholics alike as it falls just 17 days before Christmas. (how can there be a conception and then birth a little more than a fortnight later?). Immacualate Conception refers to the conception of Mary, the Blessed Virgin, who is often called the Immaculata, especially in art.

The Feast of the Annunciation (25 March) marks when Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of Mary. 25 March falls exactly nine months prior to Christmas.

The Church of the Immaculate Conception in Montclair NJ is named in honor of Blessed Virgin.

The Doctor, The Widow, And The Wardrobe : Christmas Day 2011

2011-12-07T15:14:00.000-08:00

Words That Should Be In The Dictionary : Baldwin (used as a verb)

2011-12-07T14:41:00.000-08:00

Baldwin ( verb ) : to go from being a hunk to a chunk; origin ” California, late 1990’s; originally describing Alec Baldwin who went from being a sex symbol to an actor of ‘tremendous presence’; can also be used to describe John Travolta

usage : “Have you seen John Travolta? I wonder if he has to buy two seats to fly – or perhaps he bought his own plane because he Baldwinned!”

Giving Gifts Has New Meaning This Year

2011-12-07T08:50:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays ~ It's All A Part Of The "War On Christmas" snort giggle giggle

2011-12-07T04:30:00.000-08:00

With the recent kerfluffle regarding the Governor of Rhode Island, Lincoln Chaffee, referring to an bedecked evergreen as a "Holiday Tree" one would think that the phrase "Happy Holidays" is some new machination of the post-Reagan Era in which a War has been declared on anyything remotely associated with Christmas. Well ...

The phrase "Happy Holidays" is from the song "Happy Holidays" (originally penned as "Happy Holiday" is from the 1942 film "Holiday Inn" starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire. That film also gave us the holiday classic "White Christmas." My oh my! So it looks like wishing someone "Happy Holidays" is nothing new at all!

While "Happy Holidays" is considered a Christmas song today, in the film it was featured in a New Year's Eve scene. The line "may the calendar keep bringing, Happy Holidays to you" was a resolution of sorts wishing happy holidays througout the coming year for all within earshot of the singer. Remember, in 1942 the United States was engaged in wars in Europe and the Pacific, a wish like this was especially important given the tenuous times. The phrase "Happy Holidays" has since become a phrase akin to Season's Greetings in reference to holidays that occur during that time of year, which, on the Christian Calendar include the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Christmas, Feast of the Holy Innocents, and Epiphany. New Year's Day is often marked not for it's religious significance but because it offers a fresh start or chance to enhance one's Christian walk.

Of course anyone who knows anything about the season can easily deflate the "War On Christmas" argument by pointing out that the "Christmas Tree" is a borrowed pagan symbol from the celebration of Saturnalia, in the modern era Christmas is all about commerce, and in Christianity Christmas is not that important - Easter is the big Holiday because He Is Risen.

Cindy McCain's 3 Minute No Bake Cookies #recipe

2011-12-07T04:28:00.000-08:00

This is a really simple stove top cookie recipe that we discovered in Yankee Magazine as a part of it's 2007 Cookie Primary. What we love about the recipe is that it requires no oven time - so those among us who have lots of cookies to make, can prepare this recipe while others are awaiting oven time. (and for you doubters out there, technically "Marshmallow Treats" are a no-bake cookie as well so the concept isn't that odd afterall)

Cindy McCain's 3-Minute No-Bake Cookies

Ingredients:

2 cups granulated sugar

8 tablespoons (1 stick) margarine or butter

1/2 cup low-fat milk

1/3 cup baking cocoa

3 cups oats (quick or old-fashioned*, uncooked)

Method:

In large saucepan, combine sugar, margarine, milk and cocoa.

Bring to boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Continue boiling 3 minutes, stirring frequently.

Remove from heat. Stir in oats.*

Drop by tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper. Let stand until firm. Store tightly covered.

*If using old-fashioned oats, cool mixture in saucepan 5 minutes.

Yield:

About 3 dozen cookies

Sometimes I Love That Horoscope Stuff !

2011-12-06T16:38:00.000-08:00

Aquarius : You should do whatever it takes to keep yourself from giving in to peer pressure. Your peculiarities make you special, and there's no way you can live life authentically with others telling you what to do.