Evolution of Dance!

Here is a great comedy routine by Judson Laipply.  Simply hilarious!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMH0bHeiRNg

And if you liked that one, here’s the sequel!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inLBPVG8oEU

This is just good fun and very entertaining!

Prepare to be WOWed!

I really love “Amazing Grace” and I always seem to be in search of new renditions and/or stellar performances.  Well, here is one with some beautifully tight harmonies . . . creating a truly incredible sound . . . and colorful clothes to boot.  Be patient, it takes a little bit of time to load, but it is well worth the wait.

Tears for Fears in the Library!

Here is a very entertaining video from Tears for Fears that was recently posted on YouTube.  The setting . . . a library!  What is particularly “catching” about this video, the lyrics actual describe what is going on in the video.  Enjoy! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0TYun-Nq1Q

Great Salad Recipe!

I ran across this recipe last week (along with the Pork Chop with Mushroom Bourbon Cream Sauce recipe — posted earlier this week) and have finally gotten around to posting this one as well.  Enjoy!  The pecans really “make” this salad!

MOP Salad (Mandarin Orange & Pecan)

Ingredients
2 Tbsp. white wine vinegar
3 Tbsp. honey
1/2 tsp. dry mustard
1/2 tsp. celery salt
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/4 cup olive oil
3/4 cup pecan halves
1/4 cup sugar
16 oz. baby spinach leaves
15 oz. can mandarin oranges, drained
1 cup chopped celery

Preparation
To make dressing, combine vinegar, honey, dry mustard, celery salt, paprika, and olive oil in a shaker (or jar with a tight lid) and shake vigorously until blended.

Combine pecans and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat.  Cook and stir until the sugar is melted and the pecans are coated.  Remove from heat and place on parchment paper (DO NOT USE wax paper); separate the nuts and cool completely.

When ready to serve, combine the spinach, oranges, sugared pecans, and celery.  Drizzle with salad dressing, toss and serve.

Bon appetit!

A Week Without Art!

Buffalo Effigy

As the week draws to a close I’ve realized that it has been a full week since I’ve posted a work of art.   My humblest apologies.  To correct this oversight on my part, here is another Larry Hood for your viewing enjoyment.

New Word!

This gives all new meaning to the phrase “I live to serve.” 

truckle

\TRUHK-uhl\

intransitive verb:
1.  To yield or bend obsequiously to the will of another; to act in a subservient manner.

noun: 
1.  A small wheel or roller; a caster.

Let’s Be Careful (and Smart) Out There!

I ran across this interesting article on PoliceOne.com.  It is an article (by Dr. Richard Weinblatt) chocked full of tips for social networking . . . a lot of common sense as well.  Enjoy!

1.  No “gun glorification.”
2.  No alcohol.
3.  Watch your comments.
4.  Avoid bashing the department.
5.  Restrict personal information.
6.  Picture choice.
7.  Minimize status update complaints.
8.  Highlight accomplishments.
9.  Manage your privacy settings.
10.  When in doubt, leave it out.

http://www.policeone.com/police-technology/articles/1877554-Top-10-social-networking-tips-for-cops/

Something’s Cooking!

I just ran across this article in the New York Times . . . apparently the new movie (Julie & Julia) has revitalized book sales on Julia Child’s cookbook!  Reportedly, more copies have sold in the last week, than in any single year it has been published! It only took 48 years to reach the best-sellers list!  Better late than never.  Wow, the power of Hollywood and pop culture!

I must admit, after watching the movie, I too was tempted to rush out and purchase the cookbook.  But alas, I resisted the temptation.  Maybe next week?   Maybe not.  I really do not need another cookbook.  But I may check it out from the library!

Perfectionism & Human Failings!

This isn’t my first musing on “perfectionism.”  Perhaps one of these days, I’ll figure this out.  Until then . . . I continue to strive for perfection and then beat myself up for failing to achieve perfection.  Yep, a definite conundrum!  But both of the following quotations tie in nicely.  I shall re-read these both (frequently) as a reminder that it is okay to be human!  I’m sure it beats being a non-human.

“Remember that fear always lurks behind perfectionism.  Confronting your fears and allowing yourself the right to be human can, paradoxically, make you a far happier and more productive person.”

— David M. Burns

“I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.”

— Michael Jordan

Sunday Musings?

I have so much to do, and yet so little motivation to do anything.  Hmm, quite the quandry.  So, when all else fails . . . blog!

I really loved this editorial by Charley Reese (from 1995) about how just 545 people are “responsible for the domestic problems that plague” the United States.

Basically (in a nutshell) this would be the 435 members of the U.S. House of Representatives, the 100 members of the Senate, one President, and nine Supreme Court justices.  These 545 persons would seem to wield a lot of power, but then again, we each have the power to either vote the majority of these persons in to or out of office as well.   Something to ponder.

And, here are a couple of “demotivators” (courtesy of www.despair.com) that demonstrate this principle.  Ironic?  Or perhaps I’m just a bit cynical?