28 February 2010
Reader Response Forum
06/03/2010 05:06
Yet Another Voice On Habitat Issue
To correct the assumptions about Habitat being a 'handout' propagated by the letter from 'Aaron' regarding his mother and how 'today she should have just waited for a free home at someone else’s expense':
From the HabitatSC website (my local Habitat affiliate):
Habitat houses are sold to families, not given to them free of charge. In addition, families help to build their own home.
By building homes at low cost, requiring very little or no down payment, and not charging interest on the mortgage, Habitat for Humanity is able to provide an opportunity, or a “hand up”, to buy a home for families that would not otherwise qualify for a conventional mortgage.
More information can be found here:
Habitat homes are bought, and paid for, by the people who are living there. They are not 'handouts', and the people living there are carefully vetted to make sure they're working or have a steady income. There's no such thing as 'standing in line for a free home' with Habitat. (The woman who got our first build in our local affiliate was a single mother, working, with three children. If you drive by her house today, it's well maintained. She has the pride of 'home ownership' just like any other home owner.)
Aaron's mother may have actually qualified for a Habitat home, but it wouldn't have been a 'handout'. Most people who get Habitat homes are just average people who play by the rules - except that housing now-a-days has become totally unaffordable to people living on the bottom end of the economic scale. These people can afford rent - but they know, just as you and I know, that the best way to live and gain equity is to own a home, not make endless rent payments that don't build equity. But saving for the down-payment is usually the obstacle to home ownership. People who get Habitat homes are good citizens, and their homes do not 'detract' from the property values of their neighbours. Furthermore, the 'sweat equity' clause of the purchase means that people who get a Habitat home will then work to help others.
I have no opinion on this particular Habitat development in St. Albert, but I do have an opinion on the actual Habitat program, and really wish people would learn about the program before disparaging it as another 'handout'. It's not a handout. It's a hand up.
Elaine In BC
SINC SAYS:
Thanks for bringing some clarity to the debate Elaine. It looks like it was badly needed.
An Orange, A Lemon And An Egg
I’m never sure how people can pull off an illusion like this, but it’s a good one folks. Watch for the surprise ending.
Graham & Associates A Local Institution
I got a pleasant surprise when I pulled up in front of Graham & Associates brand new premises at 110 - 20 Circle Drive in Campbell Park on the north side of Servus Place. It was quite a contrast to their old location, but I was in for an even bigger surprise when I opened the door.
I was greeted by a large open atrium and a modern new decor. I’ve been dealing at Graham & Associates for a dozen years or more now dating back to the first time I met company founder Peggy Graham.
The firm is now ably managed by daughter Wendy and her staff and the pride in their new premises is etched on the faces of staff members. It is a spacious new two story layout with such a bright and fresh new look and it radiates efficiency.
The business has its roots some 25 years ago in the basement of Peggy’s home and has grown to what it is today.
If you are in the market for someone to prepare your 2009 tax return, look no further that Graham & Associates.
It is no surprise to me that their clients number well over 4,000 individual accounts and their solid base of business accounts continues to rise.
Years of experience combined with their knowledge of Canadian tax law will make your return simple and easy with Wendy and her staff advising you all the way on savings you might otherwise never know about.
They’ll be sure you take advantage of such things as prescription receipts. Did you know you can have your pharmacy print out a whole year’s review for you?
Did you know that you can claim health services premiums including one that you pay through your place of employment?
You can also claim any travel medical insurance you may have purchased as well as any fees paid to a long-term care facility.
And if you have to travel to get proper treatment, you may be able to claim some of those expenses too.
Another little know area are transit passes, which can also be claimed.
Did you know that taxpayers can allot up to half their eligible pension income to a spouse or common-law partner? Any type of income that qualifies as pension income qualifies for income splitting and can save you tax dollars.
You can even claim registration expenses to place your child in sports related programs.
And if you’ve ever wondered if you should purchase RRSPs or need a financial planner, Graham & Associates can help you as well.
Want to stay informed on tax return issues? Send us your e-mail address to:
Info@grahamtaxandaccounting.com
We’ll send you our quarterly newsletter!
Open special longer hours Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. through the end of April.
Drop by and see them for all your tax filing needs.
WEBBITS
06/03/2010 05:06
The Sometimes Stupidity Of Schools
06/03/2010 05:06
Just who the hell makes the rules in US schools these days?
It sure isn’t anyone who can think for themselves.
Take the case of a six year old boy in Michigan who curled his fist and fingers into the shape of a gun.
And then pointed his hand at a fellow student.
Pretty much typical six year old behaviour, isn’t it?
Nope, you suspend him from school.
Some People Need To Get A Life!
06/03/2010 05:06
A brother and sister sculpted a snowman-like figure in their front yard.
And did she ever have a figure!
You see, they modeled her after Venus De Milo so she was a bit, ahem, shall we say lacking clothing.
Of course being art, no one had any objections to the figure.
Or did they?
Men More Accident Prone Around Beautiful Women?
06/03/2010 05:06
A British study has shown that men are more accident prone when being watched by gorgeous females.
The study went on to say, “'This increased risk-taking led to more successes but also more crash landings in front of the female observer.'
Saliva tests confirmed they had 'elevated testosterone levels' while a good-looking woman was around.”
We could have saved them the expense of that study though, couldn’t we folks?
We called it showing off in our day.
06/03/2010 05:05
Do the security guards at airports have to go through airport security when they get to work?
Why are all of the Harry Potter spells in Latin if they're English?
What do Greeks say when they don't understand something?
Are children who act in rated 'R' movies allowed to see them?
How come cats butts go up when you pet them?
Reader Response Forum
05/03/2010 01:48
Another Voice Weighs In On Habitat Issue
I grew up in Akinsdale and I remember it as a great middle class neighborhood with great people and excellent greenspace. I can't even fathom what it would be like to grow up there now with no greenspace behind due to the freeway going by and without Arlington park. By any reasonable standard this development is unsuitable.
How can the city expect anyone to pay good money to live there and more importantly what about all the young families that actually had to buy their homes? Are they just supposed to eat the negative equity? I suppose now in today’s society we owe it to everyone to buy them a house, if they are unable or unwilling to make the sacrifice needed to save for a single family dwelling.
My father died at an early age and my single mother had to work very hard to afford a good home for me and my brother in Akinsdale, I suppose today she should have just waited for a free home at someone else’s expense. Sorry if this is politically incorrect but someone has to speak up for the average people who plays by the rules.
Cam, thanks for taking the lead on this and very eloquently speaking for the silent majority of people residing in St. Albert and probably Alberta. You always made up your own mind on issues and we're not one to follow the crowd.
I remember when you were in high school and just purchased your first vehicle. In your condo complex where you grew up, there was a bylaw that stated that you had to move your car every 48 hours. One day you and three other residents received a $200 fine for not moving your vehicles. Instead of cowering in the dark, you stood up for yourself and the others affected. You created your own newspaper and delivered it to every resident of the complex pointing out the folly and injustice in their actions. In the end you won and the condominium board backed down and disregarded the fines.
I'm glad you are still standing up for the little guy! Keep it up and if you ever get a chance look me up in the phonebook.
Aaron S.
Just Outside St. Albert
SINC SAYS:
It is a sad day when the city loses any green space Aaron. Growing up there, you would know what that means for youngsters. Cam’s alternative is sound thinking. As a matter of fact it is the type of innovative thinking that this council has demonstrated itself incapable of, on some issues in the past. Let’s hope they listen to Akinsdale residents, both past and present.
Don’t Try To Be The Sliest
This video is not in English, but it is easy to understand. See how a bartender is outfoxed by a customer.
Playing This Weekend At LB’s Pub
WEBBITS
05/03/2010 01:47
Why Is It That . . .
05/03/2010 01:47
Why is abbreviated such a long word?
Why is a boxing ring square?
Why is it that doctors call what they do 'practice?
Why is it that rain drops but snow falls?
Why is lemon juice made from artificial flavour and dishwashing liquid made from real lemons?
Why is the man who invests all his money called a broker?
Why doesn't glue stick to the inside of the bottle?
Why is it called lipstick if you can still move your lips?
Why can't they make the whole airplane out of the material used to make that little black box?
Why can't women apply mascara with their mouths closed?
It Happened At School
05/03/2010 01:47
Embarrassing Medical Moments
05/03/2010 01:47
Reader Response Forum
04/03/2010 05:43
A Suggestion For Habitat Alternative
One of the main reasons I wanted to pen a few articles for the Saint City News was to provide a counterpoint to the divisive political tactics that we have not before seen within our community. Federally or provincially, wedge politics are distasteful yet acceptable as you are often dealing with a political boundary, abstract political concepts or impersonal groups that are singled out. There is a big difference between attacking “industry” or “CUPE” for example versus attacking the community of Akinsdale which people call home. Municipal politics govern the affairs closest to the individual and as a result these politics affect citizen’s lives on a personal level. The phrase “NIMBY” has an interesting double entendre in that if it is not in your backyard, how much right do you have to affect someone else’s democratic entitlement to self determination? You can build a political platform and even a successful campaign based on wedge politics but one thing you will not build is a community.
Earlier this week there was an article in the St. Albert Gazette titled “Time Condos a Question Mark”. The article explained that the 62 unit condominium complex on Sturgeon Road has ceased construction since the summer of 2009 and has been in limbo for almost 2 years. Apparently the dev eloper of this project has been hit hard by the credit crunch and does not have the requisite funds needed to complete the project. The article goes on to quote realtor Amal Monzer as saying, “...construction won’t proceed until 10 units are sold. But the developer isn’t able to specify a completion date, making it unlikely that buyers or bankers will be interested.” Not surprisingly our mayor’s reaction was to say “We want it finished so we can collect the tax revenue out of it.”
In dealing with complex issues like affordable housing, rarely does an obvious solution present itself upon a silver platter and yet oddly goes completely unnoticed by all of our politicians. We have a proposed project in Akinsdale that reduces the quality of life for the residents, diminishes the character of the neighbourhood and threatens the home equity they have all worked so hard for. This proposal obviously leaves the residents upset. The proposed transaction would result in 15 low cost Habit for Humanity homes and 43 for a private developer at a cost of $840,000 to the City of St. Albert.
Why does the city not call Amal Monzer, and use this $840,000 for a down payment on 15 units in the partially completed Braeside condominium? The city could then donate these housing units to Habitat for Humanity who would then re-assign mortgages and ownership, thereby reconstructing a similar deal to that proposed in Akinsdale. Since the complex is 80% complete, Habitat would easily be able to bring in the potential home owners for their required 500 hours of “sweat equity” construction work to complete these units. What better option affords this financially insolvent developer and the city currently?
Among the various alternatives, this is a potential solution that will satisfy Akinsdale residents, satisfy affordable housing advocates and is a solution everyone in St. Albert can get behind and support. I realize that this would derail city council from its dual focus of tax collection and new spending projects, but if you are looking for a politically and socially viable win-win scenario for all stakeholders, you will not find a better option to pursue. Sometime the dots almost connect themselves.
Yours truly,
Cam MacKay
St. Albert
SINC SAYS:
Well, Cam, that is certainly a grand idea and it would do the world of good to solve both issues. Here is a real opportunity for Mayor Crouse and his council to show some real leadership and prove once and for all that tax money does not rule their thinking. But are they big enough to change course and do something good for all of the city? Only time will tell.
Bet This One Brings A Smile To Your Face
Ordering a Pepsi, Italian Style
WEBBITS
04/03/2010 05:43
* Suit seeks to bar genetically modified sugar beets.
* Totally freaky: Japan's weirdest museums.
* Vale sues striking union, alleging ‘unlawful thuggery'.
* Cashmere Toilet Paper Cheaper Than Wiping With "Luxury Knitwear".
* 5,200 Aussies Strip at Sydney Opera House for Tunick Photo.
It Happened At School
04/03/2010 05:43
Airlines Finding New Fees To Gouge Customers
04/03/2010 05:43
I haven’t flown in 10 years now, but I used to fly a lot.
When I did, I usually flew business class and always asked for an aisle seat.
The times I flew economy though, that aisle seat became much more important.
There was nothing worse than being sandwiched into the middle seat on a long flight.
But now airlines are charging you if you want an aisle seat.
And that’s just the beginning.
Psssst, Advice For You Divorcing Couples
04/03/2010 05:43
It used to be that divorce court proceedings were tough cases to prove.
I mean with the lawyers resorting to hiring private eyes and the like to “get the goods” on one side or the other.
Now the procedure is much simpler.
Lawyers have struck gold and can find out all the dirt they need to now right on the web.
Where do they find it?
Why Facebook of course!
Reader Response Forum
03/03/2010 04:47
Lest We Forget
The Fallen Four Fifth Anniversary - March 3,
2005
This
One Comes With The Territory
A
Day In The Life Of A Wolf
WEBBITS
03/03/2010 04:47
Only In America You Say?
03/03/2010 04:46
This has to be the strangest story of murder I have ever read.
Two teens in Arizona steal a car.
It’s not long until the cops give chase and they try to outrun the cruiser.
It doing so, they inadvertently turn into a military base and roar through the guarded front gate.
A security guard opens fire and kills the 16-year-old passenger and wounds the driver.
Now get this, the cops charge the driver with murder because his actions caused the death of his friend.
Only in America.
Embarrassing Medical Moments
03/03/2010 04:46
Cowbunga! Farmhouse Invaded By Bovines
03/03/2010 04:46
If you live on a farm and return home from work, you might very well expect to see cattle.
But not likely in your house.
That’s exactly what happened to a woman in Arkansas when she got home one evening.
Cows had broken in and made themselves at home, so to speak.
They even used the bedroom for a nap.
Dog Awarded Medal For War Zone Work
03/03/2010 04:46
When you hear the term working dog, you automatically think of a police dog or a guide dog.
But you seldom think of a dog involved in war.
Such is the life of a dog named Treo who sniffs out roadside devices to save the lives of troops in the field.
Any dog that does that should get a medal.
I just wish they hand’t named it the Dickin medal.
Reader Response Forum
02/03/2010 03:59
Careful With that Leaf Blower
I got these two Stihl commercials from a number of readers asking we include them on SAP, so here you go!
The Power Of A Trimmer
Bits ‘N Pieces From Our Readers
Had you noticed that St. Albert has reverted to having Bus Stops again?
They are no longer called Transit Zones.
And I heard a whisper that there is a bike rack on the front of at least one city bus.
Anon
St. Albert
SINC SAYS:
Hmmm, looks to me like they’re trying to please customers. A nice switch.
WEBBITS
02/03/2010 03:59
* Taliban blown up by own bombs.
* Man Racks Up Giant Phone Bill Trying to Claim Unemployment Check.
* More sex education means more teenage pregnancies ... always.
* World’s strongest boy Guiliano Stroe breaks world record for air press-ups.
* I get moody and violent if I don't get my sex fix.
Weird Food Facts
02/03/2010 03:59
Nutmeg is extremely poisonous if injected intravenously.
Pound for pound, hamburgers cost more than new cars.
When Heinz ketchup leaves the bottle, it travels at a rate of 25 miles per year.
Five Jell-O flavors that flopped: celery, coffee, cola, apple, and chocolate.
Hershey's Kisses are called that because the machine that makes them looks like it's kissing the conveyor belt.
Plain grain products lower your IQ, while whole grain products increase your IQ.
Eating lemons make you live longer.
Broccoli is the food with the best anti-cancer properties.
Eating half an orange a day reduces your chances of getting a heart attack by 50%.
Eating one meal of fish a week reduces your chances of getting a heart attack by 50%.
Almonds are a member of the Rosaceae (Rose) family which includes peaches.
Chop-Suey is not a native Chinese dish, it was created in California by Chinese immigrants.
The average North American will eat about 11.9 pounds of cereal per year!
The worlds oldest piece of chewing gum is 9000 years old!
Argentinians eat more meat than any other nation in the world.
In 1904, the ice cream cone was invented. You'll drink 16,000 gallons in your life.
The first meal on the moon was roast turkey, eaten by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.
Baskin Robbins once made ketchup flavoured ice cream.
It Happened In School
02/03/2010 03:59
Imaginative Paper Art
02/03/2010 03:59
This item was sent in to us by Mayor Crouse. Thanks
for sharing Mr. Mayor.
These are entries for an art contest at the Hirshorn Modern Art Gallery in Washington DC. The rule was that the artist could use only one sheet of paper.
These are entries for an art contest at the Hirshorn Modern Art Gallery in Washington DC. The rule was that the artist could use only one sheet of paper.
Be Careful When Feeding The Homeless
02/03/2010 03:59
There are many groups and individuals out there who want to help the homeless.
Most are non profit and try to provide food and shelter to unfortunate folks.
Now say you found yourself sitting on a park bench and decided to share that brown bag lunch of yours with a homeless person.
That would be your good deed for the day, wouldn’t it?
Just not in Miami.
Talk About Kicking Your Own Butt
02/03/2010 03:59
The things they don’t come up with on airlines nowadays.
A Polish airline sells those scratch and win lotto tickets to passenger during flights.
And they pay during the flight if you win.
But not if you win big.
One man who won 10,000 Euros wanted his cash right now, but couldn’t get it.
You won’t believe what he did.
Reader Response Forum
01/03/2010 06:16
Dog Having Dinner
I got this video from so many readers that it was last week’s most popular e-mail. I have to admit that it is pretty funny. Enjoy!
VW Beetle Camper From 1974
Who says small cars can’t tow fifth wheels?
WEBBITS
01/03/2010 06:16
It Happened At School
01/03/2010 06:16
Security Guard Paranoia Gone Mad?
01/03/2010 06:16
You’re a Dad and have your four-year-old son out at the mall.
You come across a toy train engine and the kid wants to sit in it.
Like any normal Dad, you pick him up and put him in.
No harm in that, right?
Then you grab your cell phone and snap a picture of junior with a big smile on his face.
No harm in that, right?
Nope, wrong.
What Men Want Women To Know
01/03/2010 06:16
Most women like to have their men know certain things.
Sometimes more things than the average guy wants to know.
But let’s put the shoe on the other foot for a minute and consider the opposite.
Men too, want women to know certain things and some of them are downright hilarious.
Get your chuckle here.
Reader Response Forum
28/02/2010 06:22
Your Sunday Smiles
'WOW,' the social worker exclaims, 'are they all yours?’
'Yep, they are all mine,' the flustered momma sighs, having heard that question a thousand times before.
She says, 'Sit down Leroy.' All the children rush to find seats.
'Well,' says the social worker, 'then you must be here to sign up. I'll need all your children's names.'
'Well, to keep it simple, the boys are all named Leroy and the girls are all named Leighroy.'
In disbelief, the case worker says, 'Are you serious? They're ALL named Leroy?'
Their momma replied, 'Well, yes-it makes it easier. When it's time to get them out of bed and ready for school, I yell, 'Leroy!' An' when it's time for dinner, I just yell 'Leroy!' An they all comes a runnin. An' if I need to stop the kid who's running into the street, I just yell Leroy' and all of them stop. It's the smartest idea I ever had, namin' them all Leroy.'
The social worker thinks this over for a bit, then wrinkles her forehead and says tentatively, 'But what if you just want ONE kid to come, and not the whole bunch?'
'Then I call them by their last names.'
A Movie For Every Grampa To Watch
WEBBITS
* In a Tampa Bay area hospice, the mystery of a man with no identity.
* DC Couple Gets Pot Delivery from Fed Ex.
* Wedding for goat accused rapists in Mozambique.
* NY flight canceled after flight attendants get into fistfight.
* Slimming sixties not a myth.
* Dog Survives Small Florida Plane Crash That Kills Owner.
A Taste of Texico
28/02/2010 06:22
A Foodie’s Expedition To Southern Texas And
Mexico
By KC4
Special Correspondent
St. Albert’s Place
Final Installment
Another day, another great breakfast at El Torito. I ate machacado con huevos, a scrambled egg and dried beef dish, again with fresh dinner plate sized wheat flour tortillas. I never tire of this fare.
Machado means “shredded” in Spanish and for this dish the name has come to mean the shredded air cured and crispy beef that it contains. The beef is so finely shredded that it sometimes resembles long threads.
After breakfast we visited Los Palmas Panaderia, a Mexican style bakery. As a Panaderia customer, you pick up a large tray and a set of tongs and then help yourself to the bakery items behind sliding or hinged glass doors. When you have all you want or can afford (budget or health wise) on your tray you bring it to the cashier who will tally your order and move all of your baked goods to paper bags.
We were graciously brought into the area behind the scenes. Huge stainless steel ovens loomed large and menacing, radiating heat at one end. Giant floor standing mixers and dough kneading machines with dangerous looking mixing arms were waiting for their next batch of ingredients. Long floury tables held mounds of sweet smelling dough ready for nimble hands to form them into cookies and pastries.
I noticed a crucifix covered in flour dust hanging high on one wall. This was not wall art to be easily viewed at eye level. Jesus was up high for His best vantage point to watch over the bakers and bakery.
These bakers start working while most of us are still sound asleep in our beds and not likely to rise for hours. Brownsville is not a particularly dangerous city and this Panaderia wasn't in a rough neighborhood. It just made all of the employees, both men and women, feel much better with the crucifix hanging there in a high central position.
Dear Jesus, please help me resist buying a bag of these treats. While he granted my request, I realized later I should have added “and from eating out of the bags that anyone else in our group may have.” The pastries were both addictive and delicious.
Next was a small family owned tamale shop, Ybarra Tamales, in a house right along a busy highway service road in Brownsville. The store area itself was barely 15 square feet, just a little window counter at which fresh, literally homemade, tamales are purchased. MasterCard, Visa and debit cards gladly accepted.
Tamales are an ancient food. They have been around since pre-Columbian times and were invented by the Mesoamerican natives.
Someone back then was a resourceful, creative genius. Due to ancient lifestyle, I’m betting it was a woman. Women had to travel with the men to prepare their food whether it was to the food growing fields or the battlefields.
In what was probably a desperation move, someone figured out that they could put ground corn (an ancient staple food) and fillings if available, into something that had little other use, a corn husk. Then they would wrap it up and pre-cook it. It became one of the earliest known convenience foods.
The chiles would not only give the tamales some flavor, but it would help preserve them for longer periods. The men could easily take them wherever they went and eat them whenever convenient, cold or re-heated directly over a fire or on a hot pottery surface. More women were then free to stay at home and tend to other things.
The natives, being the friendly people that they were, greeted and gifted the Spanish explorers with tamales. The priests who accompanied the Spaniards to spread Christianity in North America, became very fond of the new food. Consequently, they made a special place for tamales in all their festivities, particularly Christmas.
This is how Tamales became a traditional Christmas or holiday fare. In recent times they have become popular year round treats. Made with corn flour, chile sauce, pork lard and a variety of fillings, these are not food for the faint of heart. Many have tried to make them without the lard, but they just don't have the same appeal - sort of like drinking reconstituted powdered milk. It's milk, but it’s just not quite right.
Finally we are heading back to Richmond. Some people in the van are asleep and snoring loudly. I’m trying not to giggle. A few of us attempt in vain, to hold a conversation despite the din. We have officially worn out the scouting team. Interestingly enough, at 49 years I am the youngest of the bunch. After four straight days of lugging 25 pounds of equipment around, I don't feel so youthful anymore. I need a nap myself.
Upon return to Chef’s house, we discover that while we were away the feral hogs were at play. There is significant damage to her lawn and garden. Azalea bushes and day lilies have been uprooted and many places in her lawn sport chunks of overturned sod. It must have been quite the party. Dirt is now in the pool. The pigs were in the pool!
Many Texans consider these feral hogs serious nuisance animals. The hog population continues to explode and hunting them is encouraged.
The business discussions continue while I am trying to get some night shots of the house and yard. There is an interesting sliver of a moon showing itself through the tall pecan trees. I take my tripod out and keep moving away and away again from the house trying to get the optimal angle.
I am almost done when I hear something large rustle in the hedgerow I am backed up against. No, I decide I’m done. Done, done.
The taste trip to the Land of Texico is over for now and our team must split up in many directions the next morning. Some are heading home and some, like me, are heading to their next destination. We all have much work to do in the next month before filming will start.
I will be taking a few days to stop over in Oklahoma to visit a relative before I return to Calgary. I wonder what kind of foodie adventures I might find there?
Next Sunday: Oklahoma!
By KC4
Special Correspondent
St. Albert’s Place
Final Installment
Another day, another great breakfast at El Torito. I ate machacado con huevos, a scrambled egg and dried beef dish, again with fresh dinner plate sized wheat flour tortillas. I never tire of this fare.
Machado means “shredded” in Spanish and for this dish the name has come to mean the shredded air cured and crispy beef that it contains. The beef is so finely shredded that it sometimes resembles long threads.
After breakfast we visited Los Palmas Panaderia, a Mexican style bakery. As a Panaderia customer, you pick up a large tray and a set of tongs and then help yourself to the bakery items behind sliding or hinged glass doors. When you have all you want or can afford (budget or health wise) on your tray you bring it to the cashier who will tally your order and move all of your baked goods to paper bags.
We were graciously brought into the area behind the scenes. Huge stainless steel ovens loomed large and menacing, radiating heat at one end. Giant floor standing mixers and dough kneading machines with dangerous looking mixing arms were waiting for their next batch of ingredients. Long floury tables held mounds of sweet smelling dough ready for nimble hands to form them into cookies and pastries.
I noticed a crucifix covered in flour dust hanging high on one wall. This was not wall art to be easily viewed at eye level. Jesus was up high for His best vantage point to watch over the bakers and bakery.
These bakers start working while most of us are still sound asleep in our beds and not likely to rise for hours. Brownsville is not a particularly dangerous city and this Panaderia wasn't in a rough neighborhood. It just made all of the employees, both men and women, feel much better with the crucifix hanging there in a high central position.
Dear Jesus, please help me resist buying a bag of these treats. While he granted my request, I realized later I should have added “and from eating out of the bags that anyone else in our group may have.” The pastries were both addictive and delicious.
Next was a small family owned tamale shop, Ybarra Tamales, in a house right along a busy highway service road in Brownsville. The store area itself was barely 15 square feet, just a little window counter at which fresh, literally homemade, tamales are purchased. MasterCard, Visa and debit cards gladly accepted.
Tamales are an ancient food. They have been around since pre-Columbian times and were invented by the Mesoamerican natives.
Someone back then was a resourceful, creative genius. Due to ancient lifestyle, I’m betting it was a woman. Women had to travel with the men to prepare their food whether it was to the food growing fields or the battlefields.
In what was probably a desperation move, someone figured out that they could put ground corn (an ancient staple food) and fillings if available, into something that had little other use, a corn husk. Then they would wrap it up and pre-cook it. It became one of the earliest known convenience foods.
The chiles would not only give the tamales some flavor, but it would help preserve them for longer periods. The men could easily take them wherever they went and eat them whenever convenient, cold or re-heated directly over a fire or on a hot pottery surface. More women were then free to stay at home and tend to other things.
The natives, being the friendly people that they were, greeted and gifted the Spanish explorers with tamales. The priests who accompanied the Spaniards to spread Christianity in North America, became very fond of the new food. Consequently, they made a special place for tamales in all their festivities, particularly Christmas.
This is how Tamales became a traditional Christmas or holiday fare. In recent times they have become popular year round treats. Made with corn flour, chile sauce, pork lard and a variety of fillings, these are not food for the faint of heart. Many have tried to make them without the lard, but they just don't have the same appeal - sort of like drinking reconstituted powdered milk. It's milk, but it’s just not quite right.
Finally we are heading back to Richmond. Some people in the van are asleep and snoring loudly. I’m trying not to giggle. A few of us attempt in vain, to hold a conversation despite the din. We have officially worn out the scouting team. Interestingly enough, at 49 years I am the youngest of the bunch. After four straight days of lugging 25 pounds of equipment around, I don't feel so youthful anymore. I need a nap myself.
Upon return to Chef’s house, we discover that while we were away the feral hogs were at play. There is significant damage to her lawn and garden. Azalea bushes and day lilies have been uprooted and many places in her lawn sport chunks of overturned sod. It must have been quite the party. Dirt is now in the pool. The pigs were in the pool!
Many Texans consider these feral hogs serious nuisance animals. The hog population continues to explode and hunting them is encouraged.
The business discussions continue while I am trying to get some night shots of the house and yard. There is an interesting sliver of a moon showing itself through the tall pecan trees. I take my tripod out and keep moving away and away again from the house trying to get the optimal angle.
I am almost done when I hear something large rustle in the hedgerow I am backed up against. No, I decide I’m done. Done, done.
The taste trip to the Land of Texico is over for now and our team must split up in many directions the next morning. Some are heading home and some, like me, are heading to their next destination. We all have much work to do in the next month before filming will start.
I will be taking a few days to stop over in Oklahoma to visit a relative before I return to Calgary. I wonder what kind of foodie adventures I might find there?
Next Sunday: Oklahoma!
Imaginative Paper Art
28/02/2010 06:22
This item was sent in to us by Mayor Crouse. Thanks
for sharing Mr. Mayor.
These are entries for an art contest at the Hirshorn Modern Art Gallery in Washington DC. The rule was that the artist could use only one sheet of paper.
These are entries for an art contest at the Hirshorn Modern Art Gallery in Washington DC. The rule was that the artist could use only one sheet of paper.
Bizarre Names Too Common In Britain
28/02/2010 06:22
SINC SAYS:
It seems that every year that goes by, parents are hanging embarrassing monikers on their poor unsuspecting offspring.
Such is the case not only here, but in Britain too.
Can you imagine for a moment growing up with a name like Barb Dwyer? Or Stan Still?
And there’s more.
Many more.
Secret Service Computers Only 60 Percent Effective
28/02/2010 06:22
You’ve heard of the expression, “stuck in the fifties”, haven’t you?
America’s Secret Service is just a tad better, but they’re stuck in the eighties as far as their computer mainframes go.
Yep, that’s right, those guys that protect the president are using 1980’s technology.
They ought to buy themselves a couple of iMacs and get with the times.
It’s all right here.
British Treasure Law’s Long Arm
28/02/2010 06:22
A young girl of nine years is helping Mom in the garden when she finds an old coin.
As it turns out, it’s really old. 700 years in fact.
But Mom passes away suddenly and the young girl keeps the coin.
Now 23, she takes it to a museum to see what it is, and is promptly charged with keeping a treasure.
How stupid is that?
