TT Racing - The Isle of Man

I read

For two weeks of every year the eyes of the world focus on the Isle of Man – the jewel of the Irish Sea – as the finest road racers on the planet pit their skills against the 37¾ miles of public roads that form the legendary TT circuit.

The current strength of the festival is testament to the efforts of all those involved in the 100 years of excitement, glory, exhilaration, triumph and tragedy which have made the TT what it is today.

... therefore, I think!

The 2 weeks of the TT Racing are just over (May 31- June 10, 2011)
I made it to the TT in 2002 !

It seems like yesterday. What a great week, on great island, with great people.

There is so much to do during the 2 weeks that the racing lasts. 

In 2002, I have marshaled 2 or 3 races, that was a great experience and really you have first row seats.

But the Island is much more too. 

The highlight of my trip except the race? Visiting where they had filmed the movie "Waking Ned Devine". Remember this 1998 movie? It was SO hilarious !

Just look at this:

Needless to add anything! LOL.

The culture of the Isle of Man is influenced by its Celtic, and to a lesser extent its Norse, origins. However, its close proximity to the UK, popularity as a UK tourist destination, and recent mass immigration by British migrant workers has meant that British influence has been dominant since the Revestment period. Recent revival campaigns have attempted to preserve the surviving vestiges of Manx culture after a long period of Anglicisation, and significant interest in the Manx language, history and musical tradition has been the result.

I wish I had more photos of that trip, but at the time ... no digital cameras!

But here are some if them ...

Shepherd vs Shepherd

I read,

The Lord is my shepherd I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me ; your rod and staff they comfort me.

Psalm 23

... therefore, I think !

Ho yes, when I look at THAT Shepherd (see Grey's Anatomy) he could make make me lie down "anywhere"! Forget quiet waters and think steamy waters, even hot waters! I shall not be in want ... easy said easy done if the shepherd would be an ugly duck, but that's so not the case. So in want I am ! I am sure I could scream Oh my God a few times ! 

My soul will not only be restored but also refreshed, a real re-birth!

I will not even go into the link between Shepherd and my meatballs recipe! Spicy!

Shepherd’s Stew With Meatballs

Prep: 30min    Cooking: 30min    Servings: 8

Ingredients:

• 2 onions
• 1 lb ground (beef)great with lamb too)
• 1 tbsp finely minced garlic
• 4 tbsp finely chopped parsley, divided
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground pepper
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup panko (or ½ cup regular bread crumbs)
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 can (796 mL) diced tomatoes
• 3 cups sodium-reduced chicken broth

Directions

Pre-heat oven to 400°F.

Grate one of the onions and combine with beef. Add garlic, 2 Tbs parsley, spices, salt, pepper, eggs and panko to a bowl; stir to combine. Shape into 30 golf-ball-sized meatballs; chill for 15 min if you have time.

Bake meatballs on a greased sheet pan for 20 min or until browned and firm to the touch.

Chop remaining onion. Heat oil and sauté onion, celery and carrots over medium heat until tender, about 8 min. Add tomatoes and broth: bring to a boil then cover and simmer 20 min.

Add cooked meatballs and remaining parsley.

Source:  Canadian Family

p.s. Please no hate mail, I do NOT blaspheme HIS name. 

Home sweet Home in Canada!

I read

What makes people happy? The question, which has been debated by philosophers for centuries, now is being tackled by international bureaucrats and the results are interesting, to say the least.

2. Canada 

Life satisfaction score: 9.68

Debt as a percentage of GDP: 36 percent (11th lowest) Employment score: 7.86 (10th best) 

Self-reported health: 9.73 (2nd best)

Employees working long hours: 9.28 (10th best)

Disposable income: 5.16 (8th best)

Educational attainment: 9.39 (6th best)

Life expectancy: 7.8 (10th best)

Canada scores extremely well in the majority of metrics used to calculate “well-being.” The country has the tenth greatest life expectancy of all OECD countries. Furthermore, 88 percent of people in Canada report being in “good health,” compared to the OECD average of 69 percent. Although this is a subjective measure, it is “a good predictor of people’s future health care use,” according to the OECD. Education is also exceptional in the country. Eighty-seven percent of the population have received a high school degree or more, compared to the OECD average of 73 percent. In addition to this, the country has one of the highest literacy rates in the world. Canada is also relatively safe, with the lowest rate of reported assaults. The country’s homicide rate, while higher than many other OECD countries, is still lower than the OECD average.

MSNBC

... therefore, I think!

If I may, let me get you the top 10 !

This is the 24/7 Wall St list of the Ten Countries With The Happiest People, most of which have bought and paid for prosperity because their economies have allowed them to do so.

10. Austria

  9. Israel

  8. Finland

  7. Switzerland

  6. Sweden

  5. The Netherlands

  4. Australia

  3. Norway

  2. Canada

  1. Denmark

The sort of surprises in this list?

The presence of Israel and the absence of The United States of America !

Well, Israel IS a surprise, but USA not there is it really a surprise for anyone?

To have lived there ... so,  can I say that I've gained the right to talk about it.

Do not get me wrong, the US of A is a great place to live, in fact it is a wonderful place to live IF and only IF you have money. As they say, no money, no candy! the USA are not for the health and happiness of the collectivity per se, but wealth and free enterprise for individuals. Your success is in your hands.

I was reading some comments ... some that I agree with, others that I find debatable.

1. Canada is only the 51th states: LOL, yes we do hear it sometimes. When it is time to include Canada because we shine ... then the American sort of remembers where Canada is on a map.
2. An American says: Let's all move to Canada. LOL (again). Yes and that's true until they realize that in order to be that happy and healthy is because we PAY out of our taxes for "free" healthcare for everybody. That does not come free.
3. American says: No, let's stay here and ship them all our illegal immigrants who are taking our jobs and costing us money. To that, I would reply: hum. I do not know many American who still want to flip burgers at the Clown or King Place or pick strawberries 12-14 hours in a row, 7 days a week (yes, when it is time to pick them up, it is not 2 days later, it is now now), under excruciating 40C sun with bathrooms 500 meters further (when there are some ...). Ok Illegals do not pay taxes, but ... do not collect $200 either ... but still pay rent, buy groceries, buy cars, put gas in, pay for cable, send their kids to school ... anyway, this could be a very long debate ... I may talk about it another time, with facts not feelings ...
4. Canada is a socialist country: yes it is true and yes I have to pay for healthcare and education of people who do not ... but ... in the end, America pays anyway ... money is not always direct out of pocket money.
5. Oh with Obama wasn't everything supposed to be just "marvelous": do I really need to write something about this? haaaaaaaaaaaa ... let's just say that Obama, Bush, Clinton or Reagan ... as long as you have the same economic and political policies ... nobody's a magician, wake up!

I think I'll stop there before I start receiving hate mail!|

By the way, two of the reasons Israel made the list:

1. household wealth: the fifth in the OECD 
2. Low income taxes: 6.3%

Gucci Guilty

I read

Guilty seems to be more of a sheer, fruity oriental than a floral oriental; it opens with a bright citrus accord, dusted with a pepper note that gives it some bite and a suggestion (but just a suggestion) of dirtiness. For a moment, I wondered whether we were about to experience a reworking of Chanel Chance, which was partially responsible for pushing pink pepper into prominence a few years ago, but Guilty is less floral and feels more rounded. The topnotes give off a nice glow. The heart of the fragrance has a very soft hint of lilac, still layered under the golden fruit notes, and the geranium adds a sharp greenish note while continuing the peppery effect. That pepper is about as “dangerous” as things get, which is fine with me, although thrill-seekers who’ve read the promotional description may be disappointed.

Now Smell This

... therefore, I think!

So last week I was showing you weird IT toys that I had found at the Tokyo airport ... knowing me, you know that I did not stay that long in that store (everything is more expensive than in Montreal anyway). So while my traveling partner was fully absorbed by IT stuff and finding gifts for his family ... I went across to the Fragrance and Cosmetics Duty Free store.

Much more me! I am so not faithful to my perfume ... I wear different ones all the time. I do not have the same ones for summer than winter, day or night, friends or friend-friend ... wink, wink ... But in no circumstance will I feel Guilty about it! For once you can be unfaithful AND not be guilty !

I love the smell of Guilt ... oops I mean Guilty ! Nice, fresh and I can wear it to work!

But the one thing that I find real good about it, is that I found the perfect traveling size! 

The original bottle is the one you see on the top picture, but at the store they had the below one. Same price, but instead of one big bottle of 30ml, 50ml or 75ml, it is 4 x 15ml with a cute little bag so I can actually have it in my carry-on luggage !

So next time you see me maybe you'll smell it!

Yale

I visited

Yale University !

... therefore, I think!

Traveling for work is not always an easy thing, but I cannot deny that it gives me  great opportunities to see things I would never see. GoiSo ng places I would never go. So on most trip, I try to see something new. Learn something.

So, coming back from New York going toward Boston ... (yes I drive, easier than getting frustrated in airports ...) I was thinking that I had done this road enough times now without stopping in New Haven, that the time had come. It was close to dinner time and ... my legs needed some stretching.

So what about Yale?

Well, it is in New Haven CT and was founded in 1701, making it the 3rd oldest university in America. The first rector was Abraham Pierson and ... of course, Yale is part of the Ivy League schools in USA. Its greatest rival is, without saying, Harvard (we'll see Harvard another time).

The university was named in honor of its benefactor, Elihu Yale who was born in Boston, USA but left for UK at the age of 4 ... to never return.

Who, famous, studied at Yale?

Presidents: Williams Taft, Gerald Ford, both G. H. and G. W. Bush, Bill Clinton

Close to be prez: John Kerry, Hillary Rohdam Clinton

Actors: Paul Newman (BS Drama 1954), Meryl Streep (Master Fine Art, Drama) and Jodie Foster (Literature m1985, magna cum laude)

Science: my friend Ron Hawley (PhD, chemistry 1989)

You know, they do not accept everybody ! In 2011, they accepted 2,006 students over 27, 283 applications! So ... way to go Chemboy!

While I was on campus, I got attracted by what? By all things ... doors ! Go figure.

Here are some of them:

... and some buildings ... for the architecture.

... and then talk about being lucky it was Spring Fling 2011 !!!

and the main act this year??? Third Eye Blind. That reminded me back few years back to 1997 and suddenly I was thinking of younger years ... and I was singing with the the early 20s students and for a moment I did not feel much older then them ! Body moving, head shaking, beer drinking! hummmmmmmmmmm ... I had a great time at Yale!

Reference: I took all these pix ... but fell free to use them.

Make a Green Choice ?

I read

Make a green choice

Westin Hotel

... therefore, I think!

There are days when I really wonder who is thinking certain marketing campaigns. They just do not make any sense. Not too long ago I was in Lombard, Illinois USA for a conference. I stayed at the Westin. Nice.

... after a 5-hour drive from Indianapolis, I'd finally arrived at my room.

The room was perfect. The bed sooooo comfortable. 

The hotel was portraying itself as green.  I see a green pamphlet on the bed ... $5 voucher to decline housekeeping. Hummmm. I do not clean my bedroom every day at home, I have no problem being in a hotel room for 2 days without new towels or clean bedsheets. However, I often feel like a fool to fall for this. I always think that these incentives have a hidden agenda. 

Ha! Am I too suspicious?  the conspiracy theory? after all, IT IS possible that an hotel chain really has the environment at heart. That it is NOT because they save $$$ on hot water, soap and dryer, and the maid ... +++$$$+++ and give me a meager $5 that all they want is to have a good public image, a green hotel, an environmentally friendly hotel ... and make more money! No no Sylvie, be reasonable  and give a chance to the guys. Fair enough.

After all this debating (in my head), all I wanted was  ... a Shower!

Surprise surprise

I could have NEVER expected what I saw! After all ... maybe, just maybe, I could be right!

Can someone tell me what in a double shower head is environmentally friendly ??? After I've saved the planet by doing everything I could  (towels, bed, recycling my newspaper, etc), I am invited to take a shower where I will actually be able to use twice as much water!!! ??? Where is the logic?

Yes, there is a little handle to turn off one of  the heads

... oh and will not talk about their all natural bottled water ... so Green ... I forgot, it is a nice $5 Fuji bottle imported directly from ... Fuji Island. Nice! I guess they put the bottles on a raft and let it rift to Chicago from Fiji by dropping under Oceania (wishing it will not stop in the India Ocean) to reach the Atlantic, then up to go through the St-Lawrence Seaway to reach finally the Great Lakes ???

Wow, that made me Happy as a clam!

New England Clam Chowder

Prep: 25 minutes Cooking time: 45 min
Serves: 8

Ingredients:

• 
  30 g butter
• 50 g bacon, cooked
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 potatoes, cut into 1cm cubes
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 125 ml milk
• 2 x 132g canned clams
• 1 x 120g canned tuna
• 15 g of parsley, fresh and chopped
• 300 ml of 35% cooking cream

Preparation:
Melt the butter in a saucepan. Add bacon and onion and saute for about 2-3 minutes. Add potatoes and cook another 2-3 minutes. Gradually add broth and bay leaf.

Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Using a potato masher, mash a few times (not completely), cook another 10 minutes uncovered. Remove bay leaf.

Add milk and cream, clams, parsley and cream. Stir while heating but do not let boil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Source: Inspirée  de Soups and Breads 

Cinderella vs Kate

I read

Things are not always what they seem; the first appearance deceives many ...

USGS

... therefore, I think!

We would have wanted to plan this that it would have never, ever happened! The resemblance is way too perfect!! Congrats to Walt Disney, maybe the Nostradamus of this era. He had foreseen the future ! The hair color is the same, the dresses, the HATS!, the Prince's clothes. Unbelievable.

That was good until you go back to the Disney's book and see that things are not always as we remember them. What you see is not always what you get.

Original Cinderella colors

Too many people are so quick to pass a comment, have an opinion, speak their mind; you wonder if they are born with the absolute book of truth. We are quick to ASS-U-ME. 

It was always advised and preached that we need information before we pass a judgment because if we don’t get the information needed, our judgment might be all wrong. Just how many times we dismissed people from our lives just because they did not look beautiful enough, tall enough, handsome enough, think enough …or not enough etc??? We have become really superficial and cynical …

Why do we assume that someone is not good enough to do something just because they don’t look the part? Why do we think that someone is incompetent just because of one mistake? Why do we believe that if someone is not living in an elite suburbia, then he is not mighty worthy? How did we come to be so shallow???

The point is appearances are deceiving and are false promotions whether negative or positive, more often than not, they do not really reflect reality unless we scratch the surface a little bit and dig deeper.

Reference: Mind

Humping Dog

I see

weird things ...

... therefore, I think!


On my last trip to Japan in February, I was at the electronic store at the Tokyo Airport when I came across this "computer toy".

To see the dog in action, click HERE

I am still wondering why. Why do people buy these gadgets?
Although, 2 of my weird friends have asked me to bring them one on my next trip!!

Yes I DO HAVE weird friends ... what can I say, I've lived long enough in California for that ... and that does not count the ones in NJ ... not to say that the ones in Montreal are not far behind. LOL

Oh what a night !

I read

Saw Jersey Boys last night. It’s a documentary style tale of how Frankie Valli and the 4 Seasons began and ended. Whether you know the music or not, it is still quite enjoyable. 

Yes, foul language is sprinkled liberally throughout, but it adds a sense of realism to the guys and their environment. A Review.

... therefore, I think!

In April, I was in NYC and I thought of my friend Batman ... so, I went to see Jersey Boys!

That was very good. I had a great time. Yes, it is American music from the 60's but that reminded me of when I was much much younger, that was still on some radios and there has been a lot of remake after or songs used in movies. Frankie Valli and the 4-Seasons.

I know, I know you will tell me that you never heard of them, do not know them, do not know that kind of music they play, or that you are not interested ...
Look at this list and convince me that you do not, at least, recognize one of them! These are all hits from the Four-Seasons ! In case the title does not ring a bell ... I have linked them to YouTube.

• Hits Medley
• Sherry
• Big girls don't cry
• Oh What a Night relancer en français par Yannick dans Ces soirées là
• My Eyes Adored You
• Walk like a Man
• Can't take my eyes out of you
• Who loves you

Batman, look how close I was. 8th row, center.