Cash - Bollywood Review - Skip to the End

Finally made it through the  movie Cash. It's a bollywood movie. Honestly, I couldn't make heads or tails of it. Too many characters, who were cartooned and when I eventually figured out who they all were, the movie ended. It's a heist movie.

The only reason I am even posting a review here is because even though I wouldn't recommend the film, the end credits, were super cool.  It's all done in one shot and it's well staged and the song is ok but I really enjoyed it.

So, don't bother sitting through this one.  Just check out the end clip here.

Best Night Light Ever!

My son is afraid of the dark. At least he says he is. I suspect he says that just to get us to stay with him while he falls asleep. We don't mind. I figure that he will only want us to care for him like this for a short time longer. At some point he will outgrow it and I will take my cuddles where I can get them.

However, I saw this tap light the other day and thought it might make a good nightlight for his room. It is the Ge 17457 Twinkle Star Tap Light.  The cool thing about this is you tap it on and it stays on for about 30 minutes then shuts itself off. So I don't have to sneak back in and turn off his lights.

The other super cool thing is that it projects a nice light blue set of stars and crescent moon onto the ceiling and honestly, it's really cool to look at. This projection covers the entire ceiling which is also nice. Every time we turn it on, we remark how cool it is and how this is the best night light ever.

So, if you are in the market for a night light, this one is really very cool. Enjoy.

Hancock House Rules Candy Land

Candy Land doesn't
have  to be boring

My son made up new rules for Candy Land today and I like them better than the traditional rules so I am sharing them here. The new game play is faster, more competitive and actually quite fun as it does involve some strategy. So, if you kind of sort of like Candy Land, but would like it to be more challenging with an opportunity for some trash talking along the way, consider playing it our way.

First - deal 10 cards to each player. Players can play their cards in any order and in any combination on a single turn, providing that they stick to a single color. So, if you have 3 orange cards, 1 double and two singles, you can go forward either 1, 2, 3 or 4 oranges depending on how which cards you play. You do not have to play all the cards of a single color at the same time if playing a smaller set would allow you to take a rainbow bridge for instance. You can not mix colors on a turn.

As for the character cards - you can play those to either move yourself forward or to send someone else back. Playing a character card counts as your turn even if you used it to send someone back.

When the first person is out of cards, deal another round of cards and continue playing until someone wins.

Ra-One was not so good

I was really looking forward to this movie, as I like Shahrukh and I like sci fi. But this just didn't connect with me. I thought some of the special effects were wonderful. the scene in the junk yard was amazing. but over all, the story just lacked the depth that I have come to expect from a good Bollywood movie.

It was cute, it was fun, but the answer was just too pat and so it wasn't very emotionally movie. I suppose it's a sign of refinement that I've finally seen a Bollywood movie that didn't knock me off my feet. But this one didn't. It was just ok. Maybe it was the lack of really good dance numbers. The main sequence was at a party and it was out of character for our lead - totally out of character. The main character isn't even Ra-One - that is the name of the bad guy. So, yeah it just didn't connect. It didn't help that Shahrukh is not the best of dramatic actors.

Now, had the opening sequence been the actual movie - that would have been cool.

Spice of India - delish!

I was given Cooking with the Spices of India years ago by a friend.It came with several little tins of spices which was cool. I tried a couple of recipes and basically forgot about it favoring some other cook books. But occasionally, I would check it to see if it had a recipe for a specific ingredient I had on hand.

Recently, I checked it to see what recipes it had for eggplant. Oh my goodness! The Creamy Roasted Eggplant with Shahi Masala has to be the most delicious thing I've ever put in my mouth.It is pretty too.It comes out this orange with bright red tomatoes and bright green from cilantro that you put in at the end.

Because one of my friends asked for this recipe and because I am obviously crediting the book and because it is out of print now, I feel comfortable sharing this recipe without infringing on the author's income. There are other really delicious recipes in here as well that I have made, so if you do find a copy, feel free to get it.

Ingredients:
2 large eggplants
3 tbs veggie oil (I use olive oil)
1 jalapeno (seeded and chopped - I omit this)
3 cloves garlic peeled and coarsely chopped
1 1/2 inch fresh ginger peeled and coarsely chopped
1/2 large onion peeled and coarsely chopped
2 tbs lemon juice
4 plum tomatoes seeded and diced (I leave the seeds and peels on)
1/2 tsp turmeric
1 tsp roasted ground cumin
1 tsp salt
1 tsp shahi masala (I use garam)
1/4 cup cream
1/4 cup fresh cilantro coarsely chopped

Preheat oven to 450F Cut and each eggplant in half.Using 1 tbs of the oil, brush each cut side of the eggplant with oil. Place each eggplant piece, cut side down on an oiled backing sheet. (I peel my eggplant first so I don't have to do this next step, plus it gives me more roasted bits later). Place the eggplant in the over on a single rack and roast until eggplant is tender (about 30 minutes). Set aside to cool. Once cool, scoop out the flesh and mash or whip to a rough puree.

While eggplant is cooling, place chilies(optional), garlic, ginger, onion and lemon juice in a blender and puree into a paste. Set aside.

In a large skillet, heat the remaining oil over medium high heat.Add the onion garlic paste and saute about 3 -4  minutes. Add a little water if necessary to prevent sticking (this hasn't been a problem for me).Add the tomatoes, turmeric, cumin and salt. Saute for 5 more minutes.Add eggplant puree to the mixture and heat through, about 3 minutes.Stir in shahi or garam masala, cream and cilantro and cook for 1 more minute. Remove from heat and serve.

Enjoy.

The Silver Spoon Cookbook: review

The Silver Spoon Cookbook

My brother bought me The Silver Spoon as a present several years ago. I like to think of it as the Italian Joy of Cooking. It is laid out very similarly in terms of - you want recipes for leeks - there's a whole section on it. Want to know about pig parts, it's got graphs and more.

I have yet to make a recipe that hasn't been delicious. What is most amazing and cool about this book is that most of the recipes are very simple. Basically, your veg, butter and salt and pepper. The recipes really highlight the flavor of your basic ingredients and don't dress them up so that other flavors get in the way of your dish.

It is because of this book that I have come to love Ratatouille. If you had told me even five years ago that I would love that dish, I would have thought you were crazy. My husband and I are members of a CSA farm (http://gamblecreekfarm.org/farm/index.html) and this book is great for looking up whatever odd thing we got to find a recipe for it.  I just made the leek sauce that is good with pork and it's seriously yummy.

If you like to cook and you love your Joy of Cooking, as I do, you will probably come to love this book just as much if not more.  It has become my go to book to seek our recipes for ingredients I don't know what to do with. The techniques are easy and you will wonder why you ever thought cooking was difficult. Even making rice the Italian way is an enlightening experience. So much easier and so much tastier.  Enjoy.

Ethosuximide - a positive experience

My son was diagnosed with childhood absence epilepsy in January. He was prescribed generic Zarontin which is known as ethosuximide. Don't ask me how to pronounce that as no one seems to know. And while we're on the subject it's pronounced "absance" not "absense." (sigh)

As any parent would be, I was  concerned about how my son would tolerate this drug. Almost as much as I was concerned with the fact his brain was seizing up several times a day. Now that I understand that is indeed what is.was happening, it is hard to watch.

Anyway, I went online and did my research to see what sort of side effects this drug has. And they are terrifying. Blood disorders, lupus, grand mal seizures and more. However, there were also a few people who said the drug really helped them a lot.  My sense from all the reading I did was that this is a drug that is very specific to this particular type of epilepsy. If it turns out you don't have this type of epilepsy, it will aggravate whatever your real condition is. If, however, you do have this condition, it should do a very good job of controlling your seizures.

I wanted to write this post to let other parents dealing with this diagnosis know that my son is doing great on this drug. He has had no side affects. His blood work is fine (no negative effect there). His personality is the same as it always has been. No upset tummy, no rashes, nothing. All it does is control his seizures. And yes, it really does work. We just got back from an EEG and they were unable to induce a seizure in him, which, to my mind is nothing short of a miracle given how many he had been having. Homework time is now easy and takes just a fraction of the time it used to.

He has only been on this drug for 2 months now and his levels aren't where they need to be as his dosage is really low (about 1/4 of what is allowed for his weight ). His doctor figures it is better to start low and build up to the ideal level than start high. The only problem we have had is that because the dosage is low when the drug wears off he starts having seizures again. We have upped his dosage to see if that takes care of the problem, which I'm optimistic it will since when he gets a slightly higher dosage because, let's face it no one is exact in pouring out the exact amount prescribed, he does better.

The bottom line is this drug is working for my son and he hasn't had any side effects from it at all. So, if you wanted to hear a good success story with this drug, you've got one.

The Krays: Movie Review

This is one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. I've wanted to see if for years, but hadn't gotten around to it. And yes, I admit that the only reason I wanted to see if was because the Kemp Brothers star in it and yes, I am a huge Spandau Ballet Fan.

Anyhoo, turns out this is a really excellent movie. It's really well done. Well acted, well cut, well directed, and at times, a slight bit arty, but not to the point that detracts from the story telling. It's just really good. And yes, there are parts that are hard to watch for the sadistic brutality of what is happening, but still, worth watching.

If you like gangster movies, this is a good one. Very compelling.

I actually love the litter box now!

We are cat people. And as all cat people know, the litter box is a pain in the patootie.  Well, not anymore. I really can't say enough about how much I love the new Breeze Litter Box by Tidy Cat . I've sung it's praises to complete strangers in the market and encouraged my friends with cats to transition to it. It's wonderful.

I've owned cats my entire life. And the worst part about them is cleaning the litter box. No one wants to do it. It's stinky and smelly and even though we all know we are supposed to clean it a couple of times a day, no one does. I think all cat owners agree - we do put it off. And then, there's the fact of litter tracking.  It doesn't matter where you put it, you end up with bits of litter all over your house. With Breeze, there is no litter tracking.

Here's what I like about it.  It's easy to use. My cats love it (no transition problems at all). In fact it became their favorite litter box and they stopped using the other one entirely. There is no pee to scoop up. It drains down into a pee pad beneath - which you just toss into the trash (don't even have to touch it).  The "litter" is actually little clay pellets.  And when the cat poops, they don't cover it. So, yes, it does stink, but that's good because it encourages you to scoop the poop immediately and toss it into the toilet for flushing!  Which, lets face it, I don't know anyone who actually flushes flush-able cat litter.

Anyway, yeah - super clean. No nasty smells. No avoiding the litter box because it's nasty and you don't want to deal with it. And NO litter tracking.  Yes, it does cost a bit more then regular boxes, but after about 6 months of using one, I can say, I would never go back to old fashioned litter ever again.

The litter itself is good for one month. And each bag of litter is exactly what you need. So no over or under-filling at all. The pads are good for about a week each (unless your cat is a super pee'er), so one bag should last you a month.

At the end of the month, since you are tossing all the litter out, you simply clean out the box, squirt it down with disinfectant and then put it all back together again.  It is so easy to maintain it's actually a joy to maintain and so you end up maintaining it like you are supposed to, which - is nothing short of a miracle when you are talking about litter boxes.  If you have a cat - do yourself a favor and get yourself one.

Freakin Awesome!!!

I've just seen The Mummy Tomb of the Dragon Emperor for my 3rd time in as many days. My son, who is six, is currently in love with this movie.  I have to agree. It's friggin AWESOME!  There are Yetis.  Awesome, kick ass yetis. The big battle is between terra cotta warriors and a bunch of zombies. The zombies are the good guys. And it's awesome! There is nothing not to like about this movie.

Extra special bonus, my son has been completely obsessed with Emperor Chin for about 1/2 a year now and with the great wall and with the Terra Cotta Warriors. And so, putting that all together into a mummy movie?  He's in heaven.  And yes, he is aware that the real emperor probably wasn't mummified and wasn't turned into Terra Cotta, he just loves the idea of it.  Oh - and did I forget to mention that the evil emperor guy has super powers?  Yeah - he can control the elements. As far as evil bad guys go - he rocks.

Spoiler alert - The Yak, yacks. It's funny. Trust me.

The Introduction was the best part of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

I did enjoy this book and I'm glad I read it but ... the introduction by Ray Bradbury was the best part of this book. If you are going to get a copy to read - get this one - specifically for the introduction. As for the book itself, well, the action parts and story line are great. The problem is that Verne seems to have felt that he needed to include every single bit of background research he did into the book. He didn't seem to waste anything he had found in in his research.. He goes on for several pages listing the types of fish that can be found in a particular area. Whenever we come across a sunken ship we are treated to several pages of the history of the ship and the ships that preceded it into whatever cove we are in along with who actually made it back to make the report. Some of this stuff is interesting, but mostly, it's unnecessary filler. I found myself skipping over the taxonomic lessons and skipping to the actual story line.

The story line is great. Totally enjoyed it. Spoiler - they get attacked by 10 giant squids, not one. They also get trapped under the ice at the south pole and have lots of other adventures you don't see in the movies. All in all a worthwhile read, but it is a bit tedious because about half of the book is devoting to listing fish and their attributes (this one had a spotted tail with a blue underbelly, the next one had rings and a white belly and on and on and on.)

Do I recommend it? Well ... yeah - good story, better then what they show in the movies, you just need to gloss over the endless filler.

Raisels - where have you been all my life?

I was at Walmart today. Don't give me grief - I refuse to feel guilty about it. I can buy locally grown chicken there for half of what I can buy brand name chickens at a supermarket. Anyway, I was in the dried fruit section when I saw a package of Raisels sour orange.  I was drawn to it. I wanted it. Still, it could be horrid. Should I try it?  Then I realized they also had sour watermelon.  I must try these!!!!

So I asked an old man walking past his preference - orange, obviously.  Got it, brought it home, fell in love.


Here's what this stuff is like. It's a raisin dusted with natural orange flavor and sugar.  It's tastes like you are eating a sour orange candy gummy, except, your actually eating an raisin. It's simply delish! Ingredients are actually quite good. Not as good as a plain old raisin, but way better then sour candy. Raisels Sour Orange contain  Golden raisins, sugar, natural flavor, citric acid, ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and sulfur dioxide (standard for all dried fruit).  Not bad.

So, if you are  fan of sour candy, but would actually like to be eating something somewhat healthy - check these out.  I am so totally getting the sour watermelon next time I am at the store.

This really glows

My son got this for his 6th birthday. And I am embarrassed that I don't know who gave it to him. We were at a splash park and you know how kids are when they open presents. Anyway, to whoever gave this to us thank you.

My son loves it. He plays with it and doodles on it and does the stencils and everything. Now, this might not seem like a big deal for a 6 yr old, but mine hates to draw, color, write or do anything that requires holding a pencil, crayon, pen or marker. The fact that he can't seem to put this down is nothing short of amazing!

It is also nicely put together. Everything it comes with has it's spot so it's easy to keep it together. The only downside is that the tablet does glow in the dark on it's own. It's not really a big deal, just saying it does. The fun bonus is that the glow pen is like a black light and my son has been playing with that as a sort of flashlight on it's own.

I find I like playing with it too. It's a lot of fun. So, if you are a parent, whose child is resisting drawing and you are thinking of trying different things, I do recommend this.

This is really silly

Fruit & Nut is one of those movies you just have to give yourself over to. It is incredibly silly. My favorite bits were the old man dance sequence and when the transvestite mob, mobs our hero in a street dance sequence.

The story line is, well, ridiculous, but enjoyable. Basically a doofus who reminds me a lot of a cute chubby Indian version of Fred Armisen manages to get himself embroiled in a plot to destroy Mumbai and somehow manages to doofus his way through to solving the case. He is super cute in his doofusness.  However, this movie is so silly, it really is impossible to predict how or where this movie will go. Just go along for the ride and enjoy it.

What you should know is that this is a Bollywood movie, so it's in Hindi with English subtitles. It's also a musical. On the plus side, it's only about 1 1/2 hours long, so rather short for Bollywood. But, if you like silly Bollywood musicals, you'll like this movie.

Netflix link: http://movies.netflix.com/WiMovie/Fruit_Nut/70132319?trkid=496624

Dr Dreadful is wonderful

Bought this for my son's 6th birthday. It's kind of like an easy bake oven for boys but without the oven. He really likes it.  My main concern prior to purchase was that there wouldn't be enough of the mixes to make more then one or two things. Turns out there are plenty of the mixes so that you won't have to buy refills for a long time.  All the portions are really nice as well.

Long story short: It is simple, easy to use, easy to clean, super gross and actually, quite tasty.

My other concern was that we wouldn't be able to use this for anything but the official zombie brain and barf concoctions. However, you can use this for a variety of things. Yesterday my son was mixing a saltwater flour concoction in the brain. He really likes measuring and stirring and mixing and creating. If you have a little mad scientist, this is actually quite a nice toy.  Just be warned, zombie barf is a lot like drinking snot - tasty snot, but still, the consistency of snot.