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Number 65
in such cases there will always be the greatest danger that the decision will be regulated more by the comparative strength of parties, than by the real demonstrations of innocence or guilt. Alexander Hamilton, The Federalist Papers.
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Counting people
Our local kindergartner asked about my new job. “Grandpa has a job counting people,” he was told. Sometimes the simplest explanations are the best. I am a temporary member of 2020 Census team, helping to see that all US residents are counted so we can have more fair and equitable…
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Another day older and deeper in debt…
The Congressional Budget Office projected increases in the national debt and sustained federal budget deficits. The U.S. government will spend $1 trillion more than it collects in 2020 and deficits will reach or exceed that threshold every year for the foreseeable future. The Wall Street Journal, Wednesday, January 28, 2020 What…
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Grandma’s stuffing
It’s what makes our Thanksgiving menu such a special, family-favorite menu. It is everyone’s favorite—back when I was a kid, when our kids were little, and now. It’s the #1 choice when we ask, “so, what should we have for Thanksgiving this year?” This post has been updated as of…
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Chaffles (aka Keto waffles)
Chaffles are double good. They’re a way for Keto dieters like me, who can’t get used to almond flour, to use it anyway. And, they let Ketoistas have something other than bacon and eggs for breakfast — Keto waffles no less. I think I’ve always preferred the crispy outside and…
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Pumpkin custard
We’re always looking for Keto desserts. Well, we’re always looking for desserts, and when you’re on Keto—you get it. Make this to welcome fall into your kitchen; I normally only buy pumpkin between October and December. How about you?
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The versatile frittata
As you get the hang of home cooking, you get better, or not, at improvisation—making up new recipes or adapting old ones, to your current pantry or today’s whim. I suspect that my grandmother’s claims that she couldn’t pass along her greatest recipes was more about not remembering exactly how…
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Italian breakfast casserole
Breakfast casseroles can be really healthy and satisfying. Always a crowd pleaser, like if you’re having a morning-time birthday party or a day-after-the wedding family hangers-on brunch until it’s time for the relatives to get on their way home. The versions with bread are great, but this one and its…
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Keto reboot
Lose 50; gain 15; lose 20; g-o-o-o-a-l! For me personally, the very best thing about Keto has been acquiring the knowledge and skill to actually manage my weight. Here’s what I mean. For 30 years or so, since I started being concerned about my weight, I tried this diet and…
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Keto forever?
Unlike the other weight-loss programs we’ve tried over the years, “Keto” should be considered a fundamental change in how we choose to eat…forever. Eating Keto is a new way to eat for people who don’t want to be fat anymore, like me. A Keto diet is also, based on my…
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understanding poetry
“I don’t quite understand about understanding poetry. I experience poems with pleasure….” — John Ashbery Me either. I don’t understand most of the poems I read. But they make me happy or sad, or thoughtful, or inspired, or excited, or depressed. I’m excited at a word used in a new…
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Adjustable hummus
If you’re gonna eat tortilla chips, at least eat brands made with all natural ingredients. And for something healthy to dip them in, try this “adjustable” hummus. Adjustable because you can have it as hot or as boringly bland as you want.
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Crumbleburgers
In my little suburban, growing-up neighborhood in the 1950s, there was a food fad called “crumbleburgers” that was a favorite sandwich (besides PB&J) during my Boy Scout and “church kid” years. All the moms made them—my mom’s version was really great. I don’t know if crumbleburgers are exactly the same…
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Chili as you like it
Made a lot of chili over the years and written about it here on DRB. I never make it the same way twice, usually because some ingredient or other is not in the pantry this time. Chili is an any time, any season food. It can be made in an…
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Sliced bread
On July 7, 1928, the first loaf of sliced bread was sold in a grocery store in Ohio. The sale and the event were the result of the invention of the bread slicing machine. At the time, it was hailed as the greatest thing since packaged bread. This just reminds…
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Farms don’t talk, do they?
Chicago’s The Talking Farm is a nonprofit educational venture that teaches and provides experiences in farming for local kids, interns, and us general public types. We attended a TF “Farm Dinner” last evening to check them out and get educated. We came away impressed, edified, and with a new idea…
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Where do little shallots come from?
“Are those onions…or…shallots?” The 50-something grocery store clerk examined the small vegetable carefully. “Shallots,” I said. “Same family as onions, they say.” In fact, shallots are a type of onion, according to Wikipedia. This interchange in our local grocery made me think immediately of a story on NPR or the…
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warriors
The Golden State Warriors professional basketball team have just won their conference title in four games straight in a best-of-seven series. They and individual team members are breaking certain historical records as they win their way through the playoffs. What’s unusual is that they’re winning despite playing without the member…
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Breakfast Casserole
I got really hooked on cooking when I realized that there are only a few basic recipes behind hundreds of dishes — more than enough to keep you and your family happy for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for many years. It’s sort of like the three or four chords behinds…
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publishing OPBs (other people’s books)
I have been in and out of book publishing since the 1970s. Now I help independent authors to self-publish….
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The Sword of God by Daniel Silva
The Sword of God by Mark Dawson My rating: 3 of 5 stars There is no denying Mark Dawson’s tremendous skill at spinning a yarn that drags you along through each threat, cliff hanger, and brush with death until the rescued are safe, the hero is restored, the relationships resolved,…
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The Defector by Daniel Silva
The Defector by Daniel Silva My rating: 4 of 5 stars In his Author’s Note, Mr. Silva describes at length the research and expertise he consulted in writing The Defector. His diligence effort yields both and encouragement and the heebie-jeebies for readers watching the world scene unfold. I very much…
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Crumbleburgers
Crumbleburgers In my suburban home-town, Cub Scout, and “church kid” years in the 1950s, we all loved it when the moms made “crumbleburgers,” my very favorite food for a summer picnic. I don’t know if crumbleburgers are exactly the same thing as “sloppy joes” or not. More important to me…
Publish It Yourself with help from Touchwood Press.
Guy Cicero 