Book Review: Kabul Beauty School by Deborah Rodriguez

So, because I'm stuck at home and sick today, I had a chance to catch up with my reading. I just finished this book of memoirs that a woman wrote about her experiences in Afghanistan in developing a school for women to learn beauty skills that they can use to produce income for their families. It reminds me of the old adage... "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day, teach a man to fish, and you feed him for life". What I liked more than anything in the book is her culturally-aware approach to her work. She, being an American, didn't push western ideas of what beauty is on the women she taught at her school, but rather helped them to develop what skills were almost entirely lost due to the Taliban occupation of Afghanistan. Obviously - Afghanistan - being a country rich in multi-culturalism and tradition, there has been many centuries of beauty regime practiced there. Unfortunately, like most things cultural, those traditions were squashed by the Taliban. So, women in Afghanistan had some small amount of beauty skills when Debbie arrived, but they needed fine tuning in a major way. Like I said, she encouraged the students to practice their own idea of what beauty is, enhancing their knowledge of color theory and proper hygeine among other things. I personally have no interest in beauty skills whatsoever. As many of you know, I'm granola all the way most of the time; but the book really was about empowering women who need empowering more than ever in the new Afghanistan. Let us hope that this country which has seen more violence and oppression over the last century (from various sources) rediscovers it's sense of self (in other words, not in a western way but in it's own - Afghan way) I love reading books about Afghanistan. Many of you may have read "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini; or my personal favorite by him... "A Thousand Splendid Suns" He's a great writer, and amazingly, he too captures the spirit of Afghani women in their plight. Which is an amazing feat for an Afghani man to do. (even one westernized like him) The truth is, the women of Afghanistan are amazing. They are heroes, and survivors, and each one has their own story to tell. I would love to hear all of them. They are heart-breaking, but they are stories that somehow encourage one to do better, because if they have survived all that, what do I have to complain about really? I have a cold? I can't sell my car? What the &$%& is wrong with me? Anyway, totally worth reading, you should pick it up.

This Sucker Is Going Down!!!! (The Cold I Mean)

I have a sore throat.....

I don't like the suspiciosity (is that a word?) of this sore throat. It threatens to lead to other, more unpleasant effects. So, in order to ward off those unpleasant effects, I have purchased this...



Hopefully Don Cherry is right, and hopefully it will "Stop my cold in it's tracks". I'm hoping so, because I really really really don't want to get sick. I suppose it is tradition to have a "spring cold", but if I can at all avoid it, I'm going to do everything in my power to do so. Cold-fx is flipping expensive ($12.99 for 12 capsules), but some people swear by it. I'm going to put my faith in it, and give it a go. Will let you know if it works. By the way, Cold-fx is another lovely Canadian-made product. We are amazing - aren't we?

SUCCESS!!!!! (That positive tone is for you - Jodi)

Tonight, I made cheese. Yes, that is right, I made my own cheese. It is an officially recognized cheese - even though it is one of the simplest of all the cheeses to make. It really was simple really. Though, even a simple cheese can be complicated if even the smallest details are missed. After numerous attempts at Mozzarella (which I may have gotten to the bottom of why that wasn't working), I decided to try an easy cheese - Queso Blanco, and there was much success. I will write out the recipe, just in case any of you want to try it yourself at home, and put in my 2 cents as to what I did, with pics....

First off, you need to start with Sterilizing all of your equipment. It's really important, when dealing with dairy in particular to keep your work area clean and to reduce the risk of pathogens getting into your cheese. Dairy is so delicate you know - in the making. I pulled back my hair too because hair in cheese is just wrong. Earlier in the week, I found "The Big Pot" at Winners for cheap, and decided to buy that to make my gallon of cheese this week-end. In the process of sterilizing it, and sterilizing my cheesecloth as well as my thermometer, I discovered that my thermometer is between 5 and 10 degrees off because it started boiling somewhere between 90-95 degrees Celsius. That may be where I went wrong with the Mozzarella, and before I try again, I'm going to get a proper Dairy Thermometer (for which I will hunt) Anyway, "The Big Pot" turned out to be too big...


I could have fit 2 Gallons in there, and probably will do 2 next time...


Ah well, anyway, here is the info in the book re: Queso Blanco with recipe...

Queso Blanco is a simple Latin American cheese popular in many Latin dishes, especially Mexican. It's name translates to "white cheese." It is a crumbly, moist cheese that acts quite like Cheddar for cooking. It's flavor is mild, almost bland and slightly sweet. Queso Blanco is the original Monterey Jack cheese. The massed produced Monterey Jack cheeses that most people are used to are more bland and rubbery than this original cheese. The name Jack cheese came from David Jacks, a Scotsman (always a scot - this is me, Becky speaking, I'll do this from time to time while typing out the recipe and you'll know it's me because of the italics ;-) who was given credit for the cheese. However, the original Jack cheese, Queso Blanco can trace its roots farther back to Spanish Franciscan monks originally from Mexico.

Ingredients: 1 Gallon of whole Goat's or Cow's Milk, and 1/4 Cup of Cider Vinegar

Heating: No Double Boiler is needed for this cheese. Heat the milk slowly on direct heat, stirring it frequently to prevent burning. Using a medium-low heat, stir and heat until the milk reaches a temperature of 180 degrees Farenheit. (this takes flipping forever and especially so when you are using an entire Gallon) Maintain the 180 degrees temperature for several minutes.


Acid Coagulation: After the 180 degrees Farenheit temperature has been held for 10 minutes, slowly stir in the cider vinegar until the milk solidifies and small curds start to form. (I admit, I was a little impatient due to disappointment in the past, and added a touch more cider vinegar than the recipe calls for)



Draining: Remove the pot from the heat. Drain the curds by pouring the whole mixture through a colander lined with cheesecloth to keep the curds from escaping.


Tie a knot with the corners of the cheesecloth to form a bag of curds. Hang the bag over a pot for draining. The bag can be hung from a hook, or you may use chopsticks or spoons pushed through the knot to hold the bag on the sides of a pot to drain. (I chose to use a rolling pin) Let the bag drain for 3-4 hours, until the bag stops dripping.


Storing: Open the bag and remove the solid mass of curds. They can be wrapped in a plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This cheese can be eaten immediately, or stored for up to a week in the refrigerator. (I chose to use a ceramic bowl - you know my feelings about plastic)


So, the cheese itself, I like it - it is bland and slightly sweet (which is how it's supposed to be apparently), but I feel it could have used a touch of salt. Overall, I'm really impressed with the texture, the taste, and the easiness of Queso Blanco. You can see for yourself, I am very satisfied with the results of this cheese-making experiment...


Co-workers, be prepared to taste my cheese this week!!!!!!!!

Happy Earth Day!!!

Happy Earth Day to you all!!!

I admit, I've not always been aware of my own personal impact on the earth and the environment. I grew up a little oblivious to all of that because my parents weren't ever that worried about it. It's cultural I think. Perhaps it's because I live in Alberta, who knows? But, over the last few years, I have become more concerned about the earth, and the way it's going, because IN MY MIND, I really believe that I have seen a difference in the weather patterns. Now, some people believe that this is a natural cycle that the earth goes through and that it is perfectly natural for the earth to change weather patterns from time to time, millenia to millenia. Others - such as Dr. Suzuki, Al Gore, and various other environmentalists believe that there is a different reason for climate change. They believe it is because of our own foolish - wasteful ways. Here is a statement from Environment Canada that explains how Climate Change officially works according to them. They can put it way more eloquently than I can...

"Climate change is a shift in long-term average weather patterns, which can include changes in temperature and in precipitation amounts. The international scientific community agrees that there has been a significant change in global climate in recent years, particularly in the polar areas, due largely to the burning of fossil fuels for transportation and industrial processes. These activities emit greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere.

Canada's climate is changing too: temperatures are rising, particularly in the Arctic, where permafrost is thawing and the ocean's ice cover is shrinking. Even greater changes are expected in the future, including a continued rise in temperatures, shifts in rainfall patterns, and increases in certain types of hazardous weather, such as heavy spring rains and heat waves. As a cold northern country, Canada will be one of the most greatly affected countries in the world."

The past week or so, in my city, we have had IN MY MIND, some pretty bizarre weather for April. In past years, there has been almost always a lot of snow fall in April. But, it has never been like this. Usually what happens is that there is a huge dump of snow which causes everyone to stay home and enjoy themselves while it melts away and clears for the next day which is usually sunny and bright. Though we have had a few cold spells from time to time in April in Calgary, it has NEVER been like this, and I have lived here my whole life, and really do know what Calgary weather is like. This week, ALL WEEK, it has been cold, dreary, snowy, blowy, and apparently, it will be like this on the week-end again this coming week-end. Now, on facebook I posted my opinion about the recent weather, and the bizarre weather patterns - stating how I believe IN MY MIND that this is due to what environmental scientists call "Global Warming". Well, you would not believe what kind of reaction I got from a such a simple statement such as this... "Rebecca believes that our BIZARRRRRRRE weather is definitely a sign that we ought to be listening to environmental scientists. So sick of this flipping snow" That is all I said. Apparently it was too much for most of my "friends", and they decided to start attacking me from all sides. One actually went so far as to call me a MORON. Like that - in capital letters. I'm all for everybody having their own opinions, and I respect other people's opinions, but I do not respect people who do not respect my opinions. I don't think there ever has been call for that kind of behaviour, and I think people ought to just calm down a little and understand that it is entirely ok that I don't agree with them. Regardless of who is right and who is wrong; the fact is, that there is a problem - we have seen that, and WHATEVER is causing it, ought to be dealt with one way or the other. Plus, we really ought to respect the beautiful world we are living in. It is a gift - from God. He gave it to us, and we ought to appreciate it, and respect it in all aspects. I'm sure even those who made such hateful and spiteful comments towards me can agree with me on that. I did have a few people who made positive comments about my status (which I had no idea would have such impact), and to those friends, I am truly grateful and appreciate very much even if they too disagree with me. Happy Earth Day friends. Here is a video clip that many of you have probably seen, but I think it deserves revisiting because it is a very fair presentation which deals with both sides of the coin, and honestly presents a view-point that no one can disagree with...

The Way Things Should Be - A Canadiens / Flames Final For The Entertainment of Lord Stanley

So glad that the Habs won their game tonight and that they're on to round 2 in the playoffs. Go Habs! Tomorrow night, it's Go Flames! My team better win tomorrow. I would LOVE if the Habs and the Flames made it all the way to the final. One way or the other, man, if that stupid cup goes to a team south of the border one more time, I will scream. It's bad enough that they steal all our players, then they steal our glory as well (because they have our players). I honestly haven't been watching the playoff hockey much yet because - well, I'm a little scared of being set up for disappointment. Plus, I get really sick of the fans here in Calgary around playoff time. It becomes somehow, not about the game anymore, but an excuse to get stinking drunk and to start flashing in the streets. "The Red Mile" - what a joke. Hockey used to be something more than a money-making opportunity for bars along 17th Avenue in this city. You can feel it still - a little when you watch them out there on the ice. I think that's half the problem of why they haven't done so well the last few years. They forgot that it's about the game. They get caught up in the fun and the glory, and forget simple - Hockey. Hockey really is simple and pure in it's most beautiful form. It's not our national sport, but it really is a huge part of who we are as Canadians. The last few games, I admit, I've kind of listened in a little, and I hope, (but not too much for fear of disappointment) that what I hear in the games on the radio is a sign of what's going on in their heads. They've been working hard. Especially in the most recent game. They have a great coach, and I really think he could take them all the way if they just listen to him, and shut out the world for playoff time. Wish them luck tomorrow. One way or the other though, as I said - the cup IS staying in Canada this year. It originated here, and was a gift to our people from Lord Stanley. He didn't give it to the Americans, he gave it to the Canadians. It belongs here. Go Canadian teams!!!!!!!!!

Just To Share...

This video makes me cry. It's a cover of a Trent Reznor song, and was one of the last songs that Johnny recorded before he died. (as you can tell in the video he was quite old when they shot it) He is a soul who can truly sing the song and make you feel it because he's been to the depths of hell and back. The man had great faith on top of being an amazing artist and singer/songwriter. I love Johnny Cash. I really don't think there will ever be another like him, ever.

Bisphenol A Rant!!!!! (do not read if you don't want to see the angry Becky)

Today's news release from Health Canada can be found here...
Other articles about it have me more than a little concerned. Though it is the concern that comes from knowing something when it's too late.

Globe and Mail
Yahoo Canada News
CTV News
Washington Post

So, some of you may remember my post on the day I replaced my nalgene with a lovely Stainless Steel number which I bought at MEC. Apparently, I should have done that a lot sooner, like perhaps 8 years sooner. It seems ludicrous to think that every person living on the planet ought to sue the idiots that decided that it would be a good idea to put a toxic chemical into everything we eat from, drink from, and live off of; but the idea tempts me a little when I think about how my life could have been a lot different if I had not been hormonally disrupted by bisphenol A. I obviously won't, as seriously - it would be every person on the planet; but I'm really angry after hearing how serious the situation is in today's news. It's been in baby bottles - we're poisoning them at birth. My stupid dental sealants (which my best friend ignorantly convinced me I needed in order to protect my teeth) has it in them. I honestly feel a little violated knowing that it is permanently planted in my mouth. (I wonder if my dentist can remove them? - doubtful) Also, it makes me think about all those young, healthy patients we had on the Urology unit that came in because they needed their testicle removed due to cancer. Healthy young men in the prime of life - they eat healthy, they exercise, they do everything they should - probably drinking lots of water out of their stupid Nalgene Water Bottles which took over for the Lexan milk bottles which their mothers ignorantly fed them from. There were some who didn't make it. There's more cancer than ever out there. I don't know one person who hasn't been affected by it. I myself lost 2 loved ones in the last 3 years to it (I miss you Gram and Speedy). Where is all this cancer coming from? Well, we know that smoking causes cancer, and unhealthy living (bad diet and lack of exercise), even alcohol intake leads to cancer, and of course, NOW we know that Bisphenol A causes cancer. What else are we being poisoned with unknowingly? Who flipping knows? This is why I've started eating organic. You know, besides the cancer, this toxin has done more damage than people are aware. Did you know... (I've blogged about it before, so if you've read them, then you know) that 10% of women in the world suffer from a disease called Polycystic Ovaries Syndrome? More women than ever in the history of the world. I myself am a victim, and do you know why now? Because of hormone disrupters like Bisphenol A, and who knows what else out there in the environment?! Life could have been so much easier had I not had to suffer through it, but I did, and you know the truth is, I'm stronger for it, and now am trying to reverse the symptoms; but it leaves me with a little bit of anger inside thinking that someone somewhere knew what this would do, and probably didn't care enough because they knew they could make a lot of money from a plastic that was hard and "unbreakable" in nature. Grrrr, I curse you and people like you - the conspiring men who make our lives difficult because of the love of filthy lucre. I know - this is the angry side of me that most people don't get to see, but it's there, and it's fierce, and if those conspiring men were standing in front of me right now, there's no telling what I might do to them. Enough of angry Becky. Avoid plastic period (if possible), but more than any other - avoid the dreaded (7) and (3) type plastic. (Look on the bottom of your containers)


This video deserves a revisit. It's very liberating to watch.

By the way, here is the American Chemistry Council's response to Health Canada's announcement today. Note that this is the industry association that represents Bisphenol A manufacturers, and that no Bisphenol A is made in Canada.