Spinach Wrap with Curried Salmon Apple Salad

Ingredients: 

4 large burrito size spinach tortilla (I used Trader Joe's)

2 cans atlantic salmon
1/2 tart apple such as granny smith, peeled &  chopped *
1/2 red onion finely chopped
1 tsp dry dill **
1/2 tsp dry mint **
1/4 tsp dry oregano **
1/2 tsp curry powder
1/2 tsp turmeric
red pepper flakes to taste
2 Tbsp Mayonaise
juice of half a lemon

*instead of apple you can use manderine oranges or grapes cut into halves.
** if using fresh spices, reduce amount by approximately 1/2.

Finely flake salmon with a fork, adding spices one by one.  Add onion and apple, lemon juice and mayonaise and mix well.  For best results refridgerate for at least 2 hours.  Spread mixture evenly on to tortillas and roll them up.  Cut off the ends.  Cut into slices approximately 1 inch wide, and arrange attractively on a platter. Enjoy!

Ponderings About the tragedy at Fort Dix

--It is the duty of every cultured man or woman to read sympathetically the scriptures of the world. If we are to respect others' religions as we would have them respect our own, a friendly study of the world's religions is a sacred duty. -- Ghandi

It is with great sadness that I read of the terrible tragedy that occured at Fort Hood on Thursday. As I read through the story, I noticed the name of the perpetrator, and came to the conclusion that this man was Muslim. Then I wondered how long it would be before someone came up with a theory that this situation was motivated by the man's religious beliefs, and how long it would be before people would start spouting the most awful, hateful things about one of the world's largest religions.

Today, at my mosque, our khutbah (sermon during Friday prayers) hammered home the point that we as Muslims should set a good example, and that we must use good judgment in condoning or issuing punishment regardless of whether they are related to us (by blood or by religion).

The example used was if someone came to you and claimed that your son or daughter had been involved in a problem. Would you automatically say that your child would not behave that way or would you investigate the situation and act accordingly?

Our duty as Americans is to aid the families that were affected by this terrible tragedy, by offering our emotional and financial support. We can donate blood for the soldiers that were injured. Our duty as American Muslims is to condemn these acts against humankind, that are not to be condoned or tolerated under any circumstances.

The Quran (the Muslim's holy book) states that to take a human life affects all humankind and to save a human life leads to the salvation of all human kind (Al-Maeda 5, 32). Nowhere does it state that Muslims can take the lives on innocent people, it is an offense against God as well as humanity.

Based on the facts that we have today, what can we tell or extrapolate? According to several scholarly articles, a predisposition to violence can often be exacerbated by some of the following: someone who is a loner, has had setbacks, perhaps poor job performance, may have a history of psychiatric disorder(s), maybe reacting to humiliation, rejection, or failure, most retaliated due to despair, hopelessness. In adolescents we often see things such as extreme isolation and bullying.

From the numerous stories I have read about this heinous crime, we know that the perpetrator was upset about being deployed to Iraq, that he had had performance issues at work, he may have been counseled for psychological issues, and had given away all of his furniture. He had been bullied by people because of his religion. Does that excuse his behavior? Absolutely not. Could it have happened to anyone of any religion? Without a doubt, yes.

To point the finger at the perpetrator's religious beliefs is short sighted. I think instead of focusing on this man's issues, we need to direct our prayers and attention to those who have been affected by this tragedy. Let us not forget, too, that this man had parents, aunts, cousins all of whom must be baffled by what has happened. Where do they turn for help? Who will hear their pleas?

Sooner or later the dust will settle and we will have a clearer picture of what caused this man to snap. But let's not paint all Muslims with the same brush.

CIAR and other Muslim Organizations Condemn Act of Violence at Fort Hood

Yet another reason I don't go to Walmart

Walmart's sick leave policy -- must read story -- sure to make you queasy with flu-like symptoms.

I've long wondered why it is that employees at the local Walmart seem so unhappy. In the story I above linked today, it seems that Walmart is punishing employees who are sick with flu like symptoms for staying home, as well as punishing those who stay home to take care of a sick family member. Hey, Walmart -- Have you heard of FMLA? Has anyone in Human Resources actually read the recommendations put forth by the CDC?

Thankfully not all Walmart employees cower at the ridiculous policies set forth by this behemoth organization, and have filed a claim with the NLC (National Labor Committee). Good for them.

But that doesn't' answer the question as to why Walmart repeatedly treats their employees like dirt, and why it is that we continue to support their ever growing chain of stores.

I have to say that I am one of those pesky people who can simply not turn off the way that people are treated by an organization, and should I become aware of mistreatment or other unethical or immoral conduct, I will swear off my allegiance to the violating company -- usually forever.

Walmart, for me has long fallen out of favor. It started with the discrimination against promoting female employees, and escalated when workers were locked inside buildings overnight, and came to a thundering crescendo on a local level when repeated attempts to have Walmart patrol their parking lot handicapped spaces for wayward carts failed.

I should mention that I repeatedly complained that Walmart were violating the law. I also informed them that if I got to three complaints, I would be contacting the Department of Justice to file a complaint under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). All I got was empty promises from store supervisors. You would think that at the very least they would try to make it look good during my presence there and remove the offending carts.

Apparently I was not alone in my beef about the parking situation and lack of accessibility to handicapped persons, because the Department of Justice filed suit against Walmart on this matter, which to my understanding was settled out of court.

Sure, Walmart is bringing jobs to small towns across the United States, but at what cost? Do employees have to put up with these corporate bullies? Why is it more important to the average American to save a few bucks than it is to support local businesses?

I'm not sure I have the answers to this question. However, I will tell you this: the more these types of issues arise, the more I am bound and determined to steer clear of Walmart.

If you want another reason to avoid this retailer, simply click here. That is, of course, unless you have a fashion statement to make.

There are plenty of other retailers out there. If you don't agree with Walmart's corporate policies, simply vote with your wallet and go somewhere else!

The Case of Marley and Me

What could be better than seeing a cute puppy on the front of a movie box? Not only to my son, but to me. Yes, I will freely admit that I got suckered into watching the likes of Marley & Me. Not once, mind you, but because the antics of this cantankerous force of canine destruction we so appealing to my 8-year-old, I was relagated to viewing it multiple times.

What is interesting to note, is that the main character, John Grogen, gets the dog, Marley, because he fears that his wife, Jennie, maybe getting baby-fever. And, what better way to practice parenting skills than to get a dog together? So John and Jennie set off to become the happy parents of a Labrador. After countless mishaps, I myself can feel the surge of anxiety that surely this couple must have felt with the torment this dog puts them through. The inadequacy with which they train their dog, and the permissiveness and fickleness in their respective characters is enough to make me want to vomit.

The problem with this movie is that it is art immitating life. I have seen so many people struggle to control their dogs. Now, if you have a dog that is well over 60 pounds, do you still think it is cute when said animal jumps on people? I think not.

And then John and Jennie go on to have children. Yikes! Perhaps we should strongly consider temporarily sterilizing anyone who cannot adequately train their dog before they have children. Do I hear a yea?

As I watch Marley destroy just about everything in his path ranging from sofas to bed pillows, I feel myself getting increasingly irritated at the total lack of control John and Jennie have over the dog. And, because I am a parent and a former dog owner, I feel I have the right to pass judgment on this issue. What strikes me as interesting as well, is that it does not occur to our happy couple to start training their dog until it has reached nearly 100 lbs of uncontrollable mass.

Umm, folks, news flash at 11? One should start training a dog when it is still a puppy. It should know who is boss from the first day it enters your home. Hmm...interesting....sort of like, say...having a child!

As my unease with Marley continues to climb, and Marley continues to live the unrestrained life, I can't believe my eyes that John and Jennie embark on their next adventure -- having children. Say it ain't so!

OK, I'll admit Marley and me has some tender and comical moments. But what is interesting to note is how many dog owners (and parents) have assumed the role of being Mr or Mrs Nice Guy instead of laying the foundation for well-behaved dogs and children from the beginning.

Whether the media is precisely trying to hammer home my point, poking fun at young couples who can't seem to manage their dogs, or whether it is aiming to depict-- and accurately at that-- what is going on all over the country, I can't be sure. What I am sure of is that this situation will never occur in my home, where I, as Queen of the Castle, also known as Mom, am in charge.

Faster than a Speeding Bullet

My son and I hurling down the

slide screaming "Bonnzzaii!"


Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No it's supermom hurling down a huge inflatable slide! I know the pictures aren't the greatest -- they were taken with a cell phone -- as my son and I sped down screaming "Giranemo!!!" But here is proof that this mom hasn't forgotten how to have fun! Last night Autism Cares sponsored an hour-long play date at the Horsham Bounce U. It was a great opportunity for my son and I to go out and have a lot of fun. Despite his initial reluctance - an thus my quest to help him overcome his fear of heights -- he had an amazing time and eventually went down this incline all by himself!

With GPS in hand we departed on our journey. Never having been to said location, we did take a bit of a tour of the immediate neighborhood. Arriving fashionably late, we met the founder of Austism Cares and got to climb and bounce on all sorts of contraptions. After yours truly broke the ice -- after all why should the kids be the only ones that are having a ball going down the slides -- other parents soon joined in.

I'm telling you, this place is not just for kids. Next time you want to do the unthinkable and have a girls night out, you might find that this kind of place is just the ticket for some unadulterated-laugh-until-you-cry fun.

(One of my girlfriends and I are already scheming and planning with the hopes to make this happen.)

But for now, this is a great place for kids to blow off some steam whether they have special needs or not. We came home after our excursion, my son totally exhausted from bouncing and sliding. I am happy to report that he is still snuggly tucked into bed in his glow-in-the-dark footie pajamas.

I strongly suggest dressing in layers if you are planning to be a participant in the bouncing and gliding, for you will sweat.

The good news about this particular Bounce U and keeping with my personal belief that turn about is fair play, we hit up the Trader Joe's Market. It is located relatively closely Bounce U. I love this place: it is a virtual mecca of fresh and frozen foods. Although neither of these locations weren't exactly around the corner from my humble abode, we killed two birds.

The most difficult part was over coming the inertia I felt at the end of the day to undertake the trek, but once arrived it was completely worth it!

True confessions of a Coke Addict

OK, before you judge me, let me ask how many of you are not fully operational without a mug of steaming Joe firmly implanted in one hand? You wake up in the morning with your eyes at half mast, and it is imperative to start the coffee pot as soon as your feet hit the floor. Or else, you hit up the Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts on your way to work. Me, I vote for the nearest 7-11 or Wawa to score my D.O.C. (Drink of Choice)

While I could salivate for hour hours in a some posh coffee shop at the aroma, the taste, for me at least, has never become something that I can tolerate, no matter what the purported benefits are. Perhaps my parents' misguided efforts to introduce me to the world of coffee drinking, allowing me to add as much sugar or milk it it spoiled me forever. But the smell -- that I like.

Yes people, I have a confession. I do caffeine cold. There is nothing like finding my style of silver bullet in the form of a can of Diet Coke in the fridge when I first rise and shine. My mother has already berated me on this issue and dubbed me a traitor. No self-respecting person from Dutch heritage could possible be afflicted by the addiction that I have developed for my sparkly, crisp delightful taste that dances on my tongue first thing in the morning.

I'm a purist, thank you very much. No one will be diluting my magic potion with the likes of ice, and although I have many rules and rituals regarding the proper serving of other foods and beverages, there is but one way to drink my favorite drink -- straight out of the fridge and still in the can. And don't even get me started with flavored cokes, because they totally miss the mark as far as my prissy tastebuds are concerned. No Cherry Coke, no Diet Coke with Lime. I prefer mine straight up.

This morning, I had a minor melt down as I trolled the entire house to find the last remaining container of my favorite libation. I was almost in a panic that I had allowed my otherwise stockpiled home dwindle to zero. I was cranky, surly and dismayed. How could I possible be expected to function without a sip of my favorite preparation?

I realize I have become an addict. No morning is complete without the addition of Diet Coke. It is a must have for this coffee-averting diva. It has become a phenomenon synonymous with proper firing of the synapses that would otherwise lay dormant for the remainder of the day.

In a pinch, an off brand substitute has sufficed, but only if there is absolutely nothing else available to fulfill my craving for the aforementioned.

I think I am beginning to understand those of you that say there is no life before coffee. I will, however, adhere strictly to my silver can with inviting red letters. I am under no delusion: I know I am addicted. But it is a small price to pay for that quick pick-me-up, isn't it?

Diet Coke -- breakfast drink of champions. (I suppose I should mention here that I had pizza margarita for breakfast but seeing as it was all natural, no preservatives, it sort of balances out the Diet Coke I so sorely needed)