The regular defense of the worst of hip hop is that these images should be accepted because they provide a way for black men at the bottom to become successful. An additional aspect of this defense is that young men are making so much money one should not mess with the flow of the dough. The next defense is that anything that makes money is good – especially if it is not illegal. At the end of the argument is... Read more

This is a creamy one — the kids really liked. Serves 4; Vegan; 30 minutes or fewer The silken tofu gives this sauce a rich, creamy quality, and the olives give it some punch. For the best flavor, use a high quality pasta sauce. 10 oz whole wheat penne1 lb broccoli1 cup reduced-fat firm silken tofu2 cups low-sodium jarred pasta sauce1/2 cup chopped black olives, preferably kalamata 1. Bring large pot of water to a boil. Add pinch of salt... Read more

Serves 4; Vegan; 30 minutes or fewer Cold precooked rice is best for stir-fried rice dishes, so it’s smart to make a little extra when you’re boiling rice for other meals. Brown rice is used here, but basmati or jasmine rice are delicious alternatives. 1 Tbs canola oil2 carrots, shredded1 yellow bell pepper, chopped5 scallions, minced3 to 4 Tbs tamari or low-sodium soy sauce3 cups cooked shelled edamame4 cups cold cooked long-grain brown rice 1. Heat oil in large wok... Read more

Serves 6; Vegan; 30 minutes or fewerServe as a side dish with a hearty casserole, or spoon it over rice for an entree. 1 Tbs miso pasta2 Tbs fresh lemen juice1 tsp lemon zest2 Tbs plus 1 tsp olive oil1 tsp apricot jam1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper2 small zucchini, quartered and cut into 1/2-inch pieces1/2 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels 1. Whisk together miso paste, lemon juice, lemon... Read more

View from the Pew, Mary Adamski, Saturday, March 19, 2005Conflicting calendars move Easter Easter is early this year. That was the refrain from churches as they lagged in sending information for the Holy Week listings found on this page. Last year, this most important Christian holy day was observed on April 11. There was a confluence of religious observances that truly made for a Holy Week last year. Eastern, or Orthodox, Christians marked Pascha, the same event, on the same... Read more

Folks. Believe me. Unless you’re allergic to shellfish, or good food, this one’s a keeper. Really. From my wife’s recipes. Trust me. It’ll make you slap your Grandma.* Sea Bean Chowder3 c. dry beans or 3 cans2 c. chopped onion6 cloves minced garlic1 32 oz container of Clamato Juice1 c. white wine or sherry1 bay leaf1/2 tsp thyme2 Tbsp chopped parsley (or 2 tsp dried)1/4 c. fresh fennel, chopped (1/2 tsp crushed fennel seeds)salt & pepper1 16 oz jar chunky... Read more

Huw on slugger Mark McGwire’s testimony before Congress. It’s a personal letter. I’m not really a baseball fan. But this ain’t about baseball. Go read it. Read more

As promised, some Lenten Recipes. My wife is a superb cook, but these aren’t hers. I’ll wiggle some of those from her later. In the meantime, below are some recipes that I have stolen & typed. These come from handouts that I was given by Fr Chad Hatfield years ago. You are welcome to share your own variations and/or recipes in the comments or email them to me: Orthodixie at aol dot com. Read more

Sprout Sandwich2 c. alfalfa sprouts2-3 Tbs veg. mayo1 diced tomato3 diced celery stalks3 chopped green onions1/4 tsp. dill weed2 pita loaves Toss all, except the pita, together lightly. Fills 2 average pitas. For variety, add shrimp, or chopped peppers. Serves 4. Tofu “Egg” Salad Sandwich4 oz tofu1 Tbs minced celery2 tsp soy mayonnaise1 tsp mustarddash of garlic powderdash of paprika Combine all, crumbling tofu. Stir and spread with lettuce & tomato in Arabic Bread. Tuna Salad Sandwich(Remember, the Feast of... Read more

Tomato Bisque1 chopped onion1 Tbs soy margarine1/4 c. water1/2 tsp dill weed1/4 c. chopped red pepper3 diced tomatoes1 bouillon1 1/2 tomato juice saute onions & peppers in margarine. Add the rest of ingredients. Simmer 20 min. Puree. Serve hot or cold. Serves 4. Vegetarian Chili2 c. dried and rinsed kidney beans (or 4 c. cooked)1/3 c. oil2 large onions, diced6 cloves garlic, minced1 Tbs chili powder1 Tbs ground cumin1 tsp oregano1/8 tsp cayenne pepper2 bay leaves1/2 bulgur wheat1 Tbs lemon... Read more