Easy Thanksgiving Treat

Here is a great snack to bring to any holiday party. I always bring this because it is a huge success. I hope you have a wonderful season. 

This is a great snickity to bring to any party. People will eat it up.

1    8oz Cream Cheese, softened
2    Green onions, diced

1/2  Cup sharp or medium cheddar cheese, grated

Thoroughly mix together in a bowl and make into a ball.

Place ball in the center of a serving platter

Sprinkle with light paprika, sliced almonds or sesame seeds, your choice.

Lay crackers out along the rim of the platter.

Add a small serving knife and look out.

I never bring home leftovers, it disappears.

Tip. Make ahead so the flavors marry before the party.

You can also make a jumbo batch by doubling the recipe

Enjoy!
Patrick Tremblay

The United States Martial Arts Festival 2011

Recently, my son and I attended the United States Martial Arts Festival 2011. The event was hosted by the United States Martial Arts Committee and The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles, and The Shin Koyamada Foundation. The theme of the event was BUDO, Why Martial Art is Needed Today.  This discussion empowers youth in achieving goals, integrity, and respectful lifestyles. The festival had different countries perform the many styles of martial Arts. The performances were interesting, the information was important to hear, and the many cultural arts were brilliant. We enjoyed the event even though it was during the same times as many other martial art events and tournaments throughout Southern California.  I enjoyed the fact that I didn't have to "fight" to get aroung the festival.  I was happy to have my son meet many influencial people in this industry and have a chance to talk with Actors and Producers Shin Koyamada and Brian Tee.

This festival was fun to attend and I was glad to see the various styles available for children today.  The many art forms came from Brazil, China, Africa, Korea, Hawaii, Thailand, and Japan. Each of these art forms are available in different dojos throughout the United States. There was a demonstration from Tapout and it was impressive as well as the other local groups like the LA Guardian Angels, The International Martial Arts and Boxing Academy and the United States Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.

After the first intermission we enjoyed a Taiko Performance: Makoto Taiko. These Japanese drums sound amazing and what intense effort it takes to make a 10 minute piece. The performance was one of the highlights for the festival that I will not forget. 

Some of the many displays to see were full sets of Samurai armor, wooden carvings, photography, kimonos, and the art forms of sogetsu (floral), calligraphy (brush writing). There were demonstrations on writing styles and the Japanese Tea Ceremony called Omotesenke.

The Shin Koyamada Foundation offers scholarships that foster the importance of respect, honor, courtesy, value, and manners through martial arts and active participation in global environmental issues. The Foundation also donates and offers educational needs to individuals and families. This assistance includes International cultural exchange projects. The hosting of this martial arts festival promotes the preservation of martial art styles and traditions that are important to domestic and international youths from all around the globe.

Patrick Tremblay

Brand Yourself in 10 Easy Steps

When applying for a job or for business, it is import for the individual to brand him or herself properly. Branding is a process of characterizing oneself or possessing a distinctive kind of marketable identity. By marketing key-elements in a personal identity, one will exhibit values important to business owners and corporations looking for the perfect individual for the job. The following 10 steps will aid in obtaining a successful characteristic so that the individual can create his or her personal branding.

1. Reality Check

The first step in developing a brand is to determine what goals or accomplishments can aid in the individual’s assessment of his or her qualities. Some questions to ask one are what would you want? What kind of individual are you? What are your passions? Do you have any accomplishments? Are there any goals he or she has? Are you where you want to be in life? This assessment is a way to analyze where he or she is in this process. To obtain a first look, ask friends, family, acquaintances, and coworkers if any. This will identify one’s good or bad qualities, and to help identify achievements. One helpful tool is to acquire a self-assessment test available through various schools and programs like a DISC examination.

2. Dress for Success

After completing and evaluating a personal assessment, one should direct his or her attention to their appearance. If one wishes to become a professional, he or she should match their image to their personal appearance. One should dress accordingly to the desired profession, but in an interview environment, one should dress in a professional manner. Human resources will always appreciate the attempt one does to look their best no matter how informal the job may appear. As a professional, he or she should have three professional outfits to use during interviews and meetings. These outfits should be clean and not tattered. Taking these outfits to a dry cleaner will only improve one’s chances in impressing an employer. One should pay close attention to their grooming habits and make sure he or she is cleanly shaven and washed.

Some helpful hints are to never wear too much cologne or perfume, obtain a haircut regularly, don’t wear an over abundance of flashy jewelry and one should make sure to wear clothes not offensive or too bright for the interviewer. One should take care of any dental problems, and one should make sure their breath is fresh before their interview. One should never chew gum during the interview and always sit up straight and tall during the meeting. As an interviewee plant both feet on the ground and relax. This will show more confidence in his or her appearance.

3. The Introduction

One should learn to introduce oneself in a professional communication. Communicating one’s brand is important when meeting others. Practicing a brief introduction is easy to communicate and can relay a proper branding. During an interview, this practice will aid if the applicant is asked about his or her history. Finding a beginning, middle, and end to an introduction will aid in communicating a succinct history. This exercise will assist the individual in offering his or her goals during this communication. Goals should relate to the job one is applying for or toward the professional desires of the individual. The important points one wants to relay are good points about oneself and where the individual began the pursuit for the position he or she is applying for. The individual should learn to describe his or her goals and how he or she will confidently succeed in this endeavor.

4. Show a Winning Attitude

Pants are put on one leg at a time, and everyone has to do it to get dressed. This is important to remember before the individual tries to ramrod a superior err to another individual. A conceited attitude can cause a bad branding in the first impression. A confident attitude can go a long way with companies, but remember to be honest and open about everything pertaining to the job. One should never be negative or cause another to think less of the person because of his or her comments. Always be positive and show a level of balance and confidence when speaking to others. Professional men and women will think more about the individual who has integrity and will show that he or she does not know everything, but is willing to learn what the job takes to be successful.

5. Be Card Friendly

One of the key tools in showing a professional branding is the ability to present a business card to an individual. The business card is the perfect invitation to meet someone and to show that person you plan on staying in contact with him or her. Business cards act as a calling card whether they have a title or a corporation on the card front or if the card has the individual’s name and number only on the card. One should present a business card at every meeting. A professional card without the embellishments work best if the company name or title are absent. Along with the name and phone number, the individual can add his or her e-mail address or website to the card. Any method of recognition is a benefit to the individual’s success in developing a brand.

6. Tools of the Trade

Business cards are not the only tools used to market a brand. Marketing with various tools can improve the brand because tools can be found when the individual is not present. Business print such as letterhead or envelopes, cards, pens, pads, personalized calendars, and brochures are beneficial to the individual in letting his or her name become public. Other marketing tools can come from recruiters, job developers, previous employers, and social networking. Personalized materials used by recruiters and job developers consist of cover letters, resumes, Curriculum Vitae (CV), or video resumes. In social networking the materials that work are public e-mail, professional online profiles, online group memberships, blogs, and websites. Any of these materials can improve branding, so keeping material up-to-date and professional in every standard is very important.

7. Professional Online Imaging

With social networking groups on the web, a proper image is important in establishing an online identity. The image one portrays can easily change by the ingenuity of an individual who wishes to do harm to others by identity theft. Protection of one’s image is imperative when concerning branding a name or the individual. To determine protection of one’s image he or she should invest in an online protection program that monitors for the company or by him or herself on a regular basis. When his or her web address is protected, one should make certain that any inappropriate behavior and photography is deleted from any professional cites. He or she should evaluate FACEBOOK friends and determine if the friend will have any detrimental effect on one’s branding. If this friend has inappropriate content, one should delete the contact to improve his or her image.

An individual should create a successful profile and join professional programs that gear toward a professional audience. Two popular websites are 12 Manage and LinkedIn where business practitioners go to get advice and develop professional business contacts. If an individual is a recent graduate, another location to create contacts is through the Alumni cite for his or her university. This university or college site offers alumni articles, career opportunities, industry news, and professional contacts. This branding process will help in developing an image that corporations look for in an individual.

8. Proofread, Proofread, Proofread

This process is a dying breed in texting, instant messaging, and twitter entries, but in the professional arena proofreading is still a priority when concerning communication in business. An individual’s writing skill is another way for corporations or management to determine intelligence and depth of an individual applying for a position. In today’s computer age, there are many tools that can assist in writing a grammatically correct document. One should read a document and not count solely on a computer spell-checker because the computer cannot determine word use. One should watch for proper spelling and the use of a word in a sentence. The individual should determine if the document has proper capitalization, punctuation, and sentence structure. One should invest in a peer-reviewed computer program that helps in writing. This will benefit the individual’s communication skills and his or her branding.

9. Ask Your Mentor

Asking a mentor for advice is the best method to obtain a straightforward opinion on an individual’s behavior. A mentor should be a trusted friend or colleague experienced in the same industry or profession. Mentors are veterans in the field that have been through the same process. This advice will help the individual with the pros and cons of any position. When an individual looks for assistance in branding, he or she will have educational mentors, employment mentors, and community leader mentors. One should ask his or her mentor how to improve behavior and branding commitment. How to speak, how to act, how to succeed, and how to present can only make a brand stronger. If the individual has poor communication skills and his or her mentor cannot offer an unbiased and professional opinion, this mentor is not helping in the individual’s best interest. In finding a brand, one should make certain that his or her mentor is a valuable asset in the growth of any success.

10. Update Regularly

With everything, evolution happens and in time, brands can become outdated. Updating regularly will keep the brand fresh. Experience, education, and prestige can improve, and documenting these changes will inform any corporation of the individual’s growth in a career or position. One should document these improvements in resumes, online profiles, and social media records. In updating a brand, one should start from the beginning and start with the introduction and move through the steps. New ideas and aspirations should reflect on one’s branding as well as a flexibility to grow in one’s career. These are key elements in developing a personal branding. Following these 10 steps, the individual has the tools to market himself in a professional brand.

Patrick Tremblay

Determining a Signature Design

As a professional, a design defines ones individualism as a designer. Before he or she determines a signature design, they need to understand standard design principles and offer an abstract concept that imbues a good design theory. Designers think about the styles that appeal to them when he or she views the design in a setting. Is this signature style geared toward shabby chic or French country, modern or art deco, or last traditional and bohemian? Maybe as a designer, one keeps to crisp lines or tranquil harmony like Asian influenced Shibui. This negligible style of natural elements and neutral tones can capture a peaceful persona. 

Most Designers will determine if there is a formal or informal interest for the client. This will aid in determining if a client is looking for a modern or traditional design with vertical lines and smooth textured surfaces. Whereas, a country or cottage design makes the client feel at home and relaxed. The client is more comfortable in a horizontal lined design because of the informality. A transitional style may suit the client because it is a style that mixes several designs that makes up a well designed eclectic style.

Choosing a style takes much to consider, and to determine what style he or she believes most comfortable, the designer’s research is a profitable investment. As a professional designer, the client will want to hire him or her for a consultation. This is the time for a designer to shine by showing the client how well he or she understands his or her trade. A well trained designer can easily interpret the client’s personal interests by conducting a professional interview and gaining a client profile to use in his or her design process.

This interview should always take place in the client’s home so the designer can obtain a feeling of the client’s design style. After determining the preferred style, it does not hurt to introduce the interpretation of colors the designer believes will fit within the mix. The mix will consist of 60% of a light and neutral tone, 30% of a medium tone, and 10% of a dark tone or variety in color. With that point, the floor is the most common place to begin with because it is the largest foundation of space.  With the floor as a large visual in design, the floor will help the designer identify the remainder of the design. With that in mind, the designer will design from the foundation up.

A professional designer will compare the client’s style with his or her signature style of design and create a median. Good design transcends time, and the client will look for this in the designer’s signature style. This authentic and ageless design will dictate whether the designer uses plush carpets, exotic hardwoods, or decorative stones. Whichever flooring the designer chooses, he or she will need to take permanence into consideration. The durability and quality should be a factor in this investment. A good foundation will create an aesthetic the client is looking for.

Once the foundation is set, the client will have the opportunity to share his or her thoughts with the designer so he or she can come up with a design style that shows the signature look the client is looking for.  The next steps in the process would include color, fixtures, textiles, art, and accessories. These are the fun steps that create the signature style the client is dreaming for in his or her home.  Whether the client wants to add a mixture of styles such as formal or informal, it will depend on developing a principle of abstract concepts and incorporating elements of design to embody the concept. When considering either formal or informal design styles, take circulation, and space planning into effect.  The element of lines (vertical, horizontal, curved, or diagonal) can influence the design, but as a designer he or she will know to use lines for character interest, but have one line dominant in the style he or she chooses for the formal or informal look of the home. Many designers will design a more formal look over the informal appeal in living rooms and dining rooms, where most clients entertain, and where the rooms are separate from other spaces. Home theaters, family rooms, and bonus areas should have a casual theme to portray easy living.  As the designer, common elements of design should group the different areas together.  A common denominator is color, and it can be a perfect unifier for both styles.

As the designer follows the 60%-30%-10% rule, the amount of colors depends on the client’s tastes and lifestyle.  By following this rule, the designer will stick to a color scheme of three colors throughout the residence. Colors should complement the style and should coordinate with one another.  Designers will change color balance from room-to-room to influence style and character.  In repetition, one color will dominate more than the other two colors to show accent for the foundation of the design in the home.  A color palette has many color schemes to choose from and each can be quite attractive. The success of creating a proper color scheme is to make use of various textured surfaces. This can be achieved through the flooring, many pieces of upholstery, various wall treatments, and the gradation or opposition of accessories. This will add interest to the design and create a pleasing character that will transcend time for the client for years to come.

Patrick Tremblay

Professional Practice for Writing a Business Plan

In this plan the subject to describe is a business prospectus. This information provides the relevant external and internal elements required in starting a new business. The business plan is a personal expression of what he or she believes the firm is about and how they hope it will grow. Remember it is not a guarantee of success, but it forces the business owner to think the process through.

In the business plan the individual will need the following:

#1 Mission Statement: 20 word goal for the individual to follow.

#2 Business Summary: Type of business, location, and expertise in running the business. Fictitious Business Name/DBA (Doing Business As)
· Find in the local community what is required to open a Fictitious Business name.
· List requirements that the business owner must meet to obtain the fictitious business name
· List how to obtain a Domain name for the business and the website
· Include forms required

#3 Market Research: Where did you obtain your information regarding the business, knowledge about the competition, existing sales for this kind of business in the community, the industry and local trends that may affect the success of the projected business.
· Contact the banking institution of your choice and obtain the requirement needed to open a business account
· Contact your local government offices and enquire about a business license in that community.
Include forms required

#4 Marketing Plan: What portions of the market will the business plan address, a month-to-month marketing calendar, and how will services and products be priced?
Include forms required

#5 Operational Plan: Provide the organizational structure of the Business, analyze hiring of personnel and job descriptions, how will records be kept, employee benefits, project dealings with suppliers, delivery people and subcontractors, project personnel needs.
· Application for a resale license (State of California)
· What requirements will the business owner need to obtain a Resale license?
· How does it Work?
Include forms required

#6 Financial Information: Initial Capital and first year estimates for keeping the business operating, detail how monies will be spent, accounting practices used for the business, an annual income statement, explain how the projections were executed, any additional information required of a corporation.
Include forms required 

#7 Business Plan Binder: Include the six categories in your binder Design a cover letter for your Business Plan Binder. Design your business card, company name/Logo and letterhead.

Present the Business Plan on plain 8 1/2" x 11" pages. Each of the written pages should be typewritten. A cover sheet should contain your name, address, telephone number, and the date. Place this work in a binder for protection and presentation purposes.

The purpose of this Business Plan is to make any entrepreneur aware of the type of business he or she will be entering. Establish certain criteria through which to make these choices. The objectives of this business plan are to demonstrate and engage the individual in the development of the thought process by which choices made will create a successful business.

Patrick Tremblay

Virtues of the Samurai Code

Virtues of the Samurai Code

There are 10 virtues of the samurai that make up a code of behavior. This code was called the Bushido Code of the samurai and was influenced by the religion of Zen Buddhism and the works from Confucius.

The code of the Japanese Samurai stems from a 1,000-year-old belief called the bushido code. Passed down through generations of noblemen, this code is practiced today in modern times. The nobles of the samurai class would view the bushido code as a mixture of fierce behavior with a lace of spiritual serenity through teachings of Zen Buddhism and Confucianism.  The bushido code would combine martial arts mastery with loyalty, honor, frugality, and the fundamental, or distinctive character of a social complexity. This stressed from an expressed attitude of habits and beliefs. This cherished culture of the bushido code is in today’s Japanese society.

The humble beginning of the bushido code goes farther back in history than the time they were written down by Yamagei Yoko, a 1685 scholar in Japan.  Before the codes became a codified collection of laws, the bushido codes were dictums handed down traditionally to families of well-known warriors and to others of the warrior class.  When Yamagei Yoko created the way of the samurai, he offered the 10 virtues as principles used as a guide for people to use them in his or her daily lives. 

The 10 Principles of Bushido

1. Loyalty or Chugi in the Japanese language is the foundation of the samurai. Samurai are loyal to their Daimyo or overload only and swear loyalty to no other person.  Samurai never had to explain their actions to anyone except his overlord and lived by a different set of rules than other populace in Japan. 
2. Honor translated to Meiyo is the way of samurai’s word. When a samurai was dishonored, he was expected to gain his honor back by committing seppuku, which is a way of suicide. This ritual suicide is achieved by having a public viewing of the samurai slicing his midsection open and letting his innards drain from his body. This is the ultimate illustration of devotion to the bushido code.
3. Bravery or Yu is the absence of fear in the line of battle. In history, self-sacrifice was not unheard of for the samurai. The samurai put his personal needs last and would consider the group before individual gain. This act was not unheard of for the samurai to sacrifice himself if he thought it would make a difference for his clan or the success of the battle.
4. The respect or Rei is gained by bravery and the intense respect for tradition is established by the order of things. One leniency was the right to execute whoever did not show respect to the samurai class. Anyone failing to show respect was executed on the spot even if it were because the commoner didn’t bow to the samurai in their presence.
5. Compassion, the jin of the samurai is the combination of spirituality and bushido. The spirituality of the Zen teachings by Confucius dictates that no individual is perceived more important than another.  The compassion exhibited to others in ancient history was expected of everyone even the strongest samurai.
6. Makoto or honesty comes from the samurai’s word. This verbal bond was never artificial and if it were a dishonest act the samurai would be stripped of his status as a warrior or worse removed from service to his lord.  This disgrace was too serious of a risk to gamble. Dishonesty could end in possible death by seppuku or the cast-out individual would wander with no status and rank.
7. Gi was the samurai’s morality and goodness.  A samurai would sooner die a gruesome death than to be immoral. Humility is still highly ranked as a samurai trait in the Asian culture. This strong moral character would be portrayed in actions as well as words in judgment.
8. Self-awareness or Chi is the wisdom to see the ability of one’s-self and to understand solutions to the samurai’s personal dilemmas.  Chi is a clear perception of insight.
9. Reverence is the Ko the samurai had toward his parents. The love and respect of the samurai’s parents and ancestors was unwavering. Many times the samurai would support his parents by providing a residence in his home for them.
10. Caring for the elderly did not stop at the samurai’s parents. The tei or caring for the elderly was believed to be an honor.  The samurai believed that this act of respect and caring was the ultimate reward in life, and this virtue of the bushido code was just as important as the other nine virtues.

The way of the warrior has been followed for generations and is still followed today.  This bushido code is the way of the samurai and is an act of character through chivalry.  Life lessons can be either black and white, but this simple code can be followed where the balance will prevail.  As mentioned earlier, the samurai’s codes of virtues stress loyalty, frugality, honor, mastery of the martial arts, and humility until death. These influences are tempered by wisdom and can create a harmonious existence in today’s society.  Learning this philosophy can assist one in gaining principles of the samurai by using this unwritten and unuttered behavior in an everyday routine.  Only by routine will the individual find peace and tranquility in life.

Patrick Tremblay

Daily Exercise Program

This “Old School” exercise program was developed years ago in High School to help with flexibility and strength training. When I developed this, I didn’t have access to the internet or any other type of search engine other than the library. I still use these techniques today as I am older and need more flexibility than I did 30 years ago. I feel better and I have more energy throughout the day.  I hope this program helps the reader as much as it does for me.

Ÿ  Standing straight, roll your head front and back side to side 20 times each

Ÿ  Lift and roll your shoulders frontward and backward 30 times

Ÿ  Standing, lift each leg to your chest 20 times

Ÿ  One arm on wall; place your other hand on your waist, lean with your waist to wall both sides 30 times

Ÿ  One arm on wall; lift your other arm over your head both sides 30 times

Ÿ  Reach down and touch your toes holding it for one minute, relaxing your legs and back

Ÿ  20 horse stance twists; both arms extended or lead with your elbows

Ÿ  On the floor, do 30 leg lifts both sides; leaning your weight slightly forward with your legs straight, lift as high as you can for burn.

Ÿ  On the floor, do 30 leg lifts both sides; leaning your weight slightly backwards

(With Bottom leg bent and your head resting on your hand)

Ÿ  Lay on your stomach and do 50 leg lifts both sides, lift as high as you can

Ÿ  Roll over on your back (hands under your bottom) and do a scissor kick 20 times each side

Ÿ  On your back, place both hands under your bottom; lift both legs together 40 times. Exhale slowly as you lower your legs

Ÿ  Cross your hands on your chest and do 50 sit-ups or crunches. I will wrap my arms around my knees and roll back and forth to naturally align my spine; plus it feels good

Ÿ  Put your hands on your ears and do cross sit-ups (DON’T PULL ON YOUR NECK). Each time you do a crunch, cross your elbow over to the opposite knee

Ÿ  Roll over to your stomach and get into push up position. With your arms, stretch your stomach by lifting your weight up through your shoulders and arms while looking up for 30 seconds

Ÿ  Do 50 push-ups shoulder width (work on this until you can get up to 100)

Ÿ  Do 50 push-ups wide width (work on this until you can get up to 100)

Ÿ  Stand up and flex your chest. Breathe in and out filling up your lungs several times to oxygenate your blood.

Ÿ  Take a walk or run at least 3 times a week.

Ÿ  Eat five small portions and drink lots of fluids throughout the day

I am not a trainer or workout expert in any way, and if you choose to do these, you might want to consult your physician before you begin. I like this program because it works for me.

Enjoy a healthy and happy life

Example of a GREAT Golf Swing (Hayden Tremblay)

Amazing Chocolate Almond Biscotti

The most delicious part of drinking a nice cup of coffee is something to nibble on. What better to nibble on than a delectable treat like Biscotti.

A Chocolate Almond Biscotti sets off any cup of coffee whether it is an espresso, a Cappuccino, or a plain cup of rich flavored coffee like an Americano. The crunchy cookie with a nutty surprise teaming with soft chocolate just makes it a “feel-good” snack in the afternoon or anytime. Following this sweet indulgence can only seem better by eating another. The goodness of the sweet chocolate can set off this twice baked cookie by turning a mild delicacy into a mouthwatering treat. This Traditional Italian Cookie is available on the web, in various cookbooks, and in all the major grocery stores.

For those that want to try their hand on making a delightful treat, this simple recipe is easy to follow with clear directions, fresh ingredients, and a memorable product. With any cookie recipe, it takes time to construct until the cook has mastered the process. Then it will become easier with time to assemble this delicious cookie. With this traditional dessert the cook will want to make this cookie as a snack for family and friends. The cook can serve this cookie with a variety of accompanying hot drinks, but the very best drinks to enjoy with biscotti are freshly brewed coffee or an icy cold glass of milk.

Chocolate Almond Biscotti Recipe

Ingredients for Preparation

1 ¼ cup sugar
1 cup shortening, butter flavored
2 large eggs, slightly beaten
¼ cup light corn syrup*
1 tablespoon almond extract
3 cups All-purpose flour
¾ teaspoons baking powder
¾ baking soda
½ teaspoon sea salt
1 cup sliced almonds
8 oz. White baking chips*

Easy to Follow Directions

Combine the sugar and shortening into a large bowl, and then beat at a medium speed of an electric mixer until blended. The cook can add the eggs, light corn syrup, and almond extract. Beat until blended thoroughly to a fluffy consistency.

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. The cook will then add this dry mix gradually to the shortening mixture at a low speed until well blended. Then stir in the almonds until incorporated into the dough.

Divide the dough in half, and on a lightly floured surface, shape each half of the dough into a log approximately 2 1/2 inches wide, 1-inch high and 8-inches long.

Place on ungreased baking sheets, and chill for 30 minutes.
In the interim heat the oven to 350º

Bake the logs for 22 minutes, and then remove baking sheets from the oven. Cool for 10 minutes on the baking sheets. With a serrated bread knife, cut diagonally into 1-inch wide slices. Carefully place the cookies on their sides 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Bake the cookies an additional 10 minutes, and then cool 2 minutes on the baking sheet. Remove the cookies to racks to allow a complete cooling of the biscotti.

Place white baking chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on Medium (50% power) for 45-60 seconds. Stir and repeat at 30 second intervals until melted. Place biscotti on sheets of parchment paper
Scoop the melted white baking chips into a piping bag and tighten the bag properly. Drizzle in sweeping motions over the biscotti. The cook can also dip a fork into the melted baking chips, and with the same sweeping motion, drizzle across the biscotti. Let stand on the parchment paper until drizzle has completely set

*Tips for the Cook

The cook can substitute a maple syrup or natural agave nectar syrup in place of the light corn syrup if the cook is looking for a healthier version.

White baking chips are usually almond bark. The cook can substitute the almond bark for chocolate bark. For a healthier choice the cook can use vegan chocolate chips for the biscotti topping. The cook may have better luck with a double-boiler if they are more familiar with this process of melting chocolate.

This cookie recipe takes approximately 20 minutes of time to prepare. The cooking time will fluctuate because of various oven types, but the average cook time is 32-34 minutes. This recipe will yield 25 cookies but can stretch to 30. This is an easy and delicious treat to have for snack but also it can fit in as a delightful dessert for after dinner. This cookie is a nice tradition for cookie lovers and everyone should experience the fun it takes to make such an authentic and scrumptious cookie.

Patrick Tremblay

Visiting the City of Luquillo

Luquillo is the forgotten city that still offers many attractions to cherish, from beaches to a historical site of one of the world's largest rain forests.

Luquillo is one of the most historical locations in Puerto Rico. "La Capital del Sol" (sun capital) is the name Luquillo has known since 1797 when Luquillo was founded by Cristóbal Guzmán. With a small population, approximately 19,573, the people in this vibrant center of history and culture are very friendly and offer a real presence. Luquillo has amazing beaches right off of the coastal highway 93. The beautiful Luquillo Beach is brimming with magnificent coconut palms for shade and more than a mile in fine sand of shimmering white. The visitors can enjoy Luquillo Beach with it's warm and clear blue water lapping on the shores rhythmically. Luquillo, Puerto Rico is the ideal location for getting away by surfing, hiking, and fishing off of the coast for some authentic meals and culture.

History in Luquillo

At certain times of the year in the evenings Leather Backed Turtles can be found migrating off of the shores where they make an appearance in various times of the season. If lucky, the “luquillenses” or local residents, along with the tourist population, can enjoy this majestic creature known as the Leather backed turtles. The local wildlife societies will post or advertise when there will be a seasonal migration for viewing.

One well known luquillenses is sculptor Tomas Batista who is famous for his many sculptures of local farmers and historical Puerto Rican monuments. Tomas Batista unveiled the monument of the Cacique Loquilla, one of the famous Taíno chiefs of the island, which is located in his hometown of Luquillo. There are many cities in Puerto Rico that tourists can visit where they will find these beautiful Tomas Bastista renditions from agricultural and historical times.

Historical Attractions and Locations

There is a quaint square in the center of Luquillo a walking distance from the beach and the main highway. The square has every amenity to offer such as a small market, bakery, post office, fishmonger, city hall, police station, and a beautiful church. The church has an English and Spanish service, but what is amazing is the entire church is filled with hand-carved woodwork, furniture, and sculpted statues. The carved artwork and furniture tell a story of the culture and history of the city of Luquillo. The many pieces of work are ornately covered with seascapes and creatures indigenous to the waters, pelicans and tropical scenes of the forest with many coconut and palm trees as well as the surrounding beaches.

Luquillo is too far away to take a bus from the airport so the tourist will need to rent a vehicle for ease of travel. City bus-lines are available in some areas, but it is better to have a vehicle as it is beneficial to travel freely from the different locations available to tour. If the tourist drives East on the Coastal Highway from the San Juan Airport, they will soon reach El Yunque National Forest. This Caribbean National Forest has a total area of 28,000 acres with multiple types of trees such as Coconut Palms, Bamboo, Giant Ferns, Trumpet Trees, and Wild Orchids. The forest offers hiking trails and delectable treats from many food vendors located conveniently along the road. El Portal Tropical Forest Visitor’s center has historical exhibits and films to display interactive and cultural events.

Luquillo, Puerto Rico is one of the hidden treasures of the island. The city is a perfect location for visitors who are interested in visiting the beach and historical areas without the high cost of the popular cities. It is very easy to research Vacation Rentals that can accommodate the visitors needs in Luquillo. Luquillo is one hour away from El Morro Fortress in San Juan, two hours away from Porta Coeli in San German, and three hours away from the famous Plazas and Parque de Bombas or Painted Firehouse in Ponce. Whatever the attraction is for the visitor, they cannot go wrong by visiting Luquillo, Puerto Rico’s secluded vacation spot.

The tourist can visit the Hacienda Carabalí, a 600 acre ranch located at the foothills of El Yungue, by mounting a Paso Fino Horse and ride into the rainforest in this two-hour scenic tour. The elegant Fino horses are well trained and know the road, but a guide will always join the tour. The tourist can ask for an English or Spanish tour, and the tour will end in a refreshing swim in the Mameyes River. The hacienda offers different kinds of tours to enjoy, including an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) or a Mountain bike tour for those that enjoy the Caribbean sunshine and the peaceful scenery of the lush rain forest.

One such attraction is the history of the Amazona Vittata, the Puerto Rican Green Parrot. The Puerto Rican Green Parrot is a species in danger of extinction as they number less than 100 in population because of Hurricanes Hugo in 1989 and Luis in 1995. The species, which is common to Puerto Rico, was at one time widely distributed geographically throughout Puerto Rico. The Puerto Rican Green Parrot is limited to El Yungue National Forest and there are honoring sculptures of these beautiful parrots throughout the city of Luquillo.

Patrick Tremblay

The History of Hungarian and Polish Ethnic Fashions

Fashions have meaning for children of Hungarian and Polish descent. Studying history, the art of textiles and understanding political views provide answers

Looking into the history of ethnic fashions particularly of Hungarian and Polish tradition, one must look into the purpose of their ancestor’s fashion statements. When determining Hungarian fashions, historians have interest in knowing why the women folk expressed their political sentiments in clothing and home textiles. The suppression of the Hungarians began in the sixteenth century by the Austrian Habsburgs. The Habsburg was a member of a Royal German family, famous between the thirteenth and twentieth centuries in Europe. This included rulers of Austrian-Hungary, the Roman Empire, and Spain. Austria’s dominance in an armed rebellion was not well accepted and the Hungarian upper-classes had little in ways to display its discontent without repercussion.

Because the ruling faction had malcontent for Hungary, the king’s anti-Hungarian stance inspired a cultural revival. This revival became a form of Hungarian opposition to appear at patrician social gatherings wearing “Hungarian” dress. This campaign against the Austrian fashion did not sit well with the ruler of Austria, Joseph II. Instead of the traditional uniform of the Austrian regime, the Hungarian fashion was a more common style. This style consisted of a close-fitting, often laced to the top bodice worn over a delicately made cotton shirt, a laced apron, and a skirt embellished with decorative embroidery. To top the fashion statement the women-folk had a headdress of humble Hungarian design.

Passion for Reform in King Joseph II

Joseph II had fanaticism to change everything by force. His reform for a new lifestyle on his subjects was met with a bitter resistance in Hungary and the Austrian Netherlands. These countries were strong in tradition and the Austrian Government was preventing the country of Hungary from developing its own industry. This act was meant to keep the Hungarians in a base economy of agriculture alone.

Around the year 1840, there were attempts in producing an industry in Hungarian textiles. This allowed women of the Hungarian aristocracy and middle-class to wear dresses of domestic textiles. These fabrics were typically blue and adorned with white dots. Many European noblewomen wore dresses to charity balls made from this fabric. To embellish this style the countesses added a lapel pin decorated with a rosette made from the nations colors.

Eight years later, the Hungarians revolted against the Habsburg, forcing the emperor to accept some of Hungary’s demands. To honor their triumph, the Hungarian soldiers and women wore the Hungarian tri-color emblem on their hats and bonnets of red, white, and green. Another celebrated style was the unmarried young ladies would wear an embroidery-beaded headdress. Sadly, the victory had a short life as the revolt ended because of a Russian Czar's aid to Austria. After the collapse of the Hungarian Government, the women began to wear kerchiefs with the domestic blue and white or black textile, a specific design, to show they mourned their lost leader, Louis Kossuth.

Some inert or passive resistance was in forms of sewn mementoes of the 1848 revolution into clothes. This memento would have been a piece of the flag or a badge that could be worn by the women. The women wore minted coins from the year of the revolution made into necklaces and bracelets. Many times the fashions and colors would embody the tri-colors of Hungary.

The revival of colorful and regional costumes, were observed in the mid-nineteenth century. The costume’s popularity was established by the social and economic factors. With this Polish women wore intricately embroidered shirts. These shirts were fastened at the neck with ribbons of many colors. The women wore flower-patterned skirts in layers. Sometimes skirts were worn in two or three layers to give them a plump figure. They wore linen or tulle aprons with cloth, or velvet corsets. These corsets were decorated with embroidery or sequins. On the shoulders of a woman she wore kerchiefs checkered or patterned in an Oriental theme.

At the turn the nineteenth century, Poland's ally was Napoleon's France. The Polish legions were set up in Italy to support Napoleon in his war on Austria. Napoleon defeated Austria, Prussia, and Russia in the battle. With the Napoleonic Code in place, a Polish government was formed and the peasants were given personal freedoms. With these freedoms came the rights to wear what they pleased, even with prevailingly paltry means.

The Polish men would wear jerkins or kaftans, a wide trouser of white cloth with red or blue stripes. They would wear auburn coats handsomely adorned with trimmings and fringes or chwasty (a form of weed). They would wear broad leather belts to look imposing, usually studded with nails and decorative pouches adorned with beading. Another part of the dress was a rogatywka, which is a cloth cap adorned with a peacock's feather. If not, the Polish man would wear a magierka, which is a woolen cap. This was by far the most popular head gear used by Polish men.

With an understanding of the nineteenth century’s Hungarian and Polish ethnic attire, the reasoning behind the styles and designs are easier to define. Now that the political views clearly answer the questions of a country’s culture, descendants can now see these trends of fashion as a birth of Hungarian and Polish history of textile design and fashion.

Patrick Tremblay