Korean Bulgogi

You never know when you'll come across a recipe worth keeping. Aside from cookbooks, websites or magazine, recipes could be from a friend, family member, coworker, or even a random stranger at a grocery store. My friend Suzanne came across this recipe for Korean Bulgogi through a family member's co-worker's wife. After a few of her own tweaks to the recipe, it's definitely a keeper. A blend of ingredients transformed strings of beef into tender, flavorful bulgogi and there's no reason to change this recipe. It's absolutely perfect!

If you're a fan of Korean cuisine or even if you haven't really tried Korean food, this is a recipe that will please bulgogi fans and create new ones. Bulgogi is a Korean dish of thinly sliced marinated beef, chicken or pork that's grilled. I've tried various kinds of bulgogi recipes calling for pear nectar, pineapple juice, spicy chili paste and all sorts of different ingredients. Suzanne's recipe below doesn't call for anything out of the ordinary which makes it even more appealing. Everything is whizzed up in a blender, poured over the beef (or your choice of meat) and allowed to marinate overnight to absorb all that flavor. The only thing left to do is grill the meat and you're set! We enjoyed this over steamed sushi rice and grilled zucchini slices. If you're gluten free, simply substitute the soy sauce called for in the recipe with tamari.

Korean Bulgogi
recipe from my friend, Suzanne; adapted from Suki Kim

2-3 pounds beef top sirloin, thinly sliced
1/3 cup sesame seeds
1/3 cup sesame oil
1 1/2 cup soy sauce {or GF tamari}
2 cloves garlic
1 onion, chopped

1 bunch green onion, chopped

1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sake

Place the beef in a shallow baking dish or gallon sized storage bag.
 

Add remaining ingredients except in a blender and puree to create the marinade. Reserve 1/2 cup of marinade for serving.

Pour the remaining marinade over the beef in the baking dish or in the storage bag. Cover the dish/seal the storage bag and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.

Preheat a grill. Remove the beef from the marinade and cook on a hot grill for 4-6 minutes on both sides. Serve over rice and with reserved marinade.

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Freshii... Eat, Energize

Restaurants come and go... and for many of us, it may not even phase us. We may have fallen comfortable knowing that there will be a new concept, a new food trend, a new something that will grab our attention soon enough. But what happens if the new, chic, hip, cool thing to do is to focus on the basics or the simple things. Did I lose you? Well stay with me. Or better yet, seek out the nearest Freshii location near you.

What is Freshii? It's a 'health-casual' restaurant that everyone must visit at least once. From one visit, you will be able to appreciate the thoughtfulness this restaurant has for their food, their patrons and also their environment. First off, their food is fresh, clean and healthy. There's truly something for everyone - meat lovers, vegetarians, vegans and even those who are gluten free like me {Score!}. You can find a colorful, healthy menu of wraps, salads, burritos, rice bowls and soups that are not only delicious but good for you. To make healthy food more interesting, their menu draws from various cuisines like Thai, Indian, Mediterranean and many others, incorporate flavors that a make the whole dining experience even more interesting. In a nutshell, Freshii is all about providing fresh and nutritious meal choices to the masses.

Now that you know about their menu, the restaurant has a motto of 'Eat. Energize.' :

We aim to provide fresh and nutritious meal choices that energize people on the go. We want to emphasize the foods you should eat more of and less on those you should avoid. We want to provide meals and snacks that help you live your best life. Think: fibre- rich, slow-burning carbs, essential fats and lean proteins. We also live by our Mission Green. We're taking a stand and want to be good to the earth by eliminating traditional industry staples: excess packaging, heavy energy consumption, and greasy processed meals.

Freshii is extremely thoughtful about what they do, how they do things, and how their actions affects the world around them. I absolutely love their stance on Mission Green where they take into account how they impact our environment and what steps they have taken to be more eco-friendly and environmentally conscious.

So focusing on the basics of healthy food options that's delicious good for you, paired with doing the simple things with causing excess waste is the new, chic, hip and cool things to do. And Freshi is where it's all at! During my recent visit, I had the Wrangler brown rice bowl, which had brown rice topped with corn, black beans, cabbage, jack and cheddar cheese, green onion, pico de gallo and a creamy BBQ sauce. It was delicious and I'm anxious to try the other menu items very soon! With 50 locations all over the country, I hope you get a chance to visit a location and enjoy their offerings.

Full disclosure: The above restaurant information and a Freshii gift card were provided by General Mills and eatbetteramerica.com. I used the Freshii gift card for a complimentary meal to one of their Chicago locations and was not paid for a positive review. All thoughts noted here are based solely on my experience and the opinions expressed are all my own.

I'm giving away a $50 gift card to freshii which is good at any of their national locations. Leave a comment on what menu item(s) you would order! [http://www.freshii.com/menu] A winner will be chosen at announced on our Facebook page tomorrow, May 15!

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ALMOND JAM TARTLETS – MIRLITONS aux amandes et confiture

IN BETWEEN

College applications sent. Apartment Promise signed. Articles written and submitted. Those interminable two weeks between le premier et le deuxième tours. Now we are in between, in that god-awful place of limbo, a purgatory of waiting. And as one season wanes and the next not quite sure that it is ready to arrive and assert itself, outside our windows seem some netherworld of uncertainty, a lingering pause, as well. Anticipation in gray. Fingers drum on tabletops or nervously flick from button to button on the remote control or the pages of a magazine; feet pace back and forth across carpets; others stand forlornly at the window, arms crossed, eyes glazed over, staring out into gloomy nothingness until the next ray of sunshine sharply awakens them from their in between stupor.

So while some of us study design books and play with color and others arrange and rearrange imaginary furniture in paper apartments, others cook or bake. We pass the time as best we can, anticipating future events, our imaginations running through all possible solutions; we try with all of our might to play out success all around while stealing ourselves for rejection and failure. Clouds pass, shades of drab, rain glitters on the pavement while the birds twitter and chirp in expectation. Distant laughter like promises float up from below, emails checked, son and husband huddle over the computer to search for possibilities, the clicking of fingers across keyboards, the whirring of the printer…. and we wait.

These periods of waiting, anticipation, impatience are crowded with events. Storm clouds gathering or a garden bursting into bloom, so many milestones arrive all at once, piling one on top of the next, leaving us out of breath, standing in some wild, desolate landscape of contemplation. And I stroll through the market with cooking and baking on my mind and see another wilderness, that midseason void of tightly shut stalls and barren spaces during this long, long month or so of school vacation and string of holiday weekends. And the midseason gulf in between as the produce of autumn and winter shifts to spring.

My basket is abnormally light, swinging at my side, mouth gaping to be filled with fresh produce more enticing than bruised apples and soft, flavorless tomatoes. One season’s fruit and vegetables ebb well before my appetite for one or the other does, yet each craving the impending season excites is left in suspense, unsatisfied in the chasm before the harvest. My hunger is left hovering in midair as the sweetness of pears wanes, clementines and grapefruit sour well before lusty strawberries and bright raspberries wend their way from neighboring gardens to my market; the orange brilliance of plump autumn pumpkins fades before the sugary peaches and nectarines burst onto the scene. Sweet potatoes disappear, exotic pomegranates are no longer mine for the taking yet their absence has welcomed no rich, tart cherries, no rosy rhubarb. And berries. Ah, berries. It will be months before tiny cardboard boats brimming over with buxom blueberries, voluptuous blackberries, glistening, jewel-like currents find themselves nestled among the ever-present apples and bananas now flown in from some faraway place.

So with what am I to bake in the interlude? In between? This time of year, with the weather morose and the apartment still a tad chilly, we long for a satisfying snack, crave something homey, the perfect comfort food to nibble on while sipping a mug of steaming tea or with hands cupped around a warming bowl of coffee. Yet in the anticipation of a bright, warm spring, I no longer want rich, heavy snacks, nor gooey, sticky desserts. Light and delicate yet with gratifying toothsome bite, the tang of berries, the sweetness of fruit would be perfect, balanced out with a mildly nutty warmth, all cupped in a tender pastry shell. Not too sweet, neither too bland, a tasty treat to wile away the time.

As soon as I saw the photo of these Almond JamTartlets in a recent issue of Elle à Table, I knew that I had to make them. Simple to execute, big in flavor and satisfaction, these Mirlitons – oddly enough, kazoo in French (why are these called kazoos?) – were the perfect midseason snack, getting their big fruity flavor from my favorite jam or jelly (in my case, cherry and blueberry), something always on hand, no matter the season. A handful of finely ground almonds or hazelnuts creates a dense yet tender filling, all nestled in my favorite, delicate Sweet Pastry Crust.

So as we pace ourselves through this interminable period of waiting and anticipation, these tiny treats – made any size you like – surely have a hand in tiding us over and infusing the days with sweetness. As Plate to Page approaches at a quick clip, I look forward to jars of Sunchowder’s Emporia jam, a wonderful, generous sponsor of our workshop, whose amazing array of flavors will jazz up these Tartlets – I’m hoping to bring home her Raspberry Chocolate, one of the jams I tasted during my recent breakfast at Petrossian in New York.

ALMOND JAM TARTLETS – MIRLITONS aux amandes et confiture 
Recipe from the May-June 2011 issue of Elle à Table 

1 recipe Sweet Pastry Crust

Jams or jellies of your choice (approximately 12 teaspoons)
3 oz (90) g ground almonds or hazelnuts
4.2 oz (120 g) sugar
2 large eggs
¼ tsp vanilla
Scant 1/3 cup (70 ml) heavy, full fat or half fat cream

Prepare the Sweet Pastry Crust:

Make the Sweet Pastry Crust as instructed here. Roll out to approximately 1/8-inch thickness. Line lightly buttered tartlet shells – I lined 12 tiny, shallow 2 ¼ inch wide molds (in something like a cupcake tin) + 6 individual 2 ¾ inch wide tartlet molds for 18 tartelts in two sizes. Chill in the refrigerator while the oven preheats and the filling is prepared.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

Whisk together the ground almonds and the sugar. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs until thoroughly blended, then whisk them into the almonds and sugar until the mixture is well-blended, thick and smooth. Whisk in the vanilla and the cream until smooth.

Remove the pastry shells from the refrigerator. Place a dollop – ¾ to 1 teaspoon depending upon the size of tartlet molds you use – of jam or jelly in the center of each pastry shell. Carefully spoon or pour just enough of the batter around the jam to fill the shells up ¾ of the way.

Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until each tartlet is puffed slightly, set and a light golden in color.

Remove from the oven, gently remove the tartlets from the tins or the molds and allow to cool on racks before serving.

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Θάλαμος 007

ΘΑΛΑΜΟΣ 007

Πρόλαβε να πάρει μάτι 70 πόντους πανωθέ του την κατάληξη του επισφαλούς ταξιδιού ενός φορείου, χωρίς αναταράξεις από τη χάβρα των επειγόντων μέσω ενός σκεπαστού διάδρομου και δύο ασανσέρ στο θάλαμο της καρδιολογικής που παρκάριζε.

Ιστορία ολόκληρη το άδειασμα στο κρεβάτι το ίδιο άβολο σαν το φορείο, έτσι με τα ρούχα όπως το πρωί που έσκασε στο δρόμο λιπόθυμος. Στη στάση αναμονής του λεωφορείου στη Μακρυγιάννη. Στη ντάλα του Ιούλη το ραδιόφωνο προειδοποιούσε από το πρωί  αλλά ποιος το άκουγε. Πάντα του κεφαλιού του έκανε ο Αρίστος.  Ένα χιλιόμετρο περπάτημα, 4 σακούλες φόρτωμα από ψώνια θέλει πολύ το γέρικο κουφάρι των 86 Μάηδων να νομίζει ότι κουβαλά σαν αιώνια νιότη την εγωκεντρική του αφέλεια.   

Το λεπτό  πολυχρησιμοποιημένο στρώμα τον επανέφερε στην «σκληρή» πραγματικότητα. Τον κράτησαν μέσα για καρδιακή αρρυθμία μετά από την ταλαιπωρία του καύσωνα. Από τα πέντε έπιασε εκείνο κοντά στην τουαλέτα, άλλωστε τα δύο του παραθύρου εκείνα που βλέπουν στη πίσω πλευρά του Νικαίας προς τις παράγκες του ψυχιατρικού ήταν ήδη πιασμένα.  Στο ένα ο 60άρης κυρ Νώντας με το πέρασμα των χρόνων βαθειά χαραγμένο στο πετσί του, δουλιές του ποδαρού όλη του τη ζωή δηλώνει λιμενεργάτης ,κάποια μπάρκα στη νιότη τον μόστραραν για κοσμογυρισμένο, και απέναντι ο Στέλιος ο 45άρης τζόβενο κοιλαράς και καλοταϊσμένος με γυναίκα και μάνα δίπλα του όλο ερωτήσεις και αγωνία για τον ίδιο λόγο πόσο θα πονάει το στήθος ακόμα και τι σημαίνει.

Στη Ραμνούντα, ναός της Νέμεσις

Η παρέα έκλεισε γρήγορα για αυτή την εφημερία με τον Λαυρέντη ένα 22χρονο από την Αγιά Βαρβάρα που είχε Άγιο από την επαφή του με ηλεκτρικό ρεύμα και τον σχεδόν αμίλητο κυρ Χαραλάμπη ξερακιανό 75άρη με εμφανή πάνω του την ταλαιπωρία στους πνεύμονες από το τσιγάρο και την πνευμονική υπέρταση. Επειδή σας το υποσχέθηκα και αφορά τα οικιακά ατυχήματα την εποχή του κομμένου ρεύματος και της ατσούμπαλης επανασύνδεσης παραθέτω την μικρή ιστορία του Λαυρέντη. Έκανε ντούζ όταν τον χτύπησε το ρεύμα και ευτυχώς ο παρευρισκόμενος ξάδελφος είχε την πρόνοια με ξύλινη καρέκλα να του πάρει το χέρι από το ντουζοκαλώδιο που βαστούσε, αλλιώς εκεί θα τον βρίσκανε τεντωμένο σαν τον Άγνωστο Στρατιώτη, στη θέση οπισθότονο όπως είπε και ο γιατρός. Το δράμα του Λαυρέντη ολοκληρωνόταν με ένα μπόγο 20 Μάιων το Χαρικλάκι που έπεφτε πάνω του στο κρεβάτι του πόνου, του πονούσαν όλοι οι μύες από τις συσπάσεις για να του δείξει ανείπωτους οργασμούς, όσους πήγε να τους στερήσει στη νιότη τους  η παράνομη σύνδεση του ηλεκτρικού ρεύματος αυτή που έκανε επαφή με τα υδραυλικά της νοικιασμένης τους φωλίτσας.

                Μόλις έφυγε το γιατρουδάκι προστάτης τους φούντωσε η κουβέντα. Ο κυρ Νώντας πειραχτήρι και ανοιχτήρι ψυχών απευθύνθηκε στο φοβισμένο Στέλιο απέναντί του:

---Τι λένε οι εξετάσεις τη βγάζεις ή όχι σερσέμη μου;

----Θα κάνω στεφανιογραφία  λέει μόλις σταθεροποιηθεί το ηλεκτροκαρδιογράφημα! Μετά βλέπουμε για επέμβαση  ΄χεσε μέσα Νώντα…..

----Καλά ξεμπερδέματα νάχουμε μονολόγησε μέσα από τα δόντια του ο κυρ Αρίστος

----Πως νοιώθεις παππού ;,τόποιασε μόνο ο ζουπιγμένος Λαυρέντης, ανακάθισε στο κρεβάτι και τόλμησε να απαλλαγεί από τον αγαπησιάρικο εναγκαλισμό από το Χαρικλάκι

---Εγώ να δεις πως νοιώθω, παρενέβη ο κυρ Νώντας σαν να πνίγομαι στις ομίχλες της Σουμάτρας, κουφόβραση μέσα μου αλλά και στα έξω μου.

----Με αυτό το τζόβενο που μπλέξαμε δεν θα ξεμπερδέψουμε εύκολα, θα μας καταστρέψει. Απάντησε καθυστερημένα και συνωμοτικά ο κυρ Αρίστος

---Τι σούκανε το γιατρό μίλησε  στην αργκό του ο Λαυρέντης;

---Το Παπανδρέου λέω γυιέ μου ,που όπου σταθεί και βρεθεί μας κατηγοράει θαρρείς και φάγαμε ποτέ γλυκό ψωμί, θαρρείς και τα βρήκαμε όλα έτοιμα  σαν και δαύτον  εμείς τα ορφανά του δευτέρου παγκοσμίου πολέμου. Αφού μας χρεοκόπησαν τώρα μας ρίχνουν και την ευθύνη.

--- ΑΦΟΎ ΜΑΖΊ ΤΑ ΦΆΓΑΜΕ μπάρμπα Αρίστο δεν τόπε εκείνος ο ατελείωτα πεινάλας να μας ανεβάσει τα γράδα μας και τις ενοχές μας, τσίγκλησε ο Στέλιος τώρα.

--- Άσε λεβέντη μου τόχω τάμα επειδή τους ψήφαγα από το 81 30 χρόνια τώρα πρώτα να τους μαυρίσω και μετά να πεθάνω, όπως μου μαυρίσαν τη ζωή να τους δω φυλακή θάθελα! Ζωήρεψε η φωνή του κυρ Αρίστου.

Γύρισα και γω ξαφνιασμένος από την …ομολογία. Καιρό είχα να ακούσω τον πατέρα μου να εκφράζεται χωρίς μισόλογα. Ντόμπρα και σταράτα και στην ώρα τη δύσκολη στο θάλαμο 007 της καρδιολογικής που όλα δείχνουν πρόσκαιρα και αιώνια συνάμα…. .Προσπαθούσα λίγο να περνάω απαρατήρητος αλλά σε τέτοιο θάλαμο οι εξομολογήσεις και οι υπερτάσεις της χώρας μας φάνταζαν καταδικαστικές για τους πρωταγωνιστές.

---Σαν  το καφενείο, Ελλάς το μεγαλείο σου μονολόγησα κρυόκολα για τον επαγγελματισμό της σκέψης μου.

Βάλθηκα με επιδέξιες κινήσεις να του βγάζω το παντελόνι και να τακτοποιώ  τα αναρίθμητα χαρτούρια που έβγαιναν από τις τσέπες του Αρίστου, φωτό, κάρτες, μέχρι λογαριασμός του νερού! Τούκοψα τη φόρα!

----Που μας πάνε με τα Μνημόνια;; αναρωτήθηκε ο κυρ Νώντας  ο πολύφερνος. Το ίδιο σχέδιο παντού με δανεικά θα «σωθούμε»;; Το ίδιο σχέδιο που βλέπουμε και ζούμε στη Ελλάδα θα εφαρμοστεί σε όλες τις χώρες της Ευρώπης αν τους αφήσουμε. Στην Ολλανδία τους ζητάνε 9 ευρώ τη συνταγή σε κάθε ασθενή, έχω ακόμη γνωστούς στο Ρόττερνταμ

---Ο δρόμος της Μέρκελ και του Σαρκοζύ είναι στρωμένα οικονομικά πτώματα, δείτε πως ξεπούλησαν τη Ρωσία, την Ανατολική Γερμανία έσπειραν ανεργία και θέρισαν ότι δικαιώματα είχε ο κόσμος της εργασίας. Α ρε Σοβιετία έπεσες σαν τραπουλόχαρτο και ξεμείναμε από ένα στήριγμα έστω ιδεολογικό μίλησε για πρώτη φορά ο κυρ Χαραλάμπης με μια βαθειά υπόκωφη φωνή που λες ερχόταν από αλλού.

---- Είδατε να ζητάει κανείς τη γνώμη μας, όποτε κατέβηκαν στο Σύνταγμα έπεσε το ξύλο της αρκούδας , βάλανε τα πιτσιρίκια των ΜΑΤ να βαράνε τσάμπα τον κόσμο, σε κανά χρόνο θα τους έχουν και αυτούς στο τσάμπα να σκοτωνόμαστε μεταξύ μας και άλλοι να κερδίζουν. Φορτσάρισε πάλι ο Αρίστος Να μου το θυμηθείς θα κάνουν και το Σαμαρά να κάνει κολοτούμπα να υποστηρίξει το σύστημα Είδατε την ταλαιπωρία στα επείγοντα ,στο ακτινολογικό μόνο ο Λοβέρδος πορεύεται με  73 καλοπληρωμένους συμβούλους

Rhamnus- Nemesis and Themis temle

----Σε τι νόμισμα θα μετράμε τη φτώχεια μας, δεν έχω για νοίκι ούτε για μια φραπεδιά γκρίνιασε ο Λαυρέντης, αυτοί που μας κυβερνάνε είναι κλέφτες και απατεώνες, δεν έχω ψηφίσει ως τα τώρα αλλά τώρα θα το κάνω, έτσι δεν είναι Χαρικλάκι; Τέρμα τα μεγάλα ονόματα δούλεψαν για πάρτη τους και τους καλύπτουν όλες οι εφημερίδες.

----Ο Στέλιος άφησε το βλέμμα του μοσχαριού που του επέβαλε ως τότε η Πασόκα πεθερά του, σώγαμπρος γαρ. Η πατρίδα κοιμάται και μας πτωχαίνουν. Αυτοί δεν έχουν πληρώσει δράμι φόρο, δεν πάει άλλο. Πασοκ και ΝΔ μας πάνε ντουγρού στο γκρεμό .Μας βούλιαξαν και να δεις που έχουν λυσσάξει να συνεργαστούν για να τα κάνουν νεκροταφείο. Τι άλλο κάνανε αυτοί οι δυο από το να καλύπτει ο ένας τον άλλο ,σαν δυο συμμορίες που χωρίζουν τους δρόμους της κλεψιάς φροντίζοντας να μην ανταμωθούν.

----Όταν ο κόσμος βουλιάζει αλλάζει, γίναν έργα, φάγαν το καταπέτασμα αλλά δεν πάει άλλο μας κατσικόσανε τους ξένους να ελέγχουν τα υπουργεία. Ποιος από σας ψήφισε τον Ραϊχενμπαχ για δραγουμάνο, οι Γερμανοί ξανάρθανε;;

----Μας κορόιδεψαν κυρ Αρίστο, θόλωσαν τα νερά μας βάλαν διχόνοια μεταξύ μας για νάρθουνε άλλη μια φορά σαν σωτήρες, μόνο που τώρα είναι περίοδος ισχνών αγελάδων σε χτυπούν στη σύνταξη, στα αποθεματικά των ταμείων, στη ποιότητα των φαρμάκων οι ντόπιοι σωτήρες στηρίζονται στα ξένα συμφέροντα, μύρισε και πετρέλαιο στη Κρήτη, πολύ πετρέλαιο συμμετείχα και γω αυθόρμητα στη κουβέντα.

--- Όποτε  θέλει ξημερώνει παιδί μου, είπε ο κυρ Χαραλάμπης μην αφήσεις τη ζωή σου να στη διαγουμίζουν άλλοι, δεν είμαστε πειραματόζωα της Ευρώπης, στη χούντα των τραπεζιτών θα πούμε ναι μπορούμε και καλύτερα!

---Θα τους ανατρέψουμε, έχουμε τους μικρούς που τάλεγαν θα ψηφίσουμε άλλους πέταξε ο Λαυρέντης, λίγο πριν μπει ο ειδικευόμενος πάλι στο θάλαμο και κοπεί  απότομα και συνωμοτικά η κουβέντα.

---Τι κουβέντες ακούγονται από το θάλαμο;; ρώτησε

---Λέγαμε τι άρρωστη χώρα έχουμε δικαιολογήθηκα.

30-4-2012

ΔΙΟΝΥΣΟΣ

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Strategic Research of Environmental Causes of Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

In A Research Strategy to Discover the Environmental Causes of Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities, an editorial in the current issue of Environmental Health Perspectives, authors Philip J. Landrigan, Luca Lambertini and Linda S. Birnbaum make a  compelling argument for strategically researching environmental causes of autism and neurodevelopmental disabilities. In the process they provide an understanding of autism as a family of disorders.   The authors point out that, despite the attention paid to genetic causes of autism disorders,  a large number of genes have been identified as candidates in causing autism disorders with no single dominant genetic anomaly and with no disorders attributable to 60-70% of autism disorders: 

The candidate genes most strongly implicated in NDD causation encode for proteins involved in synaptic architecture, neurotransmitter synthesis (e.g., γ-aminobutyric acid serotonin), oxytocin receptors, and cation trafficking (Sakurai et al. 2011). No single anomaly predominates. Instead, autism appears to be a family of diseases with common phenotypes linked to a series of genetic anomalies, each of which is responsible for no more than 2–3% of cases. The total fraction of ASD attributable to genetic inheritance may be about 30–40%.

Landrigan, Labertini and Birnbaum summarize the evidence for the "proof of principle" that early exposures during “windows of vulnerability” that open only in embryonic and fetal life and have no later counterpart can cause autism.  They review the large numbers of synthetic chemicals, many of them untested, some of which are known to have toxic properties. The authors propose a strategic approach to researching possible environmental causes of autism by focusing:

"research in environmental causation of NDDs on a short list of chemicals where concentrated study has high potential to generate actionable findings in the near future. Its ultimate purpose is to catalyze new evidence-based programs for prevention of disease in America’s children."

The authors recognize that the list of 10 possible environmental causes deserving of focused research at this time would expand with time and scientific developments.  As a start though they propose based on the studies referenced following the substance: Lead (Jusko et al. 2008) Methylmercury (Oken et al. 2008) Polychlorinated biphenyls (Winneke 2011) Organophosphate pesticides (Eskenazi et al. 2007; London et al. 2012) Organochlorine pesticides (Eskenazi et al. 2008) Endocrine disruptors (Braun et al. 2011; Miodovnik et al. 2011) Automotive exhaust (Volk et al. 2011) Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (Perera et al. 2009) Brominated flame retardants (Herbstman et al. 2010) Perfluorinated compounds (Stein and Savitz 2011).

The strategic approach to environmental autism research is an idea who time has come.  In fact it is long overdue. The respected authors of the EHP editorial will undoubtedly be vilified by the usual suspects, Neurodiversity ideologues and industrial and pharmaceutical spin doctors employed to cast doubt on the need for any environmentally focused autism research.  However, given the support of the NIEHS and Autism Speaks, there is substantial reason to hope that the strategic focused study of environmental causes of autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders is underway.

It's about time. 

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Adults with Severe Autism Disorders: Do Canadians Give a Damn?

Taylor McNee, photo from CTV

In Ontario the family of 18 year old Taylor McNee is fighting for a place for him to live.  The CTV,  to its credit, is covering this story in detail. It isn't the feel good, kumbaya, autism is beautiful fluff that too often passes for autism awareness and disabilities policy. It is the story of a son who is a joy to his family but is also prone to rages resulting from his autism disorder (Fragile X syndrome) and developmental delays.  Hospitalized for several months after one such episode he now must either return home where he is a risk to his younger brother or have nowhere to live.  It is a story familiar to parents of severely autistic adults including here in New Brunswick.  The Taylor McNee story as reported on CTV:

"Taylor McNee is an 18-year-old with autism who been living in a hospital room for five months because there is nowhere else for him to go. And his case is once again highlighting a growing problem: who will take care of autistic children once they become adults? Taylor has a genetic condition called Fragile X syndrome, which has led to both autism and developmental delays. His family says he is a sweet, loving boy who is usually very easygoing. But Taylor is prone to rages and can suddenly lose control.

Five months ago, one of the rage incidents led to injuries that required him to be taken to Toronto Western Hospital. He's long since recovered but has been there ever since. The hospital says Taylor needs to leave, since he no longer needs medical care. But his mother says it's not safe for him to come home and that he risks injuring his younger brother, Ethan, who also has a genetic developmental disorder."

The Taylor McNee story is common elsewhere in Canada including here in New Brunswick where severely autistic adults live in inadequate group homes lacking the professional expertise and adequately trained staff, life in a psychiatric hospital and a variety of ad hoc arrangements.  Efforts to establish an intermediate level facility close to autism expertise in Fredericton have been spurned both by government and by the New Brunswick Association for Community Living which dominates all decision making involving persons with disabilities in New Brunswick.  

As in education so too in adult autism residential care.  The NBACL offers feel good cliches about community and inclusion but resists efforts to establish an intermediate level of care with the expertise and accommodation of the challenges of the severely autistic developmentally delayed population.  The NBACL officials, Order of Canada and Order of New Brunswick ribbon collectors and political friends feel good. The severely challenged autistic population and their families are left to fact the reality of live in hospitals ... if they are lucky.

Here in New Brunswick, and elsewhere in Canada, we must abandon reliance on feel good cliches and fluffy philosophies and start focusing on the realities of life for severely autistic developmentally delayed adults with the aim of providing them with appropriate facilities in which to live out their lives in decent conditions. 

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Nokia Lumia 710 (WP7.5 refresh) Tango Update Internet Sharing Switch

Since the Windows Phone 7.5 Mango does not support internet sharing, everyone who have the Nokia Lumia 710 and 800 series is anticipating arrival of the Tango Update (WP 7.5 refresh)

 According to a report on Nokiapoweruser, updates for localized variants of the 710 and the China-only 800c have been spotted on NaviFirm, indicating a planned firmware rollout for those WP 7.5 devices is underway. Users in Belgium, the Netherlands and Vietnam who download the software should see that previously dormant internet sharing ability enabled, in addition to the installation of a trio of Nokia apps -- Sportstracker, News and Creative Studio -- as standard on handsets. No word on when the company intends to release the package to other markets, but with this latest news, it can't be far off now.

Source: Engadget

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Nokia Lumia 710 Adventure: Day 2 Windows Phone 7.5 Features

After a day of using my new Nokia Lumia 710, I’ve finally got a hang of the new Windows Phone 7.5 features. I will discuss my favorite features that I frequently  use during this transition from iOS platform.

Windows Phone 7.5 MESSAGING

Windows Phone 7.5 messaging is far more advance from other platform, it’s more integrated and connected.

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OtterBox Defender case for Apple’s new iPad

OtterBox, the leading brand for gadget protective gear, has unleashed a new Defender case for Apple’s new iPad. Known for its rugged protection and allowance for uninhibited use, the OtterBox Defender for the new iPad was developed to create the most usable and safest solution for active users.

The new iPad case boasts a high-impact inner polycarbonate shell, with a built-in foam interior that provides additional shock absorption and protects the back of the iPad from scratches, perfect for on-the-go professionals who like to keep their gadgets in mint condition.

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Nokia Lumia 710 Adventure–Day 1 Unboxing, Initial Set Up and Configuration

Windows Phone is one promising Mobile OS in the market now, and now that Nokia is making such a hit in the market with their Lumia series that runs the Windows Phone 7.5, mobile users are starting to notice how great this platform and devices.

Every time I got a new device, I make sure I commit time to get to know not only it’s capabilities and functionality but also get to know it’s Operating Systems. Yesterday I received my Nokia Lumia 710, and I’m already excited to use this as my main phone.

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Greek Marinated Chicken

What's the easiest home-cooked recipe you can think of? For me, roast chicken would be one that comes to mind. A little salt and pepper is all a chicken needs before roasting it in the oven. {Could it get any simpler?!} I'm all for easy recipes and to give the standard roast chicken recipe a little more flair, I used fresh herbs, lemon juice, lemon zest and some garlic to make this Greek Marinated Chicken. After absorbing all the flavor these fresh ingredients have to offer, you'll have a tender roast chicken dinner that's just as easy and more flavorful too!

Marinades are welcomed in my kitchen. They give plain cuts of meat and vegetables an extra punch of flavor. They're also a great way to use both fresh ingredients and spices you have on hand to elevate a standard dish into something really special. For this recipe, fresh herbs are used but you can certainly use dried too. If using dried herbs, use half of the measurement called for in the recipe below (so 1 1/2 teaspoons dried for every 1 tablespoon fresh). Any cut of chicken is great with this marinade as well. I served this with a dill and lemon rice pilaf. For those who love freezer cooking, you can add the marinade and chicken in a freezer bag and freeze. When you're ready to prepare, defrost the night before and bake it once thawed.

Greek Marinated Chicken
recipe adapted from AllRecipes

1/2 cup olive oil
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
juice of 2 lemons
1 (4 pound) chicken, cut into pieces
In a glass dish, mix the olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, oregano, and lemon juice. Place the chicken pieces in the mixture, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator 8 hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place marinated chicken on lined baking sheet and bake chicken in preheated oven uncovered for 30-35 minutes or until chicken is cooked through (juices will run clear).

Remove from oven and serve.

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CLASSIC AMERICAN DOUBLE-RICH CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE

TWO SIDES TO EVERY STORY 

From French to American. Films, tv series, books, news programs, politics and elections, board games, music and family vacations, a cultural back and forth like a ping pong game, the never-ending lazy tick tick tick of the small white ball flicking rhythmically back and forth across the table. Or the thunk thunk thunk of a tennis ball out in the scorching sun before we stop to catch our breath, pearls of sweat collecting on our brow.

Our constant, fluid switch from French to English and back again, even throwing in the occasional Italianism just to kick things up, baffles even the most cosmopolitan outside observer. Heads turn in our direction as we try to converse over a restaurant meal or stroll through the supermarket. One visit from a dog trainer, standing in the backyard in the center of our small family, observing our interaction with our pet as we tossed toys and called out commands: Sit! Couché! Vieni qua! His head whipping back and forth from one of us to the other, a pained, stunned look washed across his face as he asked “Can’t you speak to the dog in only one language?” Or mother and two young boys, one still in the stroller, standing in line at the checkout holding a normal, everyday conversation to pass the time; I notice all eyes turned upon us and I wonder what could possibly be wrong. Until I realize that as I spoke in English, one son answered only in French, the other only in Italian. Ah, such is life.

Intellectual flip-flops, cerebral seesaw, day in and day out we skip from French to American and back again with the ease and smoothness known only to multi-cultural families. No sweat, no thought, no biggie, just a simple way of life that seemed to come ready made, handed to us with the marriage certificate or that first bundle of joy. Over the years, we have collected jokes, objects of humor and discussion, historical tidbits, a veritable encyclopedia of cultural references that allow us to travel to France, then to America and back again with a natural fluidity that never seems to trip us up or make us stumble and fall in confusion.

And, of course, the same goes for food. Our kitchen, our table, may be a cultural melting pot, but each individual dish has resolutely retained its own personal identity. I have often written about how food has always been one way that we keep our children grounded in their roots, one tool used to teach them who they are, where they come from, each dish the tunnel leading to a single road back to a unique destination. Food, like language, like customs and so many tiny, daily rituals, is their heritage, part of a history, a way to retain each individual, singular identity of their own. And so we slide through a repertoire, from French, Italian, Moroccan, American and back again, from Blanquette or Quiche to Focaccia, Risotto and Eggplant Parmesan, from Tagine and Couscous to beef stew or pancakes until we start the circle over again. And desserts from Tiramisu and Panna Cotta, from Galette des Rois and Frangipane Éclairs to simple, homey American treats to warm a son’s heart and cravings, just simply reminds us of home.

So after a run in with an oh-so French Vanilla Custard Berry Tart, my son, who despises all things creamy, gooey or fruity in a dessert, clamored for one of his favorites, each more American than the next. “My turn!” he seemed to be saying, my little American. A simple pan of brownies or a coffee cake, if you please. Or, better yet, a chocolate layer cake. Comforted as he is by the same old familiar treats time and time again, we are often locking horns over my choices for baking. While I want to try out new recipes for posting on my blog, he just wants something to eat that he is sure he will love. Comfort on a plate. So a new recipe must be packaged to look like the old even though I know he is and has never been one to be easily fooled, if ever.

A week neck deep in the French elections and richly ensconced in everything French in the kitchen, the Beouf aux Carottes or a Cauliflower Potato Gratin, the Vanilla Custard Tart, the Tender Cooked Beef and Carrot Cannelloni and the Orange Cointreau Tiramisu, Simon requested an all-American Chocolate Layer Cake filled with his favorite Chocolate Buttercream. I turned to my mother’s 1973 Reader’s Digest Secrets of Better Cooking and found a Double-Rich Chocolate Cake. A bit cakier and fluffier than my favorite dense, moist, dark chocolate layer cake, it is nonetheless a wonderful cake, light and delicate, very chocolaty and the perfect backdrop to a rich cream filling. And, as all great American desserts, it is open to a little spontaneity, creativity and diversity by simply adding some ground cinnamon or some powdered instant espresso, replace the vanilla with orange or almond extract, grate in the zest of an orange, fill with any flavor buttercream or smear each layer with jelly or jam before piling on the whipped cream.

DOUBLE-RICH CHOCOLATE CAKE
From Reader’s Digest’s Secrets of Better Cooking

3 oz (90 g) unsweetened or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 cups (260 g) sifted pastry or cake flour
1 tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 ¼ cups (250 g) superfine sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup (250 ml) milk
1 tsp vanilla
½ tsp orange extract, optional

1 single recipe of my Favorite Simple Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Butter and line two 8-inch (20/21-cm) cake pans with parchment paper.

Melt the chocolate either in the microwave or over a pot of gently simmering water just until melted. Remove from the heat, stir until smooth and set aside to cool to room temperature.

Sift the flour before measuring out the 2 cups (I stick my measuring cup right into the flour box or sit it on a large dinner plate and sift the flour directly into it, leveling it lightly with a knife) and then stir in the baking soda and salt. Set aside.

Cream the butter with the superfine sugar until well blended, light and creamy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla and orange extracts.

Add the melted chocolate to the creamed butter, sugar and eggs and beat in to blend. Beat in the flour mixture in three additions alternating with the milk in two additions, beating just to blend after each addition.

Divide the batter into the two prepared cake pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or just until set in the center (I may have let mine go a few minutes too long). Remove from the oven to cooling racks, allow to cool in the pans for 10 or 15 minutes before running a thin-bladed knife around the edges to loosen the cake and turn out of the pans. Peel off the parchment paper and turn upright and allow to cool on the racks completely.

Set one layer of the cake on a serving platter, spread thickly with the Chocolate Buttercream, set the second layer on top and dust all over with powdered sugar before serving.

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Beef Tenderloin Tips with Bourbon Caramelized Onions

Menus are not just for restaurants. In fact, I like using them as a source of inspiration to come up with dinner ideas that I can make at home. One of my favorite local restaurants serves amazing beef tenderloin tips and I decided to try making it at home. I hosted a special dinner with friends and it was nice to splurge with these Beef Tenderloin Tips with Bourbon Caramelized Onions. Tender beef tips are seared to perfection and topped with sweet and savory caramelized onions kissed with a touch of bourbon...

Hunting down tenderloin tips wasn't as easy as I thought. It took more than just a simple visit to the grocery store. These beef cuts required some special ordering since they aren't carried at the butcher on a regular basis. Beef tenderloin is a pricey cut of beef and sometimes the tips of a whole tenderloin are removed. The tips are smaller, odd shaped and can often be overcooked when attached to the whole tenderloin. Once removed, they can be prepared on their own, at a more affordable price and still maintain the delicious qualities of the tenderloin cut. Once ordered from a butcher, they don't require any special preparation - let this good quality cut shine on its own. Simple seasoning and a good sear is all it needs to serve at medium rare or medium at the very most.

To accompany the tips, all that's left is some caramelized onions that has a touch of bourbon and cream to flavor. Top the tips with these sweet and savory onions and you'll have a restaurant quality dish in the comfort of your own kitchen!

Beef Tenderloin Tips with Bourbon Caramelized Onions
recipe adapted from Epicurious

2 tablespoons unsalted Butter
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 Lbs Beef Tenderloin Tips
1 Tablespoon minced Garlic
1 Tablespoon minced Shallot
2 large onions, thinly sliced in rings
3 tablespoons Bourbon
Pinch Dried Thyme
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper
Pinch of Fresh Parsley

In a saute pan over high heat add butter and oil. When barely smoking, add the Beef Tips and sear evenly on all sides. Once seared, remove the Tips from the pan and allow them to rest.

To the same pan add minced garlic, minced shallot, and onions. Saute until onions break down and begin to caramelize, about 20 minutes.

Deglaze with bourbon (beware of flame up). Add a pinch of dried thyme, Heavy Cream. Allow sauce to reduce over medium high heat until it thickens. Remove from heat, salt and pepper to taste. Serve over the tips. Garnish with fresh Parsley.

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Το σχεδιάγραμμα της αποτυχίας του μνημονίου 2

Το σχεδιάγραμμα της αποτυχίας του Μνημονίου 2

Του Γιώργου Σταθάκη*

Ημερομηνία δημοσίευσης: 22/04/2012

ΤΟΥ ΓΙΩΡΓΟΥ ΣΤΑΘΑΚΗ*

Το πρόγραμμα ιδιωτικοποιήσεων και το πρόγραμμα πλεονασματικού προϋπολογισμού είναι αδύνατον να εξυπηρετήσουν το δημόσιο χρέος. Τα νούμερα είναι φανταστικά. Το ίδιο και η επάνοδος της ελληνικής οικονομίας σε τροχιά ανάπτυξης το 2013 και με ρυθμούς 3,5-4% τον χρόνο μέχρι το 2020. Το δημόσιο χρέος το 2020 θα πλησιάζει το 200% του ΑΕΠ, ενώ θα έχει προηγηθεί νέα αναχρηματοδότηση και αναδιάρθρωσή του.

Το πρόγραμμα ιδιωτικοποιήσεων και το πρόγραμμα πλεονασματικού προϋπολογισμού είναι αδύνατον να εξυπηρετήσουν το δημόσιο χρέος. Τα νούμερα είναι φανταστικά. Το ίδιο και η επάνοδος της ελληνικής οικονομίας σε τροχιά ανάπτυξης το 2013 και με ρυθμούς 3,5-4% τον χρόνο μέχρι το 2020. Το δημόσιο χρέος το 2020 θα πλησιάζει το 200% του ΑΕΠ, ενώ θα έχει προηγηθεί νέα αναχρηματοδότηση και αναδιάρθρωσή του.
Η τελευταία Έκθεση του ΔΝΤ για την Ελλάδα προετοιμάζει τους αποδέκτες του για την πιθανή αποτυχία του ελληνικού προγράμματος. Οι συμπερασματικές διατυπώσεις είναι αποκαλυπτικές. “Το ελληνικό πρόγραμμα υπόκειται σε υψηλούς κινδύνους”. “Με το χρέος να παραμένει υψηλό για πολύ καιρό, η Ελλάδα θα παραμένει 'επιρρεπής σε ατυχήματα'”. “Οι διαδοχικές επισκοπήσεις της κατάστασης της οικονομίας στο μέλλον,[...] μπορεί να οδηγήσουν σε νέα επιπρόσθετη βοήθεια από τους Ευρωπαίους εταίρους, με όρους ακόμα πιο ευνοϊκούς από αυτούς που προβλέπονται τώρα και/ή με μία ακόμα αναδιάρθρωση του χρέους” (IMF, Country Report, no 12/57, March 2012).
Οι κίνδυνοι εκπορεύονται από μια πιθανή βαθύτερη και μεγαλύτερης διάρκειας ύφεση, από την αστάθεια του τραπεζικού κλάδου, από τις δυσκολίες εφαρμογής των νέων περικοπών σε μισθούς και δαπάνες, από την πολιτική αστάθεια και πληθώρα άλλων παραγόντων. Μάλιστα, το ΔΝΤ επισημαίνει ότι το ίδιο ήταν υπέρ μιας πιο “σταδιακής εφαρμογής του προγράμματος”, αλλά αυτό εμποδίστηκε από την επιμονή των Ευρωπαίων εταίρων. Το ΔΝΤ, κοινώς, επιδιώκει να προστατευτεί από την πιθανή αποτυχία του προγράμματος, στη φάση του Μνημονίου 2, καθώς η αποτυχία του Μνημονίου 1, αν και δεν διατυπώνεται ρητά, είναι διάχυτη σε όλα τα σημεία της έκθεσης.
Ας δούμε όμως τι λέει το ίδιο το πρόγραμμα. Επικεντρώνεται σε τρία σκέλη. Πρώτον, τη δημοσιονομική βιωσιμότητα, που αφορά το δημόσιο χρέος. Δεύτερον, την ανταγωνιστικότητα προκειμένου να αντιμετωπιστεί το πρόβλημα του ισοζυγίου πληρωμών. Τρίτον, τη χρηματοπιστωτική σταθερότητα, δηλαδή τη διασφάλιση της ομαλής λειτουργίας του χρηματοπιστωτικού συστήματος.

Ας ξεκινήσουμε από τη δεύτερη επιδίωξη. Εδώ η στρατηγική είναι αυτή της “εσωτερικής υποτίμησης”, της μείωσης δηλαδή των μισθών και των τιμών -αγαθών, ακινήτων και επιχειρήσεων-, μέχρις ότου η οικονομία αποκτήσει ξανά “διεθνή ανταγωνιστικότητα”. Πρόκειται για νέα εσωτερική υποτίμηση κατά 15-20%, πέρα από αυτήν που έχει επιτευχθεί ήδη (περίπου 15%). Μαζί με κάποιες διαρθρωτικές αλλαγές για την τόνωση του ανταγωνισμού, το ΔΝΤ προσδοκά, θεωρητικά, ότι η πολυπόθητη πτώση των τιμών θα αρχίσει στα τέλη του 2012 και αυτό θα οδηγήσει την οικονομία σε ανάπτυξη από το 2013 και μετά.
Το πρόβλημα της πολιτικής της εσωτερικής υποτίμησης είναι απλό. Οι τιμές δεν μειώνονται τόσο γρήγορα όσο οι μισθοί. Η μείωση των μισθών μετατρέπεται αυτόματα σε μείωση της ζήτησης. Οι επιχειρήσεις αντιδρούν με μείωση της απασχόλησης και νέες περικοπές στους μισθούς, όχι με μείωση των τιμών. Ο κύκλος συρρίκνωσης εκφεύγει των αρχικών προβλέψεων και το πρόγραμμα πέφτει έξω. Αυτό έγινε φανερό με την πλήρη αποτυχία του Μνημονίου 1, καθώς, αντί για επιστροφή στην ανάπτυξη το 2012, η οικονομία βρέθηκε με -14,8% του ΑΕΠ και η ανεργία στο 21%.
Στο θέμα τώρα της βιωσιμότητας του ελληνικού χρέους. Ας θυμηθούμε ότι το χρέος, παρά το PSI, έμεινε σταθερό στα 330 δισ. (διεγράφησαν 100 δισ. και προστέθηκαν νέα δάνεια 100 δισ.). Τόσο θα είναι και το 2020, καθώς μέχρι τότε το δανειακό κεφάλαιο μένει άθικτο. Ενδιάμεσα, η Ελλάδα καλείται να πληρώσει σε τόκους 110 δισ. Κατά το ΔΝΤ, αυτά θα πληρώνονται από το πλεόνασμα του προϋπολογισμού κάθε έτος (περίπου 7 δισ.) και από τις ιδιωτικοποιήσεις των 50 δισ.
Το πλεόνασμα των 7 δισ., για να προκύψει, πρέπει ο προϋπολογισμός να μειώσει τις δαπάνες από το 43% του ΑΕΠ (που ήταν ο μέσος όρος την περίοδο 1995-2009) σε μόλις 34%. Τα έσοδα να παραμείνουν στο 38,5% του ΑΕΠ. Με άλλα λόγια, η Ελλάδα καλείται να περικόψει ακόμα 11 δισ. στις δαπάνες. Ταυτόχρονα, με κάποιο μαγικό τρόπο, τα έσοδα θεωρείται ότι μπορεί να μείνουν ανέπαφα, παρά την ύφεση, ενώ είναι υπαρκτός ο κίνδυνος της κατάρρευσής τους.
Έτσι η ελληνική οικονομία καλείται να έχει τρεις παγκόσμιες πρωτοτυπίες. Θα είναι η πρώτη χώρα στον κόσμο που θα έχει πλεόνασμα του προϋπολογισμού της τάξης του 5% του ΑΕΠ. Αυτή η προσαρμογή θα επιτευχθεί εν μέσω της μεγαλύτερης ύφεσης που έχει καταγραφεί μεταπολεμικά, σε οποιαδήποτε Δυτική οικονομία. Καθώς το “μεγάλο κράτος” είναι ο βασικότερος δείκτης ανάπτυξης μιας οικονομίας (Δ. Ευρώπη, Ιαπωνία και ΗΠΑ είναι στο 45%, η Λατινική Αμερική στο 30%, η Αφρική στο 15%), το εγχείρημα μεταστροφής μιας οικονομίας από τα ευρωπαϊκά στα λατινοαμερικανικά επίπεδα αποτελεί πρωτόγνωρο εγχείρημα “ιστορικής γενετικής”.

Οι ιδιωτικοποιήσεις πάλι τοποθετούνται αυθαίρετα στο 20% του ΑΕΠ επικαλείται η Έκθεση την εμπειρία από αντίστοιχα προγράμματα σε χώρες της Λατινικής Αμερικής, της Ανατολικής Ευρώπης και της Αφρικής στη δεκαετία του 1990. Μόνο που ήδη οι κυβερνήσεις Μητσοτάκη και Σημίτη είχαν προβεί σε μαζικές ιδιωτικοποιήσεις στη βιομηχανία (το σύνολο των προβληματικών), στον τραπεζικό τομέα και τις τηλεπικοινωνίες και φυσικά στις υποδομές, καθώς όλα τα νέα μεγάλα έργα (δρόμοι, αεροδρόμια, γέφυρες κ.λπ.) είναι ιδιωτικά. Για την ακρίβεια, η Ελλάδα έχει τη μικρότερη άμεση κρατική ιδιοκτησία στο σύνολο της Ευρώπης.
Το “πρόγραμμα ιδιωτικοποιήσεων” σε μια “ιδιωτικοποιημένη οικονομία” είναι τραγελαφικό εγχείρημα. Έτσι, το ΔΝΤ εντοπίζει 11 δημόσιες επιχειρήσεις (εννοεί τη ΔΕΗ, τον ΟΣΕ κ.λπ.) οι οποίες αναμένεται να δώσουν 3,4 δισ. Ο ΟΠΑΠ και οι άδειες τυχερών παιγνίων αποτιμώνται σε 2,1 δισ. Οι συμμετοχές σε μεικτές επιχειρήσεις (Ελληνικά Πετρέλαια κ.λπ.) σε 2,3. Και 49 κτήρια του Δημοσίου σε 1 δισ. Όλα αυτά μαζί κάνουν 9 δισ. και επιβεβαιώνουν τη θεωρία μας ότι η Ελλάδα έχει τη μικρότερη κρατική ιδιοκτησία στην Ευρώπη.
Από τα 9 μέχρι τα 50 δισ. υπάρχει μια μικρή απόσταση. Οπότε αρχίζει η “μαύρη μαγεία”. Οι υποδομές θα δώσουν 6,4 δισ. (επαρχιακά αεροδρόμια, δρόμοι ή λιμάνια). Οι χρηματοπιστωτικοί τίτλοι του Δημοσίου θα δώσουν άλλα 16 δισ. Προφανώς εννοεί ομόλογα και μετοχές τρίτων. Μόνο που αυτοί απλώς ή δεν υπάρχουν ή έχουν απαξιωθεί ή έχουν “κουρευτεί”, διαφορετικά θα είχαν ήδη εκποιηθεί από την τρόικα. Και επειδή είμαστε ακόμα πολύ μακριά από τον στόχο, εμφανίζεται η δημόσια γη, τα 70.000 οικόπεδα, αξίας 16 δισ. Ας φανταστούμε το Δημόσιο να εκποιεί τα χιλιάδες μικρο-οικόπεδα που περιήλθαν στην κατοχή του από απαλλοτριώσεις, δωρεές, κληρονομικές διαμάχες, αμέλεια των ιδιοκτητών τους κ.ο.κ.
Εν κατακλείδι, το πρόγραμμα ιδιωτικοποιήσεων και το πρόγραμμα πλεονασματικού προϋπολογισμού, είναι αδύνατον να εξυπηρετήσουν το δημόσιο χρέος. Τα νούμερα είναι φανταστικά. Το ίδιο και η επάνοδος της ελληνικής οικονομίας σε τροχιά ανάπτυξης το 2013 και με ρυθμούς 3,5-4% τον χρόνο μέχρι το 2020. Το δημόσιο χρέος το 2020 θα πλησιάζει το 200% του ΑΕΠ, ενώ θα έχει προηγηθεί νέα αναχρηματοδότηση και αναδιάρθρωσή του.

Πλατεία Dam Amsterdam

Ο τελευταίος στόχος του προγράμματος είναι η χρηματοπιστωτική σταθερότητα, η διάσωση δηλαδή του τραπεζικού συστήματος. Εδώ τα πράγματα είναι απογοητευτικά. Οι καταθέσεις έχουν μειωθεί κατά 30% στη διετία του Μνημονίου (από τα αρχικά 200 δισ.), σχεδόν το 20% των δανείων είναι ανενεργό, μόλις στο 8% έχει συμφωνηθεί κάποια ρύθμιση και οι απώλειες από το PSI εκτιμώνται σε 23 δισ. Οι τράπεζες δεν έχουν φυσικά δυνατότητα δανεισμού και οι πιστώσεις προέρχονταν από την ΕΚΤ και πρόσφατα από την Τράπεζα της Ελλάδος. Οι τράπεζες συνολικά χρειάζονται 130 δισ. Είχαν πάρει αρχικά 26, έχουν δανειστεί ήδη άλλα 60 και κάνει λαμβάνειν άλλα 50 μέχρι τον Ιούνιο.
Αυτή η τεράστια ροή πόρων θέτει τρία κρίσιμα θέματα. Πρώτον, την κεφαλαιακή επάρκεια. Εδώ η ιδία συμμετοχή προφανώς δεν φθάνει και εάν ο δημόσιος δανεισμός γίνεται με αντάλλαγμα μετοχές, τότε οι τράπεζες ντε φάκτο κρατικοποιούνται. Δεύτερον, την αποφυγή νέων σημείων κρίσης που μπορεί να προκύψουν από επισφαλή δάνεια και διαρροή καταθέσεων. Η μελέτη της Μπλακ Ροκ ασχολείται με τα επισφαλή επιχειρηματικά και καταναλωτικά δάνεια και αν αυτά είναι της τάξης του 30-40%, τότε η αναδιάρθρωση του συνόλου των δανείων θα είναι επιβεβλημένη. Τρίτον, ο νέος ρυθμιστικός ρόλος της Τράπεζας της Ελλάδος επιβάλλει την άρση του ελέγχου που ασκούν οι ιδιώτες μέτοχοι στη διοίκηση, συνεπώς επιβάλλεται (όπως προτείνει και το ΔΝΤ) να τεθεί ξανά υπό δημόσιο έλεγχο.

Τι μένει λοιπόν από το Μνημόνιο 2; Ας ανακεφαλαιώσουμε. Ένα δημόσιο χρέος που δεν γίνεται βιώσιμο σε καμία περίπτωση. Μια δημοσιονομική προσαρμογή που θα αποτύχει πλήρως λόγω της ραγδαίας ύφεσης και του εξωπραγματικού στόχου αναφορικά με τη μείωση των δημοσίων δαπανών. Ένα δαπανηρό και μη βιώσιμο σχέδιο διάσωσης των τραπεζών και των ιδιοκτητών τους. Τέλος, συνεχίζεται η αποτυχημένη πολιτική της εσωτερικής υποτίμησης για την αντιμετώπιση της ανταγωνιστικότητας και του ισοζυγίου πληρωμών, που βουλιάζει και διαλύει την οικονομία. Πρόκειται για το χρονικό μιας προαναγγελθείσας μεγάλης αποτυχίας.

* Καθηγητής του Πανεπιστημίου Κρήτης και υποψήφιος του ΣΥΡΙΖΑ στα Χανιά. Το κείμενο αποτελεί τμήμα της ομιλίας που δόθηκε στο πλαίσιο των σεμιναρίων της “Πρωτοβουλίας για την υπεράσπιση της κοινωνίας και της δημοκρατίας” (http://www.koindim.eu/el/)

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Skype 1.0 for Windows Phone, Finally!

Skype has released the first version of its communications app for Windows Phone. Skype 1.0, After two months in beta.

Skype requires 512 MB of RAM, Skype 1.0 works with 3G, 4G and Wi-Fi connections.

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Chicken & Linguine in Pesto Cream Sauce

Home sweet home, how I've missed you. The past two weeks have been on a non-stop ride of social events, meals out and food on the go that by the time I get home, I'm in pajamas ready for bed. The craziness of my recent comings and goings have made me miss home cooked meals and just being in the kitchen. So now that my schedule has slowed down back to normal, I'm wearing an apron and behind the stove once again. For dinner, I opted for something comforting, like pasta. This Chicken & Linguine in Pesto Cream Sauce definitely hit the spot. I loved the velvety texture of bright and flavorful pesto that's mellowed by the smooth, creamy Parmesan sauce.

When it comes to pasta, I usually just resort to dry {gluten free} pasta since it's readily available. But I've been excited to find that fresh gluten free pasta is available too at a local grocery store. The RP Pasta brand has a few fresh gf pasta options and for this dish, I used their fresh spinach linguine. Feel free to use whatever pasta you prefer - it doesn't have to be linguine, any pasta will do. The key star of this dish is the pesto cream sauce. It's like a combination of alfredo and pesto, which is delicious (especially with salmon!). Some shortcuts for busy folks... substitute the boneless, skinless chicken breast with a cooked rotisserie chicken and used the breast portion, shredding it for this recipe.

Chicken & Linguine in Pesto Cream Sauce
recipe adapted from Emeril

1 pound linguine (fresh or dry)
1/4 cup kosher salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
salt & pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup pesto
1/4 cup reserved pasta cooking water
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan or Asiago + more for serving
1 tomato, seeded and finely diced


Cook the pasta per package directions until tender, but with a bit of resistance (al dente), about 12 minutes.


While the pasta cooks, prepare the pesto cream sauce. Set a 12-inch saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the butter and olive oil to the pan. Once the butter has melted, season the chicken with salt, pepper and garlic powder and add the chicken to the pan. Sear the chicken about 3-5 minutes, then turn over and cook for another 3-5 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. Once cool enough to handle, shred chicken with your hands or 2 forks.

Add the onions into the pan and saute until softened and lightly caramelized, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic to the pan and saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the cream, pesto and bring to a boil. Cook the sauce until the cream is reduced by half, about 2 minutes. Return the shredded chicken, al dente linguine and the reserved cooking water to the pan and cook, tossing to incorporate for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove pan from the heat and add the 1/2 cup parmesan cheese and toss to blend.

Garnish with chopped fresh tomatoes, cheese and serve immediately.

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Simple Solutions Will Not Help New Brunswick Students with Autistic Disorder and Other Complex Challenges

New Brunswick's Gordon Porter and his associates with the NB Association for Community Living are now in charge of New Brunswick's inclusive education system.  The Gordon Porter Inclusive Education Review taking place in New Brunswick will impose their beliefs on NB students with disabilities including those with severe, complex disorders like my younger son who has severe autistic disorder with profound developmental delays.  The review itself  is unlikely to do anything except reiterate the Porter/NBACL inclusion beliefs which have not changed in 30 years.  Although present for one of the Porter/NBACL review sessions in Fredericton it was made clear that the review did not want to hear from me; a known critic of those beliefs.  

Any doubts about what Mr Porter means by inclusion are put to rest by his own admission, in a recent presentation in Newfoundland,  that inclusion in Porter World is simple, very simple .... everybody, regardless of the complexity or severity of their condition,  regardless of their level of understanding or learning ability, regardless of their behavioral or sensory challenges belongs  in the regular classroom.  For Gordon Porter, in his own words, inclusion is that simple.   As the father of a severely autistic, profoundly developmentally challenged son I wish my son's realities were as simple as Gordon Porter's beliefs. But they aren't.  What follows is  Gordon Porter/NBACL inclusion in Mr Porter's own words:

CORNER BROOK — Gordon Porter believes inclusion is the most natural thing in the world. The educator and director of Inclusive Education Initiatives presented a session on inclusive education at the Greenwood Inn and Suites on Thursday. Porter, who is also the editor of the Inclusive Education Canada website inclusiveeducation.ca, spoke to parents, educators and agency professionals who deal with children with special needs at the pre-conference for the Newfoundland and Labrador Association for Community Living Conference taking place in the city today and Saturday. The session was sponsored by the Community Inclusion Initiative. 

 Porter’s session revolved around the theme of parents and teachers working together to make inclusion work.“It means kids go to their neighbourhood schools with kids their own age in regular classes,” said Porter.“If you’re seven years, old you go to the school just down the street. You go in a class with other seven-year-olds, and you’re supported if you have extra needs. “It’s so simple, it’s that simple,” said Porter."

My son's autistic disorder challenges are not simple.  The extreme, everybody in the regular classroom inclusion model, is simple because evidence to the contrary is ignored by those who have pushed it.  That is a simple fact. 

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WD® VELOCIRAPTOR® HARD DRIVE REACHES NEW PERFORMANCE PEAK WITH 1 TB MODEL

10,000 RPM, 2.5-inch, 6 Gb/s SATA Hard Drive Gets Performance and Capacity Boost to Offer the Ultimate Storage Experience for Demanding PC Enthusiasts

– Western Digital® (NYSE: WDC), today announced it is now shipping the new WD VelociRaptor® 1 TB hard drive, the latest addition to its award-winning drive family, the largest capacity 10,000 RPM hard drive on the market today. Designed for high-performance PCs, Mac® computers and professional workstations that require a balance of high performance and capacity, the WD VelociRaptor drive is a favorite among enthusiasts and creative professionals. The WD VelociRaptor will also come in capacities of 500 GB and 250 GB.

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New Norton Secured Seal is the Most Recognized Trust Mark on the Internet

MANILA, Philippines – April 23, 2012 – Symantec Corp. (NASDAQ: SYMC) announced today that it is combining the power of the VeriSign checkmark with the industry-leading Norton brand, to create the most recognized trust mark on the Internet – the Norton™ Secured Seal.  It will be displayed more than half a billion times per day in 170 countries on websites and in search results on enabled browsers.  The Norton Secured Seal provides consumers and businesses with the assurance that the website is highly-trusted and secure.
“As content web choices explode and threats increase, customers increasingly need confirmation that a web site is genuine and safe,” said Christian Christiansen, program vice president for Security Products and Services at IDC. “To answer this customer requirement, companies need to present customers with assurances of reliability. Therefore, the Norton Secured Seal, backed by Symantec authentication and security, is an important and recognizable trust mark for online consumers.”
Click to Tweet: Symantec’s new Norton Secured Seal is the most recognized trust mark on the Internet: http://bit.ly/JbnKqA

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Learning Disabilities Associations (Canada, Ontario) Do Not Support the Porter/NBACL Full Inclusion Model

During the MacKay Inclusion Review the Autism Society of New Brunswick opposed the full or extreme inclusion model which Gordon Porter and the NBACL is now in the process of again imposing on New Brunswick students.  I have commented many times expressing my personal opposition to the inflexible full inclusion beliefs which have caused harm to my severely autistic son and others for whom the mainstream classroom is not an appropriate educational environment.  This is not just an issue though between some parents of autistic children and the NBACL/Porter Full Inclusion true believers. The Learning Disabilities Associations of Canada and Ontario have also opposed the full inclusion model which limits placement options, causes physical harm to some, and deprives some of a real education: 

LEARNING DISABILITIES ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO 

POLICY STATEMENT ON EDUCATIONAL INCLUSION FOR

STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES 

The following policy statement of the Learning Disabilities Association of Canada (LDAC) was adopted by the Board of Directors of the Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario (LDAO), as recommended by the LDAO Legislation and Policy Committee, on November 17, 2008. 

Learning Disabilities Association of Canada (LDAC) Policy Statement on 

Educational Inclusion for Students with Learning Disabilities (presented to the 

LDAC Executive Committee in February 2005, the LDAC Board of Directors in June 2005 and ratified on November 26, 2005). 

STATEMENT

The Learning Disabilities Association of Canada (LDAC) does not support full 

educational inclusion or any policies that mandate the same placement, instruction, or treatment of all students with learning disabilities or the idea that all students with learning disabilities must be served only in regular education classrooms at the exclusion of all other special education placement options. 

LDAC believes that full inclusion, when defined this way, violates the rights of parents and students with disabilities guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedom and Human Rights Codes which guarantee education equality and freedom from discrimination and rejects the arbitrary placement of all students in any one setting.  

LDAC supports the availability of a continuum of education services as prescribed in an individual educational plan for each student with learning disabilities to ensure success and must be flexible enough to meet the changing needs of students with learning disabilities by:  

1) Providing a range of options and services and diverse learning environments 

(placements) to meet the specific needs of each student;  

2) Providing the most enabling environment for that student that will effectively meet the student’s best interests socially, emotionally, behaviourally, physically and educationally; and, 

3) Focus on what is in the best interest of the student and, in that context, consider all the needs of the student as expressed by the student and his/her parents and that of their consulting professionals.  

RATIONALE 

Because each student with learning disabilities has unique needs, an individualized education plan and placement must be tailored on individual strengths and needs. For one student, the plan may be provided in the regular classroom yet for another student, the regular classroom may be an inappropriate placement and may need alternative instructional environments, teaching strategies, and/or materials that cannot or will not be provided within the context of the regular classroom environment. The severity and nature of the individual needs should determine the alternative teaching strategies, accommodations, resources, supports and placement required.

The LDAO repeated their opposition to a mainstream classroom inclusion only policy in a February 10, 2009 letter to Ontario Education Minister Kathleen Wynne.  The letter stressed the need for a range of placement options based on the needs of the individual student:

Inclusion is good when it means something more than placement in a common mainstream classroom. Inclusion is good when it does not deprive individual students with a range of education placement options that suitable for their needs.  Inclusion is good when it is evidence based on the best interests of the individual student.  Flexible inclusion is good.  

Inflexible, dogmatic, everyone in the classroom philosophy is not good.  It harms some students and deprives them of a meaningful, happy education experience.   Autism advocates in New Brunswick fought the extreme everyone in the mainstream classroom model during the MacKay and Ministerial Committee inclusion reviews.   We were successful in ensuring the enactment of an inclusive education definition by our Department of Education which recognizes that real inclusion means an approach which assesses the individual needs, abilities and challenges of individual students on an evidence basis.  

Now Gordon Porter and the NBACL, both of which oppose the evidence based approach,  are now in charge. They are effectively writing and enforcing their extreme mainstream classroom inclusive education for all policy for the Alward government.  Autism parents must be vigilant in resisting their back to the future philosophy and insist on an evidence based approach guided by our children's best interest; as radical as those concepts may seem to Mr Porter and company.  

It is not clear where the Learning Disabilities Association of New Brunswick stands on these issues but their counterparts in the LDA of Canada and Ontario have spoken clearly and their positions are consistent with an evidence based student centered approach.  Their clear, strong positions will be of great help in our efforts. 

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