Today I had an interview with a Financial Services company. I won't name names but they're on the web and a quick search of their name turns up with the words "Fraud" and "Scam" quite often, there are entire website dedicated to this company and their so-called recruiting techniques.
From many of the things I read it reminded me strongly of that AMerican mail order company that would find a WAY to reel people in then pressure them to recruit friends and families. I don't think it was so much about selling any merchandise as it was about bringing bodies into the meetings and signing them up. Not saying anything against that company, but it seemed Scammy and Fraudulent to me as well and awfully cultish.
Back to today, I went to the interview not because I was interested in a Sales Job (er, excuse me Entrepreneurial Opportunity) that is 100% commission based in terms of remuneration but because I wanted some practice with interviewing and I wanted to see, for myself, if all the hype was what it actually was.
The gentlemen I met with was extremely nice, I addressed the internet info early on and the lines he used to cover it were pretty much what the websites said they would say. So one for the websites.
We talked about me and my background, my aspirations, it was very much like a job interview which is unlike what the websites said was their process, so one for them.
He was definitely setting me up though to "buy" into their opportunity. And by buy I do mean buy as they will tell me (during the second of 3 interviews he's told me I'll have) that I require a license to operate and that the licensing fee is 200+. So not only will I not be earning a salary or wage but I'll be paying for the privilege of working for them, of selling the products and services. Yeah not so much. I can't officially award this point to the websites just yet but I will put a tentative mark on their side for now.
Overall the interview experience was good, not a chance in hell I'm going to become one of their agents but it was a good experience for me to go through. At least I think it was.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Recipe Sunday
Today I offer Kebsah. Kebsah is a traditionally Arabian dish with versions unique to various regions throughout the Middle East. Also, this dish is traditionally made with Lamb.
The SU and I have changed it up, we use Chicken and this is a recipe of our own making. The first time I made this for the SU I called it Mock Kebsah, as I didn't have a recipe and had only had Kebsah once before. We've made a few changes since that first experience but this is, according to the SU a true Kebsah dish.
Enjoy Kebsah:
6-8 pieces of chicken, skin and bone on.
8 cups of Water
1 Large (or 2 small) Onions, diced
1 tsp Cumin
1 tsp Garam Marsala
1 tsp Tumeric
1 tsp Dill Seed
2 cloves of Garlic (finely chopped)
1 (or more) Jalapeno (optional)
Salt and Pepper to Taste
3 Cups of Basmati Rice
1 tbsp of Vegetable Oil
In a large sauce pan, add the oil to the bottom of the pot, allow to heat.
Add the onions to the heated oil and cook until they begin to become translucent
Add the Garlic, Jalapeno and all the dried spices and the Salt and Pepper.
Stir frequently to coat the onion and flavour the pot while allowing the spices to begin to heat through.
Add the chicken pieces, a few at a time, to sear the outside of the chicken remove when seared on all sides and add the next pieces until all have been seared.
When all the chicken pieces have been browned, place them all back in the pot and cover with all the water. Stir well to get all the flavour off the bottom of the pot. Bring the water to a boil and turn down to a simmer for 30-45 minutes until all the chicken is cooked through.
At this point, remove the chicken from the water and pour the water into the a large bowl.
Return the pot to the stove, turn the heat back to high and add the rice to the pot. Stir the dried rice to pick up flavour and to brown the rice. Avoid burning the dried rice. Salt the rice to your tastes.
Add the chicken pieces to the surface of the dry rice. Use a ladle and measuring cup to measure out 6 cups of the cooking broth to add back to the rice/chicken pot. Note if the there is not enough broth left, use tap water to top up the amount or if you have additional chicken broth (store bought or home made) use that to make up the difference. You will want a 2-1 ratio for the Rice to cook properly.
Bring the water to a boil, reduce to low and cover with a tight fitting lid. Allow the rice to cook for 12-15 minutes or until done and all the water is absorbed.
When the rice is cooked, empty the whole pot onto a large platter and serve family style in the middle of the table, allowing everyone to help themselves to rice and chicken.
Serving suggestions:
This is a staple meal and can be seen to be a little dull - it's pretty much only rice and chicken after all. Serve it with a Cucumber-yogurt salad or with a tomato salsa type salad or tahini salad. Any of these served as side and spooned over the rice on the plate will add an extra flavour element to this classic meal.
The SU and I have changed it up, we use Chicken and this is a recipe of our own making. The first time I made this for the SU I called it Mock Kebsah, as I didn't have a recipe and had only had Kebsah once before. We've made a few changes since that first experience but this is, according to the SU a true Kebsah dish.
Enjoy Kebsah:
6-8 pieces of chicken, skin and bone on.
8 cups of Water
1 Large (or 2 small) Onions, diced
1 tsp Cumin
1 tsp Garam Marsala
1 tsp Tumeric
1 tsp Dill Seed
2 cloves of Garlic (finely chopped)
1 (or more) Jalapeno (optional)
Salt and Pepper to Taste
3 Cups of Basmati Rice
1 tbsp of Vegetable Oil
In a large sauce pan, add the oil to the bottom of the pot, allow to heat.
Add the onions to the heated oil and cook until they begin to become translucent
Add the Garlic, Jalapeno and all the dried spices and the Salt and Pepper.
Stir frequently to coat the onion and flavour the pot while allowing the spices to begin to heat through.
Add the chicken pieces, a few at a time, to sear the outside of the chicken remove when seared on all sides and add the next pieces until all have been seared.
When all the chicken pieces have been browned, place them all back in the pot and cover with all the water. Stir well to get all the flavour off the bottom of the pot. Bring the water to a boil and turn down to a simmer for 30-45 minutes until all the chicken is cooked through.
At this point, remove the chicken from the water and pour the water into the a large bowl.
Return the pot to the stove, turn the heat back to high and add the rice to the pot. Stir the dried rice to pick up flavour and to brown the rice. Avoid burning the dried rice. Salt the rice to your tastes.
Add the chicken pieces to the surface of the dry rice. Use a ladle and measuring cup to measure out 6 cups of the cooking broth to add back to the rice/chicken pot. Note if the there is not enough broth left, use tap water to top up the amount or if you have additional chicken broth (store bought or home made) use that to make up the difference. You will want a 2-1 ratio for the Rice to cook properly.
Bring the water to a boil, reduce to low and cover with a tight fitting lid. Allow the rice to cook for 12-15 minutes or until done and all the water is absorbed.
When the rice is cooked, empty the whole pot onto a large platter and serve family style in the middle of the table, allowing everyone to help themselves to rice and chicken.
Serving suggestions:
This is a staple meal and can be seen to be a little dull - it's pretty much only rice and chicken after all. Serve it with a Cucumber-yogurt salad or with a tomato salsa type salad or tahini salad. Any of these served as side and spooned over the rice on the plate will add an extra flavour element to this classic meal.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Job Fairs and Migraines
Well it's really spring, the weather in Toronto this weekend is gorgeous. Mid 20s (C) and mostly sunny. And I'm sitting indoors, cause the damn sunlight is killing me.
First off Friday.
Friday there was a job fair at a local civic centre, which is very close to my home. I planned to arrived about half an hour before opening, as I expected there to be a line up. I was right.
I arrived, actually, about 20 minutes before opening to find about 300 people already in line waiting to get in. I joined the line right away, it continued to grow and by the time the doors opened I would say the line was easily twice as long as when I arrived.
Apart from the economy being so bad and so many people being out of a job at the moment, I suspect the real draw was that the Toronto Transit Commission is hiring. This is an organization the runs the transit system across Metropolitan Toronto. As soon as the doors opened, and the speeches were finished (the job fair was sponsored by local politicians and they had to have their say - you always have to pay the piper eh?), there was a mad dash to the TTC's booth. I choose to go the other way. As a result, I was able to get in early at several booths that were under attended at the beginning. I worked my way around the to pretty much all the available booths, skipping only those that were only seeking seasonal help (Centreville on Toronto Island - a small theme/amusement park on Toronto's Island Park and The Metro zoo - Toronto's big zoo).
The longer I spent there though, the more crowded other booths became and the competition to speak to individuals at the booths was fierce. A tiny little Chinese woman, that stood all of 4'11" and must have been at least 60, nearly bowled me over to get to a booth, just to get one up on me at a booth for a local commuter airline that is hiring and I'm a pretty big solid hard to move guy.
I had a couple of on site interviews, one with a company selling investment plans for Parent to build RESP (Registered Education Savings Plans) for their children. It was all good until they told me it's all commission based on how much I sell and that I have to pay them almost several hundred dollars up front to become licensed to sell their products. Yeah I'm going to pay you to sell you shit. Don't think so.
I've got a few leads and am expecting a couple of call backs early in the week. So it may have been a good deal that I went. One of the call backs is at a company that is very close to my condo, in the summer, I could walk in 20 to 30 minutes. It would be great.
I'm glad I went but I nearly missed it. I put the date on my calendar to remind myself and using the sticky notes in the sidebar in Vista I put a note on my desktop to remind me of it. And still only remembered when I went to bed on Thursday (technically Friday morning around 2). I did get up and got there early as I planned.
Fingers crossed and thinking only positive thoughts.
However, coming home from the fair I started to get a bit headachey. Nothing big, I thought, just tired didn't get a full night sleep after all, after going to bed at 2 I was up at 7:30. That's all it is I thought. I got home and the SU had been up early and wanted us to go have a nap (a real nap - no euphemisms here) before he had to go to work. So still feeling headachey I took some Tylenol and I lay down with him and tried to sleep.
By the time we got up and he got ready to go to work, my headache a blossomed into something more. Every movement hurt. I was nauseous. I couldn't stand the volume on the TV. I laid back down as the SU busied himself with getting ready for work.
By the time he left I was in agony.
I've been getting migraines all my life, the earliest one I remember I was 7 or 8. Usually I have warning signs and I can head them off but not on this day, it came out of the blue, I had no warning signs at all.
Left alone in my pain, I pulled all the blinds closed, shut off the TV, shut off the computer, my phone, tried to lay very still on the sofa - then the screaming started.
OMG can these people not control their child????
We have a neighbour that leaves their child/ren with the grandmother during the day as both parents work. I believe the grandmother let's the child/ren run in the halls to burn off energy. Well yesterday he/she/they started wailing. WAILING!!!
Christ!!
If I opened my door, I probably would kill someone so I tried one of my old remedies, I don't know why this works for me (and it doesn't always but does sometimes), I filled a hot bath and submerged my head, leaving only my nose above water. For some reason, this seems to ease the pain for me but not yesterday.
I soaked for nearly 30 minutes in hot steamy water, keeping my head submerged most of that time. By the time I got out the migraine was not any better but the damn kid(s) had shut up. Quiet resumed.
I tried to doze on the sofa (after taking more Tylenol) but was not able to as the pain just got worse and worse. After about an hour, I decided that even though I'd had 4 Tylenol in 4 hours, that I would take Excedrin for Migraine. They don't sell this in Canada, so I have to get it in the States (or have someone get it for me), as such my supply is limited and I try to not take them unless I absolutely need to. Yesterday I absolutely needed too.
It was now approaching 6 and I'd been in pain since noon and feeling miserable. The sun outside was mocking me with it's brightness and warmth. I had planned to spend a day with my notebook at a park or the Bluffs writing and being inspired by being outside in the beautiful weather. Sadly I was in bed.
After taking the Excedrin, which almost always works for me, I curled up in bed with the room as dark as I could get it and lay very still. And mercy of mercies I slept. Sleep is the cure all for my migraines. If I can get to sleep, I will almost always wake up pain free. Almost always.
The SU came home from work around 10, he'd texted me several times but I was out. When he got home he was confused as to where I was and poked his head into the room, where he spotted me just beginning to stir.
It was good when I first woke up, I was pain free. Of course, I hadn't moved yet. I've had that happen before where I'll be still and have no pain but as soon as move - bamn! pain. Luckily yesterday was not one of those days. I was tired, drained, worn out but pain free.
I spent a couple of hours with the SU, he ate, I had no appetite but forced a few mouthfuls of Fetta (an Arabian dish of bread, rice and chicken) down but that was all could manage. I began to feel a dull ache behind my eyes again and though shit will this never end.
At 2, we both tried to go to bed, as the SU had to be up for work this AM at 9. I couldn't sleep at all and ended up getting up and staying up for most of the night.
It's now Saturday afternoon, outside the temperature is in the mid 20s C (high 70s low 80sF) and the sun is blasting down, it looks great out. I'm still headachey though, and somewhat sensitive to the light, so I'm not venturing out today which is killing me.
Pain on this scale is hard to deal with. When I was diagnosed in my late teens with Migraines, they told me that the bright side is that they would happen less often and become less intense as I grew older. While the less often part has become true, I think they're more intense, if anything. Or perhaps just as intense as they ever where but as I don't get them as frequently as I less acclimated to the level of pain.
Don't know. It's just something I'll have to cope with and not much to do about it.
First off Friday.
Friday there was a job fair at a local civic centre, which is very close to my home. I planned to arrived about half an hour before opening, as I expected there to be a line up. I was right.
I arrived, actually, about 20 minutes before opening to find about 300 people already in line waiting to get in. I joined the line right away, it continued to grow and by the time the doors opened I would say the line was easily twice as long as when I arrived.
Apart from the economy being so bad and so many people being out of a job at the moment, I suspect the real draw was that the Toronto Transit Commission is hiring. This is an organization the runs the transit system across Metropolitan Toronto. As soon as the doors opened, and the speeches were finished (the job fair was sponsored by local politicians and they had to have their say - you always have to pay the piper eh?), there was a mad dash to the TTC's booth. I choose to go the other way. As a result, I was able to get in early at several booths that were under attended at the beginning. I worked my way around the to pretty much all the available booths, skipping only those that were only seeking seasonal help (Centreville on Toronto Island - a small theme/amusement park on Toronto's Island Park and The Metro zoo - Toronto's big zoo).
The longer I spent there though, the more crowded other booths became and the competition to speak to individuals at the booths was fierce. A tiny little Chinese woman, that stood all of 4'11" and must have been at least 60, nearly bowled me over to get to a booth, just to get one up on me at a booth for a local commuter airline that is hiring and I'm a pretty big solid hard to move guy.
I had a couple of on site interviews, one with a company selling investment plans for Parent to build RESP (Registered Education Savings Plans) for their children. It was all good until they told me it's all commission based on how much I sell and that I have to pay them almost several hundred dollars up front to become licensed to sell their products. Yeah I'm going to pay you to sell you shit. Don't think so.
I've got a few leads and am expecting a couple of call backs early in the week. So it may have been a good deal that I went. One of the call backs is at a company that is very close to my condo, in the summer, I could walk in 20 to 30 minutes. It would be great.
I'm glad I went but I nearly missed it. I put the date on my calendar to remind myself and using the sticky notes in the sidebar in Vista I put a note on my desktop to remind me of it. And still only remembered when I went to bed on Thursday (technically Friday morning around 2). I did get up and got there early as I planned.
Fingers crossed and thinking only positive thoughts.
However, coming home from the fair I started to get a bit headachey. Nothing big, I thought, just tired didn't get a full night sleep after all, after going to bed at 2 I was up at 7:30. That's all it is I thought. I got home and the SU had been up early and wanted us to go have a nap (a real nap - no euphemisms here) before he had to go to work. So still feeling headachey I took some Tylenol and I lay down with him and tried to sleep.
By the time we got up and he got ready to go to work, my headache a blossomed into something more. Every movement hurt. I was nauseous. I couldn't stand the volume on the TV. I laid back down as the SU busied himself with getting ready for work.
By the time he left I was in agony.
I've been getting migraines all my life, the earliest one I remember I was 7 or 8. Usually I have warning signs and I can head them off but not on this day, it came out of the blue, I had no warning signs at all.
Left alone in my pain, I pulled all the blinds closed, shut off the TV, shut off the computer, my phone, tried to lay very still on the sofa - then the screaming started.
OMG can these people not control their child????
We have a neighbour that leaves their child/ren with the grandmother during the day as both parents work. I believe the grandmother let's the child/ren run in the halls to burn off energy. Well yesterday he/she/they started wailing. WAILING!!!
Christ!!
If I opened my door, I probably would kill someone so I tried one of my old remedies, I don't know why this works for me (and it doesn't always but does sometimes), I filled a hot bath and submerged my head, leaving only my nose above water. For some reason, this seems to ease the pain for me but not yesterday.
I soaked for nearly 30 minutes in hot steamy water, keeping my head submerged most of that time. By the time I got out the migraine was not any better but the damn kid(s) had shut up. Quiet resumed.
I tried to doze on the sofa (after taking more Tylenol) but was not able to as the pain just got worse and worse. After about an hour, I decided that even though I'd had 4 Tylenol in 4 hours, that I would take Excedrin for Migraine. They don't sell this in Canada, so I have to get it in the States (or have someone get it for me), as such my supply is limited and I try to not take them unless I absolutely need to. Yesterday I absolutely needed too.
It was now approaching 6 and I'd been in pain since noon and feeling miserable. The sun outside was mocking me with it's brightness and warmth. I had planned to spend a day with my notebook at a park or the Bluffs writing and being inspired by being outside in the beautiful weather. Sadly I was in bed.
After taking the Excedrin, which almost always works for me, I curled up in bed with the room as dark as I could get it and lay very still. And mercy of mercies I slept. Sleep is the cure all for my migraines. If I can get to sleep, I will almost always wake up pain free. Almost always.
The SU came home from work around 10, he'd texted me several times but I was out. When he got home he was confused as to where I was and poked his head into the room, where he spotted me just beginning to stir.
It was good when I first woke up, I was pain free. Of course, I hadn't moved yet. I've had that happen before where I'll be still and have no pain but as soon as move - bamn! pain. Luckily yesterday was not one of those days. I was tired, drained, worn out but pain free.
I spent a couple of hours with the SU, he ate, I had no appetite but forced a few mouthfuls of Fetta (an Arabian dish of bread, rice and chicken) down but that was all could manage. I began to feel a dull ache behind my eyes again and though shit will this never end.
At 2, we both tried to go to bed, as the SU had to be up for work this AM at 9. I couldn't sleep at all and ended up getting up and staying up for most of the night.
It's now Saturday afternoon, outside the temperature is in the mid 20s C (high 70s low 80sF) and the sun is blasting down, it looks great out. I'm still headachey though, and somewhat sensitive to the light, so I'm not venturing out today which is killing me.
Pain on this scale is hard to deal with. When I was diagnosed in my late teens with Migraines, they told me that the bright side is that they would happen less often and become less intense as I grew older. While the less often part has become true, I think they're more intense, if anything. Or perhaps just as intense as they ever where but as I don't get them as frequently as I less acclimated to the level of pain.
Don't know. It's just something I'll have to cope with and not much to do about it.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
It's Recipe Sharing Sunday but first this message
It's been a quiet week. Not much happening on the job front, although I did get a good lead from a friend and I've applied, we'll see if anything comes of that.
The SU was invited to a First Communion ceremony for the daughter of a co-worker and friend of his. The SU is a Muslim so, of course, he'd never been to one before. I'm not catholic but have family members that are, so I've been to a couple of them over the years.
We purchased a small silver cross as a gift for the young lady (she is only 7) and headed out Saturday for the ceremony. The family made a huge deal over the event, which I guess it is for those of the faith. The Communion mass was followed by a small gathering of about 150 people to help the young lady celebrate her First Communion. And her father spared no expense. The food was top notch. The family is of East Indian descent so the food was an Indian buffet, the DJ played great music all evening, the booze was free and plentiful and the company outstanding.
We forgot our camera though, we just not photo people I guess.
We met a lovely couple, also Indian, that it turns out live only around the corner from us. We had some great conversations with them through the evening. They have lived such lives so far, growing up in India, living 17 years in Saudi Arabia (so the SU and they had much to discuss) and then after sending their 2 sons to North America to study, they followed so the family could be closer together.
Overall we had a great evening and really enjoyed the festivities. We were even given a small gift as we left the party (each guest was given a momento) which was completely unexpected.
A big Thank You to our hosts and congratulations to a lovely young lady.
Recipe Time
I've though about which recipe to share this week. Something complicated? Something simple? Something versatile (gotta love versatility - especially in a man but that's a different topic all together).
In the end I decided on a simple Hummus Recipe.
Hummus is a chick pea dip or spread that is used throught the Mediterranean and Middle East. Each region has their own version of this simple staple. The version I am sharing today is generally how the SU and I would prepare it for breakfast. A simple Middle Eastern breakfast is often boiled eggs, Hummus and fresh Pita (at least it was in the SU's home - can't speak for the entire Middle East, of course).
Hummus is also a very flexible dip, in that it can be tweaked in so many ways, add hot peppers to make it spicey, add roasted red pepper for a sweeter peppery taste, add more or less garlic, fresh herbs, dress it up or dress it down, it's versatility is almost endless. The chickpeas in Hummus can be either canned or dried. The version used here uses canned.
Here is our Basic Hummus recipe
1 19 (20?) ounce can of Chick Peas
2 cloves of garlic (use more or less depending on your taste)
Juice of 1 lemon
1/2 teaspoon of Lemon rind
2 tbsp Tahini sauce
Salt and Pepper to taste
Empty the chick peas into a pot (with the liquid - some recipes recommend not using the liquid but we find that it's just fine to do so). Bring to a boil and cook until the chickpeas are heated through and tender (only a few minutes for the canned chick peas - longer for dried).
Remove from heat and allow to cool a few minutes and then empty the pot into the bowl of a food processor.
Add the garlic, lemon juice, tahini and lemon rind. Add a pinch of Salt and Pepper at this time. Blend until desired consistancy. Some prefer the Hummus to be completely smooth, others prefer a bit of texture. Try both to see which you would prefer.
If you want thicker Hummus, add another tbsp of Tahini paste. Careful though as the Hummus will thicken as it cools (somewhat).
Taste the hummus and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste, pulse for a few seconds on the food processor to mix in the salt and pepper.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a vegetable tray or with sliced pita.
The SU was invited to a First Communion ceremony for the daughter of a co-worker and friend of his. The SU is a Muslim so, of course, he'd never been to one before. I'm not catholic but have family members that are, so I've been to a couple of them over the years.
We purchased a small silver cross as a gift for the young lady (she is only 7) and headed out Saturday for the ceremony. The family made a huge deal over the event, which I guess it is for those of the faith. The Communion mass was followed by a small gathering of about 150 people to help the young lady celebrate her First Communion. And her father spared no expense. The food was top notch. The family is of East Indian descent so the food was an Indian buffet, the DJ played great music all evening, the booze was free and plentiful and the company outstanding.
We forgot our camera though, we just not photo people I guess.
We met a lovely couple, also Indian, that it turns out live only around the corner from us. We had some great conversations with them through the evening. They have lived such lives so far, growing up in India, living 17 years in Saudi Arabia (so the SU and they had much to discuss) and then after sending their 2 sons to North America to study, they followed so the family could be closer together.
Overall we had a great evening and really enjoyed the festivities. We were even given a small gift as we left the party (each guest was given a momento) which was completely unexpected.
A big Thank You to our hosts and congratulations to a lovely young lady.
Recipe Time
I've though about which recipe to share this week. Something complicated? Something simple? Something versatile (gotta love versatility - especially in a man but that's a different topic all together).
In the end I decided on a simple Hummus Recipe.
Hummus is a chick pea dip or spread that is used throught the Mediterranean and Middle East. Each region has their own version of this simple staple. The version I am sharing today is generally how the SU and I would prepare it for breakfast. A simple Middle Eastern breakfast is often boiled eggs, Hummus and fresh Pita (at least it was in the SU's home - can't speak for the entire Middle East, of course).
Hummus is also a very flexible dip, in that it can be tweaked in so many ways, add hot peppers to make it spicey, add roasted red pepper for a sweeter peppery taste, add more or less garlic, fresh herbs, dress it up or dress it down, it's versatility is almost endless. The chickpeas in Hummus can be either canned or dried. The version used here uses canned.
Here is our Basic Hummus recipe
1 19 (20?) ounce can of Chick Peas
2 cloves of garlic (use more or less depending on your taste)
Juice of 1 lemon
1/2 teaspoon of Lemon rind
2 tbsp Tahini sauce
Salt and Pepper to taste
Empty the chick peas into a pot (with the liquid - some recipes recommend not using the liquid but we find that it's just fine to do so). Bring to a boil and cook until the chickpeas are heated through and tender (only a few minutes for the canned chick peas - longer for dried).
Remove from heat and allow to cool a few minutes and then empty the pot into the bowl of a food processor.
Add the garlic, lemon juice, tahini and lemon rind. Add a pinch of Salt and Pepper at this time. Blend until desired consistancy. Some prefer the Hummus to be completely smooth, others prefer a bit of texture. Try both to see which you would prefer.
If you want thicker Hummus, add another tbsp of Tahini paste. Careful though as the Hummus will thicken as it cools (somewhat).
Taste the hummus and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste, pulse for a few seconds on the food processor to mix in the salt and pepper.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a vegetable tray or with sliced pita.
Friday, April 17, 2009
sunny days
I'm still unemployed but spring has truly sprung and with it comes warm sunny days.
Today it's about 70F and sunny in Toronto. A nice breeze, that can be a little strong at times, is blowing across the city. A good day to get out of the house and enjoy some outdoor activities.
So I grabbed a light jacket, which it turns out I didn't need, and headed out but was undecided on where to go.
First option: The beach. Toronto has extensive beaches as we spread widely along the shores of Lake Ontario. One of the longest stretches is not too far from my house. Kew Gardens or Woodbine beach feature a long boardwalk, jogging tracks, volleyball courts, rocky outcrops and man made piers that extend into the water. Not that it is warm enough to swim yet. The park system is extensive and there are plenty of places to sit, both in shade or sun.
Second Option: The Bluffs are a region of in Scarborough region of Toronto which feature small cliffs that rise high over the waters edge. Fronted by parks, and hiking paths both at the top and along the base of the bluffs it is an excellent area for exploring and taking in some fantastic views.
Option 3: The local Park. Over the last 2 years a new park was constructed just down the block from our condo. We've only been there once or twice but it's a pleasant little park, with a few benches (frankly needs a few more), expansive lawns (I guess they expect people to sit on the grass), 2 soccer fields (one with tiers benches or stands), a playground area for smaller tykes and a ball court for the older kids.
I choose door number 3 today and set out in black jeans, puma sneaks, a short sleeve shirt and a light jacket. With me I took my book, my ipod, my phone and sunglasses. All I needed for todays outing.
The weather was amazing, the breeze kept me from overheating and read quiet a bit of my book while sitting on the soocer field stands, as the few benches were all occupied and I did not wish to sit on the grass at this time.
I started to get a little pink after about an hour and half of reading in the full sun.
Tomorrow is forecast to be a duplicate of today. Woohoo.
Today it's about 70F and sunny in Toronto. A nice breeze, that can be a little strong at times, is blowing across the city. A good day to get out of the house and enjoy some outdoor activities.
So I grabbed a light jacket, which it turns out I didn't need, and headed out but was undecided on where to go.
First option: The beach. Toronto has extensive beaches as we spread widely along the shores of Lake Ontario. One of the longest stretches is not too far from my house. Kew Gardens or Woodbine beach feature a long boardwalk, jogging tracks, volleyball courts, rocky outcrops and man made piers that extend into the water. Not that it is warm enough to swim yet. The park system is extensive and there are plenty of places to sit, both in shade or sun.
Second Option: The Bluffs are a region of in Scarborough region of Toronto which feature small cliffs that rise high over the waters edge. Fronted by parks, and hiking paths both at the top and along the base of the bluffs it is an excellent area for exploring and taking in some fantastic views.
Option 3: The local Park. Over the last 2 years a new park was constructed just down the block from our condo. We've only been there once or twice but it's a pleasant little park, with a few benches (frankly needs a few more), expansive lawns (I guess they expect people to sit on the grass), 2 soccer fields (one with tiers benches or stands), a playground area for smaller tykes and a ball court for the older kids.
I choose door number 3 today and set out in black jeans, puma sneaks, a short sleeve shirt and a light jacket. With me I took my book, my ipod, my phone and sunglasses. All I needed for todays outing.
The weather was amazing, the breeze kept me from overheating and read quiet a bit of my book while sitting on the soocer field stands, as the few benches were all occupied and I did not wish to sit on the grass at this time.
I started to get a little pink after about an hour and half of reading in the full sun.
Tomorrow is forecast to be a duplicate of today. Woohoo.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
job interviews
You know how you can sometimes just tell?
A couple of weeks back I took part in a phone interview and was subsequently told that one other person and I were being invited to in-person interviews. Great 50-50 chance, I'll take those odds.
The interview was delayed, in fact, I thought they changed their mind or something but I finally got my appointment.
I did my research, showed up early, engaged the receptionist in pleasant chit chat. This particular interview was a 2 person panel, interviewing me. The HR person and the individual that would have been my manager.
This person could not have been any less involved or dis-interested in the process. She might as well not even have shown up. She was unresponsive to questions, except to correct what the HR person had told me in the previous phone interview. She sat there like a sleepy frump.
Right away, I just knew I wasn't getting this job. And that affects your energy level during the interview.
I assume she either did not like me on sight or may have already seen the other candidate and was predisposed to that individual. Whatever the case was, she did not like me. This job required two basic skill sets, both of which I have. The one skill set was General Accounting knowledge. I started my career working in Accounting positions and have a strong foundation in that area but haven't really used it in 10 years or more (other then to train accounting modules). The other aspect was training in which my experience is extensive and current.
And yet the reason I was not considered, as given by her, was that I lacked training experience, they were more then happy with my accounting knowledge. WTF??? I was not given a chance to rebutt her reasons.
So I didn't get the job and it's back to the drawing board for me.
My frustration levels mount as the economy sinks.
Decisions regarding the sale of our condo will have to be made soon. Very very soon.
A couple of weeks back I took part in a phone interview and was subsequently told that one other person and I were being invited to in-person interviews. Great 50-50 chance, I'll take those odds.
The interview was delayed, in fact, I thought they changed their mind or something but I finally got my appointment.
I did my research, showed up early, engaged the receptionist in pleasant chit chat. This particular interview was a 2 person panel, interviewing me. The HR person and the individual that would have been my manager.
This person could not have been any less involved or dis-interested in the process. She might as well not even have shown up. She was unresponsive to questions, except to correct what the HR person had told me in the previous phone interview. She sat there like a sleepy frump.
Right away, I just knew I wasn't getting this job. And that affects your energy level during the interview.
I assume she either did not like me on sight or may have already seen the other candidate and was predisposed to that individual. Whatever the case was, she did not like me. This job required two basic skill sets, both of which I have. The one skill set was General Accounting knowledge. I started my career working in Accounting positions and have a strong foundation in that area but haven't really used it in 10 years or more (other then to train accounting modules). The other aspect was training in which my experience is extensive and current.
And yet the reason I was not considered, as given by her, was that I lacked training experience, they were more then happy with my accounting knowledge. WTF??? I was not given a chance to rebutt her reasons.
So I didn't get the job and it's back to the drawing board for me.
My frustration levels mount as the economy sinks.
Decisions regarding the sale of our condo will have to be made soon. Very very soon.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Recipe sharing Sunday
I'm going to start posting some recipes that the SU and I have been working on, where the recipes are our original creations we will note that, where they are sourced from someplace or someone else that will be noted (and the proper accreditation given, if I can remember where I got the original). In any case we will have changed the original recipe or instructions to suit our needs and the revised recipe is what will be posted here.
For my first posting, I'm offering of a classic, yet simple dessert that requires only a few minutes of prep time and is tasty, flavourful and always a hit This first recipe was found online sometime ago. I'm do not remember where, however, so I can not quote a source directly. We have changed the cooking instructions as we found the original to be a bit vague and added some notes and serving suggestions as well but the ingredients list is the same as the original.
If you try this recipe, please give me some feedback on how successful it was for you.
Here is your Simple Chocolate Soufflé
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
1/3 cup of Sugar
5 Ounces of semi-sweet Chocolate
3 Egg Yolks
5 Egg Whites
A pinch of Salt
For 1 Large Souffle dish
For 6 Small Souffle dishes
Variations
Serving Suggestions
For my first posting, I'm offering of a classic, yet simple dessert that requires only a few minutes of prep time and is tasty, flavourful and always a hit This first recipe was found online sometime ago. I'm do not remember where, however, so I can not quote a source directly. We have changed the cooking instructions as we found the original to be a bit vague and added some notes and serving suggestions as well but the ingredients list is the same as the original.
If you try this recipe, please give me some feedback on how successful it was for you.
Here is your Simple Chocolate Soufflé
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
1/3 cup of Sugar
5 Ounces of semi-sweet Chocolate
3 Egg Yolks
5 Egg Whites
A pinch of Salt
Method
- Preheat oven to 350F
- Lightly butter one large souffle dish or 6 small ramekins
- Melt the chocolate over hot water (in a double boiler) and set aside to cool
- Place all 5 egg whites in a mixing bowl, add the pinch of salt and whisk (using a hand mixer or table mixer) until soft peaks form
- Add 1/3 cup of Sugar gradually while continuing to whisk
- Add the egg yolks (one at a time) into the cooled, melted chocolate -- it is important to have allowed the chocolate to cool so as not to cook the egg yolks
- Scoop about a cup (one or two rubber spatulas worth) of the egg whites into the chocolate and fold carefully
- Add the mix to the remaining egg whites
- Fold gently until well mixed, working fast but carefully so as not to deflate the egg whites
For 1 Large Souffle dish
- Bake in the middle of the oven until crusted on top and practically cooked in the middle, approximately 25-35 minutes
For 6 Small Souffle dishes
- Place the 6 small ramekins (soufflé dishes) on a cookie sheet, divide the mix equally among the six ramekins evenly
- Bake in the middle of the oven until crusted on top and practically cooked in the middle, approximately 18-25 minutes
Note:
Oven temps and cooking times vary greatly depending on where you are, you know your own oven, judge the cooking times accordingly and check them without opening the oven too often. You will have to open to check them eventually, though. The top should be firm and spongy while the inside is moist (use a small fork or toothpick to check for doneness).
For my own oven, I don’t even check the small ramekins until the 20 minute mark. You may want to check as early as 15 minutes in (20 minutes in for the large soufflé), the first time you make them at least – after that you should know, make a note on the recipe for yourself.
Be careful not to overcook the soufflé
The Soufflé will rise beautifully while cooking but collapse, somewhat, on resting – this is normal.
Variations
- Flavour the chocolate with orange extract for a delicious fruity flavor
- Add a shot of Baileys (or liqueur of choice) to flavour the chocolate - do not add too much
Serving Suggestions
For the large Soufflé, scoop a serving on a dessert plate
For the small Soufflé, serve directly in the ramekin
Top with sliced fruit (Strawberries or other fresh berries, Bananas, Kiwis)
Top with a scoop of Vanilla ice cream (or other flavours that won’t compete with the chocolate)
Add a dollop of whipped cream
Combine all of the Toppings above and serve with them all
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