Happy Thanksgiving!

I can't believe it is Thanksgiving already! This year, I am cooking for my family. It is a little bit of struggle for me due to the fact that I do not eat meat. But, for the love of my family, I cook a turkey. I will also serve shrimp and tilapia. A something for everyone type meal. I am a little sad this year because my son is going to spend Thanksgiving day at Ford Field: hoping for a Green Bay Packer win. I know, he doesn't cheer for the lions.
I am very blessed and very thankful for so many things in my life. Most importantly, my children and my family are what is good in my life.

My thoughts on "Gaunt to Gargantuan and Back"

In the article, “Gaunt to Gargantuan and Back: The Atkins Method of Acting,” by Caryn James, she describes how dramatic weight changes has become a selling point in the media through commercials, television reality shows, and big screen movies. The article glamorizes actors and actresses who have altered their body size to play a movie role. Extreme weight loss and weight gain seems to be a popular form of stunt acting. Movie stars are receiving awards for gaining or losing large amounts of weight to make their character appear more realistic. It is also pointed out in the article, that when viewers see individuals on screen with their frequent weight changes it gives them the notion that they too should have the control of their own bodies shape and size.

The problem of weight is prevalent in today’s society. It is hard to escape all the “hype” surrounding it; everyone seems to be looking for the perfect diet. Our mindsets are conditioned to think….thin is beautiful, when in actuality, we should think….healthy is beautiful. When actors loose or gain weight for movie roles, they are recognized for delivering a powerful performance. Realistically, this portrays a false sense of achievement. Up and down weight loss/gain can actually be harmful and unhealthy to a person’s body. For the average person, maintaining a healthy weight is a constant battle. Movie stars do not have the average person’s typical life. It is uncommon for most people to have the luxury of a personal chef or trainer. So what’s left? We continue to actively participate in the battle to loose weight or simply plop on the couch, with a bag of chips, while watching reality stars loose theirs.

Halloween weekend

This weekend was Halloween weekend. Unfortunately, I did not participate in traditional Halloween fun. My favorite thing to do on Halloween is pass out candy to the trick-or-treaters. I was willing to pass out candy; but no one came. I live out in the middle of nowhere. (Well actually in Webster Township) I live down a long dirt road, that consists of only 7 houses. Needless to say, the kids know it would be a whole lot of walking, for only 7 treats. That is why instead of waiting with our porch light on, my husband and I decided to go to the movies. We saw Law Abiding Citizen. If you like "shoot em up, revenge movies," you will enjoy this one. Plus Gerard Butler looks great in his tight jailhouse attire.

You Tube-"Did You Know?"

Wow! This is the first thought that comes to my mind after viewing You Tube- “Did You Know?” Hold onto your hats; the world is moving forward by leaps and bounds. Technology is advancing in the United States, but apparently not at the accelerated rate as it needs to be. In this video, it is suggested that students starting a four year technical degree will be taught information that will become obsolete. This is due to the fact that half of what they learn, in their first year of study, will be outdated by their third year of study. Does this mean the knowledge they obtained will become useless information?

In addition, I find it hard to comprehend that in 40 years a mere $1,000 will buy you a computer that will exceed the computational capabilities of the entire human species. When the calculated year arrives and if I am still alive, I will be the first to Google….”What is the cure for Cancer?”

Bangkok 96 Restaurant Review

Asian Delicacies

A Taste of Thailand right here in Dearborn

Bangkok 96 Restaurant

Phone: 313-730-8161
Address: 2450 South Telegraph Road
Dearborn, Mi 48124

By: Diana Young

Experience an evening filled with traditional Thai cuisine. Authentic ethnic taste and environment is what one will find at Bangkok 96 Restaurant, located in West Dearborn. Bangkok offers a full menu ranging from various appetizers to desserts. The menu is very detailed and easy to navigate through. Each dish has a Thai inspired name. For those unwilling to take a chance on mispronunciation or receiving something other than what they ordered, all dishes can also be ordered by their assigned number. Each dish is thoroughly described with the choice of chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp. Vegetarians need not worry. Tofu is a delicious option. An easy to follow spice guide is also included on the menu. Diners can order their dishes from no spice to hot, according to their taste preference. Still undecided? The friendly staff is very knowledgeable and happy to guide you in your choices. Lunch and dinner are served Monday through Saturday, with daily lunch specials until 3:00 p.m. Lunch is served with a complimentary bowl of Hot Sour soup. A Thai favorite soup, made with a blend of Asian spices, bamboo, and vegetables. Be prepared, the broth has a spicy kick. I wonder if the pitcher of water, served along side the soup, is a proactive step on the part of the wait staff. Meals are moderately priced. Lunch prices average $8.00-$9.00. Dinner prices increase by a few dollars more, but so do the size of the portions.

Bangkok 96 offers welcoming curb appeal. Large cement planters are filled with fresh perennials of vibrant color. Long strains of green leafy ivy drape the outside rims of the stone pots. Upon entering the restaurant, you instantly feel you have traveled far from home. The wait staff dress in “pha sin,” a traditional dress made of cotton and silk textiles woven into distinctive patterns. Authentic décor fills the dining area. Many decorative pieces tell a tale of Thailand. A wall hanging of sequence-lined elephants represents the hard work in the Bangkok kingdoms. Hanging dragon masks, quietly staring with piercing dramatic eyes, tell the tale of good and bad. Bamboo flute pipes hang playfully throughout the restaurant. Decorative pottery in bronze, golden-metallic, and silver, lines the shelves. Large wall hangings decorated with gold and silver sequins flash and sparkle as the sun shines in from the large windows. The restaurant is surrounded by windows, with matching window treatments, giving the interior a bright, clean feel. Seating is available in booths, tables, and a counter area decorated with silk flowers and bamboo. Booths are divided by swags of natural burlap to provide privacy and a cozy feel. Each table is covered with white linen table cloths, topped with a fitted piece of glass. Plates and silverware sparkle with cleanliness. The restrooms are also clean and obviously well-maintained.

The restaurant is a family owned business that opened in 1996, which deservingly suits its name….Bangkok 96. It is common to see the owner, dressed in a white cooking apron, take a break from the kitchen and greet customers by name. His wife also chats with diners as she confirms diner satisfaction and mingles throughout the restaurant.

Reservations are not required, but you can count on a full house at lunch time. Located conveniently on a main highway in Dearborn; it is a favorite among Ford Motor Company employees. From business suits to baby bibs, all seats are occupied.

Bangkok 96 offers friendly service with a casual, relaxing atmosphere. Patrons talk across tables to question each other about their food choices that look so delicious. Bussers clearing tables hum and chat about the weather with nearby customers. Although, I dined at Bangkok 96 on Friday, October 9th at 1:30 p.m. in the midst of the lunchtime rush, my experience was relaxing and unrushed.

The soft playing background music compliments the ambiance of the restaurant. A rhapsody of instrumental flute solos, nature sounds of birds chirping, and waterfalls, gently fill the restaurant. It is also the kind of place where people who dine alone can enjoy reading. The only noise louder than the music is the sound of the vegetables, being vigorously chopped at an urgent pace. Quickly after the chopping quiets, the sound of vegetables hitting the sizzling hot wok begins. You can’t see the kitchen, but you know it is near, by the sounds and the aroma of Asian spices filling the air.

Try a Thai iced coffee to start. It is a smooth thirst quencher, sweetened just right. The spring roll appetizer is filled with cabbage, transparent noodles, and radish stripes, all wrapped in a spring roll shell. The outer shell crunches as the filling completes the flavor. It is a lot of flavor for the small price of $2.00. Variations of lettuce salads, dressed in lime juice, are another tempting appetizer choice.

The Pad Thai is a famous Thai dish. Bangkok 96 delivers this favorite in a palate pleasing style. Rice noodles cooked just right, crunchy bean sprouts, a blend of Asian spices combined with green onion and egg, create a tasty beginning. Topped off with tofu, crushed nuts, and a splash of lemon, brings it all together.

For diners looking for a little spice in their life, try the Pad Ped. Ingredients include: Thai hot curry, coconut milk, onion, red and green pepper, mushroom, and eggplant. All cooked to a perfect texture, served over piping hot white rice. As you bite into the fresh crunchy peppers, the flavors burst, as the spices explode in your mouth.


All meals are served on large, square white-stoneware plates. The colors of fresh vegetables and hand-carved edible garnishes bring the plates to life. Each dish is the chef’s artistic presentation.

The dessert choice is minimal. Kow Tom Pad is a banana cake, Thai style. You are sure to taste a piece of banana as you bite into the moist cake. Or try the house-made coconut ice cream; it’s a sweet, cool down ending, after a spicy Thai dish.

If you’re in the mood for a “taste of Thai,” let Bangkok 96 bring Thailand to you. Let your taste buds take off without leaving Dearborn. I highly recommend the trip. WDIV Channel 4 agrees….Bangkok 96 was voted one of the best restaurants in Metro Detroit.

*All photos copyright of Diana Young*

My Music of Choice

I like alternative music. I enjoy the music of Kate Bush. Her lyrics all have meaning that I can understand. She has a very unique voice; her range is incredible.

2009 UMD Writing Awards

Tonight I had a new experience; I attended a writing awards ceremony. This was a first for me. The University of Michigan-Dearborn held the 2009 UMD Writing Awards on September, 30th, located in the CASL building (auditorium reception room 1030.)

The event began with a reception at 4:30 PM. The reception was a time to “meet and greet” writing program faculty, award recipients, students, families, and invited guests. The reception also offered a table of refreshments to all participants and guests. There was a choice of cookies, powdered donuts, and sweet apple cider, which seemed appropriate for the autumn windy day.

After enjoying refreshments everyone trickled into the auditorium to be seated for the readings and awards presentation portion of the evening. The auditorium was small, with seating room for approximately 150 people. Sadly, the room was only one-third full. Although a small turn out, the attendees were excited and happy to share in the accomplishments of the recognized writers. I saw a child as young as 8 years old applauding vigorously when his mother accepted her award.

The UMD writing awards is a yearly event held to promote and recognize excellence in writing among undergraduates. The writing awards ceremony was facilitated by Professor P.F. Potvin. A warm welcome was received by all as members of the UMD writing program thanked the students for working diligently and for having the courage to put forward their work.

The following categories were recognized: Poetry-Fiction, Research Writing-Creative Non-Fiction, Writing and Multiple Media-Writing in the Public Sphere, First-Year Writing, Honors Writing, and Scientific/Technical Writing. Each category awarded first, second, and third place winners.

Some award winners accepted their awards confidently and read excerpts of their work. Others shyly accepted their award and quietly sat down, leaving only their writing titles shared. One young man who received second place for his poem entitled, “Tornado Township,” shared his poem and displayed a visual of his typed words forming a tornado twisting on paper.

One woman accepting a first place award in the category Creative Non-Fiction read her piece. She read quietly and sheepishly in a surprisingly flat monotone manner. I struggled to hear her. It was evident her words on paper came more alive than the words spoken from her lips.

There was a wide variety of writing styles, topics, and perspectives shared by all of the talented writers. Many powerful words were created and read by the universities finest writers. Congratulations are in order to all winners of the 2009 University of Michigan-Dearborn writing awards:


Fiction
Lauren Crawford “Swing on the Spiral”
Stephanie Bizek “The Trunk”
Holly Carlisle “Point of No Return”


Poetry
Amal Algahmi “Hitchhiker”
Carl J. Garfield “TornadoTownship”
Klodiana Myftiu “He and I”


Research Writing (two first-place winners)
Melissa Buffenn “Examining Race Through Behavioral Genetics”
Lauren Crawford “Winding the Toy of Morality: Defining the Existential and Hedonistic Morality of Anthony Burgess’ ‘A Clockwork Orange’ “
Fallon Thigpen “Infant Baptism and Heart Renewal in Charles Kingley’s ‘The Water Babies’ “

Creative Non-Fiction
Cristi Scott “What Were You Thinking”
Stephanie Hymes “Socially Challanged”
Angelica Brown “Pretty Girls Make Graves”

First –Year Writing
Casaundra Hendricks “The Languages I Speak”
Zack Gielow “Schools Call the Shots”
Shahnaz Khan “Social Media vs. Traditional Media”
*Honorable Mention- Klodiana Myftiu “Albanian Americans: A Mix of Two Worlds”

Honors Writing
Emma Slonina “Mixed Motivations: Adolf Eichmann’s Relationship with Anti-Semitism”

The ceremony was concluded with all award recipients gathering together for a group picture. Warm smiles were bright and a sense of pride filled the air as cameras flashed to capture the moment. Each recipient also received a keepsake pen. I am sure many new pieces of excellent writings will be written with those pens.