It's the Culture Stupid

Does it baffle anyone else why 1) politicians can't / won't address the underlying cause for mass shootings in this country and 2) why it takes numerous mass killings to even have this discussion in the first place?

I don't typically get into politics, but I'm not seeing anything posted or reported referring to the underlying problem.

While folks are concerned about the size of their clips (all guns kill people), a lovely smokescreen is being cast on the fact that without cultural change, no change will be accomplished. What causes the phenomenon that breeds people like this? Answer: It has nothing to do with guns - and this is coming from me, and I consider myself quite the liberal. Any culture that uses violence as a means to an end instead of negotiation and cool headedness has horrors like we saw in recent days. Nothing has changed much since we white Americans began colonizing. Granted, we have not always been the aggressor. However, we are still the only country that has dropped not one.. But two atomic bombs. We have gone to war to protect oil interests. We have become the next empire of the world without the land rights. Other countries who's leadership and laws promote agreesion breed homegrown terrorists, suicide bombers, and pussies in general who could stoop to the lows we saw late last week. As most countries demonstrate, when a position of being civil is created at the top through both foreign and domestic policies, the Culture follows. Mahatma's goal was to teach the culture to be strong in the face of opposition without violence. Where has the progress been all these years later? Love, tolerance, forgiveness.. Using our strongest muscle in our entire body, our minds.

Change must start at the top as any quality change management and Six Sigma approach teaches us. It will take generations to change provided we stick to this vision.

My heart goes out to all the kids that lost their lives due to cowardess violence especially at this time of year. All violence is cowardess. It is my hope that our voice will be heard that violence, war, agreesiveness, is never an acceptable answer from anyone within our country. I hope that each reader will always remember, vote, act, teach, and live seeking non-violent intelligent solutions.

Joe's Simple Balsamic Vinaigrette

Would you end buying non-fresh, sugar filled salad dressing already? I can drink Balsamic Vinegar straight. It is so good. I think between this dressing or a Caesar salad, who needs anything else? I hear the debates rumbling already. You'll literally need six ingredients. You can make this on demand. You can make in large quantities. What's not to like about homemade? And once you see how quick it is, you'll be kicking yourself in the ass for ever spending hard earned money for poison in a bottle. Here it is.. (I had to fill in a little of the white space in an effort to keep your attention)

What you'll need:

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar (quality balsamic vinegar makes a difference folks)

1 garlic clove chopped fine and pressed to make a paste

1 tsp dry mustard powder (I use Coleman's)

Salt and pepper to taste

In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, garlic and mustard powder. Adjust the flavor with salt and pepper (tri -blend pepper is my favorite in this). Refrigerate until you're ready to serve. Make less or more depending upon the amount of people you're serving. 

Garlic, Chile & Lemon Grilled Shrimp

It's never too late in the year to make grilled shrimp! You'll marinate for two or three hours, so prepare in advance. I serve this with a simple spring mix and spinach salad with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette (recipe to follow) drizzled over the top. Other great ideas at the end.

What you'll need:
15 - 20 large raw shrimp, shelled and deveined (tail left on)
2 cloves garlic, peeled
2 red chiles or other pepper (I've used serrano peppers) seeded and chopped fine
1/2 tsp sweet authentic Hungarian Paprika
1/4 tsp lemon juice
1-inch piece of fresh gingerroot, peeled
4 - 6 tbsp olive oil
Sea salt and pepper

Pound the garlic, chiles, paprika, lemon juice and ginger together using a mortar and pestle, or if you're like me, I use a blender. Gradually add the oil until you get a thin paste. Season with salt and pepper.

Line a baking tray with wax paper and put the shrimp in the center. Pour the above paste onto the shrimp and work in with your hands to fully coat. Toss the tray into the refrigerator for about two to three hours to let all of that flavor get sucked in.

Fire up a hot grill - using an electric grill is ok. The key is to cook for 4-6 minutes (time based on the temp of your fire) , turning half way through or so. Do not overcook the shrimp. Depending on how hot your grill is, they may cook quicker. Shrimp turn pink and feel slightly firm to the touch when they're done.

Serve these bad boys immediately - we hate cold shrimp here at Caffeine. Serve with a flavored vinaigrette, sour cream or tomato salsa.. Or just by themselves.. They are so good, a touch of salt is all I need with a nice salad.