Helpful Hank Has Moved to read Helpful Hanks newest blog
world AIDS Day Mini Blog as well as other post click Here
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Holy Hoax it's Halloween Helpful Hank
Hello all, Helpful Hank here. My Husband brought home the Desert Sun the other day. I forgot how much I miss the tactical feel of a newspaper. Don’t get me wrong I love the desert Sun on line but there is something to be said for that tactical feel of holding the newspaper. I read it differently then I do the on line version. I read stories that I normally wouldn’t. That’s a good thing. I get use to reading the blogs and going directly to this byline or that one and I don’t always take time to read the stuff in between. The little filler stories with the happy conclusions the human-interest stories that provide you with interesting facts you never knew you needed to know. We all heard the news of our President winning the Nobel Prize. What we had to search for was that a record five women won Nobel’s this year and, this year we are seeing the first woman to win a Nobel in Economics.
The Great Hoax?
I watched as many of you did the unfolding story of Falcon Heene and his family as they lead us all on a wild goose chase. I think that it makes a rather sad statement about how fame hungry we are as humans. We have always been a people who seek fame. In addition, there are those who are just crazy enough to do what ever it takes to achieve it. I have never really understood the need for fame myself, I would much rather have the fortune and remain as unknown as possible (Money makes strangers act as if they know you.) fame at all cost though, is beyond me. To use your own child to acquire it is just wrong.
This family goes beyond insane. They did a music video that features their three boys spouting among other things fowl language, homophobia, and more. I am not surprised that this family did what they did. It is sad though that they felt it was perfectly natural to put their children’s lives at risk for their little stunt. However, I’m sure it was a question that never entered their minds.
Holy, Holy Ho….. ly, Holy Mack a Nolie
I love a good find, especially when it is free. I once gave my husband a sticker that said, “If it’s free it’s for me”. Recently we went to our favorite treasure haunt and I found of all things a solid oak church vestibule bench with brown velvet padded seat and back. The trim on the left side was missing completely and fixing that along with a new coat of all in one stain and clear gloss topcoat brought it back to life. My Husband cleaned the cushions, and we put it in the entryway of our home. We also found on this particular excursion a teak patio table that just needed a new coat of teak oil.
What is your favorite Treasure haunt? And what fantastic finds have you acquired. Let me know and I’ll be happy to share your stories of great finds.
All Hollows Eve
Halloween's origins date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced
Sow-in). The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France, celebrated their new year on November 1 as it marked the end of summer and the beginning of winter, which, was often associated with death. On the night of October 31, they celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth, causing trouble and damaging crops. Celts thought that the presence of the otherworldly spirits made it easier for the Druids, or Celtic priests, to make predictions about the future. For a people entirely dependent on the volatile natural world, these prophecies were an important source of comfort and direction during the long, dark winter. To commemorate the event, Druids built huge sacred bonfires, where the people gathered to burn crops and animals as sacrifices to the Celtic deities.
During the celebration, the Celts wore costumes, typically consisting of animal heads and skins, and attempted to tell each other's fortunes. When the celebration was over, they re-lit their hearth fires, which they had extinguished earlier that evening, from the sacred bonfire to help protect them during the coming winter.
In 43 Ad the Roman were in power and combined the Celtic festival with their Feralia Festival that commemorated the passing of the dead and, the day they honor Pomona the Roman Goddess of the Fruit trees. The symbol for Pomona is the apple, which may be why bobbing for apples has been a Halloween staple.
By the 800 Christianity had swept the Celtic land and Pope Boniface the IV designated Nov. 1st as All Saints Eve a day to honor saints and martyrs. This was an attempt to replace the Celtic festival and is also know as All Hollows or all Hollowmas.
Becoming the Adams
Kids love Halloween, I know I sure did. It is a chance to be someone different. One year I was an Indian another a Ghost. It was fun. Oh, and the candy! Of course, our parents always went through it before we got any, though it was very tempting. As a parent of a grown child, I myself was given the candy checking task many times. Here is one way to keep them from being so tempted. Start the night with a Haunted or Spooky themed dinner. It is not to late the new Store on Indian Canyon (Just before it becomes a two way street.) Party Lab has some great stuff and reasonably priced. Get the kids involved.
Start by setting a spooky table. You can get mini Styrofoam Tombstones for a couple of buck each and you put one at each place setting. If you use the blank ones you can right your own message with a marker. The have some cool cups with skulls and hands on them. They also have inexpensive stuff you can use as decorations or how about you create your own. Go over to Wal Mart or JoAnn’s fabric in Palm desert and by a 2 yards of what every white gauzy material is on clearance (there is always some) Get a bag of cotton balls as well. The fabric is usually a 45” with cut it lengthwise. With one-half your fabric cut length wise approximately 4 ½ inches wide giving you for long strips.
Tie the four pieces together at each end and set in center of table. In a vase put some sticks and using a package of Halloween cobwebs ( you can get these most anywhere) drape them amongst the sticks ( you can even paint your sticks black with spray paint.) Place your vase on the fabric (Making sure your fabric stays billow.) and sprinkle some Halloween glitter over it.
You can as well instead of a vase with sticks and cobwebs carve a pumpkin save some of the stringy insides soak them in water with a drop of vinegar in green blue and red food dye let it soak for a couple of hours then dry it a bit and hang them over the side with the top on as if his brains are oozing out put a battery operated candle in it to light it yet keep it safe.
Take the other half of the fabric and cut into equal pieces (Four to Six inch squares works well) in the center of your square place several cotton balls gather up your corners together and type off the fabric at the bottom of the cotton balls to create your ghost. Let the kids draw their own faces on the ghost and use them as place markers.
Set your Halloween table with, Halloween themed paper napkins. Get cheep plastic clear cups and, with colored permanent markers of Puff, paints make your own scary cup.
Serve up Chicken fingers or Fried Mozzarella Sticks in French fry type containers dripping ketchup over the tops. Make a fruit salad and take some whipped topping and ad some red and yellow food dye into it to make it orange and mix your fruit in with the whipped topping for a cool fruit salad. Add a drop or two of red food coloring to a pitcher of lemonade to make it spookier. For desert, take a can or two of sweet canned cherries. A sponge cake or angel food cake. Drain the juice from the cherries into a saucepan. Add 2 teaspoons of cornstarch. For each of the two cans of cherries. Mix juice and cornstarch while bringing to a boil. Once it boils for a minute or two (While you continue to stir.) turn of the heat still stirring. Your mixture should be thickening up you want it slightly runny set in refrigerator as it will thicken up. Mix in a couple of tablespoons of powdered sugar with the cherries and set in refrigerator. When it is time to serve slice cake, pour cherries over the top add the thickened cherry sauce as blood top with a little whipped cream. Here is your chance to have some fun with your kids and share in the evening with them. Your kid will leave the house fed and fueled for trick or treating with out felling the craving for what is in their candy bag.
Using battery operated candles is a safe alternative to using real candles, Always make sure the a child’s costume is not restricting their movement and any props they may carry have no sharp edges that they can hurt themselves or others with. Michaels Art Supply sells glow stick for a 1.39 or so a pack these are good to have the kids can wrap them around their legs arms and necks so they are more visible if walking down streets not well lit. No child should go out without adult supervision (Someone responsible and over 21 is best.) Every child should know never to go into a stranger’s house or car. Pick up some cheap whistles at party lab for kids to wear around their neck and take them so that they can use them if they find themselves in trouble. Halloween is a time to dress up and have fun but we also have to keep it safe.
The Faux Costco Enchilada
Like many people, I enjoy Mexican food. Most of the time it is dinner for one so I really don’t want to ground up a whole package of ground beef to make Enchiladas (which are one of my favorites. Here is an easy recipe for making Enchiladas for one. What you will need is two pre cooked Chicken Flautas, Tomato paste one package of Taco seasoning, ½ cup of water and ½ cup of 3 cheese’s shredded cheese. Mix together two Tablespoons of Tomato paste with ½ cup of water and one package of Taco Seasoning pour ½ of mixture over Chicken Flautas the ½ the shredded cheese then repeat. Microwave for 2 minutes
I want to share one more recipe with you and that’s my recipe for a recipe I created
Cherry Bomb
What you will need:
½ cup of softened Butter
5 Egg Yolks
Filo Dough
1 ¼ Cup of Milk
1 ½ Heavy Whipping Cream
½ teaspoon Salt
¾ cups of Sugar
1/3 cup flour
2/3 cup Dark Chocolate Chips
Coco Powder for sprinkling
Powdered Sugar for sprinkling
1 can cherries in sweet syrup.
2 teaspoons cornstarch
Roll out your Filo dough and cut in half. Working with one-half cut the Filo in half again this time lengthwise then cut in three equal squares. On a foil lined cookie sheet lay out one layer of each square and brush with butter then sprinkle with powdered then add another layer of Filo and repeat process until you have five layers. Bake in oven at 375 for eight minutes then set aside put together three more sets of these so that you will have four deserts with six layers each.
Cream together Sugar and egg yolks and set aside. In a heavy bottom sauce pan combine 1 cup milk, 1 cup Heavy whipping cream, ¼ cup cherry juice (from cherry can) vanilla salt, Bring to a boil and add sugar and yolk along with remaining ¼ cup milk and ¼ cup of heavy whipping cream. whisk in 1/3 cup flour until mixture is smooth pour back into bowl and let cool at room temperature .Once mixture has thickened chop up the cherries into small pieces and in a double boiler melt down 1/3 cup chocolate then add ½ of your remaining cherry juice cherry juice and chopped cherries Stir until thickened.
Take one layer of your Filo, spread your cream mixture on then, place another layer of Filo on top and spread chocolate cherry mixture on top of that. Continue to alternate mixtures putting the final layer of Filo on top and place in refrigerator and chill for desert
Before you serve, take your remaining half of cherry juice you set aside place in a double broiler and whisk in cornstarch. Bring to a boil continuously stirring. Once it starts to thicken remove from heat and transfer to a small pitcher and set aside in a double boiler mix together ¼ heavy whipping cream and 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips till smooth. With a spoon drizzle chocolate of desert and then thickened cherry juice and serve.
Well folks that about all for now. Have a Happy Halloween and Keep yourself safe. Until next time, take Care and God Bless
-Helpful Hank
Oh one last thing, many of us love to put our pets in Halloween costumes. They can often be hot and cumbersome. Why not put a Halloween scarf around their needs with some glow sticks when taking them out. They will be easier to see and they won’t over heat. Find these and other tips for keeping your pets safe on Halloween at Desert Pet Sittings Helpful Hanks Guide to a happy pet
You can contact Helpful Hank with Questions, Comments, and Tips and, Deals at: askhelpfulhank@gmail.com Helpful Hank is written by Russell E. Bertlow © 2009
All rights reserved. No portion of this blog may be reprinted in part or whole without the express written permission from Russell E. Bertlow
The Great Hoax?
I watched as many of you did the unfolding story of Falcon Heene and his family as they lead us all on a wild goose chase. I think that it makes a rather sad statement about how fame hungry we are as humans. We have always been a people who seek fame. In addition, there are those who are just crazy enough to do what ever it takes to achieve it. I have never really understood the need for fame myself, I would much rather have the fortune and remain as unknown as possible (Money makes strangers act as if they know you.) fame at all cost though, is beyond me. To use your own child to acquire it is just wrong.
This family goes beyond insane. They did a music video that features their three boys spouting among other things fowl language, homophobia, and more. I am not surprised that this family did what they did. It is sad though that they felt it was perfectly natural to put their children’s lives at risk for their little stunt. However, I’m sure it was a question that never entered their minds.
Holy, Holy Ho….. ly, Holy Mack a Nolie
I love a good find, especially when it is free. I once gave my husband a sticker that said, “If it’s free it’s for me”. Recently we went to our favorite treasure haunt and I found of all things a solid oak church vestibule bench with brown velvet padded seat and back. The trim on the left side was missing completely and fixing that along with a new coat of all in one stain and clear gloss topcoat brought it back to life. My Husband cleaned the cushions, and we put it in the entryway of our home. We also found on this particular excursion a teak patio table that just needed a new coat of teak oil.
What is your favorite Treasure haunt? And what fantastic finds have you acquired. Let me know and I’ll be happy to share your stories of great finds.
All Hollows Eve
Halloween's origins date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced
Sow-in). The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France, celebrated their new year on November 1 as it marked the end of summer and the beginning of winter, which, was often associated with death. On the night of October 31, they celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth, causing trouble and damaging crops. Celts thought that the presence of the otherworldly spirits made it easier for the Druids, or Celtic priests, to make predictions about the future. For a people entirely dependent on the volatile natural world, these prophecies were an important source of comfort and direction during the long, dark winter. To commemorate the event, Druids built huge sacred bonfires, where the people gathered to burn crops and animals as sacrifices to the Celtic deities.
During the celebration, the Celts wore costumes, typically consisting of animal heads and skins, and attempted to tell each other's fortunes. When the celebration was over, they re-lit their hearth fires, which they had extinguished earlier that evening, from the sacred bonfire to help protect them during the coming winter.
In 43 Ad the Roman were in power and combined the Celtic festival with their Feralia Festival that commemorated the passing of the dead and, the day they honor Pomona the Roman Goddess of the Fruit trees. The symbol for Pomona is the apple, which may be why bobbing for apples has been a Halloween staple.
By the 800 Christianity had swept the Celtic land and Pope Boniface the IV designated Nov. 1st as All Saints Eve a day to honor saints and martyrs. This was an attempt to replace the Celtic festival and is also know as All Hollows or all Hollowmas.
Becoming the Adams
Kids love Halloween, I know I sure did. It is a chance to be someone different. One year I was an Indian another a Ghost. It was fun. Oh, and the candy! Of course, our parents always went through it before we got any, though it was very tempting. As a parent of a grown child, I myself was given the candy checking task many times. Here is one way to keep them from being so tempted. Start the night with a Haunted or Spooky themed dinner. It is not to late the new Store on Indian Canyon (Just before it becomes a two way street.) Party Lab has some great stuff and reasonably priced. Get the kids involved.
Start by setting a spooky table. You can get mini Styrofoam Tombstones for a couple of buck each and you put one at each place setting. If you use the blank ones you can right your own message with a marker. The have some cool cups with skulls and hands on them. They also have inexpensive stuff you can use as decorations or how about you create your own. Go over to Wal Mart or JoAnn’s fabric in Palm desert and by a 2 yards of what every white gauzy material is on clearance (there is always some) Get a bag of cotton balls as well. The fabric is usually a 45” with cut it lengthwise. With one-half your fabric cut length wise approximately 4 ½ inches wide giving you for long strips.
Tie the four pieces together at each end and set in center of table. In a vase put some sticks and using a package of Halloween cobwebs ( you can get these most anywhere) drape them amongst the sticks ( you can even paint your sticks black with spray paint.) Place your vase on the fabric (Making sure your fabric stays billow.) and sprinkle some Halloween glitter over it.
You can as well instead of a vase with sticks and cobwebs carve a pumpkin save some of the stringy insides soak them in water with a drop of vinegar in green blue and red food dye let it soak for a couple of hours then dry it a bit and hang them over the side with the top on as if his brains are oozing out put a battery operated candle in it to light it yet keep it safe.
Take the other half of the fabric and cut into equal pieces (Four to Six inch squares works well) in the center of your square place several cotton balls gather up your corners together and type off the fabric at the bottom of the cotton balls to create your ghost. Let the kids draw their own faces on the ghost and use them as place markers.
Set your Halloween table with, Halloween themed paper napkins. Get cheep plastic clear cups and, with colored permanent markers of Puff, paints make your own scary cup.
Serve up Chicken fingers or Fried Mozzarella Sticks in French fry type containers dripping ketchup over the tops. Make a fruit salad and take some whipped topping and ad some red and yellow food dye into it to make it orange and mix your fruit in with the whipped topping for a cool fruit salad. Add a drop or two of red food coloring to a pitcher of lemonade to make it spookier. For desert, take a can or two of sweet canned cherries. A sponge cake or angel food cake. Drain the juice from the cherries into a saucepan. Add 2 teaspoons of cornstarch. For each of the two cans of cherries. Mix juice and cornstarch while bringing to a boil. Once it boils for a minute or two (While you continue to stir.) turn of the heat still stirring. Your mixture should be thickening up you want it slightly runny set in refrigerator as it will thicken up. Mix in a couple of tablespoons of powdered sugar with the cherries and set in refrigerator. When it is time to serve slice cake, pour cherries over the top add the thickened cherry sauce as blood top with a little whipped cream. Here is your chance to have some fun with your kids and share in the evening with them. Your kid will leave the house fed and fueled for trick or treating with out felling the craving for what is in their candy bag.
Using battery operated candles is a safe alternative to using real candles, Always make sure the a child’s costume is not restricting their movement and any props they may carry have no sharp edges that they can hurt themselves or others with. Michaels Art Supply sells glow stick for a 1.39 or so a pack these are good to have the kids can wrap them around their legs arms and necks so they are more visible if walking down streets not well lit. No child should go out without adult supervision (Someone responsible and over 21 is best.) Every child should know never to go into a stranger’s house or car. Pick up some cheap whistles at party lab for kids to wear around their neck and take them so that they can use them if they find themselves in trouble. Halloween is a time to dress up and have fun but we also have to keep it safe.
The Faux Costco Enchilada
Like many people, I enjoy Mexican food. Most of the time it is dinner for one so I really don’t want to ground up a whole package of ground beef to make Enchiladas (which are one of my favorites. Here is an easy recipe for making Enchiladas for one. What you will need is two pre cooked Chicken Flautas, Tomato paste one package of Taco seasoning, ½ cup of water and ½ cup of 3 cheese’s shredded cheese. Mix together two Tablespoons of Tomato paste with ½ cup of water and one package of Taco Seasoning pour ½ of mixture over Chicken Flautas the ½ the shredded cheese then repeat. Microwave for 2 minutes
I want to share one more recipe with you and that’s my recipe for a recipe I created
Cherry Bomb
What you will need:
½ cup of softened Butter
5 Egg Yolks
Filo Dough
1 ¼ Cup of Milk
1 ½ Heavy Whipping Cream
½ teaspoon Salt
¾ cups of Sugar
1/3 cup flour
2/3 cup Dark Chocolate Chips
Coco Powder for sprinkling
Powdered Sugar for sprinkling
1 can cherries in sweet syrup.
2 teaspoons cornstarch
Roll out your Filo dough and cut in half. Working with one-half cut the Filo in half again this time lengthwise then cut in three equal squares. On a foil lined cookie sheet lay out one layer of each square and brush with butter then sprinkle with powdered then add another layer of Filo and repeat process until you have five layers. Bake in oven at 375 for eight minutes then set aside put together three more sets of these so that you will have four deserts with six layers each.
Cream together Sugar and egg yolks and set aside. In a heavy bottom sauce pan combine 1 cup milk, 1 cup Heavy whipping cream, ¼ cup cherry juice (from cherry can) vanilla salt, Bring to a boil and add sugar and yolk along with remaining ¼ cup milk and ¼ cup of heavy whipping cream. whisk in 1/3 cup flour until mixture is smooth pour back into bowl and let cool at room temperature .Once mixture has thickened chop up the cherries into small pieces and in a double boiler melt down 1/3 cup chocolate then add ½ of your remaining cherry juice cherry juice and chopped cherries Stir until thickened.
Take one layer of your Filo, spread your cream mixture on then, place another layer of Filo on top and spread chocolate cherry mixture on top of that. Continue to alternate mixtures putting the final layer of Filo on top and place in refrigerator and chill for desert
Before you serve, take your remaining half of cherry juice you set aside place in a double broiler and whisk in cornstarch. Bring to a boil continuously stirring. Once it starts to thicken remove from heat and transfer to a small pitcher and set aside in a double boiler mix together ¼ heavy whipping cream and 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips till smooth. With a spoon drizzle chocolate of desert and then thickened cherry juice and serve.
Well folks that about all for now. Have a Happy Halloween and Keep yourself safe. Until next time, take Care and God Bless
-Helpful Hank
Oh one last thing, many of us love to put our pets in Halloween costumes. They can often be hot and cumbersome. Why not put a Halloween scarf around their needs with some glow sticks when taking them out. They will be easier to see and they won’t over heat. Find these and other tips for keeping your pets safe on Halloween at Desert Pet Sittings Helpful Hanks Guide to a happy pet
You can contact Helpful Hank with Questions, Comments, and Tips and, Deals at: askhelpfulhank@gmail.com Helpful Hank is written by Russell E. Bertlow © 2009
All rights reserved. No portion of this blog may be reprinted in part or whole without the express written permission from Russell E. Bertlow
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Helpful Hanks Advice 17
Hello all, Helpful Hank Here, It’s been a few weeks since I have last posted a blog spot. Been kind of busy working on various projects. Hummie and Harvey Among many of the projects I have been working on one was the re-finishing of a secretary cabinet. Seen below
Recently I received notice on a couple of pieces that I submitted to the American Art Awards. This is a national competition. Galleries from across the US judge the works from several different categories. I was fortunate enough to have this opportunity presented to me from Mr. Thom Bierdz (you may know him as Philip Chancellor on the Young and the Restless a popular daytime drama.) My Piece Cherry Bomb was one of the finalists in the Abstract Modern category and my piece Freedom to Marry was given top honors in the Political Art category.
Going to the dogs
I want to share a bit of other news with you. I have recently taken over Ownership and Operation of Desert Pet Sitting. We are a local operation that provides in home services for dogs and cats, as well as dog walks and off site doggie day care. We offer reasonable rate and excellent care of your pet while you’re away. You can read our Bio on our site http://www.desertpetsitting.com/. I have also started a second blog at http://desertpetsitting.blogspot.com/ and find out five things you can do to put a smile on your dogs face. And 10 things you should feed your dogs or cats.
Well that about wraps it up for now. As always, I welcome your tips comments and thoughts. Take Care and GBY
-Helpful Hank
You can contact Helpful Hank with Questions, Comments, and Tips and, Deals at: askhelpfulhank@gmail.com Helpful Hank is written by Russell E. Bertlow © 2009 All rights reserved. No portion of this blog may be reprinted in part or whole without the express written permission from Russell E. Bertlow
We had picked it up at Revivals thrift shop in the Sun Center, as we needed a piece for our guest bedroom, which we had recently put a new face on it with a coat of paint. We put up new drapes and then reconfigured the room. Once done we found that the room was in need of another piece of furniture to balance it out. We picked up this vintage secretary for $10.00 at Revival and with a little work, it fit the room perfectly. I always try to use recycled product as much as possible. I love to re-purpose old and used furniture and give it new life.
Memory Lane
Recently, I had the chance to put a video together for Bloom in the Desert’s seventh anniversary. It was interesting to go through the photos with Rev Kev and hear about some of the history of how Bloom got started in there home moving to Palapas’ outside area before finding a home at the YMCA. I had a wonderful time working on this video and learning some of the history of Bloom. Here is that result Memories In Bloom .
Lock it up Marie
I want to share an obvious safety tip with everyone. That tip is to keep your outer doors and gates locked. Many of us have gates to our back yards and Garage doors that we don’t tend to keep closed and locked in addition to locking the front door. So many people tend to leave their garage doors slightly up. This allows a potential thief the opportunity to shimmy under it and gaining access to your home. Unlocked gates do the same thing.
With the economic times as bad as they are right no, (Even though they say we are on the way to recovery.) home invasion robberies are on the rise. A neighbor of mine filled me in on what thieves look for. He said they will find a quit street (set back cul-de sacs I would imagine work well.) they drive down it looking for points of entry that make for quick escapes. I kid you not the very next day I was out in my front yard and a pick up came down our cul-de-sac very slowly and when the came to circle around in front of my place the sped out of the cul-de-sac. I can’t say that they where casing the neighborhood but it was the vibe I was getting. It is important to keep doors locked for the safety of your home, pets and family.
A Summer Salad
I want to share a salad recipe and dressing recipe with everyone’ It is one of my favorite meals for a hot day. Salads are easy to make and are quit refreshing on a hot day with a glass of Ice Tea or and Arnold Palmer.
Take 2 chicken breast marinate with Honey Garlic powder and Olive oil. Once marinated, grill until cooked making sure to baste with the left over marinade.
Once you have grilled your chicken set aside and let it cool as you put together your salad. (One of my favorite things to put in a salad is cut up nectarine.) Once you have, your salad made cut up your grilled chicken into chunks and add.
To make the dressing combine 1 cup of mango blended till liquid, ¾ cup Olive Oil, ½ cup Balsamic Vinegar, 1 and ½ tablespoons garlic powder and 2 tablespoons of Honey. Whisk your dressing till blended completely the pour over salad and serve. This makes for a nice summer/fall meal. The dressing also works well as a dipping sauce.
American Art Awards
Memory Lane
Recently, I had the chance to put a video together for Bloom in the Desert’s seventh anniversary. It was interesting to go through the photos with Rev Kev and hear about some of the history of how Bloom got started in there home moving to Palapas’ outside area before finding a home at the YMCA. I had a wonderful time working on this video and learning some of the history of Bloom. Here is that result Memories In Bloom .
Lock it up Marie
I want to share an obvious safety tip with everyone. That tip is to keep your outer doors and gates locked. Many of us have gates to our back yards and Garage doors that we don’t tend to keep closed and locked in addition to locking the front door. So many people tend to leave their garage doors slightly up. This allows a potential thief the opportunity to shimmy under it and gaining access to your home. Unlocked gates do the same thing.
With the economic times as bad as they are right no, (Even though they say we are on the way to recovery.) home invasion robberies are on the rise. A neighbor of mine filled me in on what thieves look for. He said they will find a quit street (set back cul-de sacs I would imagine work well.) they drive down it looking for points of entry that make for quick escapes. I kid you not the very next day I was out in my front yard and a pick up came down our cul-de-sac very slowly and when the came to circle around in front of my place the sped out of the cul-de-sac. I can’t say that they where casing the neighborhood but it was the vibe I was getting. It is important to keep doors locked for the safety of your home, pets and family.
A Summer Salad
I want to share a salad recipe and dressing recipe with everyone’ It is one of my favorite meals for a hot day. Salads are easy to make and are quit refreshing on a hot day with a glass of Ice Tea or and Arnold Palmer.
Take 2 chicken breast marinate with Honey Garlic powder and Olive oil. Once marinated, grill until cooked making sure to baste with the left over marinade.
Once you have grilled your chicken set aside and let it cool as you put together your salad. (One of my favorite things to put in a salad is cut up nectarine.) Once you have, your salad made cut up your grilled chicken into chunks and add.
To make the dressing combine 1 cup of mango blended till liquid, ¾ cup Olive Oil, ½ cup Balsamic Vinegar, 1 and ½ tablespoons garlic powder and 2 tablespoons of Honey. Whisk your dressing till blended completely the pour over salad and serve. This makes for a nice summer/fall meal. The dressing also works well as a dipping sauce.
American Art Awards
Recently I received notice on a couple of pieces that I submitted to the American Art Awards. This is a national competition. Galleries from across the US judge the works from several different categories. I was fortunate enough to have this opportunity presented to me from Mr. Thom Bierdz (you may know him as Philip Chancellor on the Young and the Restless a popular daytime drama.) My Piece Cherry Bomb was one of the finalists in the Abstract Modern category and my piece Freedom to Marry was given top honors in the Political Art category.
Going to the dogs
I want to share a bit of other news with you. I have recently taken over Ownership and Operation of Desert Pet Sitting. We are a local operation that provides in home services for dogs and cats, as well as dog walks and off site doggie day care. We offer reasonable rate and excellent care of your pet while you’re away. You can read our Bio on our site http://www.desertpetsitting.com/. I have also started a second blog at http://desertpetsitting.blogspot.com/ and find out five things you can do to put a smile on your dogs face. And 10 things you should feed your dogs or cats.
Well that about wraps it up for now. As always, I welcome your tips comments and thoughts. Take Care and GBY
-Helpful Hank
You can contact Helpful Hank with Questions, Comments, and Tips and, Deals at: askhelpfulhank@gmail.com Helpful Hank is written by Russell E. Bertlow © 2009 All rights reserved. No portion of this blog may be reprinted in part or whole without the express written permission from Russell E. Bertlow
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Helpful Hank Hummie and Harvey
Howdy all, Helpful Hank Here. I wanted to take a moment and share a nice little Video by TheImperfectArtist and 2 Minute Tales
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Helpful Hank: The Seeds We Sew
The Seeds We Sew
Hello all, Helpful Hank Here,
Well another year has come and gone for me. A year that has been filled with many challenges but with much hope. Friendships hanging by a shoestring now on the mind and friendships stronger then every.
Life is about change and believe me my life has changed plenty. For me this has been a time of growth. However, as the year came to a close I realized how much that I have gained and will gain as a result from this year of change.
I have a birthday tradition that I started back in 1986 after a particularly bad year (1985) and bad beginning to 1986. I decided to send out a birthday letter to my friends and family Thanking them for being a part of my life. Whether they were supportive or the catalyst that set about change, they all affected my life and got me through another year.
Sometimes the only way we will walk through a door is by being shoved through it with a good push on the back. So it’s important to remember and give that’s for those pushes on the back. As, used right, move you to a better place.
Life is always in motion. It is not about living it is about living well. Living well has nothing to do with how much you make. It is about how well you treat others, how strong your faith is in yourself and, in your higher power
Living well means letting go of those things that way you down and holding on to those things that lift you up. It is about not only remembering those lessons learned but using that information to make your life better. It is about taking time to celebrate share and enjoy. Whether you are celebrating a little moment or a grand moment in life or just a life. Whether you are sharing a tear, some laughter or a blue berry poppy seed muffin at Koffee with one of your best friends Share it whole-heartedly. If you are no enjoying your life despite its difficulties or tough times. If you cannot see its bright moments and use them to shine the light on the darkest moments so that you can find you back to those bright moments, then you are not living well. So live well and enjoy life.
I want to share a little project I just finished. I recently found the top of a large ceramic vase jar (The kind you put large bamboo poles in for display.) I’m guessing the rest was broken. There was enough there to use for my project. I took three Bamboo Poles to create my supports. I wrapped them with wire so they stood in a tripod fashion I lined the inside of the vase top covering the opening on the neck with some screen and then some small palm leaves and banana leaves. I filled with dirt mixing in some miracle grow and then gave it a good watering. The next day I planted some Celosia/Cockscomb, and around that, I planted Morning Glory seeds. My hope is that the Morning Glory Seeds having nothing to climb up will climb down the legs and through the wire wrap creating the feeling of cascading water as the flowers fill the planter and trail down the supports, while the celosia, which is flame like in its blooms, will create the feel of fire. Thus giving me the floral equivalent to fire on water. We shall see how it turns out.
The Celosia is a good plant for this climate as it can tolerate the dry hot heat. In addition, The Morning Glories ng Glories like full sun. This is a fairly easy project to do as all you need is some sort of container (preferably one with a v shape to it as those work well in a tripod type stand) 3 good sized pieces of bamboo, some wire, some screen (optional) a few palm or banana leaves, some dirt with a bit of fertilizer mixed in and, your plantings. The trickiest part is getting the wire wrapped so that the stand is stable.
I wanted to mention to All that we are indeed starting to get closer to new local election. You may have already been to a few campaign rallies maybe not. In any event, take a look at candidate for city Council Michael Gallardo. In his current position, he is the Editor of Talk Magazine as well as many other endeavors that he is involved in. He will be on the campaign trail here in Palm Springs and you can probably get a list of his appearances or at least where his next campaign stop is on his face book page. Michael I believe is a hard working individual who feels he can bring about and be a part of change for the better here in Palm Springs. If you catch one of his speeches let him know what you think. This way they know what we as citizens of Palm Springs can make an impact on how our town is run. He’s a good guy he’ll listen. He’s a voice of change.
Well soon I’ll be back to working on my kitchen cabinets again I’ll be glad to get those upper done and this project wrapped up and put to bed. My project after this will be to redo the awnings on the front of the house.
Well that about wraps it up for now. Remember keep the sunscreen on. While we have experienced a little cool down the sun is still out always is. So whether it is sunny, hazy, or cloudy, the sun still comes through with those harmful UV rays so keep the block on. If you get to hot why not go to the movies? It’s air conditioned, your not using your air at home and there are plenty of great movies out right now. I just saw Ice Age dawn of the Dinosaurs in 3D with my best friend and her daughter. We stayed cool and enjoyed a fun movie. It was a nice little break from the heat. Don’t forget to use the valley’s cooling centers.
Oh folks, If you can help out making Sandwiches at Well in the Desert Mondays at 9 we sure could use the help. As, Rev Kev says Many Hands Make for light work or word similar to that.
One last thing, check out nh8wear New Items have been added and you can help Support Marriage equality with each purchase as 10% of the profits go to those charities. You’ll also be supporting that entrepreneurial spirit as this is one of the ways we make our living.
Well till next time folks, Keep cool and enjoy the rest of the summer
Thank you to my readers for all your comments and support on and of my blog.
Helpful Hank
Here’s a tip for you can find out what’s going on in the Coachella Valley at The Desert411. You can desert. With a Comprehensive restaurant guide as well. You can join free and keep abreast of what’s happening here in the desert - HH
You can contact Helpful Hank with Questions, Comments, Tips and, Deals at: askhelpfulhank@gmail.com Helpful Hank is written by Russell E. Bertlow © 2009 All rights reserved. No portion of this blog may be reprinted in part or whole without the express written permission from Russell E. Bertlow
Hello all, Helpful Hank Here,
Well another year has come and gone for me. A year that has been filled with many challenges but with much hope. Friendships hanging by a shoestring now on the mind and friendships stronger then every.
Life is about change and believe me my life has changed plenty. For me this has been a time of growth. However, as the year came to a close I realized how much that I have gained and will gain as a result from this year of change.
I have a birthday tradition that I started back in 1986 after a particularly bad year (1985) and bad beginning to 1986. I decided to send out a birthday letter to my friends and family Thanking them for being a part of my life. Whether they were supportive or the catalyst that set about change, they all affected my life and got me through another year.
Sometimes the only way we will walk through a door is by being shoved through it with a good push on the back. So it’s important to remember and give that’s for those pushes on the back. As, used right, move you to a better place.
Life is always in motion. It is not about living it is about living well. Living well has nothing to do with how much you make. It is about how well you treat others, how strong your faith is in yourself and, in your higher power
Living well means letting go of those things that way you down and holding on to those things that lift you up. It is about not only remembering those lessons learned but using that information to make your life better. It is about taking time to celebrate share and enjoy. Whether you are celebrating a little moment or a grand moment in life or just a life. Whether you are sharing a tear, some laughter or a blue berry poppy seed muffin at Koffee with one of your best friends Share it whole-heartedly. If you are no enjoying your life despite its difficulties or tough times. If you cannot see its bright moments and use them to shine the light on the darkest moments so that you can find you back to those bright moments, then you are not living well. So live well and enjoy life.
I want to share a little project I just finished. I recently found the top of a large ceramic vase jar (The kind you put large bamboo poles in for display.) I’m guessing the rest was broken. There was enough there to use for my project. I took three Bamboo Poles to create my supports. I wrapped them with wire so they stood in a tripod fashion I lined the inside of the vase top covering the opening on the neck with some screen and then some small palm leaves and banana leaves. I filled with dirt mixing in some miracle grow and then gave it a good watering. The next day I planted some Celosia/Cockscomb, and around that, I planted Morning Glory seeds. My hope is that the Morning Glory Seeds having nothing to climb up will climb down the legs and through the wire wrap creating the feeling of cascading water as the flowers fill the planter and trail down the supports, while the celosia, which is flame like in its blooms, will create the feel of fire. Thus giving me the floral equivalent to fire on water. We shall see how it turns out.
The Celosia is a good plant for this climate as it can tolerate the dry hot heat. In addition, The Morning Glories ng Glories like full sun. This is a fairly easy project to do as all you need is some sort of container (preferably one with a v shape to it as those work well in a tripod type stand) 3 good sized pieces of bamboo, some wire, some screen (optional) a few palm or banana leaves, some dirt with a bit of fertilizer mixed in and, your plantings. The trickiest part is getting the wire wrapped so that the stand is stable.
I wanted to mention to All that we are indeed starting to get closer to new local election. You may have already been to a few campaign rallies maybe not. In any event, take a look at candidate for city Council Michael Gallardo. In his current position, he is the Editor of Talk Magazine as well as many other endeavors that he is involved in. He will be on the campaign trail here in Palm Springs and you can probably get a list of his appearances or at least where his next campaign stop is on his face book page. Michael I believe is a hard working individual who feels he can bring about and be a part of change for the better here in Palm Springs. If you catch one of his speeches let him know what you think. This way they know what we as citizens of Palm Springs can make an impact on how our town is run. He’s a good guy he’ll listen. He’s a voice of change.
Well soon I’ll be back to working on my kitchen cabinets again I’ll be glad to get those upper done and this project wrapped up and put to bed. My project after this will be to redo the awnings on the front of the house.
Well that about wraps it up for now. Remember keep the sunscreen on. While we have experienced a little cool down the sun is still out always is. So whether it is sunny, hazy, or cloudy, the sun still comes through with those harmful UV rays so keep the block on. If you get to hot why not go to the movies? It’s air conditioned, your not using your air at home and there are plenty of great movies out right now. I just saw Ice Age dawn of the Dinosaurs in 3D with my best friend and her daughter. We stayed cool and enjoyed a fun movie. It was a nice little break from the heat. Don’t forget to use the valley’s cooling centers.
Oh folks, If you can help out making Sandwiches at Well in the Desert Mondays at 9 we sure could use the help. As, Rev Kev says Many Hands Make for light work or word similar to that.
One last thing, check out nh8wear New Items have been added and you can help Support Marriage equality with each purchase as 10% of the profits go to those charities. You’ll also be supporting that entrepreneurial spirit as this is one of the ways we make our living.
Well till next time folks, Keep cool and enjoy the rest of the summer
Thank you to my readers for all your comments and support on and of my blog.
Helpful Hank
Here’s a tip for you can find out what’s going on in the Coachella Valley at The Desert411. You can desert. With a Comprehensive restaurant guide as well. You can join free and keep abreast of what’s happening here in the desert - HH
You can contact Helpful Hank with Questions, Comments, Tips and, Deals at: askhelpfulhank@gmail.com Helpful Hank is written by Russell E. Bertlow © 2009 All rights reserved. No portion of this blog may be reprinted in part or whole without the express written permission from Russell E. Bertlow
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Auntie Mame, Mangos and Marketing
Auntie Mame Mangos and Marketing
Hello all, Helpful Hank Here.
Well we all seem to be getting through this heat. With no real cool down in sight Recently, I took care of one of my friends dogs. She stayed with me will my friend was out of town on an over night trip. We had gotten together before hand so that our dogs could me and greet. We got to talking about movies and which ones we enjoyed. I had mention in passing that someday I was going to get my hands on a copy of Auntie Mame with Rosalind Russell. To my surprise, it showed up in my mailbox, a gift from my friend for watching her dog.
It had been a while since I had seen this movie so I was eager to put it in and watch it.
As I watched the movie, I was pleasantly surprised to find it just as witty and entertaining as the first time I watched it. (If you have never seen it and enjoy witty old movies, this one is right up there with the best of them.)
One of the running gags in the movie was about a drink made with honey and how awful it was. To that means, I thought I would share my favorite Summer time drink that I drink to stay cool. Don’t worry theirs no honey in these drinks I reserve the honey for my cornbread. It is a very tasty drink and without the alcohol, it has nutritional value.
The Fruity Cowboy (aka a Redneck): Take a tall glass Fill it with equal parts cranberry juice and lemonade garnish with a wedge of Lime, Lemon or a maraschino cherry. That simple, you can also add Orange juice into this mixture. You can blend it as well for a smoothie or icee. To turn it into a Hi-Octane drink add two shots Vodka In my last blog,
I shared with you how to make Mango cream. I promised my Recipe for Mango Truffels.Here is a recipe for Raspberry Mango Ice cream truffles that is simple and tasty as well.
Raspberry Mango Ice cream Truffles What you will need :
1 ripe Mango
1 cup Karo or corn syrup
1 pint of heavy whipping cream
2 cups dark chocolate chips
3 cups Milk chocolate chips
3/4 cup sweet condensed milk
2 caps full ( apx 2 teaspoons) of cooking oil
3 caps full (apx 1 ½ teaspoon)of raspberry extract.
In a blender blend ½ pint heavy whipping cream, cut up Mango and karo or corn syrup until it starts to form small peaks.
In a double boiler, place two cups of dark chocolate chips and one cup of milk chocolate chips. Mix until mixture becomes liquid. Add in the mango cream mixture and ½ sweet condensed milk, mix untilsmooth.
Pour mixture into a deep plastic storage container Put the lid on and place in freezer for about ½ hour. (It should be set up firm but not hard.)
Taking a spoon or mini Ice cream scoop. Scoop into small balls placing on a tray or dish lined with wax paper. Once you have all you truffle scooped out, cover with wax paper and place back in freezer to firm them up.
While they are in the freezer in the double boiler ( after you have washed it out) combine the rest of your milk chocolate chip with the sweet and condensed milk raspberry extract and cooking oil and melt stirring until mixture is smooth ( melt the chips completely before adding oil milk and raspberry extract) once you have your melted mixture your working time is limited.
Take your truffles out of the freezer and with a candy spoon or a pair of tongs dip each truffle in chocolate swirling till completely covered. Place truffle back on dish. Once you have coated all, cover dish back up and place it back in the freezer for 15 minutes.
The best way to keep these is in a covered container frozen or refrigerated. (They will melt when left out for periods greater then a couple of hours unless it is hot then they will melt much sooner.).
Recently, I have been spending a lot of time between marketing nh8wear and helping out at Bloom In The Deserts office, filling in while someone was on vacation.
I haven’t been able to get back to my cabinets as my thumb is still healing but soon.
My best friend here in the desert Terah has been teaching me about banner rotation and the wonderful world of Banner exchanges. It’s interesting and a good marketing tool. You just have to be careful as, Some of these sites have real limits to size (KB’s )of banner. Some sites only allow 15KB, which basically means a static banner (not animated).
It is always nice to learn something new. Right now I am looking at different banner exchanges and doing a lot of researching for glbt banner exchanges,.( If anyone knows of any glbt banner exchanges for e-commerce fell free to share .) which brings me to my next topic. Learning to do things in a new way.
Many of use are coming to the end or have already come to the end of our unemployment insurance benefits. The smart ones divide their time looking for employment and learning a new skill or craft. Even taking a hobby and trying to turn it into a marketable product or career.
We are not necessarily giving up on the nine to five. However, as the job market gets tougher we are exploring more options. The entrepreneurial spirit is having a great resurgence. That’s a good thing.
Along with that is a more tempered view of the road to success coupled with people willing to put in the time.
We aren’t looking for a get rich scheme or some fast cash. What we are looking to do though is build something that will be a sustainable source of income that can ultimately replace the nine to five giving them a lot more freedom. Some of us have opened on line shops, while others are more into text add exchanges or building blogs and web site or blogging. Some sell their graphics on line. There are a variety of sites to assist you.
We are beginning to look at ourselves in new ways, which, is, and old way of thinking, that got lost along the way. These tough economic times we live if are worse financial and are having a greater impact then the great depression did financially. But, it is all relative to the times. The good news is people are taking more risk on themselves and their abilities and stretching their capabilities. The even better news is that as this recession winds down, (and it is slowly but surely.) we will start to see larger fruit from our labor. We will have created a sustainable income that has great growth potential.
More and more people are exploring different options as far as making an income goes. We have learned to be patience with our process and progress. We don’t expect it to take off over night. We have faith in our ideas. We know we are on the right path even if we make a few missteps. We pick ourselves up and move forward.
Many of us market multiple products and services at first until we fine-tune what are niche is. For some of us it is marketing a few products and services, for other we focus on one product. We spend our time branding our name, service or product. We Tweet and Facebook and so on. We have so many ways we can market and that is a great thing. So to all of you who are like me, trying to create a sustainable income. I say cheers keep that euntrepuneral sprite alive.
Well that about wraps it up folks. Try and stay cool and if you need to use the cooling centers in and around the valley here then do so, as that is what they are there for. If you want to do something great for others Join us down at Well in the Desert Mondays at nine and help make sandwiches for those in need of a good lunch. We have a great time, the people are friendly and you end up feeling good at the end. And in these tough times when it is easy to feel like nothing is going right. Feeling good is a great way to boost you happy quota. They are right down there on Barristo Rd in palm springs. . Till next time this is Helpful Hank signing off. Remember to keep hydrated and to wear sunscreen even if your skin tone is darker. The UV’s can still harm you. Even black people can get sunburned. My son’s mother burns real easy.
You can contact Helpful Hank with Questions, Comments, Tips and, Deals at: askhelpfulhank@gmail.com
Helpful Hank is written by Russell E. Bertlow © 2009 All rights reserved. No portion of this blog may be reprinted in part or whole without the express written permission from Russell E. Bertlow
Hello all, Helpful Hank Here.
Well we all seem to be getting through this heat. With no real cool down in sight Recently, I took care of one of my friends dogs. She stayed with me will my friend was out of town on an over night trip. We had gotten together before hand so that our dogs could me and greet. We got to talking about movies and which ones we enjoyed. I had mention in passing that someday I was going to get my hands on a copy of Auntie Mame with Rosalind Russell. To my surprise, it showed up in my mailbox, a gift from my friend for watching her dog.
It had been a while since I had seen this movie so I was eager to put it in and watch it.
As I watched the movie, I was pleasantly surprised to find it just as witty and entertaining as the first time I watched it. (If you have never seen it and enjoy witty old movies, this one is right up there with the best of them.)
One of the running gags in the movie was about a drink made with honey and how awful it was. To that means, I thought I would share my favorite Summer time drink that I drink to stay cool. Don’t worry theirs no honey in these drinks I reserve the honey for my cornbread. It is a very tasty drink and without the alcohol, it has nutritional value.
The Fruity Cowboy (aka a Redneck): Take a tall glass Fill it with equal parts cranberry juice and lemonade garnish with a wedge of Lime, Lemon or a maraschino cherry. That simple, you can also add Orange juice into this mixture. You can blend it as well for a smoothie or icee. To turn it into a Hi-Octane drink add two shots Vodka In my last blog,
I shared with you how to make Mango cream. I promised my Recipe for Mango Truffels.Here is a recipe for Raspberry Mango Ice cream truffles that is simple and tasty as well.
Raspberry Mango Ice cream Truffles What you will need :
1 ripe Mango
1 cup Karo or corn syrup
1 pint of heavy whipping cream
2 cups dark chocolate chips
3 cups Milk chocolate chips
3/4 cup sweet condensed milk
2 caps full ( apx 2 teaspoons) of cooking oil
3 caps full (apx 1 ½ teaspoon)of raspberry extract.
In a blender blend ½ pint heavy whipping cream, cut up Mango and karo or corn syrup until it starts to form small peaks.
In a double boiler, place two cups of dark chocolate chips and one cup of milk chocolate chips. Mix until mixture becomes liquid. Add in the mango cream mixture and ½ sweet condensed milk, mix untilsmooth.
Pour mixture into a deep plastic storage container Put the lid on and place in freezer for about ½ hour. (It should be set up firm but not hard.)
Taking a spoon or mini Ice cream scoop. Scoop into small balls placing on a tray or dish lined with wax paper. Once you have all you truffle scooped out, cover with wax paper and place back in freezer to firm them up.
While they are in the freezer in the double boiler ( after you have washed it out) combine the rest of your milk chocolate chip with the sweet and condensed milk raspberry extract and cooking oil and melt stirring until mixture is smooth ( melt the chips completely before adding oil milk and raspberry extract) once you have your melted mixture your working time is limited.
Take your truffles out of the freezer and with a candy spoon or a pair of tongs dip each truffle in chocolate swirling till completely covered. Place truffle back on dish. Once you have coated all, cover dish back up and place it back in the freezer for 15 minutes.
The best way to keep these is in a covered container frozen or refrigerated. (They will melt when left out for periods greater then a couple of hours unless it is hot then they will melt much sooner.).
Recently, I have been spending a lot of time between marketing nh8wear and helping out at Bloom In The Deserts office, filling in while someone was on vacation.
I haven’t been able to get back to my cabinets as my thumb is still healing but soon.
My best friend here in the desert Terah has been teaching me about banner rotation and the wonderful world of Banner exchanges. It’s interesting and a good marketing tool. You just have to be careful as, Some of these sites have real limits to size (KB’s )of banner. Some sites only allow 15KB, which basically means a static banner (not animated).
It is always nice to learn something new. Right now I am looking at different banner exchanges and doing a lot of researching for glbt banner exchanges,.( If anyone knows of any glbt banner exchanges for e-commerce fell free to share .) which brings me to my next topic. Learning to do things in a new way.
Many of use are coming to the end or have already come to the end of our unemployment insurance benefits. The smart ones divide their time looking for employment and learning a new skill or craft. Even taking a hobby and trying to turn it into a marketable product or career.
We are not necessarily giving up on the nine to five. However, as the job market gets tougher we are exploring more options. The entrepreneurial spirit is having a great resurgence. That’s a good thing.
Along with that is a more tempered view of the road to success coupled with people willing to put in the time.
We aren’t looking for a get rich scheme or some fast cash. What we are looking to do though is build something that will be a sustainable source of income that can ultimately replace the nine to five giving them a lot more freedom. Some of us have opened on line shops, while others are more into text add exchanges or building blogs and web site or blogging. Some sell their graphics on line. There are a variety of sites to assist you.
We are beginning to look at ourselves in new ways, which, is, and old way of thinking, that got lost along the way. These tough economic times we live if are worse financial and are having a greater impact then the great depression did financially. But, it is all relative to the times. The good news is people are taking more risk on themselves and their abilities and stretching their capabilities. The even better news is that as this recession winds down, (and it is slowly but surely.) we will start to see larger fruit from our labor. We will have created a sustainable income that has great growth potential.
More and more people are exploring different options as far as making an income goes. We have learned to be patience with our process and progress. We don’t expect it to take off over night. We have faith in our ideas. We know we are on the right path even if we make a few missteps. We pick ourselves up and move forward.
Many of us market multiple products and services at first until we fine-tune what are niche is. For some of us it is marketing a few products and services, for other we focus on one product. We spend our time branding our name, service or product. We Tweet and Facebook and so on. We have so many ways we can market and that is a great thing. So to all of you who are like me, trying to create a sustainable income. I say cheers keep that euntrepuneral sprite alive.
Well that about wraps it up folks. Try and stay cool and if you need to use the cooling centers in and around the valley here then do so, as that is what they are there for. If you want to do something great for others Join us down at Well in the Desert Mondays at nine and help make sandwiches for those in need of a good lunch. We have a great time, the people are friendly and you end up feeling good at the end. And in these tough times when it is easy to feel like nothing is going right. Feeling good is a great way to boost you happy quota. They are right down there on Barristo Rd in palm springs. . Till next time this is Helpful Hank signing off. Remember to keep hydrated and to wear sunscreen even if your skin tone is darker. The UV’s can still harm you. Even black people can get sunburned. My son’s mother burns real easy.
You can contact Helpful Hank with Questions, Comments, Tips and, Deals at: askhelpfulhank@gmail.com
Helpful Hank is written by Russell E. Bertlow © 2009 All rights reserved. No portion of this blog may be reprinted in part or whole without the express written permission from Russell E. Bertlow
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Helpful Hank of Remembrance and Celebration
Hello Folks, Helpful Hank here. I trust Everyone had a happy 4th of July. We spent the day working on projects and then had friends over for a BBQ and capped the night off with a dog walk downtown Palm Springs.
Well we finally finished the lower set of cabinets I’m happy to say. Now We just have the uppers. It has been a project so far. Getting the lowers done has allowed me to work on some other projects while my spouse was home.
One of the projects we worked on were curtain rods. We had wooden curtain rods and because of the weight of the curtains they had begun to bow. So we decided to look for new ones.
Last time he was here we had gone out and priced them and they can get pricey. We found some end caps that we like so I suggested that I make the curtain rods ourselves with steel poles. What we ended up doing is buying steel pipe for plumbing. We cut it down to size and using black spray paint and a hammered bronze spray paint I was able to create the look we wanted for a fraction of the cost (Each ten-foot section was $6.49.) and all we needed was a hacksaw and some spray paint. They are much sturdier then the wood poles and fit in to our décor nicely.
Recently I had the opportunity to bake a carrot cake ( I use my Grandmothers recipe with a few minor changes as it she made the best I had ever had, I was getting ready to make the cream cheese frosting when I realized I didn’t have powdered sugar. My solution is one that I have used before. I took granular sugar and two cups at a time placed it in my blender and on the pulse setting, I ran the blender on liquefy and blended it until it became powdered sugar. It needs a bit of blending and the reason for using the pulse setting is that the sugar can settle and not move. Using the pulse setting helps to prevent that.
As we celebrate our Independence from British rule, we also celebrate those ordinary people who 40 years ago stood up to be counted at the Stonewall Inn. Just as our fore fathers and fore mothers stood up to tyranny in the 1700’s so did the Ordinary people at the Stonewall Inn. They were just the fringes of humanity who where morning the loss of someone they felt a connection to. (Judy Garland) on the day she was laid to rest. They were not the popular people but they were the ones who had nothing left to lose. To paraphrase what Divine said in Hair Spray. I’ve had it up to here and my diet pills have worn off. I know the feeling.
These folks said enough is enough and How dare you on this day. Pushed to the edge they snapped like a branch in a hard wind, much like our ancestors did when they through the tea in the harbor.
On June 28th at apx 1:03 A.M. the Street Queens, Dykes, Radical Fairies and others decide to fight back. Though this wasn’t the first gay bar to have its patrons fight back this was the one that changed history. When all was said and done we as a community started to see that we did not have to live our lives apologizing for who we are. They fought for our independence as a people. Much like our solders who fought for America’s freedom.
So As we celebrate the 4th of July let us also not forget that Sunday 40 years ago, Street Queens, Dykes and Radical Fairies fought for freedom even if they didn’t realize the magnitude of their battle at the time. With this freedom (independence) comes responsibility. That is never to forget what they fought for and, to continue to fight for freedom.
As a country we continue to fight for freedom as a community we must as well.
So three cheers to the colonist who fought for independence from British Tyranny and three more for those ordinary people who did so as well at the Stonewall Inn 40 years ago. For without ordinary people who put themselves in extraordinary situations for the betterment of others, knowingly or unknowingly, they changed history and gave us the modern gay movement. It is up to us to keep their momentum going until total equality is reached. Freedom isn’t Freedom and less the least of us has it.
We I recently joined a church down in the desert here. Bloom In The Desert Ministries is a warm and welcoming congregation whose modo is “We Welcome All Who Welcome All. For any member of the glbt community it can be a struggle to reconcile who we are with faith. We learn from an early age in many cases that the two cannot exist in harmony. That they are at odds with one another. It can take a great deal of time and some of us are never able to reach the place where who we are enhances our faith as it should.
Well that about wraps it up until next time keep safe and sound. And folks, if you can come on down to Well In The Desert Monday Mornings at 9:00 A.M. and help with "Sandwich Mondays". that would be super. nh8wear has introduce their new signature t-shirt I support Marriage Equality as well as their new Hartland Hearts T and American Pride T-Shirt
One last thing, I’d be remiss If I didn’t say something about MJ (50) and Farrah. Fawcett (62) Two great talents gone to soon as one sang.
Michael’s influence and impact on music and his charitable ways, (Regardless of what personal demons real or imagined that he may or may not have battled.) will never cease. He was a phenomenal talent. He was as much the people’s prince as Dear Diana was the people’s princess. My whish is that he is at peace watching over his children. I watched a bit of his Memorial Today and thought it to be a very fitting touching tribute to the man. My heart broke for his kids. No child should have to be that young and lose a parent. It’s hard enough at 46.
Farrah was a Pop Icon who actually had some acting chops. I liked her in Charlies Angels (though Sabrina was my favorite.) and was amazed at her ability in Extremities and the Burning Bed. It was sad to see this sweet woman suffer as she did. I hope her son Redmond can get his life together for his own sake.
May they along with Fred Travalena ( 66-Comedian/Impressionist), Gail Storm (87-Actress) Karl Malden (97-actor), Steve McNair(36-Form NFL Quarterback), Robert McNamara ( 93-Former Secretary of Defense), Billy Mays (50-Pitchman of products and half of the show The Pitch Men) may they all rest in peace.
Folks we have Heated up here in the desert with our typical summer weather pattern.
Please remember to keep yourself hydrated, use sunscreen and wear hats.
Helpful Hank
You can contact Helpful Hank with Questions, Comments, Tips and, Deals : Here
Bloom In The Desert Ministries
Helpful Hank is written by Russell E. Bertlow © 2009 All rights reserved. No portion of this blog may be reprinted in part or whole without the express written permission from Russell E. Bertlow.
Well we finally finished the lower set of cabinets I’m happy to say. Now We just have the uppers. It has been a project so far. Getting the lowers done has allowed me to work on some other projects while my spouse was home.
One of the projects we worked on were curtain rods. We had wooden curtain rods and because of the weight of the curtains they had begun to bow. So we decided to look for new ones.
Last time he was here we had gone out and priced them and they can get pricey. We found some end caps that we like so I suggested that I make the curtain rods ourselves with steel poles. What we ended up doing is buying steel pipe for plumbing. We cut it down to size and using black spray paint and a hammered bronze spray paint I was able to create the look we wanted for a fraction of the cost (Each ten-foot section was $6.49.) and all we needed was a hacksaw and some spray paint. They are much sturdier then the wood poles and fit in to our décor nicely.
Recently I had the opportunity to bake a carrot cake ( I use my Grandmothers recipe with a few minor changes as it she made the best I had ever had, I was getting ready to make the cream cheese frosting when I realized I didn’t have powdered sugar. My solution is one that I have used before. I took granular sugar and two cups at a time placed it in my blender and on the pulse setting, I ran the blender on liquefy and blended it until it became powdered sugar. It needs a bit of blending and the reason for using the pulse setting is that the sugar can settle and not move. Using the pulse setting helps to prevent that.
As we celebrate our Independence from British rule, we also celebrate those ordinary people who 40 years ago stood up to be counted at the Stonewall Inn. Just as our fore fathers and fore mothers stood up to tyranny in the 1700’s so did the Ordinary people at the Stonewall Inn. They were just the fringes of humanity who where morning the loss of someone they felt a connection to. (Judy Garland) on the day she was laid to rest. They were not the popular people but they were the ones who had nothing left to lose. To paraphrase what Divine said in Hair Spray. I’ve had it up to here and my diet pills have worn off. I know the feeling.
These folks said enough is enough and How dare you on this day. Pushed to the edge they snapped like a branch in a hard wind, much like our ancestors did when they through the tea in the harbor.
On June 28th at apx 1:03 A.M. the Street Queens, Dykes, Radical Fairies and others decide to fight back. Though this wasn’t the first gay bar to have its patrons fight back this was the one that changed history. When all was said and done we as a community started to see that we did not have to live our lives apologizing for who we are. They fought for our independence as a people. Much like our solders who fought for America’s freedom.
So As we celebrate the 4th of July let us also not forget that Sunday 40 years ago, Street Queens, Dykes and Radical Fairies fought for freedom even if they didn’t realize the magnitude of their battle at the time. With this freedom (independence) comes responsibility. That is never to forget what they fought for and, to continue to fight for freedom.
As a country we continue to fight for freedom as a community we must as well.
So three cheers to the colonist who fought for independence from British Tyranny and three more for those ordinary people who did so as well at the Stonewall Inn 40 years ago. For without ordinary people who put themselves in extraordinary situations for the betterment of others, knowingly or unknowingly, they changed history and gave us the modern gay movement. It is up to us to keep their momentum going until total equality is reached. Freedom isn’t Freedom and less the least of us has it.
We I recently joined a church down in the desert here. Bloom In The Desert Ministries is a warm and welcoming congregation whose modo is “We Welcome All Who Welcome All. For any member of the glbt community it can be a struggle to reconcile who we are with faith. We learn from an early age in many cases that the two cannot exist in harmony. That they are at odds with one another. It can take a great deal of time and some of us are never able to reach the place where who we are enhances our faith as it should.
Well that about wraps it up until next time keep safe and sound. And folks, if you can come on down to Well In The Desert Monday Mornings at 9:00 A.M. and help with "Sandwich Mondays". that would be super. nh8wear has introduce their new signature t-shirt I support Marriage Equality as well as their new Hartland Hearts T and American Pride T-Shirt
One last thing, I’d be remiss If I didn’t say something about MJ (50) and Farrah. Fawcett (62) Two great talents gone to soon as one sang.
Michael’s influence and impact on music and his charitable ways, (Regardless of what personal demons real or imagined that he may or may not have battled.) will never cease. He was a phenomenal talent. He was as much the people’s prince as Dear Diana was the people’s princess. My whish is that he is at peace watching over his children. I watched a bit of his Memorial Today and thought it to be a very fitting touching tribute to the man. My heart broke for his kids. No child should have to be that young and lose a parent. It’s hard enough at 46.
Farrah was a Pop Icon who actually had some acting chops. I liked her in Charlies Angels (though Sabrina was my favorite.) and was amazed at her ability in Extremities and the Burning Bed. It was sad to see this sweet woman suffer as she did. I hope her son Redmond can get his life together for his own sake.
May they along with Fred Travalena ( 66-Comedian/Impressionist), Gail Storm (87-Actress) Karl Malden (97-actor), Steve McNair(36-Form NFL Quarterback), Robert McNamara ( 93-Former Secretary of Defense), Billy Mays (50-Pitchman of products and half of the show The Pitch Men) may they all rest in peace.
Folks we have Heated up here in the desert with our typical summer weather pattern.
Please remember to keep yourself hydrated, use sunscreen and wear hats.
Helpful Hank
You can contact Helpful Hank with Questions, Comments, Tips and, Deals : Here
Bloom In The Desert Ministries
Helpful Hank is written by Russell E. Bertlow © 2009 All rights reserved. No portion of this blog may be reprinted in part or whole without the express written permission from Russell E. Bertlow.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
