Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya

JWise Photo of the Day

Photo from inside the theater watching the Bollywood film Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya starring Salman Khan and Sushmita Sen

Following a busy day where Caroline took a mid-term and the final on the same day (got an A for the class) along with her eval for taking an English class, we later had dinner with Kirk K. at The Persian Room for nearly three hours before we headed south to Tempe to see the Bollywood film Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya starring Salman Khan and Sushmita Sen. Maine Pyaar was a nice little romantic comedy, although I probably wouldn’t recommend it to someone seeing their first Hindi film.

I learned today that some interesting concerts are coming up. On September 10th is Aruna Sayeeram, a Carnatic vocalist, and the following night is Amjad Ali Khan, who is said to be a master of the Sarod. On October 15th is a return performance of Veena Sahasrabuddhe, whom Caroline and I saw perform a couple of years ago; she is GREAT! To learn more about any of these concerts, check either the Fine Arts Association of Arizona or AZ India.

Goat Cheese and Asparagus

JWise Photo of the Day

Working from Linda McCartney's Vegetarian Cookbook I made her recipe for Lemon Risotto with Asparagus and Goat Cheese

Cooking at home, Caroline and I eat a vegetarian diet; Caroline maintains a vegetarian diet at all times, while when we eat out, I remain a meatatarian. So, cooking at home can be a challenge as I do not want to resort to steamed carrots and lettuce.

Besides the Indian, Thai, Italian, Greek, Chinese, and various Asian influences on our cooking, I look for just about any tip from cookbooks and online sources that point me in the direction of savory, full-flavored meals that bring excitement to veggies, lentils, beans, and the occasional soy product.

Tonight’s dinner of Asparagus with Lemon Risotto is given extra punch with the addition of goat cheese. Unfortunately, I picked up a run-of-the-mill soft goat cheese made in America that can’t hold a stick to one of those pungent French goat cheeses that probably make ordinary people’s toes curl. The recipe comes from Linda McCartney’s “World of Vegetarian Cooking.”

The Kurchoff Way

JWise Photo of the Day

John Wise helping paint a house in Scottsdale, Arizona

For 100 years following the immigration of the Kurchoffs to America, my ancestors, up to my Grandfather Kurchoff, were painters. Today, I picked up the mantel and continued that tradition when a friend asked for help painting a house.

A helper who had failed to show up for a few days necessitated that Brad find someone else who could paint trim; that was me. A novice for sure, but I knew the basics, so before the day was finished, I had painted the trim in five rooms and completely painted three bathrooms. Looks as though I might be helping again next week.

Cold Fusion User Group

JWise Photo of the Day

Screen Capture from Arizona Cold Fusion Users Group web page

Today’s image is a screen capture of the Arizona Cold Fusion Users Group, which Caroline attends on a monthly basis. Not only does Caroline attend the meetings, but we also supplied the images used on the current site. On the left column of the screen, you will see a figure seated on a horse, that is from the Tom Mix Monument. The monument is on the side of State Road 79 between Phoenix and Tucson. Click Here to see our original image.

Monsoon

JWise Photo of the Day

Heavy monsoon rains and high winds strike Phoenix, Arizona

The elusive monsoon strikes Phoenix, Arizona, with force this afternoon in what is becoming a rare appearance on these lands. Creating near white-out conditions, a strong wind from the north pushed sheets of water so fast that visibility was reduced to about 130 feet. The thunder and lightning that normally accompany the monsoon were fairly weak tonight, with only a few far-off strikes heard.

Recovery

JWise Photo of the Day

Recovering from the road trip that took me 7,230 miles from Arizona to New York and back, I need tylenol for a headache and water for dehydration

Leaving the humid northeast and midwest, I entered the southwest and seemingly forgot to keep drinking. Hydration in the arid desert is vital, and normally, I know this but exhausted from driving 7,230 miles (11.712 km), I forgot this to my own detriment, and the pain reliever only went so far to alleviate the pounding in my head brought on by lack of water. Lots of water and sleep finally revitalized me, for the most part.