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February 28, 2008
It's been hectic recently. I have not web surfed for a while. Today during lunch break, I checked out some updates. And I was delighted to find out EN got a BMW hydrogen 7 car. I remember seeing this car one year ago at the auto show and was particular impressed (maybe more by the concept/idea less by the actually engineering design due to my ignorance of auto tech). One thing can be misleading is that this car can be powered by both hydrogen and gas. And given the relatively scares resource of hydrogen fuel, I doubt how many of these people who received H7 from BMW will drive this car with hydrogen in the tank for their daily use. It seems to be more for propaganda. Nevertheless, it's a good news.
Posted by renh at 01:15 PM | Comments (0)
February 17, 2008
creme brulee
Creme Brulee
Recipe courtesy Alton Brown, 2005
Show: Good Eats
Episode: My Pod
1 quart heavy cream
1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
1 cup vanilla sugar, divided
6 large egg yolks
2 quarts hot water
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
Place the cream, vanilla bean and its pulp into a medium saucepan set over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat, cover and allow to sit for 15 minutes. Remove the vanilla bean and reserve for another use.
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup sugar and the egg yolks until well blended and it just starts to lighten in color. Add the cream a little at a time, stirring continually. Pour the liquid into 6 (7 to 8-ounce) ramekins. Place the ramekins into a large cake pan or roasting pan. Pour enough hot water into the pan to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake just until the creme brulee is set, but still trembling in the center, approximately 40 to 45 minutes. Remove the ramekins from the roasting pan and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 3 days.
Remove the creme brulee from the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes prior to browning the sugar on top. Divide the remaining 1/2 cup vanilla sugar equally among the 6 dishes and spread evenly on top. Using a torch, melt the sugar and form a crispy top. Allow the creme brulee to sit for at least 5 minutes before serving.
Posted by renh at 09:37 PM | Comments (0)
February 14, 2008
Xtina
Recent news about B. Spears is around everywhere. I recalled some conversation with my classmates back in college. While they were very much into Spears, I like Christina. It's good to see her staying sane now.
Fighter
By Christina Aguilera
When I, thought I knew you
Thinking, that you were true
I guess I, I couldn't trust
'Cause your bluff time is up
'Cause I've had enough
You were, there by my side
Always, down for the ride
But your, joy ride just came down in flames
'Cause your greed sold me out of shame, mmhmm
After all of the stealing and cheating
You probably think that I hold resentment for you
But, uh uh, oh no, you're wrong
'Cause if it wasn't for all that you tried to do
I wouldn't know just how capable I am to pull through
So I wanna say thank you
'Cause it makes me that much stronger
Makes me work a little bit harder
It makes me that much wiser
So thanks for making me a fighter
Made me learn a little bit faster
Made my skin a little bit thicker
Makes me that much smarter
So thanks for making me a fighter
Oh, ohh
Never, saw it coming
All of, your backstabbing
Just so, you could cash in
On a good thing before I realized your game
I heard, you're going around
Playing, the victim now
But don't, even begin
Feeling I'm the one to blame
'Cause you dug your own grave, uh huh
After all of the fights and the lies
Yes you wanted to harm me but that won't work anymore
Uh, no more, oh no, it's over
'Cause if it wasn't for all of your torture
I wouldn't know how to be this way now, and never back down
So I wanna say thank you
'Cause it makes me that much stronger
Makes me work a little bit harder
Makes me that much wiser
So thanks for making me a fighter
Made me learn a little bit faster
Made my skin a little bit thicker
It makes me that much smarter
So thanks for making me a fighter
---------------
Hurt
Seems like it was yesterday when I saw your face
You told me how proud you were but I walked away
If only I knew what I know today
Ooh, Oooh..
I would hold you in my arms
I would take the pain away
Thank you for all you've done
Forgive all your mistakes
There's nothing I wouldn't do
To hear your voice again
Sometimes I want to call you
But I know you won't be there
OOh, I'm sorry for blaming you
For everything I just couldn't do
And I've hurt myself, by hating you.
Somedays I feel broke inside but I won't admit
Sometimes I just want to hide, cause it's you I miss
And it's so hard to say goodbye
When it comes to this
Oooh, Yeah..
Would you tell me I was wrong?
[Hurt lyrics on http://www.metrolyrics.com]
Would you help me understand?
Are you looking down upon me?
Are you proud of who I am?
There's nothing I wouldn't do
To have just one more chance
To look into your eyes
And see you looking back
OOh, I'm sorry for blaming you
For everything I just couldn't do
And I've hurt myself, Oooh..
If I had just one more day
I would tell you how much
That I've missed you since
You've been away.
Oooh, It's dangerous
so out of line...
to try and turn back time...
I'm sorry for blaming you
For everything I just couldn't do
And I've hurt myself..
By hating you...
-----------------------
You save me from myself
It's not so easy loving me
It gets so complicated
All the things you've gotta be
Everything's changin
But you're the truth
I'm amazed by all your patience
Everything I put you through
When I'm about to fall
Somehow you're always waitin
With your open arms to catch me
You're gonna save me from myself
From myself, yes
You're gonna save me from myself
My love is tainted by your touch
Cuz some guys have shown me aces
But you've got that royal flush
I know it's crazy everyday
Well tomorrow may be shaky
But you never turn away
Don't ask me why I'm cryin
Cuz when I start to crumble
You know how to keep me smilin
You always save me from myself
From myself, myself
You're gonna save me from myself
I know it's hard, it's hard
But you've broken all my walls
You've been my strength, so strong
And don't ask me why I love you
It's obvious your tenderness
Is what I need to make me
A better woman to myself
To myself, myself
You're gonna save me from myself
Posted by renh at 10:07 PM | Comments (0)
February 06, 2008
The first song I bought from itune is Erin Bode's holiday.
I am listening to the top 25 most played songs from my library. Memories flash back.
Vienna
A few words from the bride
Time after time
About her
goodnight moon
hotel california
jenny says
if you want me
not ready to make nice
take me back to New Orleans
White flag
River Waltz
Bang Bang
Get rhythm
Against all odds
Jesus, Etc
Summertime Killer
Hung up
The painted Veil
Wildwood flower
Cry Cry Cry
Thank you
Gnossiennes No. - lent
Run
Posted by renh at 06:58 PM | Comments (0)
February 02, 2008
stir fry
4-5 cloves of garlic minced
several slices of ginger
dry shiitake mushroom 8-10 small caps (soaked and thin sliced)
2 frozen winter bamboo shoot halves (sliced)
some deveined salad shrimp (cleaned)
chicken stock
0.89 lb baby bok choi
saute garlic, ginger, and mushroom together. add suger and salt. add cleaned bok choi (drain off the excess water), add a splash of chick stock. put the lid on. when the bok choi is half cooked, layer the bamboo shoots and shrimp on top. put the lid back on. several minutes later, stir to mix. add oyster sauce and 鸡精. add corn starch water, combine to thicken the sauce.
Posted by renh at 11:39 PM | Comments (0)