Jan 5, 2015

Desert Donuts Phoenix: Seriously The Best Donuts I Have Ever Had In My Life!

Actually, cruising through Phoenix on a recent road trip stopping for gas could not resist the donut sign in the morning........

Oh, my gosh...what a lucky find.

Each doughnut is baked fresh.....

As in, while you are standing there watching the donut is cooked right before your eyes.

All cake donuts.......you pick the topping and it is applied.

Count on the flavor knocking you down.

In my book doghnuts are always good, especially fresh from the local donut shop but these things are from a different world.......the freshness and the flavor....like eating a cake right out of the oven.

Recommending the Bavarian Cream without any hesitations......

A cake donut......chocolate icing and Bavarian Cream filling.

It was so good I could not even get it to the car to eat it....you know the aroma of fresh cake baking...right!

Just north of Phoenix on route 17.....take Carefree Drive and it is just behind the Chevron and the McDonald's in the Albertson's parking lot.

Let me know what you think.....I guarantee a magnificent taste experience.

here is a link to the website:

http://www.desertdonuts.com/

open from 6AM to 1PM Mon through Sat and open at 7AM on Sun.

from the home page:

Desert Donuts is a family owned and operated donut & coffee shop in Northern Phoenix, AZ. We opened our doors in July of 2013 and haven't looked back. To compliment our fresh made donuts we also offer locally roasted coffee's, espresso based drinks, and iced drinks. We always have a few different coffee flavors to choose from and each pot is freshly ground right before it is brewed.

Jan 3, 2015

Easy DIY: floral Cardigan/Kimono #11

Jan 2, 2015

Audrey Hepburn - 1950's Inspired Makeup Tutorial

the ronnie republic: Gracie Allen: Truth in Comedy

the ronnie republic: Gracie Allen: Truth in Comedy: TRAVALANCHE Being a web log for the observations of actor, author, cartoonist, comedian, critic, director, humorist, journalist, maste...

Dec 24, 2014

Can't Wait To Go To Cuba..............

Yesterday, after more than 50 years, we began to change America's relationship with the people of Cuba.

We are recognizing the struggle and sacrifice of the Cuban people, both in the U.S. and in Cuba, and ending an outdated approach that has failed to advance U.S. interests for decades. In doing so, we will begin to normalize relations between our two countries.

I was born in 1961, just over two years after Fidel Castro took power in Cuba, and just as the U.S. severed diplomatic relations with that country.

Our complicated relationship with this nation played out over the course of my lifetime -- against the backdrop of the Cold War, with our steadfast opposition to communism in the foreground. Year after year, an ideological and economic barrier hardened between us.

That previous approach failed to promote change, and it's failed to empower or engage the Cuban people. It's time to cut loose the shackles of the past and reach for a new and better future with this country.

I want you to know exactly what our new approach will mean.

First, I have instructed Secretary of State John Kerry to immediately begin discussions with Cuba to re-establish diplomatic relations that have been severed since 1961. Going forward, we will re-establish an embassy in Havana, and high-ranking officials will once again visit Cuba.

Second, I have also instructed Secretary Kerry to review Cuba's designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism -- a review guided by the facts and the law. At a time when we are focused on threats from ISIL and al Qaeda, a nation that meets our conditions and renounces terrorism should not face such a sanction.

Third, we'll take steps to increase travel, commerce, and the flow of information to -- and from -- Cuba. These steps will make it easier for Americans to travel to Cuba. They will make it easier for Americans to conduct authorized trade with Cuba, including exports of food, medicine, and medical products to Cuba. And they will facilitate increased telecommunications connections between our two countries: American businesses will be able to sell goods that enable Cubans to communicate with the United States and other countries.

Learn more about the steps we're taking to change our policy.

These changes don't constitute a reward or a concession to Cuba. We are making them because it will spur change among the people of Cuba, and that is our main objective.

Change is hard -- especially so when we carry the heavy weight of history on our shoulders.

Our country is cutting that burden loose to reach for a better future.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

an e-mail from our President.......

Dec 9, 2014

Merry Christmas from The Ronnie Re...............................

Merry Christmas from The Ronnie Re.......................

please click on this link:

A Really Cute Christmas Card

Dec 7, 2014

Larry Mendte in Philly Mag: Too Bad He Is So Wrong About CNN's Don Lemon

Love Larry Mendte and Don Lemon.......Larry, I listen to you whenever I can and admire your work but you are way off on this one. Just so happens, as a constant and long time CNN listener, Don is well respected and he is often on panels, particularly about race. He is often asked his opinion and his answers are valued. He speaks from his perspective and personal experiences...his answers are unique and well thought out. I like to hear his take on things.

Larry, he gets to talk on this one, this subject, and he gets to make a mistake once in a great while, too.

Larry, not only are you being way too harsh but unrealistic......It is true Don Lemon will be going to the bank fueled by his merits rather than his mistakes.

DonLemon-940x540

Don Lemon Is America’s First Reality News Star

Mock him all you want. He’s taking your laughter all the way to the bank.

BY LARRY MENDTE | DECEMBER 4, 2014 AT 4:24 PM

Read more at http://www.phillymag.com/news/2014/12/04/don-lemon-americas-first-reality-news-star/#bcEUwiTVhlfoDO87.99

It is far too early to tell whether CNN’s Don Lemon is embattled or just growing his brand. He is becoming a household name for all the wrong reasons — but he’s becoming a household name all the same. When CNN does its talent research, Lemon’s name recognition will creep up on the network’s stars like Anderson Cooper and Wolf Blitzer, even though Lemon’s fame is fueled by his becoming an Internet joke.

The latest Lemon embarrassments are photographs, which have gone viral, of Lemon flashing gang signs and grabbing his crotch at a party. This comes after CNN’s bizarre gas mask reporting from Ferguson, when Lemon trapped smoke inside his own gas mask and couldn’t breathe. And while buildings were on fire and stores were being looted, Lemon complained about the smell of marijuana in the air. That follows Lemon’s even more bizarre interview with one of Bill Cosby’s alleged rape victims. Lemon essentially asked the woman why she didn’t defend herself with her teeth.

Controversy has long followed Don Lemon. He once worked at NBC 10 in Philadelphia and made the papers for identifying an 84-year-old rape victim on the air; and once for accusing the now-defunct Tower Records on Broad Street of racism because a security guard dared to ask him to see a receipt for merchandise he carried out of the store.

Lemon left Philadelphia for Chicago, where controversy followed. Lemon made the papers there for refusing to cover a story. He was an anchor, after all, and covering things like actual news was beneath him.

And then came CNN, where, once again, Lemon’s tainted star continues to rise. New York Magazine recently put a list together of Lemon’s greatest gaffes on the air. Traditional media is once again following social media, where the sardonic hash tag #DonLemonReporting was still alive and well during coverage in New York following the grand jury decision in the Eric Garner chokehold case and Lemon suggested everyone close their eyes and forget about race for a minute.

"@hosienation: Don Lemon said we need to take race out of this. Just now he said this. Why is my TV on CNN? I hate life." #DonLemonReporting

— Anne Hoye (@Anne_Hoye) December 4, 2014

And so it goes. It is the new media, where reality stars and news stars meld into one and the Twitter crowd craves the entertainment of failure over the boredom of competence. It is in this world where Don Lemon thrives, more Kardashian than Cronkite.

So ridicule if you must, but you have to watch to know what to ridicule. And CNN, a struggling news network scraping for ratings, is not about to lose anyone who can attract viewers, even if those viewers are locked and loaded at their keyboards ready to write the next great #DonLemonReporting tweet.

Go ahead and laugh, but realize this: Don Lemon is taking your laughter all the way to the bank as the Internet’s first reality news star.

Follow @LarryMendte on Twitter.

Read more at http://www.phillymag.com/news/2014/12/04/don-lemon-americas-first-reality-news-star/#bcEUwiTVhlfoDO87.99

copied from phillymag.com

Dec 4, 2014

Carlos Santana on Larry King: Inspirational

from the best food site: Thibeault's Table--Roast Chicken and How to Make Gravy

copied from Thibeault's Table

Roast Chicken and How to Make Gravy

It seems at this time of year the question on roasting turkey and chicken comes up often on various cooking forums.

Making gravy is another topic that comes up often.

So I thought this would be a good time to do a post on both.

I use the presalting method to season both chickens and turkeys.
Actually I use it for almost all meat cuts.

You can find the instructions here.

The chicken (turkey too) is roasted at 500°F,
known as the high heat method.

HOW TO MAKE GRAVY

Remove Chicken from roasting pan and set aside to rest.

The drippings are made up of fat and juices.
In order to make a rich flavourful gravy, the juices need to be browned.

Place the roasting pan back in the oven for a few minutes, watching
carefully as the drippings start to brown.

Or this can be also done on top of the stove.

When the drippings are golden brown, remove pan from oven.

Place pan on burner and add enough flour to make a roux.

Cook for a few minutes to cook the flour.

Add chicken broth, stirring until gravy thickens. Season with sage and black pepper.
I don't like thick gravies so I add more broth.
You can adjust thickness and seasoning to suit your own taste.

Cover and simmer over low heat to allow the flavours to meld.

and here is a link to the page:

http://www.thibeaultstable.com/2014/11/roast-chicken-and-how-to-make-gravy.html

Dec 3, 2014

Our little corner of Italy in Marylebone: Caffe Caldesi--London's Finest Italian

Caffè Caldesi

@CaffeCaldesi

Our little corner of Italy in Marylebone - serving authentic Italian food in Caffe Caldesi & Londons first Italian cookery school, La Cucina Caldesi, next door!

Simple Truth Organic Almond Cookie Spread--amazing for afternoon tea on Saltines.

This stuff is delicious, seriously...........

It is kind of a cross between Nutella and peanut butter and it is a perfect topping for morning toast.

Simple Truth Organic Almond Cookie Spread--amazing for afternoon tea on Saltines.

Dec 2, 2014

Eric Holder and President Obama Talk About Commitment, Michael Brown and Trust: Spreading the Word

Following Michael Brown's tragic death, millions of people across the nation and around the world have focused their attention on unfolding events in Ferguson, both grieving together and making their voices heard.

In recent days, many have been captivated by ongoing developments, anguished emotions, peaceful protests -- and, too often, deeply unfortunate images of unnecessary destruction. And this tragic incident has sparked a necessary, national conversation about the need to ensure trust and build strong relationships between law enforcement officials and the communities they serve.

Events in Ferguson have revealed a deep distrust between a community and its police force. But this reality is not limited to one location. Other communities around this country know this struggle all too well. And it's abundantly clear that every single one of us has a role to play in tackling this problem together, as a nation -- to identify those things that bind us, and to be honest with one another about the things that continue to divide us.

In August, President Obama ordered a review of federal funding and programs that provide equipment to state and local law enforcement agencies. Yesterday, the Administration released that review's findings -- and announced key next steps to strengthen the trust in and effectiveness of the policing of our communities.

Learn more about yesterday's announcements, and the findings of the Administration's review.

Here are the next steps we're taking:

Creating a new task force to promote the expansion of 21st century community-oriented policing.
Reforming how the federal government equips local law enforcement, particularly with military-style equipment.
Advancing the use of body-worn cameras and promoting proven community policing initiatives.

I know this has been a difficult time for people in Ferguson, and for many others across the country. It will take time for things to get better. But as I assured Ferguson residents during my visit there, in August, the Obama administration is firmly committed to making the progress we need -- and that all of our citizens deserve.

The changes that the President announced yesterday are exactly the sorts of programmatic steps that will bring the right people together to engage in a constructive, national conversation -- so we can build trust, address persistent concerns, and protect public safety while respecting the rights of every American.

Last Tuesday, addressing the public, the President said, "[to] those who are prepared to work constructively, your President will work with you." I am committed to answering the President's call to see this through -- as are the men and women of the United States Department of Justice.

Learn more about yesterday's announcements here -- and spread the word to anyone who wants to know how we're moving forward as a nation.

Thank you,

Eric H. Holder, Jr.

copied from an e-mail sent from The White House and Eric Holder

Nov 30, 2014

What Would Frank Sesno Say Now: The History Channel and The JFK Assassination

Do you remember.......

It was the 40th anniversary of the JFK assassination.

The History Chanel ran a week of special shows..........Remember: A week of The Men Who Killed Kennedy with the extended version including a show featuring Barr McCllellan talking about the involvement of LBJ in the JFK murder.

There was also a chapter featuring Judyth Vary Baker and her relationship with Lee Harvey Oswald.

One very unusual show about an incident at the Cal-Neva Lodge where a horrible meeting between Frank Sinatra, Sam Giancana and Marilyn Monroe took place.

Apparently Marilyn was being influenced not to speak of information she may have had about the Kennedy men in a strong arm sort of way. It is impossible to forget because the show also included an interview with the gentleman who had developed the pictures to go with the incident--he gave the impression he was completely disgusted and saddened by the event.

Never forgetting that show about Marilyn Monroe--it left an awful feeling.

Never seeing that show again and unable to find it.......

So what was the reason those kind of shows suggesting a conspiracy left television?

Are grants for historical shows easier to obtain when they do not show the possibility of a conspiracy.

Was it the change in ownership of those stations?

Do you remember when Frank Sesno headed a panel on the History Channel featuring historian Robert Dallek insisting there was absolutely no evidence of any connection between LBJ and the assassination.

Are things different 11 years later on the 51st anniversary of the Dallas tragedy.

Recently watching a video on you-tube of a recent radio interview with Barr McClellan talking about his book on LBJ: Blood, Money & Power How LBJ Killed JFK

Recently listening to an interview from Roger Stone talking about his book,
The Man Who Killed Kennedy: The Case Against LBJ

Here is an interview with Roger Stone on Book TV talking about LBJ:
http://www.booktv.org/Watch/15234/The+Man+Who+Killed+Kennedy+The+Case+Against+LBJ.aspx

Joseph McBride talking about the corruption of the Dallas police department and the clumsy handling of the Oswald investigation.

So motivated by the viewing one could not resist commenting on the Facebook page of Barr McClellan:

Dear Barr....Really enjoyed your talk on you tube......you were interviewed on a radio show and I put it on my blog, the ronnie republic. I also listened to a very informative talk by Joseph McBride on Tippit.

Do you remember when Frank Sesno came out on the Hx Channel with Dallek as part of the panel and spoke against your book after it aired as part of The Men Who Killed Kennedy.

It is just so nice now that so many have come out that basically corroborate your book, including Roger Stone.

It would be fun to hear what Frank Sesno would say now....because I have always admired his work but their whole theory of going against your book has essentially been proven untrue.

Just saying congratulations on your work but I do not know how you had the confidence to come out....Well done.

This is what I have always maintained....the whole thing was so complex and there were so many threads that seem credible......it is impossible for the public to tie it all together but you and Roger and Joseph McBride have certainly shed light on the Dallas cover-up and the LBJ connection.

It just seems like that part cannot be disputed now.

What do you think and thank you for your time......cl...the ronie re.

And so honored to hear his response:

Barr McClellan

November 29 at 7:28pm

Thank you very much. The book itself was easy relative to the reaction. Some tough dissents. The support was overwhelming and will be in the sequel, now heading to final. And under contract for two movies. Parts of the sequel will be released soon. We are moving to closure and justice. Again, thank you. And stick with me. All the best, Barr

Thank you, Barr, and good luck to you.

Here is a link to the interview with Barr McClellan:

http://theronnierepublic.blogspot.com/2014/11/an-interview-with-barr-mcclellan-about.html

so are all of these people wrong--just wondering--what do you think?

Into the Nightmare: My Search for the Killers of President John F. Kennedy and Officer J. D. Tippit by Joseph McBride.

and here is a link to the interview with Joseph McBride:

http://theronnierepublic.blogspot.com/2014/11/additional-facts-about-tippit-shooting.html

Nov 29, 2014

An interview with Barr McClellan about LBJ.

Blood, Money & Power How LBJ Killed JFK

Additional facts about the Tippit shooting.

Nov 28, 2014

Go Soledad........Getting Us Straight on Ferguson

Soledad O'Brien Sounds Off on

Ferguson Coverage:

‘Pissing Me Off’ That Questions

Are ‘Awful and Stupid’

MEDIA | By Jordan Chariton on November 26, 2014 @ 5:41 pm

“The killing of Michael Brown was not a story of black on black crime,” O'Brien tells TheWrap

Soledad O'Brien is loving life producing content for her own production company while also creating documentaries for networks such as her former full-time employer CNN. One of those docs–”Black & Blue”– which chronicles racial tension between police and minorities, airs Wednesday at 11 p.m. ET on CNN.

Also read: Soledad O'Brien Is Her Own Boss -- and That Means No Jodi Arias Stories

But she might be the exact journalist needed on TV this week as anchors ask questions to guests that have caused her to “yell at the TV.”

“What's kind of pissing me off is that some of the questions are just awful, and they're stupid, and some of the comments are indicative of people not really understanding a topic that I've said for a long time people don't really want to talk about–race,” O'Brien told TheWrap in a far-ranging interview Wednesday.

Also read: Ferguson Storm Brewing? When Media Began Twisting Death into Political Points

O'Brien pointed out one TV news guest not being asked the right questions–or being challenged for shifting the focus away from what's really happening.

“When Rudy Giuliani can be interviewed, whether you're talking about by liberal media or conservative media, and talks about black on black crime, he's changed the topic.”

“The killing of Michael Brown was not a story of black on black crime, but I keep seeing people interview him, where I yell at the TV and say, “Why are you asking him that question!”

Also read: Rudy Giuliani Blasts MSNBC Contributor for Calling Him White Supremacist: He's a 'Racial Demagogue' (Video)

O'Brien says the real questions the media should be asking pertain to how the police interact with black people. ”Less then when I watch Fox is the coverage one way, and when I watch MSNBC is the coverage a different way, and when I watch CNN is the coverage a third way–I mean of course it is, that's kind of the way they've evolved.”

The more frustrating thing for the former “Starting Point” anchor is the lack of intelligent conversation that operates “around facts and the actual question at hand.”

“In America we move the elephant in the room. And I think this is an opportunity to have a conversation about race.”

Watch the trailer for her Wednesday night documentary “Black & Blue” below.