How to Make a Hot Toddy

First off, what is it? Simply stated, a hot toddy is a mixed drink containing tea (or coffee, water, cider, coffee, etc.),  whiskey or another form of alcohol, and a sweetener.  Sometimes fruit, spices, and butter are added. Once believed to alleviate a cold, toddies were traditionally drunk at bedtime, or to warm up after [...]

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Be My Valentine: Is Love Good for You?

While most things are best taken in moderation, love is something you might want to give and receive freely this Valentine’s day. Being involved in a healthy, loving relationship is good for the heart, says Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute cardiologist Dr. Julie Damp.It’s not known exactly why, however. It may be that people who [...]

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Chocolate: Food of the Gods

While today most of us probably associate chocolate with Nestle’s or Dove bars, originally it was prepared in the form of a spicy drink. Chocolate is made from the seeds of the cacao plant, a rain forest plant that fortunately (!) was discovered at least 3000 years ago in Mesoamerica, judging from residue found [...]

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100 Best First Lines from Novels

Recently posted on American Book Review.org, this intriguing list is fun to peruse. I’ve read quite a few of them, but some lines from books I haven’t read  have piqued my interest in checking them out. My favorite is “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” from A Tale of [...]

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It’s a Mystery: The Best Defense, by Kate Wilhelm

Rivetting

A few months back, I read and enjoyed Death Qualified, the first of the Barbara Holloway series. With The Best Defense, I listened to the audio version, skillfully narrated by Anna Fields, one of the best readers out there. The difference between the 2 experiences is striking, particularly with respect to the courtroom [...]

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