what we are used to...

So RIM lost the verdict! GREAT! Isn't anyone worried that we will soon be unable to use our Blackberrys? If they settle that will surely be some settlement!!!! Is it worth it? If it were me, I would probably just start a whole new company! The hell with the old burden!
But then all of the faithful users since the early 90's will be mighty disappointed and run to buy Treos! Dilemma...

On a happier note, i am trying to learn about Kumquats.. that little tree of golden oranges that are so tasty. We have one in the new house and i found a bunch of info on pruning, fertilizing and taking care of the sacred tree. As far as the grapefruit tree and orange tree, i better start harvesting their fruits to prevent a smaller production next season (or maybe that's a good thing) Because what am I going to do with all these citrus fruits? How many juices and sorbet can i make? I might look into canning, jams and putting them into syrup... it reminds me of the old days when refrigeration and transportation were lacking. Which somehow makes me think of how options got started.

Ancient Origins
Although it isn't known exactly when the first option contract traded, it is known that the Romans and Phoenicians used similar contracts in shipping. There is also evidence that Thales, a mathematician and philosopher in ancient Greece used options to secure a low price for olive presses in advance of the harvest. Thales had reason to believe the olive harvest would be particularly strong. During the off-season when demand for olive presses was almost non-existent, he acquired rights-at a very low cost-to use the presses the following spring. Later, when the olive harvest was in full-swing, Thales exercised his option and proceeded to rent the equipment to others at a much higher price.
In Holland, trading in tulip options blossomed during the early 1600s. At first, tulip dealers used call options to make sure they could secure a reasonable price to meet the demand. At the same time, tulip growers used put options to ensure an adequate selling price. However, it wasn't long before speculators joined the mix and traded the options for profit. Unfortunately, when the market crashed, many speculators failed to honor their agreements. The consequences for the economy were devastating. Not surprisingly, the situation in this unregulated market seriously tainted the view most people had of options. After a similar episode in London one hundred years later, options were even declared illegal.
Not unlike what happened in Holland and England, options came under heavy scrutiny after the Great Depression here in America. Although the Investment Act of 1934 legitimized options, it also put trading under the watchful eye of the newly formed Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
It wasn't until 1973 that the options trading world opened by The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) where option volume gradually continued to grow. By the end of 1974, average daily volume exceeded 200,000 contracts.
And here we are now where volume is in millions!

Bubba

I LOVE SHRIMP!
I like it's texture, the fact that it comes in different sizes and tastes, the pretty color it turns as soon as it is cooked (great indication from the Gods), you can fry them, grill them, through them in any sauces or stews....ahahaha... i am starting too sound like bubba!
So here is to shrimps! This recipe is to die for (especially if you like coconut and beer!) Yep that's right a fantastic combination!

COCONUT SHRIMPS

In medium bowl, combine 1 egg, 1/2 cup flour, 2/3 cup of beer (i use Sapporo then use the left over to drink during the meal!) and 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder.
Place 1/4 cup flour and 2 cups of flaked coconut in two separate bowls. If you can find unsweetened coconut it is probably better, but i can never find it so i use the sweetened one and i find it very tasty.
Hold shrimp by tail, and dredge in flour, shaking off excess flour. Dip in egg/beer batter; allow excess to drip off.
Roll shrimp in coconut, and place on a baking sheet lined with wax paper.
Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This is crucial without it your batter will not stay on the shrimp - the refrigeration hardens the batter.
Meanwhile, heat oil (~ 3 cups) to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) in a deep-fryer (that's what i use it is less smelly and keeps the oil @ the desired temperature.
Fry shrimp in batches: cook, turning once, for 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden brown. Using tongs, remove shrimp to paper towels to drain. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce. May i suggest a Thai Sweet chili Sauce "Nam Jiim Gai" it's not too expensive and has a great flavor and is good on egg rolls and fry food.

You can serve my garlic rice with it. This is a Filipino recipe that i tasted many many years ago and i think i almost perfected it.

GARLIC RICE
Now i have a rice cooker @ home which makes my life much easier and also a garlic press which is fantastic (i got it @ target).
Filipinos make there rice like the Chinese without salt. It was hard @ first to get use to but i now eat it that way too.
Make 4 cups of white rice with your favorite method (this will serve 4 people) then you make start with the recipe -
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You can use light olive oil too if you wish.
When the oil is hot, add the 2 tablespoons of minced garlic. Cook and stir until the garlic is golden brown. This is the color you want for maximum flavor, do not allow it to burn, or the flavor will be bitter.
Stir in the cooked white rice, and season with 1 1/2 teaspoons of garlic salt and pepper. (i add a lot of fresh ground pepper and if you do not have garlic salt than regular salt will do).
Cook and stir until heated through and well blended, about 3 minutes. Serve using an oiled/buttered ramkin to shape into a small bowl or square etc...

Here you have a quick and easy meal but oh so tasty!

Rambus Inc (RMBS)

This company which licenses the essence of our binary world has been fighting with a patent for some time! Well, the cease fire as ended!! And it is now time to trade!!!!!! I jumped in right at the bud of the action - i hope it climbs up and up and up... (of course those are my expectations with my limited and optimistic mind) but so far my options are up 45% in 2 days! Not bad!?!

Ahhh... And of course on the personal news i have to mention that i bought the most beautiful car. I am in love with my car??!!!!!???!! That is truly a phenomenon i did not anticipate but it is true.
She is so beautiful (a blue-green hue) convertible and so cute and small. Here is a picture of it but it now has a new black top.
The inside is in mint condition since she only had one owner (67,000 miles on it), the only downfall is that it does not have cruise control but then it is a sport car.... I now understand the car freaks out there who park in the middle of the parking lot away from every one else... funny... i always thought they were nuts...

Palmiers

These delectable cookies are easily made with store bought puff pastry! I make mine with Nutela (mmmhhh) because Tom loves chocolate.
There are a quick desert that might not be made from scratch but they still come out warm out of the oven and takes me back to my childhood.
The reason i decided to make these cookies was after making stuffed fish in puff pastry i had left over dough.

We came back from Vegas - had a great time under the drizzle of the evening hours. Caught the dancing fountain before dinner @ L'atelier. I am now searching for his book Joel Robuchon impressed my palate!
As far as the strip goes, there was too much traffic of course like any major cities during a major parade or event. But enjoyable none the less.

The stock market was upbeat today - good thing it came around after Friday's gloomy end. School will be starting soon, i wont have too much time to read and learn, besides the more i read the less i feel i know!

It is currently in the 50's and i must close the bay window my toes are getting cold. Ok must get back to the furnace! Tom is picking up shortly to go do the walk through in the new house.