Letter to the Editor

My letter to the editor is shown below. This letter was published in the KC Star on 1/30/2012.


Red-light cameras

The red-light cameras installed in Kansas City were never about safety (1-24, A1, “Red-light cameras don’t add to safety”). They were about one thing: money.

The city saw the installation of these cameras as an opportunity for revenue. This was nothing more than a cash grab disguised as a way to “reduce accidents.” Meanwhile, thousands of tickets and possibly millions of dollars have been generated for the city.

Any chance these “Big Brother” cameras will be going away soon? Of course not. They are a cash cow for the city. As long as these red light cameras are generating green for Kansas City, they will be there.

Don’t worry, Kansas City. I will continue to do my part to reduce accidents in your city. I will come to a complete stop at all intersections and obey the rules of road.

In the end, that is what you want, isn’t it — safer roads? Yeah right.

Sterling Hammett

Overland Park

Double - Double

Marshall played a great basketball game today.

Marshall's team cruised to another win and in the process he achieved a double-double.

Marshall finished the game with...

12 points
10 rebounds
3 assists
3 steals
1 block
4-4 100% Free Throws


Shauna and I are proud of the hard work that Marshall is putting forth in order to become a dominant post player.

Sterling

Apple Crisp

I do not do desserts!

Shauna does the desserts.

The following is the exception to the rule:


Yummy Apple Crisp

Ingredients
6 apples - peeled, cored, sliced (cut apple pieces to your desired size)
1 cup water
1 (18.25 ounce) package white cake mix
1 cup quick oats
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup butter, melted

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Arrange apples in an even layer in bottom of baking dish. Pour water over apples.
3. In a medium bowl mix together cake mix, oats, brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter or margarine until ingredients are thoroughly blended; mixture will be crumbly. Sprinkle mixture over apples.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes.

Additional Tips...
This can be served hot or cold.
Whipped topping or vanilla ice cream is a must.
I use - Granny Smith apples.
The apples will cook down. Keep that in mind when slicing them.


Sterling

Mulligatawny Soup

Excellent recipe for Mulligatawny Soup. As usual, I have made changes to make this my own. (aka better)

Ingredients
1 cup chopped onion
4 stalks celery, chopped
2 carrots, diced
1/2 cup butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons (minimum) curry powder
8 cups chicken broth
1 apple, cored, & shredded - I used a cheese grater to make apple FINE
1/2 cup white rice
2 skinless, cooked boneless chicken breasts - cut into cubes
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste - I highly recommend Garlic Pepper
1 pinch dried thyme
1 cup half-n-half


Directions
1. Saute onions, celery, carrot, and butter in a large soup pot. Add flour and curry, and cook 5 more minutes. Add chicken stock, mix well, and bring to a boil. Simmer about 1/2 hour.
2. Add apple, rice, chicken, salt, pepper, and thyme. Simmer 15-20 minutes, or until rice is done. You will have to stir this periodically.
3. The last 5 minutes, stir in the half-n-half.


This is a huge hit with everyone in our home.

Sterling

1/2 Slab Celebration

Marshall loves ribs.




Yesterday, I took him to Bates City BBQ. We celebrated his 2nd quarter grade card. Marshall received all A's and made the Principal's Honor Roll. Shauna and I are very proud that our son is such an excellent student.


Sterling