Tootsie Rolls versus Choco Chews
Some baby boomer candy aficionados are old enough to remember the commercial where Mr. Owl asked the rhetorical question: “how many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll pop?” According to Mr. Owl, the answer is “three” but that’s because he bit into the pop to get to the Tootsie Roll center (patience wasn’t one of his virtues). The actual answer is 252-364 licks according to a group of engineering students at Perdue University. But, that’s besides the point. The real issue is the Tootsie Roll center because that’s what Mr. Owl and every fan of the Tootsie Roll wants. Read more 
Blessings in a Backpack: How much goes towards the Backpack?
This past week, the Wall Street Journal had a full-page ad for a non-profit 501 (c) (3) called Blessings in a Backpack, a Louisville, Kentucky-based organization that feeds elementary school children whose families qualify for the federal free or reduced meal program, and may not have “any or enough food” on the weekends by giving them backpacks with food that requires little or no preparation. How do they do this? By mobilizing communities, organizations, businesses, and individuals to donate and/or participate in their program. Read more
Aging Out….
If you’re a middle-aged parent of young adults or teenagers then you’ve probably noticed the great divide between yourself and the younger generation. And, it’s not just lifestyle, fashion (visible bra straps and pants falling down), body art (tattoos and piercings), music, and entertainment (What is it with “The Walking Dead?”) as these things seem to plague every generation. Humor, which is generally thought of as universal within a culture is as much a part of the generational divide as everything else. Allow me to explain. Read more
Seggiano Organic Pasta
Most connoisseurs of Italian cooking will tell you there are four attributes that determine the quality of a pasta: the type of wheat used, the quality of the water, how the pasta is drawn, and how the pasta is dried. Of course, the way pasta is cooked is also important but this fifth attribute is the responsibility of the cook whereas the former four attributes are determined by the pasta maker. Read more
The Creamiest Oatmeal Ever: Milkadamia Oatmeal
Oatmeal is oatmeal, right? Well…..not exactly. The quality and the texture (whole grain is better than quick cooking) of the oats matters because flavor counts but it is virtually impossible to look at oats and assess the flavor. You have to read reviews and try various brands until you find the flavor you want..and, then you have to master the cooking part.
Most people cook oats with water – which produces a somewhat bland tasting oatmeal unless you are the lucky owner of some serious oats like Cayuga Pure Organics Erick’s Rolled Oats or Anson Mills). If you can’t get your hands on one of those bags, then consider Bob’s Red Mill Organic Oats – a 32 ounce bag is about $5 at grocery stores nationwide…but don’t use water. Read more
Top 10 Executives (MEN) at the NRA Made $10.6 Million
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
The National Rifle Association of America (NRA) is a non-profit 501 (c) (4) organization that fights tirelessly for our second amendment rights. Whether or not you believe the second amendment refers to “militia” or “the people” has always been controversial but is even more so in the wake of the near daily occurrence of mass shootings in this country. People are speaking out for gun control because quite frankly, there are too many guns and assault weapons in the hands of the wrong people. Read more
Finding Winnie
The heart of this story, to me, has always been that you never know the impact one small, loving gesture can have. It is the dedication to my son Cole and it is the one piece I hope all readers will take away from Finding Winnie. ~Lindsay Mattick
Finding Winnie is the true story of a baby bear rescued by a veterinarian in White River, Canada just as World War I was beginning in 1914.
Harry Colebourn was living in Winnipeg when he had to say good-bye to his family and friends before traveling across Canada to reach an oceanliner that would take him to Europe where he would serve as a veterinarian for the Canadian army’s horses. When the train stopped in White River, Canada, Colebourn noticed a man sitting on bench holding on to a rope tied to a baby bear. He offered the man $20 for the baby bear and the rest is history. Read more
Pink Lady Chick Pea Salad
Pink Lady Chick Pea Salad is the go to salad when you want something fresh and flavorful but don’t have a lot of time. Full of crunchy fruits, vegetables, and legumes – apple, celery, red onion, and chick peas – the Pink Lady Chick Pea Salad comes together with tangy lemon juice, creamy avocado and freshly chopped cilantro. From pantry and refrigerator to the table in less than 10 minutes, this salad is filling but not heavy, and full of fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals. Enjoy on a bed of lettuce or serve between two whole grain pieces of bread. Read more
Where does $100 to St. Jude’s Go?
St. Jude’s is one of the most popular non-profit organizations in the country because the charity’s mission appeals to donors: they treat and help children with cancer and other life threatening illnesses. But, before making donations, donors should understand that St. Jude’s is actually two organizations:
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Inc. (Hospital)
- ALSAC – St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Inc. (ALSAC)
How to Compete With the NRA
The primary reason the NRA is so successful at keeping guns, rifles, assault weapons and high-capacity magazines in so many people’s hands is because they are organized and well-funded. The foundation of the organization is the NRA itself – a non-profit 501 (c) (4) that has a reported 5 million members who pay about $40 annually each. This is key (a 501 (c) (4) cannot accept tax deductible contributions (although they can accept contributions that are NOT tax deductible) so the NRA focuses on membership).
The NRA holds fundraisers, and is affiliated with four non-profit 501 (c) (3)’s – NRA Foundation, NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund, NRA Special Contributions Fund, NRA Freedom Action Foundation – all of whom can collect tax deductible donations and use these funds to support firearm organizations, educate the public, and provide legal assistance. The NRA is also affiliated with a PAC (NRA Political Victory Fund) which contributes to political organizations and candidates. Read more
Paddock Post 