There is so much information, all instant, that comes at us every day that it can actual affect your life.
A small group of us were discussing this one day last week and each one had their own opinion, which was good. It reminded me of when my youngest brother left home and went off to the University of Alberta in Edmonton to study to become a dentist. He reported years later that he was mesmerized by everything his professors had to say. About half way through the year he began to realize he was questioning some of the things on which they lectured. Then he thought, “wait, I also have a brain and I can make my own conclusions.” And maybe that is the way we all should treat all this information.
When it comes to products, which was our main topic, the “powers that be”  warn us it is very important to read the ingredients on every package you buy because you are dealing with ingredients that may affect the health of yourself and family. If the products have strange sounding, scientific names (that often disguise harmful ingredients such as lye in face soaps), Google the name or just don’t buy it. For instance I bought an item that attracted me and when I came home I looked at the ingredients as I was putting it in my mouth, I took it down to the druggist instead and asked if any of the ingredients would not be compatible with the prescription drugs I was taking. They looked it up and couldn’t find two of the items listed, so of course I pitched it out.
Recently reported  on TV, the huge debate in schools is whether to serve chocolate milk or not. The “yes” people believe that chocolate milk has a lot of sugar but also have good things such as vitamin D and Calcium — which a lot of kids wouldn’t otherwise get. Then the kids will turn to carbonated drinks which have zero vitamins and minerals, and just as much sugar. The school boards will have to make the decision and not everyone will be happy.
Then we discussed (and here you thought we were talking about you) Dr. Oz. Some said they couldn’t absorb all that information he gives out each day, even though he was doing a great job, once or twice a week was enough. To them it was overkill. He ends his program by giving you three to five items that we should remember — that could be five items by five days, equalling 25 items in one week. Two had never heard of him and two never watched him and others were very faithful. I was one who couldn’t absorb all that information, so I seldom watch him and what he says. I took my brother’s advice and will stick to my own conclusions.
Then there is the The View. I rather like The View but then as it is on from 11 to noon (when I’m usually out and about), I only get to see it once or twice a week. Those that didn’t like it said it was the noise, with everyone talking at once, that turned them off. I like Whoopi and Joy as they have such good common advice — when they talk everyone shuts up and listens. For instance, on the subject of Tiger  Woods, their advice was to “bury it and let’s get on to more important things.”
There is a saying my eldest son often quoted, that goes something like this:  “I might not agree with what you are saying but I’ll fight with my life for your right to say it” — and respect what other people are saying, something even I must think about. Of course that can also be debated, but as SOMEONE said, “be moderate in all things and that includes what comes out of your mouth.
And now with St. Valentine’s Day just being around the corner, there are many ways to treat the people you love. Who said St. Valentine’s Day was just for women? When my kids were all home I made a special meal for the family and I still have the heart-shaped layer cake pans for the chocolate cake with the fluffy White Mountain icing that I used. If there are just the two of you might be interested in the chocolate souffle for two. For a perfect ending, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for even more temptation.
Chocolate Souffle for Two
1 oz. of unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1 tbsp. butter
2 eggs, separated
pinch of cream of tartar
1/4 cup sugar
1 tbsp. frozen raspberry cocktail concentrate, thawed
This is the only hard part, if you can call it hard: fold a long piece of foil, (14 inches) lengthwise, and generously butter a 3-inch border along one ridge. Wrap around inside a 4x2 inch souffle dish or oven-proof Pyrex dish of same size, with butter side above the rim and facing inward, around outside,  secure outside with a piece of string.
In bowl over saucepan of hot but not boiling water, melt chocolate with butter. In separate bowl, beat egg white with cream of tartar until soft peaks form, then beat in 3 tablespoons of the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, beat egg yolks for 5 minutes with remaining sugar, and chocolate mixture and raspberry concentrate. Fold into 1/4 of egg whites, gently fold in remaining whites. Scrape into prepared dish. (can be prepared to this point and refrigerated for up to four hours.) Place dish on baking sheet. Bake in lower third of 375 degree oven for 25 to 30 minutes until puffed and almost firm to the touch. Remove string , foil and serve immediately. Makes 2 servings.
The special first course could be:
Pasta with Scallops and Lemon Butter
7 ounces (220g) fresh pasta
2 ounces of butter (60 g)
2 tbsp. shredded lemon zest
cracked black pepper (ground pepper corns)
1 cup of chevril sprigs (if using dried add to taste)
Cook pasta in boiling water for 4 to 5 minutes or until al dente.
While pasta is cooking, melt butter in fry pan over medium heat. Add lemon rind and pepper and cook for 1 minute. Add scallops and cook for 20 to 30 seconds on each side.
To serve, drain pasta and toss with chevril. Top with scallops and the lemon butter sauce. Also this recipe can be used used with prawns or cubes of fish, instead of scallops.