Honesty

“As I have said, the first thing is to be honest with yourself. You can never have an impact on society if you have not changed yourself... Great peacemakers are all people of integrity, of honesty, but humility.”

Nelson Mandela

Fair Work , Fair Pay.

A great article from truthout on the minimum wage in Australia.

Of course, there is a catch. Part-time and temp workers don't get these benefits. Instead, they get paid an extra 20 percent to 25 percent in cash compensation. As a result, a part-time, entry-level adult fast food worker in Australia makes a minimum of $21.25 an hour. Oh, plus health insurance. That's universal in Australia.
Of course, exchange rates go up and down over time. But at $21.25 Australian dollars an hour, it doesn't matter what exchange rate you use or how you adjust for cost of living. The simple fact is that an Australian entry-level fast food worker makes more than the average American worker. An absolute majority of Americans would increase their income if they moved to Australia and got fast food jobs.

Ripples

ripples, a photo by chefloveshiking on Flickr.

Things That Go Bump In The Night

Over the years I have been woken up by many things in my backpacking trips. Here is a list of things that deserve a story or two.

• Skunk
• Bear
• People Having Sex
• Dolphins
• Racoons
• Mice
• Rats
• Rain
• Thunder
• Wind
• Coon Dogs
• Birds Chirping
• Sunrise
• Air Conditioner Units

I have learned over time how to sleep through noise. When I am sleeping, my mind is able to discern what noises have to be dealt with. People talking will not wake me however, angry or violent voices will. A mouse does not make much noise yet I will wake if one scurries to close to me. A skunk under your tarp can teach you grace under pressure.

Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cake

• 1 package devils food cake
• 1 package chocolate pudding
• 12 oz of chocolate chips(semi-sweet)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 4 eggs

Add all the ingredients except the chocolate chips to a bowl and mix for 4 minutes. Fold in chocolate chips.
Bake in a bunt pan at 350 degrees for 45 minutes
Let cool sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Enjoy

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Mix together.

1. 2/3 cup shortening
2. 2/3 cup butter
3. 1 cup granulated sugar
4. 1 cup brown sugar(packed)
5. 2 eggs
6. 2 teaspoons vanilla

Sift together and stir in.

1. 2 and 3/4 cups flour
2. 1 teaspoon baking soda
3. 1 teaspoon salt

Stir in

1. 1 cup chopped pecans
2. 12 ounces of chocolate chips

Bake at 375 degrees for eight to twelve minutes.

The Toll House Cookie was invented by Ruth Wakefield of Whitman Massachusetts,

Lemon Squares

Mom's Recipe
Blend

1. 1 cup butter
2. 1/2 cup powdered sugar
3. 2 cups sifted flour

Spread into a 9x13 baking pan.
Bake at 350 for 12 minutes

Mix

1. 4 eggs
2. 2 cups sugar
3. 1/2 teaspoon salt
4. 6 Tablespoons of lemon juice
5. 4 Tablespoons of flour

Pour over shortbread. Bake at 350 for 35 minutes. Cool. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Enjoy.