You wanna get me a b-day gift? Buy my new album! http://ping.fm/YgQXg

You wanna get me a b-day gift? But my new album!

New Underground Released!

Buy it on iTunes today!

"BE LIKE MIKE" @ the Granada....Focus. Zen. Progress. Build. Conquer. www.myspace.com/jewishgodmagicjesus

"BE LIKE MIKE" @ the Granada....Focus. Zen. Progress.

Back 2 the grind.New music and new videos up and available soon.Smile & do something for some1 else 2day.www.myspace.com/jewishgodmagicjesus

Dear Santa, This year for christmas, please bring me an angel and not a Dallas girl again. I am all out of life savers. www.myspace.com/jewishgodmagicjesus

Dear Santa, This year for christmas, please bring me an angel and not a Dallas girl again. I am all out of life savers.

The harder you work, the luckier you get....and I am working my a$$ off! The time is now! New album for sale to public after Thanxgiving.

One foot in front of the other. Thats what creates success...Progress. New album has arrived and soon for sale to the public.

I can see clearly that the time is now. If your not first, your last.

YOUR EITHER A SHEEP OR A SHEPPARD. YOUR A LEADER OR A FOLLOWER. THE HARDER YOU WORK, THE LUCKIER YOU GET. www.myspace.com/jewishgodmagicjesus . www.youtube.com/chefpatrickstark

SIMPLE. PRODUCTIVE. HEALTHY. HAPPY.

SIMPLE.PRODUCTIVE.HEALTHY:)

NEW MUSIC ALBUM. NEW VIDEOS. NEW JOB. NEW CLEANSING. NEW PERSPECTIVE. NEW LIFE. www.myspace.com/jewishgodmagicjesus . www.youtube.com/chefpatrickstark

I am currently looking for a drummer for my project now to play live. Does anyone know of any cool, professional drummers that would be interested in auditioning? I really appreciate it and if anyone would know:) Sincerely ~P~

NEW MUSIC ALBUM. NEW VIDEOS. NEW JOB. NEW CLEANSING. NEW PERSPECTIVE. NEW LIFE. www.myspace.com/jewishgodmagicjesus . www.youtube.com/chefpatrickstark

NEW MUSIC. NEW VIDEOS. NEW LIFE. www.myspace.com/jewishgodmagicjesus . www.youtube.com/chefpatrickstark .

NEW JOB. NEW MUSIC. NEW LIFE. MUSIC track www.myspace.com/jewishgodmagicjesus . NE videos at www.youtube.com/chefpatrickstark

Overview
There's a wonderful feeling of liberation you get when you don't care what anyone thinks about you -- so why are you worried about seeming perfect? The stress caused by always trying to dress the right way, say the right thing and be the right kind of person takes a lot of energy out of you. To start feeling good, give up the useless quest for perfection. Let yourself do what feels right, and you will become the kind of person you can be proud of.

check out my new track off my new album due out at the end of fall at www.myspace.com/jewishgodmagicjesus and tell me if you dig :) Also check out some of my videos at www.youtube.com/chefpatrickstark

check out my new track off my new album due out at the end of fall at www.myspace.com/jewishgodmagicjesus and tell me if you dig :) Also check out some of my videos at www.youtube.com/chefpatrickstark

check out my new track off my new album due out at the end of fall at www.myspace.com/jewishgodmagicjesus and tell me if you dig :)

Also check out some of my videos at www.youtube.com/chefpatrickstark

Ever wonder how to make sorbet? Check out my video http://ping.fm/nSPoK ITS SO EASY!!

To ask forgiveness is easier than permission. Take ownership of your actions, turn the page, and build, learn, and most importantly grow.

all finished up with latest client. Now accepting opportunities for chef/consulting work.

"Keepin score, so I got a list. Takin aim and we never miss." Check out my new track coming out at www.myspace.com/jewishgodmagicjesus

"keepin score, so I got a list.Takin aim and we never miss." Check out my new track coming out at www.myspace.com/jewishgodmagicjesus

"keepin score, so I got a list." Check out my new track coming out at www.myspace.com/jewishgodmagicjesus

IT TAKES BALLS TO SHOW SOMEONE YOUR DREAMS. CHECK OUT MY NEW VIDEO-HOW TO CHOP AN ONION AND NOT CRY. http://ping.fm/rcZVv

CHECK OUT MY NEW VIDEO-HOW TO CHOP AN ONION AND NOT CRY. http://ping.fm/rcZVv

CHECK OUT MY NEW TRACK ON MY NEW ALBUM CALLED "KABOOM" AT WWW.MYSPACE.COM/JEWISHGODMAGICJESUS

How to cut and chop an onion (CLICK HERE FOR LINK TO VIEW)

How to cut and chop an onion with Chef Patrick Stark, the Stark Raving Chef. This is an easy crash course on how to cut onions and get started using a kitchen knife.

How to use a knife (CLICK ON THIS FOR LINK)

How to use a knife with Chef Patrick Stark, The Stark Raving Chef. He teaches you all the beginning techniques of how to chop and slice using a kitchen knife.

STARK RAVING KITCHEN SNAKE PRANK (CLICK ON BANNER TO VIEW)

The Stark Raving Kitchen Snake Prank. I ALWAYS KEEP A FAKE SNAKE IN MY KITCHEN WHEN YOU KNOW YOUR (EMPLOYEES) GUYS ARE SCARED OF THEM.

How to make sorbet (CLICK ON BANNER TO VIEW)

How to make sorbet or an Monster energy drink sorbet in minutes with Patrick Stark, the "Stark Raving Chef".


Patrick Stark
Executive Chef
"The Stark Raving Chef"
http://www.starkravingchef.com/
http://starkravingchef.blogspot.com/
www.myspace.com/StarkRavingChef
www.facebook.com/StarkRavingChef
www.twitter.com/StarkRavingChef

How to make pizza dough!! (click on title for video link included:)

How to make pizza dough from scratch with ease. Chef Patrick Stark, The Stark Raving Chef, teaches you how to make homemade pizza dough in minutes. Tell me if you dig this :)

Patrick Stark
Executive Chef
"The Stark Raving Chef"
http://www.starkravingchef.com/
http://starkravingchef.blogspot.com/
www.myspace.com/StarkRavingChef
www.facebook.com/StarkRavingChef
www.twitter.com/StarkRavingChef

HORMONES, THEIR NOT JUST IN JUNIOR HIGH PT.3!!

I think this topic of hormones takes the same stance as GMO's or Genetically Modified Organisms. I think that if we are tainting or hurting ourselves and loved ones by consuming these un-natural foods we need ban them. I think that its great these companies can use these hormones to make food cheaper and better, but I can guarantee that there is a comparable method that is not so harmful that can keep the price down and keep the quality supreme and safe. Our government should be working with these companies to keep the costs down and the quality safe by setting up regulations and creating new methods of production. If our government is taking bribes and is not protecting us, what will society do? I think that the animals will suffer and become mutated as well as its consumers. Anybody wanna grow a second head or arm? lol...but seriously.....

Patrick Stark
Executive Chef
"The Stark Raving Chef"
www.StarkRavingChef.com
http://starkravingchef.blogspot.com/
www.myspace.com/StarkRavingChef
www.facebook.com/StarkRavingChef
www.twitter.com/StarkRavingChef

HORMONES, THEIR NOT JUST IN JUNIOR HIGH PT.2!!

Why is our government not making hormones in our food illegal? Where is the USDA? It refuses to enforce laws and regulations prohibiting the use of these hormones. Rather than acting to protect consumers, the USDA consistently acts to protect the beef industry. It has even aided in the ongoing cover-up of mad cow disease by falsifying laboratory tests, fraudulently altering records and pressuring USDA veterinarians to lie about events. Make no mistake: the USDA is a highly corrupt agency that's putting the public health at risk. These actions are nothing short of criminal and should be treated as such.
I wanna know what you think about this?

Patrick Stark
Executive Chef
"The Stark Raving Chef"
www.StarkRavingChef.com
http://starkravingchef.blogspot.com/
www.myspace.com/StarkRavingChef
www.facebook.com/StarkRavingChef
www.twitter.com/StarkRavingChef

HORMONES, THEIR NOT JUST IN JUNIOR HIGH!!

Do you ever wonder how some chicken companies get those chicken breasts so big and juicy (don't be a perv lol)? Well it is the hormones that are injected into our animal proteins. Hence, why do you think we see our young maturing females developing (mammaries) at a younger and younger age every year? Hmmmm......

Why are hormones used in food production?
Certain hormones can make young animals gain weight faster. They help reduce the waiting time and the amount of feed eaten by an animal before slaughter in meat industries. In dairy cows, hormones can be used to increase milk production. Thus, hormones can increase the profitability of the meat and dairy industries.

Why are consumers concerned about hormones in foods?
While a variety of hormones are produced by our bodies and are essential for normal development of healthy tissues, synthetic steroid hormones used as pharmaceutical drugs, have been found to affect cancer risk. For example, diethylstilbestrol (DES), a synthetic estrogen drug used in the 1960s was withdrawn from use after it was found to increase the risk of vaginal cancer in daughters of treated women. Lifetime exposure to natural steroid hormone estrogen is also associated with an increased risk for breast cancer (see BCERF Fact Sheet #09 Estrogen and Breast Cancer Risk: What is the Relationship?). Hence, consumers are concerned about whether they are being exposed to hormones used to treat animals, and whether these hormones affect human health. We try to address this complex issue based on scientific evidence that is currently available.
Tell me what you think about this :)Here is a great article!!
http://envirocancer.cornell.edu/Factsheet/Diet/fs37.hormones.cfm
Patrick Stark
Executive Chef
"The Stark Raving Chef"
www.StarkRavingChef.com
http://starkravingchef.blogspot.com/
www.myspace.com/StarkRavingChef
www.facebook.com/StarkRavingChef
www.twitter.com/StarkRavingChef

GMO VS ORGANIC PT.3....DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE EATING?

I can see the pluses and minuses of each GMO's and Organic.

Organic is clean, safe, and natural but high in cost and small in production.

GMOs are cheaper in price, yields enormous for mass consumption, preserves longer on shelf (chemicals) but are dangerous in the chemicals it uses, dangerous in side effects of consumption for consumers,and jacks with mother natures gene pools (crossing strains).

I am all about feeding ourselves, our kids, and the planet with safe means of growing and harvesting as long as it does not use chemicals or is harmful to our consumer. I think their needs to be a renaissance in the farming, dairy, and meat/fish business.....back to the old school of natural farming. It was done along time ago, we can do it again and not be lazy. I don't agree with manipulating mother natures gene pool by crossing cells to create new products. I think there needs to be a safer way of utilizing GMO....if there isn't than we should not be producing or consuming it. Tell me what you guys think!
HERE IS AN ARTICLE I REALLY ENJOYED!
http://www.newswithviews.com/Smith/jeffrey.htm

Patrick Stark
Executive Chef
"The Stark Raving Chef"
www.StarkRavingChef.com
http://starkravingchef.blogspot.com/
www.myspace.com/StarkRavingChef
www.facebook.com/StarkRavingChef
www.twitter.com/StarkRavingChef

GMO VS ORGANIC PT.2

So when you look and think about Organic vs. GMO, a GMO process is no different than the process of human stemcell research. Human stem cell research is supposedly illegal. So why does our government allow companies to modify our dairy, meats, vegetables and fruits that we feed our families and our kids, which are our future. Should GMO's be illegal?
Check out this site (http://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/gmfood/overview.php)
Let me know what you think.
Patrick Stark
Executive Chef
"The Stark Raving Chef"
www.StarkRavingChef.com
http://starkravingchef.blogspot.com/
www.myspace.com/StarkRavingChef
www.facebook.com/StarkRavingChef
www.twitter.com/StarkRavingChef

GMO VS ORGANIC...DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE EATING PT.1?

FIRST OFF, WHAT IS ORGANIC? (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_food)
Organic foods are made according to certain production standards. For the vast majority of human history, agriculture can be described as organic; only during the 20th century was a large supply of new synthetic chemicals introduced to the food supply. This more recent style of production is referred to as "conventional," though organic production has been the convention for a much greater period of time. Under organic production, the use of conventional non-organic pesticides, insecticides and herbicides is greatly restricted and saved as a last resort. However, contrary to popular belief, certain non-organic fertilizers are still used. If livestock are involved, they must be reared without the routine use of antibiotics and without the use of growth hormones, and generally fed a healthy diet.[citation needed] In most countries, organic produce may not be genetically modified. It has been suggested that the application of nanotechnology to food and agriculture is a further technology that needs to be excluded from certified organic food[1]. The Soil Association (UK) has been the first organic certifier to implement a nano-exclusion[2].
Organic food production is a heavily regulated industry, distinct from private gardening. Currently, the European Union, the United States, Canada, Japan and many other countries require producers to obtain special certification in order to market food as "organic" within their borders. Most certifications allow some chemicals and pesticides to be used, so consumers should be aware of the standards for qualifying as "organic" in their respective locales.
Historically, organic farms have been relatively small family-run farms[3]—which is why organic food was once only available in small stores or farmers' markets. However, since the early 1990s organic food production has had growth rates of around 20% a year, far ahead of the rest of the food industry, in both developed and developing nations. As of April 2008, organic food accounts for 1–2% of food sales worldwide.

WHAT IS A GMO, OR A GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISM? (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_organism)
A genetically modified organism (GMO) or genetically engineered organism (GEO) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. These techniques, generally known as recombinant DNA technology, use DNA molecules from different sources, which are combined into one molecule to create a new set of genes. This DNA is then transferred into an organism, giving it modified or novel genes. Transgenic organisms, a subset of GMOs, are organisms which have inserted DNA that originated in a different species. Some GMOs contain no DNA from other species and are therefore not transgenic but cisgenic.
SO WHICH IS BETTER FOR US AND THE ENVIRONMENT? I think the answer is clear.
CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE AND LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!
http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_683.cfm
Patrick Stark
Executive Chef
"The Stark Raving Chef"
www.StarkRavingChef.com
http://starkravingchef.blogspot.com/
www.myspace.com/StarkRavingChef
www.facebook.com/StarkRavingChef
www.twitter.com/StarkRavingChef

"WHERE HAVE ALL THE ROLE MODELS GONE PT.3?"

I believe their needs to be a renaissance with role models and public figures. Our society and youth need leadership more than ever. With all the choices and influences in today, no one wants to lead them in a positive direction. I by no means am saying people need to "saints". LIve your life, indulge in your desires and vices....but do them out of the public eye. When in the public eye, try to stand for something positive. Is this really to hard or much to ask? How do we set the trend that being a role model is hip or cool again?
Patrick Stark
Executive Chef
"The Stark Raving Chef"
http://www.starkravingchef.com/
http://starkravingchef.blogspot.com/
www.myspace.com/StarkRavingChef
www.facebook.com/StarkRavingChef
www.twitter.com/StarkRavingChef

WHERE HAVE ALL THE ROLE MODELS GONE? PT.2

Why doesn't anyone want to be a role model anymore? I think it all started in the early 90's with the Nike campaign with Charles Barkley, "I am not a role model". It seems after that, much of marketing and society jumped on the band wagon. I mean really.....these public celebrity figures have tons of money and everything in life accept "class" apparently for the fact that they don't wanna help, lead or impact the lives of their fans? I have met many celebs and personal heroes in person and can tell you I was disappointed when I met them. Douche bag deville people. My biggest role model in my life is my father. Morals, ethics, accomplishments, and class. He was a leader to many and still is. In a celebrity role model, my fav. was Darrell Abbott of Pantera. He is one of the few that was a class act and treated people the way he would want to be treated when i met him (several times). So why is it seem now that all society celebrity persons now strive and race to be the baddest and biggest by indulging and promoting a lifestyle excess and bad behavior? (i.e. drugs, sex, conduct, crime, materialism). We are now reaching the max point of such behavior. So what next. Why do the new celebs coming on the scene think keep trying? (its all been done by now, and most have died trying lol) Let me know what you think!!
Patrick Stark
Executive Chef
"The Stark Raving Chef"
www.StarkRavingChef.com
http://starkravingchef.blogspot.com/
www.myspace.com/StarkRavingChef
www.facebook.com/StarkRavingChef
www.twitter.com/StarkRavingChef

WHERE HAVE TODAY'S ROLE MODELS GONE PT.1?

Remember back 20 years ago to a time when successful persons (ie. atheletes, movie stars, etc) were praised and took responsibilty of being infront of the masses and trying to set an example? Michael Jordan, Arnold Schwartzenegger, The Fridge, Doug Flutie, and Michael Jackson? What has happened to all of our role models and heroes? Why is not cool anymore? I would love to hear your thoughts :)
Patrick Stark
Executive Chef
"The Stark Raving Chef"
www.StarkRavingChef.com
http://starkravingchef.blogspot.com/
www.myspace.com/StarkRavingChef
www.facebook.com/StarkRavingChef
www.twitter.com/StarkRavingChef

LOVE, BREAK UPS, AND STARTING OVER BLOG PT. 3

How to start over after a break up? I find that everyone is different. I personally like to ask a close friend to set me up on a date to get out there, get over the past, and start to grow and breathe again. It might be a disaster, but that is why you are asking a close friend to set you up. Your friend can let that person know what you are going through and be compassionate and help you get over your troubles. Fresh air from a new person can be just what the doctor ordered! I am not an expert, but found this article (from a doctor) to really help. http://www.enotalone.com/article/2445.html
Tell me what you think helps you?


Patrick Stark
Executive Chef
"The Stark Raving Chef"
www.StarkRavingChef.com
http://starkravingchef.blogspot.com/
www.myspace.com/StarkRavingChef
www.facebook.com/StarkRavingChef
www.twitter.com/StarkRavingChef

LOVE, BREAK UPS, AND STARTING OVER PT.2

So when a bad break up occurs, what is the best way to go about it and remain healthy and not hurt both parties? Some people decide to break up because they do not love each other anymore, or because they have different goals in life, or maybe they just do not get along. Sometimes people decide to break up even though they love each other, for reasons that may be best for both parties. But how do you break up with someone you love? Even in song lyrics, you can hear the line "breaking up is not easy to do".

So why break up if you still love him or her? You may feel that there is love, but that they are not the person that you want to spend the rest of your life with, or vice versa. Or maybe due to certain circumstances, say long distance, you decide too much effort is required to make the relationship work. No matter the reasons, you start to ponder about a way to resolve this and start thinking about how to break up with someone you love.
Breaking off is not fun at all. Somebody is bound to get hurt. So how to break up with someone you love? Telling you to do it gently probably wouldn't be of much help because inevitably hearts shall be broken. Do not delay the break up further. The longer you take to break up, the harder it will become.
Talk it through with your loved one on the reasons for wanting to go your separate ways. If you are honest with your feelings and your confessions, this should make it easier on how to break up with someone you love so much. Do not make up a complicated story for the breakup as this will complicate situations and make it even harder to break up.
In a nutshell, when you break up with someone you love, make sure you pick the right place and the right time. Avoid making the situation awkward by picking the wrong place to break up. Be honest and sensitive with your partner and gently explain the reason for the break up. There is no one proven effective way on how to break up. As long as you are honest and sincere in your ways, you shall see it through!

Got any tips or tricks! I wanna hear them!
And remember, "Stay mohawk friendly".....

Sincerely,
Patrick Stark
Executive Chef
"The Stark Raving Chef"
www.StarkRavingChef.com
http://starkravingchef.blogspot.com/
www.myspace.com/StarkRavingChef
www.facebook.com/StarkRavingChef
www.twitter.com/StarkRavingChef

LOVE, BREAK UPS, AND STARTING OVER PT. 1

Are we really in love with someone when we first meet them? Or is it just the fact that we as humans have been wanting someone for so long that we confuse it as love. I am no professional when it comes to relationships, but have been in an enough to know what is healthy and what is unhealthy. I would like to hear what you guys think on this topic :)

Patrick Stark
Executive Chef
"The Stark Raving Chef"
www.StarkRavingChef.com
http://starkravingchef.blogspot.com/
www.myspace.com/StarkRavingChef
www.facebook.com/StarkRavingChef
www.twitter.com/StarkRavingChef

FAT AMERICA VS THE FAST FOOD GIANT PT. 3

I think the fast food giant should take responsibility for its service being sold. They should donate money yearly to American Heart Association to help with the heart disease it causes from the consumption of the food we purchase from them. I think with every meal sold, it should supply a free pass to gym for the day to be responsible for the fat consumption its loyal customers ingest. Yes, America the free. America the great. America....the best country on the planet. We are so fortunate to have the right and freedom to live in such a country of opportunity. Over the last decades, our country has endured many great changes including political leaders, government, business, consumerism, foreign policies, wars, the environment, family values, and society to cover just a few lol. As a result, our pace of life has become busier in our everyday routine and the "home" or family structure has changed dramatically. Parents are working longer hours, kids have less supervision, and society has more obstacles to avoid potential pit-falls in the path of life. Our children are our future. America has dropped dramatically in rank in education. America has also risen in obsetity. This in my opinion is a recipe for disaster. With lack of time, excercise, adult guidance, and strong teachers, we have become a fat, stupid, and lazy country. How do we turn our country around?

Patrick Stark
Executive Chef
"The Stark Raving Chef"
http://www.starkravingchef.com/
http://starkravingchef.blogspot.com/
www.myspace.com/StarkRavingChef
www.facebook.com/StarkRavingChef
www.twitter.com/StarkRavingChef

FAT AMERICA VS THE FAST FOOD GIANT PT 2

I believe much of these problems/issues starts with our diet. If we eat processed-non nutrient food, we become less effiecent and unproductive with our daily tasks due to burning off the calories and left feeling sluggish and full of fat. The fastest and most accessable foods are ones found in our lunch room cafeteria as well as every urban street corner (fast food). These multi billion dollar fast food powerhouses are making money hand over fist and continually serve us the worst grade, processed food available. Where is the ethical responsibility to its customers? I am sure customers would not gripe about spending an extra $.50 to have a qualtiy meat, vegetable, or cheese. Why can these giants not offer more healthy options. I am not talking just apples or some iceberg salads with high fat dressings, but other options that aren't fried or full of fat. Jeeze, you would think that they would have caught on and started the first "healthy fast serviced" restaurant. They WOULD BANK!!! The double edge sword here swings back by these large companies saying offering more quality options or ingredients cuts their profit margins and the food spoils faster. The cheap price might fill the stomach, but is fattening our future (kids). We need to set a healthy standard with our criteria for what is acceptable to feed our families and children. CLICK ON THE LINK ON THIS BLOG TO READ HOW MUCH OUR HEALTH CARE PAYS FOR ALL THE HEALTH PROBLEMS LINKED TO FAST FOOD!!
www.speakout.com/activism/issue_briefs/1333b-1.html

I would love to hear what you guys think......
Patrick Stark
Executive Chef
http://www.starkravingchef.com/
http://starkravingchef.blogspot.com/
www.myspace.com/StarkRavingChef
www.facebook.com/StarkRavingChef
www.twitter.com/StarkRavingChef

"FAT AMERICA VS THE FAST FOOD GIANT PT.1"

Currently, our government is regulating banks, cars, and small businessess, so why not regulate the healthiness of our food and consumption? It is a free country but when is it unhealthy/dangerous to consume such calories and fat? Is our government not suppose to protect our people and families? These multi billion dollar fast food powerhouses are making money hand over fist and continually serve us the worst grade, processed food available. Where is the ethical responsibility to its customers? I would love to hear what you guys think......
Patrick Stark
Executive Chef
"The Stark Raving Chef"
http://www.starkravingchef.com/
http://starkravingchef.blogspot.com/
www.myspace.com/StarkRavingChef
www.facebook.com/StarkRavingChef
www.twitter.com/StarkRavingChef

COMFORT FOOD RECIPES AND POINTERS THAT HELP DURING TIMES OF GRIEVING & LOSS.

Hey Boyz and Goulz,

If you have never experienced loss or grieving of a loved one (i.e. pet, friend, family, partner) it can be a difficult journey. I am no expert on this topic, but have found that over the course of my short time here on Mother Earth, that some pointers have really helped me digest such emotions and deal in a healthy manner.

First and foremost, I find being surrounded by loved ones (close friends & family) really helps during the time of loss. Everyone deals differently with loss. Some people like to be alone, which is normal. However, too much time alone can really send a person down the wrong path with no outside support or guidance. I call it "mentall overkill". Find someone who will and can listen to unconditionally. This will help you not keep the flurry of emotions deep down inside. A crucial key in healing is to get it out and tell someone :)

The question of "Why?" always seems to be the popular antagonist. As long and as hard as one can try to solve or figure the ultimate riddle, no one truly knows....which sucks (sorry mom...potty mouth lol). No one will truly ever know why one "being" or "thing" is chosen to go or have something tramatic happen to them. Every person hates to hear "I am so sorry!" Its almost adding insult and creating anger for the fact that many people take it as pitty or as "how the f*ck does this person know what I am going through" or "they never knew this person I have lost, how dare they!! The only words of encouragement that never crossed the line and helped give me a perspective and a piece of mind is, "They may not be here physically, but NO one can take my memories or their spirit. It will and is still around me." This always helped me deal with the fact that I can always remember them as well as know they are looking over me and never left me. I am not a religious person, even though raised religious, but extremely spiritual for what it is worth.

Fresh air and a change of scenary! Like mentioned above....its normal to want to be alone and take time to grieve and work through emotions. However, getting a little fresh air and taking a walk greatly helps with stress and can help give your mind a rest. Not getting a change of scenary can once again be "mental overkill".

I also have found that mere stress of the "loss" as well as the "grieving stage" can impose a great amount of damage of the brain and body. I personally found it extremely important to eat, eventhough few ever feel like eating. If the body and mind has no energy (i.e. food), it starts to contort information/dialogue and events and take them into extreme perspective and over analization. Its so common that few ever want to eat during loss and grieving, which is why I find it extremely important to cook and consume food that makes the soul and/or person feel good....COMFORT FOOD!! Think of all the times you got sent home from school being sick or staying in the hospital. All the chicken soup and grilled cheese sandwiches that mom or dad made that intstantly created relief and the track to peace and rest. The same situation applies here. Here are some of my favorite comfort food recipes that are very easy to prepare.

http://busycooks.about.com/od/fiveingredientrecipes/a/comfortfood.htm

Excercise, eating, good people, and rest was the pathy to helping me deal with loss and travel through the grieveing process. Bars, dead beat people that don't care, and stuffy, secluded houses will be your monkey on your back. I hope this helps. I would love to hear what you think!! Please send me your pointers that helped you with loss as well as your favorite comfort food recipes.

Till next time....
Stay mohawk friendly :)
Chef P
Patrick StarkExecutive Chef"The Stark Raving Chef"phone: 214.274.6545www.StarkRavingChef.comhttp://starkravingchef.blogspot.com/www.myspace.com/StarkRavingChefwww.facebook.com/StarkRavingChefwww.twitter.com/StarkRavingChef

HOW TO SHOP FRUGAL, EAT HEALTHY, AND WORK OUT AS A MIDDLE CLASS PERSON IN OUR TROUBLING ECONOMY.

Hey Boyz and Goulz,
Growing up as a fat, middle class, hard working kid in Ohio, I learned many bad habits that have stuck with me into my younger adolecent years. I constantly struggled with the idea that I needed money for groceries and gym memberships as well as time to work out, shop, and prepare meals to gain the ideal figure I desired. Since entering "man" hood lol, I have had to take the essencials of main stream "health ideals" and create a system that worked for me, my budget, and my lifestyle (mainly time).I am a chef, first and foremost. I work like a dog. Its hard to be on your feet and still manage to find time in your daily routine to workout and eat healthy. I have created a system that has worked for me, that I hope can shed some light or change in your day to day routine.Eating.1. Eat all your carbs early in the day. Before 5 pm.-Breakfast starts your metabolism. I start the day with cereal (breads, grains, etc.) or if I am at the restaurant a piece of cheese pizza fresh out of the oven. The persons who think missing breakfast don't kick start the "poo track" or metabolism. This greatly helps you stay regular and a healthy figure.2. Try to eat on a regular routine.-Try to eat at the same time every day. This helps your body immensley. Try to eat something small, like the size of your fist every 2-3 hours (healthy food of course, listed below).3. Don't eat after 7 pm.- I like to eat in the morning when i get up (force yourself to put something in your belly), eat an apple two hours later, a healthy "non fried anything" sandwich for lunch, a snack of a granola bar two hours later, a salad with chicken (no cream based dressings like ranch), and nothing else.4. Moderate the booze.-If you work out and eat right everyday, drinking a six pack a day defeats the purpose. You just threw it all away. Drinking is still ingesting calories. This breaks rule #2. The people with fast metabolizems ruin this rule lol!5. Don' t eat fast food and fried foods.-The cardinal rule. This kills all progress of the day. You can reward yourself once a week or a month depending on our discipline, but stay away from the drive thru and stay away from bar-fried foods. That hamburg after drinking (breaking rule #2) just really snowballed progress!6. Only stock your cupboards with healthy food.-You eat what you buy. If you keep Doritos and Oreo's in your cupboard, you will eat it. Save yourself the temptation. If you can't do this, don't buy food and shut your refridgerator and only buy what you eat.7. Shop within your budget and don't fool yourself.-You know what you will eat from the grocery store. Find healthy foods that you enjoy eating and incorporate those into your daily diet (The link is the healthy hillybilly diet, so if you can't find something on here....lol). If you hate cooking, cook off chicken breasts using a George Forman for the week and ziplock and warm when you need them. I.E. "Don't buy eggplant because it has great nutrients, so that it can turn into E.T. after two weeks in your fridge."8. Do your homework. Have a plan.-You can GOOGLE healthy recipe menus for a whole week from the web. Take the menu items you know you can be content with. Figure out what you wanna eat for the week. Figure out a way (rule #7) to prepare the needed items and make a menu for the week. Make it happen.9. Cost out your game plan or menu.-IF you check out the link above, you can see anyone can find a way to eat proper....even with simple comfort food. If you have little money, and you can still stay on track. You don't need special services (Jenny Craig) or food to eat healthy and stay on track. Cost out your shopping list and make it applicable to your eating prefrences.10. Moderation and portion size.-Eat something the size of your "fist" every two hours. Don't sit down and eat a giant meal at dinner to make up for not eating the whole day. Bad.......very bad!!! lolExercise.I work 12 hours on my feet six days a week, so I am constantly busy. The whole key is to stay active without being a "gym rat":)1. Find a time in your day.- To reach success, you need to find an "unconditional" time of your day, everyday, that you can invest into your future. This all comes down to your routine. Are you a morning person and are more productive? Are you a night owl that has more energy and drive after work? You decide:) Get a planner and map out your week. Write your menu of what you consume on those days of the week. Write the time for your workout and block it off on your planner so you can make time and follow thru. Don't try to put 5 lbs. of crap in a 15 min block of time lol.2. Your Game plan.-I have found out that if you watch what you eat, you can exercise 4x a week, 20 minutes a day. I like to work out 6 days a week because I enjoy it. It creates a better start to my busy days, which is 7 days a week. Do it in the comfort of your own home!!! If you don't work on your feet on your job at least 8 hours a day, you need some type of cardio. I have found out that even if you just walk around your house 10x, it works just as good as a one mile walk. The whole key is that you need to start your workouts by kick starting your metabolism by bringing up your heart rate and pulse. Walk a mile a day (its not as far as you think lol) in your neighborhood or on a treadmill and then proceed into your simple exercise. For guys (ladies your exercises are coming next blog~stay tuned:), I do 50 push ups and 50 sit ups a day. The next day, I use an isometric band to do arms....50 reps (inward and outward) and 50 sit ups (look for blog number 2 for exercises and details). Alternate every other day. This works out your back, chest, abs, shoulders, arms, and legs (cardio). Simple. After a matter of months, likely 3 months, you will truly start to see the results. Remember, it starts with the diet!!2. Cardio vs. Diet.-To stay healthy, the whole key is the diet. "Kick" the "workout" right out the window if you have no eating discipline. If you don't eat right, the work out won't make a difference. Your wasting your time....sorry :( Why do you see all the people after New Year's give up after a month every year....its because they don't eat right and get discouraged and see no results.3. Dieting Tricks-I don't use fish oil or Hydroxycut or any of that "speed" non-sense. I do take a male daily multi-vitamin and a Vit B complex (energy and metabolism). This is a way to stay out of the doctor office and help your metabolism.4. Consistency.-You don't win games and you don't make progress by working out when you wanna work out....otherwise everybody would be Fabio lol. Whether your tired, mad, PMS'in, lazy, etc....progress is maintained and progressive when you continually work at it. No excuses!5. Aresenal-You need to obtain this diet a pair of shoes (to walk), an isometric rubberband (exercises), and a bed or couch (for sit ups to lock your feet under). This not much. Total cost is $10 dollars for the rubber band. No excuses.There is more to come on round two.....exercises, recipes, tips, and updates. I hope you find motivation and strength in finding the routine, figure, and the lifestyle you want "keeping it real" within your means. Please comment your feelings, thoughts, and any added information :)Stay tuned......and stay "Mohawk Friendly" :)Much lovep

HOW TO SHOP FRUGAL, EAT HEALTHY, AND WORKOUT AS A MIDDLE CLASS PERSON.

Hello Boyz and Goulz!

Here is the second part to learning how to eat, excercise, and shop for a middle class person. The first segment gave you ideas on how to shop and purchase frugal grocery items and cook them with simple cooking procedures. This segment is focusing on excercising. So buckle up and get ready to get fit!

For the Guys!

I have found that by working out atleast five days a week, 20 minutes a day, you can start to see results you would like after about 30 days. The whole key is your DIET!! You will not be building mass like a body builder, but scalpting and refining your body and its physique.

1. Find a time in your day, everyday of the week, that you can commit time to working out. If mornings are better, find time. Get up 30 minutes earlier if need be. Find a time and stick to it. You can't use "I will work out tomorrow or I am tired and I will do it later". If you don't workout religiously, you won't see the results.

2. Always start off your workout by raising your heart rate/pulse by some cardio. If you have a treadmill, use it! If you don't, walk around your block or house for ten minutes till you are starting to break a sweat. This will help burn calories and start your metabolism. Remember, challenge yourself! Don't lolly gag during your cardio. On the flip side, you don't need to necessarily sprint however. Challenge yourself!!

3.After your cardio warm up to raise your heart rate and pulse, its time to excercise. You will alternate doing push-ups and rubberband excercises everyday. You will do sit ups everyday however. With this in mind, you will need to buy some excercise bands (found at any sports store or health equipment store). So for monday, you will do (2) sets of push-ups doing 25 push-ups for each set. After each set, you should do 25 sit-ups. For your sit-ups, place a pillow underneath a couch or bed and place your feet under pillow to secure your posture. Make sure your legs make a 45 degree angle. You can google different sit ups that will target different parts of your stomach as well as sit ups that target your shoulders, chest, and tri-ceps.

4. The day after push-ups, you will be using your rubberbands. I like rubberbands that have different resisability. I buy one band with light resistance and one more with tougher resistance. Like push-ups, you will do (2) sets of 25 reps of a particular rubberband excercise. I use my bands mainly for my biceps. You can use them for shoulders, triceps, and your legs. I would google "isometric" excercises for diagrams and details to insure you are correctly using form.

5. So repeat this process alternating push-ups and rubberband excercises. Research your excercises by the areas you want to change on your body. Stay on top of your sit ups. MOST IMPORTANTLY, EAT CORRECTLY AND DON'T MISS A DAY EXCERCISING. MAKE TIME IN YOUR SCHEDULE!!!

For the Ladies!!

I have found that by working out atleast five days a week, 20 minutes a day, you can start to see results you would like after about 30 days. The whole key is your DIET!!

1. Find a time in your day, everyday of the week, that you can commit time to working out. If mornings are better, find time. Get up 30 minutes earlier if need be. Find a time and stick to it. You can't use "I will work out tomorrow or I am tired and I will do it later". If you don't workout religiously, you won't see the results.

2. Always start off your workout by raising your heart rate/pulse by some cardio. If you have a treadmill, use it! If you don't, walk around your block or house for ten minutes till you are starting to break a sweat. This will help burn calories and start your metabolism. Remember, challenge yourself! Don't lolly gag during your cardio. On the flip side, you don't need to necessarily sprint however. Challenge yourself!!

3.After your cardio warm up to raise your heart rate and pulse, its time to excercise. You will alternate doing push-ups, leg excercises, and rubberband excercises everyday. You will do sit ups everyday however. With this in mind, you will need to buy some excercise bands (found at any sports store or health equipment store). You will also need some empty milk jugs (filled with sand or water) or light weights if you have them. So for monday, you will do (2) sets of push-ups doing 25 push-ups for each set. After each set, you should do 25 sit-ups. For your sit-ups, place a pillow underneath a couch or bed and place your feet under pillow to secure your posture. Make sure your legs make a 45 degree angle. You can google different sit ups that will target different parts of your stomach as well as sit ups that target your shoulders, chest, and tri-ceps.

4. The day after push-ups, you will be using your rubberbands. I like rubberbands that have different resisability. I buy one band with light resistance and one more with tougher resistance. Like push-ups, you will do (2) sets of 25 reps of a particular rubberband excercise. I use my bands mainly for my biceps. You can use them for shoulders, triceps, and your legs. I would google "isometric" excercises for diagrams and details to insure you are correctly using form.

5. The day after rubberbands, you will be using your milk jugs or weights to work your legs. In your room, you can do lunges. Merely stand straight up holding the weights and lead one leg forward and try to touch your rear leg to the floor. Alternate this with your other leg next lunging forward. Another great excercise is to hold the jugs and do calf raises by trying to stand on your tippy toes. Once again, you can google "lunges" and look for correct form as well as different styles of lunges and calf raises.

6. So repeat this process alternating push-ups, lunges/calf raises, and rubberband excercises. Research your excercises by the areas you want to change on your body. Stay on top of your sit ups. MOST IMPORTANTLY, EAT CORRECTLY AND DON'T MISS A DAY EXCERCISING. MAKE TIME IN YOUR SCHEDULE!!!

I hope this info helps you boyz and goulz take control of your diet and excercising. You don't need a gym membership, you don't need fancy weights or equipment.....you just need a time of day alotted, a work out plan, and routine discipline. DIET IS EVERYTHING!

Tell me your thoughts on this and let me know if you have any great ideas as well as how it works out for you! If you have any questions, hit me up!!!

Stay mohawk friendly!!
Chef P

HOW TO SHOP FRUGAL, EAT HEALTHY, AND WORKOUT AS A MIDDLE CLASS PERSON.

Hey Boyz and Goulz,

Growing up as a fat, middle class, hard working kid in Ohio, I learned many bad habits that have stuck with me into my younger adolecent years. I constantly struggled with the idea that I needed money for groceries and gym memberships as well as time to work out, shop, and prepare meals to gain the ideal figure I desired. Since entering "man" hood lol, I have had to take the essencials of main stream "health ideals" and create a system that worked for me, my budget, and my lifestyle (mainly time).

I am a chef, first and foremost. I work like a dog. Its hard to be on your feet and still manage to find time in your daily routine to workout and eat healthy. I have created a system that has worked for me, that I hope can shed some light or change in your day to day routine.

Eating.
1. Eat all your carbs early in the day. Before 5 pm.
-Breakfast starts your metabolism. I start the day with cereal (breads, grains, etc.) or if I am at the restaurant a piece of cheese pizza fresh out of the oven. The persons who think missing breakfast don't kick start the "poo track" or metabolism. This greatly helps you stay regular and a healthy figure.
2. Try to eat on a regular routine.
-Try to eat at the same time every day. This helps your body immensley. Try to eat something small, like the size of your fist every 2-3 hours (healthy food of course, listed below).
3. Don't eat after 7 pm.
- I like to eat in the morning when i get up (force yourself to put something in your belly), eat an apple two hours later, a healthy "non fried anything" sandwich for lunch, a snack of a granola bar two hours later, a salad with chicken (no cream based dressings like ranch), and nothing else.
4. Moderate the booze.
-If you work out and eat right everyday, drinking a six pack a day defeats the purpose. You just threw it all away. Drinking is still ingesting calories. This breaks rule #2. The people with fast metabolizems ruin this rule lol!
5. Don' t eat fast food and fried foods.
-The cardinal rule. This kills all progress of the day. You can reward yourself once a week or a month depending on our discipline, but stay away from the drive thru and stay away from bar-fried foods. That hamburg after drinking (breaking rule #2) just really snowballed progress!
6. Only stock your cupboards with healthy food.
-You eat what you buy. If you keep Doritos and Oreo's in your cupboard, you will eat it. Save yourself the temptation. If you can't do this, don't buy food and shut your refridgerator and only buy what you eat.
7. Shop within your budget and don't fool yourself.
-You know what you will eat from the grocery store. Find healthy foods that you enjoy eating and incorporate those into your daily diet (The link is the healthy hillybilly diet, so if you can't find something on here....lol). If you hate cooking, cook off chicken breasts using a George Forman for the week and ziplock and warm when you need them. I.E. "Don't buy eggplant because it has great nutrients, so that it can turn into E.T. after two weeks in your fridge."
8. Do your homework. Have a plan.
-You can GOOGLE healthy recipe menus for a whole week from the web. Take the menu items you know you can be content with. Figure out what you wanna eat for the week. Figure out a way (rule #7) to prepare the needed items and make a menu for the week. Make it happen.
9. Cost out your game plan or menu.
-IF you check out the link above, you can see anyone can find a way to eat proper....even with simple comfort food. If you have little money, and you can still stay on track. You don't need special services (Jenny Craig) or food to eat healthy and stay on track. Cost out your shopping list and make it applicable to your eating prefrences.
10. Moderation and portion size.
-Eat something the size of your "fist" every two hours. Don't sit down and eat a giant meal at dinner to make up for not eating the whole day. Bad.......very bad!!! lol

Exercise.
I work 12 hours on my feet six days a week, so I am constantly busy. The whole key is to stay active without being a "gym rat":)

1. Find a time in your day.
- To reach success, you need to find an "unconditional" time of your day, everyday, that you can invest into your future. This all comes down to your routine. Are you a morning person and are more productive? Are you a night owl that has more energy and drive after work? You decide:) Get a planner and map out your week. Write your menu of what you consume on those days of the week. Write the time for your workout and block it off on your planner so you can make time and follow thru. Don't try to put 5 lbs. of crap in a 15 min block of time lol.
2. Your Game plan.
-I have found out that if you watch what you eat, you can exercise 4x a week, 20 minutes a day. I like to work out 6 days a week because I enjoy it. It creates a better start to my busy days, which is 7 days a week. Do it in the comfort of your own home!!! If you don't work on your feet on your job at least 8 hours a day, you need some type of cardio. I have found out that even if you just walk around your house 10x, it works just as good as a one mile walk. The whole key is that you need to start your workouts by kick starting your metabolism by bringing up your heart rate and pulse. Walk a mile a day (its not as far as you think lol) in your neighborhood or on a treadmill and then proceed into your simple exercise. For guys (ladies your exercises are coming next blog~stay tuned:), I do 50 push ups and 50 sit ups a day. The next day, I use an isometric band to do arms....50 reps (inward and outward) and 50 sit ups (look for blog number 2 for exercises and details). Alternate every other day. This works out your back, chest, abs, shoulders, arms, and legs (cardio). Simple. After a matter of months, likely 3 months, you will truly start to see the results. Remember, it starts with the diet!!
2. Cardio vs. Diet.
-To stay healthy, the whole key is the diet. "Kick" the "workout" right out the window if you have no eating discipline. If you don't eat right, the work out won't make a difference. Your wasting your time....sorry :( Why do you see all the people after New Year's give up after a month every year....its because they don't eat right and get discouraged and see no results.
3. Dieting Tricks
-I don't use fish oil or Hydroxycut or any of that "speed" non-sense. I do take a male daily multi-vitamin and a Vit B complex (energy and metabolism). This is a way to stay out of the doctor office and help your metabolism.
4. Consistency.
-You don't win games and you don't make progress by working out when you wanna work out....otherwise everybody would be Fabio lol. Whether your tired, mad, PMS'in, lazy, etc....progress is maintained and progressive when you continually work at it. No excuses!
5. Aresenal
-You need to obtain this diet a pair of shoes (to walk), an isometric rubberband (exercises), and a bed or couch (for sit ups to lock your feet under). This not much. Total cost is $10 dollars for the rubber band. No excuses.

There is more to come on round two.....exercises, recipes, tips, and updates. I hope you find motivation and strength in finding the routine, figure, and the lifestyle you want "keeping it real" within your means. Please comment your feelings, thoughts, and any added information :)
Stay tuned......and stay "Mohawk Friendly" :)

Much love
p