Posted by Christopher Swanson at 12:41 PM | Permalink

OPEN HOUSE & ARTIST RECEPTION:  Second Saturday, April 12, 2008 from 4:00 – 7:00PM.  Admission:  FREE!  A unique tasting menu will be paired with selected works.  Meet the Artist!  We look forward to seeing you.

The title is a metaphor for a painting process.

The alchemist is driven by what is elusive, what will come only through change. The ancient discipline of alchemy sought to make precious metals out of common ingredients. In its most noble state, it was the precursor to chemistry; in its lowest, a bastion for fools who sought easy wealth. I refer to the alchemist because he looks for what is not yet present, what is beyond his reach.

The chambermaid is saddled with what is real and abhorred, what must be eradicated. She is granted access to our most intimate spaces in order to change us, or to make us feel better about ourselves. She is a catalyst in the practical world, though she is not revered like the alchemist. I’m interested in the chambermaid because her nature is not to look outside herself and her surroundings; she deals with what is.

The paintings are an exploration of the constant tension between the real and the abstract; between the cerebral and the practical, between the enlightened and the rote. When I paint, I’m simply pushing paint around a canvas. The transformation happens when imagery starts to evolve by painting, cleaning, scraping, and painting over again. And the resulting layers apparent in this way of working hopefully expose this process.

About the artist…

Originally from Massachusetts, Dale Alward has lived in Washington, DC since 1984. With a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design, he is currently a self-employed software developer who builds multimedia software for museums around the world. He tries to find time to paint whenever possible.

Posted by Christopher Swanson at 11:53 AM | Permalink

My parents recently forwarded an e-mail to me that included a video instructing viewers how to react if you ever have a grease fire in your kitchen.  I quickly realized that I had absolutely NO idea how to react if this ever happened to me and I was amazed just how disasterous the effect could be if I didn't know what to do.  I know this isn't a typical Cooking With Chris article but I encourage you to view this video so that you know exactly what do do if you are ever faced with this type of situation. 

Simply click on the image of the match above to watch the short video.

Posted by Christopher Swanson at 11:33 AM | Permalink

Earn some extra cash! 

Refer your friends and co-workers to an available apartment from Evolve Property Management 

Click 1:  Check Vacancies   

Posted by Christopher Swanson at 11:24 AM | Permalink

Ingredients:
- 2 oz Brandy
- 1/2 oz Cherry Brandy
- 1/2 oz Lemon Juice
- 1 oz Triple Sec
- 1 oz Grenadine
- Garnish: Cherry
- Glass : Cocktail Glass

Posted by Christopher Swanson at 11:23 AM | Permalink

40 Million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies.  Washingtonians are especially susceptable due to all of our spring and summer-time flowering trees.  Here are a few terrific alternatives that may help you get through this season (and the next):

NETI POT

The use of a neti pot (which looks similar to a small tea pot) involves dissolving saline solution into water in the pot, then pouring the contents into your nose.  It sounds uncomfortable but users get immense relief from the practice.  "Once you're willing to give it a try it makes all the difference in the world," says Dr. Diane G. Heatley, associate professor of otolaryngology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.  Neti pots, complete with cleaning solution, are available at most drugstores and mass merchandisers.  Good brands to try include sinuCleanse and NeilMed.

QUERCETIN

Quercetin is a natural antihistamine found in many fruits and vegetables, and in green tea.  You can take quercetin capsules as you would any antihistamine - as you need them - but they work best if you take them preventively.  If you usually begin experiencing symptoms in May, for example, start taking them in April.  Continue throughout the season.  Dose:  600 mg twice a day.

STINGING NETTLE

It's one of the best naatural remedies for allergic rhinitis.  Take it as you need it or preventively a few weeks before allery season begins and throughout the season.  Done:  300 mg of the capsules, made from the freeze-dried leaf extract, two to four times a day.

ESSENTIAL OILS

Suzy cohen, a pharmacist and author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist, recommends a steam inhalation of essential oil of lemon balm.  Boil some water, add five to ten drops of the essential oil, and transfer to a sturdy bowl.  Carefully lean over it with a towel over your head and inhale.  Essential oils such as Lemon Balm, open up the sinus passages and even add a refreshing smell to your home.

OMEGA - 3 FATTY ACIDS

Fish oils, such as cod liver oil, contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can protect you from hay fever, sinus infections and asthma.  One good brand is Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega, says Cohen.  Dose:  1,000 mg once daily with a meal.

ZINC

Zinc bolsters immune function.  If you're able to stabilize your immune system, you're less likely to react to allergens.  Buy zinc in lozenges or supplements.  Dose: 10 - 15 mg once daily with a meal.

Posted by Christopher Swanson at 11:13 AM | Permalink

DC is pioneering an automated bike rental system.  DC SmartBikes is a GREAT way to get some exercise and stop polluting the air by riding a bike to work, dinner or around the city.  SmartBike started last month with 120 blue and white bikes available for daily use, located at 10 different locations in the DC area, mainly near Metro stops.  Want to cycle?  SmartBike riders must be registered online or by phone to get their membership cards.  After reserving a bike, only your card can unlock the bike assigned to you.

Posted by Christopher Swanson at 10:56 AM | Permalink