Wednesday, December 28, 2022

Making the Best Prime Rib


1 (4 pound) prime rib roast


¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper

1 teaspoon herbes de Provence

kosher salt to taste


Place prime rib roast on a plate and bring to room temperature, 2 to 4 hours.

Preheat an oven to 500 degrees F (260 degrees C).

Combine butter, pepper, and herbes de Provence in a bowl; mix until well blended. Spread butter mixture evenly over entire roast. Season roast generously with kosher salt.

Roast the 4-pound roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. (If your roast is larger or smaller than 4 pounds, see notes to calculate cooking time.)

Turn the oven off and, leaving the roast in the oven with the door closed, let the roast sit in the oven for 2 hours.

Remove roast from the oven, slice, and serve.


Notes: 

 Multiply the exact weight times 5 minutes. For example 5.35 x 5 = 26.75 minutes, which we round up to 27.

Cook the room-temperature prime rib at 500°F for exactly that many minutes. Then turn off the oven and wait 2 hours without opening the door. When the time's up, remove the prime rib and slice into the most perfectly medium-rare meat you've ever seen. That's all it takes to make foolproof prime rib cooked to a perfect pink that's somewhere just a shade under medium rare. Just make sure you're starting with a prime rib that has been brought to room temperature!





We had this for our Christmas Eve feast, and it was delicious






 

Thursday, December 22, 2022

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

#Dimash speech at Central Asia Peace Forum


“Peace is the greatest and most precious treasure of mankind! The most important key to peace and tranquility is political diplomacy, human relations, and interstate respect. One country must respect the territorial integrity and domestic policies of another.
If we look back at the period when scientists’ studies first documented the history of humankind, we find that humans have only lived peacefully on earth for a total of less than 300 years in the last millennia. This unfortunate fact shows that the human mind has not changed considerably since ancient times. To this day many countries suffer the consequences of war, causing the decline of their economy and their spirituality. Many innocent people suffer from this darkness.
All this proves that when peace is gone, disaster will follow. Averting the fire of war and fighting for peace are the most crucial objectives of the 21st century.
Why can’t we learn to live peacefully for thousands of years?
Why can’t we unite for the common interest of all mankind?
How can we stop the warmongering that drives thousands to death in order to realize one’s own violent ambitions of dividing nations through the rabid actions of agitators?
The fact is that saving a human life by causing another human death is not salvation at all; it is just a pretext.
Knowing all this, we still live in an era of racial divisions, religious wars, and ethnic divisions.
Humanity, forgetting that in this life it is being tested by the creator, is unable to rid itself of its insolent pride.
Why should a few leaders of countries with boundless ambition, who consider themselves great, wage war and interfere in the internal life of another country and decide how their people should live?
Due to my work in the art field, I have been to many countries around the world and experienced the cultures of different peoples.
What I have learned during this time is that there is nothing wrong with people. There are no bad nations, but only statesmen who manipulate people’s minds, steal blood money, and fight wars out of personal ambition.
I published my work entitled “The Story of One Sky,” dedicated to the unity of humankind, and to the creation of concepts such as goodness, peace, and humanity. Needless to say, we are all divided into races, nations, religions and different states, but we are all children of a common mother earth and live under the same sky.
No sacred book calls on humanity to be cruel and wage wars. Children should not suffer because of the mistakes of adults. That is why we must not allow violence, but be friends. The future of humanity and the world is in our hands today. We are children of one home, one place, one sky.” – said Dimash.

Sunday, December 18, 2022

Vocal Coach Reacts to Dimash Kudaibergen - Your Love


I have watched many of her reaction videos but this one is one of the best. Keep on getting on that soapbox!

Sunday, December 11, 2022

Angel Food Candy

 This has been one of my favorite candies during the Christmas holidays but is hard to find at other times of the year so having a recipe for homemade is great!




1 cup sugar
1 cup dark corn syrup
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon baking soda (you can dissolve in small amount of water to prevent lumps)
1 pound milk chocolate candy coating, melted

Butter a 13x-9-in. metal baking pan; set aside. In a heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup and vinegar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, just until sugar dissolves. Cook without stirring until the temperature reaches 300° (hard-crack stage) on a candy thermometer. Do not overcook.
Remove from the heat and quickly stir in baking soda. Pour into prepared pan. Do not spread candy; mixture will not fill pan.
When mixture is cool, break into bite-sized pieces. Dip into melted chocolate; place on waxed paper until the chocolate is firm. Store candy in an airtight container.


Cherry Christmas Slices


 1 cup butter, softened

1 cup confectioners' sugar

1 large egg, room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (see note)

2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup red candied cherries, halved

1 cup green candied cherries, halved

1 cup pecan halves

Cream butter and sugar. Add egg and vanilla; beat until fluffy. Add flour; mix well. Stir in cherries and pecans. Chill for 1 hour.

Shape dough into three 10-in.-long logs; wrap securely and place in a freezer bag. Freeze until ready to bake, or up to 2 months.

To bake, cut frozen logs into 1/8-in. slices, and place on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 325° until edges are golden brown, 10-12 minutes. Cool on wire racks


Note: Dough can be made ahead of time and kept in freezer until ready to bake. I suggest removing the log from the freezer for about 15 minutes before baking to make slicing easier.

Add grated orange, lemon, & lime zest, slivered almonds, & orange extract instead of vanilla.

Use Almond Extract instead of Vanilla

Toast the nuts for extra flavor.

Try rolling the logs in shredded coconut, refrigerate for 1 hour or so and then cut into cookies. Coconut toasts well while baking and gives these cookies more zip.


(Taste of Home)

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

#Dimash - D-Dynasty Moscow | Full Concert


His talent is unstoppable! This was three years ago and like fine wine, he has only gotten better.

Thursday, December 1, 2022

The Voice from #Kazakhstan (Dimash)

Dinmuhammed Kanatuly Kudaibergen, known professionally as Dimash Kudaibergen, is a Kazakh singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. He is university-trained in classical as well as contemporary music and is known for his exceptionally wide vocal range. 
Born: May 24, 1994, Aktobe, Kazakhstan

(Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dimash_Kudaibergen  )


Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Donghae's Solo "Lost" / 동해 솔로 "지독하게"


You can always count on Donghae to deliver a great performance!

Monday, November 21, 2022

Dimash - The Story Of One Sky - Live Version - Almaty Concert 23.09.2022...


I watched the MV first and was struck by the emotions that it brought with it. The message was one that everyone needs to hear. The final statement is much like one that I had been saying for years. If we only put as much money and manpower into solving problems that affect us all, (hunger, disease, poverty, climate, etc.) as we squander in war, the world would be a wonderful place for all.

Friday, November 18, 2022

Sunday, November 13, 2022

Dimash - Your Love | Moscow 2020


This is the kind of music we need now. In one of his videos (Sinful Passion?), he mentioned something about the revival of and appreciation for beautiful music. I love that you can see the emotional investment and commitment he displays when he sings. One of the things I've noticed is that the more love and appreciation he elicits from the audience, the more energetic and dynamic his performance is. Someone mentioned that his voice vibrates through your body even if you're just watching him onscreen. Your heart needs to be open for his voice to have any impact on you.  In the middle of what the world is dealing with and my own personal problems, Dimash is a beacon of love, light, and hope.

It is easy to focus entirely on Dimash's performance alone - which might be my new favorite. It is astounding. But I would like to give a nod to Igor Krutoy for creating a masterful and "Dimash" tailored orchestral piece. 

Wednesday, November 9, 2022

#Dimash - Be With Me (Official Music Video)


In the MV, Dimash has made a parody of action movies. We have the gangster element, a girl "hostage", beautiful women, fights, car escape, etc.  We also have a mix of musical genres. From R&B to Funk to Bel Canto, and even Rap… All in the same song! There is a tribute to Dimash's idols: Michael Jackson, Jackie Chan, Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones. With no ties to a record label, Dimash does what he likes with the enormous talent he has!

#Dimash - The Story of One Sky


I posted this before, but the message is one that needs to be repeated over and over until all the "pipers" of the world learn that we will no longer blindly follow them but instead we will choose life!


On September 23, the solo concert of Dimash in Almaty was the premiere of his song "The Story of One Sky".  Dimash Qudaibergen told the audience that this 12-minute work is "dedicated to the unity of people on our planet. We are all divided into races, nations, and religions, but we are all children of one planet and live under one sky. Life is the highest value. No sacred book calls for the destruction of people. We must learn to be friends; it is impossible for a few adults to cause millions of children to suffer. The future of our planet, the future of people is in our hands, let there be peace in the world. We are children of one Home, one Earth and one Heaven"

Sunday, November 6, 2022

Dimash ft. Renat Gaissin - RIVER OF LOVE



Dimash is playing dombra and the pianist is Renat Gaisin the songwriter of Omir Oter. The dombra (домбыра) is a lute-style instrument. It is an ancient and quintessential piece of Kazakh culture and identity. In its most popular form, the dombra has two-strings strung down a long, skinny neck and a pear-shaped body, flat at the front and rounded on the backside.  The dombra is, in fact, so important to Kazakh national identity that there is a popular saying: “Naǵyz qazaq qazaq emes, naǵyz qazaq – dombra” (Нағыз қазақ қазақ емес, нағыз қазақ – домбыра), which, translated, means “A real Kazakh is not a Kazakh, a real Kazakh is a dombra.” Dimash grandfather is a master of dombra and his father and younger brother Abilmasur also play it. 

Saturday, November 5, 2022

The Forgotten Disaster of the SS Eastland


I had never heard of this event prior to viewing this video.

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

Peanut Butter Fudge

 2 teaspoons butter, softened

2 cups sugar

1/2 cup whole milk

1-1/3 cups peanut butter

1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow creme

Line an 8-in. square pan with foil; grease with butter.

In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar and milk; bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

Stir in peanut butter and marshmallow creme until blended. Immediately spread into prepared pan; cool slightly.

Refrigerate until firm. Using foil, lift fudge out of pan. Remove foil; cut into squares. Store between layers of waxed paper in an airtight container.


Tweaks: Add a splash of vanilla and use half regular peanut butter and half Peter Pan honey roast. 




Tuesday, November 1, 2022

"VOICE of PEACE" - Qazaq and Ukrainian artists in Uncredible Charity Con...

The Story of One Sky Lyrics

 Can't believe what's happening at all

Piper's crazy, we're bound to fall

We are the reason, we are causing all

that pain

To the sacred womb that gave us life

Billions of hearts,

Billions of cells and souls and dreams

Billions of lives

Shouldn't ever turn to senseless horror

 So, tears and blood

Won't follow death

They should flow

With tears of Life

With blood of birth, they flow

 Last chance is here

Can we balance on the edge of fiery

grave?

Our future, is it possible to save?

So, when our crazy Piper's failing

We decide to stop the trailing

We decide to follow the light

We are making final turn to right

We are choosing life

We are choosing life

 Learn to share again

Learn to share again love,

Learn to live again

We have passed the moment of

"Imagine"

World is the feast -

Do we have to starve?

 Time is up

It's time to save

To save the Earth,

The Earth...

Here is last chance

 Can we balance on the edge of fiery

grave?

Our future, is it possible to save?

So, when our crazy Piper's failing

We decide to stop the trailing

We decide to follow the light

 Here is last chance

Can we balance on the brink of fiery

grave?

Our future, is it possible to save?

So, when our crazy Piper's failing

We decide to stop the trailing

We're making final turn from wrong to right

Just our final turn from wrong to right

We are choosing Life

We are choosing Life

 Here is last chance

Pipers lead us to the slaughter long

enough

Staring down from the bluff we are here,

Time to wake, it's not a moment left to

lose

Night is falling, fate is tightening the

noose

So, when our leaders failing

We decide to stop the trailing

We are making final turn to right

 We're choosing life (x6)

 We're choosing life


Saturday, September 24, 2022

#Dimash - The Story of One Sky


Wow! Powerful! I got chills watching it. I really connected with the message of the song. For many years, I have voiced my opinion (perhaps to the dismay of some) that it was time for the people to not blindly follow those who are in powerful lead roles. We must remember that those who take on these roles should truly represent the people and not use the power of the position for their own agenda. It is time for people to recognize that we have much more in common with each other than differences. Imagine a world where everyone put aside petty squabbles and worked to improve how the citizens of this world are living.  There are so many issues that could be solved if we worked together. If we said no to war and choose life!


Thursday, September 8, 2022

【一公练习室】Dimash尚九熙吴建豪Van Ness Wu王晰徐志贤BIE张晓龙 | 追光吧!Shine! Super Brothers S2...

Time to be Dimashed!


This one was pure fun to watch as there was a lot of talent in that room.

Sunday, August 14, 2022

http://cearastory.blogspot.com/ 




It has been quite some time since I uploaded anything new to my other blog but I have continued to work on the story and will update again to the "reader's digest" condensed page.

#D I M A S H--[S.O.S. d'un terrien en détresse & STRANGER]-


You've got to love this guy. His desire to share his music and culture means that there is no stage that is too big or too small for him to perform upon. His lack of a "diva" attitude is so endearing.

The song combination here is with two of my favorites and ones that to my limited ability, I find myself singing along.

The song "S.O.S. (d'un Terrien en détresse)" is originally from a French-Canadian musical called 'Starmania' from the 1970s and is considered one of the most difficult French songs to perform. Dimash is from Kazakhstan. He appears here in the fifth season of Hunan Television's "I Am A Singer" competition. "I Am A Singer" is an annual Chinese music competition between famous and established professional singers. The audience phones in to determine the winner after each episode. 

At 22 years old, Dimash was the youngest participant in the show's history and competed against these professional and top-selling Chinese singers as a 'wildcard' competitor. The competition consisted of fourteen rounds, lasted almost 4 months, and competitors are eliminated throughout the season. Every performance is live, and no lip-syncing or auto-tune is permitted. Pure unadulterated vocal ability only. (Dimash's mother later said that he hoped to reach at least the middle stage of the competition.)

This was the very first episode of the competition, and Dimash had to go first because he was considered the weakest, given that he was completely unknown to the audience. After this performance, he became a superstar in China overnight. His Chinese competitors called him their "little imported brother." The other already well-known contestants were in absolute awe of him and joked that they might as well go home. Dimash won the first two episodes! He also won the sixth for his rendition of "Adagio," a song made famous by Lara Fabian.

First place overall went to the famous Chinese Sandy. Sandy's first album came out before Dimash was even born. Dimash took second place overall; however, he lost by a very narrow margin. Although Dimash did not win the show, he immediately became a beloved star in China. 

As part of the contest, all contestants/performers are required to perform one original song they have composed. Dimash sang "Unforgettable Day," a song he wrote when he was still in his teens - it's a love song. He sang in both the original Kazakh and in Chinese even though he did not speak Chinese at the time and had to have a translator with him throughout the competition.

Here is the order of Dimash's performances for The Singer 2017. The contest lasts 14 weeks, but Dimash has only thirteen performances because he had already made it into the semi-finals by week eleven.  

1. S.O.S. (French)
2. Opera 2 (Russian)
3. The Show Must Go On (English)
4. Autumn Strong (Mandarin)
5. Uptown Funk (English)
6. Adagio (English)
7. Daididau (Kazakh)
8. Daybreak (Mandarin)
9. All By Myself (English)
10. Unforgettable Day (Mandarin/Kazakh)
11. Bye week - He had already made it into the semis
12. Confessa/Diva Dance (Mandarin/Italian/Alien) (Semi-finals)
13. Michael Jackson Tribute Medley (English) (Finals)
14. Give Me Love (Makhabbat ber maghan) (Kazakh)
The last performance was part of the 2017 Biennial Concert and not the competition. It was broadcast live and is an original song written for Dimash.

Lyrics of S.O.S :
Why do I live? Why do I die?
Why do I laugh? Why do I cry?
Here is the S.O.S.
Of an earthling in distress
 
My feet were never on the ground
I'd much rather be a bird
I don't fit my skin
 
I'd like to see the world upside down
What if it's more beautiful
As seen from above, above
 
I always seemed to confuse life
With some kind of comic strip
I'm so eager to get metamorphosed
I can feel something
Drawing me, drawing me
Drawing me way up high
 
At the universe's lottery
I didn't get winning numbers
I don't fit my skin
 
I don't wanna be a machine
All work and no sleep
 
Why do I live? Why do I die?
Why do I laugh? Why do I cry?
I think I'm picking up
Waves from another world
 
My feet were never on the ground
I'd much rather be a bird
I don't fit my skin
 
I'd like to see the world upside down
I'd much rather be a bird
Back to sleep, dear child...


Stranger is remarkably simple, it has two hooks, one constantly repeated, to drive the song. However, this is where producer Igor Krutoy, continued his collaboration with Dimash. The arrangement for the song musically is incredible, the support on the instruments to his voice is amazing, and let us not forget that long last note!

Lyrics of Stranger: 

New ground far as I can see
New ground underneath my feet
Stranger in a stranger's land
New chance to know who I am
If I have the strength to begin again

Somewhere in my heart in ancient times I wandered
Through these valleys I have climbed among these hills
Faces from a past, I'm haunted by their memories
Lives and loves I've lost I feel them in me still

New ground far as I can see
New ground underneath my feet
Stranger in a stranger's land
New chance to know who I am
If I have the strength to begin again

New ground far as I can see
New ground underneath my feet
Stranger in a stranger's land
New chance to know who I am
If I have the strength to begin-

New ground far as I can see
New ground underneath my feet
Stranger in a stranger's land
New chance to know who I am
If I have the strength to begin again

Monday, August 8, 2022

#Carter | My Review




3/5 rating
I had looked forward with a great deal of excitement to the premier of the Netflix "Carter". However, I did not find it to be as good as I had hoped, and it is not Joo Won's fault. The action scenes were well choreographed, and he did not seem to miss a beat while doing them. The single shot filming style, while dizzying at time, was also well done.  Where it fell short for me was the storyline which almost seemed to have had multiple changes in writers, with each not knowing where the story was first intended to go. Also, the decision by whoever, to overdub the actor's voices rather than using subtitles was a poor decision. With all that said, he looked absolutely fit so his sessions at the gym really paid off. I look forward to his next project and hope that it is one that gives a better showing of his skills.  

Sunday, July 31, 2022

Dimash Kudaibergen ”Ikanaide" | 20th TOKYO JAZZ FESTIVAL

The control over his vocal instrument is unreal!  I don't think I will ever be able to put a name to his musical style. His ability to take a song that we know and turn it into something new that is totally his, amazes me.

Saturday, July 30, 2022

Fighting the fight! 


The last few years have certainly had their fair share of difficulties for me. With surgeries, followed by either radiation or chemo, followed by an array of        complications. Of course, just as it looked like I might be able to be back into a more active social life, the pandemic hit and like everyone I became a shut-in.  It has been a long fight but at last it looks like there might be, if not a victory, at least a truce. It is giving me a chance to prepare myself in the advent of a renewed struggle and a chance to tackle the other enemy, the medical bills. I have been extremely fortunate to have great supportive friends who have been there for me with both emotional and financial support. I hope that one day I will be able to pay it forward as well.

                                                                                                



GoFundMe

Tuesday, July 26, 2022

포레스텔라(Forestella) - Bad Romance [불후의 명곡2 전설을 노래하다/Immortal Songs 2] | KB...


Forestella never disappoints. The blend of their voices brings the song to a whole new level from the Lady Gaga version, which is excellent.

Saturday, July 23, 2022

TAEMIN 태민 'Advice' Dance Practice


Taemin never fails to impress with his dance skills! He makes some of the most difficult dance moves seem effortless. 

[Super Vocal] Wang Xi, Li Qi, Ju Hongchuan - “The Sound of Silence”: A n...


What a joy to discover the world of music that is not limited by country or language!

Monday, July 11, 2022

Dimash - Give Me Your Love 2021


It is my understanding that Dimash actually wrote the music for this song and Jordan, one of his backup singers, wrote the lyrics and her husband arranged it. He continues to amaze me.


#Dimash   

Tuesday, July 5, 2022

Dimash - "KIELI MEKEN" - (Holy Land)


Dimash presented this song to his "Dears" as an online concert during the pandemic. This folk-rock song was first performed at the first online concert 'DIMASH DIGITAL SHOW' in January 2021.  Dimash's Dad wrote the lyrics. Kieli Meken/ Holy Land - The song speaks of love and devotion to his fatherland and its people as well as the willingness to pass on the wealth that the ancestors left to the next generations. In Kazakhstan, Nauryz is one of the most important holidays. Nauryz symbolizes renewal, nature and the coming of the new year according to the solar calendar. Since ancient times, this day signified the beginning of the nomad - the severe winter came to an end and a new life arose in nature.

Saturday, June 25, 2022

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Dimash - D-Dynasty Moscow | Full Concert


I keep finding more to love about his musical talent. #Dimash

Dimash - ARNAU TOUR | 2020


I am truly a Dear now.

Monday, June 13, 2022

DIVA DANCE - Dimash Kudaibergen


A song that was once called the impossible song, meaning that it was written in such a way that it made it almost impossible for the human voice to transition from one note to the next and most versions of it were created in the studio by recording bits & pieces and then editing them together. Dimash sings it live and shows that indeed it can be done....(but some day we will discover that like Clark Kent, his parents discovered him as a baby in a wheat field)


#Dimash

★스페셜 게스트의 특별 무대★ 지창욱 - 빨래 [불후의 명곡2 전설을 노래하다/Immortal Songs 2] | KBS 2206...




Not a contestant but came to show respect to his idol songwriter!

Wednesday, June 8, 2022

Kelly Clarkson - I Will Always Love You (Live from the 57th ACM Awards)


I have admired Kelly since her American Idol days and she has only gotten better!

Sunday, June 5, 2022

Saturday, May 21, 2022

Angelina Jordan - Stay

Sit back, close your eyes and just listen!



Tuesday, May 10, 2022

Saturday, March 19, 2022

Monday, January 17, 2022