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Blackened Spatchcock Chicken

1 whole chicken
1 cup melted butter or ghee
2 tablespoons heat-and-sweet seasoning
1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste

Heat grill to 375-400 F.

Use kitchen shears or a knife to remove the backbone from the chicken to lay it flat. Remove the rib cage, or push flat with your hands.

Mix butter, heat-and-sweet seasoning and garlic powder. Using a meat injector, inject the mixture into the chicken. Rub remaining buttered seasoning over chicken and season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Place spatchcock chicken breast side up over indirect heat and cook 35-40 minutes.

When the internal temperature reaches 145 F, flip the chicken breast-side down over direct heat 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 F.

Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
(Family Features) #17190
Source: Culinary.net

In his book, Saved by the Pack: How 50 Dogs Helped Me Find My Purpose, Asher introduces readers to his furry family members and the lessons each of them has taught him. This beautifully illustrated book is filled with personal and honest stories that animal lovers and pet owners will treasure. Read on to discover a small sampling of the canine wisdom you’ll find between the pages.

1. Never judge a book by its cover.

Some dog breeds get a bad rap, which can make people reticent to adopt them. But each dog is more than just their breed. For example, Rain, a young Dalmatian, was virtually unadoptable because of her breed’s reputation for biting and moodiness.

“When I told people I was rescuing a Dalmatian, for the first time I was warned against adopting a dog,” Asher says. “When I rescue pit bulls, I hear a lot of ‘Thank goodness, pit bulls are so misunderstood.’ But with a Dalmatian, all I heard was, ‘I don’t know if that’s such a good idea.'”

Rain did exhibit some of these negative breed traits. When Asher took her leash for the first time, she attempted to bite him. Thankfully, Asher recognized her behavior for what it was-a sign of fear. He didn’t let her initial behavior deter him. He stayed calm and led with confidence. Over time, he proved to Rain that he was safe, earning her love and trust. Now, she’s a regular member of the pack.

“Don’t hang on to first, second, or even third impressions,” Asher says. “Important things take time, patience, open-mindedness, and the courage to wait.”

2. Don’t be afraid to take a risk.

Would you adopt a dog that constantly tried to run away? Such a risky pup would make most people shy away, but Asher took on the challenge when he adopted Ken, a handsome all-white mixed breed with some husky in him.

Ken’s reputation as an escape artist made him a high-risk adoption. However, Asher found a kindred spirit in Ken and decided to bring him home.

“I knew the risks I was taking in adopting Ken given his history,” Asher says, “but I was sure I could save him and provide the type of life and freedom he wanted and deserved.”

When Ken arrived at the sanctuary, Asher made sure to take him everywhere on a leash to help him get comfortable in his new home and with his new pack. Now, Ken is a dog that won’t leave Asher’s side.

“The truth is, Ken wasn’t running away. He was running to something: the home that could meet his needs, that trusted him, and that he could trust,” Asher says. “I’ve given him his freedom, and in return, he always comes back.”

3. Believe in second chances.

When animal control found Ray, they assumed the worst about this German Shepherd. She and another dog had run away from a bad situation and were found next to a third dog who was deceased, leading animal control to believe that she or the other dog was to blame.

Ray also was severely anxious and wasn’t outgoing. Combined with her story, Ray’s anxiety made many people believe she was a dangerous dog and a liability. But her history didn’t stop Asher from giving Ray a home.

“Here’s the reality: No one saw the situation unfold or the circumstances that led to one dog’s death,” Asher says. “And the staff [of the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County] saw no signs of aggression in Ray at all. What they saw was a beautiful, frightened girl.”

Asher’s belief in second chances paid off. Now, Ray is thriving at the sanctuary and has bonded strongly with Asher and her new pack.

“I don’t make a dog’s history its identity. Every dog is treated like they were born the day we meet. I learn what I need to know through my own experience of them rather than from what I’ve been told. Honestly, we should practice this more with our human companions too.”

4. Practice selflessness.

Putting another’s needs above your own can be difficult, especially when it means letting go. Asher learned this lesson when he adopted Nacho, a 12-week-old pit bull.

Asher had previously raised a puppy, a Rottweiler named Doug, among the pack. But he quickly learned that bringing a young dog, especially a male, into a pack of five or more dogs was incredibly challenging. However, Asher’s love for Nacho and his grief from a recent dog’s passing made him ignore his instincts.

“Unfortunately, it took only a month for me to acknowledge I wouldn’t be able to keep Nacho forever,” Asher says. “At just a couple of months old, he was already challenging the other dogs. I was worried he was going to develop bad habits, or worse, risk his and the pack’s safety. I didn’t need to learn a hard lesson twice.”

In the end, it was his love for Nacho and the rest of his pack that pushed Asher to do the right thing and put the dogs’ needs above his own desires. Nacho now lives in a quieter home with a family who can give him the time and training he needs to be the best version of himself.

“[Nacho’s] thriving in his forever home, with no behavior issues-proof I made the right decision,” Asher says. “I’ve had to learn the hard way that it doesn’t matter if I want to keep a dog, if it’s my dream dog, or if I’m grieving another soul. I always have to do what’s best for the dog in front of me and for the pack.”

5. Have a sense of humor.

If laughter is the best medicine, then Asher gets multiple doses a day thanks to Tommy, the pack’s class clown.

When they first met, Asher was dealing with the immense pressure and expectations of opening a dog sanctuary. However, Tommy’s goofy teeth and silly, stubborn personality brought the right amount of levity to combat Asher’s worries.

“Tommy reminded me to slow down and enjoy the moment,” Asher says. “I’ll never forget the day I toured him around the property, only to have him sprint into the freezing cold rock quarry and swim laps. Chasing him into the water, fully clothed, I laughed harder than I had in ages. His goofy spirit brought light back into my days. He became a source of humor, gratitude, and hope.”

Tommy’s presence serves as a reminder to Asher and others of the heart and fun a rescue dog can bring to someone’s life.

Want to learn more lessons from Asher’s pack of rescue dogs?

Pick up a copy of Saved by the Pack by visiting Books.Disney.com/Book/Saved-By-The-Pack.

(BPT)- All photos courtesy of Aaron Huey/National Geographic.

Ready or not, bad weather is on its way. Before the snow starts falling, take some time to transform your backyard into a safe refuge for winter-weary birds before unpredictable, harsh weather begins. The experts at Cole’s Wild Bird Products suggest timely tips to encourage birds to seek sustenance and shelter in your backyard this winter.

Start by taking an inventory of your existing feeders. Inspect each for damage and replace if necessary. Consider adding new feeders to attract even more birds and allow for fewer trips to refill them during especially cold and stormy days. Now is also the perfect time to stock up on high-energy bird feed so you’re ready to go when the first flakes fall.

Figuring out feeders

Different species of birds not only prefer different types of feed, they also prefer different types of feeders. Consider providing a variety of feeder types to increase the diversity of your avian visitors.

A tube feeder is a must-have, since these all-purpose feeders keep seed dry while allowing a wide variety of birds to feed from multiple ports. Specialty wire-mesh tube feeders, designed for birds that cling, can easily dispense tiny, oil-rich niger seeds, protein-packed dried mealworms and other specialty feed. Mesh feeders allow clinging birds like woodpeckers to grasp the side of the feeder while selecting food – and prevent larger, more aggressive birds from hogging the feed.

If you want an easy-to-use, one-size-fits-most feeder, select a bowl style with a protective dome that can be raised and lowered to thwart large birds and squirrels from getting to the feed while helping to protect seed from rain and snow. Easy to hang and fill, bowl feeders accommodate any seed, suet or even chopped fruit. Also, be sure to include at least one suet cage in your feeder array since suet provides a critical source of energy for birds in cold weather.

Clean to prevent disease

As you prepare your feeders, a necessary chore is to clean out any residue before filling with fresh seed. Unfortunately, some feeders are hard to scrub out, but Cole’s tube feeders have a built-in “quick-clean” feature, making cleaning a breeze. Just push a button and the bottom pops off for easy access to the inside. Use soapy water and a bottlebrush to scrub, then rinse with cool water. This ensures that mold or mildew aren’t present and helps prevent disease.

Select top-quality feed

You may not realize that some commercial birdfeed is treated to prevent spoilage or packed with cheap “filler” seeds like milo, wheat or red millet – which birds seldom eat. Offering top-quality feed means less waste and ensures an increase in birds at your feeders.

Cole’s takes exceptional care to select only the top 1 to 2 percent of the highest-quality seeds birds like to eat. The seed is delivered in “Harvest Fresh Lock” packaging, which protects nutritional content and doesn’t allow seed to spoil or dry out like other bird feed. No dangerous pesticides, chemicals or mineral oils are used, keeping seed as close to a natural state as possible.

Your seed choices should provide birds with the biggest energy boost possible. Sunflower is a great seed option for winter because it’s rich in oil, which attracts birds and provides plenty of energy. Cole’s Oil Sunflower is the highest-grade black oil sunflower seed, at over 99 percent pure! Peanuts are another high-energy option. Choose hulled varieties that are whole – and more nutritious than peanut pieces.

And don’t forget high-fat foods, like suet, the solid fat rendered from beef, or vegetables that provide concentrated energy to help birds maintain their increased metabolic rate during winter when their normal food sources are scarce. Or, try a suet-seed mix like Nutberry Suet Blend, an energy-packed, powerhouse feed mix of premium fruits, preferred nuts, suet kibbles and whole kernel sunflower meats.

Provide water and shelter

Birds need fresh water, especially in cold weather. Choose a heated birdbath and place it in a sheltered spot for safe access. And since birds may unwisely choose the coldest days to take a bath, consider placing a few rocks inside to discourage bathing, while still allowing birds room to drink.

Birds also appreciate warm, dry shelter from wet, snowy conditions. Offering well-insulated nest boxes will provide them with a cozy place to harbor.

Preparing for birds now will enable you to continue to enjoy them throughout the winter and birds will benefit from your extra-special care.

https://coleswildbird.com/

Lear and his colleagues analyzed responses from more than 130,000 people aged 35-70 in 17 countries. Participants were asked about their levels of physical activity, then they were followed for nearly seven years.

The conclusion was that 1 in 20 cases of heart disease and 1 in 12 premature deaths could be prevented if everyone met World Health Organization guidelines. WHO recommends that adults do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week. This is a mere 2.5 hours a week that could bring long term health benefits. It’s time well spent when we invest in our long term health.

Lucky for us, the Jersey Shore has many beautiful walking trails and beaches. Why spend time on a treadmill when you can enjoy the outdoors? We’ve listed Five local spots that make taking a walk into a mini-vacation!

1- Boardwalks– They are numerous here at the Shore and one is guaranteed to be the perfect length for your walk.
2- Manasquan Reservoir- There is a 5-mile perimeter trail or a 1-mile interior Nature trail.
3- Edgar Felix Memorial Bikeway– A 5.2 long trail starting in the town of Manasquan and ending at Allaire State Park.
4- Sandy Hook Multi-Use Pathway- An 8.5-mile path with stunning ocean views and beaches leading to Fort Hancock.
5- The Henry Hudson Trail– A tree-lined 24-mile pathway mostly paved and flat.

We live in the perfect place to power walk! Grab your sneaks and head out to your favorite place at the Shore!

What happens when you Shop Local:

1. More of your money will be kept in your local economy
For every $100 you spend at locally owned businesses, $68 will stay in the community. What happens when you spend that same $100 at a national chain? Only $43 stays in the community.*
2. You embrace what makes your community unique
You wouldn’t want your house to look like everyone else’s in the U.S. So why would you want your community to look that way?
3. You create local jobs
Local businesses are better at creating higher-paying jobs for your neighbors. When you shop locally, you help create jobs for teachers, firemen, police officers, and many other essential professions.
4. You help the environment
Buying from a locally owned business conserves energy and resources in the form of less fuel for transportation and less packaging.
5. You nurture community
Local business owners know you, and you know them. Studies have shown that local businesses donate to community causes at more than twice the rate of chains.
6. You conserve your tax dollars
Shopping in a local business district means less infrastructure, less maintenance, and more money available to beautify your community. Also, spending locally instead of online ensures that your sales taxes are reinvested where they belong— in your community!
7. You create more choice
Locally owned businesses pick the items and products they sell based on what they know you like and want. Local businesses carry a wid­er array of unique products because they buy for their own individual markets.
8. You took advantage of their expertise
You are their friends and neighbors, and locally owned businesses have a vested interest in knowing how to serve you. They’re passionate about what they do. Why not take advantage of it?
9. You invested in entrepreneurship
Creativity and entrepreneurship are what the American economy is founded upon. Nurturing local business en­sures a strong community.
10. You made your community a destination

The more interesting and unique your community is, the more we will attract new neighbors, visitors and guests.

This benefits everyone!

*Source: Civic Economics – Andersonville Study of Retail Economics.
It makes sense to keep our small towns along the shore prosperous. This is our home, we are the locals, and we need to keep our businesses alive. Why not stop at the local coffee shop, grab a cup of joe and enjoy a stroll on your favorite Main Street?

 Join the 51st New Jersey Clearwater Festival on Saturday, September 5th, for the free annual late-summer celebration of the environment, with live music, food, a children’s area, and family-friendly fun near the ocean in Sunset Park in Asbury Park. The Festival runs from 11 am until 9 pm. 

Inspired by folksinger/activist Pete Seeger and founded by Bob Killian, the event combines great music and traditional festival fun with information from environmental groups about protecting Mother Earth.

 Presented by New Jersey Friends of Clearwater, the Festival is co-sponsored this year by Clean Ocean Action. Municipal Event Services is also assisting. 

Chrissie Goedkoop, President of NJ Friends of Clearwater, and Cindy Zipf, President of Clean Ocean Action, leaders of two of the earliest non-profit environmental advocacy groups at the Jersey Shore, invite you to join the celebration and bring a chair or blanket. 

“We are thrilled to have Clean Ocean Action as co-sponsor of the Festival,” said Goedkoop. “Both organizations are committed to the continuing need to spread the word about protecting our natural resources .” 

The annual collector’s item Clearwater tee shirt will feature a whale leaping up from the ocean, original artwork by longtime Clearwater member, the late Isis Ra. The Children’s Area this year will feature pony rides. 

Elected Official Speakers: 

Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. of Long Branch will speak, as well as  Asbury Park Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn, Councilmember Angela Ahbez-Anderson and Councilmember Eileen Chapman.   

Environmental Leader Speakers:

Ben Dziobek, Executive Director of Climate Revolution Action Network (CRAN),  

Cindy Zipf, President of Clean Ocean Action  

Amy Goldsmith, State Director, Clean Water Action 

Jana Manning, Ecological Advocate and a member of the Asbury Park Green Team 

Jeff Tittle, activist and retired Director of the NJ Sierra Club 

Rik Van Hemmen, Navesink Maritime Heritage Association 

 Performers:  

The Matt O’Ree Band will headline a roster of popular performers on stage and the assembled Circle of Song folksingers, led by Ingrid Heldt, will encourage people to join them.

 Other musical performers include:   

The Black Ties 

The Wag 

Poppa John Bug & The Experience 

Spook Handy 

Sharleen Leahey and  Diane Doolittle 

Hunter  and the Cold Heart Club 

For info, go to njclearwater.org                                                    

The farm remained in the Field’s family after Britton Fields died in 1857.  Parcels were sold over the years, and some of the farm was taken over by the US Navy.  Eventually, the last piece, on which stood the New Era Barn, was sold to developers in 1994.   The barn was torn down.

This information, submitted by a reader and researched by Jo Ann Slocum Mazzucca, helps solve a few questions.  First, a local historian has postulated that the New Era came ashore on the beach where the Asbury Park Convention Center is located today.  Further, he believes that the Morro Castle, a cruise ship that caught fire at sea and beached at the Convention Center, ground the remains of the New Era into the mud and that is why no remains have been found.  The anchor on display at the church in Allenhurst, and attributed to the New Era, was found in the ocean off the Convention Center.

The problem with this hypothesis is that eyewitness accounts all state that the New Era came ashore at present-day Asbury Park’s 7th Avenue beach.  The original monument was erected at that site.  Secondly, the rationale that the wreck couldn’t have been at 7th Avenue because no remains can be found is dubious in light of the new information that the ship was stripped and its lumber sold off.  There would not be a lot of ship left to find, only that which remained well below the waterline. 167 years immersed in ocean water and subject to storms would take its toll.

In 1854, there were 40 known shipwrecks in the vicinity of Deal Beach. Since then, there have been many more.  Some of the other ships wrecked at Deal Beach are:  

A Field

Belle (1847A)

Belle (1868A)

Bowman

Columbia (1828)

Columbus (1855)

E H Atwood

Equator

Europe

Garrick

General Gadsden

Grace K Green

Harriet Neal

Harriet Newell

Harrison Jones

Helen Frazier

Henry R Congdon

Italia

James R Clements

John J Bailey

John T Neary

Joseph Long

Lizzie Maul (1875)

Mason Daus

Morning Star (1867)

New Era (1854)

Pamelia

Pliny

Rattlesnake

Rising States

Sacramento

Samuel P Lord

St Helena

Stella (1869)

Stetson

Windermere

Yale (1890)

Newport (1946)

John K Shaw

Sea Lady

Charles E Jackson

Maria Jewell

A H Bowman

The idea that the anchor found up the beach from New Era’s position was from that wreck and not from any number of wrecks in the area is a leap of faith.   Additionally, the anchor in question is of a type used for a long period of maritime history and, frankly, seems small for a ship of New Era’s size. 

Then there is the issue of New Era’s multiple leaks during her crossing.  This was her maiden voyage.  For seven days, from shortly after she left Germany to the time when she drove up onto the sand bar off 7th Avenue, Asbury Park, while under full sail, she required all hands and passengers to man the pumps as she was in danger of sinking from the leaks.  It is possible that H&R Hitchcock & Co. purchased an older ship and claimed she was the New Era in order to claim insurance payouts to keep their troubled business afloat. 

The key to answering this question would be the lumber from the barn.  Saltwater tends to permeate everything imaginable.  The longer the wood from a ship is in the water, the more salt is infused.  If we could find the final disposition of the lumber from the New Era Barn, it is possible that tests could be run to determine the salinity of the wood and get an idea of how long the wood was at sea. 

So, the investigation into the New Era shipwreck continues.    The next step is to find out where the wood from the barn was taken.  

Consider these tips to help lead a healthier lifestyle.

Get checked out regularly. Just because you’re healthy doesn’t mean you should eschew routine checkups, and that includes self-examinations. While regular visits to your health care provider can keep you up-to-date on preventative screenings and immunizations, getting to know your own body can have similar benefits.

Care for your prostate. If you’re experiencing frequent urination, a weak or slow urine stream, incomplete bladder emptying, difficulty or delay in starting urination or a urine stream that stops and starts, these may be signs you may be suffering from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), otherwise known as enlarged prostate.

Enlarged prostate, which is non-cancerous and affects more than 40 million American men, can also cause loss of productivity and sleep, according to research published in the “Journal of Urology.”Medication is often the first line of treatment, but some patients may suffer uncomfortable side effects including dizziness, headaches and sexual dysfunction, which can prompt them to quit using their medications.

“Many men living with BPH symptoms take prescription medications after they have been diagnosed, but relief can be inadequate and temporary,” said Dr. Peter Walter, M.D., urologist and paid consultant for Teleflex Incorporated, the manufacturer of the UroLift(r) System.

As one alternative to medication, an option like the UroLift System treatment is a minimally invasive procedure that doesn’t require any cutting, heating or removal of prostate tissue. A urologist places small implants to lift and move enlarged prostate tissue so it no longer blocks the urethra and can allow for normal urine flow. Most common side effects are mild to moderate, and patients generally can return to their normal routines with minimal downtime. For more information about treatment options, or to find a urologist near you who treats BPH, visit UroLift.com.

Focus on a more nutritious diet. Aim for a pattern of healthier eating that includes more fruits, vegetables and leafy greens such as lettuce, spinach, kale and broccoli, which can help keep you – and your prostate – healthy. Also, try to cut back on consumption of red meat – specifically processed meat – as well as salt and sweets.

Know your numbers. Be sure to discuss your family history and lifestyle with your doctor as he or she may recommend screenings for diseases and common ailments. Be sure to keep up with these screenings and check-in with your doctor to make sure you’re accounting for milestone ages and common ailments associated with aging.

Make exercise a priority. Exercise is key to maintaining quality of life. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity for adults. Even shorter increments of physical activity multiple times a day such as a walking meeting, opting for the stairs instead of the elevator or parking farther from your destination, can provide health and stress-relieving benefits.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

Berry Sangria with raspberries, blackberries, oranges, limes, and cherries over ice

Cabernet

Razzmatazz

Orange Juice

Cranberry Juice

Red Apple Sangria with sliced apples and ice

Cabernet

Red Apple Liquor

Fruit juices

7 – UP

White Peach Sangria with sliced peaches and ice

White Zinfandel

Peachtree Schnapps

Pineapple Juice

7 – UP

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