Opinion

Halfway to work and Merriman already has told me

What he thinks about the balanced budget, the Mets'

Lack of spring starting pitching, the dangers of displaced

Soviet nuclear engineers, soy products, and diesel cars.

I look out the window and hope I'll see a swan.

I hear they're bad-tempered but I love their necks

And how they glide along so sovereignly.

I never take the time to drive to a pond

And spend an hour watching swans. What

Would happen if I heeded the admonitions of beauty?

When I look over at Merriman, he's telling Driscoll

That the President doesn't know what he's doing

With China. "China," I say out loud but softly.

I go back to the window. It's started snowing.

by Baron Wormser

Crispy Mustard Chicken

Serves 2

Ingredients:

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts

3 Tbsp Dijon mustard

2 Tbsp minced shallots

1 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves

1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper

1/4 tsp crushed red-pepper flakes

1 tsp coarse salt

2 Tbsp melted butter

1 1/2 tsp vegetable oil

3/4 cup Panko (japanese bread crumbs)

1/2 cup bread crumbs

Directions:

1. Heat broiler. Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet under the broiler. Cook 5 minutes, then flip the chicken using tongs. Broil 3 more minutes.

2. In a small bowl, combine the mustard, shallots, thyme, peppers, and salt. Stir in the butter and oil until well combined.

3. Place the bread crumbs in a shallow dish. Put the chicken breasts in the mustard mixture and coat. Then roll the chicken breasts in the bread crumbs until they are completely coated. Pat on the excess crumbs that may fall off the breasts to insure a thick coat.

4. Place coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet, reduce oven heat to 450, and return to the oven. Cook until evenly browned, about 10 minutes - until the juices run clear when you pierce the breasts with a knife. You may have to tent the breasts with foil if they begin to brown too quickly. Remove from the oven and enjoy!

Recipe by Cristina Paul

Blah-Blah-Blahg: Food For Nought

During the Jacobean Era, mattresses were secured to bed frames by ropes. Pulling on the ropes made for a firmer mattress. Hence the phrase: "Goodnight, sleep tight."