The market had artichokes on sale. I love artichokes and order them often in restaurants. Since I do not cook them usually, I thought I would share the knowledge I learned regaridng artichokes.

A word of warning. My artichoke was huge and took an hour to cook. I got so hungry waiting for the darn thing to be finished cooking that I got filled up eating a banana, a cookie, and a couple crackers. So I recommend putting it on to cook long before you think you are getting hungry.

Enjoy and happy cooking!

 Perfect for Day to Day CleaningOnce upon a time there was a guy who vacuumed 3 or 4 times a year. Then he bought a Roomba 530 and started vacuuming weekly while he biked around the lake. His living space became tidy and dust free. And he lived happily ever after. The end. Now if they would just make one to do the dishes. Seriously, I can just press the clean button and leave and not have to worry about it getting tangled up in cables and burning my house down. I love this thing.Vacuuming robot picks up dirt and debris with the touch of a buttonEasy-to-empty bagless dustbin; fine-filtration system traps allergensAnti-tangle technology; gentle-touch bumper system; built-in cliff sensorsSelf-charging Home Base, 2 Virtual Walls, an extra filter, Measures 16-3/4 by 21 by 5 inches; 1-year limited warrantyd more includedWith dramatically improved navigation, cleaning coverage, vacuum pickup, and particle filtration, the Roomba 530 vacuuming robot picks up amazing amounts of dirt and debris with the simple touch of a button. The powerful unit features innovative spinning side brushes that grab dirt and dust from corners and along wall edges, as well as two high-speed, counter-rotating brushes that pick up pet hair, cat litter, food crumbs, and other debris from floors. The vacuum sucks up the debris and deposits it into a large, easy-to-empty bagless dustbin, and its improved fine-filtration system traps dust, pollen, and other allergens inside the unit, reducing infiltration into the living environment. For added convenience, the vacuums cleaning head automatically adjusts to transition from wood, tile, and linoleum to carpets and rugs, while improved anti-tangle technology ensures it wont get stuck on cords and rug fringe. If the unit begins to pick up a cord or carpet tassel, it will automatically reverse the direction of its brushes to extract the item. A gentle-touch bumper system senses obstacles so the vacuum automatically slows its approach, gently touches the obstacle, then redirects to continue cleaning under or around the object. Because it cleans under beds, couches, and other hard-to-reach areas, it actually vacuums more of the floor than a standard upright can. The vacuum also senses dirtier areas and spends more time cleaning them, and it uses built-in cliff sensors to avoid stairs and other drop-offs. In addition, invisible barriers can be set using the units Virtual Wall system. To mark off-limit areas, simply place a Virtual Wall at a doorway or other opening and adjust the infrared beam setting to the distance of the opening. The unit automatically detects the beam and will not cross it. The vacuuming robot returns to its self-charging Home Base to dock and recharge between cleaning cycles or when the battery starts to run loI received my Roomba about 2 months ago. I was skeptical at first as – Im embarrassed to say – I had to stop to clean the brushes and empty the dust compartment several times during the first cleaning. I guess it had been a while since I had cleaned. However, as I have used him more regularly – preferably daily – he is able to clean my entire downstairs (about 1000 sqft) without stopping. I have two children, two cats and one dog. The dirt and fur that I have to keep up with can be overwhelming. Roomba does a great job. Now, I still pull out the old upright if I am expecting company (or my Mother-in-law), but for friends and family this guy does the trick!

AOL listed their picks for the 10 Best Breakup Songs which sounds like an oxymoron to me if there ever was one. Below is their list. Please leave a comment sharing what you favorite break up song is.

10 Best Breakup Songs
Posted by AOL Radio Staff
Sometimes the best thing to help get through the aftermath of a relationship is a good breakup song. No one wants to get their heart broken, but it happens more often than any of us want. The 10 Best Breakup Songs were chosen by AOL Radio listeners.

10) Kelly Clarkson: ‘Since U Been Gone’
Did you know? Kelly received a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for ‘Since U Been Gone.’ Shoorting for a more rock-oriented image, Clarkson added more drums to this track.

9) U2: ‘With or Without You’
Did you know? This was the band’s first American No. 1 hit and their second song to enter the Billboard Hot 100. The song was listed at number 131 by Rolling Stone magazine on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

8 ) 3 Doors Down: ‘Here Without You’
Did you know? Singer Brad Arnold has said the song is about his now ex-wife and what it feel like to miss a person and the loneliness that is inevitable in that feeling.

7) Phil Collins: ‘Against All Odds’
Did you know? The song is one of dozens written about Collins’ ex-wife who left him. The song took two days to record, one day in New York and one day in California. The mixes for the song were done over the phone.

6) Air Supply: All Out of Love
Did you know? Reaching No. 2 on the U.S. charts, it is easily Air Supply’s signature song.

5) Chicago: ‘Hard to Say I’m Sorry’
Did you know? Chicago had always been known for their use of horns, but this song was a departure from this type of sound. The deviation worked for the band, gaining a No. 1 hit.

4) Sinead O’Connor: ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’
Did you know? The song was originally written by Prince in 1985 for the funk band Family. The song received little recognition until Irish singer Sinead O’Connor recorded the song in 1990. 12 years later, VH1 ranked the song as the 18th greatest one-hit wonder.

3) Bonnie Tyler: ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’
Did you know? At its peak, the song was selling 60,000 copies per day. According to Meat Loaf, the song was originally offered to him but his record label was not willing to pay the hefty fee.

2) Rascal Flatts: ‘What Hurts the Most’
Did you know? Originally recorded by Jo O’Meara, the song was written by Steve Robson and Jeffrey Steele. While the writers had originally intended the song to be about the loss of a father, they decided the universal theme of lost love was more suitable.

1) Bon Jovi: ‘You Give Love a Bad Name’
Did you know? Richie Sambora, Jon Bon Jovi and Desmond Child wrote the song for the band Loverboy. However, it was ultimately recorded by Bon Jovi and turned out to be the band’s first No. 1 hit. VH1 named the song in 2009 as the 20th greatest hard rock song of all time.

Same sex couples may pre-file their applications for registration as domestic partnership beginning Monday, August 24, 2009 thru September 24, 2009.

The actual certificates will be issued October 1, 2009 when the law takes effect.

According to Pam DuPre with the Secretary of State Ross Miller’s office said that there is no estimate of how many domestic partners will sign up. One estimate is that 2.7 percent of Nevada households are domestic partnerships.

The domestic partnership is a type of civil contract, says Miller. And a couple will fill out a form that must be notarized and pay $50 to have it filed. A ceremonial certification will be available for an additional $15.

The law was approved by the 2009 Legislature over the veto of Gov. Jim Gibbons. It extends rights similar to those held by married couple. They include community property and debt and the right to seek financial support after a breakup.
The law does not require employers to provide insurance coverage to partners of employees.
Miller said “Oct. 1 will be a historic day. We would like as many couples as possible to be part of it by having their certificates in hand. My office will work hard to make it a special day for them.”
Forms are available under the licensing center at www.nvsos.gov