Deer illusion

Here's a cool little illusion, borrowed from John Sadowski, of some deer on Miyajima Island during our 2002 trip to Japan. I couldn't make it fit in the blog, so click this link to see it in action. Before you click, here are the directions: first, keep your mouse cursor off the image. Try hovering over it once or twice and notice that if you hover, the picture turns to black and white. Keeping the cursor off of the image, stare at the black dot in the center for 30 seconds, without moving your head or eyes. While continuing to stare at the dot, move the mouse back over the image -- voila, you should be able to see color! The color will remain as long as you don't move your eyes.

Best Papaya Seed Dressing Recipe

Here's the recipe for the absolutely best papaya seed salad dressing, obtained from Ono Family Restaurant, a small restaurant in Kauai just before they changed ownership. For the best results, use only papaya seeds from a sweet fruit, and absolutely do not use normal white, brown, or red onions -- only a Maui onion will do, trust me on this!


Papaya Seed Dressing

1 C sugar
1 t salt
1 t dry mustard (Coleman's)
1 small Maui onion, quartered to blend easier
1 T papaya seeds (seeds only, no fruit); can substitute poppy seeds if need be
1 C red wine vinegar
2-3 C vegetable oil
1 C pineapple juice

Blend in blender, makes approx. 4 C dressing. Serve over cold, fresh greens. Store leftover dressing in sealed container in fridge for up to 2 weeks.