Champion Articles

This cake, similar to the Joy of Cooking's "Hurry Up Cake", is a tasty yellow cake that uses plums for extra flavor, and walnuts (optional) for extra texture. It's quick to make, makes only two hand dishes, and works great for either sweet party cakes or more subtle tea cakes. For the sweet version, ice with chocolate butter or lemon icing and serve with vanilla ice cream. For the tea-type, leave plain or garnish with a light icing, just be sure the plums are fully ripe. Time:  15 minutes for cake batter, 15 for cutting plums, 30 for baking Pan:  9"x13" pan Yields:  12 servings All ingredients should be at room temperature (about 75F): 1 3/4 cups cake flour, pre-sifted or pre-fluffed 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup soft butter 2 eggs 1/2 cup milk 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 3/4 teaspoon double-acting baking powder 1 teaspoon vanilla 1–2 cups walnuts, optional Ripe plums, washed 1.  Stir the cake flour ...

Character, from the Greek word "χαρακτήρας", was a term originally used for a  mark impressed upon a coin. Nowadays, it is known as the sum of all the attributes, such as integrity ,  courage , fortitude,  honesty , and  loyalty , in a person. Character is perhaps the most important essence a person can possess, as it defines who a person is. To strengthen one's character is to mould oneself into a productive person within one's sphere of influence. Read on below the jump for some advice on how to strengthen your own character, or to train your moral discipline. 1.  Know what constitutes strength in character.  Strength in character consists of having the qualities that allow you to exercise control over your  instincts  and passions , to master yourself, and to resist the myriad  temptations  that constantly confront you. Moreover, strength in character is freedom from biases and  prejudices  of the mind, and is about...

In the past women have been scrutinised on how they keep their lives together. Especially how to raise their children. From the point of view of a woman who is embarking on the journey of family life, it seems to me that there is way too many myths on how to do things 'the right way'. 1. Do it your way.  There are no set rules about having a family although many people have grown up thinking that there is a clear right and wrong way of doing everything. Unfortunately too many people care about what other people think. It is better to do actions involuntary and the way you like to do it. It is not good to depend on others to do your duties. An example. This is just one example of trying to over control a situation in family life. As a woman there are so many stereotypes and expectations that so many think that they should try to live up to. This is a very unrealistic task for any woman to put upon herself. 2.  Be patient.  Whether you are married or not the...

Sometimes, the world throws you a tough curve. If you're feeling depressed, either because of long-term clinical depression, or loss, or a break-up, you can learn to address how you're feeling and make yourself start to feel a little happier. It'll be a process, but you can get started learning how to help yourself. 1.  Dealing With Long-Term Depression a.  Name what you're feeling.  Recognize that what you are feeling is depression. This is an important step in getting better. Oftentimes, depression makes you feel as though this is how you are supposed to feel, and identifying your depression helps you to treat it. Write down how you feel, and do it regularly. This will help to mentally separate you from your depression, and allow you to analyze and track your emotions, as well as provide valuable information to any doctor you see for treatment. b.  Talk to your doctor about treatment options .  Depression is often caused by a chemical imbalan...