Hasta La Gadget!

You’ll never look at cinnamon rolls the same way again. When bacon is tucked away into this fluffy pastry, the only thing left to do is take a big bite and embrace your foodgasm.

With only 2 ingredients, these bacon cinnamon rolls will fulfill your wildest food porn dreams. Let’s begin, shall we?

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:
1 roll Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls With Icing
8 strips bacon

FOR THE FULL RECIPE, CLICK HERE.

Original post by Alvin Zhou on Spoon University.

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There are plenty of things to be gained from going abroad: new friends, new experiences, new stories.

But living in another country may come with a less noticeable benefit, too: Some scientists say it can also make you more creative.

Writers and thinkers have long felt the creative benefits of international travel. Ernest Hemingway, for example, drew inspiration for much of his work from his time in Spain and France. Aldous Huxley, the author of Brave New World, moved from the U.K. to the U.S. in his 40s to branch out into screenwriting. Mark Twain, who sailed around the coast of the Mediterranean in 1869, wrote in his travelogue Innocents Abroad that travel is “fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.”

In recent years, psychologists and neuroscientists have begun examining more closely what many people have already learned anecdotally: that spending time abroad may have the potential to affect mental change. In general, creativity is related to neuroplasticity, or how the brain is wired. Neural pathways are influenced by environment and habit, meaning they’re also sensitive to change: New sounds, smells, language, tastes, sensations, and sights spark different synapses in the brain and may have the potential to revitalize the mind.

It’s notoriously hard for new female artists to break through at country radio, but Sony’s Arista Nashville is betting big on its newest singer/songwriter, Cam, and her upbeat debut “My Mistake” to be the exception to the rule.

The California native, who has found success as a songwriter penning both pop and country hits, landed 44 first-week radio adds by her first official week at country radio, scoring praise from some of the format’s heavy hitters. Syndicated host Bobby Bones said, “You have it. You really do have ‘it.’ Very few people have it, and you do.” Nate Deaton, general manager of station KRTY in San Jose, California, agreed, predicting “she is the female who’s going to get country radio out of ‘we don’t play females.'”

It remains to be seen if Cam will one day join the ranks of superstars Carrie and Miranda, but for now, the newcomer is a refreshing voice in the genre. The four songs from her debut EP, Welcome to Cam Country, racked up close to five million streams on Spotify in less than a month, helping the young artist find an ever-expanding audience. After a month-long exclusivity window with Spotify, fans can now also purchase the four-song EP at iTunes.

“I’m so proud to give everyone a glimpse into the world we have been working so hard to create,” Cam said in a press release of the EP. “I chose these four songs off the album, covering the widest range of emotions to give more people a chance to recognize themselves in the songs. This is just the beginning of the adventure, and everyone is welcome.”

In addition to finding fans in radio programmers and country music loyalists, Cam’s “adventure” also includes several early celebrity supporters. One notable fan, Emmylou Harris, vouched for Cam at last year’s Country Music Hall of Fame fundraiser concert, All For The Hall, in Los Angeles. “When Merle [Haggard] couldn’t make it to the benefit concert, Emmylou told them to call me!” Cam explains. “I was so grateful, and honestly surprised. But Emmylou said, ‘You’re good, that’s why you’re here.'”

Here’s an excerpt from my recent conversation with the rising country star.

You wrote or co-wrote all of the songs on your debut EP, and you’ve also written for other artists, including Miley Cyrus. How do you make your songwriting so distinctive?
In the beginning I tried really hard to fit in, but people still told me how unique and different I sounded. So now I just follow my gut, work hard, and continually keep my standards really high.

Who are your greatest musical influences?
My co-writers and producers are my little family, and we have all shaped each other from the very beginning on how to make music. Of course we are always hoping to sound as good as the best artists out there without sounding like them.

Where do you find yourself most at peace and most creative?
I feel at peace when I’m by the ocean, under the Redwood trees in Northern California, sitting around a bonfire in Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee, or riding horses out in the Southern California desert.

If you could time travel, which era of country music would you want to live in and why?
The Bakersfield Sound: to be a part of a new wave of country music coming from California, pushing boundaries (whether they knew it or not), making people dance, and wearing sequins.

Whose career would you like yours to be like in 10 years?
Well, I’d like it to be completely my own, but I’m always inspired by Zac Brown Band; everything they’ve created ties back to the strong foundation in their music & brand.

What’s a song fans would be surprised you know every word to?
The Fraggle Rock theme song!

Get to know Cam in this fun introductory video, set to “My Mistake,” ahead of her Grand Ole Opry debut on May 29.

Photo by Michael Mundt

You might think a turn-of-the-20th-century Colorado resort modeled after old-world European craftsmanship resting at the base of majestic Cheyenne Mountain would be breathtaking. And you would be right.

You might also think this esteemed enclave that’s attracted numerous dignitaries, magnates and celebrities throughout nearly 100 years wouldn’t be suited to everyday families. And you would be dead wrong.

The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colo., is the classic union of upper-crust society and the rugged Old West, minus any pretense. Opened in June 1918 by Spencer and Julie Penrose, the “Grand Dame of the Rockies” may exude Ivy League formality. But behind that pink-stucco façade awaits unadulterated, let-your-hair-down fun.

Here are five reasons my family and I can’t wait to return to this mountainside retreat.

1. Play at the Broadmoor

I don’t tend to love bowling alleys. Because typically it means I’ve been forced by my husband or sons to actually bowl, which inevitably results in taunting from all three.

“Mommy needs the bumpers!” They like to chant after my frequent gutter balls.

But a bowling alley complete with gourmet food and desserts that take my mind off of my deplorable skills? Yes, please.

Not only does the resort’s six-lane alley offer a “play” area with shuffleboard and pool tables, as well as gaming consoles like Wii. But there’s also an extensive wine and local craft-beer selection, in addition to mouthwatering menu items including New Mexico Nachos and Chicago-style hot dogs. Even sushi.

But I was most fond of the dessert menu, a modern twist of five nostalgia-inducing, childhood favorites: chocolate ho-hos, strawberry pop tarts, nutter butters, caramel delights (modeled after Samoas of Girl Scout fame) and–drum roll, please–drumsticks.

How is a girl to choose?

Duh. You just order all five. Worth. Every. Calorie.

2. Family Programs

Asking my boys what they loved most about staying at the Broadmoor inadvertently caused a fight because each wanted to be the first to answer: “The classes!” Followed by, “Hey, I wanted to say that!” “No, I did!”

Sibling spats aside, said classes included an omelet-cooking demonstration at the resort’s Natural Epicurean–a casual yet sophisticated eatery focused on fresh, organic fare–followed by a fly-tying class that left me cross-eyed. (No offense, fly-fisherman. But those flies are so danged microscopic, it’s maddening!)

Part of the Family Passport program, visitors from November through early April can participate in complimentary, family-friendly activities–exercise or dance, photography and golf, to name a few–filling in their “passport” along the way.

It’s exactly what attracts Buena Vista, Colo., mom Lindsey Mueller and her husband, Ryan, to the Broadmoor twice a year during the winter months. Along with their two daughters, ages 2 and 7, the resort offers a “trifecta of fun,” she says: family time, solo time and couple time. (Babysitting services are available.)

“When we’re there, we forget that we’re close to home,” Mueller says. “Which is a lovely thing.”

3. Family amenities

I have to admit as a third-generation Coloradan that my perception of the Broadmoor was that it was a bit…um…uppity. What could possibly await a modest family of four beyond its crested enclosure?

The short answer? Everything.

In addition to the bowling alley and requisite pools–three including two year-round ones (an indoor Spa pool and outdoor, heated lap pool) as well as a seasonal, outdoor infinity pool–there’s an on-site movie theater that’s free for guests.

And the rooms? I’m not one to get overly giddy about lodging. But we stayed in one of the resort’s six Cottages comprising a grand, central parlor surrounded by eight individual suites, ideal for a family gathering. Or, in our case, perfect for my boys to spread out–i.e. fully mess up the place–reducing chances for brotherly combat.

A final, family-friendly touch? Milk and cookies awaiting us after dinner on our last night there, complete with the adult version: wine and gourmet chocolate.

4. Kid-friendly dining

I’m not talking standard kid fare like macaroni and cheese or chicken fingers. I mean real “Youth Menus” tailored specifically to kids.

At the resort’s Ristorante Del Lago, for example, my kids’ “first course” options included house mozzarella and heirloom tomatoes, or a salad of baby lettuces and herbs. In addition to pasta and pizza options, they could also select “plates” like rotisserie chicken with fire-roasted potatoes, or cod with mint-honey carrots.

Of course, my 8-year-old son chose his standby, cheese pizza. But it was so good I had to sneak a slice for myself. And his choice of dessert–Tartufo di Pizzo, a chocolate and pistachio ice cream truffle–made me set aside my own so I could savor more bites of his.

As self-professed food snobs, Mueller says, the Broadmoor’s youth menus are another draw for her family.

“When we eat, really want to eat at a nice restaurant,” she says.

The problem, however, is that they often like to bring along their daughters. But not every restaurant is as accommodating as their favorite Broadmoor eatery, The Summit.

“They’re just so gracious to our children,” she says.

And if you get a chance to frequent the resort’s British-style pub, The Golden Bee, kids will love “getting stung.” I don’t want to ruin the surprise. But I guarantee the fish and chips won’t be the only thing they’ll remember!

5. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Established in 1926 by Spencer Penrose as the Cheyenne Mountain Zoological society to house his collection of exotic animals (adjacent to the Broadmoor), the resort offers free shuttle service daily to what I would argue is one of the most beautiful zoos in the world.

Not only is its mountain setting unique (elevation 6,800 feet), but it’s also a special treat to feed the zoo’s renowned giraffe herd, said to be the largest in any zoo. Another unique feature? Tour the property via Mountaineer Sky Ride, a chair-life style offering spectacular views of the zoo and Colorado Springs.

For more information, visit www.cmzoo.org.

Photo courtesy of The Broadmoor Colorado Springs

For a while it was looking like a heavyweight showdown of sorts, at least as civil litigation panel discussions go, being billed as the “Battle in the Big Apple,” featuring a name attorney from the Weitz & Luxenberg firm at the apex of New York’s wildest political scandal in years.

Airplane tickets were rescheduled and conference calls postponed. But, perhaps showing how genteel such panels have become, the discussion at the Beverly Hills Perrin Conference on “cutting edge” asbestos litigation issues centered on relatively arcane case management orders. To the disappointment of some, Perry Weitz was not asked a single “gotcha” question about his firm’s role in the arrest and indictment of New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. Talk about lackluster cross examination!

But, that particular panel aside, the “Silver case” has ushered in plenty of discussion for the asbestos litigation community. Much of the conference’s hallway speculation centered on how the case might impact other “magnet jurisdictions” around the country. Victims’ attorneys discount that, noting that the Silver situation may be several things, but that it remains limited to specific facts in New York.

In particular, speculation focused on whether the Silver-case “environment” can cast a shadow onto other local jurisdictions. That argument focuses on places like the longstanding capital of asbestos litigation, Madison County, IL. But it also included others like up-and-coming Newport News, VA, which was included on a recent tort reform group’s “Judicial Hellholes” watchlist.

The group says Virginia has the nation’s highest plaintiff success rate, at 87 percent, mostly due to Newport News’ unusual maritime status.

The “Silver situation” argument tries to underscore what some are dubbing an “iron triangle,” where the three corners are powerful (usually Democratic) legislators, wealthy plaintiffs lawyers who finance campaigns, and plaintiff-friendly judges, often appointed and supported by those same lawmakers.

Forbes explained the NYC case: “Federal prosecutors unsealed a criminal complaint against New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, detailing long-rumored allegations about how a prominent asbestos law firm steered millions of dollars to the powerful politician in exchange for client referrals from a doctor, who in turn is accused of accepting favors from Silver.”

The NYT also noted that “a 35-page complaint by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New York accuses Silver of accepting more than $5.3 million in payments from Weitz & Luxenberg, a New York law firm that specializes in asbestos lawsuits.” (The firm has not faced any charges, and it’s interesting that plenty of attorneys at the Perrin Conference, from both sides of the debate, argued that often-hefty referral fees are a routine industry practice. There were also jokes about the “no work” aspect of referrals, sort of “if that’s illegal, lots of us are in trouble!”)

On the judicial front, the case made headlines when Justice Sherry Klein Heitler, the asbestos-caseload judge, came under fire for connections to Silver and for making decisions that benefited his law firm. Heitler, 70, was a chief administrative judge and also headed a special section called New York City Asbestos Litigation, or NYCAL, that manages rules for asbestos cases. She has reportedly retired.

Time will tell if the defense-side’s “iron triangle” analogy plays beyond the Five Boroughs, even if Speaker Silver’s case highlights tort-reform advocates’ talking points. Beyond an obvious link between plaintiff’s firms and Democratic political donations, it’s hard to see how a regionally significant plaintiff’s lawyer, like Newport News’ Robert Hatten, stands in for the national Weitz firm. Moreover, how appropriate is to try and paint the Hon. David F. Pugh, who often gets the Newport News asbestos cases, in the role of Judge Heitler?

One can safely assume that Hatten will not respond with a Silver-esque silence. The “watchlist” inclusion brought a blistering demand for an apology to the judiciary carried in the local daily paper.

To be fair, the Perrin Conference buzz about Silver and the “iron triangle” strategy came amid plenty of other cutting-edge (if less newsworthy) issues, like the ongoing discovery under way in a North Carolina bankruptcy case, rumors of high-profile lawyers fleeing some of the larger firms and increased connection between asbestos and lung cancers.

The cutting-edge summary judgement? For a civil lawsuit community often deemed the “longest running” in America, with decades of science and judicial decisions, it remains truly amazing that so very much seems to be unsettled.

(Courts Monitor research staff and West Coast edition editors contributed to this report.)