Jamaica RPCV Ed Bazow enjoys cooking, gardening and acting
Bazow enjoys cooking, gardening and acting
Keokuk, Iowa - Ed Bazow, Keokuk teacher, was asked to submit his favorite recipe and some information about himself.
What food are you most famous for? I love to cook so many different things it would be hard to choose. You'd have to ask other people what I'm famous for.
What CD or tape do you have in your stereo at this time? Andrea Bocelli.
What are your hobbies? Cooking, gardening, reading when I have time and acting is always fun. (Ed has been in a number of Great River Player productions at the Grand Theatre).
Do you have a favorite pet (present or past)? I currently have two cats, Mittens and Carlyle. Growing up (in Oleans, New York) we had a black German Shepherd, Smutch. He guarded my brother and I.
Where would you go if you won a trip anywhere in the world and why? It's my goal to travel the globe. I've always been fascinated with Australia. And I'd love to visit Africa. When I signed up for the Peace Corps I was hoping to go to Africa or Southeast Asia.
What has been life's most rewarding experience for you? Teaching. Knowing I'm helping students learn and have parents thanking me.
What book are you currently reading? "Life Strategies," by Dr. Phil.
What is your least favorite food? I can't think of any.
What is your favorite food? I'd also be hard pressed to name a favorite, I like everything.
What makes a perfect summer day and how would you spend it if you could, anyway you wanted? Temperatures in the 80 to 85 range, having time to work in my garden, reading, then attending some theatre performance.
Have a favorite sport to do or watch? I tell my students to let me know if they have baseball games or other sports and I'll go watch.
Favorite childhood, teen and adult book? As a child I looked forward to going to the mail box and receiving the newest book of the month club selection. I especially remember getting Dr. Seus books.
And as an adult, one of my still most favorite books is "Oh The Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seus. I read it to my students the first day of class every year. I tell them it is up to them where they will go.
Most embarrassing moment? The most embarrassing recently was on stage in the Nutball Express II. I was playing a doctor and my scrub pants fell down.
Most famous person(s) you've met? While serving in Jamaica in the Peace Corp (1979-81) I met the prime minister of Jamaica. I've also met chefs Dick Malgieri and Sara Moulton.
Favorite live concert. It's a toss-up between Tony Bennett and Elton John and Billy Joel touring together.
What do you like most about yourself? I'm optimistic and I'm told I have a good sense of humor. I have a willingness to help people.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? As an altar boy, I went through a phase wanting to be a priest. Then I wanted to be a doctor and about by eighth grade I knew I wanted to be a priest.
What do you collect? Mickey Mouse items, cookbooks, ethnic dolls and unusual posters or art.
Where would you live if you had a choice? I consider Keokuk my home. Of course, as long as Mother is alive, my home is New York.
Who is your favorite actress? Meryl Streep.
If you could have dinner with any three people (living or dead) who would they be? Pope Paul II, Dali Lama and Martin Luther.
What was your favorite subject in school? I liked math, English was fun and I liked French also.
What was your first job? Working in my Dad's bakery. I also worked as a substitute newspaper carrier. My first part-time job was working in a snack bar.
What was/is your favorite style/piece of clothing? On weekends, jeans. I wear a necktie everyday to teach.
Best word(s) of advice you've received? My parents always said: "If you can't say something nice about someone, don't say anything at all.
What is your favorite ethnic food? I love Jamaican cuisine and any other hot, spicy food.
Person you admire most? My parents. I get my sense of optimism and humor from them.
If you had a motto, what would it be? I tell my students: "Courtesy costs nothing." I tell them they can smile, say hi and be polite to others even if they don't know them or don't like them.
My other favorite motto is" "Take my advice, I'm not using it!".
What is your most memorable and embarrassing food experience? Most memorable - having dinner at Windows on the World (restaurant at top of the former World Trade Towers, NYC) with Liz Clark and a group of 10 others on a trip.
Most embarrassing - I got food poisoning from eating kidney pie while in Jamaica. I was itching like crazy and had to go to the hospital.
