There is an awesome combo bag of Spree, Sweetart, Sweetart Chews and Bit-O-Honey. I removed all of the Bit-O-Honey. I don't want any chilluns gettin' hurt on the Bit-O-Honey, ya know?
Here's a few family shots:
10.31.2008
Halloween-time!
On tap for the rugrats that are brave enough to ring my doorbell: Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Kit Kat, Hersey's plain, Butterfinger Crisps, Gummy Bears, Spree, Sweetarts, Sweetart Chews.
There is an awesome combo bag of Spree, Sweetart, Sweetart Chews and Bit-O-Honey. I removed all of the Bit-O-Honey. I don't want any chilluns gettin' hurt on the Bit-O-Honey, ya know?
Here's a few family shots:
There is an awesome combo bag of Spree, Sweetart, Sweetart Chews and Bit-O-Honey. I removed all of the Bit-O-Honey. I don't want any chilluns gettin' hurt on the Bit-O-Honey, ya know?
Here's a few family shots:
Some Kind of Soup
Recipe from NY Times via Slashfood
NY Times link.
They call it a Provençal Potato “Bouillabaisse”, or a “poor man’s bouillabaisse.” Given that one of the ingredients is "a generous pinch of saffron threads," I'm not sure that it's a poor man's anything. Unless, of course, this is the political version of a poor man which means you probably make a paltry $121,000 a year or some shite. Poor bastard.
Anywho, it still rocks the pots with piles of onion, leek, potato, tomato and such. Really doesn't take much effort, but looks good and tastes good. If you go so far as to do the poached egg finish, you will impress some ham-handed kitchen noob and anyone that really likes eggs.
I'm happy to say that it might even be better on heating the next day (though, obviously, not the poached egg bit, which is best freshly poached). Served with some really good bread from the local fella down the street.
NY Times link.
They call it a Provençal Potato “Bouillabaisse”, or a “poor man’s bouillabaisse.” Given that one of the ingredients is "a generous pinch of saffron threads," I'm not sure that it's a poor man's anything. Unless, of course, this is the political version of a poor man which means you probably make a paltry $121,000 a year or some shite. Poor bastard.
Anywho, it still rocks the pots with piles of onion, leek, potato, tomato and such. Really doesn't take much effort, but looks good and tastes good. If you go so far as to do the poached egg finish, you will impress some ham-handed kitchen noob and anyone that really likes eggs.
I'm happy to say that it might even be better on heating the next day (though, obviously, not the poached egg bit, which is best freshly poached). Served with some really good bread from the local fella down the street.
10.27.2008
10.23.2008
Polls say what?
The Chicago Tribune did a poll to find out what the IL Governor's approval rating was. They came up with an approval rating of 13%. The poll also determined that 8% of respondents think Blago lived up to his promise to end corruption. There were 500 participants in the survey. Without getting deep into stats and polling issues, we are left to consider that roughly 65 people of those 500 taking the survey approve of Blagojevich. Ten percent of participants want him reelected.
Who the fuck are you people?
This isn't even a partisan issue. Pay attention.
Maybe we can just assume those people are getting something out of it. Wink, wink.
Who the fuck are you people?
This isn't even a partisan issue. Pay attention.
Maybe we can just assume those people are getting something out of it. Wink, wink.
Diwali - Find a place to do it
Festival of Light and all that jazz. No better reason to go experience something.
Suggestions for Chicagoans here and here.
I'm pretty sure something will be happening near Devon Ave. Just park a few blocks away and walk or cab over there.
I like this fellow's description of his Devon Ave experience. Read it all, it reeks of Devon. Here's an excerpt:
On a side note, I'm pretty sure this add doesn't say what it meant to.
Suggestions for Chicagoans here and here.
I'm pretty sure something will be happening near Devon Ave. Just park a few blocks away and walk or cab over there.
I like this fellow's description of his Devon Ave experience. Read it all, it reeks of Devon. Here's an excerpt:
I knew we were on Devon Avenue even before I had had a chance to read the
road sign. I knew when I saw the festive store signs, in everything from Arabic
to Gujrati lettering, advertising everything from halal meat to electronics to
luggage to fish. I knew when I saw the colorful stores with hot pink sarees,
neon yellow salwaars and bright purple skirts. I knew when I saw the familiar
throng of people in pyjamas and prayer hats strolling down the street. I knew
when I saw the paan shop and little groups of people idling around outside the
store on a weekday. I knew right then I was in Mera Hindustan. Ahem. That is,
Little India. Or Litte Pakistan. Or Little Bangladesh.
On a side note, I'm pretty sure this add doesn't say what it meant to.
Scotch Tape = X Rays
It's true. I read it on the Internet. Go Look.
OK, so people already determined this (Russians are still people right?), but now it's like totally more known than before.
All you need is some tape and a vacuum. Not a hoover, but a space where the pressure is less than standard atmospheric pressure. Then you can make electrons jump and get caught in sticky stuff. Voila. X-rays.
OK, so people already determined this (Russians are still people right?), but now it's like totally more known than before.
All you need is some tape and a vacuum. Not a hoover, but a space where the pressure is less than standard atmospheric pressure. Then you can make electrons jump and get caught in sticky stuff. Voila. X-rays.
10.15.2008
Pure as the Yellow Snow
Somebody did a study of bottled water. That somebody is called the Environmental Working Group. I don't know anything about them.
They came up with the stunning results that bottled water isn't really much more pure than tap water. I'm shocked. Simply shocked. Shocked.
This is the best part of the story (as reported by Yahoo):
When the bottled water jerks are selling you your own municipal water, just remember that "pure" means no health concerns. Any belief otherwise is your issue. You didn't really think water was clean did you? Come on. We're just talking about a little chemical leaching, some caffeine and some manure. That will be $3.50, please.
They came up with the stunning results that bottled water isn't really much more pure than tap water. I'm shocked. Simply shocked. Shocked.
This is the best part of the story (as reported by Yahoo):
An industry group branded the findings "alarmist." Joe Doss, president of
the International Bottled Water Association, said the study is based on the
faulty premise that a contaminant is a health concern "even if it does not
exceed the established regulatory limit or no standard has been set."
When the bottled water jerks are selling you your own municipal water, just remember that "pure" means no health concerns. Any belief otherwise is your issue. You didn't really think water was clean did you? Come on. We're just talking about a little chemical leaching, some caffeine and some manure. That will be $3.50, please.
10.14.2008
Monetizing Your Consumption
BBC reports on the The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity.
The TEEB report tries to put a value on "ecosystem services" that are provided by nature (for free, if you will) and will have to be replaced as those services are lost. Things such as air and water purification, fisheries, timber, etc. As biodiversity declines and ecosystems are depleted, we have to spend to produce the same services previously provided by nature. Costs could be from reforestation, farming foods once naturally available, or building reservoirs.
The BBC article quotes study leader Pavan Sukhdev as saying "the reality is that at today's rate we are losing natural capital at least between $2-$5 trillion every year." The first phase of the study was completed in May and determined that forest decline could be costing somewhere in the area of 7% of global GDP.
The thinking is that by couching the problem in terms of financial cost, the issues move from an argument about the inherent value of "nature" and towards a practical view of what the real cost is. The financial strains will impact everyone, whether you find fluffy bunnies and towering redwood trees special or not.
See PDF of the interim report here.
The TEEB report tries to put a value on "ecosystem services" that are provided by nature (for free, if you will) and will have to be replaced as those services are lost. Things such as air and water purification, fisheries, timber, etc. As biodiversity declines and ecosystems are depleted, we have to spend to produce the same services previously provided by nature. Costs could be from reforestation, farming foods once naturally available, or building reservoirs.
The BBC article quotes study leader Pavan Sukhdev as saying "the reality is that at today's rate we are losing natural capital at least between $2-$5 trillion every year." The first phase of the study was completed in May and determined that forest decline could be costing somewhere in the area of 7% of global GDP.
The thinking is that by couching the problem in terms of financial cost, the issues move from an argument about the inherent value of "nature" and towards a practical view of what the real cost is. The financial strains will impact everyone, whether you find fluffy bunnies and towering redwood trees special or not.
See PDF of the interim report here.
10.08.2008
Just More Hot Air?
Wind Power.
It comes up every so often in the Great Lakes states. There is a little item in the Chicago Tribune (Section 1, Page 33 - I can't find a corresponding online article) about the pros and cons of wind farms in Lake Michigan. Offshore wind farms are not uncommon in Europe, but have not been put to use much in my backyard.
Wind speeds of above 14.3 mph when measured at approximately 500 feet above the surface (the Trib article sourced info from Michigan State University and the American Wind Energy Association) are able to generate electricity. This would certainly be the case out on Lake Michigan.
Nevertheless, no matter how often someone completes a cost analysis, a study or makes a passionate plea for wind power, it doesn't seem to get anywhere.
I want someone to design a combo satellite dish/wind turbine unit for individual houses. Don't look at me like that. The dishes are ubiquitous already. How much worse could it look. A penny saved is a penny earned.
Last year during the GreenBuild convention, there was talk of making Chicago skyscrapers more energy efficient. Sears Tower topped by wind turbines? Crazy you say? Chicago architect Adrian Smith is thinking just that as described in a recent Building article.
It also seems that Radial Wind is looking to do something with the Great Lakes. Check them out.
It comes up every so often in the Great Lakes states. There is a little item in the Chicago Tribune (Section 1, Page 33 - I can't find a corresponding online article) about the pros and cons of wind farms in Lake Michigan. Offshore wind farms are not uncommon in Europe, but have not been put to use much in my backyard.
Wind speeds of above 14.3 mph when measured at approximately 500 feet above the surface (the Trib article sourced info from Michigan State University and the American Wind Energy Association) are able to generate electricity. This would certainly be the case out on Lake Michigan.
Nevertheless, no matter how often someone completes a cost analysis, a study or makes a passionate plea for wind power, it doesn't seem to get anywhere.
I want someone to design a combo satellite dish/wind turbine unit for individual houses. Don't look at me like that. The dishes are ubiquitous already. How much worse could it look. A penny saved is a penny earned.
Last year during the GreenBuild convention, there was talk of making Chicago skyscrapers more energy efficient. Sears Tower topped by wind turbines? Crazy you say? Chicago architect Adrian Smith is thinking just that as described in a recent Building article.
It also seems that Radial Wind is looking to do something with the Great Lakes. Check them out.
10.06.2008
A Rat in the Kitchen?
Another great idea by a Chicago politician. As they say, it's easier to ask for forgiveness...
Republican Tony Peraica has used an image of "Top Chef" winner and everyone's favorite TV chef, Stephanie Izard on a logo for a local access show called "What's COOKin' with the Republicans!"
Who cares what the show is for. The important thing is that Izard, a registered Democrat, did not authorize the use of her image. Tony, in a response that is certainly typical, claims he had no idea who the image was of, who Izard is or what the show "Top Chef" is. This is possible, though unlikely, given the amount of local exposure Izard got during the filming of her season of "Top Chef" in Chicago, her subsequent win, and her well-known restaurant in Bucktown prior to ever showing up on "Top Chef".
The show's producer, Dan Schmidt, designed the logo and even though he watched the Chicago season of "Top Chef", claims he didn't recognize Izard's image. This is a month or so after Peraica's boys used an image of well-known prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald in a campaign flier, which Fitzgerald subsequently requested not be used as it appeared like he was giving an endorsement.
Chicagoist has a side-by-side of the logo and a "Top Chef" promo photo.
Way to go!
Republican Tony Peraica has used an image of "Top Chef" winner and everyone's favorite TV chef, Stephanie Izard on a logo for a local access show called "What's COOKin' with the Republicans!"
Who cares what the show is for. The important thing is that Izard, a registered Democrat, did not authorize the use of her image. Tony, in a response that is certainly typical, claims he had no idea who the image was of, who Izard is or what the show "Top Chef" is. This is possible, though unlikely, given the amount of local exposure Izard got during the filming of her season of "Top Chef" in Chicago, her subsequent win, and her well-known restaurant in Bucktown prior to ever showing up on "Top Chef".
The show's producer, Dan Schmidt, designed the logo and even though he watched the Chicago season of "Top Chef", claims he didn't recognize Izard's image. This is a month or so after Peraica's boys used an image of well-known prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald in a campaign flier, which Fitzgerald subsequently requested not be used as it appeared like he was giving an endorsement.
Chicagoist has a side-by-side of the logo and a "Top Chef" promo photo.
Way to go!
A Little Slice of Bullshit
It's good to see the new glamour sport, MMA, is going the route of boxing. Boxing, of course, is a mega-money business that ruined itself with promoters and organizers colluding to ensure certain marketable names got big fights. We never knew who the grand bad-ass was, as the best fighters never met unless there was a big prize. The potentials never got tested lest an unknown, hand-picked bum put their golden boy on his ass. And so, the glorious days of boxing came to an end and fans watched dejectedly as "judges" handed obvious losses to the supposed contenders on their way to meeting in prime time, pay-per-view matches made in heaven (or in the minds of seedy promoters and greedy television execs).
MMA was the savior of brutal sport fans everywhere. The days of watching tapes of people like Ken Shamrock were over as the variations on ultimate fighting exploded across the television landscape. Fans were overjoyed. This was the real deal.
Enter Kimbo Slice....and right back out again. Fourteen seconds of glorious action. Kimbo, the baddest man alive, felled by a journeyman 30 pounds lighter and 2 inches shorter. By a man, Seth Petruzelli, that was such a nonentity in the sport, he was scheduled to be on the non-televised undercard until 44-year old Ken Shamrock (who hadn't won himself in four years) was scratched after cutting his eye in training Saturday.
Made for TV, but maybe not for MMA. Just don't suggest that to Kimbo or his crew, who got paid an undisclosed bonus for accepting the new "challenge" so late in the game. You can't blame them for taking the money.
Only in America!
MMA was the savior of brutal sport fans everywhere. The days of watching tapes of people like Ken Shamrock were over as the variations on ultimate fighting exploded across the television landscape. Fans were overjoyed. This was the real deal.
Enter Kimbo Slice....and right back out again. Fourteen seconds of glorious action. Kimbo, the baddest man alive, felled by a journeyman 30 pounds lighter and 2 inches shorter. By a man, Seth Petruzelli, that was such a nonentity in the sport, he was scheduled to be on the non-televised undercard until 44-year old Ken Shamrock (who hadn't won himself in four years) was scratched after cutting his eye in training Saturday.
Made for TV, but maybe not for MMA. Just don't suggest that to Kimbo or his crew, who got paid an undisclosed bonus for accepting the new "challenge" so late in the game. You can't blame them for taking the money.
Only in America!
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