I just came across this "sidewalk astronomy" concept. I'm kind of surprised I've never seen this. I'm positive that I have been in the general vacinity during one of the 2007 time periods listed on the Chicago Sidewalk Astronomy Club website. I was probably distracted, drunk or a victim of spontaneous temporary blindness. Possibly all three.
The gig seems to involve this fellow, Dennis Erickson (presumably not the ASU football coach), sets up shop on one of the street corners in Chicago with his equipment and shows people the great spectacles of the universe. Weather permitting, of course. I'll have to wait until spring since this doesn't go on during below 40 degree temperature days.
From the pictures, it seems his telescope is bigger than mine. I should feel shame and intimidation, but I find myself curiously interested and looking for an opportunity to get my hands on Erickson's glistening tube.
His site also links to the International Dark-Sky Association, a group concerned with light pollutions and energy waste. So many causes. This one seems doomed to obscurity, but the obvious connection with ongoing energy concerns has resulted in a bit of recent publicity for these folks. I'm all for it as a means to ease my sky watching endeavours, which are hampered by my living in the center of a perpetual light explosion. However, I will admit that it looks stupendous on a dark arrival into ORD.
Dennis isn't the only one out there looking to have fun doing what they enjoy. I ran across the Windy City Hikers page today as well (perhaps in the Trib, I don't recall). I thought meetup.com was dead, but this is the third time in a week I've seen it come to my attention. I just need a meetup mashup combining all these great activities with my usual bacchanalia.
12.27.2007
12.23.2007
Ewwww, Tofu!
It's freaking freezing outside. What better remedy? OK, yeah, I hear you. Nevertheless, I pressed on.
I managed a Crispy Catfish Mango Salad, doing it the "traditional way" as is given in the recipe. Catfish is a great fry fish. However, I think I cramped my wrist forking it into little slivers. Other than that, it was a ridiculously easy recipe and good.
Along with the catfish salad, I did fried tofu with a peanut dipping sauce. I love nuts, so I loaded it up. As usual for me, frying in sesame oil. Again, really easy and really good. I didn't toast the nuts myself. Too lazy, but I would advise in favor of it.
Finally, the heart of the matter was a Thai Drunken Chicken. Lot of garlic, peppers, basil. It is not as spicy as it sounds. The basil and the fish and oyster sauce come through.
I managed a Crispy Catfish Mango Salad, doing it the "traditional way" as is given in the recipe. Catfish is a great fry fish. However, I think I cramped my wrist forking it into little slivers. Other than that, it was a ridiculously easy recipe and good.
Along with the catfish salad, I did fried tofu with a peanut dipping sauce. I love nuts, so I loaded it up. As usual for me, frying in sesame oil. Again, really easy and really good. I didn't toast the nuts myself. Too lazy, but I would advise in favor of it.
Finally, the heart of the matter was a Thai Drunken Chicken. Lot of garlic, peppers, basil. It is not as spicy as it sounds. The basil and the fish and oyster sauce come through.
12.14.2007
You're Kidding Me
According to an AP story on the Chicago Tribune website, a pirate ship once captained by William Kidd was discovered just off of a small Dominican Republic island.
There is no treasure other than the remnants of the ship itself and what knowledge can be gained about pirate life in the Caribbean. Fortunately, the Domincan government has licensed Indiana University (the team behind the discovery) to convert the area of the wreck, including the sunken cannons and other relics, into an underwater preserve available to scuba divers and snorkelers.
Of more importance, the story brings to attention the visual of a convicted Kidd hanging in a gibbet (cage) on the Thames River as a warning to other would-be pirates.
http://www.ryetowncouncil.gov.uk/whatwedotownhall.aspx
http://www.modelspecimens.com/
There is no treasure other than the remnants of the ship itself and what knowledge can be gained about pirate life in the Caribbean. Fortunately, the Domincan government has licensed Indiana University (the team behind the discovery) to convert the area of the wreck, including the sunken cannons and other relics, into an underwater preserve available to scuba divers and snorkelers.
Of more importance, the story brings to attention the visual of a convicted Kidd hanging in a gibbet (cage) on the Thames River as a warning to other would-be pirates.
http://www.ryetowncouncil.gov.uk/whatwedotownhall.aspx
http://www.modelspecimens.com/
12.11.2007
Keep Stirring
Nice etoufee recipe. I did it with crawfish instead of shrimp. I can tell you the roux part is a pain in the crotch, but it's worth it. Yes, just keep stirring. It will get there.
Also, in a departure from the normal rites, I decided to cook my finger by sticking it in the roux rather than drawing blood. I think I was inspired by BOC on the radio (Schnapster.....ping!)
Also, in a departure from the normal rites, I decided to cook my finger by sticking it in the roux rather than drawing blood. I think I was inspired by BOC on the radio (Schnapster.....ping!)
Geminids on the Way
Many watchers find the Geminids the most pleasing of the showers, and this year should be prime viewing as the moon hit new phase on December 9. On the 14th, there will be plenty of dark sky. The unusually bright, slow meteors of the Geminid shower are worth a look.
Appearance of between 60-120 per hour at the peak period (or more depending on who you ask) on December 14. Even at non-peak periods, the per hour count shouldn't be much less. Look for the Gemini star grouping to appear at the east-northeast horizon. Viewing should be good as it comes directly overhead and best on the 13th and 14th, though this shower will have some visual activity in the days up to and following the peak periods.
Super cool animated estimate of radiant and meteors from shadowandsubstance.com
Radiant drift map
Northern Hemi Map
More info from skytour
Appearance of between 60-120 per hour at the peak period (or more depending on who you ask) on December 14. Even at non-peak periods, the per hour count shouldn't be much less. Look for the Gemini star grouping to appear at the east-northeast horizon. Viewing should be good as it comes directly overhead and best on the 13th and 14th, though this shower will have some visual activity in the days up to and following the peak periods.
Super cool animated estimate of radiant and meteors from shadowandsubstance.com
Radiant drift map
Northern Hemi Map
More info from skytour
12.07.2007
A Time and Place for Regifting
The joy of discovery is a wonderful thing. It's something that beings of all ages experience. An ancient arrowhead uncovered in the bed of a dry rivulet, buckstacy in the pocket of newly laundered jeans, a new favorite band, a scrap of unnoticed steak found after the humans have retired to the den.
For many people, it can be a lifelong fascination. A passion that drives them to hunt through otherwise unwanted junk for that magical find. It can make a day of rooting around looking for stored holiday lights an excursion rather than a chore. Once among the dust and piles of items in the attic, one might stumble on a box of your children's kindergarten drawings or photos of that day at the beach long ago.
Any archeology buff can tell you that the detritus of lives long past leave a plethora of historical relics. Just look around. Walk a path. Keep your eyes open. There is, for the lucky few, a present waiting. Wrapped pleasingly in space age plastic, a time capsule marking the passing of man and beast. Saved from the ravages of time and weather.
The most astute of us are overjoyed that anyone would be so kind as to preserve our past in this age of digitized and compressed memories. Rejoice that a beacon of colored synthetic material prevents the unwitting destruction of the encased valuables. Skeptics may say that canine fecal matter is no man's treasure. I say it surely is. Why else would these treasure sacks be saved from the trash bin? Why such elaborate preservation technques? Such care has been given for a reason. This is certainly one gift where the giver would revel in its regifting. One can only hope they are one day be on the receiving end of such genorosity.
For many people, it can be a lifelong fascination. A passion that drives them to hunt through otherwise unwanted junk for that magical find. It can make a day of rooting around looking for stored holiday lights an excursion rather than a chore. Once among the dust and piles of items in the attic, one might stumble on a box of your children's kindergarten drawings or photos of that day at the beach long ago.
Any archeology buff can tell you that the detritus of lives long past leave a plethora of historical relics. Just look around. Walk a path. Keep your eyes open. There is, for the lucky few, a present waiting. Wrapped pleasingly in space age plastic, a time capsule marking the passing of man and beast. Saved from the ravages of time and weather.
The most astute of us are overjoyed that anyone would be so kind as to preserve our past in this age of digitized and compressed memories. Rejoice that a beacon of colored synthetic material prevents the unwitting destruction of the encased valuables. Skeptics may say that canine fecal matter is no man's treasure. I say it surely is. Why else would these treasure sacks be saved from the trash bin? Why such elaborate preservation technques? Such care has been given for a reason. This is certainly one gift where the giver would revel in its regifting. One can only hope they are one day be on the receiving end of such genorosity.
12.02.2007
The Void
It happens rarely, but it does happen, that I can't find what I'm looking for. I am now so attuned to having every little whim and bit of information at my fingertips. It is disturbing when something I presume to be a commonplace piece of data is not readily available.
It is unfathomable that the great and wondrous interzone will not cough up the desired knowledge if one shakes it hard enough. To fall into this awful trap will leave a person clicking off into infinity. There is no end to the dark and seedy virtual back alleys. Pray that you don't look under the wrong stone. Some things can never be unseen.
Let's be careful out there.
It is unfathomable that the great and wondrous interzone will not cough up the desired knowledge if one shakes it hard enough. To fall into this awful trap will leave a person clicking off into infinity. There is no end to the dark and seedy virtual back alleys. Pray that you don't look under the wrong stone. Some things can never be unseen.
Let's be careful out there.
11.24.2007
Extra-Terrestrial Globe
The joys of work-life include the myriad strange logo objects that come to your attention. I don't know who authorizes these things or why. Probably the same person that makes sure there is plenty of green paper, but no black pens. I do know why they end up as white elephants, ceaselessly marching from desktop to desktop. These things are simply not fit for public consumption, much less as an objet d'art with which to woo savvy clients.
Take our wonderful globe. It's inflatable. What fun! In a nod to subtlety, our globe has the corporate logo emblazoned on no less than 3 locations. It also indicates the ocean currents, the location of both Chicagos, the relocation of Savannah into central Florida, a wonderful new city called Shreve Port, and the fact that Mexico has been annexed into the Central American geographic region.
This is not a problem. Geography is difficult and, thankfully, here in the US we are too addled to even know the globe is incorrect (maybe it's not, how the hell do I know*). It certainly isn't a problem that the office is located in Chicago. If anything, that's a bonus. Let those jackasses with their "customer service" issues try to find us now! Not only that, but it also doubles as a bowling ball if you have ten empty water bottles handy.
* Shoutouts to gamerKidBilly86 for his excellently edited and researched Wikipedia article on the new Central Amerika, without which I could not have completed this awesome blahg post. Also, I should mention my mom, who has a cooler iPod than I do and who I look up to and hope to convince that bigger really is better. Final trade. No takebacks!
11.21.2007
Stew Over This
The weather outside is not delightful. In fact, it's downright crappy. Frightful, if you will. Cold as the proverbial witch's you know what. Add to that a pelting sleet. It's Bear weather.
Screw that. Let's grab some pork neck and make a hearty ragout. I grabbed a recipe from an article by Steve Manfredi (google is your friend). I have to say it was tasty. Yes, I have to, but it actually was.
I used everyone's pal, the pinto bean. I also left a few hunks on the bone because I think it looks cool and there's the bonus of potential choking victims. The long simmer really blended everything together well.
The real jewel of the evening was a pan-fried pear bit I threw together on a whim, based on a recipe from the BBC Food website. Base of piled herbs (mint, tarragon, basil, parsley, salt and pepper). Laid over that, a warm and golden pear, courtesy of a few minutes in a pan with butter. Topped with a dressing of oil, balsamic, mustard and crispy pancetta crumble. Simple preparation for a complex flavor.
Screw that. Let's grab some pork neck and make a hearty ragout. I grabbed a recipe from an article by Steve Manfredi (google is your friend). I have to say it was tasty. Yes, I have to, but it actually was.
I used everyone's pal, the pinto bean. I also left a few hunks on the bone because I think it looks cool and there's the bonus of potential choking victims. The long simmer really blended everything together well.
The real jewel of the evening was a pan-fried pear bit I threw together on a whim, based on a recipe from the BBC Food website. Base of piled herbs (mint, tarragon, basil, parsley, salt and pepper). Laid over that, a warm and golden pear, courtesy of a few minutes in a pan with butter. Topped with a dressing of oil, balsamic, mustard and crispy pancetta crumble. Simple preparation for a complex flavor.
11.20.2007
Primeval Sludge
Have you ever found your remote in the freezer? Of course you have. Who hasn't?
This is a tale that doesn't involve remote controls or the freezer. It is, however, a mystery of grand import.
What the F is that?
I was cleaning out the crisper in the refrigerator. I do keep it clean, but tucked nicely in the back corner was an innocuous zip lock baggy. I had never noticed it. I never open the drawer that far. I just pull out the cilantro or some fruit and kick it closed. I don't know how this organic play dough got there, what its purpose is, and I certainly don't know what the hell it actually is.
It is small in quantity and rather pale in color. It is soft to the touch initially, but resistant overall and, though seemingly amorphous, the nugget maintains whatever shape it has chosen for itself. The mass has decent heft for its size. There are no bad indications of the type you might suspect. No foul odor, no fungus, no residual slime. It is neatly tucked inside two zip lock baggies. It is a mystery.
I put it back, just in case I should have cause to prevent an intergalactic war with it. Or perhaps I felt the pleas of a million microscopic beings in the throes of cataclysmic panic. You just never know about these things.
This is a tale that doesn't involve remote controls or the freezer. It is, however, a mystery of grand import.
What the F is that?
I was cleaning out the crisper in the refrigerator. I do keep it clean, but tucked nicely in the back corner was an innocuous zip lock baggy. I had never noticed it. I never open the drawer that far. I just pull out the cilantro or some fruit and kick it closed. I don't know how this organic play dough got there, what its purpose is, and I certainly don't know what the hell it actually is.
It is small in quantity and rather pale in color. It is soft to the touch initially, but resistant overall and, though seemingly amorphous, the nugget maintains whatever shape it has chosen for itself. The mass has decent heft for its size. There are no bad indications of the type you might suspect. No foul odor, no fungus, no residual slime. It is neatly tucked inside two zip lock baggies. It is a mystery.
I put it back, just in case I should have cause to prevent an intergalactic war with it. Or perhaps I felt the pleas of a million microscopic beings in the throes of cataclysmic panic. You just never know about these things.
11.16.2007
The New Sun and the Showers of Leo
Bursting on the scene recently as the new star of the night sky, Comet P17/Holmes has now grown larger than our sun. For those without telescopes, grab a pair of binoculars or just go outside and look skyward for a view of this amazing celestial object.
Also on the horizon is the Leonid meteor shower. Sure to be less stellar than in recent years, the Leonids are still a wonder. Look for peak periods on the evenings of November 17-18 (Saturday and Sunday). Predictions for activity are modest this year, with somewhere in the range of 10-15 per hour being the general consensus. Space.com reports that the usual cast of suspects (NASA's Peter Jenniskens, Jeremie Vaubaillon of France, Esko Lyytinen of Finland, David Asher of Ireland and Mikhail Maslov of Russia) are predicting a burst in Asia anywhere from 30-60 per hour. Unfortunately, this will most likely occur during the day for fellow skywatchers in the East.
The show is best viewed after midnight on Saturday to the predawn period of Sunday morning. The radiant (the point in the sky that the meteors appear to originate from) rises late for the Leonids. This particular shower originates from the mane of the Leo constellation (the "sickle"), from whence the name of the shower is derived. The International Meteor Organization provides a nice look at the radiant drift map.
For other observation events, check out the Week at a Glance feature at skyandtelescope.com.
Also on the horizon is the Leonid meteor shower. Sure to be less stellar than in recent years, the Leonids are still a wonder. Look for peak periods on the evenings of November 17-18 (Saturday and Sunday). Predictions for activity are modest this year, with somewhere in the range of 10-15 per hour being the general consensus. Space.com reports that the usual cast of suspects (NASA's Peter Jenniskens, Jeremie Vaubaillon of France, Esko Lyytinen of Finland, David Asher of Ireland and Mikhail Maslov of Russia) are predicting a burst in Asia anywhere from 30-60 per hour. Unfortunately, this will most likely occur during the day for fellow skywatchers in the East.
The show is best viewed after midnight on Saturday to the predawn period of Sunday morning. The radiant (the point in the sky that the meteors appear to originate from) rises late for the Leonids. This particular shower originates from the mane of the Leo constellation (the "sickle"), from whence the name of the shower is derived. The International Meteor Organization provides a nice look at the radiant drift map.
For other observation events, check out the Week at a Glance feature at skyandtelescope.com.
11.15.2007
Them's Fightin' Words!
8 pm ET, CNN will broadcast a debate of the Democratic presidential candidates in the Thomas and Mack Center on the Univeristy of Nevada campus.
An interesting locational shift. Perhaps a move toward acknowledging a diverse Democratic base. Certainly a nod to an important state that Bush won in 2000 and 2004 but that is definitely not a lock.
This could be an opportunity for Hillary to show some teeth. Her closest competition is stepping up the attack and thus far Clinton has remained fairly civil. How long can that last in the modern political campaign arena?
Could be an interesting show. I might just watch with the sound off and read the transcript later.
Any guesses as to which candidate ends up nervously gumming a towel?
An interesting locational shift. Perhaps a move toward acknowledging a diverse Democratic base. Certainly a nod to an important state that Bush won in 2000 and 2004 but that is definitely not a lock.
This could be an opportunity for Hillary to show some teeth. Her closest competition is stepping up the attack and thus far Clinton has remained fairly civil. How long can that last in the modern political campaign arena?
Could be an interesting show. I might just watch with the sound off and read the transcript later.
Any guesses as to which candidate ends up nervously gumming a towel?
11.09.2007
Holiday Greetings!
I lied. This isn't anything to do with holidays.
This is a note to my neighbor.
It's November. It's forty-five f'ing degrees out. You can stop watering your lawn.
Thanks.
This is a note to my neighbor.
It's November. It's forty-five f'ing degrees out. You can stop watering your lawn.
Thanks.
11.08.2007
Wok This Way
I had a yen for some Asian style cuisine so I decide to bust out my wok. I spent my work day poking around the internet and building a grocery list and game plan. I liked the recipes I found at Bangkok Cuisine. You can't go wrong with a name like that.
So, having hit the grocery on the way home from work on Wednesday, I assembled the ingredients for Basil Chicken, Chili Fish Sauce and Cucumber Salad. Oil, sugar, fish sauce, chilies (had to make do with what they had), lots of basil (again, not Thai basil, but basil nevertheless) and garlic (check out my spankin' new garlic press).
It looks like a terribly large mess of basil, but that is the dominant flavor for this dish and the leaves dwindle to a manageable size very quickly upon hitting the wok. As usual, I did manage to slice myself. This time on the underside of my knuckle on the left hand. I didn't really notice until I was seeding the chili peppers. Damn that stings. So does the lime juice.
Got the assembly line ready. Key for the wok. Time flies. Be prepared.
Quickly working up the Cucumber Salad. Rice vinegar, oil, onion, tomato, cucumber, fish sauce.
Soaked some rice in preparation for an easy microwaving. Don't look at me like that. This works admirably. Try it. And no, I didn't put that metal bowl in the machine, despite how fun that would have been.
Chili fish sauce. I almost didn't bother with this. It might have been my favorite bit. The aroma was tremendous. It is the one item that really brought home the "Thai" element for me. The mingling of the lime and the fish sauce and chili scents was fan-farkin-tastik. Fish sauce, chilies, shallot, lime juice.
Ready to go.
Now, the following day (that's today if you are keeping count at home), I whipped up a quick Spicy Beef with Basil. I put the beef in the freezer for a bit to make it easy to cut the thin slices I wanted. It defrosts rapidly at room temperature once you have it all sliced. Fish sauce (yes, I am getting good use out of that), chili sauce, bell pepper, onion and basil.
The line is prepped. The wok is just smoking.
Finished this off with a quick de-glazing using a smidge of chicken stock. Drizzled that over the top after plating.
Thar she blows. I like the color of the yellow (or orange, whatever, I can at least tell it ain't green) over the traditional green pepper for this dish.
I think I'm going to grill some Thai bbq pork sometime this weekend. Bring me some beer.
So, having hit the grocery on the way home from work on Wednesday, I assembled the ingredients for Basil Chicken, Chili Fish Sauce and Cucumber Salad. Oil, sugar, fish sauce, chilies (had to make do with what they had), lots of basil (again, not Thai basil, but basil nevertheless) and garlic (check out my spankin' new garlic press).
It looks like a terribly large mess of basil, but that is the dominant flavor for this dish and the leaves dwindle to a manageable size very quickly upon hitting the wok. As usual, I did manage to slice myself. This time on the underside of my knuckle on the left hand. I didn't really notice until I was seeding the chili peppers. Damn that stings. So does the lime juice.
Got the assembly line ready. Key for the wok. Time flies. Be prepared.
Quickly working up the Cucumber Salad. Rice vinegar, oil, onion, tomato, cucumber, fish sauce.
Soaked some rice in preparation for an easy microwaving. Don't look at me like that. This works admirably. Try it. And no, I didn't put that metal bowl in the machine, despite how fun that would have been.
Chili fish sauce. I almost didn't bother with this. It might have been my favorite bit. The aroma was tremendous. It is the one item that really brought home the "Thai" element for me. The mingling of the lime and the fish sauce and chili scents was fan-farkin-tastik. Fish sauce, chilies, shallot, lime juice.
Ready to go.
Now, the following day (that's today if you are keeping count at home), I whipped up a quick Spicy Beef with Basil. I put the beef in the freezer for a bit to make it easy to cut the thin slices I wanted. It defrosts rapidly at room temperature once you have it all sliced. Fish sauce (yes, I am getting good use out of that), chili sauce, bell pepper, onion and basil.
The line is prepped. The wok is just smoking.
Finished this off with a quick de-glazing using a smidge of chicken stock. Drizzled that over the top after plating.
Thar she blows. I like the color of the yellow (or orange, whatever, I can at least tell it ain't green) over the traditional green pepper for this dish.
I think I'm going to grill some Thai bbq pork sometime this weekend. Bring me some beer.
11.02.2007
Blackout
I was soooo drunk!
No, not really. However, I neglected to mention that during my pumpkin carving extravaganza I was snuggled up to a 64 ounce bottle (1/2 gallon) of Dead Guy Ale. This was a serious failure on my part because this brew definitely deserves to be highlighted.
The beverage was a damn fine accompaniment for slashing open a pumpkin and extracting it's brains. The color is a dark honey. It is suitably nutty and very smooth. Strangely, it had the aroma of quality ale.
The obvious bonus here is I am now prepared to start my own jug band using the now empty 1/2 gallon bottle with the superb Mayan Dia de los Muertos-inspired design. If anyone is proficient at playing the washboard or washtub bass, call me. I already have a line on someone to play spoons.
In other ponderings, who the hell thought it was a good idea for Britney Spears to title her new album "Blackout"?
10.31.2007
Squash Surgery
It's Halloween. What a great time of year. The weather is just peachy, the leaves are colorful and darkness reigns.
As is the custom, I love to do some cosmetic surgery on a gourd. It is also the custom that, despite this joy of mine, I don't manage to actually get one before it is too damn late.
This year was no exception...almost. The local city pumpkin patch (a nursery that provides a few hay bales and various appropriate forms of gourd for the occassion) was plumb out by yesterday evening when I arrived. I even left work early so I could swing by on my way to the grocery.
However, I recalled that my backup grocery store (it's closer, but very much resembles a flea market on its final Sunday) had a bunch when I went to get dog food Saturday morning. Of course, in my infinite wisdom, I didn't bother to pick one up then. Why do know what you can put off until it no longer matters?
I swung by the joint and was disappointed to see the parking lot section, that just days ago teemed with orange spheres, was now empty. I had to swing through the lot anyway to head back home and lo and behold, there were two lonely deformed pumpkins sitting in a shopping cart by the door. I was in luck. I felt like Charlie Brown might if that sour witch would stop yanking the football out from under him. Sadly, the more deformed of the two was left sad and alone to whatever horrid fate awaits unwanted pumpkins.
So I dragged the thing home, sketched out some basic ideas and then created a template for my victim. I tend toward the classical pumpkin face. It just feels right. I then used the paper template to trace perforations through onto the pumpkin, witch guided my skilled surgical incisions.
I'm planning on taking Jack out with a bang similar to some of the flaming pumpkins you can see at extremepumpkins.com. Stay tuned for pics of that or perhaps a photo diary of the insurance company sorting through the ash and rubble of my home.
Here's digital evidence of the botched home surgery...
As is the custom, I love to do some cosmetic surgery on a gourd. It is also the custom that, despite this joy of mine, I don't manage to actually get one before it is too damn late.
This year was no exception...almost. The local city pumpkin patch (a nursery that provides a few hay bales and various appropriate forms of gourd for the occassion) was plumb out by yesterday evening when I arrived. I even left work early so I could swing by on my way to the grocery.
However, I recalled that my backup grocery store (it's closer, but very much resembles a flea market on its final Sunday) had a bunch when I went to get dog food Saturday morning. Of course, in my infinite wisdom, I didn't bother to pick one up then. Why do know what you can put off until it no longer matters?
I swung by the joint and was disappointed to see the parking lot section, that just days ago teemed with orange spheres, was now empty. I had to swing through the lot anyway to head back home and lo and behold, there were two lonely deformed pumpkins sitting in a shopping cart by the door. I was in luck. I felt like Charlie Brown might if that sour witch would stop yanking the football out from under him. Sadly, the more deformed of the two was left sad and alone to whatever horrid fate awaits unwanted pumpkins.
So I dragged the thing home, sketched out some basic ideas and then created a template for my victim. I tend toward the classical pumpkin face. It just feels right. I then used the paper template to trace perforations through onto the pumpkin, witch guided my skilled surgical incisions.
I'm planning on taking Jack out with a bang similar to some of the flaming pumpkins you can see at extremepumpkins.com. Stay tuned for pics of that or perhaps a photo diary of the insurance company sorting through the ash and rubble of my home.
Here's digital evidence of the botched home surgery...
10.25.2007
Congratulations!
....you have been selected to win 2 free iPod Nanos!
and are now the proud owner of a self-mutilating variety of insanity....
courtesy of some fuckwit spreading banner ad hell all over the internet.
and are now the proud owner of a self-mutilating variety of insanity....
courtesy of some fuckwit spreading banner ad hell all over the internet.
10.24.2007
Nuts
Cinnamon brown sugar flavored Blue Diamond Natural Roasted Nuts, that is. I hit the snack aisle in search of some unsalted peanuts. Typically I just get the raw almonds and pecans they have over in the produce section, but today I was craving something roasted. The Vanilla flavored nut actually caught my eye and while I pondered what exactly vanilla flavored almonds would be like, I noticed these beauties on the next shelf up. The nuts also come in No Salt and Sea Salt varieties.
The flavor brings to mind the days of my youth. Taking a warm, toasted slice of bread, letting a few pats of butter melt over the top, and sprinkling a nice mix of sugar and cinnamon over the top. We had a small tin with perforated top at the ready with just the perfect mixture of cinnamon and sugar. The perfect amount of butter would meld with the sugar-cinnamon mix to form a beautiful, sweet paste.
My only complaint is that it quite clearly states "pop the lid, pour a handful" and the top definitely requires unscrewing. On the plus side, the side of the see-through plastic container has measuring levels marked in one ounce increments.
I'll have to give the vanilla almonds a try. [Gave the vanilla a try. Very subtle flavor. Almost reminiscent of vanilla ice cream....if you are slightly insane and smoke three packs a day.]
The flavor brings to mind the days of my youth. Taking a warm, toasted slice of bread, letting a few pats of butter melt over the top, and sprinkling a nice mix of sugar and cinnamon over the top. We had a small tin with perforated top at the ready with just the perfect mixture of cinnamon and sugar. The perfect amount of butter would meld with the sugar-cinnamon mix to form a beautiful, sweet paste.
My only complaint is that it quite clearly states "pop the lid, pour a handful" and the top definitely requires unscrewing. On the plus side, the side of the see-through plastic container has measuring levels marked in one ounce increments.
I'll have to give the vanilla almonds a try. [Gave the vanilla a try. Very subtle flavor. Almost reminiscent of vanilla ice cream....if you are slightly insane and smoke three packs a day.]
10.23.2007
Just a Nip
A brief discussion led me turning my back on the gin aisle upon my next trip to the liquor store. I went for something different. Bauer's Obstler, an Austrian Eau de Vie. A strong, colorless apple-pear brandy.
I muscled open the flip top bottle seal and took a sniff. It was a familiar scent, very reminiscent to me of Cutty Sark. Strong. The liquor smell was prevalent, but the crisp fruit scent came softly behind.
The taste of the fruit came upfront, leading a a crisp tart turn into a nice burn.
I muscled open the flip top bottle seal and took a sniff. It was a familiar scent, very reminiscent to me of Cutty Sark. Strong. The liquor smell was prevalent, but the crisp fruit scent came softly behind.
The taste of the fruit came upfront, leading a a crisp tart turn into a nice burn.
10.22.2007
Don't Give Them Any Ideas
Italian comedian Beppe Grillo wrote a blog entry about Italy's Levi-Prodi draft law. The draft was apparently approved by the Council of Ministers on October 12, 2007. In essence, the law would require publishers to register blogs with the government, produce certificates and pay a tax, regardless of whether the blog is created as a commercial, money-making outlet or not.
The law intends to make sweeping changes to the publishing industry and isn't really targeted at amateur or personal blogs. Although, a forward thinking person can certainly envision the confusion most non-professional publishers would find themselves in. I wouldn't have grand hopes for any government to sort licensing out easily.
As it currently stands, the bill seems to encompass all publishing activity, including the vast landscape of internet writings. It would be left for the Communications Authority to rule on which sites fall under the auspices of the new law.
It's a blatant land grab. Trust government to salivate at the opportunity to generate income and control information in one fell swoop. They may sort this out, but it's worth keeping an eye on.
The law intends to make sweeping changes to the publishing industry and isn't really targeted at amateur or personal blogs. Although, a forward thinking person can certainly envision the confusion most non-professional publishers would find themselves in. I wouldn't have grand hopes for any government to sort licensing out easily.
As it currently stands, the bill seems to encompass all publishing activity, including the vast landscape of internet writings. It would be left for the Communications Authority to rule on which sites fall under the auspices of the new law.
It's a blatant land grab. Trust government to salivate at the opportunity to generate income and control information in one fell swoop. They may sort this out, but it's worth keeping an eye on.
10.20.2007
Shapeshifting for the Holiday
Hallows End Pumpkin Treat. A good disguise for a jaunt over to The Undercity.
10.19.2007
Orionids Meteor Shower
One of two showers resulting from Earth passing through particles released by Halley's Comet is on deck for this weekend (the other being the Eta Aquarids). Look for these meteors in the early mornings from October 20-22, but with peak activity from after moonset on Saturday night until early morning Sunday.
These natural fireworks showed amazingly well last October, reaching double the normal viewing rate for some watchers (40-50 per hour, as compared to an expected rate closer to 20).
This is typically not a great viewing show for urbanites, particularly given this year's waxing gibbous moon. However, there has been precedence for mutiple years of higher than average activity, so last year might presage another good show.
Check out this link to meteorshoweronline.com for more information and viewing tips.
While we are thinking about comets, let's try not to go overboard.
These natural fireworks showed amazingly well last October, reaching double the normal viewing rate for some watchers (40-50 per hour, as compared to an expected rate closer to 20).
This is typically not a great viewing show for urbanites, particularly given this year's waxing gibbous moon. However, there has been precedence for mutiple years of higher than average activity, so last year might presage another good show.
Check out this link to meteorshoweronline.com for more information and viewing tips.
While we are thinking about comets, let's try not to go overboard.
10.16.2007
More stupid quizzes. Halloween style.
| What Your Halloween Habits Say About You |
 No one quite understands you, but everyone also sort of worships you. And that's exactly how you like it. Your inner child is stubborn and a bit bossy. You truly fear the dark side of humanity. You are a true misanthrope. You're logical, rational, and not easily effected. Not a lot scares you... especially when it comes to the paranormal. You are a traditionalist with most aspects of your life. You like your Halloween costume to be basic, well made, and conventional enough to wear another year. |
| Your Halloween Costume Should Be |
 |
| Candy Cigarettes |
 |
10.15.2007
10.14.2007
Don't Bogart that Smoker
There's yet another reality competition show on TV. No surprise...it's a cooking show, which really seem to be saturating the TV landscape these days. I'm not complaining. I would rather watch people cooking than people proving they couldn't pass a fifth grade history test or yet another news expose that will be back after these words from their sponsor to tell me what common household item may actually be killing me.
The Food Network has given us The Next Iron Chef. As you would expect, the show is a competition to determine the next Iron Chef. A number of accomplished chefs, as opposed to the usual crop of wide-eyed semi-professionals, are vying to join that wacky cook-off show, Iron Chef America (itself a U.S. redo of the grand 'ol Iron Chef from Japan, the Birthplace of TV Awesomeness).
So far, host Alton Brown looks like he is thoroughly enjoying himself. Taking special delight in giving the competitors extremely difficult taks. Episode 1 had the chefs trying to create desert out of things such as tripe, catfish, beef, squid and salmon. Episode 2 found the remaining competitors trying to emulate the new trend toward using scientific methods to create food using precision instruments and chemicals. I'm no fan of foam unless it's riding high on a sea of stout, but it's grand fun watching professionals unfamiliar with it attempt to whip some up.
Chef Wiley Dufresne, a molecular gastronomist, gives the group some instruction in the use of chemicals (liquid nitrogen frozen ice cream anyone?). There is also a demonstration of various PolyScience kitchen gadgets. These machines are spectacular. There's the Thermal Circulator, allowing liquid heating control to 0.09 F and the full Thermal Circulating Baths, a sous vide cooking system used in combination with the high-powered Vacuum Sealer. At the end of the counter, we find the Anti-Griddle, an instant-freeze griddle top at a temperature of negative 30 F.
Last, but not least, there was the coolest item of the bunch, the Smoking Gun. Three guesses as to how they thought this device up. I don't have any use for it, but I want one.
The Food Network has given us The Next Iron Chef. As you would expect, the show is a competition to determine the next Iron Chef. A number of accomplished chefs, as opposed to the usual crop of wide-eyed semi-professionals, are vying to join that wacky cook-off show, Iron Chef America (itself a U.S. redo of the grand 'ol Iron Chef from Japan, the Birthplace of TV Awesomeness).
So far, host Alton Brown looks like he is thoroughly enjoying himself. Taking special delight in giving the competitors extremely difficult taks. Episode 1 had the chefs trying to create desert out of things such as tripe, catfish, beef, squid and salmon. Episode 2 found the remaining competitors trying to emulate the new trend toward using scientific methods to create food using precision instruments and chemicals. I'm no fan of foam unless it's riding high on a sea of stout, but it's grand fun watching professionals unfamiliar with it attempt to whip some up.
Chef Wiley Dufresne, a molecular gastronomist, gives the group some instruction in the use of chemicals (liquid nitrogen frozen ice cream anyone?). There is also a demonstration of various PolyScience kitchen gadgets. These machines are spectacular. There's the Thermal Circulator, allowing liquid heating control to 0.09 F and the full Thermal Circulating Baths, a sous vide cooking system used in combination with the high-powered Vacuum Sealer. At the end of the counter, we find the Anti-Griddle, an instant-freeze griddle top at a temperature of negative 30 F.
Last, but not least, there was the coolest item of the bunch, the Smoking Gun. Three guesses as to how they thought this device up. I don't have any use for it, but I want one.
10.12.2007
Indiana Regulators at it Again
As if the recent BP issues weren't enough, the Chicago Tribune is now reporting on another game of permit wrangling between the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and the U.S. Steel Corporation.
According to the article, Indiana regulators are reviewing a proposed change to the permit for U.S. Steel's Gary Works mill in Gary, Indiana. In contrast to the BP situation (where BP was specifially requesting permission to increase dumping), U.S. Steel officials maintain that the new proposal will not allow for an increase in dumping of pollutants into the Grand Calument River, which empties into Lake Michigan. Currently, the Gary Works (15 miles SE of Chicago) is one of the largest water polluters in the area, producing 1.7 million pounds of oil, grease, metals and chemicals in 2005 (though that is a significant decrease from the 3.2 million pounds recorded in 2000).
U.S. Steel reports discharging oil, grease, lead, arsenic, benzene, fluoride and nitrates from the mill. The proposed permit failed to include limits on emissions at all discharge points. Additionally, the limit on chromium has been decreased. The average allowable amount of chromium dumped in the Grand Calumet would increase 62% (up to 17,702 pounds). Regulators also eliminated specific limits for benzene (chemical that causes immune system damage and cancer), despite a U.S. Steel report of dumping 220 pounds of benzene in 2005. At some discharge points, U.S. Steel is only required to report how much benzene and other pollutants were released in the river.
The permit also gives the company an additional five years to meet federal requirements on other pollutants - federal standards that have been in existence for more than a decade. Under federal law, states are required to renew water permits every five years per the Clean Water Act. The Gary Works permit has not been reissued since 1994 and is one of 10 polluters in Indiana operating under expired permits (including the BP plant in Whiting).
As you would expect, the state government and the big corporation are entrenched. U.S. Steel maintains that they are well within safe levels of discharge and are refusing to argue this permit issue in public. The Indiana regulators are pleased that everything is in order, offering a scale-tipping and complex document for perusal by the public. Despite the apparent availability of information, the general public seems at a loss to determine exactly what is being done and why. There is only the certainty that they've been bitten in the ass before and are living beside one of the most polluted sites in the area while the modern day robber barons count their tolls.
According to the article, Indiana regulators are reviewing a proposed change to the permit for U.S. Steel's Gary Works mill in Gary, Indiana. In contrast to the BP situation (where BP was specifially requesting permission to increase dumping), U.S. Steel officials maintain that the new proposal will not allow for an increase in dumping of pollutants into the Grand Calument River, which empties into Lake Michigan. Currently, the Gary Works (15 miles SE of Chicago) is one of the largest water polluters in the area, producing 1.7 million pounds of oil, grease, metals and chemicals in 2005 (though that is a significant decrease from the 3.2 million pounds recorded in 2000).
U.S. Steel reports discharging oil, grease, lead, arsenic, benzene, fluoride and nitrates from the mill. The proposed permit failed to include limits on emissions at all discharge points. Additionally, the limit on chromium has been decreased. The average allowable amount of chromium dumped in the Grand Calumet would increase 62% (up to 17,702 pounds). Regulators also eliminated specific limits for benzene (chemical that causes immune system damage and cancer), despite a U.S. Steel report of dumping 220 pounds of benzene in 2005. At some discharge points, U.S. Steel is only required to report how much benzene and other pollutants were released in the river.
The permit also gives the company an additional five years to meet federal requirements on other pollutants - federal standards that have been in existence for more than a decade. Under federal law, states are required to renew water permits every five years per the Clean Water Act. The Gary Works permit has not been reissued since 1994 and is one of 10 polluters in Indiana operating under expired permits (including the BP plant in Whiting).
As you would expect, the state government and the big corporation are entrenched. U.S. Steel maintains that they are well within safe levels of discharge and are refusing to argue this permit issue in public. The Indiana regulators are pleased that everything is in order, offering a scale-tipping and complex document for perusal by the public. Despite the apparent availability of information, the general public seems at a loss to determine exactly what is being done and why. There is only the certainty that they've been bitten in the ass before and are living beside one of the most polluted sites in the area while the modern day robber barons count their tolls.
10.11.2007
Divastation
Music fans the world over know of the excess and pomposity that runs rampant among the World's most talented entertainters. However, this is not a discussion of the contract rider demands or odd behavior of Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey or Britney Spears. Far from it. Musically speaking, at least. This is a tale of the Opera.
I'm not well versed in the backroom shenanigans of today's greatest singers, but a recent dustup at the Lyric Opera of Chicago has brought to my attention the saga of Angela Gheorghiu and Roberto Alagna.
I'm not well versed in the backroom shenanigans of today's greatest singers, but a recent dustup at the Lyric Opera of Chicago has brought to my attention the saga of Angela Gheorghiu and Roberto Alagna.
A special tale, these two.
She, born Angela Burlacu (taking Gheorghiu from her first husband) on September 7, 1965 in Ajud, Romania to a train conductor and a dressmaker. Studied at the Bucharest conservatoire and a star in her homeland by age 18. First arrived in London in 1991, Gheorghiu is now sometimes called "Draculette" for her fiery behaviour and "the last of the great divas". Once ranked on FHM magazine's World's Sexiest Women list at number 74. Was quoted saying, "I get my exercise by unpacking my luggage and making love," and filmed in 2001 refereshing her lipstick with a tube pulled from her cleavage during a performance of Verdi's Requiem.
He, born June 7, 1963 in Clichy-sous-Bois, France. Came onto the opera scene after winning the Pavarotti competition in Philedelphia. Sometimes called "the fourth tenor." Has one daughter from his first wife, who died of cancer.
The pair met while singing in La Boheme in Vienna in 1992. Fell in love while singing opposite one another in Traviata at Covent Garden, London in 1994. While singing together in La Boheme at the Met, the pair was married by Mayor Rudy Giuliani. The couple cares for Gheorghiu's orphaned niece, whose parents died in a car accident, as well as Alagna's daughter.
Here they sing Romeo & Juliette.
And now to the arrival of greatness....
- Less than a year from the 1996 marriage, Gheorghiu argued with mentor, Georg Solti, over his treatment of parts of Verdi's Otello.
- Gheorghiu refused to wear a blonde wig during a tour of Japan with the Metropolitan Opera. She missed one performance and subsequently covered the wig with a hood.
- Fell out with Jonathan Miller in Paris, feeling she should "die alone" in Traviata rather than the planned for hospital ward setting.
- Quarreled with Riccardo Muti during his time at LaScala.
- Pulled out of Traviata in Madrid, complaining that it was vulgar and full of sexual references.
- She failed to show for rehearsals for Puccini's "Tosca" at London's Royal Opera, Covent Garden.
- She broke her contract to sing the role of Elisabetta in Verdi's "Don Carlo" at Conent Garden (2006).
- September 2007, Gheorghiu was fired from "La Boheme" at the Lyric Opera in Chicago for missing rehearsals and a costume fitting she had demanded.
- Alagna also had issues with Miller and the management of Paris's Bastille Opera.
- He pulled out of the role of Don Jose in "Carmen" at Covent Garden to take a seemingly more prestigious part in Milan.
- The Met in New York planned a 1999 production around the couple, but they took exception to Franco Zeffirelli's set design and were replaced.
- Alagna was the first-ever performer ever to walk off during a performance at La Scala when he was booed during "Aida" in 2006.
- The pair have been dubbed "the Bonnie and Clyde of opera" and "Ceausescus" (after the Romanian dictator that was executed in 1989).
The internet also leaves us this clue on what appears to be the smoldering ruins of a fan site.
9.28.2007
Like a Virgin, Nominated For the Very First Time
Oh, Joy! The latest batch of nominees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame were announced. Rolling Stone magazine scooped the list last night.
The nominees are (drum roll, please):
Madonna (first time nominee)
Beastie Boys (first time nominee)
The Dave Clark Five
Leonard Cohen (first time nominee)
Afrika Bambaataa (first time nominee)
John Mellencamp
The Ventures (first time nominee)
Donna Summer (first time nominee)
Chic
Apparently five of the nine nominees will be added to the HoF roster.
I am not going to quibble over whether the R&RHoF should include Rap or Disco versus straight Rock. It seems a silly argument. It's the R&RHoF for cripes sake. Its most important addition to our collective culture is the building it's housed in. Besides, what genre should we pigeonhole the Beastie Boys into? Why should we bother? Another dimension. Do it.
However, perusing the list of current inductees gives me pause to wonder what kind of shop they're running over there. Bob Marley but not he Wailers. Ike and Tina Turner...together forever? While Clapton eases in on his own, as well as with Cream and the Yardbirds. Michael and The Jackson Five. Paul Simon and Simon and Garfunkel. I don't see the logic being applied.
Secondly, I'm looking at the new nominees list and I'm missing the boat on Chic. Yes, I understand that every cheesy bar full of big-haired suburban gals and 19-year-olds fresh out of their Mommy's grasp are really jiving to "Freak Out" on a regular basis. However, I don't buy it. I just don't. I'm going to picket the induction ceremony if Chic makes it over The Dave Clark Five....while in platform boots, a sparkling mini and a mauve bob-cut wig.
Assuredly, everyone can run down the list and see something that makes them cringe. Hell, ZZ Top is in the HoF already. Fuzzy guitars and the CadZZilla can take you a long way, but I think "Tube Snake Boogie" and "Pearl Necklace" is what got them in.
This says it all...
And if that doesn't, this surely does....
No matter. Groove to your own beat....whatever leaves you glad all over. The Universal Zulu Nation salutes you.
___________________________________________________
Some brief and random factoids, or semi-factoids, as I didn't check multiple sources for some of them due to extreme lack of care on my part and a need to uphold the long history of careless blahggering (NOTE: The final factoid is gospel truth. AMEN!):
The nominees are (drum roll, please):
Madonna (first time nominee)
Beastie Boys (first time nominee)
The Dave Clark Five
Leonard Cohen (first time nominee)
Afrika Bambaataa (first time nominee)
John Mellencamp
The Ventures (first time nominee)
Donna Summer (first time nominee)
Chic
Apparently five of the nine nominees will be added to the HoF roster.
I am not going to quibble over whether the R&RHoF should include Rap or Disco versus straight Rock. It seems a silly argument. It's the R&RHoF for cripes sake. Its most important addition to our collective culture is the building it's housed in. Besides, what genre should we pigeonhole the Beastie Boys into? Why should we bother? Another dimension. Do it.
However, perusing the list of current inductees gives me pause to wonder what kind of shop they're running over there. Bob Marley but not he Wailers. Ike and Tina Turner...together forever? While Clapton eases in on his own, as well as with Cream and the Yardbirds. Michael and The Jackson Five. Paul Simon and Simon and Garfunkel. I don't see the logic being applied.
Secondly, I'm looking at the new nominees list and I'm missing the boat on Chic. Yes, I understand that every cheesy bar full of big-haired suburban gals and 19-year-olds fresh out of their Mommy's grasp are really jiving to "Freak Out" on a regular basis. However, I don't buy it. I just don't. I'm going to picket the induction ceremony if Chic makes it over The Dave Clark Five....while in platform boots, a sparkling mini and a mauve bob-cut wig.
Assuredly, everyone can run down the list and see something that makes them cringe. Hell, ZZ Top is in the HoF already. Fuzzy guitars and the CadZZilla can take you a long way, but I think "Tube Snake Boogie" and "Pearl Necklace" is what got them in.
This says it all...
I got a girl, she lives on the hill.
She wont do it but her sister will,
When she boogie,
She do the tube snake boogie.
And if that doesn't, this surely does....
She was gettin bombed,
And I was gettin blown away,
And she took it in her hand,
And this is what she had to say:
A pearl necklace.
She wanna pearl necklace.
She wanna pearl necklace.
No matter. Groove to your own beat....whatever leaves you glad all over. The Universal Zulu Nation salutes you.
___________________________________________________
Some brief and random factoids, or semi-factoids, as I didn't check multiple sources for some of them due to extreme lack of care on my part and a need to uphold the long history of careless blahggering (NOTE: The final factoid is gospel truth. AMEN!):
- Donna Summer holds the record for having three consecutive double albums hit #1 on the Billboard charts and also became the first female artist to have four number-one singles in a twelve-month period.
- Chic's famous refrain "Aaa, freak out" began as "fuck off", conceived as an impromptu protest song after Edwards and Rogers had been turned back at the door of New York's infamous club, Studio 54. Edwards and Rogers had been invited to see Grace Jones perform, who was allegedly interested in working with the pair.
- Madonna began a short fling with artist Jean-Michel Basquiat in the fall of 1982, the year she signed a singles deal with Sire Records for $5,000 per song.
- The Beastie Boys formed in 1979 as a punk band called The Young Aborigines, before Adam Yauch (MCA) joined in 1981 and the name was changed.
- The Dave Clark Five had 17 records in Billboard's Top 40 between 1964 and 1967 and holds the record for the most appearances by a UK group (18) on The Ed Sullivan Show.
- Cohen made a guest appearance on a 1986 episode of Miami Vice entitled "French Twist" as Francois Zolan, a senior executive in the French Secret Service engaged in an illegal operation to blow up Greenpeace boats. He appears in the show speaking French on the telephone in a few short bits.
- Mellencamp has five children from three marriages. His most recent marriage (and still current, as far as I know) produced sons Hud and Speck.
- The Ventures are the world's best selling instrumental rock group, with over 90 million albums sold worldwide and are, of course, popular in Japan (40 million albums sold in Japan). The Go-Go's wrote "Surfin' And Spyin'" and dedicated it to The Ventures.
- Afrika Bambaataa is just fuckin' stone cool, yo.
9.21.2007
Kitchen Hell and Back Again
I have a dirty secret. I find that when circumstance requires you to reveal such things, it is best to do it quick. Like ripping the duct tape off your captive prior to tube feeding her some broth.
So...I watch Hell's Kitchen...and I like it (sort of). So, you know, fuck you.
To be sure, the show has some very rough edges. It is a reality show (reality-based, anyway) and blusters with all the seamy TV elements that such a show normally comes with. Of course, any reality TV watcher will inform you that many of those exact same foibles are why they watch. Yes, the people are fake and awful, the situations are contrived, the story is cut in a way that doesn't always accurately reflect what happened. It's crass, loud and unwholesome. Hell's Kitchen even adds to the mix a brash, foul-mouthed egotist leading the charge. On the whole, though, the cooking makes it interesting for me (though the other cooking challenge shows offer a better version, cooking wise - I rather enjoyed the PBS version, Cooking Under Fire).
Now, I also happen to like Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares, a BBC program showcasing some of Gordon Ramsay's skills in a way that his efforts on Hell's Kitchen do not (To further that, Ramsay's show, The F Word, even posits that Gordon Ramsay is not actually a charicature. Witness the man attempt to raise pigs with his wife and children). BBC presents to us a passionate man. Someone who tells it straight, but who is also a confidant and a teacher. The concept being that Ramsay, in each episode, assesses and attempts to remedy the various woes of a particular restaurant. Ramsay uses his valuable experience to help people get on the right track. It's interesting. Food, real people, business, the plight of the underdog, etc.
OK, now to the nitty gritty. What is angering me today? The Fox Network is taking Kitchen Nightmares and making it The Fox Way. I haven't seen it yet, I just couldn't bring myself to watch. However, I know that in typical fashion, Fox has taken the unadorned and comfortable BBC show and transformed it into a spectacle. All indications are that the US version of the show will highlight the sorts of things that made Hell's Kitchen a success, while using only the basic template of the BBC version and paring away the more supporting and real nature of that original. Fox also did Ramsay the favor of putting this new venture on Thursdays at 9ET, opposite CSI and Grey's Anatomy.
More innovation in action!
So...I watch Hell's Kitchen...and I like it (sort of). So, you know, fuck you.
To be sure, the show has some very rough edges. It is a reality show (reality-based, anyway) and blusters with all the seamy TV elements that such a show normally comes with. Of course, any reality TV watcher will inform you that many of those exact same foibles are why they watch. Yes, the people are fake and awful, the situations are contrived, the story is cut in a way that doesn't always accurately reflect what happened. It's crass, loud and unwholesome. Hell's Kitchen even adds to the mix a brash, foul-mouthed egotist leading the charge. On the whole, though, the cooking makes it interesting for me (though the other cooking challenge shows offer a better version, cooking wise - I rather enjoyed the PBS version, Cooking Under Fire).
Now, I also happen to like Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares, a BBC program showcasing some of Gordon Ramsay's skills in a way that his efforts on Hell's Kitchen do not (To further that, Ramsay's show, The F Word, even posits that Gordon Ramsay is not actually a charicature. Witness the man attempt to raise pigs with his wife and children). BBC presents to us a passionate man. Someone who tells it straight, but who is also a confidant and a teacher. The concept being that Ramsay, in each episode, assesses and attempts to remedy the various woes of a particular restaurant. Ramsay uses his valuable experience to help people get on the right track. It's interesting. Food, real people, business, the plight of the underdog, etc.
OK, now to the nitty gritty. What is angering me today? The Fox Network is taking Kitchen Nightmares and making it The Fox Way. I haven't seen it yet, I just couldn't bring myself to watch. However, I know that in typical fashion, Fox has taken the unadorned and comfortable BBC show and transformed it into a spectacle. All indications are that the US version of the show will highlight the sorts of things that made Hell's Kitchen a success, while using only the basic template of the BBC version and paring away the more supporting and real nature of that original. Fox also did Ramsay the favor of putting this new venture on Thursdays at 9ET, opposite CSI and Grey's Anatomy.
More innovation in action!
9.18.2007
Greetings
0915071118.jpg
Originally uploaded by Gabe Lippmann
The dogs and I, we have mutual respect. However, we suffer some relationship issues. Don't get me wrong, the communication is there...sort of. We do talk amongst each other quite a bit. Almost non-stop. The usual 'how you doing', 'check this out!' and the normal airing of grievances.
The thing is, there is a serious language barrier. We talk and talk and it just ends with stern stares and occasionally, strenuous pushing and pulling.
They have their desires. I have mine. It appears that our desires do not necessarily mesh. I'm not even sure they speak the same language, much less mine. Although, I gather theirs is more of a dialect issue and, obviously, a generation gap.
We seem to get on OK, though. We all love to yell at the neighbors. I guess that's the point really. You have to find some common ground.
9.12.2007
All sorts of lulz
I had heard that the young kiddies these days were breaking new ground and speeding up the technoramp with abandon, while simultaneously lacking in concentration and obsessing over sex. However, it appears that they cling fiercely to the old ways. So much so, that you have to admire their raccoon-like grip on the traditional methods. The clarion call for original content has been rebuffed in the face of a need to maintain the culture from days of yore.
Newly minted avatar, Nichove Abramovic (Born on Date 9.11.07) was kind enough to help me relive my most recent turtule spam adventures. He chose Spetember 11th, the National Day of Reflection for the new millenium. This might seem odd to you, but it happens to be expected and far be it from the likes of Nichove to let the populace down.
This proud member of the Jews of Second Life group was also quite generous in that he allowed so many of my SL compatriots to be a part of the action this time. The wonderful spectacle spanned far across the grid, from the barren veldt of Jessie all the way to the New Continents and back to the dens of iniquity in Crimson.
Newly minted avatar, Nichove Abramovic (Born on Date 9.11.07) was kind enough to help me relive my most recent turtule spam adventures. He chose Spetember 11th, the National Day of Reflection for the new millenium. This might seem odd to you, but it happens to be expected and far be it from the likes of Nichove to let the populace down.
This proud member of the Jews of Second Life group was also quite generous in that he allowed so many of my SL compatriots to be a part of the action this time. The wonderful spectacle spanned far across the grid, from the barren veldt of Jessie all the way to the New Continents and back to the dens of iniquity in Crimson.
Witness the glorious rain of cash.
...and yes, see too my old turtle friend.
Yet, in the end, the Hand of Linden came from on high to crush the rebelion. Where did all the money go? The coffers of your Masters are lined with just such treasures as these, freely bestowed on the people by forward thinking avatars, not content to let Evil reign. Poor souls crushed underfoot by the Ruling Family.
The last note, but a figment. A ghost of riches wiped clean by Gods. Our avatars remain shackled to an unjust economy, suffering the Wrath of Lunacy. Heroes are fantasy, even in the metaverse.
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