Pom seeds.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
autumn glory
Took Amanda to the top of House Mountain on Sunday. It's a lovely place. I enjoyed sharing it.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
40 clove chicken
Take 1 chicken. Have a beautiful woman rub it with oil and salt. Stuff it with 5-6 cloves of garlic and half a lemon.
Throw in about 35 more cloves of garlic in the pot, the other half of the lemon, some whole mushrooms, and sprinkle with rosemary from your garden.
Cook in a 350 degree oven for about two hours for about a 6.5 pound bird. Serve with giblet gravy and potato and turnip mash.
Throw in about 35 more cloves of garlic in the pot, the other half of the lemon, some whole mushrooms, and sprinkle with rosemary from your garden.
Cook in a 350 degree oven for about two hours for about a 6.5 pound bird. Serve with giblet gravy and potato and turnip mash.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
currying favor
It's National Curry Week in Great Britain.
I need to fix some potato curry to celebrate.
Potato curry
Serves 3-4
2 tbs sunflower oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 large plum tomatoes, skinned and chopped
8 red chillies
1/2 tsp red chilli powder
1 tsp cumin seeds
salt
500g potatoes, peeled and diced, or whole new potatoes
chopped coriander leaves to garnish
Heat the oil in a saucepan, add the onion and cook until slightly browned. Add the chopped tomatoes, then stir in the chillies, chilli powder, cumin seeds and salt to taste. Add 125ml water and cook, stirring, until excess liquid has evaporated.
Add the potatoes together with another 125ml water. Stir well to coat the potatoes with the spice mixture, then put the lid on the pan. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender but not breaking up.
Remove the lid and continue cooking until the oil separates out. Garnish with chopped coriander and serve hot.
I've also had good results from a tomato curry recipe a la Nigel Slater.
Tomatoes with turmeric and yoghurt
onions - 2 medium
groundnut oil - 3 tbs
garlic - 4 juicy cloves
a hot red chilli
brown mustard seed - 1 tsp
ground turmeric - 2 tsp
cumin seed - 2 tsp
a 'thumb' of ginger
crushed tinned tomatoes - 400g
largish tomatoes - 8-12 (Marmande would be just right)
thick yoghurt - 100g
Peel the onions and roughly chop them, then let them cook slowly in groundnut oil over a low to moderate heat. Peel the garlic, slice it thinly then add it to the onions.Chop the chilli finely and add it, with its seeds, to the onions. Stir in the mustard seed, turmeric and cumin seed and continue cooking. Peel the ginger then cut it into matchstick-sized shreds. Add it to the pan and let it cook briefly before you add the tinned tomatoes, 400ml of water and a grinding of black pepper and salt. Turn up the heat and bring to the boil, then add the whole tomatoes.
Turn the heat down to a gentle simmer and leave to cook, covered with a lid, for 25 to 35 minutes, turning the tomatoes once or twice during cooking. You want them to soften but not totally collapse. Add a little more water should the mixture thicken too quickly.
Push the tomatoes to one side, then stir in the yoghurt. Let the sauce heat through, stirring gently, but without letting it come to the boil. Serve with rice or warm naan.
I need to fix some potato curry to celebrate.
Potato curry
Serves 3-4
2 tbs sunflower oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 large plum tomatoes, skinned and chopped
8 red chillies
1/2 tsp red chilli powder
1 tsp cumin seeds
salt
500g potatoes, peeled and diced, or whole new potatoes
chopped coriander leaves to garnish
Heat the oil in a saucepan, add the onion and cook until slightly browned. Add the chopped tomatoes, then stir in the chillies, chilli powder, cumin seeds and salt to taste. Add 125ml water and cook, stirring, until excess liquid has evaporated.
Add the potatoes together with another 125ml water. Stir well to coat the potatoes with the spice mixture, then put the lid on the pan. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender but not breaking up.
Remove the lid and continue cooking until the oil separates out. Garnish with chopped coriander and serve hot.
I've also had good results from a tomato curry recipe a la Nigel Slater.
Tomatoes with turmeric and yoghurt
onions - 2 medium
groundnut oil - 3 tbs
garlic - 4 juicy cloves
a hot red chilli
brown mustard seed - 1 tsp
ground turmeric - 2 tsp
cumin seed - 2 tsp
a 'thumb' of ginger
crushed tinned tomatoes - 400g
largish tomatoes - 8-12 (Marmande would be just right)
thick yoghurt - 100g
Peel the onions and roughly chop them, then let them cook slowly in groundnut oil over a low to moderate heat. Peel the garlic, slice it thinly then add it to the onions.Chop the chilli finely and add it, with its seeds, to the onions. Stir in the mustard seed, turmeric and cumin seed and continue cooking. Peel the ginger then cut it into matchstick-sized shreds. Add it to the pan and let it cook briefly before you add the tinned tomatoes, 400ml of water and a grinding of black pepper and salt. Turn up the heat and bring to the boil, then add the whole tomatoes.
Turn the heat down to a gentle simmer and leave to cook, covered with a lid, for 25 to 35 minutes, turning the tomatoes once or twice during cooking. You want them to soften but not totally collapse. Add a little more water should the mixture thicken too quickly.
Push the tomatoes to one side, then stir in the yoghurt. Let the sauce heat through, stirring gently, but without letting it come to the boil. Serve with rice or warm naan.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
rabe
First meal in my (newly revamped) dining room in about a year. :) Sauteed broccoli rabe and toast.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
skint
Somebody caught my fingers with their blade while shooting for my dagger during rapier practice on Sunday.
Monday, October 22, 2007
the deal
Thank you all for the kind words. I truly do appreciate them and your patience whilst I indulge in one of my patented Dramatic Gestures.
Here's the deal.
I'm going to continue this blog until I get my long-planned web site running some time within the next few months.
"The Triskaidekagrammatron" ID is no more. I'm converting my long-running Flickr photostream to business, rather than personal, use.
I'll still be posting to it, but not as often. What I do post will be aimed at generating sales or exhibition opportunities.
What will be missing is "me". I've started a new personal photostream, because I just plain enjoy Flickr'ing, where I'll post fairly daily ephemera and randomness. That's where I'll live.
There will be changes to what's available on the Thirteen Letters photostream. I'll be removing some of the personal content and refining the presentation.
It's a chance to start afresh, to put away the tropes of the past. There has been much good, much growth, during the last three years, but there is also so much hurt and nastiness ingrained in the fabric of that particular photostream, of this blog.
It's time for change.
With metta,
Joel
Here's the deal.
I'm going to continue this blog until I get my long-planned web site running some time within the next few months.
"The Triskaidekagrammatron" ID is no more. I'm converting my long-running Flickr photostream to business, rather than personal, use.
I'll still be posting to it, but not as often. What I do post will be aimed at generating sales or exhibition opportunities.
What will be missing is "me". I've started a new personal photostream, because I just plain enjoy Flickr'ing, where I'll post fairly daily ephemera and randomness. That's where I'll live.
There will be changes to what's available on the Thirteen Letters photostream. I'll be removing some of the personal content and refining the presentation.
It's a chance to start afresh, to put away the tropes of the past. There has been much good, much growth, during the last three years, but there is also so much hurt and nastiness ingrained in the fabric of that particular photostream, of this blog.
It's time for change.
With metta,
Joel
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Monday, October 15, 2007
bleh
The sinus infection is winding down. Not much in the way of discomfort, just some rawness and pressure, but there seems to be a line of gravity connecting a point right between my eyes and the floor.
cooking something up
I have two dishes that I've been interested in trying out for years, but have never gotten around to cooking: cassoulet and Bombe Richelieu.
The former has been in the back of my mind for, dang, almost 10 years now ever since I read about it in a Delta in-flight magazine on a trip back home from Yuma, Ariz. The latter, I've wanted to try since reading "Who Is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe?"
[Topic cross-posted to Utata on Flickr.]
The former has been in the back of my mind for, dang, almost 10 years now ever since I read about it in a Delta in-flight magazine on a trip back home from Yuma, Ariz. The latter, I've wanted to try since reading "Who Is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe?"
[Topic cross-posted to Utata on Flickr.]
otaku grooming
As someone fascinated with masks and personas, I found this blog for a Canadian company specializing in reproducing clothing from movies quite interesting:
I think I covet the Browncoat jacket from Firefly.
[Topic cross-posted to Utata on Flickr.]
I think I covet the Browncoat jacket from Firefly.
[Topic cross-posted to Utata on Flickr.]
Saturday, October 13, 2007
dining room
There's lots of touch-up still to do, but with the aid of friends and family, I'm finally making real progress on my house projects. :)
I have to install a bunch of trim in here. And do something with that dang air conditioner. Thinking of replacing it with a plate of stained glass or glass bricks.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Argument for Dummies
Courtesy of M'Lord Runolfr Orthlokarr Ulfsson.
Purpose: To convince another person of your proposition.
1) State your proposition clearly.
2) Provide evidence that supports your proposition. Be prepared to state that evidence clearly.
3) Understand that your proposition is subject to challenge. Respond to challenges with evidence and logic.
4) Be prepared for illogical challenges to your proposition. Study common logical fallacies; be ready to show the flaws in illogical arguments.
5) Accept that your proposition may, in fact, be wrong or flawed. Be prepared to accept valid logic with supporting evidence that refutes your proposition.
6) Smite idiots who can't follow these simple instructions.
[Ye Olde Editor's Note: For more information on logical fallacies, go ask an atheist.]
Purpose: To convince another person of your proposition.
1) State your proposition clearly.
2) Provide evidence that supports your proposition. Be prepared to state that evidence clearly.
3) Understand that your proposition is subject to challenge. Respond to challenges with evidence and logic.
4) Be prepared for illogical challenges to your proposition. Study common logical fallacies; be ready to show the flaws in illogical arguments.
5) Accept that your proposition may, in fact, be wrong or flawed. Be prepared to accept valid logic with supporting evidence that refutes your proposition.
6) Smite idiots who can't follow these simple instructions.
[Ye Olde Editor's Note: For more information on logical fallacies, go ask an atheist.]
the one what started it all
Well, I must relate, with a mixture of pride and amusement, my secret origin --the tale of how one particular cheesy photograph transformed me from Milquetoast to Shameless Male Hussy (TM).
This shot still ranks second for number of comments in my photostream. It was rather tongue-in-cheek. My physique at the time was nothing special. I was rather doughy around the middle.
But I discovered the power of cropping and suggestion. And the attention it brought me led to more shots of similar ilk.
It was a particularly lonely point in my life, due to some dark circumstances, so I lapped up all the attention. It helped me become more self-confident.
Most of all, the feedback helped me improve my photography. I started thinking about cropping and composition and learned to use Photoshop for basic editing. So, I owe any talent I've developed to my "treasure trail". Ironies abound.
This shot still ranks second for number of comments in my photostream. It was rather tongue-in-cheek. My physique at the time was nothing special. I was rather doughy around the middle.
But I discovered the power of cropping and suggestion. And the attention it brought me led to more shots of similar ilk.
It was a particularly lonely point in my life, due to some dark circumstances, so I lapped up all the attention. It helped me become more self-confident.
Most of all, the feedback helped me improve my photography. I started thinking about cropping and composition and learned to use Photoshop for basic editing. So, I owe any talent I've developed to my "treasure trail". Ironies abound.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
I have seen the fnords
Denial, shoddy rhetorical evasions and transparent attempts at fnording make me cranky.
Somebody write a Dummy's Guide to Reasonable Argument. It's needed.
Somebody write a Dummy's Guide to Reasonable Argument. It's needed.
enough
I truly did want resolution, but if that's not to be, it's not to be.
It's time to be done. I have too many joys in the present to keep devoting so much attention to misfortunes of yesterday.
Thank you for what was good between us for so short a time. I'd like to believe it wasn't a lie, but whatever the truth of those months, the path I'm walking now is far more filled with light. Take care of yourself.
It's time to be done. I have too many joys in the present to keep devoting so much attention to misfortunes of yesterday.
Thank you for what was good between us for so short a time. I'd like to believe it wasn't a lie, but whatever the truth of those months, the path I'm walking now is far more filled with light. Take care of yourself.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
play
I'm thinking that science and art and hacking can be informed by the same impulse. It's about the spirit of play.
Ever heard of Erik Demaine?
Ever heard of Erik Demaine?
irony
The antibiotics and nose spray that Doc Haskins gave me seems to have triggered the transition from just slightly annoying background sinus infection to plain aggravating forefront sickness. Getting a sore throat and feeling all wobbly in the head. I do not have time to get for-real sick. I want to get the living room/hallway painting finished before the weekend. Grrr, I say. Grrrr.
I've decided that Silver Hammer will be my last SCA event for the year. I have a couple more trips planned (Atlanta ho!) but will be mostly focusing on home front. With the return of cool weather, it's also time to really focus on rapier training versus traveling to events.
I'm now at a point where I could actually start studying the period masters and get something out of it. I've been slowly grounding the vocabulary of rapier in physical reality. I don't really understand the descriptions of action versus the action itself. I've never been much good at breaking down what I was doing into concrete terms.
There's a lady at work who likes to grab my shoulders as she walks by in order to startle me. I like her and all, but that habit is getting a little old.
I've decided that Silver Hammer will be my last SCA event for the year. I have a couple more trips planned (Atlanta ho!) but will be mostly focusing on home front. With the return of cool weather, it's also time to really focus on rapier training versus traveling to events.
I'm now at a point where I could actually start studying the period masters and get something out of it. I've been slowly grounding the vocabulary of rapier in physical reality. I don't really understand the descriptions of action versus the action itself. I've never been much good at breaking down what I was doing into concrete terms.
There's a lady at work who likes to grab my shoulders as she walks by in order to startle me. I like her and all, but that habit is getting a little old.
Monday, October 08, 2007
break-even
Stopped by the doctor today because of a nagging sinus infection. He gave me a prescription for antibiotics. While there, I was weighed. I'm at 165 pounds. I think I've reached a break-even point of losing weight versus gaining muscle mass, which means it's time to start a non-rapier work-out program. I'm curious to see just how far I can go.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
power shift
Will be quiet for the next three to five days, most probably. Have lots of stuff to do and finite energy, so I'm diverting my resources for the moment. I'm working late tonight. Afterwards, I need to get some SCA business taken care of, and then I'll go home to continue priming the living room walls.
This weekend will be a home improvement blitz. I will (with, hopefully, a little help from a few friends) be trying to get as much of the house painted as possible. I also need to start working on the dining room and bathroom floors.
As such, I'll not have e-mail access since Jax and I are going to be staying in Knoxville. So, If you don't hear from me, don't worry. But, I can't promise timely replies to anyone who tries to contact me.
Oh, and I ordered a computer from Dell today. My next computer-related project will be to get home internet access again within the month. :)
This weekend will be a home improvement blitz. I will (with, hopefully, a little help from a few friends) be trying to get as much of the house painted as possible. I also need to start working on the dining room and bathroom floors.
As such, I'll not have e-mail access since Jax and I are going to be staying in Knoxville. So, If you don't hear from me, don't worry. But, I can't promise timely replies to anyone who tries to contact me.
Oh, and I ordered a computer from Dell today. My next computer-related project will be to get home internet access again within the month. :)
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
progress
Getting there. Once I get my former bedroom organized, I'll use it as a staging ground to take care of the rest of the top floor in prep for massive amounts of painting during the next few weeks.
Monday, October 01, 2007
the rapier diet vindicated
At my maximum weight of, oh, about 220 pounds, I was wearing jeans with a 36 inch waist.
By the time of my divorce, I was down to 190 something but still basically wearing the same size.
Well, losing 16 more pounds on my peanut butter, chocolate, and tequila "diet" last summer took me down to a size 34 regular fit.
Bought some new jeans last night. After 11 months or so of rapier training, I'm down to a size 32 waist. :) I'm not sure how much I weigh now, bu I was below 170 some months ago.
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