Random Thoughts On Cooking, Bike Riding, and The Sacred Journey of Everyday Life
>Nouvelle année heureuse, Feliz Año Nuevo, Nuovo anno felice, Gelukkig Nieuwjaar, Ano novo feliz, С новым годом, Glückliches neues Jahr, Καλή χρονιά, 新年好, 새해 복 많이 받으세요, 明けましておめでとう, नया साल मुबारक होسنة جديدة سعيدة, Happy New Year. It is truly a small world after all (my apologies if I missed anyone)…lets hope and pray for world peace in the next decade.
Now here’s a blast from the past…
I like to bike in the snow. There, I said it…call me crazy if you have to. I wouldn’t want to do it all the time, nor do I particularly like to bike in near blizzard conditions (like I did the other day), but on a beautiful winter’s day (or night) I enjoy it immensely…it feels good to be outside and in the elements. And over the years, in the same way that a person drives a car differently in the snow, I have developed certain habits for biking which I find useful. Going much slower is obvious. But I also find that if the snow is loose or deeper than the rim of my tire, for example, when I stand and lean on the handlebars–putting most of my weight on the front tire–I have stronger steering capability. And if I see unexpected ice (and do not have time to avoid it) I hold the steering perfectly straight and coast…no pedaling, and absolutely no braking…if it is necessary to brake it has to be done very gently. I also use 1st and 2nd gear a lot more during the snow…this makes me go slower but it also gives me more control over the bike. I’m also much more cautious of other vehicles…I take side streets more often and if things look particularly perilous I’ll actually choose the sidewalk over the road (something I rarely do when the roads are dry). Have I ever fallen…yes, of course, but not often. It’s all trial and error. Some people like to go off-road or mountain biking…this is my off-road. I also have to be honest and say that I use my truck more often in the winter than I do during temperate months…but not exclusively. When you’re a biker living in a region like this you have two choices during the winter: put your bike in storage or ride through it. I choose the latter. Sometimes I think I’m a little nuts for doing this, but the bottom line is I enjoy it…and that, I think, is what really counts.
If you are a person that bikes year-round in the snow you may find Up In Alaska and IceBike interesting.
>I like to bike in the snow. There, I said it…call me crazy if you have to. I wouldn’t want to do it all the time, nor do I particularly like to bike in near blizzard conditions (like I did the other day), but on a beautiful winter’s day (or night) I enjoy it immensely…it feels good to be outside and in the elements. And over the years, in the same way that a person drives a car differently in the snow, I have developed certain habits for biking which I find useful. Going much slower is obvious. But I also find that if the snow is loose or deeper than the rim of my tire, for example, when I stand and lean on the handlebars–putting most of my weight on the front tire–I have stronger steering capability. And if I see unexpected ice (and do not have time to avoid it) I hold the steering perfectly straight and coast…no pedaling, and absolutely no braking…if it is necessary to brake it has to be done very gently. I also use 1st and 2nd gear a lot more during the snow…this makes me go slower but it also gives me more control over the bike. I’m also much more cautious of other vehicles…I take side streets more often and if things look particularly perilous I’ll actually choose the sidewalk over the road (something I rarely do when the roads are dry). Have I ever fallen…yes, of course, but not often. It’s all trial and error. Some people like to go off-road or mountain biking…this is my off-road. I also have to be honest and say that I use my truck more often in the winter than I do during temperate months…but not exclusively. When you’re a biker living in a region like this you have two choices during the winter: put your bike in storage or ride through it. I choose the latter. Sometimes I think I’m a little nuts for doing this, but the bottom line is I enjoy it…and that, I think, is what really counts.
If you are a person that bikes year-round in the snow you may find Up In Alaska and IceBike interesting.
Is it me, or are there a lot of car/truck commercials on during prime-time television? I don’t watch much of the idiot box, and very few sitcoms, but I have to admit I really get a kick out of The Office. At any rate, I was alarmed tonight at how many car adverts there were…there seemed to be more than usual (and they are so loud that I actually mute them). I watched two 1/2-hour segments and on my second half I decided to count them. In a 30 minute span there were nine (yup 9) commercials for either cars or trucks screaming at me…telling me what a good deal I could get and how perfect my life will be if I owned one their new and shiny vehicles.
I have only one question: Why do we (in America) never see a single commercial for bicycles…especially one marketed for adults as a viable mode of transport?
I am fully convinced that if a person tried riding a bike again (maybe after abandoning it as a youth) they would find that it is not only a great way to get around but also fun as well.
Where are all the bike adverts?
>Is it me, or are there a lot of car/truck commercials on during prime-time television? I don’t watch much of the idiot box, and very few sitcoms, but I have to admit I really get a kick out of The Office. At any rate, I was alarmed tonight at how many car adverts there were…there seemed to be more than usual (and they are so loud that I actually mute them). I watched two 1/2-hour segments and on my second half I decided to count them. In a 30 minute span there were nine (yup 9) commercials for either cars or trucks screaming at me…telling me what a good deal I could get and how perfect my life will be if I owned one their new and shiny vehicles.
I have only one question: Why do we (in America) never see a single commercial for bicycles…especially one marketed for adults as a viable mode of transport?
I am fully convinced that if a person tried riding a bike again (maybe after abandoning it as a youth) they would find that it is not only a great way to get around but also fun as well.
Where are all the bike adverts?
A small loaf of bread.
>A small loaf of bread.
This is a short talk with Val Kleitz, veteran cargo biker and all around bicycle advocate. The video is only a few minutes long (and probably dated by a few years) but it is truly inspiring. He talks not only about the importance of the (cargo) bike, but also specifics about his. Just another example how bicycling can become a way of life…instead of grabbing your car keys on the way out the door you grab the key to your bike lock.
>This is a short talk with Val Kleitz, veteran cargo biker and all around bicycle advocate. The video is only a few minutes long (and probably dated by a few years) but it is truly inspiring. He talks not only about the importance of the (cargo) bike, but also specifics about his. Just another example how bicycling can become a way of life…instead of grabbing your car keys on the way out the door you grab the key to your bike lock.
A co-worker gave me a venison roast the other day from a freshly killed deer. He labeled the package “steak” but when I opened it it was a roast. With the leanness of these animals the only way to tenderize a roast is through a moist heat cooking method, thus I made a stew.
I also like to add lots of vegetables to stew (not only for flavor, but also because I like vegetables); thankfully I had just gone shopping so I had enough vegetables in the fridge. So besides the meat, the stew also contained lots of onions and garlic (as do most of my recipes), celery, carrots, kale, potatoes, and these crazy little pink turnips that I bought at the Lexington Co-op.
This is a basic stew recipe and the ingredients can be changed to suit your taste or to include what you have on hand. This would, for example, be excellent if made with beef, lamb, or even pork. It’s simple to make but will take about an hour or so of simmering to soften the meat. Anyhow, this is how to do it.
Start by browning the meat in hot fat (I used olive oil)…the key is to make sure the pan and fat are hot and the meat is dry…if there is blood dripping from the meat it should be drained on a paper towel. After the meat is browned remove it to a plate and set it aside.
Add some diced onion to the pan and cook it until it begins to brown, then add a clove or two of minced garlic and cook it a minute longer. Before the garlic caramelizes too much (i.e. burns) add a few tablespoons of flour to the pan to form a compound roux (you may need to add a little more oil as well).
Lower the heat and cook and stir the roux for a couple of minutes, and then de-glaze the pan with red wine. This will almost immediately turn into a gooey and unappetizing mess (which is normal), so thin it with either chicken or beef broth. Use a wire whisk to remove any lumps.
After the sauce comes to a boil lower it to a simmer. Add the meat back to the pan (it should look like there is too much sauce at this point…this is normal, too). Cover the pan with a lid or foil, leaving it ajar just slightly. Simmer the meat for about 1/2 hour, stirring it a few times. If too much liquid evaporates add more.
Check the consistency of the meat. When it feels like it is becoming tender add whatever vegetables you are using (and additional liquid if necessary). Then cover the pan and cook for another 20 minutes. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper.
[sic]
>A co-worker gave me a venison roast the other day from a freshly killed deer. He labeled the package “steak” but when I opened it it was a roast. With the leanness of these animals the only way to tenderize a roast is through a moist heat cooking method, thus I made a stew.
I also like to add lots of vegetables to stew (not only for flavor, but also because I like vegetables); thankfully I had just gone shopping so I had enough vegetables in the fridge. So besides the meat, the stew also contained lots of onions and garlic (as do most of my recipes), celery, carrots, kale, potatoes, and these crazy little pink turnips that I bought at the Lexington Co-op.
This is a basic stew recipe and the ingredients can be changed to suit your taste or to include what you have on hand. This would, for example, be excellent if made with beef, lamb, or even pork. It’s simple to make but will take about an hour or so of simmering to soften the meat. Anyhow, this is how to do it.
Start by browning the meat in hot fat (I used olive oil)…the key is to make sure the pan and fat are hot and the meat is dry…if there is blood dripping from the meat it should be drained on a paper towel. After the meat is browned remove it to a plate and set it aside.
Add some diced onion to the pan and cook it until it begins to brown, then add a clove or two of minced garlic and cook it a minute longer. Before the garlic caramelizes too much (i.e. burns) add a few tablespoons of flour to the pan to form a compound roux (you may need to add a little more oil as well).
Lower the heat and cook and stir the roux for a couple of minutes, and then de-glaze the pan with red wine. This will almost immediately turn into a gooey and unappetizing mess (which is normal), so thin it with either chicken or beef broth. Use a wire whisk to remove any lumps.
After the sauce comes to a boil lower it to a simmer. Add the meat back to the pan (it should look like there is too much sauce at this point…this is normal, too). Cover the pan with a lid or foil, leaving it ajar just slightly. Simmer the meat for about 1/2 hour, stirring it a few times. If too much liquid evaporates add more.
Check the consistency of the meat. When it feels like it is becoming tender add whatever vegetables you are using (and additional liquid if necessary). Then cover the pan and cook for another 20 minutes. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper.
A couple things: Firstly, Merry Christmas!
Secondly, I have to admit that I am somewhat of a hypocrite by posting this image because I haven’t ridden a bike in two days (but as I stated before…never said I was car-free, just car-lite). I mostly posted it because I liked the image. But while the phrase, I’m assuming, is a play on WWJD, and I personally slide way to the left (read more here)…the phrase still resonates with me. And I also think that the phrase could easily be applied to other religions…WW Moses Drive, Krishna Drive, Buddha Drive…you get the picture. In the precarious times which we live, and on this Holy Day, it does make me question and ponder…and that, I believe, is a good thing.
The image was found at Bike For Peace; click here for a link to their site, click here for a pdf file for printable stickers of the image.
>
A couple things: Firstly, Merry Christmas!
Secondly, I have to admit that I am somewhat of a hypocrite by posting this image because I haven’t ridden a bike in two days (but as I stated before…never said I was car-free, just car-lite). I mostly posted it because I liked the image. But while the phrase, I’m assuming, is a play on WWJD, and I personally slide way to the left (read more here)…the phrase still resonates with me. And I also think that the phrase could easily be applied to other religions…WW Moses Drive, Krishna Drive, Buddha Drive…you get the picture. In the precarious times which we live, and on this Holy Day, it does make me question and ponder…and that, I believe, is a good thing.
The image was found at Bike For Peace; click here for a link to their site, click here for a pdf file for printable stickers of the image.
If you need a recipe this one looks good.
>If you need a recipe this one looks good.
A canvas bag containing miscellaneous items.
1/2 gallon of whole wheat overnight pre-ferment.
Extra bungee cords.
A u-lock.
Two cardboard boxes containing 5 loaves of raisin bread, a venison steak, a bottle of wine, a canvas bag containing miscellaneous items, a small bottle of water, a gallon-sized plastic container, a u-lock.
$44.52 of groceries.
Two slices of pizza.
A DVD.
Four rolls of Christmas wrapping paper.
A u-lock
>A canvas bag containing miscellaneous items.
1/2 gallon of whole wheat overnight pre-ferment.
Extra bungee cords.
A u-lock.
Two cardboard boxes containing 5 loaves of raisin bread, a venison steak, a bottle of wine, a canvas bag containing miscellaneous items, a small bottle of water, a gallon-sized plastic container, a u-lock.
$44.52 of groceries.
Two slices of pizza.
A DVD.
Four rolls of Christmas wrapping paper.
A u-lock
Photo credit: the E.F. Schumacher Society
Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius – and a lot of courage – to move in the opposite direction.
~E.F. Schumacher
>
Photo credit: the E.F. Schumacher Society
Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius – and a lot of courage – to move in the opposite direction.
~E.F. Schumacher
Urban Simplicty