My 2012 has been okay. I might even say good. I'm afraid to jinx it, cause there is still one day left. So what happened.
Mine started out with a trip back overseas to the UK and France. My first time in Paris was quite nice and the weather held up and we were blessed to have friends staying in the downtown section where we were able to crash. Paris seemed a little more comfortable than London. At least on the surface. But London remains my favorite city in the world, so far, in my limited travel experience.
I found out the band could successfully move on despite the devastating loss of our friend/bass player who had to resign due to family obligations. Another local friend, also named Andrew, filled in, and the TQI machine keeps rollin on straight ahead, with more songs on the horizon. It's still great fun after almost eight years. Thank you guys.
Made it to Montreal for a few days in the summer which would prove to be the very last journey I'd be taking in my much loved Mazda3, which broke down about a few weeks after that. I, of course replaced it with my first manual transmission (don't laugh at me) Mazda3, and I'm enjoying driving that car, though I really need to clean the interior and exterior due to snow and salt.
Another improvement I've made is that I'm budgeting better and learning to not eat out as much. Cooking good things that will last long and not being afraid to crack open a canned good every now and again. I got conditioned to cheap rent where I could get away with always eating out, but a year at this new place, which I love, has taught me otherwise. I'm still trying to learn other things I like.
We, of course, had an election between two guys with similar platforms. Their constituents had to pretend differently in order to get enthusiastic and in line to vote. For foreign policy we probably ended up a little better, but economically it seems we're still headed towards a collapse of some sort. Who knows, it's rather amazing it's gone on this long. I guess when you have the greatest military might, you can force other countries to use our meaningless currency.
Overall though, they say things are getting better for everyone on earth. I hope that's true and I hope it was true for you. Be well and live healthy in light of current Health Care legislation.
I remain content in my humble little cozy third floor apartment overlooking Main St. I could see myself living here for a long time. Maybe even dying here. It offers just the right amount of space. The community remains good and like home. Thoughts of going to other places always pop up, but I'd be giving up a lot if I did. Have a good 2013.
((Do as thou wilt.))
~dB~
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Chili Recipe (a rough approximation)
This is a rough approximation of an awesome chili recipe I use. I don't believe in following recipes all that strictly. This is also a cheap hardy mean, spicy, can be served with bread, rice, or with an omelette...
olive oil
minced or chopped garlic
1 dried ancho
2 or 3 canned chipotle pepper
1 habanero or scotch bonnet
1 pablano or cubanelle
1 red bell pepper
1 yellow onion
1 large of canned tomatoes
cumin, paprika, white pepper, salt, coriander, oregano, flour (or cornstarch)
3 cups of thinly sliced beef (chuck or skirt steak is even better)
2 cups of beef stock
1 can of kidney beans, 1 can of black beans
----
I like cooking everything in one big kettle so I don't have to wash as much.
1) Coat bottom of kettle with olive oil, crush up your dried ancho, add about a teaspoon of coriander, cumin, paprika, oregano to the mix before anything else, let it heat up awhile, but don't don't burn 'eem.
(SIDENOTE: Experiment with other dried chilies too, you may use as many as you wish, and it will add to the complexity of the flavour)
2) As it starts to warm, ad your onion and 2 or 3 chipotles, and habanero chop up/dice both...the seasonings will coat the onion as you're sauteing, then add the REST of your PEPPERS and your thinly sliced beef. Add a bit more oil if it starts get dry or burn to burn to fast.
3) Throw some salt and white pepper over this...(NOW!)
4) Add your LARGE can of Whole Peeled Tomatoes and let it cook for around 10 minutes or so. I'd suggest cutting them up into small pieces before you add them, but that's your choice.
5) Add about 2 cups of beef stock - Let this cook at least 30 minutes or so, don't cover the pot. Let 'eem simmer. If it starts to boil, then turn down your heat
6) Slowly put 2 teaspoons of flour in, stir as your adding it, this will thickin' it up, be careful, it could clump up on you.....(trust me)
(SIDENOTE: Cornstarch may work for gluten free people)
7) Add Kidney and Black beans, let it cook for about 30 more minutes if possible, or until it turns into the consistency of a gravy...it should be perfect...if not, add more seasonings...as you see fit...warning, this will be hot, but also beefy and glorious.
olive oil
minced or chopped garlic
1 dried ancho
2 or 3 canned chipotle pepper
1 habanero or scotch bonnet
1 pablano or cubanelle
1 red bell pepper
1 yellow onion
1 large of canned tomatoes
cumin, paprika, white pepper, salt, coriander, oregano, flour (or cornstarch)
3 cups of thinly sliced beef (chuck or skirt steak is even better)
2 cups of beef stock
1 can of kidney beans, 1 can of black beans
----
I like cooking everything in one big kettle so I don't have to wash as much.
1) Coat bottom of kettle with olive oil, crush up your dried ancho, add about a teaspoon of coriander, cumin, paprika, oregano to the mix before anything else, let it heat up awhile, but don't don't burn 'eem.
(SIDENOTE: Experiment with other dried chilies too, you may use as many as you wish, and it will add to the complexity of the flavour)
2) As it starts to warm, ad your onion and 2 or 3 chipotles, and habanero chop up/dice both...the seasonings will coat the onion as you're sauteing, then add the REST of your PEPPERS and your thinly sliced beef. Add a bit more oil if it starts get dry or burn to burn to fast.
3) Throw some salt and white pepper over this...(NOW!)
4) Add your LARGE can of Whole Peeled Tomatoes and let it cook for around 10 minutes or so. I'd suggest cutting them up into small pieces before you add them, but that's your choice.
5) Add about 2 cups of beef stock - Let this cook at least 30 minutes or so, don't cover the pot. Let 'eem simmer. If it starts to boil, then turn down your heat
6) Slowly put 2 teaspoons of flour in, stir as your adding it, this will thickin' it up, be careful, it could clump up on you.....(trust me)
(SIDENOTE: Cornstarch may work for gluten free people)
7) Add Kidney and Black beans, let it cook for about 30 more minutes if possible, or until it turns into the consistency of a gravy...it should be perfect...if not, add more seasonings...as you see fit...warning, this will be hot, but also beefy and glorious.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Greedy Pigs!
What's a greedy capitalistic pig?
Pretty much anyone who starts a business, wants more money, and hires people to work for him/her. Of course this pig doesn't just hire employees, he/she exploits them every time. That's what they get off on. Even though it's a voluntary agreement.
Public school teachers, professors, politicians (to name a few) of course aren't and can never be greedy. Even though salaries are forcefully taken from what others earn. When teachers strike or demonstrate, they of course, are never being greedy. They're just asking for their "fair share." If politicians, making a living off of bribing their constituents with goodies, need more of your money (to fund such goodies and stay in power) they of course are not being greedy. Government can never greedy as it always has our best interests in mind. Ask the Native Americans.
We all need to come together as one, and make sure such pigs...yes, the ones hiring people and creating jobs and livelihoods for others, get punished for their evil greed. Governments always manage funds far more effectively than the private sector and it's best we give them more, so maybe we can all get free health care like "thriving" Europe. We need to be more like (most of) Europe, completely emasculated and dependant on the public trough.
Pretty much anyone who starts a business, wants more money, and hires people to work for him/her. Of course this pig doesn't just hire employees, he/she exploits them every time. That's what they get off on. Even though it's a voluntary agreement.
Public school teachers, professors, politicians (to name a few) of course aren't and can never be greedy. Even though salaries are forcefully taken from what others earn. When teachers strike or demonstrate, they of course, are never being greedy. They're just asking for their "fair share." If politicians, making a living off of bribing their constituents with goodies, need more of your money (to fund such goodies and stay in power) they of course are not being greedy. Government can never greedy as it always has our best interests in mind. Ask the Native Americans.
We all need to come together as one, and make sure such pigs...yes, the ones hiring people and creating jobs and livelihoods for others, get punished for their evil greed. Governments always manage funds far more effectively than the private sector and it's best we give them more, so maybe we can all get free health care like "thriving" Europe. We need to be more like (most of) Europe, completely emasculated and dependant on the public trough.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Motivational Blog
Most of us are dull, lazy and miserable. Some may have well paying jobs and nice cars and hair but they still suck and they're still miserable. I see it all the time. There's nothing interesting about them. The same can go for average and poor people - wealth has nothing to do with it, why did I bring it up? But everyone generally sucks. Most of us are on meds for mental health or chronic issues because of our poor diets and societies desire to put us in boxes and feminize the male (Like that whiney pussy Bob Costas). The "man" is kicking everybody's asses so much so that you have a flock of bleeding hearts supporting a war criminal president and supposedly small government factions backing the authoritarian sociopath. Things are flipped upside down in this world and country and that's the way they like it. Good natured, honest and upfront blokes like myself get painted as shady and weird while the creepers run wild. On a daily basis I get crucified for speaking truth to power. They don't want you to do that. Ever. If you ever call things for what they really are, expect to get shit flung at you.
((Let it be known, there was a never a perfect time and my goal was not to romanticize the past as they were full of injustices. Let's move forward.))
The next time I see you at least give me something interesting to talk about. I'm tired of this surface bullshit. But, maybe that's all you got. F#ck you then! Don't even look at me or do something noteworthy. Tell me about something new you learned how to cook. Let me know how that yoga course is helping out your vibe, or how that Remain in Light album changed your outlook on things. Maybe you finally got to nail that big breasted slut who's half your age that lives down street that you've always seen in the coffee shop. Or how you're starting a noise band that sounds like nothing you've ever heard before (sigh). Entertain me. Most importantly, entertain yourself.
The point is, stop being a pathetic douchebag that has nothing to share or contribute. Our existence in this realm is far too short for that kind of lifeless approach. Get the f#ck out of my goddamned way. There are more good times and moving moments to be had and I choose to either make them, or be apart of them. You can help me with this...or like I said, get the f#ck out of my way.
((Let it be known, there was a never a perfect time and my goal was not to romanticize the past as they were full of injustices. Let's move forward.))
The next time I see you at least give me something interesting to talk about. I'm tired of this surface bullshit. But, maybe that's all you got. F#ck you then! Don't even look at me or do something noteworthy. Tell me about something new you learned how to cook. Let me know how that yoga course is helping out your vibe, or how that Remain in Light album changed your outlook on things. Maybe you finally got to nail that big breasted slut who's half your age that lives down street that you've always seen in the coffee shop. Or how you're starting a noise band that sounds like nothing you've ever heard before (sigh). Entertain me. Most importantly, entertain yourself.
The point is, stop being a pathetic douchebag that has nothing to share or contribute. Our existence in this realm is far too short for that kind of lifeless approach. Get the f#ck out of my goddamned way. There are more good times and moving moments to be had and I choose to either make them, or be apart of them. You can help me with this...or like I said, get the f#ck out of my way.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)