Author: z3r0gap5

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Will

He was a fan of Faith No More. And as I was entering a smoke filled room, occupied by a crowd of well “served” people, we began a conversation. Local drummer? What kind of music do you play? He was obviously just looking for some people to rehearse with, nothing serious. At the time, the area was filled with jam bands, or funk bands. Metal, alternative? Just a time limited new trend, but not music that was attracting huge crowds. Especially with the culture at the time.

I played a demo, that a few of us high school kids threw together. And his jaw dropped. Not because we were musical geniuses, but because it was exactly the music that he loved.

He was an artist, painter, mixing black and white images, sculpture like figures on canvas… he had an artistic hand for creating symbolic images on paper, ink, besides a knack for music and drum.

The first time we played at his place, I can remember climbing up three story stairs, navigating through broken steps… looking into dilapidated apartment rooms, with floors deteriorating. Living rooms, with an entire floor missing. A big hole in the middle, broken structural lumber, revealing several levels down. On the roof, he was growing a series of “herbal” plants, which would later facilitate more art, more music.

It’s a shame that us high school friends never took this further. It could have been lots of fun.

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Deals

In a time when everyone is budgeting, looking for deals, thought I’d share a few. You probably already know, how much I hate doing this, (because it’s product promotion), but gas and everyday items are going up in price. The only recent products I’ve paid full price for were some stickers I could stick on gas pumps, with the saying “I did this”, next to a picture of an orange orangutan.

SodaStream c02 cannisters at Walmart – $14.96!

Peanuts in Shells 6 Pack (I’ve written about these, delicious) – $13.08

AAAANNNNNNDDDD…………

The holiday ham! Back again!

Meijer has the hams also!!

Feeling like some Terence Trent D’Arby tonight.

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Unprotected?

So, it’s been a very long time since I’ve used protection. There are a ton viruses going around, and there are many known methods used through manipulative tactics, to entrap individuals. Not to mention, the growing popularity of the “backdoor”. It’s been a REAL long time since I’ve had any legitimate reason to be concerned about viruses.

However, as the saying goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry. So I recently started using another vpn, thinking about migrating back over to Linux for the majority of my computer activities. The thoughts about security/protection also came to mind pertaining to streaming services and smart devices. Would it possibly be safer, in the future, to buy monitors (not smart TV) + SBC (w/ kodi) for entertainment needs? Audio may be an issue that needs attention.

….anyways, in a few minutes it’s Friday (they call it lent), and tonight made homemade Crab Rangoon. Will reheat tomorrow. (Recipe may be on its way, once I tweak it a bit)

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Eating Healthy

Typically, budget friendly frozen berry blends are available at your local store. Yes, I’ve been shopping at Walmart lately, so their frozen strawberry, blackberry, raspberry, blueberry combo makes a lot of sense. If you are a fan of Greek yogurt (and budgeting), the store brand makes a lot more sense also. If you are watching carbs, always buy “plain”, unflavored. Why? Because we are going to be adding a TON of natural carbs later.

A buddy of mine suggested tart cherry juice a while ago. Problem is, the sugar/carb content. It is loaded with anti-oxidants and is great for joint health. Use sparingly in mixtures. Stay well under “serving size” on label. It’s very important to buy 100% juice.

So it was a different breakfast this morning. Normally, I don’t mince fresh garlic, throw it in a pot with broccoli, brussel sprouts, green beans..sprinkle with salt and pepper, let cook. But, this morning, I felt like it. Felt like being weird this morning (not exactly an ususual day). Still needed some carbs.

1/2 banana, berry blend mentioned above, 1/4 naval orange, about 1 1/2 tablespoons cherry juice, 2 tablespoons greek yogurt, 1/3 cup 2% milk, 2 tablespoons Bob’s Red Mill Apple Blueberry Granola.

Tossed in the smoothie maker, and had a wonderful breakfast. Definitely not traditional. But with coffee, before and after, felt fantastic. Ready to start the day.

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Automobiles

Isn’t it funny how objects, things, products, follow patterns? Back in the day, about 20+ years ago, I started driving my “favorite” or “dream” car. Boxey, that European design, bended at the corners. Sleek, tight steering, those big rings in the middle, facing oncoming traffic. It was European excellence. Design, driving, comfort. Did I mention that “tight steering”?

I can remember the Volvo station wagon we had as kids. Similar style, boxey, tight steering, and enough room for everything. Like my “dream” car listed above, had great pick up. The “get up and go” factor.

At a certain point though, European went “muscle car”. Circular, rounded… to me unappealing. The look that says, “we don’t create trends, we copy them”. It made my “dream” car (and brand), a thing of the past. And since then, have gained much more respect for manufacturers such as BMW, Volvo, and Honda. All maintaining a “brand” look and identity.

I found another “dream” car. Loved it for about a decade now, started driving recently. It has elements of the Volvo, and also the original “dream” car. It’s lucky that we picked it up when we did. Seems the company thought a re-design (modernization) of their staple model was a good idea. I strongly disagree.

What’s next? Who knows? This car drives well, looks good, and has a reputation for surviving many miles and years. Sturdy. And that won’t change.

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Cabbage

That’s right! You are going to need cabbage. But, you have a choice to make. Make things easy and buy a cole slaw mix? Or buy a cabbage, chop it up, and then add chopped carrots, radish, etc?

Folks we are making egg rolls!

What you are going to need:

Worcestershire Sauce or Soy Sauce
Ground Pork
White Onion
Egg Roll Wrappers
Cole Slaw (mix)
Garlic Powder
Salt
Black Pepper
Peanut Oil
Egg

Makes about 10-12 egg rolls

Cook about 1/2 pound of ground pork in skillet w/ 1/3 cup diced white onion. While cooking, season with teaspoon of salt, teaspoon of pepper, teaspoon of garlic powder. Add a tablespoon of worcestershire (soy sauce can be used, but add a bit more) to mixture also. Cook well, do not drain.

Combine seasoned pork mixture with approximately 8 ounces of cole slaw (mix) in mixing bowl. Mix well so that slaw and meat are blended throughout mixing bowl.

Crack an egg and mix it (breaking yolk) in a bowl.

Take egg roll wrapper and turn to a diamond shape in front of you. Coat the upper edge (of diamond), looks like this ^ , with egg/yolk from above. This creates a sealant for your egg roll.

Place about 2 tablespoons of cole slaw mixture in mid-lower bottom of egg roll (diamond). Roll upward, fold in sides of diamond, fold over top, sealing with the egg mixture (used to complete previous step). Do this with each egg roll, Place on plate, we will fry in next step.

Heat about 1/2 inch peanut oil in medium sized skillet on medium/high heat. Peanut oil heats fast and cooks fast, so keep a watchful eye on skillet. Brown sides of egg rolls by cooking two sides at approximately one minute a piece. (Turn each egg roll once, to cook opposite side, in skillet).

Tips

A small, portable fryer is a perfect product for this recipe. And is much more efficient. My opinion is that peanut oil is the best…Takes about 3-4 minutes per basket.

Missing Sauce? Create your own yum yum by combining ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and worcestershire sauce.

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Back to Reality

At this point in the year, we either continue or cancel. Cancel what? Rest easy young friends. Not friends, not family, not pets. I’m speaking of subscriptions. My team had a rebounding year, and it’s the only reason I pay for cable TV. Yes, I love Wolf Blitzer, Kasie Hunt (there’s something about her), Katy Tur, etc. There have even been times that I have binged off of Ari Melber.

Probably too much information, or at this point “tldr”. But I have to think about budget. Maybe, just me. No simile. And I’m thinking, that maybe, just maybe, if I make another move (location)…or set up a new (networked or not) cable/tv system it will involve roof antenna/mythtv (again) and possibly kodi (again). Restricting as much advertising and marketing as possible. Using vpn or otherwise.

Oh, you wanted Back to Reality in a song?

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X

It’s storming hard today. And as the lights flicker around you, you’re reminded of a club. A strobe light. Those lights you wired in the hallway, the bedroom, the bathroom, the porch… were they wired correctly? Just west of here there was severe damage from hail and terrible storms, was/is that heading this way?

At this point, who cares? There’s basketball tonight. Granted, the season has been tough. The initial games in the tournament have been diverted to subscription only services, apps… a sad departure from years ago. Online radio stream? Let’s do it! Skyline Chili, suds, and a little luck will carry us on!

A win feels good. Tomorrow, Goliath.

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Southern Heat.

So what you want to do is use the Martha Stewart, classic way of cooking rice. This is long grain white rice. 1 cup rice per 2 cups water. Rinse, boil, cover, simmer for 15 minutes. Finish cooking rice first (we will reheat later).

IMPORTANT: This recipe assumes you are serving 2 people and using HALF of the rice made above. I chose to make more for other meals. (If you want to make rice for just this meal, use 1/2 cup rice, 1 cup water). Let’s proceed.

I prefer using brussel sprouts, broccoli, onions, sausage. But feel free to add shrimp or any other ingredient.

Use broccoli florets and fresh unflavored brussel sprouts (fresh or frozen), combine with cooked meat, and mix with rice in medium skillet.

Add 3/4 cup of water to skillet, 1/3 cup of Buffalo Wing Sauce (I prefer Sweet Baby Rays Buffalo Sauce)

Bring liquid to boil (with ingredients in skillet) and let cook for about 4 min. Cover and simmer for additional 15 min. Stir before serving.

This is a good, quick, easy jambalaya with vegetables! Prepare to sweat.

Feeling frisky? Make with noodles!

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Varsity Blues

Cinnamon. Pepper. Oregano. Several variants of all. Color, presentation, origin. How many of these factors do professional chefs have to maneuver to create their desired presentation or dish? Many items imported, a few substituted (if need be). Add to that the personal touch, or “special sauce” which creates the perfect flavor. (possibly imported, or with ingredients that are imported).

The idea of America being a “melting pot” is that we have many different cultures, flavors, and heritages. Colors, features, differences, that’s what makes us beautiful. Strong.

When we lose those identities we become weak, clones, at high risk of accepting a “one size fits all” mentality. Easily manipulated by a dictatorial driven media focused on “a strong man”, enforcing theocratic beliefs or an economic system determined to punish the least. And then we look in the mirror, how close do our enemies reflect our own? Values, oppenness to religious acceptance, and the core of our foundation…many of you carried in your pocket. The constitution. The Bible.

We are different. And difference is awesome. Color, belief, tradition, religion. When we become mindless simpletons marching in line to the beat of the same drum, we totally fail in creativity, purpose, and future.

100% Human (Feeling, Emotional)
0% Machine

LTC? Learn to human.