Never Stop Howling

The above pin is a souvenir I brought back from a trip I took with my son to San Fransisco this past July; I purchased it at the Beat Museum. It's of course a reference to the poem book, Howl, by Alan Ginsberg. The Beat writers had a huge influence on me when I was younger, thus I recently placed it on the strap of a bag I often carry not to display it for others but more as a reminder for myself...a reminder to never stop howling.

In the event that you've not read the book, here's the opening sentence:

I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness, starving hysterical naked,

dragging themselves through the negro streets at dawn looking for an angry fix;

Angel-headed hipsters burning for the ancient heavenly connection

to the starry dynamo in the machinery of night.

"Real Life, You're Livin It"...and a meditative bike ride

This morning I woke feeling somewhat melancholy...had tons I wanted to do (overwhelmed), but being Labor Day I decided to take the day off and go for a bike ride. One of the best things I can think of for a person to do when they are feeling a little down is to get physical exercise. I'm a regular lap-swimmer, but the pool is closed for yearly maintenance, and while I actually enjoy running I'm concerned about the wear-and-tear it does to my middle-aged body. So what a better way to get a good workout than ride a 60lb. bike for 15 miles in a strong headwind. And on a bike you can sight-see while you're exercising. What I find truly interesting is to sight-see in my own city. Buffalo, like many northeastern  cities, is a shrinking city, and many of the outlying neighborhoods are impoverished, but this is an old American city with such an interesting and influential past...and so many interesting things to see. After stopping for coffee I headed down first to the waterfront, and then to the cobblestone district and on to the Michigan Avenue Bridge to marvel at the grain elevators at the Buffalo River. Then I rode Michigan Avenue down to Main Street, which cuts directly though Buffalo's East Side. On the way I stopped and sat for a moment, and said a prayer, in front of the historic Michigan Street Church...thanking our city's ancestors for their courage to play such a big part in the Underground Railroad (Michigan Avenue is in fact also named Harriet Tubman Way). I was trying to live in the presence of gratitude today and as I rode further north on Michigan there was a long and gradual decline in the road--something you probably would not notice if in a car--and as I let my own weight carry me I coasted for about 5 blocks and was thankful for the slope and that I was riding a bike (so much for the exercise part, right?). As I coasted (pretty fast, I might add) I noticed the below restaurant with hand-painted wall. I have always, since as long as I can remember, pondered the meaning of life...don't mean to get all sappy here, but I have. Like what's it all about? At any rate, as I coasted along I was pondering just that thought when I spotted this wall..."Real Life, You're Livin' it." I slammed on the brakes and snapped a photo. Shortly thereafter the sun came out and I felt good; I was on a bike and I had a lot to be thankful for...I was livin' real life. And as I finish this post I think again, as I've wondered in the past--in personal thought and written posts--what keeps adults off bikes...they (bikes) are not only good for their bodies and the environment, they can be good for their very psychological and spiritual  well being. At any rate, today as I rode, pedaled, and coasted (and sweat!)...I was glad and grateful that I was able to be on a bike on this beautiful late summer's day.

My Favorite Kitchen Knife (and a brief story behind it)

Firstly I have to give the reader a little history regarding me and kitchen knives/utensils. By nature I am a collector, not so much these days but I was in the past. When I was a young culinarian I collected not only cookbooks but also kitchen knives. Before the 9/11 days a person could--as many know--fly with most anything...I actually flew home from Paris once with knives in my carry-on. They were discovered during inspection and I told them I was a chef...they let me through (incredible, right?). So needless to say I, like most professional cooks, have many kitchen knives. And yes, I have many of the expensive top brands, but this simple and inexpensive Chinese cook's knife remains one of my favorites. The blade is made out of carbon steel, not stainless, which means it shows stains (and rust if put away wet) but it also means it is easy to sharpen...it is usually razor-sharp. On the blade is stamped first with Chinese characters (which I cannot read) and then in simple English: Chopping Knife. I have used this knife in many restaurant kitchens but it is my favorite home-kitchen knife...it is one of the most versatile. And like any favorite object that a person has in their posessiion I can remember when and where I acquired it. It was the summer of 1985; July 3rd to be exact. I was a student at the Culinary Institute of America and in NYC for the holiday. We spent many weekends and off-days in the city, and as was often the case we spent the days going from one bar to the next...this day was no exception. While stumbling through Chinatown, and with a brief stop for sake, we came upon a shop that sold kitchen-wares...we were all cooks so we looked. This is where I bought this knife...for something like $20.00. The women who sold it to me deftly wrapped the blade in multiple layers of newspaper but left the handle sticking out. I tucked it under my arm. Later while on a crowded subway we swayed a little more than the other passengers because of the alcohol. At any rate, for reasons I still find unexplainable the knife slipped from it's newspaper sheath and fell to the floor. You wouldn't think it would be heard on a crowded subway but it was. I'll just say this: if you want to see people in a crowded subway car scatter to opposite ends have a group of drunk guys drop a gleaming cleaver in the middle of it. As I bent to pick it up one of my friends slurred, "It's ok, we're cook's" (Paul, are you reading this?). I think of this story now-and-again. I think of it of fond drunken innocence of days past, but also of what a different world it was 25 years ago. If this would happen today not only would I probably have been tackled and restrained until authorities arrived, but the incident would have simultaneously appeared on the internet and twittered across the world. Anyhow, this is the brief story behind one of my favorite knives.

Kronan on Elmwood

My son emailed me (via his phone) this picture of a Kronan bike we saw on Elmwood Avenue today. These are unique albeit simple bikes...looks very utilitarian. Actually a few years ago I almost purchased one. This is the first of these I've seen in the Buffalo area. Click here to go to the Kronan site; click here to read about their history at Wikipedia.

Really Simple Hot and Sweet Pickled Peppers

This is a basic refrigerator pickle recipe that can be used for virtually any garden vegetable. It's based on the simple formula of 2-2-1, meaning two parts vinegar, two parts sugar, and one part water (and a little salt). Then you can virtually add any herbs or spices you'd like. And these are refrigerator pickles, meaning they have not been processed and need to be refrigerated. But this is not a problem because they are usually eaten before they spoil and with the high concentration of sugar ad vinegar they have an extended shelf life. These pepper (cayenne) are particularly hot so I'll use them as an ingredient in other dishes rather than eat them straight, and the resulting liquid--syrupy sweet and a little acidic--will also be hot and can be used as an ingredient as well...in soups, sauces, vinaigrettes, stir-fries, or  simply drizzled over foods as a condiment. I also added a slivered onion, a few whole cloves of garlic, and some kosher salt. If this were another vegetable I'd most likely also add crushed red pepper (not needed for these, though) and maybe a little pickling spice.

Anyhow, the process for these is very simple: wash the vegetables, remove their stems, and place them in a jar or bowl (if using hot peppers such as these, make sure you wear gloves and don't touch your eyes or face--or other body parts that shall stay unmentioned). Bring the brine to a boil with the seasonings and boil it for only about 30 seconds. While the brine is still hot pour it over the vegetables. Allow the vegetables to cool on the counter, pushing them into the brine periodically (they'll eventually sink on their own). Then cover and refrigerate them.

Here they are in pictures.

Things That Can Be Carried On A Bike (#212 & 213)...and a few comments

#212 (top two photos)...A really big plastic box. Saw this at the curb on my way home from work today...it'll be great to store firewood this winter.

#213 (bottom photo)...$129.37 in groceries in four plastic crates from two separate stores.

And here's quick story and a recap of a conversation. Prior to shopping for the items in photo #213 I had gone to a different store for sundries and cleaning supplies. As I shopped I fit the merchandise into two plastic totes that were supplied by the store. When I paid my bill the cashier started putting the stuff into bags and I told him that I wouldn't require bags, that they just accumulate...that I'd just put the merchandise back in the totes. As I left the store I was stopped by a security guard, this is the conversation that ensued:

Him: Excuse me sir, may I see your receipt?
Me: Yes, but may I ask why?
Him: (as he looked at the receipt) Because you're leaving the store with those two boxes of items [not in bags].
Me: I don't want the bags because it's easier to carry on my bike and they just accumulate at home.
Him: (Looking at me as if I'm being a smart ass) You're going to carry all this on a bicycle.
Me: Yes (by now, customers were watching...we were in the doorway).
Him: What kind of bike do you have?
Me: A big bike.
Him: (just looks at me like he thinks I'm a little bit nuts)
Me: Would you like to see it?
Him: Sure.

We left the store; the Mundo was parked just outside the door, locked to a rack

Him: (upon seeing Mundo) Holy shit, that is a big bike!

After loading the items into the crates I went back into the store to return the totes and I could hear him telling a couple co-workers about the bike. I've gotten to the point where I wish more people would ride bikes to feel the joy it brings a person. I'm not suggesting give up cars entirely (I surely haven't), but riding now and again can really change things, I think...and many people may be surprised at what they can do.

Happy Pug

This is Franklin, he's one of the two pugs that own me. The other is his brother Maxwell. And it's interesting how different their personalities are. Maxwell, being the alpha of the two is very smart and often serious (he even takes play very seriously), but Franklin...how shall I say this. Let's just say he doesn't have the same canine IQ as his brother...but he sure is happy, and all of the time. He cheers me up (as does his brother); just thought I'd pass along this photo...how could you not smile when you look at it.