We are living in a weird time of history, waiting for Justice for someone who has never been accountable for his actions in all his seventy-seven years. As I write this Thursday evening, two major decisions are imminent. Friday is the traditional day for Big Things to happen. Who knows? And how much ketchup is hitting the wall? Maybe I’ll be editing my diary…. But in the meantime, here are a few things to look at and perhaps to discuss.
First, a bit about Imbolc/Candlemas/GroundhogDay (whichever you observe):
Eleven minutes
Next, a couple offerings from Lorenzo. It is Black History Month and I just love this photo of Nina Simone. Sublime, a woman in her power.
Second, Flaco the Owl has been free in NYC for a whole year now, even venturing afield of Central Park. A whole year!
In other animal news, were you aware that puffins “fly” underwater? I was not. But this is rather lovely to watch.
Fads of the past are not always remembered. Did you know about the story of Trilby and the passions her lovely left foot inspired? Me, I was ignorant of this weird history but I do find it fascinating. (The Victorians could be kind of kinky, that’s for sure.)
About 20 minutes
Some more strange history, this time about gin (very short video which I can’t embed, sorry):
youtube.com/…
A sad anniversary:
I haven’t forgotten about the fries and Tator tots…
French Fries — what do you dip them in? Died from around the world as discussed in Gastro Obscura:
The Global Diversity of French Fry Dips Is a Window Into the Way We Eat Today Ketchup and mayo are just the beginning.
THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT A french fry that begs to be dipped. Maybe it’s the fact that they’re shaped sort of like a finger, which is the ideal form for dipping. Maybe it’s that modern potatoes—at least those outside the Andes Mountains—are mostly neutral in flavor, and take to any combination of additions. Maybe it’s the external crispiness that cries out for a contrasting texture. There are dozens of well-known fry dips, all around the world, and they fall into several families—producing a web of unexpected global connections. You never really know where you are until you dip a fry and take a bite.
But enough about French Fries. It’s not just Groundhog Day, it’s National Tator Tot Day today. In these parts, tator tots might just be more popular than fries. Srsly. Tots tend to be on Oregon restaurant menus rather than fries (I’m looking at you, McMenamins).
Oh, one last thing…is anyone else watching Monsieur Spade? It’s streaming on Acorn. Clive Owen is wonderful as Sam Spade who, two decades after the events of The Maltese Falcon, is living in the south of France. That an English actor can do an American accent a la Bogart is conceivable, but that he can also speak French with that accent…well color me impressed. Here is a trailer:
And about that accent:
The weekend begins now. Come in, be comfortable, and share your day, your weekend plans, your menus! This is an open thread.