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United States, North Carolina, Carrboro, English, Paul, Male, 56-60, All Music, All Food.

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Monday, May 30, 2005

A Brisket, A Basket   If there is any tradition here, it is Memorial Day. I approach it with reverence, Flanders poppies, and Texas barbecue brisket. My own service took place in Texas. I never saw Vietnam, kinda lucked out, but even in the barracks of Ft. Sam Houstin there was a realization of what it meant to be a GI. “Government Issue” is what it stands for, a lame joke amongst those who have served, yes, you are as expendable as a canteen or Laura Bush’s tampon. It’s important to feel that way for some time during your life and it is what we have lost with universal conscription. Everybody is too complacent about war because it is something that only idealistic fools and lower classes ever have to experience. Put on some olive drabs, grab an M16 and get a number, only then can you realize just irrelevant your hopes and dreams are to the politicians who will spend you like a crumpled dollar bill. You are really nothing, except one day a year when they dress up pretty, salute, and listen to Taps amongst the remains of thousands who gave their all so they could puff up and take all the credit.   Rich man’s war, poor man’s fight.   I have brisket because that’s what I liked to eat when I got away from the base in Texas. Good stuff, highly recommended. Cook it slow, cook it moist, keep the smoke comin’, and don’t waste a morsel. I was damn lucky and so are you if you’re reading this. The unlived lives of tens of thousands swarming souls above the graveyards will be envious. If I could share a bite, I would. They were brave men and women, but we should never forget that as many died for the lies and incompetence of our own leaders as died for some idealistic vision of America. Just something to keep in mind as you listen today to the high-falutin’ words of the draft dodgers who got us into this latest mess.     9:04:54 PM    comment []

‘Ove’ Glove Insulted By The PCP Fiends at Cooks’ Illustrated!   “Not Recommended!” Hah! The Bastards! Come, my Precious, we shall make chocolate chip cookies together…     7:09:20 PM    comment []

Just have to show off this Kershaw Shun Santoku knife, a gift from my brother. Note the double bevel on the edge – an extremely sharp fine bevel supported by a wider one. After the fine edge cuts into the food, the “V” shape on the second bevel pushes the cut portions apart, making cutting easy. It cuts through carrots like butter – and the cut chunks don’t fly away! The Saturday night stir fry was sheer delight to prepare. At one point I called Liz over to give it a try. She too was amazed. The wavy lines on the knife are from being forged by a faux Damascus method, using laminated steel instead of folding the same piece over on itself in the manner of ancient sword makers.   6:59:06 PM    comment []