Donoreschoose.org is doing a fund raising challenge. They receive an additional 100K if they get a certain number of new donors. If you've never donated before, think about supporting one of these projects, helping my classroom, entering me into a raffle, and pushing donorsechoose one closer to the goal. Thanks.

My proposals:

Metamorphoses, Lifecycles, and Biology
http://www.donorschoose.org/donors/proposal.html?id=310362&utm_campaign=we-teach&utm_medium=email&utm_source=111569&utm_content=Kiesel

Frogs, Fish, Wetlands, and Waterways: City Kids and Nature
http://www.donorschoose.org/donors/proposal.html?id=310398&utm_campaign=we-teach&utm_medium=email&utm_source=111569&utm_content=Kiesel

Arachnids, Terraria, Desert Biomes: City Kids and Nature
http://www.donorschoose.org/donors/proposal.html?id=310381&utm_campaign=we-teach&utm_medium=email&utm_source=111569&utm_content=Kiesel

Sustainability and Rotting Garbage: Fun for Kids!
http://www.donorschoose.org/donors/proposal.html?id=310390&utm_campaign=we-teach&utm_medium=email&utm_source=111569&utm_content=Kiesel

Avian Lifecycles and Biology: Interactive Science for Kids
http://www.donorschoose.org/donors/proposal.html?id=310373&utm_campaign=we-teach&utm_medium=email&utm_source=111569&utm_content=Kiesel

Simple White Bread Recipe

What I Used:

2 cups all-purpose flour / maida
1/2 tbsp (1.5 tsp) yeast
1 tbsp sugar
1/2 cup warm water
1/2 tsp Salt
Olive oil or butter to grease

How I Made It:

1. Mix sugar, warm water and yeast together and leave aside for 10-12 mins until the mixture froths.

2. Mix in the flour and salt and knead gently. Place in a greased bowl covered with cling wrap for an hour, until the dough doubles in size.

3. Knead on a floured surface for 10 mins and transfer to a greased loaf tin. Cover with cling wrap and let it rise for another 1 hour. It will again double in size.

4. Bake in a pre-heated oven at 200 C / 390 F for about 20 mins until the crust turns golden brown.

5. Slice and enjoy!

The Amazing Spider-Man... Brand New Day v.2

I was given a Nephrolepis biserrata by Jenna today. It was given in trade for rehabing her bike.

I've learned some things:

There is a difference between artichokes and Jerusalem artichokes,
You should not substitute one for the other,
Kale is delicious,
Fennel bulb is my favorite ingredient in most things, including toothpaste,
I hate most decisions made about food 1945-1985,
Homemade stock is far better than purchased stock,
Seasonal dining stimulates the mind as well as the palette.

so I think that the only use I have left for LJ is asking questions and keeping track of dinners.

1 pkg. active dry yeast
1 c. lukewarm water
3-3 1/4 c. bread flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. olive oil
Cornmeal for sprinkling
1/4 c. olive oil
1 1/4 tsp. dried rosemary
1 tsp. dried sage

Dissolve yeast in water. Combine 2 1/2 cups flour and the salt. Stir in yeast mixture and the oil. Knead dough about 10 minutes, working in 1/2-3/4 cup more flour so that the dough is still soft but no longer sticky. Put dough in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled in bulk, 45-60 minutes. Punch down dough. Cover and let rise again until doubled, 45-60 minutes. Punch down and let stand 10 minutes before shaping.

Make dough. Oil a 10 x 15 inch jelly roll pan and sprinkle with cornmeal. Press dough into pan. Cover and let rise 30 minutes. Combine oil and herbs. Heat oven to 475 degrees. Tap dough all over with fingers for a dimpled top. Drizzle herb mixture over dough. Bake until golden, about 10 minutes.

Ingredients
Mediterranean Salsa:

* 1 cup tomato, diced and seeded
* 1 cup fennel, finely diced
* 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
* 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
* 1/2 cup kalamata olives, sliced
* 1/4 cup capers, drained, rinsed and squeezed dry
* 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
* 1/2 lemon, pulp and rind, seeded and chopped
* 2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves, chopped
* 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
* 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
* 1 orange, zest minced, juiced
* 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Sea Bass:

* 1 whole sea bass (about 5 pounds), scaled and cleaned with head and tail intact
* Salt and freshly ground pepper
* 1/2 red onion, sliced into thin rings
* 1 lime, cut into thin rounds
* 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
* 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
* Dried rosemary branches for roasting (optional)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

Prepare the Mediterranean Salsa: Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl and toss to mix well. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend before serving or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Rinse the fish well under cold running water (to make sure the cavity is clean of any entrails) and pat it dry. With a sharp knife, make 4 deep diagonal incisions down to the bone on each side of the fish. Sprinkle the cavity with salt and pepper. Lay the onion rings, lime rounds, and rosemary sprigs in the cavity. Close the fish. Insert the garlic slivers into the incisions.

Tie the fish together in 3 or 4 places with butcher's twine to close the cavity. Place the fish on a bed of rosemary branches (or a rack) set in a large roasting pan. Rub the fish with the olive oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast the fish until completely cooked through, about 40 minutes.

Transfer the fish to a large platter and remove the twine, top with the Mediterranean Salsa. You can also serve this fish on a bed of spinach or arrugula leaves with a side of warm orzo tossed with a little chopped fresh parsley and olive oil.

We made baked grouper last night with lobster tails and lemon basil risotto. We used the trimmings and bones of the grouper to make fish stock this afternoon. Tonight we are making lobster noodle soup with leak, carrot, and bay leaf.

The General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed 2009 to be the International Year of Natural Fibres

I need a camera that can take pictures of the night sky. What do I need to know?

I potted up my bulbs today. I have six pots containing tulip, crocus, and two varieties of narcissus. 10-14 weeks in the cold room (the unheated sunroom), another 2-4 weeks on the northern windowsill, and then BANG! we've got blossoms.

Polar Bear "Walruss" - Hvalross
Snow Bunting "Kelp" - Tarer

Space Resources And Space Settlements by Nasa

We had Fransisco out of his cage today.

I'm joining the Chicago Ornithological Society.

I love the Chicago Public Library "hold" system.

I'm building a custom bike for myself.

Painting bikes is very fun, but I need to find a better way to do it. I need to buy a work stand ASAP.

INGREDIENTS

* 1 1/2 cups bread flour
* 1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
* 2 teaspoons salt
* 1 tablespoon white sugar
* 1 (.25 ounce) package instant yeast
* 1 1/3 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
* 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
* 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

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DIRECTIONS

1. In a large stoneware bowl, stir together the flours and salt. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Sprinkle the sugar and yeast into that well. Carefully pour the water into the well. Let stand until the yeast begins to act, about 5 minutes. Pour 2 tablespoons of the oil into the well. With a wooden spoon stir the mixture in the center of the bowl. Gradually widen the circle of stirring to take in all of the flour at the sides of the well.
2. Turn out on a floured surface, and knead just until smooth. Keep the dough soft. Pour 1/2 teaspoon of the oil into a clean bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning once to oil the top. Cover. Let rise until doubled, 30 to 45 minutes.
3. Punch the dough down. Use 1 teaspoon of the oil to coat a baking sheet, and place the dough on the baking sheet. Gently press the dough out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Pour the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons oil over the top of the dough. Use the handle end of a wooden spoon to dimple the dough at 1 1/2 inch intervals. Sprinkle with the rosemary and the cheese. Place in a cold oven on the center shelf. Place a flat pan of hot water on the shelf below the bread. Let rise until doubled, 20 to 25 minutes.
4. Turn on the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Bake the focaccia for 20 to 25 minutes, or until browned on top. Remove from the pan, and cool on a wire rack. Serve warm.

There is a new album by the B52's called Funplex! Best news in the last 16 years! If I get my mitts on a copy I'd be happy about it.

Also, the She and Him album is so good. It is a dramatic team-up between Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward. Tres Bon.

[Edit: She & Him, Vol. 1 (hxxp://www.mediafire.com/?zaenwxwszmn)]

There is a new Those Transatlantics album on the way! Holy Cow! I know!

I made this instead.

I've been trying to think up something to do with the lightbulbs I've had around the house for a while now. They make affejunge go crazy. I think I'll make this:



Recycle Lamp-shade - video powered by Metacafe

I'm going to attempt, for the duration of 2008, to only purchase music released in 2008. Think about it.

Goal for 2009: Only listen to music released in 2009.

J's friend from Nebraska makes a "Top Albums of the Year" list every year. Apparently it has been getting more and more complex every year. The 2007 list just came out. I've got to hand it to these kids, they are good. It makes me realize that we were lame in college (that is to you Albion Friends).

( 3 Public Service Announcements and The List )

I will paint you an animal. Give me:

1) An animal
2) Your address

I will have it for you within the next month.

It is pretty fun to listen to Broadwell on the college radio. I wish that had been something I had done while I was in school.

I've learned a lesson: Do not compost in your spare closet.

What is the worst idea you've ever had?

Flatbread, cream cheese, sun dried tomato, anchovy wrapped around a caper.

Right?

The Woodcock-Johnson III is one of the most widely used instruments

Apple-Spice Oats

1/2 cup steel-cut oats
2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 large organic apple, coarsely chopped
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

Put all ingredients in a medium-sized pot. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to very low. Cover and simmer for about 30-45 minutes, or until oats are tender and water is mostly absorbed. Serve with sweetener of your choice with a little freshly grated nutmeg on top.

reposted without permission from fatfreevegan

I'm going to be in the Teacher Talent Show tomorrow.

Morning tutoring is going well.

Basketball is going well.

My classroom is a shitshow.

I'm bored and tired.

Four/Five more weeks.

Goodnight.

Favorite things about Nikola Tesla:

1) Patents and theoretical work formed the basis of modern alternating current electric power (AC) systems, including the polyphase power distribution systems and the AC motor, with which he helped usher in the Second Industrial Revolution

2) "[The nozzle would] send concentrated beams of particles through the free air, of such tremendous energy that they will bring down a fleet of 10,000 enemy airplanes at a distance of 200 miles from a defending nation's border and will cause armies to drop dead in their tracks."

The two reasons that I feel close to Nikola Tesla

1) Hated Edison & Einstein
2) Celibate, claimed that his chastity was helpful to his scientific abilities

John McCain just added "Winning the GOP nomination" to his bucket list.

Things have not been going well for me. This has been bad. But one thing is always good.

Red red wine.

[Edit: this post was so drunken. book_marx and myself drank something like 4 bottles of wine last night.]

Having been to a few so-so dance(ish) clubs recently, I've decided to try to find a club scene that fits me and my preferences more closely. I've, obviously, got to dodge Wrigley and L. Park. It happens that yelp lists several highly rated spots near me.

So next Friday/Saturday:

Club Foot
Sonotheque (1444 W. Chicago Ave)
The Hideout
Lava (1270 N. Milwaukee Ave)

If we do want to break north or west:

Smart Bar
Neo



Is anyone in?

This is what keeps me waking up everyday.

After only 2 (3?) months, my finger is looking better. ( Finger Foibles )

It is 12 degrees and I'm just killing time.

How do you feel about Einstein's statement, "It has become appallingly clear that our technology has surpassed our humanity." How does this make you feel?

Colder than a well-digger's ass.

I may be in NYC for a few days. Does anyone want to hang out?

Band of Horses, Cease To Begin

To celebrate Columbus Day, last night myself and some friends went to see of Montreal at Metro. It was a great show.

I haven't been posting much lately. I'm caught up in work obligations. I promise to catch everyone up on this last month or so once November rolls around. Until then, enjoy the show:

Well, I dropped the ball. I had been putting off buying The National tickets because I hadn't yet been paid. As of Sunday night (yesterday) there were tickets available, sadly today at the box office there where none. I'm sorry everyone, I fucked this one up but good.

There are no tickets online, but I'm going to put an add up on craigslist. Maybe it'll turn up something.

We could do:

Voxtrot w/ Arctic Monkeys, Sept. 12th
Arcade Fire, Sept. 30th
Amy Winehouse, Oct. 2nd
The White Stripes, Oct. 3rd
Voxtrot, Oct. 4th
Interpol, Oct. 11th
Spoon, Oct. 12th !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Polyphonic Spree, Oct. 17th
Josh Rouse, Oct 25th
The Decemberists, Oct. 28th or Oct. 29th !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tickets for Spoon and The Decemberists go on sale this Saturday. MY paychecks have started to flow, so I now have the cash to pick up any number of tickets. And, I'd be willing to wait in line to see either, so tickets are almost assured. The Decemberists show would also line up with my yet unannounced Halloween party.

Again, I'm sorry. I think that in the future, general admission tickets should be a every-man-for-himself kind of deal. I guess when Schroeder passed the buck to Drew passed the buck to me, I should have made it clear that I was dead fucking broke until my pay kicked in. And the Vic box office is cash only.

Chapter 3: At The Bar

There are sometimes lots of women at the bar. If you want to talk to one, than maybe she will want to talk to you! Then you will become her favorite dude or lesbian!

But, that isn't very helpf-

Intercourse ensues!





comic here

Starting to go a little crazy after sitting in my place listening to music and reading comic books and how-to manuals.

I bought the newest/first Warhammer 48k album from Permanent Records down the block. They are the first/only band on Permanent's record label. They are a post-punk inspired space/post-rock penta-band. They are also headlining the Permanent Happy First Birthday Party! tomorrow.

Read a comic book about zombies, and another about angels, serial killers, vampires, a Blazing Magic Preacher, and a blond chick.

I also read a book on home carpentry, the Seamus Heaney translation of Beowulf, and a book on growing plants from seed.

I'm kind of frazzled when I get home from teaching; it takes me a lot to decompress.

And! I found out that the band I always pronounced as "mum" is actually pronounced "moom"! Fucking Icelandic being impossible to pronounce. Did you know that Bjork is really Byerk? WTF?!

Drew and I are going to pick up the tickets tomorrow. Who wants to go? Tickets will be like $20ish. Schroeder is driving from Albion.

I already know of:

MJ Beans & Kate
Limby & Rubsy, The Beard Bro's
Andrew E. Rushton
Diesel w/a "K" +1
C+

Anyone else? If you are on the list, still confirm (I'm vain and like comments). Anyone that comes can crash at my place. I may even make dinner for you.

Wrestling is the most popular of all Mongol sports. It is the highlight of the Three Manly Games of Naadam. Historians claim that Mongol-style wrestling originated some seven thousand years ago. Hundreds of wrestlers from different cities and aimags around the country take part in the national wrestling competition.

There are no weight categories or age limits. Each wrestler has his own attendant herald. The aim of the sport is to knock one's opponent off balance and throw him down, making him touch the ground with his elbow and knee.

The winners are honored with ancient titles: the winner of the fifth round gets the honorary title of nachin (falcon), of the seventh and eighth rounds zaan (elephant), and of the tenth and eleventh rounds arslan (lion). The wrestler who becomes the absolute champion is awarded the title of avarga (Titan). Every subsequent victory at the national Naadam-festival will add an epithet to the avarga title, like "Invincible Titan to be remembered by all".

Maybe here?