Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Code of The Old West


"The Code of the West was a gentleman's agreement to certain rules of conduct. It was never written into the statutes, but it was respected everywhere on the range. "
-- Ramon F. Adams

1) Don't inquire into a person's past. Take the measure of a man for what he is today.
Never steal another man's horse. A horse thief pays with his life.
Defend yourself whenever necessary.
Look out for your own.
Remove your guns before sitting at the dining table.
Never order anything weaker than whiskey.
Don't make a threat without expecting dire consequences.
Never pass anyone on the trail without saying "Howdy".

2) When approaching someone from behind, give a loud greeting before you get within shooting range.
Don't wave at a man on a horse, as it might spook the horse. A nod is the proper greeting.
After you pass someone on the trail, don't look back at him. It implies you don't trust him.
Riding another man's horse without his permission is nearly as bad as making love to his wife. Never even bother another man's horse.

3) Always fill your whiskey glass to the brim
Do not practice ingratitude.
A cowboy is pleasant even when out of sorts. Complaining is what quitters do, and cowboys hate quitters.

4) Always be courageous. Cowards aren't tolerated in any outfit worth its salt.
A cowboy always helps someone in need, even a stranger or an enemy.

5) Never try on another man's hat.

6) Be hospitable to strangers. Anyone who wanders in, including an enemy, is welcome at the dinner table. The same was true for riders who joined cowboys on the range.
Give your enemy a fighting chance.
Never wake another man by shaking or touching him, as he might wake suddenly and shoot you.

7) Real cowboys are modest. A braggert who is "all gurgle and no guts" is not tolerated.
A cowboy doesn't talk much; he saves his breath for breathing.
No matter how weary and hungry you are after a long day in the saddle, always tend to your horse's needs before your own, and get your horse some feed before you eat.

8) Cuss all you want, but only around men, horses and cows.
Complain about the cooking and you become the cook.
Always drink your whiskey with your gun hand, to show your friendly intentions.

9) Be there for a friend when he needs you.
Drinking on duty is grounds for instant dismissal and blacklisting.

10) A cowboy is loyal to his "brand," to his friends, and those he rides with.
Never shoot an unarmed or unwarned enemy. This was also known as "the rattlesnake code": always warn before you strike. However, if a man was being stalked, this could be ignored.

11) Never shoot a woman no matter what.

12) Consideration for others is central to the code, such as: Don't stir up dust around the chuckwagon, don't wake up the wrong man for herd duty, etc.
Respect the land and the environment by not smoking in hazardous fire areas, disfiguring rocks, trees, or other natural areas.
Honesty is absolute - your word is your bond, a handshake is more binding than a contract.

13) Live by the Golden Rule.

Visitors and Thursday Thirteen Paerticipants will be linked here if they say "Howdy" and leave a comment. 1) Pop culture Dish 2) Enjoying The Ride 3) A Gentleman's Domain 4) On A Limb With Claudia 5) My Irrationalities 6) Puss Re Boots 7) From A Lofty Perch 8) The Pink Flamingo 9) Mister Anchovy 10) Betty The Geek 11) Nichtszusagen 12) NBR's Spot 13) State Of Confusion 14) Double Decker Buses 15) Fond of Photography 15) Cajun Vegan 16) A Blog About Nowt 17) Four Dinners 18) It's All Good 19)

Monday, November 26, 2007

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Dolt 45


Dolt 45 are friends of Stagg's. Darrick, the singer and Dave, on guitar (stage left to Darrick) went to elementary school and Catholic boys high school together. Darrick and Stagg also went to the Academy of Art together.They played on Friday night a few blocks away and it was great to walk over and be able to hang out. I've been wanting to film them for a while too. We had a wonderful night visiting with Darrick's wife, and our friend Nancy, and Darrick's mom and step-dad.

Friday, November 23, 2007

Come On In, Set Down, And Shoot The Shit With Us For a Bit


For the attempt at making the traditional Green Bean Casserole a little special and organic, we picked up some really nice mushrooms. And a few cremini too. I'd like to think my grandmother, an excellent cook would have considered this version "gourmet".
I haven't deep fried anything for a long time. I was dubious, but the process came out much like a delicate tempura. I used really small onions, for strong taste, some fresh organic canola oil (stands for "Canadian oil, low acid" and is related to the cabbage family) and I enjoyed frying these puppies very much.
Safety first. Yes, I did bring out the fire extinguinsher just in case.
Mushrooms and butter...how can you go wrong?
The dreaded Green Bean Casserole, finished.
Little Guido and Stagg. Notice how almost no one ate the corn. Yep, I was a goodsport and served corn...Stagg said we had to have corn. I also agreed to buy Pilsbury almost instant bisquits. I had no idea how to follow the directions on the package but Marty ran over and deciphered the procedure for me. Bisquits are one of the easiest things to make, but I was crunched for time as it was...and Stagg said everyone will love the Pilsbury. He was absolutely correct, they were very popular. Really...I had already put all the food on the table and forgot about the bisquits...Joe said we have everything except bisquits where I shouted...oh wait we do I forgot them in the fridge!

Yep, three pies and a ginormous bowl of organic whipping cream. Pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie and nut's about fudge pie.

Danny and Little Guido. Um, here is an article with Danny's clothes. And here is an interview with Danny.
Okay, a 25 pound turkey. took about 5 hours to cook. We hauled it home in a cart. It was way too huge but we love leftovers. I am not sure how we managed to keep lifting it in and out of the oven. We had to though because the first pan we used leaked wine and butter all over the floor of the oven...and I had to wash out the oven...while Stagg ran to the store and bought another pan.
Dishes in the sink. A low priority. In fact zero.
Stagg, Marty and Joe. Marty has several videos of interviews with some Chicago artists on his YouTube page.
Joe knits during dessert...cool socks!


I gots to post this pic, so as you all understand what part of the conversation is about...the phenomenon of American Girl Doll.
We have these pictures bside our dining room table. The pencil drawing is from a real life model on one of "life drawing" classes of Stagg's, 20 years ago, the models in front of tipi's are pics I love because a tipi is my dream home. The doll pic is an advert and a Native American version of the American Doll series. Stagg bought a doll and put Guadelupe, gang and tear drop tats on her and gave it to Marty and Little Guido, who live in Pilsen, the mostly hispanic neighbourhood were the controversial doll "escaped from".
An American Girl doll named Marisol Luna has caused a bit of a flap because her back story has her yearning to escape a Chicago neighborhood she deems dangerous for the suburbs. Some children who actually live in that largely Mexican neighborhood, Pilsen, found Marisol's tale demeaning. A group from a Pilsen high school marched earlier this week in front of American Girl's North Side store to demand an apology from American Girl owner Mattel. They also want scholarships and money from the company. Mattel so far has said no dice, perhaps hardened to such protests by past complaints like those over Barbie's tiny waist and full bust, which some literalists said represented an unfair model of womanhood for little girls. A doll would seem to be the epitome of childhood innocence, a tool for fantasy. But the real world butts in everywhere, it seems. Marisol Luna, with the book telling her story, continues to sell for $84 on americangirl.com.From Ad Freak blog

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Thanksgiving Movies


1) Planes, Trains and Automobiles.Not only is this an hilarious Thanksgiving movie...it's probably in my top ten list for comedies. I've lost my shit so many times watching this charming buddy film.

2) Home For The Holidays. I love this movie it also has the best cat hairball scene.
3) The Accidental Tourist (if you've seen it, you'll know how funny the line "certain death" is)
4) Flirting With Disaster (I believe I remember this was a Thanksgiving road trip?)
5) Dutch
6) The Daytrippers
7) Pieces of April
8) The Ice Storm (warning, grim movie)
Sigourney Weaver from The Ice Storm.
9) The Myth of Fingerprints
10) Hannah and Her Sister's
11) The House of Yes
12) Alice's Restaurant
13) Scent of a Woman

Have I missed some other good movies set in or around Thanksgiving? Thanksgiving seems to make a great setting for movies, I wonder why?

I will link all visitors and Thursday Thirteen folks here: 1) From A Lofty Perch, 2) The Mocha Mom, 3) Tinkerbell, 4) The Happy Wanderer, 5) Four Dinners, 6) The Pink Flamingo, 7) A Gentleman's Domain, 8) Morgan Leigh, 9) Fond of Snape, 10) Single Parents unite, 11) West of Mars, 12) Rae's World, 13) Secret Agent Momma, 14) Cafe At The End Of The Universe, 15) Red Letter Day, 16) Collector's Quest, 17) Nichtszuusagen, 18) Slip Of A Girl, 19) Mister Anchovy, 20) The Tranquility of Solitude, 21) snipHits (or Misses) 22) A Blog About Nwot 23) I Read Banned Books 24) Ink Casualty 25) Amy Ruttan 26) Pop Culture Dish 27) NBR's Spot

Wallace








Tuesday, November 20, 2007

An Organic American Thanksgiving?


I am making Thanksgiving supper this week for a few of our friends and American Thanksgiving has a few differences in menu than Canadian Thanksgiving.

For instance, there is something called Green Bean Casserole. Of course I want to create a meal that Stagg is used to...he has already told me that no one in America eats squash, brocoli, brussel sprouts for Thanksgiving. Oh okay.

Since I've never made an American version of Thanksgiving I started looking things up online...and guess what? I had always thought that Canandian Thanksgiving was something we just adopted from America. But...Martin Frobisher..yeah that guy down there...celebrated the first Thanksgiving with Native Canadians in 1578, 27 years before Pilgrims celbrated Thanksgiving in America.

Of course, this Green Bean Casserole is something I'm trying to re-create with organic products. It calls for canned mushroom soup, green beans, "french fried onions" (which I've never heard of) so I've been on the Googles looking for recipes. There is some ingredient that seems to be a packaged product of "onions" here is an ad from the 70's. Seriously, combined with the canned soup I am getting a gag going.

So...it seems I will be making some mushroom soup...or pick up a tin of organic mushroom soup from Whole Foods tomorrow... in order to get a thick texture? And then deep fry some onions. We have ordered a 20 lb. turkey from Whole Foods we pick up tomorrow eveing.


I really hope I don't ruin Thanksgiving!

This is still from a Campbell's commercial with a (Canadian?) beaver...

Here is what I've found seem to be French Fried Onions:

3 large onions, sliced into thin rings
2 cups milk
2 cups all-purpose flour (I use gluten-free)
oil (for frying)
salt

Soak the onions in the milk for 5 minutes.
Heat the oil in a large skillet or deep fryer.
Take a handful of onions and run them through the flour with a fork to coat.
Fry in batches in the oil, stirring as needed to brown evenly.
Drain on paper towels and season to taste.
Store in an air-tight container.

Eat Your Heart Out Chef Ramsay


From A Better Tomorrow starring Chow Yun-Fat and directed by John Woo, 1986.

Friday, November 16, 2007

JOY


Below, the black and white drawing was made by the poet Tagore and he applied this "seal" on most of his manuscripts...a version beside stories and poems. It caught my attention because it is so similar to the art work I grew up with of Haida culture
.
Rabindranath Tagore was born in 1861 and was a Bengali poet, visual artist, philosopher, activist and the first Nobel Prize winner from Asia. He was outspoken rejecting colonialism, the caste system and poverty in India. He visited over 30 countries between 1878 and 1932 introducing his political ideas and Indian culture to people unfamiliar with it's roots.


The following poem I find to be utterly mysterious and gives me pause...

Consider, now: which of these joys are you prepared to embrace?

`The joy that makes the earth flow over in the riotous excess of the
grass,
The joy that sets the twin brothers, life and death, dancing over
the wide world,
The joy that sweeps in with the tempest, shaking and waking all life
with laughter,
The joy that sits still with its tears on the open red lotus of pain,
And the joy that throws everything it has upon the dust, and knows
not a word.'

Art Museum of Southwest Texas


Actually we went to this gallery because Tuffy P had found an artist online with work very curious. His name was Felix "Fox" Harris.

You can watch a video or look at art work of Fox Harris here...

"Well I'll rell ya, I didn't get no learnin'. I was born in nineteen ought five. My birthday come just the day before Christmas. I tell you one thing Miss...you see me...I'm not lyin' to nobody. Ain't a man in Beaumont went through what I went through. I been as low as a greasy spot on the floor."

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Cat Blogger Needs Advice


The late great Naplam. Oh I loved this guy. He had the best personality. On hot days he would look for a sink to cool down in. He had some bad habits too. He was so loveable. Just looking at these pictures chokes me up, he died at 12 years old in 2003.

Recently a really sweet cat blogger found their way over here during a Thursday Thirteen...and they are having a challenge with their cat using a litter box. I know a lot of pals here have cats...maybe there are some ideas? I know some of you have cats who stubbornly don't use the facilities...so I am linking his blog. It's a lovely blog with gorgeous photos of cats...unlike my bathroom reno photos ha...


A cat loving blogger needs some insight, help or ideas...

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Urban Myths and Wild Animals Collide


Tweety posted this picture on her blog yesterday. I did a double take. Is that real? 1) Elk crossing en masse like that? In Canada! And I didn't know about this? She found an article that said Canada had spent over a million dollars on building an "eco-pass" for wildlifebecause of all the car accidents and harm to animals. 2) I've been right there in that pic a million times. 3) I went to a lecture a couple years ago on wolves at the Banff Public Library about the National Park and one of the items discussed was wolves using highways and railroads as trails. You see, wolves, just like us, don't like snow packed in between their toes. 4) So they like to walk on the highway. Unfortunately they get hit by cars. But why don't I know about Canada building this million dollar passway...how wonderful of us! 5) Ah no...I went to the University of Google and found that it is a railroad bridge the animals have co-opted.
From Scopes:"BUSTED! Not sure if the photo was edited or not, but the bridge is definately not for elk or other animals. If photo is edited, they did a great job.Checked the area on Google Earth, and found the intersection in the photo. The bridge that the elk are on, is a railroad bridge.On Google Earth go to 51 12'20.03" N 115 32'12.38" W. (copy and paste these coordinates)Also there IS an animal brigde a few miles from intersection at 51 09'39.94" N 115 42'51.56" W."
6) Here is an artists rendition of a proposal for "eco=pass" in Colorado, Interstate 70.
7) Yep, that's me a couple years ago in Banff. I love how I have a perfect manicure and lipstick. I crack myself up: I don't remember being that organized. 8) This is another random thing that a lot of people don't know about me, for such a girlie girl I'm a secret jock. My girlfriend and I stayed with my sister for a couple of days in Calgary before we took off for two weeks to Banff to ski. One night my sister and brother-in-law were like..."can you actually ski downhill?" Even my own sister doesn't think of me as active. 9) I first skiied in Smithers, B.C. a century ago it seems. We didn't wear high tech ski wear like you see in this pic. We wore jeans and hoodies. No chair lift. 8,000 feet on a T-bar. A t-bar is alittle piece of like plastic shaped like a t you put between your legs under your butt on a string. Yes, and you let some carny or machine drag you up a cliff. 8,000 feet of cliff. I must have been mad. Or else a teenager! Same daredevil difference.


9) I just liked this video. It doesn't have anything to do with this post except location. It made me really want to go to Banff. I love Banff...whereas, I hate Whistler. Whistler looks like The Truman Show all the buildings are cookie cutter design, beige and made in the last twenty years. 10) Banff still has a couple of the very bars I used to drink in when I was a kid and beautiful stone structures encouraged for new buildings too. I thought this video might be of interest to visitors here who have never been to Banff. You can tell that the person who made this video really was enjoying the place and took special care in constructing this piece.

11) What do false claims about Canada building a bridge for animals tell us about ourselves?

12) Maybe: that Canada is frivilous and touchy feely with it's budgets? Canada can afford to take care of it's wildlife...so should other countries? 13) That if we build over passes for animals...it justifies building highways and expansion for ourselves: see animals and people both benefit from suburban sprawl?

What other messages does this urban myth convey?

Visitors and Thursday Thirteen participants who commented here I will link your blog: 1) Tweetey 2) Chelle Y 3) Tinkerbell 4) Pop Culture Dish 5) Janet at Fond of Snape 6) Gratitude Journal 7) West Of Mars 8) Writing In Faith 9) A Gentleman's Domain 10) Single Parents Unite 11) On A Limb With Claudia 12) Wakela Runen's World 13) The Pink Flamingo 14) World Outside My Window 15) Knitting And Losing 16) Crazy Working Mom 17) It's A Raggedy Life 18) Zen Momma's Garden 19) Joystory 20) Secret Agent Mama 21) Tempest Knight 22) Full Plate 23) Kelly Cat 24) A Blog About Nowt 25) Puss Re Boots 26) Nichtszusagen
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