Freedom, truth, love, beauty.
“Despite many efforts to explain in a calm and rational way what President Obama is doing and why, the public continues to be confused by the relentless lies and shameless propaganda of his political enemies and their allies in the right-wing disinformation machine. As a result, the chunk of the country that believes the earth is only six thousand years old also lapped up lies about death panels and the idea that Obama is so stupid he can’t speak without a teleprompter, not to mention his miraculous ability to plot a big-government takeover while simultaneously “palling around with terrorists” and serving his masters at Goldman Sachs, as well as all the other ridiculous talking points fed to them by the cynical bastards who are manipulating them for profit and power.”
—http://www.esquire.com/the-side/richardson-report/obama-health-care-push-030910The Fargo Film Festival was great. Again. And the directors who were present loved Fargo and its people right back. Again. Oh, and the pre- and post-party ticket was totally worth it. Again. I love this city so much.
“I even had one constituent—you will not believe this, and I know you won’t, but it’s true—her sister died. This poor woman had no dentures—she wore her dead sister’s teeth, which of course were uncomfortable, did not fit. Did you ever believe that in America that that’s where we would be? This is the last chance as far as I’m concerned, particularly on the export business. We have fallen behind, we’re no longer the biggest manufacturer in the world, we’ve lost our technological edge. We have an opportunity to do that, but a major part of the success of that is getting this health care passed.”
—Rep. Louise SlaughterThe American Conservative -- No Exit
“An alternative reading of our recent military past might suggest the following: first, that the political utility of force—the range of political problems where force possesses real relevance—is actually quite narrow; second, that definitive victory of the sort that yields a formal surrender ceremony at Appomattox or on the deck of an American warship tends to be a rarity; third, that ambiguous outcomes are much more probable, with those achieved at a cost far greater than even the most conscientious war planner is likely to anticipate; and fourth, that the prudent statesman therefore turns to force only as a last resort and only when the most vital national interests are at stake. Contra Kristol, force is an “instrument” in the same sense that a slot machine or a roulette wheel qualifies as an instrument.”
Chili-Lime Chicken Wings
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 4 lbs Chicken Wings, seperated with tips discarded
- 1 tsp ground Cumin
- 2 Tbsp ground Coriander
- 1 Tbsp Kosher Salt
- 1/4 C Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
Sauce:
- 1/2 C Sriracha-brand Chili Sauce
- 1 stick Unsalted Butter, melted
- 1/4 C Cilantro, chopped
- 2 Limes worth of zest and juice
- 6 cloves Garlic, minced
Notes: You can double this recipe, no problem.
Directions
Combine coriander, cumin, salt, and oil in a bowl. Toss wings. Cover and refrigerate 1–4 hours.
Preheat an oven to 375. Spread the wings on a large, rimmed baking sheet. Don’t over-crowd the wings; do two batches if necessary. Roast for 20 minutes.
Combine the ingredients for the sauce, reserving two cloves-worth of garlic. In a separate bowl toss the wings in small batches with just enough sauce to coat them well.
Return the wings to the baking sheet and roast another 20 minutes.
Combine any remaining sauce with finished wings and reserved garlic. Serve hot.
15 mins to prep, 1–4 hrs to marinate, 40 minutes to cook; serves 4
Braised Beef and Peppers
Ingredients
- 8 medium tomatoes, cored, peeled, seeded, & diced
- 2 bell peppers, 1/2 slices
- 1 onion, cut into 8 wedges
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 1/2 lbs flank steak, cut across the grain into thirds and liberally seasoned with kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper
- 1 C long-grain white rice
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 C fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
Notes: You can replace the tomatoes with a 28oz can of diced tomatoes, but canned tomatoes tend to have strange things added as preservatives that I’m trying to avoid. Things like calcium chloride or various sodium and potassium preservatives. That’s just not necessary.
Directions
- In a slow cooker combine the tomatoes, peppers, onion, oregano, and cumin. Nestle the steak among the veggies. Cook on low while you are at work.
- About a half hour before serving, cook the rice.
- Shred the beef in the veggies. Serve with the rice and top with the avocado and cilantro.
20 mins to prep, 8 hrs to cook; serves 4
The leftovers make for a great sandwich on slightly stale buns the next day.
