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A birthday party is the most important event of the year for any kid. Imagine how painful it must be if you invited all your friends and none of them showed up.
Yes, that's what happened exactly to 5-year old Brooke Schermann from Texas last week. Her older sister, Brianna, took to Twitter earlier that day to wish Brooke a happy birthday. Sadly, not a single kid made it to the festivities.
Brooke was devastated until her true and best friend, Bryce, showed up to the party. Her sorrow turned into joy and the pair enjoyed the party together. Sometimes, one good friend is all it takes to create that moment in our lives that we will cherish forever.
Whether posing as mermaids, cowering in fear beneath a fake shark, or just hanging out arm-in-arm, this adorable pair made it a birthday to remember. Brianna quickly shared this heartwarming story on Twitter and it has gone viral.
Let's admit, not all of us are lucky enough to have a friend like Bryce. What a guy!
A Best Friend Is Worth A 1000 Regular Friends
Best Friends Create Lasting Memories


text: Q-Unique and Audible Doctor showed up to RIOC to talk about the BlaQ Coffee album by Q-Unique & The Brown Bag AllStars. With no guest features, the project was produced by J57, Deejay Element, and Audible Doctor. Originally planned as a single record and later expanded into an EP, Q explains that it was Audible Doctor's idea to move forward with a full album. Q states "(Brown Bag AllStars) took me totally away from the people that are used to hearing me…" and describes the experience of a completely new approach of writing and recording an album. Check out the interview and purchase BlaQ Coffee.

subset: commoncrawl


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Fed seeks to find alternative signals to inverted yield curve - ReutersBy Joshua Gibson
According to reporting by Reuters, the US Federal Reserve are on the hunt for new signals from financial markets that are accurate enough to deliver recessionary warnings, over and above the track record of the inverted yield curve.
Key quotes
"In the run up to previous downturns, the Fed has jacked interest rates to restrictive levels as it sought to temper inflation. This time, the central bank hopes for a softer landing with rates moving just high enough to avoid overheating without ending a nearly decade long expansion.
New research from staff economists Eric Engstrom and Steven Sharpe, presented at the Fed's June meeting, suggests that some of the traditional warning signs of recession, such as the gap in interest rates between 10-year and 2-year Treasuries, may not be as powerful as analysis that focuses on shorter term rates.
In particular, they found that the difference in current interest rates on 3-month Treasury bills and those expected in 18 months served as a stronger predictor of recession in the coming year by capturing the market's conviction that the Fed would need to cut rates soon in response to a slowdown.
Their measure showed little recession risk on the horizon - a green light for continued gradual increases in interest rates at a time when some Fed officials have taken the narrowing spread of long-term yields as a sign the Fed should halt its rate hikes now.
According to the new research, the "near-term" yield curve captures well formed market expectations about coming economic conditions, but without some of the longer-term concerns that drive other bond yields.
The Atlanta Fed has been looking at the future Fed policy rate implied by eurodollar contracts, a financial security involving dollar deposits in overseas banks that reflects the interest rates investors anticipate in coming months.
"We are doing a lot of work to see what metrics are there to give us signals about weakness in the marketplace...I want to make sure we do all that we can not to miss something," Atlanta Federal Reserve bank president Raphael Bostic told reporters recently."
Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility.


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The Best Place To Buy Or Sell Bedroom Furniture, Bar Equipment, Dining Room Furniture
New Bespoke Giant Illuminated Love Lights LED 'DANCE' Wedding Venue - Bedfordshire
DescriptionFor sale is a new set of Giant Illuminated Deco Love Lights that spell DANCE.
These were made for a customer who later cancelled the order. The photo was taken locally so you can see them on display. The Letters are approx 4ft high and are made from MDF with 1.2mm Aluminium edging. They are fitted with Cool white LED Lights and only require 1x 13amp plug power source as the letters are linkable. All Bulbs, PSU & cables are supplied with the set. Collection is preferred but we can arrange delivery if required. POA
Delivery notesCollection from Bedford preferred but delivery is available at buyers cost.
Contact notesMartin or Haydn 01234 831366 / 07738 947451
If this item is sold please tell us!
Report listing as sold
Occasionally, listings can remain on our website even when sold, if the owner forgets to tell us.
If you have been in contact with the owner and know this item is sold, then please use the form below to tell us.


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Russia's Internet watchdog is hard at work trying to quash social media mentions of a mass rally next month supporting opposition activist Alexei Navalny.
A Facebook event page promoting a rally backing Navalny next month was set up after prosecutors on Friday asked for a 10-year jail sentence for the opposition leader on embezzlement charges that critics say are politically motivated. Since February, Navalny has been living under house arrest.
Navalny, a staunch critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin and an anti-corruption blogger who ran a failed mayoral campaign in Moscow last year, was a key figure in Russia's anti-government protests in 2011-2012. …
More about Media, Facebook, Twitter, Internet, and Censorship …read more
Via: Mashable: Media


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By ALEX MEDINA, BOYLE HEIGHTS BEAT
Walking along the streets of Boyle Heights, you'll pass by a barbershop or two. Most have been around for years, and many locals know their barbers well.
The Cream Shop, a recent addition to Boyle Heights, opened its doors in July 2016. It offers many haircuts – from classic designs such as pompadours to modern staples like man buns. Soon after opening, some in the community labeled it a gentrifying business, though the founder, Lino C. Campos, 41, has lived in Boyle Heights for most of his life.
Read the full story at Boyle Heights Beat.
- More Boyle Heights stories
- Got a story, tip, question or photo to share? Submit it here
Boyle Heights Beat is a bilingual community newspaper produced by its youth and a sister website with stories also produced by community members "por y para la comunidad."


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The Survival of Spirituality and Religion In Higher Education
Bob Smith
Director, Center for Ethics and Religious Affairs
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA
Region II, Spirituality and Religion in Higher Education Rep.
There are several challenges facing spirituality and religion in higher education that need to be addressed if this area of interest is to survive and, hopefully, grow. Some of the hurdles are already in place when students arrive and others are put in place by colleges and universities as well as campus ministries.
Students are telling us that they are more spiritual than religious. The number of young people attending church or participating in organized religion has been in decline for years and doesn't seem to be showing any signs of changing. The result is that a greater percentage of students are arriving on campus with little or no interest in spiritual or religious life.
Students who are interested in spiritual and religious development may have the opportunity to explore their options if the college or university they attend permits this to occur on campus. Most public institutions do not support spiritual and religious activities and private schools vary in their support, leaving students on their own to seek out opportunities when they are trying to manage their time and meet the demands of rigorous classes and other responsibilities. Plus, students often opt for organizations that are related to their major and will look good on their resume to a prospective employer.
Colleges and universities, both public and private, need to work closely with students, places of worship in the community, and campus ministers, rabbi's, imams, and other religious leaders to provide a healthy spiritual and religious environment where students can explore and thrive.
Institutions of higher learning, especially public, need to accept that spirituality and religion can and should be part of campus life. There is no legal reason for this opportunity to be denied. Penn State is a great example of a public university supporting spiritual and religious development for their students. Penn State is home to the largest interfaith center on any campus in the country and serves as proof that this can happen. Students need to form spiritual and religious student organizations and colleges and universities simply need to treat them as they would any other student organization, welcome campus ministers and other religious and spiritual leaders, and not show favor to any particular organization.
The other piece of the pie comes from the students and religious leaders. They should be willing to work together towards a common goal of growing the spiritual and religious opportunities for students and in turn their individual groups will prosper too. Permit students to explore their options and allow them to interact with other faiths and practices. This can be difficult for some to accept because there is often a friendly competition for members. Still, the largest hurdle can be that spiritual and religious leaders need to understand that these student organizations are functioning on a campus and colleges and universities need to function in ways that may be unfamiliar to churches, temples, synagogues, mosques, and other places of worship. The key to all of this is communication.
All involved should consider the benefits to the students when they are given the opportunity to explore and develop their spiritual and religious needs.


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Talks betwwen China and Kuwait to strengthen friendship, cooperation
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has met with his Kuwaiti counterpart here in Beijng.The two have pledged to cement their friendship and boost cooperation.Among various fields, premier Li Keqiang especially notes that China is willing to participate in Kuwait's railway projects and voices support for closer cooperation in the energy sector.Kuwait expressed a willingness to increase high-level visits between the two countries. The two leaders also witnessed the signing of a series of cooperation deals.The Kuwaiti Prime Minister is in Beijing for a 4-day visit.He is also due to attend the opening ceremony of the ministerial meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum.The meeting will kick off on Thursday in Beijing.
NATO enhances collective defense, reaffirms support for Ukraine
NATO is set to bolster its defence capabilities in central and eastern Europe. The decision comes after the NATO defence minister had a meeting in Bruseel amid escalating tensions in the Ukraine.It also comes hours after the US president pledged 1-billion dollars worth of military deployments in Europe.Russia has earlier responsed to the NATO decision, saying it will reorganize its armed forces to strengthen military potential and troop mobility.Kremlin also says it may withdraw from the 1997 Nato-Russia Founding Act if there are major NATO deployments in eastern and central Europe.
Syria wraps up presidential election
Voting in Syria's presidental election has wrapped up.It ended at midnight local time, five hours later than originally planned because Tuesday's turnout was heavier than expected.More than 15 million eligible and registered voters were expected to cast their ballots for the country's three presidential contenders, including incumbent President Bashar al-Assad. Syrians living in Lebanon also stood in long lines at border crossings to cast their ballots.The vote is taking place despite rejection by the opposition and their Western backers.Rebels in Damascus suburbs have fired mortar shells, almost hitting security headquarters.
Egypt's Sisi officially declared president
Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi has been declared the new president of Egypt.The electoral commission made it official, announcing the results of last week's election by saying the former military chief won by a landslide. He took nearly 97 percent of the vote.The result also gives a voter turnout of around 47 percent.After the announcement, thousands of people have been gathering at public squares in the country, celebrating the new president's victory.Sisi gained wide support from Egyptians after toppling President Mohamed Morsi last year.
Palestinian PM urges int'l community to support unity gov't
The Prime Minister of the newly formed Palestinian unity government is urging the international community to continue supporting the Palestinians and their legal rights. Rami al-Hamdallah says the new consensus government adopts the political program of President Mahmoud Abbas, which renounces violence and respects the agreements signed with Israel. The new cabinet was sworn in before Abbas in the West Bank city of Ramallah on Monday. It has ended seven years of political division that started when Hamas took over Gaza in June 2007 after routing forces loyal to Abbas's Fatah party who now rules the West Bank.
Thai confidence jumps on hopes army will bring order after chaos
Consumer confidence in Thailand jumped in May on hopes a new military government would impose order after months of political chaos.The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce says its May consumer confidence index hit its highest level since January, just before protesters disrupted a Feb. 2 snap election.The index rose to 70.7 in May from 67.8 in April, when it had fallen for the 13th month in a row and was at its lowest level in more than 12 years.
South Korean, 73, linked to ferry disaster fails in asylum bid
Prosecutors in South Korea say a businessman and Christian sect leader, who is wanted on charges tied to the ferry disaster in April, has sought asylum at a Seoul embassy but was rejected.73-year-old Yoo Byung-un is wanted on charges of embezzlement, negligence and tax evasion. His son has an investment firm which owns the operator of the sunken ferry Sewol.Prosecutors declined to disclose which embassy was contacted by Yoo's representative, or if there were others.
22 dead in China's Chongqing mine accident
Twenty two people are dead in a coal mine accident in Chongqing.There were 28 miners working underground when the accident happened last night.The other six had managed to escape.Authorities describes the accident as a "gas incident".
MERS death toll surges to 282 in Saudi Arabia
The death toll linked to an outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome in Saudi Arabia has surged.The country's health minister says the agency has recalculated the number of coronovirus cases and has determined the disease is responsible for 282 deaths.There have been 688 cases in Saudi Arabia since the first one was identified in 2012.Before the review, the ministry had been stating 575 cases of MERS with 190 deaths. The review was done in order to attain a more accurate understanding of the virus outbreak.


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Component Designby
Technical Committee on Composite Construction of the Structural Engineering Institute of ASCE
Part of: Recommendations for Seismic Design of Hybrid Coupled Wall Systems
This chapter discusses component design. Topics include coupling beam design; beam-wall connection design; and wall pier design.
Subject Headings: Beams | Walls | Coupling | Connections (structural) | Piers
Return to search


text:
UW30 MPI VCI Paper 24 inch x 400 yards
VCI-Paper for multi-metal applications such as cast iron, steel, stainless steel, carbon steel, zinc, zinc coated, copper, brass, galvanized, aluminum and non-ferrous corrosion protection.
For use where no vapor barrier is required. Excellent for use where a combination of metals are present. 30 pound basis weight VCI paper.
Specialty products for your VCI packaging requirements of specific types of metals are available at VCI Paper or click on the ask a question link below.
| Export Packaging Design |
| VCI Paper Grade Selection |
| VCI Paper Catalog |
| UW30 MPI Data Sheet |


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Join us for our Last Supper service. This will be a remembrance of the Last Supper and looking at the last days of Jesus with his disciples and his journey toward the cross. Childcare will be provided for 5 and under in the Nursery.
Back to All Events
Earlier Event: April 8Simulcast with Priscilla Shirer
Later Event: April 16Rancho Kids Easter


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Search Results
CSCI 311. Design & Analysis of Algorithms. 1 Credit.
Offered Fall Semester Only; Lecture hours:3,Recitation:1
Introduction to the algorithms and data structures used in implementing abstract data types including priority queues, dictionaries, and graphs. Includes complexity analysis of various implementations. Prerequisites: MATH 241 and CSCI 205 or permission of the instructor.
Computer Science (CSCI)
The undergraduate programs in computer science stress fundamental principles of computational thinking, including solid theoretical underpinnings, computational methods and models for solving problems, principles for designing computing systems to meet human needs, and techniques for analyzing the effectiveness of these methods, models, and systems. They provide students with the conceptual foundation needed to stay at the front of this fast-changing field. For most courses, classroom learning is enhanced through significant faculty-directed, hands-on experience, typically in the form of a regularly scheduled laboratory.
Computer Engineering (CPEG)
...Concentration electives: CSCI 311 Design & Analysis of Algorithms , CSCI 341 Theory of Computation , CSCI 331...


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Tuesday, October 16, 2012
If only we arrange our life
according to that principle that counsels us
that we must always hold difficult,
then that which now seems to us
the most alien will become what we
most trust and find most faithful
– Rilke
I'm not even going to try and top such profound and momentous words. Arrange your life with some aspect of discipline, hold to what you find difficult and you grow through that experience. Pseudo-poetic philosophy is always prone to varying interpretation. Its been a mostly shit year and I'd say that this dogma has been resounding as the nagging, ever-present voice in my head that's driven me on auto-pilot through most of it. I'm not alone in that journey either. We all have immense amounts of stress and strife in our lives; some of it self-created, the rest of it in the hands of those damnable "Powers-that-be" and totally outside our realm of influence.
I have a friend who has been battling social indignity and prejudice all her life and literally has the resilience of a mountain; this will she has used to craft beautiful art from her pain and experience. Of course there is my partner and confidant, who I was blessed to have had tumble into my once rather-myopic life and who has since showed me just how powerful companionship and trust can be when in the presence of love. I'd be woefully remiss if I didn't mention my mother and sister too, each a muse in their own right. All of these guides, and without their lessons I would be a shadow of what I am today. No man is an island, blah, blah, blah, yet this wisdom doesn't resonate with you until you really look back over a fair share of years and realize just how much you've been shaped by the past. Particularly the people you've met, at least for the sake of this ramble.
The thing about philosophy is that its incredibly introspective and too often singular in its focus. Rilke is an excessive offender of this, all philosophers usually are, as astute as they may be. While what I am about to commit might be seen by some as a literary sin, I'd like to re-interpret Rilke's immaculate words if I may. Initially I claimed that I would not try to "top" Rilke's sagacity, and this is true; it would be like painting over a Picasso with crayons and hoping for a more inventive result. Think of this as me sharing his words as I see them, with the meanings that I interpret as I see through my eyes his art.
If only we arrange our life
according to the principles that counsel us
that we must always hold difficult,
viewing in others a mirror to our fortitude,
a song that echoes without end,
then that which now seems to us
the most alien and frightful will become
what we most trust and find most faithful;
we are not only alone
but nurtured in our solitudes
Please don't send a vengeful spectre to torment me tonight, dear Rilke, I have the best of intentions.
Onto other news. It looks like I'm submitting that story I mentioned in my last post for a rather exciting opportunity, and if it gets picked up that kills the idea of dispensing bits and pieces of it on account of the whole first-print copyright shtick. I'll do a different work, perhaps an evolving piece based on blog input instead.
I'd also add that the world of editing – of all things literary really – operates on its own clocks and that a certain zen attitude needs to be adopted if you ever hope to have someone peruse your work with a critical eye and/or prepare it for greater exposure. But that's the point of art isn't it? To share it. Once you get over the fear of sharing, receiving feedback is easy. At least that's what I keep telling myself as I wait for the impending conversation regarding my manuscript.
Tonight, I'll be thumbing through my Rilke lore looking for an excerpt on patience.
Goodnight Loves,


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It is going to be a great weekend for fishing, and they are still catching lots of Walleye. Best is SE to the Rockline and set up there and trolling South out in to deeper water. Still Running the same program as all summer. We just received a load of dispys and some spoons this week!!!
Well how many times can I say nothing has changed… They are still catching lots of Walleyes SE to 60ft of water (about 5 miles), and running same program as all summer. Some are running 190 deg South out to the tip of the RockLine (about 15 miles) and catching a few Steelhead and still getting their limit of Walleyes.
Sorry there has been no post, but the fishing has not changed in 30 days. They are still catching lots of Walleyes everywhere, East ,South and West the best is to start in 55ft to 60ft of water.


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Malcolm White talks with Alexander Bostic and Dominic Lippillo, MAC visual art fellowship recipients featured in the exhibit "A Perspective of People" now on display at the Mississippi Library Commission. Bostic and Lippillo are both art professors at Mississippi State University.
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David Lewis aired on June 17, 2018


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Sibling Splashdown
August 20, 2018 9:34 pm
Hot teen stepsis Vienna Black wasin the living room attempting to lear to play piano. Stepbro Tyler heard the noise from the other room. She didn't know what she was doing, but luckily Tyler can give her some help. Only if she can help him with his cock, though . . .
Category: Amateur, Hardcore, Old and Teen, SisLovesMe
Tags: Sibling Splashdown, Vienna Black


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World News: 07:04 GMT Friday 12th October 2018. [Majedie Asset Management Ltd via Globe Newswire via SPi World News]
More news and information about Majedie Asset Management Ltd
Globe Newswire: 07:04 GMT Friday 12th October 2018
Published: 2018-10-12T07:04:13.
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Top 6 New Credit Card Perks
Today's best credit cards go beyond aprs and annual fees. Since new credit card rules restrict lenders' abilities to manipulate interest rates beyond a promotional period – perks, rewards, and customer service are perhaps the only ways to tell many of the best credit cards apart nowadays.
Issuers have entered a new battle over consumers with good to excellent credit scores offering goodies such as aggressive purchase protection and warranty replacement. Check out Forbes.com for the full list of the top six trends in credit card perks.


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The Best 2 Litre Poultry Drinker with Two Lubing Cups is now available in red.
Have you been looking for a compact Poultry Water Dispenser with Twin Lubing Cups? Look no further. Our Chicken Waterer with Two Lubing Cups 2lt is part of Dine A chooks latest additions. It is suitable for all age birds but especially useful in your brooder box with your 1-day old chicks.
Ideal for dispensing of liquid medications, such as vitamin supplements as well as dewormers like Kilverm.
Uses for the Dine A Chook Small Chicken Waterer with Two Lubing Cups 2lt:
Breeding Pens
Small chook pens where space is limited
Showing, as it prevents contamination, fits in small areas and is easy to transport
As a second waterer where birds pass the hottest part of the day, this allows for improved hydration over the summer
Our Lubing Cup Poultry Drinkers are suitable for use with chickens and other poultry, as well as many game birds and aviary birds. You can also use this Poultry drinker for Ducks as well as Geese.
1 x 2 Litre Chicken Drinker with Twin Lubing Cup outlets
1 x Complimentary Mounting Kit containing two stainless steel brackets and four screws
We have many more Chicken Drinkers available for you to choose from. Shop our Chicken Waterer Selection
Hand-built in Australia
Except for the top-quality, German-made Lubing Cups, all of our parts are manufactured in Australia exclusively for Dine a Chook
Made from industrial-grade PVC treated for UV resistance, meaning that our Drinkers will not crack or become brittle in the sun
Contaminant-free: no lead, no BPA, no screws, no rust, no glue, no algae and no mould
Fitted with two Lubing Drinker Cups providing professional-standard, on-demand hydration
Up-graded with a Dine a Chook float for higher resting water in the Drinker Cup
Designed to prevent contamination of the drinking water with dirt and feed, helping to prevent the spread of disease
Also includes built-in moulded mounting hooks, a lock on lid, lid hook and carry handle for your convenience
Australian Quality Assurance
We are a family-owned and -operated company dedicated to working with Australian-manufacturers to locally source the best quality parts for our poultry products. We put the same level of care into everything we do, whether that is finding the best manufacturer, testing our designs, packing your order or building our Poultry Drinkers by hand. At Dine a Chook, your poultry is our passion.


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Art is...
In sixth grade, my teacher would assign these unfinished sentences as creative writing prompts. Each student had to finish the sentence after recess then elaborate on their thoughts. We'd spend twenty to thirty minutes writing paragraphs then choose if we'd like to share with the whole class or not.
Today, as young adults, we still continue to do the same thing, except we give ourselves these prompts. We decide which prompts we are going to actively answer and how we are going to answer them. We decide which artistic medium we are going to use to elaborate ourselves--film, photography, writing, music, acting, performance, painting. We pour our time, energy, and selves into these projects for seemingly little reward, only to share a bit of ourselves to those who may care. However, it isn't so cut and dry. We pursue these creative passions to express our feelings and thoughts and that's just the beginning.
Art brings people together, even as adults. It's teamwork, whether that is before the inner workings begin, during the creation process, or after a piece has been made to be shared. More often than not, it is meant to be talked about and digested by individuals. Art is not dead.
We have creative outlets to seek fulfillment within ourselves, something that no one else can give us. That doesn't mean that other people cannot help along the way though. People can drive us to make art. Though their words. Through their actions. Through their support.
As I get to know my "artist friends" better, I come to realize that many of them don't see art as a team process. They say, "This is my piece, and I'd love some help if you have the time" or "I feel guilty when other people help me because I'm taking their time." People make fun of the common sentence, "Wow, this piece just really speaks to me. " It may sound demeaning to some, but it had to have come from somewhere.
Art is meant to be shared with a community. Not only does it help the initiator seek peace, but it can help each person who interacts with it. More often than not, a piece doesn't only belong to the person leading a project. It becomes everyone's who comes in contact with it, figuratively of course. People develop emotional connections to beautiful things. It's in the interpretation process of the creative language. As artists and people, we share our human vulnerabilities to also (intentionally and unintentionally) find ourselves. And that helps them get through the rough journey of life.
Art is a necessary part of life as creative beings and as a community.
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply.
My thoughts, writings, and experiments. Big or small. They're here.
May 2018


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Walk: Beinn a' Bhuird & Ben Avon - Cairngorms marathon
|[View over The Sneck to Beinn a' Bhuird from the ascent to Ben Avon]
The formidable hulks of Beinn a' Bhuird and Ben Avon comprise some of the highest and most inhospitable ground in the country. Both are extensive and remote plateaus: the former fringed by dramatic cliffs, the latter capped with a cluster of rocky tors. Both can be tackled in a single, epic day by one of the most memorable walks in the Cairngorms. At a monstrous 37 km in distance, this is a serious undertaking, passing through terrain miles from the nearest road. On a summer day in good conditions however, long daylight hours make the circuit feasible for experienced walkers, with wonderfully varied terrain keeping interest going as the legs inevitably tire. Just one highlight of the journey is that it passes the "Hidden Bothies": possibly as many as three separate shelters blending into the hillside around the intimate upper part of Gleann an t-Slugain. They're not marked on maps (and shouldn't be confused with the more substantial ruin of Slugain Lodge) and are in fact so well hidden that we couldn't find any of them. If you do manage to stumble upon it, photos or it didn't happen...
|[Beinn a' Bhuird (29/4/12)]
📌 Walk: Beinn a' Bhuird & Ben Avon - Cairngorms marathon ★★★★★
▶ 37 km / 23 miles | ▲ 1150 metres | ⌚ Full day walk
Main summits: Beinn a' Bhuird (1197 metres, Munro), Cnap a' Chleirich (1172 metres), Ben Avon (1171 metres, Munro)
Points of interest: Linn of Quoich; Hidden Bothy; Invercauld Monument
Start / finish: Car park for Linn of Quoich at end of minor road, 2 miles west (as the crow flies) from Braemar, G.R.: NO 117910 ///stowing.finest.version
Route: Car park - east bank of Quoich Water (or stay on west bank to avoid destroyed bridge - see below) - cross back at Linn of Quoich - Glen Quoich - cross Allt an Dubh-ghlinne at G.R.: NO 080947 - An Diollaid - cliffs above Coire an Dubh-lochain - Beinn a' Bhuird north top - Cnap a' Chleirich - The Sneck - Ben Avon - return to The Sneck - Clach a' Cleirich - Gleann an t-Slugain & Hidden Bothy - Balnagower Cottage & Invercauld Monument - start
Terrain: Good tracks make for quick progress through Glen Quoich, then an excellent path - intermittent on the rocky plateau. Descent into and ascent out of The Sneck is steep and a bit loose. Good paths for remainder, becoming a track again in Gleann an t-Slugain. The crossing of Allt an Dubh-ghlinne has no bridge, and wouldn't be possible in spate. Bridge over Quoich Water at the very start & end of the route is down at time of 2019 update so must be waded twice (or once with diversion above) - impossible in spate.
Wildlife today: Ptarmigan with several chicks on Beinn a' Bhuird, as well as an inquisitive snow bunting.
Weather today: Often sunny although with thunder clouds threatening on Beinn a' Bhuird. A bit windy on the plateau, but hot in the glens on return. One or two remaining snow patches in the sheltered coires.
|[The ruins of Slugain Lodge, not far from the Hidden Bothy...]
Route map
Route credit: Scotland off the beaten track


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We set out for parts unknown – a little-known pub in Southwest Portland, where no man dares to go, least not without a good stiff drink and mapquest directions. Our destination – McMenamin's Hillsdale Brewery & Public House, home to the 13th Annual Hillsdale Brewfest. After what seemed like hours of aimless driving on crooked streets, a light in the sky told us we were near … the Bat Signal? No, dear reader, the Beer Beacon. Behold it's magnificence! 139.5 gallons of brilliance!
The reason for our journey? "The Battle of the Belts." It's no "Thrilla in Manilla," but there were 18 beers to be tasted from across the McEmpire, and far less danger of contracting malaria. Remember … no known pathogens can survive in beer.
Patrons to the Hillsdale House were invited to sample each beer in two flights of nine beers each. Each flight was $6. Pours were approximately 2 oz. "Vallhalla" is Norsk for "Hillsdale." You be the judge.
A point (pint?) of criticism: beers were not well-arranged in the proper light-to-dark tasting order that is preferential. Each tray contained a good mix of very light and very dark beers. I assume someone thought that most patrons would only order one flight, and so tried to mix it up. That someone, it seems, had not met Bruce and Eryn.
A tasting of scope so large required a group of trained drinkers: the much-feared Bruce and Eryn team, Kari and Andrew, Sarah, and myself: brewer, drinker, photographer, renaissance man. Pose!
Isn't it great when every moment of your life is documented, even the moments you're documenting? I imagine Jane Goodall's life would have been much richer and certainly better-documented had the apes had digital cameras and high-speed internet.
With thoughtful livers, we began, laying waste to 2 flights per couple. The tiny glasses began to add up as our commentary became more colorful.
"Terrible. Fishy."
"Belongs in a goblet."
"Remiscent of Rome on the morning March 13th, 1974 – airy, but with a still calm prescient of manifest destiny."
Note: napkin not to scale.
Taste buds deadened, we proceeded to vote using my ever-present Sharpie marker and the blood of our enemies. The group favorite was easily Cornelius Roadhouse's "Los Diablos del Paso" Imperial IPA, although it ranged from 1st to 3rd favorite depending on intellect. My personal favorite was "Monkey Wrench" from McMenamins Queen Anne, an American Amber that tended more toward the Imperial IPA style with just a bit more color. The Chinook hops were present at every turn … Hoptastic.
Special consideration went to Dad Watson's "Marchioness di Garibaldi," by far the most daring entry, and a flavor explosion in teh Gueze style. Cidery with tons of Black Cherry flavor, it was a taste explosion that easily could have topped ice cream. This is the one that belongs in a goblet.
When all was said and done, a fine evening spent at pretentious pursuits. After some hazy calculation, we bid the Hillsdale Brewfest Buh-bye and adjourned for trendy-first.
Epilogue: "White Lightning" took first place. Our group felt it a good contender and some of our party rated it in the top 3. Our favorite, "Los Diablos del Paso," took home 2nd place. Krakatoa, the one we labeled "fishy," "worst beer ever," and "this is the beer they serve in hell," took 3rd. Just shows to go ya.


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BAKER'S DOZEN for 10/17/2007
An All Mod Con
Brian Germain on Xcape CON 1 and more
I first met Brian Germain in the late 90s, and have been increasingly impressed with the work he's done as an artist and comics creator ever since. He's a regular fixture on the Michigan con circuit, and I always try to swing by his booth to check out what he's been working on and what he has coming up. And, as I've learned over the years, I'm invariably both impressed and pleasantly surprised with what I see and hear at his table. Still, none of those past experiences prepared me for his latest project: Xcape Con 1, a brand new gathering which features comics creators alongside other artists and performers, set in a venue just outside of Flint, Michigan.
And if you think that there's nothing much that's decidedly different about this convention, well, you ain't seen nothing yet.
Bill Baker:
What is Xcape CON?
Brian Germain:
Xcape CON is the first and only Comic and Pop-culture convention in Mid-Michigan in over 20 years! It also has been said that it is the largest one in the Mid-Michigan area ever! We are also lucky enough to have what I believe is another convention first, and that is live bands that will play from the time the convention floor closes until midnight.
How'd this all come about? What were the circumstances that lead to the impulse to create this particular show, and who's been involved with making it a reality?
This show was the product of things like high admission costs and the will, as well as the curiosity and drive, to try something different.
See, we had been tossing around the idea of doing our own convention after some troubles we had at another convention, not to mention some of the prices we were paying to be at these conventions as publishers. So, what started as a joke between some of my cohorts and I, ended up turning into what seemed to be a glimmer of a possibility as we found a small place next to a gaming den called Total X-Scape Gaming, which consisted of 32 serial linked
that people could play by hourly rates and join tournaments etc. Two doors down from that place was another place called Adventurer's Guildhouse, which was a small Mecca for fans of
Magic the Gathering
and other
such games
. In between the two was a big vacant room that Total X-Scape had rented and was putting on indy concerts and minor league pro wrestling type events. The Total X-Scape guys were looking for promoters for events and I said, "Hey have you guys ever thought about doing a comic convention?" and they were pretty much up for anything--plus they were willing to give us the venue for free for a percentage of the take of door sales. Since they were already doing indy rock concerts we thought we'd involve that in with the convention.
With all that said, we immediately started pre-planning. This was back in Late July. We wanted to come up with a name for the convention and thought that if we could involve Flint's rep for being kinda rough, along with the rock sub-culture, it would be perfect. We came up with Flint Freak Fest. Well, it turns out that the Machine Shop [a local rock bar] already had done a show with that name, so Randy Zimmerman said, "Why don't we call it X-Scape CON," to go along with the Total X-Scape Gaming name since they were the ones in charge of the venue.
However, they pulled up anchor and left business, so that plan fell through in late August-Early September. And so I started calling some of my would-be guests and letting them know that the convention was cancelled. I got to my business partner, Christine Owens, who runs COM Publishing, and she said, Don't cancel it yet, something might come up!" Me, being very doubtful of this and having already called one of my most famous guests, followed up by not calling anyone else. At that point I had tried, unsuccessfully, for nearly two weeks to get a hold of the only other two venues I wanted to have it at. One of these venues required that I pay for the building for the whole month--this was just to hold a 3-day convention--plus get my own liability insurance. The other I had no idea about, because they were unreachable.
About a week into September, Matt Hufnagle, the manager from that venue, The Birch Run Expo Center, got a hold of me and we chatted about prices. Thankfully, with no small amount of borrowing later, we had ourselves a venue about a month too short to plan the kind of convention we wanted to have. So, basically, we changed the name to Xcape CON so as not to be exactly like the old venue, and I contacted everyone in my phonebook that I had networked with over the last ten years--at least the ones whose numbers I still had --and promised something big was on the horizon. Almost everyone I contacted was overjoyed to do a new show.
So, really the people who helped make this show happen were the other promoters and my finance people, as well as the talent for this show. Friends, and friends of friends, networking together.
So, how radically has the shape of the show changed since the idea for the con was conceived?
Well, originally we had the idea to be a very small convention, a sort of large book signing with a couple of dealers there. The music element was added later, borne of the idea that the original venue was already booking tons of indy bands. Originally when the idea came up, we also wanted to do more with it--have leather and fetish type stuff, fine arts, graphic designers, comic artists, erotica artists, tattoo guys, piercers, graffiti artists and so on. We wanted a mix of all types of artists, weird and so on. I think we've still got a really interesting mix, but the convention changed form to more of the pop-culture type, I think, due in part to the people we knew and the time we had to get things organized. As it was, we had the venue, the website and guests listed in at least a working form on the website within a week of knowing that everything was a for sure go. Which put us near the second week of September somewhere.
What kind of reaction has the mixing of music and comics been amongst the fan community? How about from the comics professionals and the musicians?
So far the reaction has been amazing, to say the least. Everyone has been aching for something like this, and there are tons of people who are coming to the rock show because of the comic show, and vice versa. We expect a really nice turnout and are hoping for more than we expect. We sent out ton's of flyers and free passes, and are hoping to get some radio advertising with some of our promotions.
This convention isn't just a normal convention by any standards. It's news! The time and place that it's hitting make it an historic occasion. We also have a couple of celebrities coming out, which should also make it newsworthy, and we hope to get some T.V. coverage with the local stations. Fat Momma from the Sci-Fi Channel's "
Who Wants To Be A Superhero?
will be there, along with Jason Carter, an Alumnus from the
Babylon 5
series, to name a couple.
So who are some of the different comics creators and publishers who'll be there, and what bands are scheduled to play?
Despite this being our first convention, the guest list is astounding. We have talent from
. We have
Bill Messner-Loebs
Eddy Newell
, Uko Smith,
Mark Bloodworth
, Bill Bryan, and the list goes on--it's great! As far as publishers go, of course Dark Elf Designs and COM Publishing will be on hand, but we also have CORE and ColdCore, as well as the veteran company Arrow Comics. Of course, I am sure several of the publishers and creators as well, would love to see more creative people and their portfolios.
Now the bands are another story; we wanted to keep them part of the convention and also going along the same theme. However, seeing that they would clearly clash if the noise level was too high, we decided to keep them somewhat separate at the same time, so we named it THE REFUGE. We have a multitude of pro-am indy rockers from Dorstein and Myth not man, to MCR Electric Otto and American Modifier. Needless to say, people should check out our complete convention guest list on the con site [
], since there are too many too list them all here.
Why hold the show in Flint? Is there something historically significant about the area, regarding comics, for instance, or might it have more to do with pragmatic considerations, such as cost or availability of hotels and the convention site?
Well, there are a lot of reasons, one being that the people of the Flint area need something positive to come into their area. The other is I live in the Flint area and have always believed that Flintites are some of the strongest willed people on the planet. You'll find similar people anywhere on the planet that is economically repressed or depressed. Historically, there has only been one comic book convention in Flint that anyone can remember, and it was over 22 years ago. Also, we just wanted to have something cool going on in this area again. We are actually running the show in Birch Run, which is about 20 minutes north of Flint, so if people were planning on shopping that weekend [November 2nd and 3rd, 2007], it's a perfect stop to pick up unique, one-of-a-kind type gifts while they are shopping the Prime Outlets across the street. Finally, scenic Frankenmuth is just 15 minutes away from the convention center.
With a cover price of only six [$6] bucks to get into either show, you can't go wrong. Heck, fast food is more expensive these days!
We also have a special two-day pass for fifteen [$15] dollars for both shows. That's a savings of nine dollars. It's like your getting in for an extra whole day nearly free.
How exactly are you going to handle the mixing of live music and comics within the space? You said earlier that they'll be playing later in the day, but will it be in the same area the con's happening, or in another part of the con center?
Well, the bands will be playing in the Parlberg Room, which we are setting up as the gaming room and where we might stage contests throughout the day. It's on the first floor of the Expo Center, while the actual comics convention will happen on the Mezzanine. Also THE REFUGE Rock Aftershow is currently just that--an After Show. Part of the idea is that at these other conventions often have aftershow parties that are located elsewhere, and it's after the show and the guests know about them more so than the fans. We thought, "Why not party
the fans and include them in the aftershow party?"
So what we are doing is that the comics convention will be $6 to get in, and then the aftershow THE REFUGE will also be a $6 cover, or $10 to go to both. The music won't start jammin' until just about the time the show is over, and this will accomplish two things: it will either irritate the people who don't want to stay for THE REFUGE, or it will make them want to stay for it. Either way, since the convention floor will be in the process of shutting down, it will be a good fun thing to have going on. Plus, there will be a cash bar afterward. We will be limiting the age group at the rock show to 14 and up.
Now, I know that this isn't your only project. You're also a comics creator and studio head, among other things. So what else have you got going on that you can talk about at this point?
Wow, glad you asked. Of course, I am not sure if there is a short answer, although I will give it my best shot!
Well, I just did the cover for a novel called
Legerdemain: The Shattered Mage Saga
, which contains iIllustrations by
William Messner-Loebs
and myself, and a tongue-in-cheek book of anecdotes called
Chicken Wings for the Beer Drinker's Soul
. I am working on the cover for three more novels,
Karma Thief
Dreamers at Infirmities Core
, and
A Not So Perfect Christmas
In my project list there are several other things I am working on, including a graphic novel with Jwan Jordan called
Circular World: the Ballad of Broken Steel
; a graphic novel of my own with heavy Shakespearian overtones called
; a follow up to my original
# 0; as well as a follow up to my recently released
The Gryphon
# 0. We also released
The Sorrow
# 0 anthology at a signing recently, and that will make its convention debut at Xcape CON. We also just set up a deal with a beautiful French Playboy Playmate named Drakaina, and we will possibly be publishing a unique art book of hers toward the end of this year entitled
Drakaina: Fantasy of Desires
, and we also have two comic books in the works with her as the main character.
The Dark Elf Crew are also working on other stories with and for me including
Smoke 'N' G.U.N.N.
, a post apocalyptic cowboy story with a twist;
, which is based on the model of the same name--she won a contest and now we are using her likeness as a comic book character, in sort of the
Who Wants To Be A Superhero?
style. Speaking of that show, we will be working on something with Nell "Fat Momma" Wilson which has something to do with her character from
to benefit childhood illness. Let's see, what else? Oh, yeah, we have
, which is a spin-off story about the origin of the Dreamweaver character in
# 0. This will help explain who the DreamWeaver is, how she come into being, and also why she is a bad guy in the
books. And then there's
a sort of "
"-type of comic we are working on with Rudy Farchione. And, beyond that, there is plenty on our to do list. Those are just the projects closest to fruition, so to speak.
Who do you hope this show will appeal to? Are you mainly shooting for the Flint and Detroit Metro suburban hipsters and comic reading crowd, or are you hoping it will pull in a more diverse crowd than that?
Oh yeah, I am definitely hoping for a diverse crowd! That was one of the reasons behind throwing it in Birch Run. Hopefully, the fact that we have live bands going on there at night will bring in new readers and the curious just to see what the show is about. I have always thought if there is a person out there who doesn't or hasn't read comic books, then they just haven't found the right one. Sooooo many people don't realize that, very often, what they are watching on the big screen lately was already a comic book or originally envisioned as a comic book, like
The Matrix
Road to Perdition
Sin City
Aeon Flux
V for Vendetta
Men in Black
and the soon-to-be-released
30 Days of Night
to name a few. Of course, all of us comic fans are, like, "How could you not know?" but you'd be surprised.
So, yeah, the audience I am trying to reach is a broad array of would-be comic and graphic novel readers that just haven't found their flavor, as well as comic veterans who are sick of having their favorite characters messed over, and people who will enjoy continuity.
What do you want the people attending the show to get from it? How about the comics professionals, the publishers, and the performers?
Well, ultimately I want people to just have a fun time. But it would be nice to introduce some new faces to comic books and art in general, as well as have people walk away with a sense that they had been entertained by something kind of unexpected. As for veteran con-goers--including the guests--I would love for them to leave saying, "Man, this was one of the greatest conventions I have ever been to!" Also, I'd like to give them something to attend that's perhaps a little closer to home, travel-wise.
For the publishers, pros and performers, I want them to feel like they are wanted there, that they had a great time, and that they got something out of it. And, again for both the attendees and guests, I would like for them to feel like they had a great time for a inexpensive price, and for them to go home happy because they didn't spend the normally gratuitously large entrance fee. All that and, "Hey, there's
!" [Laughter]
Yes I am a guy who appreciates free parking.
What do you hope to accomplish with this event...and do you see this as an ongoing event, and perhaps even one that could break ground, creating a new kind of cross-over audience for both comics and indy music, or are your aims a little more conservative than that?
Well, I have learned to set my goals high, but be conservative in the steps I take to reach them. I think that is part of why Dark Elf Designs has been very successful in the past, plus we are very down-to-earth as far as what and why we believe we can achieve things that might not normally be considered down-to-earth. With that said, yes, we'd love to be doing this convention again next year, and maybe twice a year, eventually. We also hope it grows to be large enough to take over the entire Expo Center for a day or three. Plus, there are more than just live bands we'd like to institute.
We are, I believe taking that step toward a cross-over audience by including things like that. And you know it has been a logical step for a long time; it's just that no one has taken it before this that I know of, and I have often wondered why. Rock and Roll is even a genre of comics, otherwise there may have never been a
Heavy Metal
movie. But we will have a couple of the Flint area's best tattoo guys appearing there at the show, as well, and you know I just would like to broaden comics
into the area they started from--get them back into the subcultures that made them famous in the first place. A lot of people think that comics were made originally for kids and then, because of the comics code--which that is a whole different interview with a whole different person--they started to look more like kids books, and then eventually aimed toward kids. In the underground scene of comics, mature readership and mature level books were still going strong. But I digress.
So, yeah, we would love to throw bigger and better shows for years to come.
And what do you, Brian, hope to get from doing Xcape CON, personally or professionally?
Personally, it has been a challenge for myself, just to see if I could do it. Outside of my circle of four, there hasn't been anyone really helping to organize this event or set it up. I would like to thank everyone that has been pushing and/or pulling for this event, including many of our guests who have been giving it tons of word of mouth as well as handing out flyers and so on.
Professionally, other than gaining enough money back to break even and possibly do another show, I would also like to try and get enough in the way of cash to get some personal bills paid off or down. And maybe have enough money to take my wife out to eat once in a while. Yeah, that'd be nice. [General laughter] It would also be great if we had some money for Dark Elf to use toward publishing. But, ultimately, I think I get out of it an experience that you can only get by doing it, and that, in itself, is worth its weight in coin.
Anything else you'd like to add before I let you get back to it?
Of Course! We are already planning for the next show, and we are also planning a show for February 23rd [2008] that will be a Rock and Roll, Biker, Tattoo Slinger, Partyin' good time called REFUGE Rock Fest.
Since we are already planning the second Xcape CON, we'd love for you to drop by the website at
and continuously check for updates, as well as check out our Guest and Band Bio's. And by all means, please drop by our MySpace page
and give us feedback, "Friend" us, have your friends "Friend" us and so on. In the meantime, check out The Dark Elf Designs website www.darkelfdesigns.com and sure to check out our galleries; check out the Dark Elf Designs MySpace page at
and add us to your "Friends" list there, too. And, last but not least, feel free to add my MySpace page as well
. And for cryin' out loud, go to our cafepress store at
and buy something cool or give us some feedback on something you'd like to see there!
If you need more information, including directions to the con, you'll find that on the Birch Run Expo Center's webpage at
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MBDO Presents Flag To MFA
The Maywood Bataan Day Organization was proud to present a US flag to be flown at the new Maywood Fine Arts center. Lois Baumann and her husband Ernie were on hand on Sunday, September 13, 2015, to receive the flag. Lois was excited to be opening the new facility and MBDO President Richard McMahon wished her great success.
More information on the Maywood Fine Arts center at their website: http://www.maywoodfinearts.org/
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Japanese Hot Pots: Comforting One-Pot Meals
Using savory broths and healthy, easy-to-find ingredients such as seafood, poultry, greens, roots, mushrooms, and noodles, these classic one-pot dishes require minimal fuss and preparation, and no special equipment—they're simple, fast recipes to whip up either on the stove or on a tableside portable burner, like they do in Japan. Wholesome, delicious Japanese comfort food, hot pot cooking satisfies the universal desire for steaming, gratifying and hearty meals the whole family can enjoy.
Product Details
|Potter/Ten Speed/Harmony/Rodale
|Publication date:
|Sales rank:
|Product dimensions:
|9.06(w) x 9.58(h) x 0.61(d)
About the Author
HARRIS SALAT writes about food and culture for the New York Times, Gourmet, Saveur, and other publications. He is the coauthor of Takashi's Noodles. He lives in New York City.
Read an Excerpt
Hot pots, what the Japanese call nabe (nah-beh), are a fundamental style of Japanese home cooking, which means, by definition, they're simple, fast, and easy to prepare. Many of us, though, have almost no point of reference for Japanese food beyond the local sushi bar, so cooking this cuisine can sometimes seem exotic and intimidating. But here's a secret: with a little know-how, Japanese food is a cinch to make, especially these comforting dishes. In the pages that follow, we'll walk you though everything you need to know, from understanding essential ingredients and seasonings to choosing the right cookware to learning basic techniques. So very soon, whipping up a gorgeous hot pot will become as second nature as roasting a chicken.
What is a Japanese Hot Pot?
Japanese hot pots are a delicious medley of foods poached in broth inside a single cooking vessel, a tempting combination of vegetables, tofu, noodles, seafood, poultry, or meat. They're usually enjoyed in the colder months, but many of these dishes are also eaten year round. They evolved in Japan as wholesome, economical, and complete one-pot meals, especially with rice or noodles added at the finish as is customary. Compared to Western foods, they're heartier than soup but not as dense as stew.
Think of hot pots as a mingling of tasty layers: broth, foundation ingredients (basic foods found in every dish), main ingredients, natural flavorings like soy sauce and miso, and accents and garnishes like wasabi. Each of these enhances the others and together they create the dish. And because the ingredients and flavorings cook in broth, they impart their essence to the liquid as well as to the other foods in the pot. So everything is nuancing everything else all the time--which is why these dishes produce such delightfully vibrant tastes even though they're so easy to make.
Let's take a peek at each of the layers to understand them better.
Broth (and Dashi)
Japanese hot pots come in three basic styles, based on the broth--water and kombu, flavored stock, or a thick broth. In the first, water simmers with kombu, a remarkable kelp (see "The Power of Kombu," page 6). Foods poached in this liquid are then dipped into a sauce to add taste. In the second, stock is combined with flavorings like soy sauce or miso (a fermented paste) to create a complex broth that infuses the foods simmering in it. No need to dip. Finally, there's a thick broth closer to a sauce than a stock, substantial enough to stand up to boldly flavored foods like beef, venison, or oysters.
Japanese-style chicken stock (page 32), mushroom stock, or even sake can form the basis of a hot pot broth, but dashi is the most common. For good reason. The Japanese word for "stock," dashi is both a generic term and one synonymous with the classic stock made from kombu and dried, shaved bonito (a variety of tuna). This is the dashi we refer to throughout the book.
Kombu and bonito are both naturally preserved ingredients, and both remarkable. Giant kelp that can grow several yards long, kombu is dried into ribbons the thickness of cardboard. Bonito undergoes a more extensive transformation, the fish first filleted and boiled, then smoked, covered in mold, and sun-dried to the hardness of oak, a technique dating from the 1600s. All this culinary alchemy concentrates the ample umami naturally found in both ingredients (see "The Umm in Umami," opposite page). And when they combine in dashi--incredibly--their flavor compounds synergize and pack an even greater palate-pleasing wallop.
Making dashi is straightforward: You soak and heat the kombu in water to extract its essence, remove it, then steep the bonito flakes in the liquid, like tea (see Dashi, page 30). Compared to a traditional Western stock, where bones, roots, and herbs are slow-simmered to tease out their essence, dashi is faster to prepare. And with just two ingredients, it's also lighter, so its deep savory kick magnifies other foods rather than masks them, making dashi an incredibly versatile ingredient.
Foundation Ingredients
Every Japanese hot pot is cooked with a group of wholesome foods that bestow flavor, nutrition, and heft to the dish. These are the foundation ingredients, a humble, economical, and healthy assortment of roots, greens, onion, mushrooms, and tofu. Combine them with broth, natural flavor, and the main ingredients and you've got a deeply satisfying meal-in-a-pot. You may not be familiar with every food we describe here, but they're all age-old Japanese staples that contribute their own singular flavors and textures. (Texture is about how food feels inside your mouth, a sensation as pleasing as taste to the Japanese palate.) Also, the vegetables here are in peak season in Japan during the colder months, making them the traditional foods for this cooking. All hot pot ingredients are readily available at Japanese and Asian markets (see Resources, page 139).
Napa cabbage: A type of Chinese cabbage (and sometimes called that), it's the traditional workhorse of hot pot cooking, appearing in most recipes in the book. (In most cases we specify a particular way to slice these leaves. See "How to Slice Napa Cabbage," page 52.) This nutritious Japanese staple has a delicate taste, transforming as it cooks from crispy and green to tender and sweet. While it simmers, too, its porous leaves work like a sponge to absorb broth and pull in lots of flavor. Look for crisp, fresh leaves that are yellow-green at the tips, turning white at the stem. Note that for a few hot pots, instead of napa, we use ordinary round green cabbage, also long cultivated in Japan. Green cabbage has a stronger, more pronounced flavor than napa cabbage, and isn't as tender, but it works better for certain dishes. Use the green leaves only; discard the hard white core.
Daikon: A radish that looks like a giant white carrot, daikon can grow over a foot long and as thick as a baseball bat. Look for a firm root; when squeezed, it should feel like a taut balloon. In hot pots, daikon is eaten either cooked or grated raw. When poached, it develops a delicate sweetness and readily absorbs the flavors from a dish. Grated raw it adds a refreshing counterpoint, especially when matched with rich foods like oily fish. (Raw daikon also contains natural digestive enzymes that help assimilate said rich foods when eaten together.) When you peel a daikon, make sure to remove all of its thick, white skin to fully expose the glossy flesh. The middle of the root holds the sweetest flavor and is the best part for cooking. The tip, on the other hand, is spicy and fibrous; use it for grating. Daikon is usually precooked to soften it before it is added to a hot pot.
Negi: This remarkable onion has a sharp, acidic taste when raw that turns sweet and tender when simmered. We take advantage of both qualities in the recipes, pairing the bite of lightly poached negi with rich ingredients like pork belly to cut their fattiness, or cooking it all the way to add delectable sweetness to a broth. Negi also mellows the fishiness of seafood, adding a sappari (cleansing) quality to the palate, much like wasabi does for sushi. There are a number of varieties of negi, but we use Tokyo negi (also called naga negi), which is readily available here. Having long white cylinders that sprout green leaves, these onions grow up to 3/4 inch thick and 2 feet long. Unless we indicate otherwise, use the entire negi, including the green parts, but trim off any dry leaves. This onion is sometimes called "Japanese leek" (although not a leek) or "welsh onion" (no connection to Wales), but we're sticking to negi, like in Japan. Finally, if you can't find them, substitute two large scallions per negi in the recipes.
Japanese mushrooms: Autumn in Japan heralds the arrival of crisp hot pot weather--and the start of the country's celebrated wild mushroom picking season. Japanese mushrooms lavish incomparable earthy, woody flavors and fragrance to hot pots, and add a seductive visual touch to these dishes. We use a quartet of cultivated varieties that are readily available at Japanese and Asian markets.
If you have trouble finding any of these mushrooms, substitute white button, brown crimini, or another cultivated variety of your choosing (but not portobellos, whose flavor can overwhelm a broth). Wild edible mushrooms like trumpets and chanterelles are fantastic, too. Almost any mushroom will add fragrance and flavor to a hot pot, so feel free to give different varieties a try. To clean mushrooms, wipe off any dust and dirt with a damp paper towel or cloth. You can store them in the refrigerator for two to three days; just wrap in a paper towel and place inside a sealed container before sticking them in the fridge.
Shiitake are the best known Japanese mushrooms, with the common variety of this bold fungi found in gourmet markets across the country. There's also another type of shiitake often sold at Japanese markets called donko, with thicker caps that curl under. If you can find donko, use them because they have more potent flavor. (But regular shiitake are terrific, too.) Cut off the tough stems and discard before cooking, and halve any large caps to make them bite-size. Shiitake are also sold dried, which we reconstitute in water to make a stock for some recipes. Soak these whole, stems and all.
Shimeji are tender, straw-colored mushrooms that grow in clusters and have small caps that are 1/4 to 1/2 inch across. These mushrooms add more flavor than fragrance, infusing dishes with an appealing earthiness. They're typically sold in 100-gram packages (about 31/2 ounces).
Enoki are delicate white mushrooms that grow in a dense clump, with tiny white caps sitting atop long, thin stalks. They add a subtle but distinctive flavor and fragrance to hot pots. They're typically sold in 200-gram packages (about 7 ounces).
Oyster is our mushroom substitute for maitake, a delicious fungi but difficult to find here, while oyster mushrooms are native to America. (If you come across maitake, you can use them instead of oyster mushrooms in the recipes.) White oyster mushrooms grow in large clusters and have irregular-shaped caps. While not as distinctively fungusy as maitake, they add their own appealing flavor and fragrance. Cut their large caps into more manageable pieces.
Japanese greens: Greens add nutrition, flavor, and lovely color to hot pots. We use a trio of leaves in our dishes. The first, spinach, is as popular in Japan as it is here. The other two, mizuna and shungiku, are less familiar to American cooks. If you can't find one or the other, you can substitute watercress (which will add its own flavor to a hot pot) or spinach for either. No matter what the leaves, make sure to wash them well to remove any sand and dirt, and always add them as the last step so they quickly blanch but don't overcook.
Mizuna, called "pot herb mustard" in English, has long stems and jagged leaves that resemble dandelions. It has a mild taste with a hint of natural acidity. The stems, which you also cook, have a wonderful texture.
Shungiku are the fragrant leaves of a kind of chrysanthemum. This green has a strong, slightly bitter flavor that's distinct in the same way that the flavor of arugula is distinct (although the two are not alike). It's a classic hot pot ingredient that complements bold foods like meat.
Burdock root: This tapered, brown-colored root resembles the business end of a whip, about 3/4 inch at its thickest, and up to 3 feet long. Burdock imparts a sweet, earthy flavor to a broth. It's a mainstay of the rustic hot pots of Japan's far northern snow country and pairs beautifully with meat as well as other roots. Burdock has a hard, woody flesh that usually must be precooked (see "How to Slice and Poach Burdock Root," page 49). Never peel it, as most of its flavor is found close to its skin. Instead, either lightly scrape off the brown dirt on its surface with the back of a knife or, better, lightly scour it with an all-purpose scrubbing pad under running water to reveal its white flesh (a gentler touch than a knife). Rinse off any excess dirt. Also, if you're not cooking with it immediately, soak burdock in water treated with vinegar as soon as you clean it; otherwise it will oxidize and discolor. Use a teaspoon of distilled white or rice vinegar per cup of water.
Taro: This root, like burdock, is usually found in more rustic hot pots. Japanese taro is about the size of an egg, and has hairy brown skin, which you peel off. Its cream-colored flesh is sweet, earthy, and a touch starchy, with a slightly sticky consistency. Look for firm roots that have unblemished skin.
Tofu: Soybean curd is loaded with protein, and rich in calcium, iron, and vitamins. For our recipes, use Japanese-style or Korean-style tofu, if possible. Both are produced here, are available at Asian markets, and have a more sublime soybean flavor than supermarket varieties do. Tofu comes in many styles, but we use the following four kinds for hot pots.
Firm tofu (momen) can stand up to longer simmering, and is the one we use most often for hot pots.
Silken tofu (kinugoshi) has a delightful, fresh flavor but a very delicate texture, so handle gingerly.
Broiled tofu (yakidofu) is firm tofu that, yes, has been broiled, which reduces moisture, concentrates flavor, and gives the bean curd its distinctive toasty surface, a nice aesthetic highlight. If you can't find broiled tofu, substitute the firm variety, but don't broil it yourself.
Abura age (abu-rah ah-geh) is tofu that has been thinly sliced and deep fried. There are a number of abura age varieties; for our recipes, use the one shaped like a rectangle about 3 by 6 inches in size and 1/4 inch thick. They usually come several to a pack and can be stored frozen for months. Since it's deep fried, we first "wash" this tofu in boiling water to remove any excess oil.
By the way, you'll notice in the recipes that we usually call for big blocks of tofu (like that glorious bean curd in the cover photograph). Why the hefty hunks? More a Japanese custom than anything else. The outsized pieces look impressive in the pot--and are fun to break apart with chopsticks.
Hot pot noodles: In hot pots, noodles are traditionally eaten two ways--either cooked in the dish from the beginning or added as the shime (finish), at the end of the meal. The more familiar Japanese noodles, udon (wheat) and soba (buckwheat), are typically eaten as shime, which we'll get to later in this chapter. For cooking, Japanese use a number of less familiar noodles that serve to absorb flavor, add texture, and fill the belly from the get-go. This is economical eating, after all.
Harusame are thin, transparent noodles made from mung bean, potato, or sweet potato starch. They have to be soaked first, and depending on the noodle--they can be up to a foot long--cut in half or thirds before cooking. Harusame absorb the flavors of other ingredients and turn the color of the broth as they cook.
Itokonnyaku and shirataki are both squiggly, translucent noodles made from konnyaku, a gelatin produced from a type of root. Itokonnyaku are usually brownish-colored, about the thickness of spaghetti. Shirataki noodles are white-colored and thinner. These noodles don't absorb as much flavor as harusame; instead, they're enjoyed more for their pleasing chewy texture.
Table of ContentsContents
Acknowledgments vii
Introduction 1
The Basics 5
Basic Recipes 29
Dashi 30
Japanese Chicken Stock 32
Napa Cabbage—Spinach Rolls 33
Ponzu 34
Momiji Oroshi 35
Japanese Rice for Shime 36
Vegetables and Tofu 37
Mushroom Hot Pot 39
"Needle" Hot Pot 40
Kyoto Vegetable Hot Pot 42
Tofu Hot Pot 45
Kabocha Pumpkin Hot Pot 47
Rustic Soba Noodle Hot Pot 48
Hand-Pulled Noodle Hot Pot 51
Fish and Other Seafood 53
Salmon Hot Pot 55
Monkfish Hot Pot 56
Halibut Hot Pot 59
Sea Bass Shabu-Shabu 62
Whole Fish Hot Pot 64
Yellowtail and Daikon Hot Pot 66
Black Cod and Soy Milk Hot Pot 67
Kyoto Mackerel-Miso Hot Pot 69
Old Tokyo Tuna-Belly Hot Pot 71
Sardine Dumplings Hot Pot 72
Hiroshima Oyster Hot Pot 75
"Sleet" Hot Pot 77
"Snow" Hot Pot 78
"Strawberry" Hot Pot 81
Squid Hot Pot 82
Fukagawa Clam Hot Pot 83
Crab Hot Pot 85
Pirate Hot Pot 86
Bay Scallops and Sea Urchin Hot Pot 87
"Anything Goes" Hot Pot 89
Oden 91
Chicken and Duck 93
Hakata Chicken Hot Pot 95
Nagoya Chicken Sukiyaki 96
Old Tokyo Chicken Hot Pot 98
Akita Hunter Hot Pot 101
Chicken and Milk Hot Pot 103
Sumo Wrestler Hot Pot 105
Chicken Curry Hot Pot 107
Duck and Duck Dumpling Hot Pot 108
Duck Gyoza Hot Pot 111
Beef, Pork, Lamb, and Venison 113
Beef Sukiyaki 114
Beef Shabu-Shabu 117
Shabu-Suki 120
Yokohama Beef Hot Pot 123
Beef and Taro Root Hot Pot 124
Pork Shabu-Shabu 126
Pork Miso Hot Pot 127
Pork and Greens Hot Pot 128
Hakata Pork Intestines Hot Pot 130
Pork Kimchi Hot Pot 131
Sake Brewer Hot Pot 133
Lamb Shabu-Shabu 134
Venison Hot Pot 136
Resources 139
Index 143
Customer Reviews
Average Review
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
When I first got into japanese cooking I discovered the ceramic hot pots and of course i wanted to be authentic so i went and got this book Once I found all the things I needed (its hard to find some of the ingredients if you live like no where near an asian store) but if you can get what you need this book is soo fun, I made the halibut hot pot and the kabocha pumpkin hot pot,etc Its worth the money to get, I really want the nook version my hard copy had a run in with some liquid so I need to buy it again but nook color copy this time
I'm living in Japan and having read this book, I was more comforable in a Japanese grocery store. The meatballs in the chanko nabe were awesome. Living in rural Japan, this book was great!


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The dead are not meant to go,
but to trail off so that one can
see them on a distant hillock,
across the river, in dreams
from which one awakens nearly healed:
don't worry, it's fine to be dead,
they say, we were a little early
but we could not help ourselves.
Everyone dies as the children they were...
Since his death at the end of March, I've been thinking about Harrison and have realized that I've read more words written by him than any other person. Those words were in essays, memoirs, novels, novellas, but it's been towards his poetry that I've turned, possibly because he thought of himself primarily as a poet. Poets like writing about death, so I had no trouble finding passages. The words here are from a poem in the collection The Theory and Practice of Rivers which was dedicated to his niece after her death while still a teenager.
Harrison was fond of many things in life: eating, drinking, religious writings, women's bottoms, fishing, bird hunting, music. These often are mentioned in his writings so that those of us who didn't know him personally knew him through his words and will miss him.
It is that, but far more:
as if we take a voyage out of life
as surely we took a voyage in,
almost as frightened children
in a cellar's cold grey air;
or before memory- they put me on a boat
on this river, then I was lifted off;
in our hearts, as it is always just after
dawn, and each bird's song is the first,
and that ever so slight breeze that touches
the tops of trees and ripples the lake
moves through our bodies as if we were gods.


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AP makes its (lower)case for internet and web
From fervent denunciations to a tacit 'What took you so long?' the online cadre of editors and PR pros are chiming in on the shift, which is in effect today, as the 2016 Stylebook publishes.
Ding-dong: The 2016 AP Stylebook tolls.
If you're using a 2015 AP Stylebook, you're a year behind, and if you've capitalized internet at some point today, you've already made an error.
So says The Associated Press in its 2016 Stylebook revisions, effective today.
The "definitive resource for journalists, and a must-have reference for writers, editors, students and professionals" has put a decades-long debate to rest with one seemingly simple shift:
The 2016 Stylebook includes about 250 new or updated terms, including lowercase internet and web. https://t.co/x82XygL5Yj
— AP Stylebook (@APStylebook) May 27, 2016
Associated Press editors made this change—and several others—known in their review of the 2016 Stylebook at the ACES conference in April.
Editors, reporters and PR pros tweeted a mixed bag of reactions to the initial announcement. Here's a sampling:
"But the youngs don't capitalize 'Internet.' "
" The youngs don't capitalize 'Kansas City.' "
— Bill Walsh (@TheSlot) April 3, 2016
The AP Stylebook will no longer capitalize "internet." What a shame. https://t.co/uqWMi8U8fZ via @slate
— Katherine Purple (@katmpurple) April 4, 2016
Failing news service AP de-capitalizes "Internet" in their irrelevant stylebook no one uses anymore. Sad! https://t.co/EWn8PvFMfJ
— Peter Feld (@peterfeld) April 4, 2016
I don't care what the AP Style Guide says. I will never lowercase the specific network the "Internet." There's a very important distinction.
— Whitney Merrill (@wbm312) April 3, 2016
AP finally catches up with @guardianstyle. We've been lowercasing internet since 1999. https://t.co/eDy73kWZSc
— Guardian style guide (@guardianstyle) April 3, 2016
Since the announcement, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Chicago Tribune have jumped on board.
Tribune editors alerted employees to the change in an internal email.
"A reminder that effective Wednesday, June 1, we will begin lowercasing "internet," as well as "web" for the shortened form of World Wide Web (which remains uppercase)," it read. "Our change complies with a change in AP style that takes effect that day."
So far today, many Twitter users expressed their contentment with the AP's decision. From celebratory cakes to exclamation points galore, here's a roundup of reactions from the first day of lowercasing internet:
New @AP style changes starting today: internet and web are now lowercase. As in, I am surfing the web, also known as the internet.
— Scott Bauer (@sbauerAP) June 1, 2016
Today's the day! No more capitalized Internet! AP style for emoji and kombucha! Happy Wednesday, y'all 🙌🏻 https://t.co/p0lw0vBJTl
— Samantha (@samanthajgross) June 1, 2016
Big day for AP Style followers: we no longer have to capitalize 'internet' and 'web' (!!!) https://t.co/RWXmTGW0R4
— Leah Stacy (@leahstacy) June 1, 2016
.@APStylebook We take our AP style seriously @STLCOPedu. Hello lowercase internet! pic.twitter.com/JhXjBFAwTG
— Keagan (@keagan_kristoff) June 1, 2016
A slew of digital newsrooms—Buzzfeed, Vox, Quartz, The Verge, Gawker—chose years ago to go against the AP style grain in not obeying the formality of capitalizing the tech term.
Here's how the head of U.S. English Dictionaries' at Oxford University Press explained the Internet's red tape to the New Republic in 2015:
We use "the" when we talk about the internet, and that perpetuates the usage of the uppercase. It's the difference between an internet and the Internet. The word's origins date back to the 1970s, when an "inter-network" was just a collection of smaller networks that communicated using the same protocols. Functionally, the internet of today is just the largest example of an internet—which, incidentally, means that the word entered our vocabulary in lowercase.
Now—as such has happened with many conventional wisdoms in the internet age—the general thinking has changed.
RELATED: How to create an intranet that employees will love (free download).
In response to the AP's shift, here's how The Verge described initially lowercasing the term:
The idea of treating internet as a proper noun came about from the beginning of internet communications. As some argue, the distinction is that the internet we know and use today is just one internet out of many possible internets. It just so happens that the internet we use is also called the internet. It's like the Sun that we orbit and the sun of another planetary system.
The 2016 AP Stylebook includes nearly 250 new and modified entries.
Here are a few other noteworthy style changes—highlighted by Thomas Kent, the AP's standards editor:
exponential growth : Used when something has grown by increasing amounts. For instance, a population might increase by 5 percent from 1980 to 1990, 10 percent from 1990 to 2000 and 15 percent from 2000 to 2010. Not simply a synonym for a large increase.
accident, crash : Generally acceptable for automobile and other collisions and wrecks. However, when negligence is claimed or proven, avoid accident, which can be read by some as a term exonerating the person responsible. In such cases, use crash, collision or other terms. See collide, collision.
L: The name of the Chicago train system. Not El.
mescal : Clear liquor from Mexico made from a variety of agave plants.
normcore : A fashion trend that combines "normal" and "hardcore" and is characterized by unpretentious, unisex, average dressing.
What do you think of the changes, Ragan readers? Will you adjust your "house style" to reflect the AP's?
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