My Bike

Not only was it supposed to be warm today- it actually was. And not only was it supposed to hit 65 degF, it actually hig 75 degF, and held it for a few hours.

So my bike and I hit the road, although it has asked to remain anonymous. Ha! Anyway, we had a stellar time, despite the day making the stars unviewable.

The weather was perfect. It was a great start to March, and I'd have to say if all the days (or even half) were like this, I'd live here forever! ;)

The Promise of Spring

Predicted Temperature, Wind chill, Dew point (all in degrees Fahrenheit)
Image credit: NOAA's National Weather Service

I hope I can get out of bed before it becomes windier than windy, but check out this gorgeous report!!! And we really only have one day to enjoy it- since it's supposed to snow that night/Sunday. But just the promise of Spring has me Stoked, but not like a number for all you particle scientists. ;)

I'm touted here as the weird one that it's never hot enough for, which isn't true. What is true is that I don't relish anything below 50degF. That is no lie.

Celebrate with me tomorrow. Toss those skis aside and take out the bike! It misses you after all, and the snow will be there waiting for the next day.

Technical Difficulties - fixed

Please tell me if there are any more problems with lost pictures. I think it should be fixed.

Thanks for keeping me aware.

Myriad Apples

Apples, Apples, Apples!

The choices right now are limitless. Each week I see at least one, maybe even two new varieties. Last week, my favorites were the Pink Ladies. Go Pink Ladies! This week, who knows, I even forgot to buy more Pink Ladies with all the choices. I think there's even a new one for me, Rome Apples.

Even more exciting, I found a Granny Smith that appears not to have skin that will stop bullets, but we shall see. What is up with that over the past few years? They used to be such a good apple.

Local Tally thus far:
Braeburn
Cameo
Gala
Granny Smith
Pink Lady
Rome

Vote for your favorite! Better yet, go try them all out.

Technical Difficulties

I am currently having some issues with Blogger saving my photos, as they keep being lost. I hope to resolve this issue tonight.

I apologize!

Refrigerators that Work

Ok, okay, I know, this sounds like a non-theme, but seriously, my refrigerator used to not work.

One day it decided it no-longer wanted to live with me. Apparently, I must have offended it in some grave way, as it decided that 50 deg F was the goal temperature. It was almost as if it had become possessed, as no matter what the dial requested it to do, it apparently was internally overriding the request. Now, I realize high-tech products often have this "I'm close enough" window, which clearly my thermostat takes to the extreme, but seriously, 50 degrees for the freezer too? Clearly, my refrigerator had lost it.

Maybe it hit 30, and just lost it, as the repair man estimated it to be about that age, known as the classic human breakdown age. Just why did no one tell my refrigerator it wasn't human? I do not know, but apparently I should have. Funny? No, not really, as it decided to take with it all my well-stocked supplies for when that blizzard hits, and I need to survive for like a month under 100 feet of snow. Clearly, it had a vendetta against me. And to my poor cheese supply, I am sorry. I know you did not understand when I had to hastily remove you from your dream of potential consumption. Know that you are greatly missed, and that the new fridge hastily awaits your return.

Photo Editing

What's more fun than taking photos? Editing them!

With all the fancy things we can do, that just a few years ago only professional photographers had access to, what's not to enjoy? While I claim to be nowhere near on par with such professionals, I do like to dabble! I also suppose some might disagree with me, finding the actual photo shooting more fun.

Ok, so I LOVE these flowers too, but I also love spending my free time editing photos. I'm sure I'm not very good, but I slowly learn new tricks, and I haven't even installed my Adobe Photo Editor yet! This was all done with a combination of Picasa, Paint and Photo Editor, simple programs almost anyone should have access to. Heck, Picasa is free and the others come with I think all Microsoft packages.

Popcorn in My Soup

Popcorn in my soup? What's that you say? Is this some culinary accident like the invention of the hush puppie?

Why no, I believe this wonderful concoction is one for which we can thank the Native Americans. Now, one place I read it was from was Central America, but if I'm remembering correctly, which I'll put at ~70% probability, I believe I experienced this for the first time in Ecuador. Also, my first taste of Quinoa, which I highly recommend, and also in soups! However, I was too lazy, hence no quinoa today, but I did throw some popcorn in my sweet potato soup, and found it to be much more delectable than the box's recommendation of rice, which I know as I tried that the day before.

While, yes, it might sound weird, I liken it to the well-known tradition of crackers in soup, and in summary, the popcorn is better. Trust me on this, at least enough to try it that is! It imparts just a hint of an extra flavor (nutty almost), kind of like the icing on the proverbial cake soup. That is, unless, you're one of those icing addicts. And with that I will close, amused that my old (F.O.O.D) theme has crept it's way back in. :)

Cheers! ... and go throw some popcorn in that soup.

Flower or Flowers are all Good with Me

Flowers. Flowers as gifts. Flowers that smell. Flowers that are vibrant. 1 or a dozen it's all good.

When you're given a flower something instantly happens. Others notice too. Definitely don't carry them around if you don't want to be noticed. I think it's impossible to carry even one red rose and not have it catch everyone's eye, men, women, children, ok, I really don't have any data on the children, but I'm betting they look too.

The question is, "Does it catch our eye as it's a part of nature, hence, our immediately being drawn to it?", or is it more of a social question, "That's a nice flower. I wonder how (s)he got it? (S)He must be appreciated."

I do not pretend to know the answer. I just know that days later it still brings joy, just looking at it.

Plush Terry Robes

I know it's winter, but I even love these in the warmer months. And please don't skimp on the length, you want it as long as possible, trust me. The one oddity that may be mine alone is the preference for thinner versions. Somehow they're easier to just accidentally continue to wear for hours on end. ;)

It might seem quaint, but rolling out of bed, bleary-eyed, and reaching for the robe almost perks me up as much as my AM cup of joe. I do have to say, the combo is not to be beat! For added enjoyment, add furry slippers during the cold mornings, such as tomorrow promises to be.

Backward Book Signings!

What's better than reading a book? How about having the author read you the book?

I believe the caucussing results could very well have been affected by the event tonight. Ishmael Beah spoke to a full house, a good 2000+. I was pretty impressed, especially after such poor showings for other worthy events just last week.

The event was quite a unique one to me, and I am not a novice to book readings/signings. What was unique was that I'd already read the book. Just what kind of a promotion was this? I wasn't sure, but I liked this "Backward Book Signing" already.

I would describe it as showing up to your favorite class, for which you have done the reading so you are fully ready to receive the lecture versus the standard format, which always feels (at least to me) like you're that kid the back of the room going, "what was the reading about?", "I wonder if I should have read it?", "should I even be here?". Clearly, there's no question about whether or not you're going to buy the book. Not only have you already bought it, but you must have even enjoyed it since you're devoting more time to it by just coming to the event.

The book of tonight's Backward Book Signing is a non-fiction memoir by a former boy soldier from Sierra Leone. I actually picked up the book about 6 months ago. It just happened to catch my eye sitting there all pretty and new, just as a new hardback will oft do, so I picked it up and proceeded to read it in about a night, okay, probably two.

It definitely leaves a lasting impression. Hope and compassion rise to the top amidst the well-detailed horrific events. The language is very straight-forward, but with a descriptive eloquence, which Ishmael attributes to his native languages being inherently poetic. But you don't have to take just my word for it - TIME magazine rated it #3 on their Top 10 Nonfiction Books last year. It was also on the NY Times 100 Notable Books of 2007.

To more Backward Book Signings! ... and even the standard style, as I'm sure those will be much more abundant.

Theme Change!

Today is the last day of Figuring Out Obvious Distractions (F.O.O.D.): If you couldn't figure it out from the title, this is predominantly a food blog, although, on occasion some thoughts and randomness do find their way as posts.

I am effectively killing it!

One could argue it was already dead though by the dearth of posts. Don't worry though, I think this will be more fun for both you and me (meaning maybe I'll actually post on occasion), and really not all that different if you look through my previous (incredibly old) posts. And besides, I will give you the chance to voice your disapprovals if necessary. ... However, please do so by tomorrow. :)

So without further ado, I hereby unveil:
What I Love Today!

...see, now how could you hate a theme like that? I ask you. Clearly, yesterday I loved cappuccinos, surely not to be the last of those days, but I digress. So, with this announcement, each day (that I post, so as to not sign me up for more than I will possibly do) I will discuss something that is wonderful, be it for a lifetime or just a day. Everyone, of course, is free to approve, disapprove of my choices, and, as always, I appreciate any comments that do so.

I hope all (3, okay, in all likelihood 1 or 2 if I am lucky) of you enjoy!
-Your cheerful Blog host

P.S. I suppose this is what a warm day of continuously falling white powder does to one, though I should not detail so as to not thwart a potential post! That is unless I get a blundering of comments telling me my new theme is wretched, although, I somehow doubt that. And yes, for multiple reasons. ;)

Cappuccino and Chocolate Biscotti = a grande start to the day!

I was reminded lately that I have been neglecting my posts. It is true, and it's not like I wasn't aware. Anyway, here is a splendid cappuccino and chocolate biscotti that I highly recommend for a quick breakfast before having to run out the door. I don't think there's much better than a dipped chocolate biscotti. The taste is just unrivaled. I suppose I could also comment that just because you aren't in Rome, or Switzerland in this case, doesn't mean you can't live like it. Yes, this delicacy is made much easier with the likes of Nespresso, no lie.

Embarassable Craving

Why is it that sometimes we crave something, that was never any good? This is where I find myself this morning. For me, this is that whole idea of a comfort food. Not that it's really that comforting to think of a time in college when you never sleep and wake up at about noon for breakfast. The worst part about it all is that somehow, I feel I have re-entered this era. However, I am missing those friends of mine that would be on the same schedule as me and also want to make the Sunday trip to Monterray's. Sadly, these were the days before digital cameras. At least, for me they were. I might try to copy in an old photo, but I will have to do it later (meaning, it probably wont't happen) as I am at work. What's that you ask, "Do I know it's a national holiday, and above all, Labor day?". Yes, I know, I think that might be part of the problem.

The sad thing about all of this is that their food was never so great, but man was it cheap. That, and the fact that it was oh about a mile outside of the campus gate made it a place of constant frequenting. The only thing silly about it was that we would practically roll out of bed and go there, yet there was always someone there you knew, so you often would find yourself in that embarrassing situation of should I go say, "hi"/I'm embarassed because I'm still wearing the shirt I slept in.

Today, in remembrance of those times, I will be searching for some soggy pintos, a tortilla, lame red sauce, and the hardest I think might be that creamy white flavorless cheese. Mmm, ... I can almost taste it.

Searching for an Amazing Yeastless Pizza Dough Recipe

QUICK AND EASY PIZZA DOUGH

2 1/2 c. flour
2 3/4 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. olive oil
3/4 - 1 c. water

Mix flour, baking powder and salt in large bowl. Add 3/4 cup water and oil. Stir with fork until blended and forms a soft ball. If dough is too stiff, add more water, a tablespoon at a time. It should be soft, but not sticky. Knead about 3 minutes on lightly floured surface until smooth.















Don't get too excited. I lifted this recipe from Cooks.com, and found it to be less than amazing. Quick and easy yes, but light and refreshing, not so much. sAlthough, this recipe will work if you're in dire need of some dough, but I've made pizzas on all sorts of weird bread-products, and this was not one of the best. It's just really thick. I tried to spread it as thin as possible, but I still found it to be quite bready in taste. Not bad, but I'm thinking it could be improved. I just don't know how.

What I'm looking for is a pizza dough recipe that doesn't require yeast. Now, maybe it is impossible to find a good recipe for pizza dough that doesn't require yeast. However, I feel that to be an incorrect assumption. After trying this one though, maybe it is a correct assessment.

My thought was this, who doesn't like pizza and want it in an easy pinch, without paying or waiting for delivery? I find myself in this situation quite often. I also seem to have most things on stock for an easy pizza. That is, minus the yeast. As I don't have a bread-maker or an addiction to brewing my own beer, it's just not something I would normally pick up at the store.
Being a yeast novice, maybe I shouldn't be scared. Maybe it could keep in the fridge. However, this item has still never made it into my basket. My question is this- is yeast easy, and is this the answer I am looking for or does someone, anyone please!, have a recipe for a good pizza dough that doesn't require such a specialized ingredient?

Thanks for listening,
-A

Update on Tropical Storm Ernesto

Okay, okay, I know, everyone was greatly concerned about tropical storm Ernesto. I mean, why wouldn't you be; it made National News. I am sorry I took so long to update, but I just recieved the pictures. I hope it's nothing too upsetting for anyone. The picture was taken in my parents yard in Florida. They told me to not get too upset, that they would "be OK".

And please, do not look below if you do not think you can handle such devastating images















It's a good thing the story made National coverage.

You know, we have cold rain here in Boulder just now. It's supposed to be very strange this time of year.

Best Florida Beaches (as per the Travel Channel)

Tonight there was a special on the Travel Channel highlighting the 10 "best" beaches in FL. Firstly, it was supposedly based off some guy's book that I can't even find on Amazon.com. Secondly, it didn't even list our local favorite, not that I am surprised. New Symrna (pictured at left) is probably nothing out of this world, but it is a quick and easy place to get to from central Florida (~ 45 min.) that does typify the classic casual slow-paced lifestyle that is beach life.

Just for anyone interested, here is the list they presented on the show with the specialty for each:

10 - Daytona Beach: activities and driving up and down the beach
9 - Sanibel Island (Gulf side): sea shell collecting
8 - Panama City: Spring Break
7 - Sandspur Beach (Bahia Honda): Nature preserve
6 - Smathers Beach (Key West): island-style
5 - Clearwater Beach: boating, even a pirate cruise
4 - Lover's Key Beach (outside Ft. Myers): seclusion/couples (Lover's Key Beach Club Resort)
3 - Palm Beach: living the high life, shopping (The Breakers Hotel)
2 - Siesta Key Beach: soft sand (Sand Sculpture Contest)
1 - South Beach (Miami): international scene (latin influence), winter fashion, non-stop nightlife

Now my question is- are you really a Floridian if you've only been to 3 or 4? I know I've been to Daytona numerous times, as it probably is the second-closest beach to where I was raised. If I went to Sanibel, I think I was in the single digits, so I'm not too sure about that one. Panama City- nope. Sandspur- nope. Key West for sure-- the Smathers Beach- not so sure. So I'm halfway through the list, and I've definitely been to one. I think I've been to Clearwater beach as the area is huge and I think includes Flaglar. Lover's Key- nope. Palm Beach- definitely not the beach. Siesta? - nope. South Beach- I think I burned myself laying out there when I was 12 for about 20 minutes. Maybe I'm more like a 2-3 then. Anyway, I apparently need to visit more, as I'm sure we all do! That's why I thought this was a good suggestion list, just in case anyone has some time to lie around and do nothing, and wasn't sure of where to do it.

"Oh Give Me a Home..."

 









... where the who? ... the what? ... Yes, where the "buffalo" roam.

Apparently some people have a problem with this song. Okay, not really the song, but they lyrics. That's the song, right? Anyway, see these guys in the picture. They're buffalo. Or are they? Technically Bison bison to the scientific world. To the average North American, however, this is a Buffalo. So where did this misnomer start? Who knows? I'm ceratainly not looking it up for the sake of this blog. Let's just say it's been around for quite some time. As this is true, someone says, "Mommy, look at the Buffalo", everyone turns around expecting to see a large beautiful brown wooly animal. No one turns around expecting to see the true Buffalo, the Water Buffalo (what an ugly creature). I mean, do we even have those over here on our continent? I kind of doubt it. So yes bison = buffalo and buffalo = bison, if you're speakin' Amerrican (which, ya well, most of us are, whether we want to admit to it or not).

Okay, so they're not really equal, but the point is there's nothing lost in the translation. We're all on the same page here. So before we go claiming all the museums and songs should have to change their nomenclature, let's think about this. Which sounds cooler? Buffalo, definitely. Besides, what would we be then, the Colorado Bison? It just sounds so technical, so unequivocal. I propose, as long as we can keep the Cleveland Indians, we can certainly keep the CU Buffalo. Go Ralphie! Which if you want to get into even larger issues. Ya, Ralphie. Not so much a "Ralphie". Not even a Ralph. What am I talking about you ask? Our bison, our buffalo, only the largest event, well, in my opinion at least, at the football games, is ... can you take this? a Girl! Clearly we have more issues going on that whether or not a bison can be called a buffalo, even if we know it's really technically not one.

This is just one example of how scientific language is different from local language. It is true the differences between scientific names and common names can be quite confusing, much more than the buffalo/bison issue. Here are two others for you to hem and haw about, the dolphin fish and the mosquito eater. The dolphin fish or sometimes even just called dolphin (which can be quite confusing if you're unfamiliar with this local terminology and you see it on a menu), is otherwise known as mahi mahi or scientifically as Coryphaena hippurus. The commonly named Mosquito Eater (Family: Tipulidae) in the US, which not only does not eat mosquitoes, but is also known as a Crane Fly or a Daddy Long Legs in the UK. A Daddy Long Legs in the US is in fact a spider (Family: Pholcidae). Interestingly enough, both of which seem to seek haven in my apartment. Other miscommunications arise when two different things have the same common name in different locations, which also occurs more often than you would think.

Broader problems come in to play when the common name for a whole class is completely erroneous, such as the starfish. Although they are actually shaped like a star, they're not even a fish, try echinoderm (yes, I have been schooled in the ways of Biology, as if you couldn't tell already). As this has caused quite a commotion, there is a movement to change the common name to "sea star", like that is easy to do. We struggle with this name issue everywhere. The largest in my specialty (chemistry) is that whole Molecular Weight thing. If you went to school anytime around when I did or before, you know what I am talking about. However, this is one of the most erroneous names out there. There are once again, some bright bold people trying to change this term to one that is more accurately descriptive of the actual definition, and it has even been corrected in some of the newer textbooks to the more accurately named new term: Molecular Mass. Now, why has it taken hundreds of years for us to change the term for the mass (yes, Mass!) of a molecule to an actual name of mass and not weight. Anyone who has studied physics knows these terms are not even close to being equivocal.

To end my name game, I have one thing to say. A name is nothing but a means to communicate with someone else. If the reciever of your name-calling is privy to the naming technique to which you are using, you have achieved communication. If not, well then, maybe you need to resort to the scientific language, but until then, I'm going to common it up as I've heard I'm not the only one who's a little rusty with the Latin. 

Most Memorable Bike Ride Home

I believe this story needs a little background. About eight years ago there was a girl entering college, and her parents decided to spring for a bike for her. As she did not know anything about bikes at the time (afterall, she was raised in an age when helmets were only worn by the dorky kids), $219 seemed extremely expensive (to her) for a bike. The good thing was that the cheapest model was a bright blue, and so she was happy with her decision to try to choose an inexpensive model (once again, the cheapest, although, it was at an actual bike shop so this was no Huffy: The Great Escape in Greenville, SC) to be nice to her parents as they were being nice to her.

Freshman and sophomore year went by and the bike saw more of the rack than anything else. And, it usually was a (gasp!) uncovered one at that. I suppose Junior year was not much better. By Senior year the bike was seeing a little more of the road and even some trails, however, it had already become quite bruised an beaten, mainly from the abrasive metal racks and the oxidative elements on an aluminum shell. Needless to say, when graduation time came around, the bike was a little less than pristine, but still in perfect running condition.

After a short vacation in sunny Florida, the bike made the long trek out to the West, on the back of the car that is. Now instead of the humid heat, the bike was forced to endure dry and dusty conditions. Yes, it was out on the rack again. However, by this time, the bike and the girl had developed a bond. The bike was going everywhere and doing everything, from commuting to work to trail riding (although, it was soon found out that mountain biking out West seemed to be a little more serious than back in the South so this didn't really take hold quite as well as the others) to triathlons. That's right, the little blue bike had become was a racer. Really, this was the best time for the bike.

About a year later, when recreational riding became a little more serious, the bike was downgraded to the commuter, but faithful none-the-less. I'm not really sure what the average bike lifespan is, but this one has seen some good years. As it is coming upon it's 8th year, things have started to go wrong, and quite quickly I might add. Some say it is awaiting its days of rest as it has surely seen at least one or two thousand miles beneath it's tread, and has even changed and upgraded (okay, so it really hasn't been upgraded much, if it had it just might not be falling apart at present).

Now that I mention the present, let's venture back to it. A couple of weeks ago (I promise not to divert too much), the right twist shifter broke, but only superficially (the plastic exterior). This would be after the issues of the uneven brakes, rotting grips that flake off in your hand, and the possible loose or broken front hub. As this seemed to be a minor issue, I balked at buying a new mountain bike during the past couple of weeks, despite countless hours of research. One issue being, a new mountain bike would not be best for commuting, yet I wasn't ready to leave the old guy by the waste side. As a common result, my decision was to make no decision. I even toyed with the idea of fixing up the old bike. In this fashion, I bought it some urban pedals (one side for clipless pedaling and the other for my most-used sandal style approach). Only one ride in to work was needed to convince me that this was the route to go. All of a sudden my slow hot ride in had become much more enjoyable. That is, until today.

I decided at about six that I would venture home. Mainly, as it was looking like it was going to storm, but I also wanted a change of venue. As I grabbed the bike from the lab, where it had been hiding out ever since the last-minute Costco trip, I headed home in the oddly humid air. Just when it started to sprinkle, I started to pick up the pace a little, as no one likes to be caught in the rain (especially while on a commuter where the owner has routinely forgotten to purchase a rear fender and when wearing fashionable leather sandals; I told you about the sandals before). Just as I was about to go under a second underpass, the unthinkable happened. I hammered down (okay, so I didn't hammer down, but it was a good thing) on the left pedal as I was veering right around a corner. This was when it happened. The pedal shot across the path, followed soon by my aforementioned left sandal. It was quite a funny sight to behold, but probably not as funny as me attempting to "bike" home with one pedal and a crank arm, that I have to admit is a little hard to grip while trying to not lose your sandal, that has definitely now gotten wet. Okay, I was glad there were no first-hand witnesses, which is maybe what has allowed me to re-create the scene.

Just like that, my last-minute "upgrade" just might be the straw on my so-called steed's (technically, that would be camel's) back. It appears the nice, new fancy pedal has stripped the inner rings of the crank arm. Yes, yes, I will check it all out again (when it is NOT raining). Alright, so I did manage to venture back outside for the picture, yes, I know. Sadly, the bike has been left out on the rack again, instead of being brought inside the comfy (to a bike, why not?) apartment for a little seat upgrade.

Am I forced now to come to terms with the end of our times together? Has all of the bike searching become a vision into the future? Should I mtn. bike it or replace the nice little commuter? Feel free to comment if you have a bike you love!

World Cup Finals

Do you like soccer? Well, even if you don't, I can bet you would have had fun at the gathering at my place. I will start in the top left-hand corner. We have honeydew, olives, prosciutto-wrapped honeydew, genoa salami rolls, three types of crackers, bread, and the cheeses: irish aged cheddar, herb-encrusted brie, aged gouda, and a very nice blue cheese wrapped in sage leaves. We also had italian sparkling wine, champagne, chianti, cabernet, and sauvignon blanc. Okay, there were a lot of people! Sorry to Landis, we didn't have this much of a celebration for the final stage of the tour. We did have mimosas and some cheese and crackers- but 6 am is a little early for anything too exciting. Check out Pete's blog for our tasty dinner at the baseball game from last night. See, we're versatile.