tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5098230490361394542010-03-26T10:29:32.564-05:00banality blogpjkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02225237955863227936noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509823049036139454.post-53771416511921436652010-03-26T10:29:00.001-05:002010-03-26T10:29:32.575-05:00This blog has moved<br /> This blog is now located at http://blog.koktavy.net/.<br /> You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click <a href='http://blog.koktavy.net/'>here</a>.<br /><br /> For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to<br /> http://blog.koktavy.net/feeds/posts/default.<br /> <div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/509823049036139454-5377141651192143665?l=www.koktavy.net%2Fblog' alt='' /></div>pjkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02225237955863227936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509823049036139454.post-41230362776525907642010-03-26T10:09:00.005-05:002010-03-26T10:15:24.478-05:00Bohemian Easter Eggs<table width="60%" border="0" height="1465"> <tbody><tr> <td rowspan="2" width="15%" align="center" height="1440"><img src="http://www.koktavy.net/Recipes/BohemianEasterEggs/Fishbone%28SymbolOfChristianity%29-90.gif" alt="Fishbone (Symbol Of Christianity)" width="120" border="0" height="56" /> <p>Fishbone</p> <p><img src="http://www.koktavy.net/Recipes/BohemianEasterEggs/CrownOfThorns4%28-90%29.gif" alt="Crown Of Thorns 4" width="231" border="0" height="41" /></p> <p>Crown of Thorns</p> <p><img src="http://www.koktavy.net/Recipes/BohemianEasterEggs/CrownOfThorns%28-90%29.gif" alt="Crown Of Thorns" width="201" border="0" height="40" /></p> <p>Crown of Thorns</p> <p><img src="http://www.koktavy.net/Recipes/BohemianEasterEggs/CrownOfThorns2.gif" alt="Crown Of Thorns 2" width="199" border="0" height="37" /></p> <p>Crown of Thorns</p> <p><img src="http://www.koktavy.net/Recipes/BohemianEasterEggs/CrownOfThorns3.gif" alt="Crown Of Thorns 3" width="174" border="0" height="51" /></p> <p>Crown of Thorns</p> <p><img src="http://www.koktavy.net/Recipes/BohemianEasterEggs/Cross%28neg%292.gif" alt="Cross" width="108" border="0" height="120" /></p> <p>Cross</p> <p><img src="http://www.koktavy.net/Recipes/BohemianEasterEggs/PalmBranch.gif" alt="Palm Branch" width="59" border="0" height="128" /></p> <p>Palm Branch</p> <p><img src="http://www.koktavy.net/Recipes/BohemianEasterEggs/PussyWillow.gif" alt="Pussy Willow" width="86" border="0" height="107" /></p> <p>Pussy Willow</p> <p><img src="http://www.koktavy.net/Recipes/BohemianEasterEggs/Robe.gif" alt="Robe" width="71" border="0" height="132" /></p> <p>Robe</p> <p><img src="http://www.koktavy.net/Recipes/BohemianEasterEggs/Star.gif" alt="Star" width="93" border="0" height="96" /></p> <p>Star</p> <p><img src="http://www.koktavy.net/Recipes/BohemianEasterEggs/Sun.gif" alt="Sun" width="75" border="0" height="76" /></p> <p>Sun</p> <p><img src="http://www.koktavy.net/Recipes/BohemianEasterEggs/WheatAndGrapes%28BreadAndWine%29.gif" alt="Wheat And Grapes (Bread And Wine)" width="66" border="0" height="126" /></p> <p>Wheat and Grapes (Bread and Wine)</p> <p><img src="http://www.koktavy.net/Recipes/BohemianEasterEggs/WorldWithoutEnd.gif" alt="World Without End" width="89" border="0" height="99" /> </p><p>World Without End </p><p> </p></td> <td width="50%" height="141"> <h1 align="center">Bohemian Easter Eggs</h1> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(This recipe is approximated by inspecting Nana's Easter eggs and observations from long ago. If you have suggestions, <a href="mailto:peter@koktavy.net?subject=%27bohemian%20easter%20eggs%27"> <span style="color:#000000;">please let me know.</span></a>)</span> </p><p align="center"><img src="http://www.koktavy.net/Recipes/BohemianEasterEggs/the-eggs.jpg" width="308" border="0" height="232" /> </p><p align="center"> </p></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="50%" height="1207"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Ingredients / Supplies</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p> </span> <ul><li><b>A bag full of yellow (Spanish) onion skins - </b>One or two days take of skins from the local grocery store will be enough. Most stores will stock the onions once a day at a particular time. Whenever stocking them, they always end up with a lot of loose skins that they throw away. Just ask the produce manager what time they stock onions so you can drop by and pick them up or if they can save them for you. It might take a couple of trips to coordinate, so plan early.</li><li><b>Bee's wax - </b>I ran across some at a farmer's market. Any honey producer will have bee's wax. Bee's wax candles can be obtained from a specialty store. They used to be pretty common in the Catholic church, so you could try there.</li><li><b>shallow metal container - </b>Nana used an aluminum margarine container. Try a tuna can or soda can cut in half. <o:p> </o:p> </li><li><b>Large kitchen matchsticks -</b> Light the match and extinguish immediately. The larger black end is used for application of the wax.<o:p> </o:p> </li><li><b>Eggs</b> - white ones are a good idea so there is a contrast.<o:p> </o:p> </li></ul> <p><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Prepare the dye -</span> </b>In a large (6-8 quart) pot bring water and onion skins to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, continuing to reduce the liquid and adding more water as needed for 3 hours or so. You will want enough liquid to cover all of your eggs completely. Strain removing the onion skins, saving the reddish-brown liquid. Be careful to remove all onion skin residue from the liquid. <b>Allow the liquid to cool to room temperature.</b><o:p> </o:p> </p> <p><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Decorate the eggs -</span> </b>Place the bee's wax in a small metal container on very low heat. The wax should be liquid, but should be prevented from boiling. Decorate the raw eggs by dipping the burnt end of the kitchen match into the liquid wax and quickly dragging the end of the match across the egg. There's only one way to learn the timing and strokes necessary to leave the right amount of wax on the egg. Practice makes perfect.<o:p> </o:p> </p> <b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Boil the eggs -</span></b> <p>Follow standard recipe for hard-boiled eggs.</p> <p><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">History - </span></b></p> <p>As far as I know, there are courses in "craslice" making in the Czech republic..."Eugene Svoboda" <<a href="mailto:e_svoboda@isc-queens.co.uk">e_svoboda@isc-queens.co.uk</a>> [could not find hits on "crasilce" on the web -pjk]</p> <p><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Tips -</span></b></p> <ul><li>At first, use vinegar to clean the eggs, wipe off the oily spots on the shell (and finger marks); they would show up because the dye wouldn't cover these places.</li><li> Try using the round end of a pin (inserted in a shaft of wood) instead of matchstick. "Eugene Svoboda" <e_svoboda@isc-queens.co.uk></li><li>Try using a "pen" made of goose feather" Eugene Svoboda" <e_svoboda@isc-queens.co.uk></li><li>No need to use bee wax, use normal candle wax "Eugene Svoboda" <e_svoboda@isc-queens.co.uk></li></ul> <p> </p> <p align="center"><img src="http://www.koktavy.net/Recipes/BohemianEasterEggs/BessieKoktavy.jpg" width="379" border="0" height="347" /></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Bessie (Bozena Kuchynka) Koktavy</span></p> <p align="center"><img src="http://www.koktavy.net/Recipes/BohemianEasterEggs/the-eggs.jpg" width="308" border="0" height="232" /></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><img src="http://www.koktavy.net/Recipes/BohemianEasterEggs/LoinCloth.gif" width="1" border="0" height="1" />
<br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/509823049036139454-4123036277652590764?l=www.koktavy.net%2Fblog' alt='' /></div>pjkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02225237955863227936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509823049036139454.post-19557610042069166082010-01-02T16:11:00.001-06:002010-01-02T16:12:48.295-06:00Manliest moments of 2009Manliest moments of 2009:<br /><br />4) Driving 6 hours twice == 12 hours to deliver just the right sofa to the girls. Black <> Brown.<br /><br />3) Crawling around in the attic balancing on joists, not quite fitting under rigid ducts, itchy with rock wool, scared of wasps, shuffling tools, almost passing out.<br /><br />2) Jackhammering for two days. <a href="http://www.twitpic.com/4holj">http://www.twitpic.com/4holj</a><br /><br />1) 5:30am YMCA Boot Camp three days a week - can not complete ANYTHING. Again, almost passing out and knees on fire, dead last doing everything. Signed up for January.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/509823049036139454-1955761004206916608?l=www.koktavy.net%2Fblog' alt='' /></div>pjkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02225237955863227936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509823049036139454.post-14990317430419089382009-10-26T16:46:00.004-05:002009-10-29T13:13:43.638-05:002008-2009 Projects<span style="font-family:verdana;">2nd floor before</span><br /><div style="text-align: right;"></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.koktavy.net/tmp/2008-2009-blog/2nd-floor-NW-during.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; height: 350px;" alt="" src="http://www.koktavy.net/tmp/2008-2009-blog/2nd-floor-NW-during.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">2nd floor before</span> (2)<br /><div style="text-align: right;"></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.koktavy.net/tmp/2008-2009-blog/BR-NW%28stitch%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; height: 350px;" src="http://www.koktavy.net/tmp/2008-2009-blog/BR-NW%28stitch%29.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">2nd floor before (3)</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.koktavy.net/tmp/2008-2009-blog/bedroom%28hot-tub%29NW.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; height: 350px;" alt="" src="http://www.koktavy.net/tmp/2008-2009-blog/bedroom%28hot-tub%29NW.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">2nd floor before</span> (4)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.koktavy.net/tmp/2008-2009-blog/Master-bath-facing-master-North-wall-during.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; height: 350px;" alt="" src="http://www.koktavy.net/tmp/2008-2009-blog/Master-bath-facing-master-North-wall-during.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">2nd floor family bathroom / baby room - during<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.koktavy.net/blog/uploaded_images/IMG_4458-706254.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://www.koktavy.net/blog/uploaded_images/IMG_4458-705715.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.koktavy.net/blog/uploaded_images/IMG_4438-705569.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://www.koktavy.net/blog/uploaded_images/IMG_4438-704971.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />2nd floor baby room - after</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.koktavy.net/tmp/2008-2009-blog/baby-room-after.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; height: 350px;" alt="" src="http://www.koktavy.net/tmp/2008-2009-blog/baby-room-after.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">2nd floor family bath after</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.koktavy.net/tmp/2008-2009-blog/family-bath-after.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; height: 350px;" alt="" src="http://www.koktavy.net/tmp/2008-2009-blog/family-bath-after.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">2nd floor master bath - during </span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.koktavy.net/tmp/2008-2009-blog/master-bath-during-2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; height: 350px;" alt="" src="http://www.koktavy.net/tmp/2008-2009-blog/master-bath-during-2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">2nd floor master bath - during</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.koktavy.net/tmp/2008-2009-blog/master-bath-during.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; height: 350px;" alt="" src="http://www.koktavy.net/tmp/2008-2009-blog/master-bath-during.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">2nd floor master bath after</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.koktavy.net/tmp/2008-2009-blog/master-bath-2-after.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; height: 350px;" alt="" src="http://www.koktavy.net/tmp/2008-2009-blog/master-bath-2-after.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">2nd floor master bath after (2)<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.koktavy.net/tmp/2008-2009-blog/master-bath-after.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; height: 350px;" alt="" src="http://www.koktavy.net/tmp/2008-2009-blog/master-bath-after.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Back yard - before</span> (1)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.koktavy.net/tmp/2008-2009-blog/back-yard-before.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; height: 350px;" alt="" src="http://www.koktavy.net/tmp/2008-2009-blog/back-yard-before.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Backyard - during<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.koktavy.net/blog/uploaded_images/IMG_5669-732951.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 198px; height: 133px;" src="http://www.koktavy.net/blog/uploaded_images/IMG_5669-732262.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />Backyard - during</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.koktavy.net/tmp/2008-2009-blog/back-yard-during.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; height: 350px;" alt="" src="http://www.koktavy.net/tmp/2008-2009-blog/back-yard-during.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Back yard - after</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.koktavy.net/tmp/2008-2009-blog/back-yard-after.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; height: 350px;" alt="" src="http://www.koktavy.net/tmp/2008-2009-blog/back-yard-after.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Back yard stairs - during</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.koktavy.net/tmp/2008-2009-blog/stairs-gone-with-rubble.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; height: 350px;" alt="" src="http://www.koktavy.net/tmp/2008-2009-blog/stairs-gone-with-rubble.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Back yard stairs - during</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.koktavy.net/tmp/2008-2009-blog/back-yard-stairs-after.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; height: 350px;" alt="" src="http://www.koktavy.net/tmp/2008-2009-blog/back-yard-stairs-after.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />Basement Den - before</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.koktavy.net/tmp/2008-2009-blog/media-center-before.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; height: 350px;" alt="" src="http://www.koktavy.net/tmp/2008-2009-blog/media-center-before.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Den - after</span> (1)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.koktavy.net/blog/uploaded_images/media-center-after%28w640%29-796210.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 181px;" src="http://www.koktavy.net/blog/uploaded_images/media-center-after%28w640%29-796205.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><br />Den - after</span> (2)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.koktavy.net/tmp/2008-2009-blog/basement-den-after.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; height: 350px;" alt="" src="http://www.koktavy.net/tmp/2008-2009-blog/basement-den-after.JPG" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/509823049036139454-1499031743041908938?l=www.koktavy.net%2Fblog' alt='' /></div>pjkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02225237955863227936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509823049036139454.post-25753580182186476852009-08-06T15:20:00.000-05:002009-08-06T19:16:46.287-05:00Cincinnati Chili Recipe<p class="MsoNormal">I'm attempting to wean myself of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Cincinnati</span> Chili seasoning envelopes that I need to have friends and family mail me from Ohio. At first glance, this <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">recipe</span> found on-line looked pretty close, so I'm making some adjustments to match how I normally make Cincinnati Chili. We'll see how it goes.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://whatscookingamerica.net/Beef/CincinnatiChili.htm">http://whatscookingamerica.net/Beef/CincinnatiChili.htm</a></p><p style="MARGIN-LEFT: 15pt"><b><span style="font-family:'Verdana','sans-serif';">Cincinnati Chili Recipe</span></b></p><p style="MARGIN-LEFT: 15pt"><s><span style="font-family:'Verdana','sans-serif';font-size:10;">1 large onion </span></s><s><span style="font-family:'Verdana','sans-serif';font-size:10;">chopped </span></s><span style="font-family:'Verdana','sans-serif';font-size:10;color:red;">1 large<br />onion peeled and scored<br /></span><span style="font-family:'Verdana','sans-serif';font-size:10;">1 pound extra-lean ground beef <span style="color:red;">or venison</span><br />1 clove garlic, </span><span style="font-family:'Verdana','sans-serif';font-size:10;">minced<br />1 tablespoon chili powder<br />1 teaspoon ground allspice<br />1 teaspoon ground cinnamon<br />1 teaspoon ground cumin<br />1/2 teaspoon red (cayenne) pepper<br />1/2 teaspoon salt<br /><s>1 1/2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa or</s> 1/2 ounce grated unsweetened chocolate</span><span style="font-family:'Verdana','sans-serif';font-size:10;color:blue;"> </span><span style="font-family:'Verdana','sans-serif';font-size:10;"><br /><s>1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce </s><span style="color:red;">1 8 oz can of<br />tomato paste<br /></span>1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce<br />1 tablespoon cider vinegar<br /><s>1/2 cup </s>water <span style="color:red;">3 cups water<br /></span>1 (16-ounce) package uncooked dried </span><span style="color:#000000;"><strong><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal"><span style="font-family:'Verdana','sans-serif';font-size:10;">spaghetti<br /></span></span></strong></span><span style="font-family:'Verdana','sans-serif';font-size:10;">pasta<br />Toppings (see below)<?xml:namespace prefix = o /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN-LEFT: 15pt"><span style="font-family:'Verdana','sans-serif';font-size:10;color:red;">We usually double this recipe and freeze leftovers in small 1-2 serving containers.<s><o:p></o:p></s></span></p><p style="MARGIN-LEFT: 15pt"><span style="font-family:'Verdana','sans-serif';font-size:10;">In<br />a large <s>frying pan</s> <span style="color:red;">pot or Dutch oven</span> over<br /><s>medium-</s><span style="color:red;">high heat, combine all ingredients except<br />for beef and the scored onion.</span> <s>saute onion, ground beef, garlic, and<br />chili powder until ground beef is slightly cooked. Add allspice, cinnamon,<br />cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, unsweetened cocoa or chocolate, tomato sauce,<br />Worcestershire sauce, cider vinegar, and water.</s> <span style="color:red;">Bring<br />to a boil and add beef to the liquid separating beef as finely as possible.<br />Make sure all is combined finely and evenly with a whisk or a fork. Add scored<br />onion. </span>Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, 1 1/2 hours. Remove<br />from heat.</span></p><p style="MARGIN-LEFT: 15pt"><span style="font-family:'Verdana','sans-serif';font-size:10;">Cook<br />spaghetti according to package directions and transfer onto individual serving<br />plates (small oval plates are traditional).</span></p><p style="MARGIN-LEFT: 15pt"><span style="font-family:'Verdana','sans-serif';font-size:10;">Ladle<br />chili over spaghetti and serve with toppings of your choice. Oyster crackers<br />are served in a separate container on the side. </span></p><p style="MARGIN-LEFT: 15pt"><strong><span style="font-family:'Verdana','sans-serif';font-size:10;color:#804040;">Toppings:</span></strong><span style="font-family:'Verdana','sans-serif';font-size:10;"><br />Oyster Crackers<br />Shredded Cheddar Cheese Chopped Onion<br />Kidney Beans (16-ounce) can <span style="color:#cc0000;">I prefer Black Beans</span></span></p><p style="MARGIN-LEFT: 15pt"><span style="font-family:'Verdana','sans-serif';font-size:10;">Makes<br />6 to 8 servings. </span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/509823049036139454-2575358018218647685?l=www.koktavy.net%2Fblog' alt='' /></div>pjkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02225237955863227936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509823049036139454.post-56733676576836195732009-06-25T13:23:00.000-05:002009-06-25T13:34:50.989-05:00Audio PalindromeI was following one of the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mynorthwest.com/tbtl">tbtl</a> topics and decided to look into working audio palindromes. I came across this one, "You're pretty." from Statler & Waldorf of The Muppets. Luke read it on the show and the reverse didn't turn out but the original actually works. I had to generate some silence at the end of the reverse copy for it to play properly in Audacity.<br /><br />Try it here:<br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.koktavy.net/tmp/youarepretty%28reverse%29.mp3">http://www.koktavy.net/tmp/youarepretty(reverse).mp3</a><br /><br />------<br />http://www.iansouter.com/brain/sounds/youarepretty.mp3<br /><br />http://iansbrain.com/2007/12/19/audio-palindrome/<br /><br />This is an audio palindrome I found while working on a lipsync animation one<br />time. It sounds the same whether you play it forwards or backwards. Download<br />the MP3 and give it a try. The sound files is a clip of Statler and Waldorf<br />from the Muppets.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/509823049036139454-5673367657683619573?l=www.koktavy.net%2Fblog' alt='' /></div>pjkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02225237955863227936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509823049036139454.post-4448307148363096862009-06-15T20:29:00.000-05:002009-06-16T09:07:01.168-05:00Smoked Pulled Pork Recipe (shortcut)Pork shoulder is a tough cut of meat that is undesirable to most people other than barbecue cooks. At roughly $1 per pound, typically a shoulder cut in half is sold in a 12-16 pound package. The proper way to smoke pork can take up to 24 hours and requires smoking experience and the right equipment.<br /><br />My shortcut recipe takes about 10 hours of low maintenance time using a regular Weber grill and a crock pot -- a dish we serve two or three times a year typically for large gatherings. This shortcut does not achieve the balance of crispy and moist that a well smoked shoulder would, but is nonetheless a great dish and introduction to smoking without delving into the time and equipment necessary to maintain a steady 200 degrees F for up to 24 hours.<br /><br />Ingredients and equipment:<br /><ul><li>1 Pork shoulder</li><li>1 jar mustard powder</li><li>charcoal</li><li>chunk hardwood (I use mesquite or our native pecan wood.)</li><li>charcoal grill</li><li>foil double loaf pan</li><li>crock pot</li><li>instant read thermometer</li><li>BBQ sauce & buns</li></ul>Typically I coat and rub the shoulder with mustard powder the night before. Doing so just before smoking will work fine. The purpose of the rub is to help form a "bark" which will seal the moisture in the meat while it's on the grill. There is no noticeable mustard flavor in the final product.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.koktavy.net/Recipes/Smoked-Pulled-Pork/1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 225px; float: left; height: 141px;" alt="" src="http://www.koktavy.net/Recipes/Smoked-Pulled-Pork/1.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div>Indirect grilling - Prepare the grill with charcoal. When the coals are ready, place a foil double loaf pan in the center of the grill, surround with coals, and lay the wood chunks over the top of the charcoal. </div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.koktavy.net/Recipes/Smoked-Pulled-Pork/2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 189px; float: left; height: 139px;" alt="" src="http://www.koktavy.net/Recipes/Smoked-Pulled-Pork/2.jpg" border="0" /></a>Place the<a href="http://www.koktavy.net/Recipes/Smoked-Pulled-Pork/3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 211px; float: right; height: 143px;" alt="" src="http://www.koktavy.net/Recipes/Smoked-Pulled-Pork/3.jpg" border="0" /></a> shoulder fat side up over the pan. Place cover on with vents open and heavily smoke the meat for 2-3 hours. Additional wood need not be added.</div><div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.koktavy.net/Recipes/Smoked-Pulled-Pork/4.jpg"></a></div><div></div><div><a href="http://www.koktavy.net/Recipes/Smoked-Pulled-Pork/4.jpg"></a></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.koktavy.net/Recipes/Smoked-Pulled-Pork/4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 179px; float: left; height: 116px;" alt="" src="http://www.koktavy.net/Recipes/Smoked-Pulled-Pork/4.jpg" border="0" /></a>Transfer the meat to a large crock pot and cook on high for approximately 7 hours. Check the internal temperature with an instant read thermometer. The temperature should reach 175 degrees F and the meat should fall off the bone and be easy to "pull" with two forks. Remove bone, turn crock to low and serve when desired.<a href="http://www.koktavy.net/Recipes/Smoked-Pulled-Pork/5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 179px; float: right; height: 116px;" alt="" src="http://www.koktavy.net/Recipes/Smoked-Pulled-Pork/5.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><br />Serve on buns with your favorite BBQ sauce.</div><div><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/509823049036139454-444830714836309686?l=www.koktavy.net%2Fblog' alt='' /></div>pjkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02225237955863227936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509823049036139454.post-34575901300825367782009-06-11T09:38:00.000-05:002009-06-11T09:48:50.375-05:00Summer ProjectsNow that the landscaping and Sky Fort project is coming to an end, Summer projects are queuing up.<br /><br /><ul><li>Complete the security gate on the alley entrance. (Having a metal shop fabricate something this week.)<br /></li><li>Remove trees along East fence line and continue setting fence posts and hanging cedar panels. Build SE kid/dog gate and set another steel security gate.<br /></li><li>Reconfigure the built-in media center to accommodate an HDTV.</li></ul>Side projects:<br /><ul><li>Replace glass fronts on <a target="_blank" href="http://www.roger-russell.com/amplif2.htm#mc2505">McIntosh power amplifier</a> and pre-amplifier.</li><li>Do network and cable wiring for guest room xbox and tivo.</li><li>Move personal computing off of Vista and over to Ubuntu.</li><li>Try to get boxee or some other PC based streaming media server operational for new HD setup.<br /></li></ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/509823049036139454-3457590130082536778?l=www.koktavy.net%2Fblog' alt='' /></div>pjkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02225237955863227936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509823049036139454.post-44133155907423387712009-05-11T22:04:00.000-05:002009-05-11T22:08:28.069-05:00Spring Family ProjectsDIY - Sky Fort Playset along with much unwanted landscaping<br /><br />DIY - Media Server to replace all (or most) of the kid DVDs<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/509823049036139454-4413315590742338771?l=www.koktavy.net%2Fblog' alt='' /></div>pjkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02225237955863227936noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509823049036139454.post-69803571644804904172009-05-05T16:07:00.000-05:002009-05-05T16:20:16.828-05:00DIY - Period appropriate trim<p><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=509823049036139454&postID=6980357164480490417#Almost_done."><br /></a></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial;">There are several generations of trim throughout the house. My goal was to get the look of the room back to what it probably was in 1910. The house is a Prairie Style American Foursquare.</span></p><p><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Before: (Note 1/4" oak flooring, no longer mass produced, was repaired using salvage material from closets and another room.)</span></p><p><img border="0" src="http://www.koktavy.net/705NW17th/2nd-floor-SE-during_small.JPG" width="250" height="166" /></p><p><img border="0" src="http://www.koktavy.net/705NW17th/clara-during_small.JPG" width="450" height="300" /></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;">Base:<br />As far as I could determine most of the original base was 1x8 Douglas fir routed<br />with a shallow round. There wasn't much of this left in the house.<br />(I won't go into the other generations of trim here.) Routing 1x8 (or<br />1x10) white pine was my plan B. I wanted something a little more ornate<br />and I wanted something 8+". I searched high and low at all of the home<br />improvement places and local trim shops. Couldn't find the base I needed.<br />It was all short, <8", a dull style, or made of some composite material.<br /></p></span><p><img border="0" src="http://www.koktavy.net/705NW17th/clara-trim-during_small.JPG" width="200" height="300" /></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;">I went with a standard pine base cap and a standard 11/16x11/16 shoe. The<br />base I decided on was pine exterior siding. The cap sat on it perfectly<br />and it gave me the marriage of the height I wanted along with the flourish of<br />the cap and base.</span></p><p><img border="0" src="http://www.koktavy.net/705NW17th/clara-window-during_small.JPG" width="450" height="300" /></p><p><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Windows: As far as I could tell the original window trim was 1x6 doug routed with a shallow round. (Again, I won't go into the previous generations of window trim.) The tops of the windows had crown molding. Apparently the old crown was solid where the new crown leaves a void where you don't see it (?) Found something close enough and it looks great. (I believe it is 2 1/4" bed moulding as I have since used this in several areas of the house.<br /></span></p><p></p><p><img border="0" src="http://www.koktavy.net/705NW17th/clara-window-during2_small.JPG" width="200" height="300" /></p><br /><p></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:Arial;"><a name="Almost_done.">Almost done.</a> Still need<br />to do door hardware, closet light, and vent covers.</span></p><p><br /><a href="http://www.koktavy.net/705NW17th/clara-almost-done-1.JPG"><br /><img border="2" src="http://www.koktavy.net/705NW17th/clara-almost-done-1_small.JPG" image="http://www.koktavy.net/705NW17th/clara-almost-done-1.JPG" /></a><a href="http://www.koktavy.net/705NW17th/lara-almost-done-2.JPG"><img border="2" src="http://www.koktavy.net/705NW17th/clara-almost-done-2_small.JPG" image="http://www.koktavy.net/705NW17th/clara-almost-done-2.JPG" /></a><a href="http://www.koktavy.net/705NW17th/clara-almost-done-3.JPG"><img border="2" src="http://www.koktavy.net/705NW17th/clara-almost-done-3_small.JPG" image="http://www.koktavy.net/705NW17th/clara-almost-done-3.JPG" /></a></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:Arial;">Trooper relaxing in one of his new rooms.</span></p><br /><p><a href="http://www.koktavy.net/705NW17th/clara-troop-1.JPG"><br /><img border="2" src="http://www.koktavy.net/705NW17th/clara-troop-1_small.JPG" image="http://www.koktavy.net/705NW17th/clara-troop-1.JPG" /></a><a href="http://www.koktavy.net/705NW17th/clara-troop-3.JPG"><img border="2" src="http://www.koktavy.net/705NW17th/clara-troop-3_small.JPG" image="http://www.koktavy.net/705NW17th/clara-troop-3.JPG" /></a><a href="http://www.koktavy.net/705NW17th/clara-troop-2.JPG"><img border="2" src="http://www.koktavy.net/705NW17th/clara-troop-2_small.JPG" image="http://www.koktavy.net/705NW17th/clara-troop-2.JPG" /></a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/509823049036139454-6980357164480490417?l=www.koktavy.net%2Fblog' alt='' /></div>pjkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02225237955863227936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-509823049036139454.post-35196233939572519802009-05-05T14:54:00.000-05:002009-05-05T15:00:33.000-05:00Hello<span style="font-family:verdana;">Most of my banal thoughts and updates are going into Twitter and Facebook. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">This may be a place for long-form thoughts or minimally, may serve as my home base.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/509823049036139454-3519623393957251980?l=www.koktavy.net%2Fblog' alt='' /></div>pjkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02225237955863227936noreply@blogger.com0