hodge podge

A bunch of stuff I have had in my head to post for way too long:

I thought this comic described Beemer's (dr_tectonic) post about giving up following the news really well. (especially in light of the resent viewings of She-Ra cartoons in his household....)

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I meant to post this yesterday for my birthday.

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Jerry: it is the stick blender that makes gives the cauliflower that perfect texture. I have done it a couple times with just cauliflower, and they have the same texture as potatoes every time.

I was going to just e-mail that to Jerry (kung_fu_monkey), but I wanted to plug my stick blender. I resisted getting one for years and years, and now I think it is my most used kitchen appliance. I

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For some reason, I have had in my head that someone on my friends list would like to know about making bacon in the oven, but I can't remember who now. Anyway, the oven is at 400°F, line a baking sheet with parchment paper (which, coincidentally, is oven safe to 400°) and lay the bacon on the parchment paper. Pop the baking sheet in the oven till the bacon is your desired doneness. I don't know how long it takes since I am always doing other things while it cooks. Longer than on the stovetop, but much neater. (Though, on the stove top, bacon should be cooked on -low- heat, which I only learned a few years ago, so it shouldn't cook very much faster in a frying pan.)

It makes it really easy to collect the bacon grease for use with the less popular vegetables as well.

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And then, for something serious, the story of Andy the Kitten.

Animal shelters are full of abandoned, neglected, and mistreated animals right now. If you have room to foster or adopt or donate to a shelter, it is always a good time to do so.