Shady Rest

“As for You Instagramers, Twenty Years from Now You’ll Be Sorry”

2012-11-01T08:30:00.001-04:00

http://www.petapixel.com/

Photojournalist Kenneth Jarecke wrote up a thought-provoking piece yesterday titled, “Instagram, the Devil, and You.” He offers his thoughts on the question, “Will ‘Instagram photojournalism’ stand the test of time?”:

As for you Instagramers, twenty years from now you’ll be sorry. You’ll be more sorry than I am when I look back on a picture I made twenty years ago with a 20mm lens when I should have used a 28mm. Years from now, you’ll awake in the middle of the night and suddenly realize putting a fake border on a picture makes the whole picture fake. You’ll understand that the technical choices you made destroyed the longterm credibility of both you and your images.
Instead of having a body of work to look back on, you’ll have a sad little collection of noisy digital files that were disposable when you made them, instantly forgotten by your followers (after they gave you a thumbs up), and now totally worthless. You’ll wish you’d have made those images on a Pentax K1000 and Tri-X (at the very least or most depending on your age and perspective), but the times you failed to record properly will be long gone. But don’t listen to me, listen to all your Insta-friends. They love you.

Instagram, the Devil, and You [Mostly True via The Click]

Image credit: Part of an art project involving tiny pics of my art — using #instagram as one part of the medium. by kimboburly

1959 Chevrolet NAPCO Suburban 4×4

2012-11-01T08:16:00.001-04:00

http://bringatrailer.com/

This 1959 Chevrolet NAPCO Suburban 4×4 was restored in 2007 and looks fantastic with its high ride height, white/black color scheme and rare clam-shell tailgate. An original California vehicle, it comes with black plates and appears to be a lot of truck for the money. Find it here on eBay in Denver, Colorado with a $29,950 Buy-it-Now.

Southern Cornbread

2012-10-31T14:34:00.001-04:00

http://www.simplyrecipes.com/

Anytime you put the words "Southern" in front of a dish, it's likely to stir up controversy, and cornbread is no exception. It seems like every person I've ever known from the South has their favorite way of making it, and every way is different. But the thing that distinguishes Southern cornbread from, say Yankee cornbread, or any other cornbread one is likely to eat outside of the southern states, is that it is savory, not particularly sweet, and it is made mostly with cornmeal. Northern cornbreads tend to be more cake-like, on the sweet side, with a finer crumb due to more flour in the mixture. Southern cornbread is flavored with bacon grease, and cooked in a cast iron skillet, a perfect side for barbecues, or chili.

Continue reading "Southern Cornbread" »

4 Amazing Wilderness Canoe Trips

2012-10-30T14:22:00.001-04:00

Paddle Away From Civilization:

by Darren Bush on October 30, 2012

http://artofmanliness.com/category/travel-leisure/

"What sets a canoeing expedition apart is that it purifies you more rapidly and inescapably than any other. Travel a thousand miles by train and you are a brute; pedal five hundred on a bicycle and you remain basically a bourgeois; paddle a hundred in a canoe and you are already a child of nature.” Pierre Trudeau, P.M.

A wilderness trip in a canoe is a privilege few people experience in their lifetimes. Last year 22,000,000 people reportedly paddled a canoe. Perhaps only a few thousand took a wilderness trip longer than a few weeks. Itâ€™s pretty easy to see why: we all have too little vacation and too much to do. The average canoe trip 20 years ago was nine days. Today it's three. Clearly, our priorities are screwed up.

Should you dream of a wilderness canoe trip, here are a few suggestions. Included is an epic adventure that is well-known to the wilderness paddler, a beautiful and remote yet accessible voyage, and a couple trips suitable for a beginning paddler. All are awesome; some are just more awesome than others. I've tried to be fair geographically and spread it out a little.

New England: The Northern Forest Canoe Trail

This 740-mile water trail runs from Old Forge, New York in the Adirondacks to Fort Kent, Maine. Itâ€™s a recently completed trail and sets the standard for how things should be done to create such resources. A coalition of public and private stakeholders worked it out and agreed on how to make this trail work from start to finish.

It started when private land owners collaborated with public entities, power companies, and other interested parties to create a continuous trail. It passes through numerous little towns, and includes a wide variety of different waters. Large, clear lakes like Rangeley and Umbagog contain lovely bays and small inlets. Little stretches of mild whitewater run to connect the lakes. There are large rivers like the Androscoggin that run from Maine and into New Hampshire. Youâ€™ll experience flat water for long stretches, punctuated by Class II (and a few III) rapids. In other words, a perfect combination.

Bugs can be a problem in wet seasons, but it varies wildly based on your area. Northern Maine in the spring has an almost palpable hum from the mosquitos. Here you'll want headnets and other bug-proofing materials.

Now this is not strictly a wilderness trip. Because there are some public lands, there are a few old cabins along the shore of some of the lakes, and the rivers have dams that one must carry around. But for a first-time canoe wilderness trip, itâ€™s one of the best places to start.

Periodically you'll be reminded that you're in New England, as you pass under covered bridges and near small towns where the steeples of white churches predominate from river level. Reminders that parts of this route are not truly wilderness, but gorgeous just the same.

Several paddlers have "through-paddled" the entire trail. If you're new to paddling expeditions, this is a good place to cut your teeth.

Skill Level Needed:

Alone

: Intermediate

With a Guide or Group

: Beginner

Length

: 3 to 30 days, depending on the section

Resources:

Planning information and maps, a list of outfitters and guides, and other useful information can be found at the official website for the Northern Forest Canoe Trail at http://www.northernforestcanoetrail.org/

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Quetico Provincial Park Minnesota/Ontario Canada

Located on the boundary (get it?) between the United States and Canada in northern Minnesota, this 1.1 million acre wilderness area is a great resource. It butts up against Quetico Provincial Park, separated by as little as a few hundred feet of water. I remember one trip where I told my wife, "I think I'll swim over to Canada." And I did.

There are smaller rivers in this classic boreal region, but mostly there are lakes, and lots of them. There are over 600 in Quetico and over 1,000 in the Boundary Waters. Portaging (carrying your canoe and your gear between lakes) is common. Portages are measured by an old surveying measurement called rods. A rod is 16.5 feet, or 320 rods to a mile. Looking at the Boundary Waters maps youâ€™ll see portages between 10 and 550 (ouch). The portages range from a nice, smooth path to a bushwhack through mud, rocks, roots, and combinations thereof.

Black bears are fairly common, as well as moose, and if you're lucky, even a wolf or two. The Common Loon (the Minnesota state bird) warbles its haunting call at dusk and you know you've left civilization behind. During the blueberry season you can pick a full Nalgene bottle in fifteen minutes and eat them just as fast.

Both Quetico and the Boundary Waters are wilderness areas, but that doesn't mean they're empty. Thousands of people visit the area every summer, and some brave souls in the spring and autumn. Personally, I love autumn as there are no bugs, fewer people if any, and spectacular colors as the aspens turn and the pines and spruces remain green.

The biggest issue for travelers is the bugs. Biting black flies in early season can make your life miserable without netting and DEET. Same goes for mosquitoes, but as it dries out later in the summer, the bugs diminish. Once we get a good hard frost, it's awesome. Campsites vary as to their bugginess, and staying in a camp with a breeze helps, of course. Then there's the occasional leech. Theyâ€™re harmless but creepy. I've seen grown men cry like a baby when they find a leech sucking away. Throw salt or bug spray on them or just grab 'em and yank.

It is easy for beginners in the area to get lost. Once you get into the interior, a lot of branches and peninsulas look exactly the same. Do not rely on a GPS; batteries die and electronics fail. The good news is that there is almost no declination adjustment with a compass, meaning true north and magnetic north are within a few degrees of each other. Learn to use a map and compass.

Skill Level

: Beginners are okay with shorter loops and help from an experienced paddler or a reputable paddling shop.

Trip Length

: Overnighters, to two or three week trips, are possible.

Resources

: There are numerous outfitters who can set you up from the ground up. A few with which I am familiar are listed below, and I know all of them personally and can vouch for their character. They donâ€™t know Iâ€™m doing this.

Voyageur Canoe Outfitters
Mike and Sue Prom
www.canoeit.com

Voyageur North
Steve and Lynn Oâ€™Kane
www.vnorth.com

Another great resource is www.canoecountry.com. Here you can find maps and talk to other paddlers who have experience in BWCA/Quetico and love to share their knowledge. But thar be trolls lurking. Ignore them.

The True North: Nahanni River

This river is a classic canoeing river in one of the most remote areas in Canada in the Northwest Territories, just east of the Yukon. This wild river flows through the Nahanni River National Park Preserve, proposed and championed by Canada's then Prime Minister, Pierre Trudeau.

The Nahanni is an ancient river, cutting a path even when mountains rose and blocked its way. It features abundant rapids and waterfalls, including the famous (to canoeists) Virginia Falls. It also passes through four long, steep canyons, aptly named Canyon One, Canyon Two, etc. The walls of these canyons rise to over 1000 feet tall with little access to shore, making it an expertâ€™s river if paddling in a self-guided group.

Due to the unique nature of the geology of the river, the ecosystems surrounding it are a rare and special once in a lifetime treat. The river's shores are home to abundant wildlife, including many species of threatened and endangered species. A rare species of orchid lives on the walls near Virginia Falls due to the considerable mist that blankets them. Surrounding the river are also caribou herds, grizzly bears, various alpine sheep and goats, wolves, and other macrofauna.

It is paddled mostly in covered canoes due to the abundant whitewater. Because of its remote nature, access is generally by float plane and resupply is impractical (air drop), which means you are self-contained for one to three weeks. However, traveling by canoe means luxury. You're not backpacking here, sonny. You sleep on thick, futon-like pads, eat fresh food (the fish are plentiful, and not smart to people yet), and sleep in nice, big tents.

Because of its remote nature, it is an expensive trip, costing several thousands of dollars, even if you guide your own trip. Float planes are expensive, but the payoff is that less than 1,000 people a year visit this gem, so your opportunity for solitude is unparalleled. And kids really like float planes.

Skill Level

: Expert, though beginners in good physical shape can do this trip with a guide.

Length

: One to three weeks, but if youâ€™re going to spend the money to get there and have the time off, go for three if you can.

Guide services are available through Blackfeather Guide Service (www.blackfeather.com). They have been running trips on the Nahanni, and their owner, Wendy Grater is one of the most experienced guides I know. And no, sheâ€™s not paying me to say this.

Southern Comfort: The Buffalo National River

What's a National River? Starting in 1972, the Buffalo River in Northern Arkansas has been protected from development, industrial uses, or any other use that might change or affect the river's ecosystem. Managed by the National Park Service, the 132-mile Buffalo changes personalities as it travels its course. The upper sections are extremely technical and beautiful whitewater, suitable only for expert paddlers.

The topography is unique due to its location in the southern Ozarks. Hundreds of caves dot the riverway, and waterfalls and springs feed into it. That's a good thing, as water levels are important in determining the ability to paddle. Low water exposes sand bars and high water can flood the river making it dangerous. This is one place where it's critical to watch the weather.

Of all the rivers described here, the Buffalo has the most variety in flora and fauna. An elk herd was introduced in 1981, joining the deer, turkey, feral hogs, and a host of other macrofauna. Hundreds of species of wildflowers live along the river, bringing an explosion of color in the spring.

Camping is available along the riverway, both in established park service campsites and on sand bars. If you need a place to paddle in late spring or early fall, the Buffalo is a great place to get away when other northern paddling destinations are frosty.

Skill Level

: Whitewater over Class II requires specific equipment and the skills to use it. The lower sections are suitable for beginning paddlers.

Length

: You can do different sections in short runs, but the entire river can take six to ten days depending on water levels.

Resources

Here are the outfitters I would recommend:

Buffalo River Canoes, Inc.
HC 73 Box 39
Marble Falls, AR 72648

Silver Hill Canoe
9826 Highway 65 South
St. Joe, AR 72675

Buffalo River Float Service
11637 Suite1, Highway 14 South
Yellville, AR 72687

You can also email my friend Richard at rmmcfadden@yahoo.com. Seriously. He loves the Buffalo River.

Any of these rivers are within a manâ€™s reach. All that is required is an honest appraisal of your skills, your equipment, and the patience to do your homework. The journey starts with a dream; the important thing is what you do after you wake up.

After all, happiness is a loaded down canoe.

UT Boy Scout Troop Builds Fishing-Line Recycling Receptacles

2012-10-30T14:07:00.001-04:00

http://www.fieldandstream.com/

One of the most careless and irresponsible things an angler can do is leave discarded fishing line at fishing sights. Not only is discarded fishing line unsightly and the mark of a true slob angler, it's also death to any creatures that get entangled in it. But one such encounter between a duck and some discarded monofilament ended up triggering a cool environmental project for a couple of Utah boy scouts.

From this story in the Salt Lake Tribune:

John and Steven Petersen, brothers from Lehi, were fishing at Highland Glen Park back in June when they noticed a duck wrapped in fishing line. They wondered what had happened and what they could do to help the bird. While they were pondering what to do Tonya Kieffer, a community fisheries biologists with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, showed up and started chasing the duck.

"A friend who is birder told me about a duck that had fishing line wrapped around it and I went to see what I could do. They saw me and came over to help me corral it," Kieffer said Monday. The biologist explained to the boys the dangers of abandoned fishing line as the trio worked to get line untangled from one leg where it was so tight that circulation was being cut off and then removed a hook from inside the duck’s beak. Kieffer finished by explaining that there were opportunities for the boys to make fishing-line recycling receptacles.

According to the story, that got the boys thinking, and four months and $675 in raised donations later, the boys returned to the lake and installed four stations for recycling fishing line. The recycled line will be sent off to Berkley and recycled into fish habitat structures. The project also helped one of the boys attain his Eagle Scout requirements.

Have a problem with discarded line at your favorite fishing spots? Any line recycling containers at your favorite fishing spot? If not, maybe you should hit up your local boy scout troop.

Icon D200

2012-10-29T21:54:00.001-04:00

It's okay to drool. Created by the guys behind the crazy-awesome Ford Broncos with help from Banks Power, the Icon D200 ($TBA) combines modern technology with the look of Dodge's landmark 1965 crew cab truck. Thanks to new Dodge 3500 chassis and mechanical systems, the D200 is ready to handle the raw brawn of the 5.9 L Cummins engine that provides it with an insane 975 lbs. of torque. Other features include a Six-Gun diesel tuner, a Monster Ram intake manifold, a dual exhaust, a Banks Brake exhaust braking system, a 4.5-inch Baja 1000 Chase lift kit with Fox shocks, custom audio, and an interior featuring free-range American Indian Reservation bison leather. Expect to see it at SEMA 2012, but no word on whether you'll ever be able to buy one.

Visit Uncrate for the full post.

Acqua Blu: 1966 Alfa Romeo Giulia 1300Ti

2012-10-29T21:35:00.001-04:00

from Bring a Trailer

This 1966 Alfa Romeo Giulia 1300Ti is said to be rust free and largely original, and we are really digging the factory blue color. The seller states that it wears most of its factory paint, while the interior is also said to be original and unrestored. The car still sports its 1300cc motor, and is said to run and drive very well. Find it here on eBay in Tarzana, California without reserve.

According to the seller, the car still wears most of its original paint, though a few panels have been re-painted. Unfortunately, no information is given about which panels were re-painted and why. Indeed, the paint looks almost too nice to be original, so any serious buyer should verify this claim. The door markers are an odd addition as well, but overall the car appears to be very clean. It wouldn’t be original, but if it didn’t require cutting we’d swap in a Super grille and inner lamps to give it a better looking front end. Has any reader ever done it?

The interior is said to be completely original and it shows a bit of its age. Overall however, it appears to be clean and very presentable. This dash design is quite different from the twin round dials. Even if not our preference of the two, it is entertaining to watch in action, and we were talking to a noted Alfa restorer recently who said he actually liked this dash design better. Besides a bit of detailing, we wouldn’t change a thing inside this car..

The Guilia is said to still have its 1300 motor, though its not specified if it’s the actual original motor. The car is said to run and drive well, while the 5-speed is said to shift smoothly without issue. For comparison’s sake, BMW would not introduce a 5-speed until the very early 80s, which is testament to the advanced nature of these cars. While not show quality, the engine bay looks still clean and tidy, with but a small amount of surface rust that could be touched up.

Although no history of the car is provided and claims about the paint should be verified, this otherwise appears to be a very clean and sorted example of a Guilia 1300Ti. Even 46 years on, these cars are still sporting drivers that are more than capable of keeping up with modern traffic. The fact that it has room for 4 and a large boot are just bonus, all the while still being powered by just 1300cc!

Chris Craft Commander

2012-10-23T10:30:00.001-04:00

Fred Hudson began his career with the Packard Motor Car Company in 1954, and he moved on to Chrysler where he was part of the team that created the blazingly-fast 300 series. In addition to his Detroit credentials, Hudson made history in boatbuilding.

As Chief Stylist for Chris-Craft from 1960 to 1964, he was responsible for the design of the 1964 38' Express Fiberglass Commander.

About the Chris-Craft Commander. In 1964, amidst much secrecy, Chris Craft Boat Corporation unveiled its first entry into the fiberglass cruiser market at the New York Boat Show with the 38' Express. The boat was heralded as a design marvel from the drawing tables of Fred Hudson and "Mac" MacKerer.
Chris-Craft produced other Commanders ranging in size from the sporty 19' to the palatial 60'. These boats are still plentiful today, and much sought after for their fine workmanship, seaworthiness and accommodations. They continue to increase in value as the awareness of their construction and durability becomes more well-known.

This film's focus is on Fred Hudson's contribution to the Chris-Craft Commander line, and to the lives of countless families who enjoy these classic boats 50 years later.

A film by Whitney Pillsbury

This film was produced by the Chris-Craft Commander Club

About the Chris-Craft Commander Club. The mission of the club is to celebrate and preserve these vintage boats.
The club got its start in 1999 as a written registry of a few boat owners. The club quickly took its mission to the web where it saw an explosive increase in membership, which now totals over 1000 members worldwide.

http://www.commanderclub.com

About the filmmaker. When Whitney Pillsbury isn't working on his "project" boat, he earns a living as a Group Creative Director at The Kaplan Thaler Group on the Wendy's campaign "You know when it's real." His previous project was the groundbreaking Trojan "evolve" campaign featuring men as the pigs they are. Since becoming the first hire in the Kaplan Thaler Group's creative department in 1997, Whitney has created some of the agencies most memorable commercials.

Whitney serves as the Membership Chairperson of the Chris-Craft Commander Club, managing a worldwide boat registry of thousands of Commanders that are still running strong. He has donated his creative skills to the design of the Club's logo, many t-shirts and posters. His biggest donation; however, is time. Whitney has owned the 38' Express, a 19' Super Sport, and is currently restoring a 'project' 1974 55' Commander.

Brownie bonanza

2012-10-15T19:42:00.001-04:00

Brownie bonanza: 12 recipes of goodness:

Massive chocolate craving? Look no further. We've compiled 12 delicious recipes for everyone's favorite dessert: brownies.

White chocolate, carmel, cream cheese, cinnamon, ginger, Oreos, pecans, peanut butter, nutella; we've got it all, baked into chocolatey brownies, blondies, and bars.
Whether you're an ooey gooey person, a fudge lover, or a fan of the chunky brownie stuffed with goodies, you are sure to find your next favorite brownie recipe here.

Enlarge

A decadent brownie with a rich caramel center. (The Pastry Chef's Baking)

Brownies with salted caramel

4 ounces (1/2 cup or 8 tablespoons) unsalted butter; more for pan
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
Scant 1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs, at room temperature
4-1/2 ounces (1 cup) all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsweetened natural cocoa powder (not Dutch-processed)

Position a rack in the middle of the oven; heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter an 8-inch square pan, line the pan bottom with parchment, and then butter the parchment.
Melt the butter and chocolate together in a medium metal bowl, set over a pan of simmering water. Let the chocolate cool slightly before stirring in the sugar, salt and vanilla.
Add the eggs one at a time, stirring each time until blended. Add the flour and cocoa and beat until the mixture is smooth, 30 to 60 seconds. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and bake until the top is uniformly colored with no indentation and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out almost clean, with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, 35 to 45 minutes.
Set the pan on a rack until cool enough to handle. Run a paring knife around the inside edge of the pan, and then invert the pan onto a flat surface and peel off the parchment. Flip the baked brownie back onto the rack to cool completely. Cut into squares.

http://www.csmonitor.com/The-Culture/Food/2012/1015/Brownie-bonanza-12-recipes-of-goodness/White-and-dark-chocolate-chip-blondies

Summer In Barcelona

2012-10-15T19:27:00.001-04:00

Video Of The Day: Summer In Barcelona:

SUMMER BARCELONA from Pau García Laita on Vimeo.

Summer might be over, but that doesn't mean we need to stop daydreaming about warm places and days spent at the beach. It also means that some great videos produced over the summer are now popping up on Vimeo, such as the film above by director Pau García Laita. Over the summer months, the 22-year-old filmmaker sought out to capture a day in the life of his hometown of Barcelona, Spain. From sunny shots of classic Barcelona architecture to windsurfers catching waves on the Mediterranean, the film offers a glimpse of the city that would tempt any traveler to want to hop on a plane to Spain. However, García Laita didn't just stick to tourist trodden places; he also captured some places and spaces travelers rarely see, like the stacking of boxcars in the city's train yard or a bird's-eye view of some construction sites. Did he do a good job of capturing Barcelona? You tell me in the comments below.

Video Of The Day: Summer In Barcelona originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 15 Oct 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Make Cheeses Easier to Melt

2012-10-13T19:23:00.001-04:00

Make Cheeses Easier to Melt with Sodium Citrate [Video]:

Most cheeses aren't very good at melting and you have to resort to a processed cheese food product like Velveeta for your nachos, cheesesteak sandwiches, etc. Culinary weblog Chow reports that adding a pinch of sodium citrate will keep your cheese from separating so you can enjoy good quality melty cheese.

More »

George Jones & Jamey Johnson and Blackberry Smoke

2012-10-08T09:51:00.001-04:00

http://www.twangnation.com/

While indulging my frequent music video ADHD I followed a YouTube trajectory to a series of videos of Jamey Johnson doing classic cover of Waylon Jennings and Patsy Cline and the like . One really caught my eye, it was Johnson not only covering, but joining with none other than country music legend George Jones on Willie Nelson classic “Yesterday’s Wine.” And it had only 751 views!! What a find!

“Yesterday’s Wine” is the title cut from Willie’s 1971 album and, in 1982, Merle Haggard and Jones recorded a duet of “Yesterday’s Wine” which became a number one single on the country chart. Not everyone can fill The Hag’s boots but Johnson and Blackberry Smoke’s Charlie Starr do a fine job. And, ladies and gentlemen , if that went enough the great Atlanta-based Southern Rock band Blackberry Smoke is backing them up. As one twitter follower responded when i posted it “Dayum!”

I was puzzled where the track came from and discovered, through the power of the google machine , that it’s included as a bonus track on Blackberry Smoke’s “Little Piece of Dixie” (2010.) I guess i should have payed more attention that that fine album!

Behold the greatness!

Man Rig - 1967 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ45

2012-10-07T22:06:00.001-04:00

http://www.moldychum.com/

This beautifully restored 1967 Toyota Land Cruiser was previously part of the personal collection of Country Music singer Alan Jackson. It has been updated with a Chevrolet 5.7 Vortec V8 and automatic transmission to provide modern-day performance and reliability. It was restored by TLC in Van Nuys, California and is equipped with creature comforts like air conditioning and a CD stereo system.
LINK (via: Bring A Trailer)

The History of Land Rover

2012-10-04T20:16:00.001-04:00

In 1940's post-war Britain The Rover Car Company was in decline, sales in Britain couldn't support the large company, and it was close to failing. The Wilks Brothers however had an idea to save the company. They were pleased with the versatility of their own American Military Jeep, but they soon realized the limited availability of parts outside of America would eventually lead to it's demise. The brothers began to think of a design, which could not only be the 'farmers best friend' at home, but successful in the lucrative export market. The Rover Car Company gave them 12 months to design and produce what is now the original Land Rover. Needless to say they succeeded and years later it's estimated that it was the first vehicle ever seen by 1/3 of the worlds population.
Sir Ranulph Fiennes narrates the story of the iconic brand highlighting the evolution of the utility 'Series' models, to the creation and progression of the now luxury Range Rover in these 9 consecutive videos.

The History of Land Rover: A Video Series Narrated by Sir Ranulph Fiennes

de to the Best Side Dish Ever: The Memphis Mac’n'Cheese Guide

2012-10-03T11:01:00.001-04:00

http://ilovememphisblog.com/

If Memphis had an official side dish, it would be macaroni and cheese. It makes the veggie plate options roster at every meat-and-three in town, and when I asked who had the best, you guys had very strong opinions.
You can't go wrong with any of these 10 local restaurants' variations on the dish:
1. South of Beale (361 S. Main St.)

No matter what you order at South of Beale, you should add a side of their gouda mac'n'cheese ($5). It's a bigger-than-you'd-expect bowl of spiral noodles in creamy, sharp gouda cheese sauce sprinkled with a dusting of breadcrumbs that's so fine and light it reminds me of the streets after a typical Memphis snowstorm.
2. Patrick's (4972 Park Avenue)

The mac'n'cheese from Patrick's may look look like bit of a mess, but, just like mama said, apperances shouldn't matter. Their mac'n'cheese is so ridiculously thick that the shells seem to fall apart under the weight of the delicious cheese sauce (which definitely has some sour cream in it).
3. East Tapas (6069 Park Avenue)

I want to eat the baked mac'n'cheese from East whenever I'm having a bad day. It's based on a recipe that manager Lisa Ansley used to make in college with cheddar, cottage cheese and sour cream. It's the food equivalent of a hug.
4. Soul Fish (862 South Cooper Street)

Here's why Soul Fish's mac'n'cheese deserves a spot on your veggie plate (because this is Memphis and mac'n'cheese is a vegetable here): it's a little tangy, a little spicy, and so gooey that you'll have to put in some effort to detach the noodles on your fork from the rest of their baked brethren.
5. Elegant Farmer (262 South Highland)

The Elegant Farmer's version of mac'n'cheese is made with penne noodles tossed in a creamy (but not super thick) cheese sauce and topped with green onions, which add a little more flavor than the traditional breadcrumbs.
6. Center for Southern Folklore (119 S Main St #106)

The Southern Folklore Store (attached to the Center for Southern Folklore) has a full food menu, and like any good soul food diner, they've got mac'n'cheese. Theirs is a fairly straightforward take on the classic – peppery, cheesy, sour-creamy and delicious when eaten hot or cold.
7. Interim (5040 Sanderlin Ave.)

Eating Interim's mac'n'cheese is sort of like digging for burried treasure. Once you make it through the thick layer of breadcrumbs atop your cute little casserole dish, you're rewarded with a filling pile of baked noodles in sharp, white cheddar sauce.
8. Bleu (221 South 3rd St.)

There's no actual bacon in Bleu's mac'n'cheese, but the sauce has a definite smoky, bacony flavor. It's the kind of mac'n'cheese that – if you were so inclined – you could eat for breakfast. The portion is huge enough to use as a full meal.
9. Mollie Fontaine Lounge (679 Adams Ave.)
I couldn't get a good picture of the bowl of mac'n'cheese that I ate at Mollie Fontaine's last night (it was kind of dark) but I can tell you that the little baking dish came to me with a piece of bacon sticking out of it like a flag. The noodles lived up to the hype – they were baked perfectly (they had the exact right crispiness-to-noodley-goodness ratio) and the sauce had a little spice to it.
10. Lunchbox Eats (288 South 4th St.)

I ate a lot of mac'n'cheese for this story, and I can now say with confidnece that if there is a Lord God King of Memphis mac'n'cheese, it's Lunchbox Eats'. Kaia Brewer's mac'n'cheese is made with four kinds of cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan and cottage), seasoned (with Worcestershire sauce and baked until the top is brown and just a little crunchy. It's straight up cheesy magic.

Field Testing the new Goruck Duffel.

2012-09-30T09:54:00.001-04:00

Field Testing the new Goruck Duffel.:

Way back in 2010 when I wrote about Goruck on this blog for the first time, this is what I had to say: “These Goruck bags are some of the best things I have seen in a long time — I’m expecting big things from the brand.” It really was the truth that I was expecting big things, and it seems very clear now that Goruck was up to the challenge. The tiny bag brand has gone from maker of just a few small packs, with one ACL comment smack-down under its belt, to an esteemed outfitter and widely respected cult-brand. When I spoke to Jason McCarthy for the first time in the fall of 201o, I remember specifically asking when the Goruck duffel bag is coming out. “Be patient,” Jason said. Well, never would I have guessed that it would have taken the this very deliberate brand two solid years to bring a duffel bag to market. But don’t fret friends, the wait is officially over. Today Goruck officially released its Mil Kit and Civvy duffel bags.
Jason and co-founder Jack Barley happened to remember my long ago interest in the duffel and were kind enough to give me one of the first bags to test out. There was no promise of a quid pro quo, but you would have to be crazy to think I wouldn’t want to get this long-awaited Goruck duffel on ACL.

More about the new Goruck duffle from founder Jason McCarthy:

The aviator’s kit bag was one of my favorite pieces of gear, and everyone on my Special Forces team used them to transport a small army’s worth of gear, per person. The wide opening makes them far superior to green Army duffel bags, which nobody uses anymore because nobody likes soup sandwiches at the bottom of a long, narrow bag. But because the aviator’s kit bag was designed for one purpose and one purpose only (airborne operations), it falls a little short when used elsewhere. So we at GORUCK decided to modernize it and do it in two sizes, mil to indicate a larger military sizing, and civvy to indicate smaller civilian sizing. We added all the functionality the guys and I always wished they had – not for jumping, but for daily use, travel, and storage. And in that process we abused kit bags like it was going out of style.

The version I have been using (pictured here) is the Civvy kit bag, which retails for $195. Goruck also makes a larger version called the Mil Kit, which is insanely big and retails for $245. Both are entirely sourced and manufactured in the United States. While Goruck has the gestation period of an elephant, the product that it turns out is consistently of the highest caliber. In a world of fast fashion and the race for the bottom, it is good to know high standards and patience still exist. [Goruck]

Strange Festivals From Around The World

2012-09-28T14:51:00.001-04:00

http://www.gadling.com/category/events/

Fall festival season is in full swing now, getting people out and about on the crisp autumn weekends. Some festivals are annual events across town, others take a road trip or weekend getaway to see. In the United States, many have a common theme that includes pumpkins, hay and cider somewhere along the way. In other parts of the world, annual festivals at different times of the year offer a measure of tradition and have been held for decades. Others are just plain odd but they bring some of the most fun that distant lands have to offer.

Sakon Nakhon Wax Castle Festival

Coming up in October, Thailand has the Sakon Nakhon Wax Castle Festival, marking the end of Buddhist Lent. During the festival, the people of Sakhon Nakhon gather in a celebration, which includes a Wax Castle procession, longboat races and cultural performances. Originally using beeswax to make different kinds of flowers, attached to banana tree trunks, today's festival features castles, temples and shrines paraded around the city showcasing local skill and wisdom.

[Flickr photo by e-dredon]

Continue reading Strange Festivals From Around The World

Strange Festivals From Around The World originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 28 Sep 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

CHURCHILL'S LANDY

2012-09-23T06:39:00.001-04:00

CHURCHILL'S LANDY:

WINSTON CHURCHILL'S LAND ROVER SERIES ONE IS UP FOR SALE AT CHEFFINS. I'LL TAKE IT.

Celebrate New Year's Eve at the Ryman with Old Crow Medicine Show

2012-09-16T09:25:00.001-04:00

Celebrate New Year's Eve at the Ryman with Old Crow Medicine Show:

Nashville’s own Old Crow Medicine Show will once again play the historic Ryman Auditorium, this time to ring in 2013. This is the third year that Old Crow has celebrated the New Year on the Ryman stage, in the past bringing the audience to their feet with such hits as “Wagon Wheel” and “Caroline.” After the first hsow was over, fans immediately began asking to make it an annual event, and they’re finally back! Singer and fiddle player, Ketch Secor, has said: “Playing the Ryman is like coming home. Having the chance to play that historic stage is always a humbling and inspiring experience.” Old Crow released their newest album, “Carry Me Back,” on July 17th of this year. Pokey LaFarge & The South City Three will open the show.
Old Crow Medicine Show got its' start busking on street corners in New York state and up through Canada, winning audiences along the way with their boundless energy and spirit. They eventually found themselves in Boone, North Carolina where they caught the attention of folk icon Doc Watson while playing in front of a pharmacy. He immediately invited the band to play at his MerleFest, helping to launch their career. Shortly thereafter the band relocated to Nashville for a residency at the Grand Ole Opry, where they entertained the crowd between shows.
It's been nearly fifteen years since these humble beginnings, and the band has gone on to tour the world, sell over 800,000 albums, become frequent guests on A Prairie Home Companion, and play renowned festivals like Bonnaroo, Coachella, and the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival. In November of 2011 Old Crow's classic single, "Wagon Wheel", received the RIAA's Gold certification for selling over 500,000 copies.
In 2011 Old Crow found themselves embarking on the historic Railroad Revival Tour with Mumford and Sons, and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. This tour had the bands riding a vintage train from California to New Orleans, playing shows along the way. The magic of this musical excursion across America's vast landscape is captured in the Emmet Malloy directed documentary, Big Easy Express.
Old Crow Medicine Show now have four studio albums to their name, three of which were released by Nettwerk Records - O.C.M.S and Big Iron World produced by David Rawlings, and Tennessee Pusher produced by Don Was. On their newest album, Carry Me Back, Old Crow continue to craft classic American roots music while pushing themselves in new directions. Carry Me Back, released by ATO Records and produced by Ted Hutt, represents a new stretch of road in the timeless journey of a rambling string band.

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Old Crow Medicine Show

Ryman Auditorium

New Years Eve

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Pickled Okra

2012-09-15T15:28:00.001-04:00

Pickled Okra:

A good pickle is all about texture. It should have a satisfying crunch as you bite into it. It should be firm and crisp. It should make your eyes light up with delight as you eat it. Which brings me to okra, the poster child of vegetables with texture issues. "Eww, it's slimy!" Yes. Yes, okra often suffers from slipperiness. But it all depends on how you prepare it. Cooked fresh into a pickle, like this, it's not slimy. It's crunchy. I am convinced that okra makes the best pickles ever. The inside of an okra pod is somewhat hollow, with tender seeds, but a lot of air. These air pockets fill up with the pickling juice when you pickle the okra, and it's a texture wonderland when you bite into them. That and okra just tastes good.

Continue reading "Pickled Okra" »

Austria Opens Its First Yodel Hiking Trail

2012-09-15T15:09:00.001-04:00

Austria Opens Its First Yodel Hiking Trail:
Filed under: Arts and Culture, Learning, Stories, Europe, Austria
When people think of Austria, one thing that often comes to mind is the musical style of yodeling that was developed in the Alps. The country is proud of their melodious heritage, and is helping active travelers experience it outside of the theater with their first ever Yodel Hiking Trail.

Recently opened by Castello Hotel and Restaurant owner Christian Eder, the trail sits high above Austria's Zillertal Valley. According to BBC, it is "dedicated to the art of the yodel - the ancient form of alpine communication that is so deeply entwined with Austrian folk music."

From the village of Königsleiten, a serene area often said to be a muse for aspiring yodellers, trekkers walk a short distance to a cable car that transports travellers to the top of Königsleitenspitze mountain. This is where the 4-mile Yodel Hiking Trail begins. Starting at 7,464 feet in elevation, the path descends at moderate intensity. Along the way, there are five stations offering yodeling lessons. Each station has something unique to offer. For example, station two is a hut shaped like a cowbell that features musical cowbells inside. On the other hand, station three has what is thought to be Austria's largest alpine horn, the original medium of communication between mountain dwellers. Additionally, at many of the stations hikers can listen to clips of Austria's best yodellers and try to mimic the sound.

The Yodel Hiking Trail can be completed independently or with a guide.

[Image via Shutterstock]

Austria Opens Its First Yodel Hiking Trail originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 15 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Untitled Honda CB350

2012-09-15T14:51:00.001-04:00

Untitled Honda CB350:

I have a soft spot for the smaller displacement Honda CBs. They belong to that exclusive breed of motorcycle that looks ‘just right’ in showroom spec. And with a light custom job, in the hands of the right builder, they can look magnificent.
This lithe CB350 comes from London-based Untitled Motorcycles, and was commissioned as a prop for a film. The brief was to avoid making the bike too obviously customized or ‘show-bike-ish’—which meant keeping the original tank, along with its paint, scratches and dings.

“The frame and engine size were key factors and visually worked well,” says filmmaker John Lindquist. “It was important the rider looked in total command of the bike and not the other way round, which could have happened using a shorter actor. I later discovered it was the same bike used in the film The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, perhaps for similar reasons.” [We covered that CB350 too.]

Untitled kept their modifications subtle. The frame has been tweaked and the rear subframe was cut to match the shape of a slim custom seat. The rear fender is a hand-made Untitled item, the stock oversized air box has been swapped out for K&Ns, and a stubby new exhaust system has been grafted on.

“The rest of the bike is pretty standard, actually,” says Untitled co-founder Adam Kay. “The clocks, headlight, controls and switches are all original—as is the engine.” The rims and hubs have been powder-coated, and stainless spokes fitted. There’s a splash of paint on the frame and the engine cases have been buffed up.
Like a skilled make-up artist, Untitled Motorcycles have amplified the good points of Honda’s original. And proved that the old girl can still turn heads, decades later.
Check out the Untitled Motorcycles website here and follow their news via the Untitled Facebook page. Images courtesy of Damian McFadden.

Bike EXIF is the world's #1 source for custom motorcycles, classic motorcycles and cafe racers. Produced in association with Icon.

Woman Decorates House with 30,000 Plastic Bottle Caps

2012-09-15T14:50:00.001-04:00

Woman Decorates House with 30,000 Plastic Bottle Caps:

Most of us tend to toss bottle caps in the trash, but Russian pensioner Olga Kostina found ways to use these everyday objects in a aesthetically pleasing and imaginative way. Over the course of years, Kostina collected colorful plastic caps until she believed she had enough in her stash to complete her artistic vision. She then hammered 30,000 of the caps down to equal sizes and nailed them into place to create all kinds of mosaic designs and patterns across the facade of her house.
She then filled in some of the gaps and added texture with macrame knotting techniques. The final result is a stunning home that stands out within the very rural, isolated Russian village of Karmarchaga, located about 50 miles southeast of Krasnoyarsk, and in the Siberian Taiga. The designs include repetitive geometric patterns as well as portraits of the cute animals in the surrounding forest. Not only did she decorate her own home, but she also covered several other constructions in the area to add a little cheer to the remote neighborhood.

via [Designboom]

EVENTIDE:PORTLAND, ME

2012-09-08T15:04:00.001-04:00

http://www.thewilliambrownproject.com/2012/09/eventideportland-me.html

IF YOU FIND YOURSELF IN PORTLAND MAINE EVENTIDE SHOULD NOT BE MISSED.

HANDS DOWN BEST OYSTERS AND LOBSTER ROLL I HAD IN MAINE.(AND I ATE A LOT OF LOBSTER ROLLS!) IT IS JUST RECENTLY OPENED SO GET THERE BEFORE THE LINES START.

CELERY GIN GIMLET

HORSERADISH ICE

BBQ STEELHEAD BELLY

KILLA' LOBSTER ROLL

ON STEAMED BUN.

The Southern Road: How To Eat A Boiled Peanut

2012-09-08T14:11:00.001-04:00

The Southern Road: How To Eat A Boiled Peanut:
Filed under: North America, United States
Boiled peanuts are one of those delicacies where you either love them, or you don't. You can find them all over the south. They're boiled because they are cooked in salted water, and are then kept warm in their juices in an electric casserole or crock pot.

I first encountered them in a gas station between Birmingham and Montgomery, and dipped up a cupful to try in private. I wound up with a mouthful of hull, which I spit out, and peanut, which I liked. But until I got to Georgiana, Alabama, I didn't know I was doing it wrong.

I spotted the signs first: "boiled green peanuts." Then I spotted The Peanut Hut. Venturing inside, I was offered a sample of boiled green peanuts - green, because they've just come out of the ground, where other boiled peanuts are made from dried peanuts. Green, I was assured, are superior.

I also received instructions. You don't bite a peanut in the middle, and peel it, as I was doing. You take a peanut, and place it horizontally between your top front and bottom teeth. Give it a gentle bite. The hull ought to break open the long way, in two, revealing the peanuts inside.

Here's a recipe for boiled peanuts and a little more history. They are an acquired taste. But now you know the right way to eat them.

Continue reading The Southern Road: How To Eat A Boiled Peanut

The Southern Road: How To Eat A Boiled Peanut originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 08 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.