tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86510220166331084512024-02-07T13:05:44.621+09:00Tokyo O.G. F and BFormerly a potent cocktail of Tokyo, food, cooking, wine, photography, vintage rangefinder cameras, shaken with a piquant jot of Mongolia. Been on hold as I adjust to life in Minnesota.The O.G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08485252461629390651noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8651022016633108451.post-59011125094894995622019-07-09T17:55:00.000+09:002019-07-09T22:44:12.654+09:00I Love Airag<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4wd5iF1ToaApJ-MG-_2CQOkdtaRcAaKJI1JGWYb1gYEVb7yZOFTOO1fMfKsF_00-dzO8Ok6QC2lG4ZRKz969vnKkvevB8lqHo3qIoTZau1sbfA8UmIJsBsYxL915xAsg87pdywsaBXM/s1600/8DF46E0D-D90C-4B21-9DB0-1392280C6DDC.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4wd5iF1ToaApJ-MG-_2CQOkdtaRcAaKJI1JGWYb1gYEVb7yZOFTOO1fMfKsF_00-dzO8Ok6QC2lG4ZRKz969vnKkvevB8lqHo3qIoTZau1sbfA8UmIJsBsYxL915xAsg87pdywsaBXM/s400/8DF46E0D-D90C-4B21-9DB0-1392280C6DDC.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Nothing like Mongolian fermented mare’s milk to put you on the good foot. I am about the most unmongolian person in the world; but this stuff is among my soul drinks. Made even more precious because it is unobtanium back home. Right up there with white Hermitage and about 50 times cheaper. 🥰🇲🇳🐴 #airag #айраг #mongolia #topdrop </span></div>
The O.G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08485252461629390651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8651022016633108451.post-35877580955311086852018-02-16T15:10:00.002+09:002018-02-16T17:27:34.248+09:00Rummy Hooks Up with a Baby Geisha<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxREtkfgKLt8J80DEeca6VRIaCvqKDeepBhVFJcFkq0779fU7Jb5d0-K9OYQ25UqHSO4kFdBoaN0YFAMuZG-fXUVUK0_IHszC9tDDZcN06NPRRNWFmCNROGC1nyMT8ziPwI7l9Vmbafdw/s1600/panamababy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxREtkfgKLt8J80DEeca6VRIaCvqKDeepBhVFJcFkq0779fU7Jb5d0-K9OYQ25UqHSO4kFdBoaN0YFAMuZG-fXUVUK0_IHszC9tDDZcN06NPRRNWFmCNROGC1nyMT8ziPwI7l9Vmbafdw/s320/panamababy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A five-dollah cup of coffee and a rum infused Japanese chocolate bar, and we'll say it's all OK. Here's a little harbinging for those that need a little heralding about now. Living in that bad, bad town, Minneapple, has left me with a finely honed sense of spring, and I can absolutely feel the season is on its way even if it stops to dawdle along the road. #coffee #panamacoffee #babygeisha #rummychocolateThe O.G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08485252461629390651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8651022016633108451.post-84600511676500045592016-03-16T03:19:00.000+09:002016-03-16T03:19:58.615+09:00Let's get lambinated!<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r7KO6qmjKK4" width="560"></iframe><br />
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Lamb, baby, lamb. It's what's on for Easter. It's exponentially better than a fistful of peeps, those yellow marshmallow chicks that frankly creep me out more than Italian circus clowns. Follow the video directions and in 2 shakes of a lamb's tail, you will be demonstrating the depth of your goodwill to everybody with whom you share this tender bit of roasted lamb goodness. It may not be what you want but it sure is what you need.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA5a73-9xEvfWmmMa1bWiybTLndJKuUigcrAb-Ww1QQMESfkrR3iqNNFT22NZ1zDgoq1Hoa4DzGaOUBK7CAJZtimznSbVmvwTwYEz_ceDgvdSIvMNOUf0828YOpGQzffcJpS_kEVTEHpA/s1600/24852501624_3f562cbdcf_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA5a73-9xEvfWmmMa1bWiybTLndJKuUigcrAb-Ww1QQMESfkrR3iqNNFT22NZ1zDgoq1Hoa4DzGaOUBK7CAJZtimznSbVmvwTwYEz_ceDgvdSIvMNOUf0828YOpGQzffcJpS_kEVTEHpA/s1600/24852501624_3f562cbdcf_z.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />The O.G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08485252461629390651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8651022016633108451.post-91557681723025847322016-03-10T23:14:00.001+09:002016-03-10T23:58:34.260+09:00Le Chook; C'est Chic--Poulet Basquaise<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-HiLRFqQwKw" width="560"></iframe><br />
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Been a long time. Here's a little something chicken that the O.G. put together to help the helpless in the kitchen. Easy food is both easy and pretty tasty. So very, very chic and yet at the same time tres rustique to boot. What more could you ask for? No egg in your beer for now, go away and start cooking this, while you're at it, make some rice and a mixed green salad too. Who loves you, baby?The O.G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08485252461629390651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8651022016633108451.post-263779654622973542015-03-16T22:19:00.001+09:002018-02-16T15:22:04.546+09:00Ladies and Gentlemen: Light Your Charcoal, the 2015 BBQ Season is On<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qabaAXaK3-PRzrl_gCDAm5wcXIUJ7wVQhgnkSEmwbQt_0Lh5i_neM5oj0r7XAU6b2M_fkrWl8HvI4vqYQ8ZX8a7xZwJK_GL0BNnvsgAThyphenhyphenhZDJJgwY8K2CFmGR8ysVJv9bqvQM-mRRQ/s1600/ribs+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qabaAXaK3-PRzrl_gCDAm5wcXIUJ7wVQhgnkSEmwbQt_0Lh5i_neM5oj0r7XAU6b2M_fkrWl8HvI4vqYQ8ZX8a7xZwJK_GL0BNnvsgAThyphenhyphenhZDJJgwY8K2CFmGR8ysVJv9bqvQM-mRRQ/s1600/ribs+2015.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Results are in--the ribs are good</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Smoking well seasoned ribs over fragrant hickory wood removes the soul destroying taint of Minnesota winter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Below is the official theme song of the 2015 BBQ season, which will be played during the initial pouring of the ceremonial libations until the inevitable freeze returns.</span><br />
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<a name='more'></a>The O.G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08485252461629390651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8651022016633108451.post-10757003005334026282015-03-12T04:51:00.000+09:002015-03-17T02:58:26.801+09:00Who Do You Love?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhRM8ogt1pyOabC9OyjPwEKxsrQAziK-HEiT5eEmtGfUpShbzSSkfDmkWHgUdqGEKUqNf0Pufe45fXYIr2yT3iwvtDZRxx2Qe6gJOSRV9kuY6TZzeasS4l9gkwiC392YiZGbg76LydxM/s1600/charlotte-rampling-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhRM8ogt1pyOabC9OyjPwEKxsrQAziK-HEiT5eEmtGfUpShbzSSkfDmkWHgUdqGEKUqNf0Pufe45fXYIr2yT3iwvtDZRxx2Qe6gJOSRV9kuY6TZzeasS4l9gkwiC392YiZGbg76LydxM/s1600/charlotte-rampling-6.jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafndAwuN46wQT8kkLSJjKabqyfjUTKvCGwdw_U0gmSXaEU0ze4rXiwD2LGDZ5CcEqSdZzQ-VcLoT4x82nI5M4UT8s3BWe_xtXAzgGHw3ERTlWiQDNBiFO_Nc_U0C34iBVq9Nz7n-bfAM/s1600/cruz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafndAwuN46wQT8kkLSJjKabqyfjUTKvCGwdw_U0gmSXaEU0ze4rXiwD2LGDZ5CcEqSdZzQ-VcLoT4x82nI5M4UT8s3BWe_xtXAzgGHw3ERTlWiQDNBiFO_Nc_U0C34iBVq9Nz7n-bfAM/s1600/cruz.jpg" height="320" width="244" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yes who do you love? Charlotte Rampling or Penelope Cruz. Quickly now you're going to have to say yes to one and let the other one ride. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Okay, take a moment to decide while you listen to this:</span><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8w9Eii9ZFsQ" width="420"></iframe>The O.G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08485252461629390651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8651022016633108451.post-80344458474197873782015-03-11T03:55:00.001+09:002015-03-14T00:14:11.446+09:00Lamb Dumplings AKA Gyoza, Potstickers, Guotie etc.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirG6BGqZ2gpufJuDJPe9C78yiqz4x_ny2asm8DJhchLr569rWADVl9PHjRj7G8l_xtD6Lzrr3rERpO7vn5I-FRD0gTi9shVB_RaeFPuw43f_Izh3PyWHcyhWTNMrBDJDHJzRiP_DginWM/s1600/gyozarama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirG6BGqZ2gpufJuDJPe9C78yiqz4x_ny2asm8DJhchLr569rWADVl9PHjRj7G8l_xtD6Lzrr3rERpO7vn5I-FRD0gTi9shVB_RaeFPuw43f_Izh3PyWHcyhWTNMrBDJDHJzRiP_DginWM/s1600/gyozarama.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A fusion of Japanese and Chinese, usually made with pork. These crisp yet mochi-mochi wrappers contain a soft filling of 1/2 </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">ground</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">lamb-1/2 grated cabbage, scallions, garlic and a little salt. These demonically addictive little pillows of joy cry out for cold Czech beer. Impossible to ignore their mellifluous siren song.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You can't, you won't and you don't stop.</span>The O.G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08485252461629390651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8651022016633108451.post-54526535497240450352015-03-04T06:16:00.003+09:002015-03-04T06:24:50.808+09:00Going big with Crab Benedict brunch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN9KQGdTIgJIWoFEGg41gNZmfmkcNoZwD5Hel0FvsXK2-JNMrdhrpyB1vxzShAN9F6yVGr8DSYR6VSY_zQXpURWWsqpy7hTMNIP_PXS3zoD-uTE-b159tY3G47-Bzre8SerUFacCFmuQg/s1600/bene.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN9KQGdTIgJIWoFEGg41gNZmfmkcNoZwD5Hel0FvsXK2-JNMrdhrpyB1vxzShAN9F6yVGr8DSYR6VSY_zQXpURWWsqpy7hTMNIP_PXS3zoD-uTE-b159tY3G47-Bzre8SerUFacCFmuQg/s1600/bene.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Had some leftover king crab (taraba gani) so decided to to make a sort of crab Benedict, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">perfectly poached eggs on a toasted whole-wheat English muffin topped with luscious king crab and a buttery smooth Hollandaise sauce flavored with white wine, vinegar, lime juice and fines herbes. The effect was rich and delicious, but not overly complicated. The slight acidity of the sauce kept the dish from being too rich or too much. Every sublime fork-full lingers clearly in my usually faulty memory.</span>The O.G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08485252461629390651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8651022016633108451.post-80964433350093862972015-03-03T03:59:00.001+09:002015-03-04T06:18:56.188+09:00Enjoy every sandwich. The comfort of mussels and French fries.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0QNfL1PgBmttHCrY6VDrDI0XoXsSwFdA-jSXJ2IK4tFnKWee5biUTexGP71i8ohEYYSRwi1VOnVjWwBtkIqVjA0pdjXkhFo3pbGUC5feQ5lVnOcf9tlXnwtxEHmRofNZw-zmxmPCSuc/s1600/mussels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0QNfL1PgBmttHCrY6VDrDI0XoXsSwFdA-jSXJ2IK4tFnKWee5biUTexGP71i8ohEYYSRwi1VOnVjWwBtkIqVjA0pdjXkhFo3pbGUC5feQ5lVnOcf9tlXnwtxEHmRofNZw-zmxmPCSuc/s1600/mussels.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">David Letterman, the late night talk show host asked Warren Zevon (musician, singer, song writer) about what he had learned from his struggle with terminal mesothelioma. "Enjoy every sandwich," was Zevon's</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> reply.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This simple bowl of mussels steamed with white wine, shallots and saffron brought to mind Zevon's quote because I enjoyed this meal so damn much. The Prince Edward Island mussels were sweet and briny and such a perfect match with the saffron. The French fries were made from organic potatoes fried twice to a perfect crispness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Met almost by accident and scrutinized fleetingly, this sort of food is a comfort that means so much.</span><br />
<br />The O.G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08485252461629390651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8651022016633108451.post-21724314550533776992015-02-15T03:38:00.001+09:002015-03-12T05:27:53.801+09:00The Beef Chow Fun is Deep<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7OCvtfTmm150VQAfuDJ2iZ8V_4v9u7XJM_yCcDv-oA9-LOaj-Yu9zRkRClAWUjnPxfvmWmB-0lqbN8r9k3QdJyVrDpay7aJ0zE9GBSmI4ycacxPKcF0WlKtipi5eL2HG4Q4vy-g7ql7g/s1600/gan+chow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7OCvtfTmm150VQAfuDJ2iZ8V_4v9u7XJM_yCcDv-oA9-LOaj-Yu9zRkRClAWUjnPxfvmWmB-0lqbN8r9k3QdJyVrDpay7aJ0zE9GBSmI4ycacxPKcF0WlKtipi5eL2HG4Q4vy-g7ql7g/s1600/gan+chow.jpg" height="400" width="297" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Beef gan chow ho fun fried rice noodles</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">75 g (dry weight) wide rice noodles (sen yai)<br />2 tsp oyster sauce<br />2 tsp fermented black bean sauce<br />2 tsp soy sauce<br />1 tsp rice vinegar<br />3 Tbsp water<br />30 g nira garlic chives cut into 7-cm lengths<br />1 bunch green onions cut in 7-cm lengths<br />1 clove garlic crushed<br />100 g beef cut into 7-mm by 3-cm strips<br />Vegetable oil for frying as needed<br /><br /><br />Marinade<br />1 Tbsp soy sauce<br />1Tbsp Shaoxing rice wine (shokoshu)<br />1 tsp cornstarch</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />Coriander leaves for garnish<br /><br /><br />Pour very hot water (90C) about over the noodles and let soften for 10 minutes, remove from water and drain. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Pour soy sauce and rice wine over meat, sprinkle with cornstarch and let marinate for about 20 minutes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />Mix oyster sauce, black bean sauce, soy sauce, vinegar and water and set aside. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sear the meat in 2 Tbsp oil in a smoking hot wok, quickly remove. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Clean wok, heat again add 2 Tbsp oil for frying, stir fry garlic, nira and onions for about 15 seconds, add noodles and stir fry vigorously over high heat until well softened (2 or 3 min.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Stir in enough sauce to lightly coat the noodles and mix well for about 30 seconds. Add meat and mix well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To serve; garnish with coriander leaves.</span></div>
The O.G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08485252461629390651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8651022016633108451.post-17011952854786750372014-09-10T05:31:00.000+09:002015-03-05T05:31:39.645+09:00Whitefish Jrs.<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">These guys get around on the Powwow circuit. I believe they are Crees from Canada and they are a big deal and have a lot of CDs out. We enjoyed their singing and drumming that encouraged the dancers to do their best at the Crow Fair. </span>The O.G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08485252461629390651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8651022016633108451.post-47609856928455718212014-09-09T00:45:00.000+09:002015-03-05T05:33:47.811+09:00Crow Fair 2014<h2>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yes, we were there at the 96th Crow Fair. My daughter, Ms. Wiggy Boots, was so excited. You see Crow Agency, Montana, looks like Mongolia and the Crow people (Apsaalooke) reminded her of Mongolians.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lots of drumming and singing and dancing. A bracing combo of nostalgia and now as the Crow Nation gathered for good times. Check one off the bucket list. Could see making this a regular August stop.</span></div>
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The O.G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08485252461629390651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8651022016633108451.post-17568026655952018042014-09-09T00:17:00.001+09:002015-03-05T05:34:31.785+09:00Great Plains Road Trip<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The August road trip to Deadwood, South Dakota (extreme tourist trap), Glacier National Park (heavenly scenery) and Billings, actually Crow Agency, for the Crow Powwow (An inspiring gathering of the tribe.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">An entirely too short 9 days. A story of hell--Deadwood-- and long hours behind the wheel that brought redemption in the soul-stirring State of Montana. Could have easily spent a month. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Bonded with the Subaru as the little 4-wheel-drive tramp stretched out all day at high speeds over the endless vistas of the Great Plains. Ms. Wiggy Boots fed me pringles and water all day and we stopped to dine on the finest of fast foods and convenience store burritos. (Wiggy still talks about that KFC buffet in North Dakota, or was it Minnesota?) We had all manner of nasty food like snickers and Trader Joe's cookies and so forth. To be cont.</span><br />
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The O.G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08485252461629390651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8651022016633108451.post-40654069087328089152014-07-24T03:34:00.000+09:002014-07-24T04:06:20.310+09:00Tell Me, Who Do You Love?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">OK now don't think too hard about this. Just pick one quickly. It doesn't really have to be love, which one would you rather share pancakes with?</span><br />
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<br />The O.G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08485252461629390651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8651022016633108451.post-21673509010642407252014-06-04T05:16:00.002+09:002015-10-31T00:07:17.757+09:00A Perfect Prawn Curry <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmZxuMlD4tKcH94nYJ0-X5EmNJ4wlAHi4JfH0QUOQ4TgLkmkNOEI9SuU6CgnMMfIMFaq-VyZjQUkyunK-Op2FWq37YtlbWL01eeeESL5W5uz8ux_rV02hWnp3-tncDFMe3fNNy1nFHBI/s1600/14130379047_ae7ea4689d_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmZxuMlD4tKcH94nYJ0-X5EmNJ4wlAHi4JfH0QUOQ4TgLkmkNOEI9SuU6CgnMMfIMFaq-VyZjQUkyunK-Op2FWq37YtlbWL01eeeESL5W5uz8ux_rV02hWnp3-tncDFMe3fNNy1nFHBI/s1600/14130379047_ae7ea4689d_z.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes a perfect dish of prawns in coconut curry can snatch you from the depths of Minnesota Mordor and give meaning, importance and pleasure to life.</span><br />
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Uuum been a long time since I shared any thoughts with my blog droogs. I spindled many of my posts when I applied for a job in Minneapolis.</span><br />
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Had the posts been left up and had I kept writing; it would have been possible to pinpoint the exact moments when my life came off the tracks and dissolved into a melty combo of raising a lovely yet often angry Mongolian teen and watching Twins baseball in the basement.</span><br />
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My second wife left us in the lurch in such a horrific manner that after 2 years; I still have my doubts about ever hooking up again, and the very concept of romantic love seems as flimsy and illusory as a cosmic Potemkin village.</span><br />
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This return to blogging is my attempt to crawl out of the debris, dust myself off and to survey the wreckage. A sort of triage of my life, if you will. Well that's the idea as this starts anyway.</span><br />
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When it is not snowing and frozen outside, life in the Mini-apple is not without certain pleasures--usually involving cooking, eating and drinking. I share my culinary masterpieces with my little Mongolian, who has risen to the task repeatedly, calmly stuffing these unknown wonders into her face with nearly beatific gusto.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So you see it's not all bad. In fact I've been quite lucky in a way. In the end no one gets out alive anyway; so might as well enjoy the scenery along the way--n'est-ce pas?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>P.S. Bonus Recipe</b>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Kerala prawn curry<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1can coconut milk<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> 2 onions diced<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tablespoon of minced garlic<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tablespoon of fresh grated ginger<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">½ teaspoon black mustard seed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">½ tsp black pepper<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1tsp indian chili powder or cayenne (to taste)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 tsp paprika<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">½ tsp fenegreek seeds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">¼ tsp of cardamom seeds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Good pinch of black cumin seeds (optional)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1tsp of turmeric<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A pound of peeled deveined shrimp <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 tomatoes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A little tamarind water 2-3 tablespoons optional or 1 tbsp
of apple vinegar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">method<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Grind all the spices except mustard<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Brown onions garlic and ginger in oil, add mustard seed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Add diced tomato and cook until it melts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Add heaping tbls of spice mixture saute for a minute or two<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Add little tamarind water or vinegar for balance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Stir in coconut milk bring to a boil<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Add prawns and simmer until done and the sauce is thickened <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Season with kosher salt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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The O.G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08485252461629390651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8651022016633108451.post-84616750831275102312010-02-12T16:11:00.006+09:002010-02-22T22:11:12.864+09:00Do You Like Gladiator Movies?<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbrxHvPFrk7dL6FV4QX7XJiqy2Kqz3zExnV0FWL05Yo6MOL-pG5NbdUAG0GqzWH6Qawk-7M-kqM9CIuHTeaovZ8VQrFinjDg_cT6X7CZjPYJF_mcvFanwgqHDjV_LsjX5cjmY-Vu4dA04/s1600-h/spartacus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbrxHvPFrk7dL6FV4QX7XJiqy2Kqz3zExnV0FWL05Yo6MOL-pG5NbdUAG0GqzWH6Qawk-7M-kqM9CIuHTeaovZ8VQrFinjDg_cT6X7CZjPYJF_mcvFanwgqHDjV_LsjX5cjmY-Vu4dA04/s320/spartacus.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">Oh yeah!!, I am Spartacus." Everyone is Spartacus these days.We all know good and well Kirk Douglas is the real Spartacus, but there is a new cable TV drama Spartacus, that is homoerotic enough for Liberace, has enough hetero smut thrown in so they don't turn it off in Peoria (or wherever normal dwells these days) and sufficient blood and guts to furnish an abattoir. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I watched one episode and I thought: F**k yeah I want to look like these guys. The only problem is I'm like 54 years old and have been sitting on the couch for 4 years, I mean I am really out of shape. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So along comes Men's Health Magazine, with a tie-in work out <a href="http://www.menshealth.com/spartacus/workouts/">http://www.menshealth.com/spartacus/workouts/</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And with more determination than good sense, I began the Spartacus workout program. It is a circuit that is supposed be completed 3 times in one go and 3 times a week. So far I have not been able to get past the first circuit and it makes me feel like I'm going to puke. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Makes me wonder if a 54 year old couch cluster can really do this kind of thing or will I herniate something, or clutch my heart and fall to the frozen floor of my apartment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But somehow there's a whatever-doesn't-kill-me-makes-me-stronger quality to the workout that keeps me going. A kind of fight club where it's "I vs me." Ten kilos to lose and then watch out Steve Reeves. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">See you at the gladiator movies. </span><br />
Photo of Kirk Douglas © 1960 Universal Pictures Company, Inc.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red;">Update: </span></b></span><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">OK</span>, still feeling virtuous, this is working out well, so far no injuries, feeling more just all around genki, lost a little over a kilo so far, and tripping delirious on the endorphins. What I really like about this is you can get a serious workout in a reasonable amount of time and without a lot of equipment. And if it's snowing outside or typhooning you can still workout. <br />
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</span>The O.G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08485252461629390651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8651022016633108451.post-19127166635401108822010-02-05T09:07:00.011+09:002010-02-09T13:06:11.558+09:00Asashoryu Forced Out--Sumo Slimes Itself<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1313/904923949_79f879e94f_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1313/904923949_79f879e94f_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Loved by sumo fans of all races, reviled by the Japanese sumo establishment, there was none better in the ring than Asashoryu. Unlike others, he stayed true to his Mongolian roots in and out of the ring. The day they forced him to retire, is the day sumo died for me, the excitement is dead. We've still got Hakuho and Harumafuji, but neither one brings the volatile mixture of speed, power, charisma, and barely controlled violence to the ring as Asashoryu did. When he turned and pounded his belt before each match you know he was good to go. </span><span style="font-size: large;">I don't think too many of the wrestlers that had to face him will miss that mighty thump. </span><span style="font-size: large;">The thing that really pisses me off is the fact that he was only, what, 7 or 8 wins away from being the greatest champion of all time. A flawed tragic hero now leaves the rotting corpse of sumo behind, clearly one time when a man is bigger than the sport. Long live the King!!</span>The O.G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08485252461629390651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8651022016633108451.post-90401819965794832292009-09-02T18:31:00.012+09:002010-01-26T16:41:07.521+09:00I know the sun gwine shine ...<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3451/3880660024_8368975c27.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3451/3880660024_8368975c27.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 130%;">Saw this incredible rainbow </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 130%;"> at Gunguluut nature reserve in Mongolia </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 130%;">while laying low and pondering my latest disaster. This scene, followed by a glass of fermented mare's milk (airag) was a sort of cosmic pat on the head and a much much needed "there, there," that made me believe </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 130%;">everything would</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 130%;"> be alright</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 130%;"> eventually</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 130%;">. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 130%;">In spite of all the weird stuff that happens there, or maybe because of it, Mongolia and it's people hold an overwhelming attraction.</span>The O.G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08485252461629390651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8651022016633108451.post-1646508047106802782009-06-05T22:36:00.013+09:002010-01-24T16:33:43.609+09:00Love that Plussy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6-8nHBSI8wFpg44yG_C4q3ad2C82Xj-CuiwLyNX_1ONFDaCPS8hK9n2Eg40HDZk7ahern5_oW8lp-QMOkJnmRrshW-t1Bi_2z5TD0tGQRjMvwbPS6g_qr2ELV8AsOJ8IN89G5AcxfOw/s1600-h/img803.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6-8nHBSI8wFpg44yG_C4q3ad2C82Xj-CuiwLyNX_1ONFDaCPS8hK9n2Eg40HDZk7ahern5_oW8lp-QMOkJnmRrshW-t1Bi_2z5TD0tGQRjMvwbPS6g_qr2ELV8AsOJ8IN89G5AcxfOw/s400/img803.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343840541012967842" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Yeah I love the plussy, never get enough. I pound gallons of the stuff, well at least I do when I'm not quaffing Kirin Zero, the no-carb, lo-cal, fake beer preferred by lady golfers.</span></span><br /></div>The O.G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08485252461629390651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8651022016633108451.post-24759658176786668522009-06-01T14:44:00.018+09:002016-11-23T00:34:04.534+09:00Praise Be Unto the 4th Earl of Sandwich<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpy0V39C9eqtgY-g0xu3ZABBqGpfdqE6XSztiyyGwpXCpmtPD5DmUrKTZxhXCqCcrmU3n2KXLRNWP_D6jvcpWN_6Td4rpFAUOcLW_-GcnKKHDHPxCOtDLXOyj4k9dBqCcBGUp3rPIeH0/s1600-h/P1070815.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">First there was bread ...</span></span> <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342232371284995730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpy0V39C9eqtgY-g0xu3ZABBqGpfdqE6XSztiyyGwpXCpmtPD5DmUrKTZxhXCqCcrmU3n2KXLRNWP_D6jvcpWN_6Td4rpFAUOcLW_-GcnKKHDHPxCOtDLXOyj4k9dBqCcBGUp3rPIeH0/s320/P1070815.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHZaJYu3CNJpZBtTXIWMlNBCtsVpwI5aD7JJW56W9c0sSvLELiKfxiOwBl9qh16eDvj0EK9tHHhxvQwc3RWJbnqHKq8LbqjytAGLiL2wcvuCSiE5kBsVJE6qPqZyUfmWrz2c9nhgjHUM/s1600-h/P1070814.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Then there were meatballs ...</span></span></a><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">At long last there was the sandwich!!</span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342232373500100418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAp-aSHAsWtsXzOwsCFg-2Ip0eACF76lfK7sUd66L_gEHp4f370z6UaRC2qjQxN67BcbmaCkrB-6bm4DvK3DrQa6xY2zlgMlYwIpu7t_dkOGChmSewiiyEwwHJ4Fo7rd1CF03SjgrAs8/s320/P1070832.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 240px; width: 320px;" /></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";">I don’t care what anyone says: John Montagu, I love you!! There now; I’ve got it off my chest. I really shouldn’t have to explain any further. But I will. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";">John Montagu was the 4th Earl of Sandwich, thrice First Lord of the Admiralty in the 18th century. He was said to be a member of </span></span><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";">London</span></span></st1:place></st1:city><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";">’s notorious Hellfire Club and held many important posts in the British government.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";">He seems to have made many enemies and his reputation as an inveterate gambler </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";">and libertine may have been slightly exaggerated by prudish Victorian historians as well.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";">For me however, he will always stand tall among the cooking gods, because one day in the 1762 he asked his servant to put a couple of slices of cold beef between two slices of bread, thereby inventing the sandwich. And the way we eat was forever changed, a world of possibilities pressed between a couple of slices of bread is now ours to forever savor.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";">Let’s cue “To all the girls I’ve loved” and recall some of the great sandwiches that we’ve all spent time with. Surely a New York deli corned beef on rye with mustard must rate as one of the all time greats, its 300 grams or so of meat a tribute to the excess and the bounty of a great land.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";">What about the weird and wonderful Monte Cristo sandwich—ham, turkey and Swiss tucked into white bread, battered and deep fried? The full Monte is spectacular, but who could fail to be humbled in the august presence of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich—its hulking 1/2 kilo of grilled beef glowingly topped with a rich blast of yellow aerosol cheese?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";">Sadly </span></span><st1:country -region="-region" st="on"><st1:place st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";">England</span></span></st1:place></st1:country><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";">, the birthplace of the sandwich has dropped the ball with the creation of the chip butty,—a sandwich served in the green and pleasant land—boasting a fistful of fried potatoes on buttered white bread, surely one of the stranger sandwiches ever made.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";">As far as sandwich infamy goes, I don’t think the firefly squid and potato salad sando on white toast I once ate at an office in </span></span><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";">Tokyo</span></span></st1:place></st1:city><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";"> has ever been matched as a truly bad example of the genre.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";">All of the aforementioned sandwiches have their own claims on greatness, but I propose that the greatest sandwich of all time may be the hot meatball submarine. I make this bold assertion based mostly on the fact that I want to eat one right now.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";">Imagine if you will, an Italian roll shaped like a submarine, the inside covered with garlicky tomato sauce, hot meatballs and molten mozzarella cheese providing more than a touch of “too much.” It is a sandwich of operatic excess.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";">So what are we waiting for? I may not have a grandfather named Guido, but if you follow my instructions you can still enjoy a great Italian-American sandwich.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";">Let’s put one together.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";">First let’s tackle the meatball mix. Place 200 grams of ground beef and 200 grams of ground pork in a mixing bowl. Add one half finely chopped brown onion (tama negi) 1 clove of minced garlic, 60 grams of grated parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, 200 ml of panko breadcrumbs and one egg. Crack your knuckles, and using you hands, mash everything in the bowl together until it is well mixed. That was therapeutic wasn’t it? Now form the meatball mixture into 12 balls and set them aside somewhere in your ridiculously small kitchen where you won’t knock them over while you make the tomato sauce. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";">Wash your hands.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";">For the tomato sauce, in a casserole sauté a tablespoon of chopped garlic in olive oil until it is just browned, add a splash of red wine if you have some, if not don’t worry. Add two cans of chopped tomatoes which you have pureed in a blender. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Lower heat and simmer uncovered for about five minutes.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";">Gently arrange your twelve meatballs in the sauce and cook covered over low heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the cooked meatballs rest in the sauce for about an hour.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";">I can’t find anything in </span></span><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";">Tokyo</span></span></st1:place></st1:city><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";"> like an Italian-American submarine sandwich roll. It has a thin, but crisp crust that you can easily bite into without damaging yourself, or the meatball. I’m using some ciabatta from from Maison Kayser that I found in Dean & Deluca’s in Shinagawa Station. Ciabatta is rectangular bread named after a house slipper and it will do the job nicely.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";">Whatever you do, don’t use one of the heavier crusted French loaves. The jaw power needed to breech the crust will have sauce covered meatballs shooting across the room, or at the very least dropping onto your white jeans.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";">Slice your house slippers into a top and a bottom piece. Ladle some Ferrari-red sauce onto each half. Cover the bottom part of our sandwich with 1.5-centimeter-thick slices of warm meatballs. Cover the other side, or top, with thin slices of fresh mozzarella cheese. Preheat your oven and roast on a rack until the cheese is bubbling. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";">Be careful not to burn the bread, you are making the sandwich of the gods—this is serious business.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";">If you don’t have an oven, carefully toast the sandwich in your toaster oven. If you don’t have a toaster oven, well go buy one. They cost like 2,000 yen these days and humans cannot live without an occasional slice of buttered toast.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";">Remove your sandwich from the oven, place the cheese laden top half over the meaty bottom half, and if you are able, let it cool enough so that you can take a bite without burning your mouth.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";">Is it not beautiful, this sandwich? Grazie Signor Montagu, and until next time,</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";">Ciao amici.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";">O.G.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial";">(This piece, which I wrote, appeared pretty much in this form in the Asahi Shimbun IHT in early 2008)</span></div>
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The O.G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08485252461629390651noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8651022016633108451.post-58343176297734830452009-06-01T13:50:00.009+09:002012-04-23T13:58:17.561+09:00This Just In ... (a while ago)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3cO-1nfUfwWtuiEFSGkHthU3q1th53sQEx39B2ZN7X7mxwu1kWoDGaPK-uzhbufzWBy7NOTQ6glTIiBMM4rgRhYbd-0-OES4kclzGI5ci3tUOQw5XDIOTkTpV3iOqiyAJgMHBG7RJM4/s1600-h/%E3%82%B3%E3%83%94%E3%83%BC+%EF%BD%9E+img440.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342267021665299490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3cO-1nfUfwWtuiEFSGkHthU3q1th53sQEx39B2ZN7X7mxwu1kWoDGaPK-uzhbufzWBy7NOTQ6glTIiBMM4rgRhYbd-0-OES4kclzGI5ci3tUOQw5XDIOTkTpV3iOqiyAJgMHBG7RJM4/s320/%E3%82%B3%E3%83%94%E3%83%BC+%EF%BD%9E+img440.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 318px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQebM9TwKgTu3a7q5Asrw0o9KSMXyKUKW6lTgfElwLqaqqZCvTH_EHh5ssIChfbDIBBAqjX5GfD_LLBnp35NoW9X869Bk46ZicIKW4d07LoqQTmwVMfh3ZazSv82THt5WLKtPnaf9Scpw/s1600-h/img731.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342226546060444034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQebM9TwKgTu3a7q5Asrw0o9KSMXyKUKW6lTgfElwLqaqqZCvTH_EHh5ssIChfbDIBBAqjX5GfD_LLBnp35NoW9X869Bk46ZicIKW4d07LoqQTmwVMfh3ZazSv82THt5WLKtPnaf9Scpw/s320/img731.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; height: 224px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">In a slightly less picturesque version of Pagnol's La Femme du Boulanger (with a Mongolian twist,) Tsoogii came back at the end of Nov. 2008. I'll just leave it at that, but a quote from our former fearless leader does come to mind; </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 19px;"></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"There's an old saying in Tennessee — I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee — that says, fool me once, shame on — shame on you. Fool me — you can't get fooled again."</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Yeah that's the way it is.</span></span></span></div>
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</div>The O.G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08485252461629390651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8651022016633108451.post-77687379902917195432007-07-31T21:09:00.002+09:002010-01-24T16:49:13.682+09:00Glad for Chono - Bodol Mongol Pops<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p><object height="350" width="425"><param value="http://youtube.com/v/YRCQO3uGUkg" name="movie"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://youtube.com/v/YRCQO3uGUkg" height="350" width="425"></embed></object></p><p style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;">OK I'm glad to know about Chono, cool young Mongolian pop dudes they came and played in Tokyo and kicked ass for a very short set. They are younger bros of Mongolian metal band Hurd.<br /></span></p></div>The O.G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08485252461629390651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8651022016633108451.post-53495550895828655642007-07-30T15:55:00.001+09:002015-03-12T04:58:17.582+09:00Ouais--J'ai Le Cafard<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiucepof0DrLMMOh64osCKrhmCPJc2qeFoLZyjh8MzmpiI1ihUJ43L08q4tX23Jh1IXeq8u7As_rUQ7XB00t6OvRjau0fBaapd3QvIyAK23d0Zp-y8AnIn457CwAVkrDQbHFWyA8sxYDQk/s1600-h/img243.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiucepof0DrLMMOh64osCKrhmCPJc2qeFoLZyjh8MzmpiI1ihUJ43L08q4tX23Jh1IXeq8u7As_rUQ7XB00t6OvRjau0fBaapd3QvIyAK23d0Zp-y8AnIn457CwAVkrDQbHFWyA8sxYDQk/s320/img243.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5092881964564292242" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt;" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">'</span><i style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;">Have you <span style="font-weight: bold;">le cafard</span>?</i></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 130%; font-style: italic;">' I asked, referring to the desert-madness that, bred of monotony, boredom, misery, and hardship, attacks European soldiers in these outposts--especially absinthe-drinkers--and makes them do strange things, varying from mutiny, murder, and suicide to dancing about naked, or thinking they are lizards or emperors or clock-pendulums.</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">--Beau Geste, Percival Christopher Wren</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Hmmmmmmm no naked dancing yet but I do feel a bit like a clock pendulum, or a pair of Chuck Taylors. I just need to get back in bed and take the 49 day sleep cure. But first I need to finish a story about pickled plums.</span></span>The O.G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08485252461629390651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8651022016633108451.post-52229184615583896602007-07-25T21:49:00.002+09:002012-04-23T14:05:38.443+09:00IESU Sign<div style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/esteamer/856018056/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1398/856018056_d4331ea3cc_m.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/esteamer/856018056/">IESU Sign</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/esteamer/">suijingu2</a> </span></div>
<br />The O.G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08485252461629390651noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8651022016633108451.post-45802659203466722692007-07-03T19:41:00.003+09:002010-02-07T20:14:59.738+09:00My Big Fat Mongolian Wedding<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDaCOLfq0ER9bVxlMQ7HsQsc_a3C70Qo5hO4ujg14uDDIAY9MAR6inbwGmvgdBSaQbzq3ADr2V25vbF9zFRyNT2vJJnOpGmNx6wU2bp5yA2DJKSBVZ8z1dmY6Aro-OOh2KAXRXGnVSa8o/s1600-h/chinggis_vodka.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082920856046899266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDaCOLfq0ER9bVxlMQ7HsQsc_a3C70Qo5hO4ujg14uDDIAY9MAR6inbwGmvgdBSaQbzq3ADr2V25vbF9zFRyNT2vJJnOpGmNx6wU2bp5yA2DJKSBVZ8z1dmY6Aro-OOh2KAXRXGnVSa8o/s320/chinggis_vodka.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px;" /></a><br />
<div style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/esteamer/639762192/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1312/639762192_85210b2c09_m.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 0pt; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/esteamer/639762192/">My Wedding 2</a><br />
Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/esteamer/">suijingu2</a> </span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 130%;">Well It's not all doom and gloom, it could be worse. I've got wonderful new wife and family of in laws at least. Had a good time and drank a wee bit of Chinggis Black vodka which is truly the bollocks of the dog when it comes to vodka.</span><br />
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<img alt="" src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Min%EF%BD%89/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg" /><img alt="" src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Min%EF%BD%89/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.jpg" />The O.G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08485252461629390651noreply@blogger.com0