Don’t forget to email your questions to: askgrampsaboutanything@Verizon.net
This coming week has a few interesting events. May 5TH is “Cinco de Mayo” celebrated by folks from south of the border. That supposedly is the busiest day for food and beverage sales for the average Mexican restaurant, almost anywhere in the USA.
May 7TH is the birthday of my “Activities Director” aka wife of 41 years; and, the 90TH birthday of my last surviving uncle, Arthur King Clark.
Saturday, May 9TH is the “Full Moon” known as "The Flower Moon," or "Corn Planting Moon," or "The Milk Moon." Supposedly, if you plant the corn at the time of the full moon, you will have better corn. For more information about full moons, go to this link:
http://www.space.com/spacewatch/090109-ns-full-moon-names-2009.html
Sunday, May 10TH is Mother’s Day, so heads up about that.
In the mean time, thanks to Clint, I have a great recipe for Pigs’ Brains in milk with scrambled eggs. Anyone want to learn more about that?
Friday, May 1, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Flu suggestions could result in lower gas prices.
Here is a swine flu comment from my friend Al who lives down below, somewhere in Kalifornia.
Public Health Officials are suggesting that everyone stay inside. As in, do not travel, minimize your visits to public places, etc.
Think of the gasoline savings. With more people doing less traveling to the store, errands, etc., fewer people will be buying gasoline.
Fewer gasoline customers COULD result in lower gasoline prices; and, that COULD save you some money.
Public Health Officials are suggesting that everyone stay inside. As in, do not travel, minimize your visits to public places, etc.
Think of the gasoline savings. With more people doing less traveling to the store, errands, etc., fewer people will be buying gasoline.
Fewer gasoline customers COULD result in lower gasoline prices; and, that COULD save you some money.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Business 'Characters'
Remember, to ask a question, please contact me at askgrampsaboutanything@Verizon.net
Here is a comment and question from another reader: Is it just me, or do you also notice a paucity of "real characters" in the business world and society as a whole. It seems that now days the only characters are those business tycoons with lots of money who have P.R. people or those that get entangled by the law.
Examples of past "real characters" would be Mr. Bumbleberry and Col. Sanders. You know, real promoters, and real people with real histories. Gary Dahl, aka ”Mr. Pet Rock,” and Howard Hughes would be others.
What are your ideas on why our society is often so bland? Can it have to do with everyone being so concerned about appearing so P.C.?
-Bored with the status quo”
Dear “Bored with the status quo,” I understand what you are saying. To add to the list, there are, of course, the “technical entrepreneurs.” One only has to look at the photo of the Microsoft founders, taken in 1978, to see a real “bunch of characters.”
http://kennethg.blogspot.com/2006/06/microsoft-founders.html
Who in their right mind would have risked investing any money with these people? Well, some folks did, and of course they became very, very, wealthy.
Hewlett–Packard had its beginnings in a tiny garage in Palo Alto, CA. William Hewlett and David Packard were ‘characters’ who spent a lot of time thinking about ways to improve things.
Don’t forget Ray Kroc, the milkshake machine salesman who became the icon of McDonald’s.
Harvey Gross, the founder of Harvey’s Casino and Resort at Lake Tahoe, Nevada, was another character, a meat salesman, who believed in quality. He and his wife opened a little place at Stateline, Nevada, and grew it into Harvey’s Resort and Casino.
Present day, though, there does seem to be fewer characters in the business world. Maybe it is the PC.
Here is a comment and question from another reader: Is it just me, or do you also notice a paucity of "real characters" in the business world and society as a whole. It seems that now days the only characters are those business tycoons with lots of money who have P.R. people or those that get entangled by the law.
Examples of past "real characters" would be Mr. Bumbleberry and Col. Sanders. You know, real promoters, and real people with real histories. Gary Dahl, aka ”Mr. Pet Rock,” and Howard Hughes would be others.
What are your ideas on why our society is often so bland? Can it have to do with everyone being so concerned about appearing so P.C.?
-Bored with the status quo”
Dear “Bored with the status quo,” I understand what you are saying. To add to the list, there are, of course, the “technical entrepreneurs.” One only has to look at the photo of the Microsoft founders, taken in 1978, to see a real “bunch of characters.”
http://kennethg.blogspot.com/2006/06/microsoft-founders.html
Who in their right mind would have risked investing any money with these people? Well, some folks did, and of course they became very, very, wealthy.
Hewlett–Packard had its beginnings in a tiny garage in Palo Alto, CA. William Hewlett and David Packard were ‘characters’ who spent a lot of time thinking about ways to improve things.
Don’t forget Ray Kroc, the milkshake machine salesman who became the icon of McDonald’s.
Harvey Gross, the founder of Harvey’s Casino and Resort at Lake Tahoe, Nevada, was another character, a meat salesman, who believed in quality. He and his wife opened a little place at Stateline, Nevada, and grew it into Harvey’s Resort and Casino.
Present day, though, there does seem to be fewer characters in the business world. Maybe it is the PC.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Fire Extinguisher Training
Today’s topic comes from an avid http://askgrampsaboutanything.blogspot.com/ reader, David somewhere in NorCal. “So few communities have any type of education and hands on classes for learning how to properly use a fire extinguisher. I would think that house insurance companies would help underwrite the costs with the local fire depts. It only seems that I ever see any education of this type being offered in small towns never larger cities. Gramps, what do you think? David..."
Well, I think David has a point. The main ‘costs’ in doing this are the costs of servicing the fire extinguisher and refilling it with chemicals. One would think the fire extinguisher service companies could team with the fire departments, and some progressive thinking insurance companies, to provide such hands–on classes to the public.
The fire department personnel are either paid and on duty, or volunteers who volunteer their time in such an educational effort. So, in most respects, there is no real or actual cost to the fire departments to have personnel providing this type of public education. Though, city or county pencil pushers or bean counters might argue about that.
Back when I was a firefighter, I participated in several such training sessions, and was very glad to do it. People were always amazed at how close they would have to get to the flames in order to have fire extinguishers work effectively to put out the flames.
By the way, oil fire training school taught us firefighters how to put out a flaming pit of oil and gasoline, about six inches deep, and 15 by 30 feet, using only a garden hose with the standard nozzle and typical residential water supply. Now, that was not only a very hot fire, but it was a very interesting experience.
So, I agree with David. There ought to be more training like this available, not only to school students, but adults as well.
Also, if insurance companies cannot step up to the plate, maybe it could be an opportunity for a business person. I realize that most businesses have so many requests for donations. However, if someone had a little extra money, and needed an authentic tax deduction, he or she could step forward and donate a couple thousand dollars to help pay for the fire extinguisher chemicals and servicing for such an educational effort.
If someone did that, more than likely, there would be very favorable publicity regarding such a community service – positive advertising that money cannot buy.
Well, I think David has a point. The main ‘costs’ in doing this are the costs of servicing the fire extinguisher and refilling it with chemicals. One would think the fire extinguisher service companies could team with the fire departments, and some progressive thinking insurance companies, to provide such hands–on classes to the public.
The fire department personnel are either paid and on duty, or volunteers who volunteer their time in such an educational effort. So, in most respects, there is no real or actual cost to the fire departments to have personnel providing this type of public education. Though, city or county pencil pushers or bean counters might argue about that.
Back when I was a firefighter, I participated in several such training sessions, and was very glad to do it. People were always amazed at how close they would have to get to the flames in order to have fire extinguishers work effectively to put out the flames.
By the way, oil fire training school taught us firefighters how to put out a flaming pit of oil and gasoline, about six inches deep, and 15 by 30 feet, using only a garden hose with the standard nozzle and typical residential water supply. Now, that was not only a very hot fire, but it was a very interesting experience.
So, I agree with David. There ought to be more training like this available, not only to school students, but adults as well.
Also, if insurance companies cannot step up to the plate, maybe it could be an opportunity for a business person. I realize that most businesses have so many requests for donations. However, if someone had a little extra money, and needed an authentic tax deduction, he or she could step forward and donate a couple thousand dollars to help pay for the fire extinguisher chemicals and servicing for such an educational effort.
If someone did that, more than likely, there would be very favorable publicity regarding such a community service – positive advertising that money cannot buy.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Dining Out?
I do not eat out very often, but when I do, in addition to convenience and quick food, I always look for a good value. Yesterday, on the way to a board meeting of The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, I decided to stop for a snack. As I was arriving, at the Golden Corral, I could see my friend Lynn and his son arriving too.
We sat together and enjoyed the variety of fresh foods. Lynn and I are veterans and we like to support Golden Corral, because of how Golden Corral supports veterans. Scheduled close to Veterans Day, Golden Corral provides free meals for veterans, as a way of thanking veterans for their service to our country.
Lynn and I agree that the food is top quality, consistently, and there is a big variety. Plus, the table attendants do an excellent job. If you like salads, there is a big salad bar. I like to fix up a salad and get some pot roast. If you like pot roast, you need to try a Golden Corral. Imagine that, all you can eat salad and pot roast! Mmmmmm...
Golden Corral is a privately owned company with locations in about 40 states. Last I heard they had close to 500 restaurants. To find a location near you, visit their website.
http://www.goldencorral.com/
Oh yes, I forgot to mention, they do serve Chocolate Cream Pie... !! Mmmmmmmmm....
We sat together and enjoyed the variety of fresh foods. Lynn and I are veterans and we like to support Golden Corral, because of how Golden Corral supports veterans. Scheduled close to Veterans Day, Golden Corral provides free meals for veterans, as a way of thanking veterans for their service to our country.
Lynn and I agree that the food is top quality, consistently, and there is a big variety. Plus, the table attendants do an excellent job. If you like salads, there is a big salad bar. I like to fix up a salad and get some pot roast. If you like pot roast, you need to try a Golden Corral. Imagine that, all you can eat salad and pot roast! Mmmmmm...
Golden Corral is a privately owned company with locations in about 40 states. Last I heard they had close to 500 restaurants. To find a location near you, visit their website.
http://www.goldencorral.com/
Oh yes, I forgot to mention, they do serve Chocolate Cream Pie... !! Mmmmmmmmm....
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Chocolate Cream Pie
It is no secret that I like chocolate cream pie; and, lemon cream pie, and blueberry pie, and apple pie. Of course, the apple would have to have a side of Tillamook® French Vanilla ice cream, OR, a slice of Tillamook® extra sharp white cheddar cheese...
A few days ago, I made a chocolate cream pie, using Jell-O® dark fudge chocolate pudding mix, the type you must cook. From past experience I know that one should not add things to the recipe, because adding things to the pudding mix interferes with how the cooked pudding ‘sets’ in the pie crust.
However, I decided to tinker with the recipe a bit. Instead of using the recommended amount of milk, I used an eighth of a cup less, and I used half–and–half instead of milk. When the pudding ‘set’ into the pie crust – a pre-made Oreo® crumb pie crust – the result was a thicker pie filling.
By the way, the Oreo® pie crust takes chocolate cream pie to a new level of wonderful, especially when served with Reddi-wip®, extra creamy whipped cream, of course!
A few days ago, I made a chocolate cream pie, using Jell-O® dark fudge chocolate pudding mix, the type you must cook. From past experience I know that one should not add things to the recipe, because adding things to the pudding mix interferes with how the cooked pudding ‘sets’ in the pie crust.
However, I decided to tinker with the recipe a bit. Instead of using the recommended amount of milk, I used an eighth of a cup less, and I used half–and–half instead of milk. When the pudding ‘set’ into the pie crust – a pre-made Oreo® crumb pie crust – the result was a thicker pie filling.
By the way, the Oreo® pie crust takes chocolate cream pie to a new level of wonderful, especially when served with Reddi-wip®, extra creamy whipped cream, of course!
Friday, April 17, 2009
FISH NIGHT
Are you old enough to remember when Friday night was “Fish Night” for nearly all the good Catholics? Often the aroma of cooking fish would waft through the neighborhood. In my neighborhood, no one could tell about the point of origin, it was always a mystery.
Well, Friday, or any other day of the week, is a good day to cook and serve fish. My favorite is Salmon. I like to use the fillet (tail end) because there are fewer or no bones. I like using coconut oil, enough to lightly cover the pan. Quickly sauté both sides of the salmon. Sauté the flesh side first, and then turn to cook the skin side. Add your favorite spices to the flesh side.
I usually like to add a tiny amount of butter, a very light sprinkle of onion powder, and a light sprinkle of dried dill. Then, I add some water, maybe a half an inch in the bottom of the pan, and cover the pan with a lid, reducing the heat to low. This lets the salmon steam. While the salmon is steaming, I prepare some Minute rice, and blanche some asparagus or green beans.
After about five minutes, everything is finished cooking. During that five–minute wait, I prepare fresh tartar sauce. I use almost a cup of mayonnaise, a sprinkle of dried dill, one Medium Claussen dill pickle, finely shredded, and about one teaspoon of onion powder. Mix well into the mayonnaise and have ready to serve with your meal. Of course, one can serve lemon slices, to help flavor the fish.
Total prep time from start to finish is about 22 minutes, and it is a great meal.
Well, Friday, or any other day of the week, is a good day to cook and serve fish. My favorite is Salmon. I like to use the fillet (tail end) because there are fewer or no bones. I like using coconut oil, enough to lightly cover the pan. Quickly sauté both sides of the salmon. Sauté the flesh side first, and then turn to cook the skin side. Add your favorite spices to the flesh side.
I usually like to add a tiny amount of butter, a very light sprinkle of onion powder, and a light sprinkle of dried dill. Then, I add some water, maybe a half an inch in the bottom of the pan, and cover the pan with a lid, reducing the heat to low. This lets the salmon steam. While the salmon is steaming, I prepare some Minute rice, and blanche some asparagus or green beans.
After about five minutes, everything is finished cooking. During that five–minute wait, I prepare fresh tartar sauce. I use almost a cup of mayonnaise, a sprinkle of dried dill, one Medium Claussen dill pickle, finely shredded, and about one teaspoon of onion powder. Mix well into the mayonnaise and have ready to serve with your meal. Of course, one can serve lemon slices, to help flavor the fish.
Total prep time from start to finish is about 22 minutes, and it is a great meal.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
