tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30860618206930704802024-03-18T18:11:53.438-07:00Paul StansfieldPaul Stansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17316782083485288588noreply@blogger.comBlogger703125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086061820693070480.post-61059288386059897512024-03-16T06:28:00.000-07:002024-03-16T06:28:14.503-07:00Exotic/Disgusting Foods and Beverages Forum--Mortadella<p> While shopping for lunch meat at the deli counter a month or two ago, my gaze happened to fall on something I was unfamiliar with--mortadella. It sounded vaguely Italian, but I couldn't recall ever having it. So I rectified this, and bought a small amount to sample. Also, I thought that "mort" sometimes means "dead" in various languages, so I was hoping it was "death salami" or something. More on that later. The company that produced the mortadella that I tried was Citterio.</p><p> My meat came from Freeland, Pennsylvania, or not very far away. However, this is just the American factory, as the headquarters for Citterio are located in Italy. Back in 1870 a man named Guiseppe Citterio, having just completed his training in Milan, opened a deli in the Italian town of Rho. In 1878 he switched to a company that made and marketed meat, chiefly salami. He clearly knew what he was doing, as his wares won a gold medal at the National Expo of Milan only 3 years later. During World War II production was halted as the military took possession of the factory. Fortunately, Citterio weathered this setback, and resumed making meats afterwards. Oddly, throughout Citterio's early decades the company made most of its revenue from exporting to other countries. But in the 1950's and beyond it established more of a presence in its native land. In 1955 Citterio opened its own chemistry and microbiology laboratory in its facilities, which their website claims was the first one for a food company. And in 1974 Citterio opened their first facility in the U.S., which as I mentioned before, is in Freeland. Reportedly the fresh dry mountain air of that area was one of the reasons for the factory's location. Other than mortadella, Citterio also makes various types of salami, sopressata (see my post on August 26th, 2023), prosciutto, capocolla/gabagool (see my post on December 9th, 2023), pancetta, bresaola, serrano, antipasto, ham, etc.</p><p> By now you may be asking, but what is mortadella? It's a type of Italian sausage. It's known for its large size, and it's made from ground up pork, of which at least 15% must be cubed pork fat. Traditional flavorings include black pepper, pistachio, or myrtle berries. I couldn't discover an exact creation date, but there is a historical reference to something that sounds like mortadella from the year 1376 A.D. So assuming that's correct, mortadella is very old. We do know it's birthplace though, and that's the Italian city of Bologna. The name "mortadella" is a bit of a mystery. Historian Giancarlo Susini believes that it derives from the Latin word for "mortar," which is "mortarium," since the dish is often made using a mortar and pestle. Historian Ovidio Montalbini thinks that it's from the word for myrtle sausage, "farcimen myrtatum," as the myrtle berry was one of the earlier flavoring agents for the meat. (Pepper wasn't as widely available in Europe until much later.) There are many variants of mortadella. Some use different spices to flavor it, and some even use different kinds of meat. For example, some folks flavor the sausage with garlic, or alchermes (which is a kind of liqueur that includes the bodies of tiny insects). Others use chicken, or turkey, or beef, or even horse as the meat base. Mortadella is particularly popular in Spain, Portugal, and most of South America.</p><p><br /></p><p>Citterio mortadella: The color was pinkish-brown, with visible pepper corns and white chunks (apparently the pork fat). Mine came in round, thin slices. I forgot to measure the diameter exactly, but they were big--easily 6 inches (about 15 cm.) in diameter. Visually it reminded me of olive loaf, except for the lack of olives. The texture was chewy, and a little greasy. The taste reminded me of bologna rather than a typical sausage. Some mild spiciness from the pepper. It was alright. Not great, but okay. I've always found bologna kind of bland, and this was a bit better with its slight spice bite. I had some plain, and then some on rolls with ranch dressing. The latter way was better. So I guess I would recommend this slightly, especially to those that like bologna. But if you hate bologna I would stay away, since they're similar.</p><p><br /></p><p> As you just read above, I found mortadella to be very reminiscent of bologna. Well, I feel a bit vindicated, as the typical bologna that we Americans eat is just a type of mortadella without the relatively high percentage of cubed pork fat. And, the typical American olive loaf is essentially mortadella which has olives and pimentos in it. So credit to my eyes and palate--they were accurate on this occasion.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Paul Stansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17316782083485288588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086061820693070480.post-52525789919797063762024-03-09T09:49:00.000-08:002024-03-09T09:49:58.987-08:00Exotic/Disgusting Foods and Beverages Forum--An Artisanal Cheese Snack With a Naughty Name<p> A couple of months ago, I was strolling through my local Shop-Rite grocery when something caught my eye. A product called "Drinkin' Ballz," to be specific. I think I chuckled a bit, and then after seeing exactly what it was, I decided to buy it. More precisely, I got the bacon cheeseburger and pickle flavor of Drinkin' Ballz, a cheese ball snack from Sweet G's Bakery.</p><p> I've often complained about official company websites which are lacking in certain information, and I'm going to do it again now. Sweet G'as Bakery has one of the least detailed sites I've ever encountered, at least as it pertains to the company's history, and founder(s). About all I could learn from it was what the company makes. It sells a variety of hard pretzels, some snack mixes, some cookies, some wedding favors, and a few "skinny syrups." Also, obviously, several different kinds of cheese balls, or "drinkin' ballz," utilizing ranch, cheddar cheese, taco flavoring, and even Chicago ghost flavor. (I was hoping that this last one had the taste of spirits who had died in the Windy City, but the reality was less interesting. It just contained ghost peppers.) Moving on, Sweet G's is located in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania And that's about it. I don't even know when it started, or even who "Sweet G" is, other than it's presumably someone who has a name that starts with that letter.</p><p> Therefore, I'll switch to a brief history of cheese balls. Cheese balls, also known as cheese puffs, or cheese curls, date back to the 1930's. There are two main origin stories. First, a man named Edward Wilson reportedly noticed strings of puffed corn oozing out from a machine that made animal feed at the Flakall Corporation in Beloit, Wisconsin. After some experimentation, in 1939 Clarence L. Schwebke applied for a patent for Korn Kurls. In 1946 the Adams Corporation began marketing the Kurls as a snack. Adams was founded by one of the founders of Flakall. Later, Adams was bought out by Beatrice Foods. The second tale comes from the state of Louisiana. The Elmer Candy Corporation started making a type of cheese balls in 1936, which were given the brand name CheeWees. Morel M. Elmer applied for and owned the trademark. Unfortunately, when the company was sold in 1963 Elmer lost the rights to CheeWees. However, the Elmer family reacquired the brand in 1993. Whichever invention is correct, or even if both are, this snack is made by adding cheese, or at least cheese powder to puffed corn. Some companies make the results into a round ball shape, and other craft them to look like short, fat, cylinders. There are many popular versions sold around the world. In the U.S. the top brands are Cheetos (made by Frito-Lay) and Cheez Doodles (Wise Foods). Japan has Curl. India makes Kurkure. A South African kind goes by the name NikNaks. Australia makes Twisties, and the U.K. has Wotsits.</p><p><br /></p><p>Sweet G's Bakery, Drinkin' Ballz, bacon cheeseburger and pickle flavor: These balls were round, clearly, and had a diameter of about .75 inches (or about 1.5 cm.). They were orange, with greenish black flecks on them. The taste was nice. I could detect a pickle-y flavor, as well as notes of cheeseburger. Crunchy and dry texture. Overall they were a good example of the style. And I would recommend them to those that like cheese curls/puffs/balls. Like typical cheese balls, they were a little messy to eat--my fingertips were orange afterwards. And these Sweet G's ones were rather expensive--I forget the exact price, but I think they were easily double or triple the cost of Cheez Doodles or Cheetos. I'd be willing to try other flavors. However, I haven't seen them at Shop-Rite again, so maybe they only had them on a short trial basis.</p><p><br /></p><p> Finally, I did a little checking on the word "balls" itself, as to when it became a slang term for "testicles." Reportedly it has been so in the English language since at least the 14th century. Its use in literature is more recent. In 1903 William Ernest Henley used it in this way while describing author Robert Louis Stevenson. And in the (in)famous erotica novel "Lady Chatterley's Lover," (1928), writer D.H. Lawrence also used "balls" in this context. Some folks might claim that the good people at Sweet G's Bakery aren't referencing an obvious double entendre with their cheese snack names. Call me overly cynical if you want, but I don't buy that for a second. And yet I also support it. Who says that branding always has to be in good taste?</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Paul Stansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17316782083485288588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086061820693070480.post-15572978298985018162024-03-02T09:46:00.000-08:002024-03-02T09:46:44.250-08:00Exotic/Disgusting Foods and Beverages Forum--Two Turkish Tea Biscuits<p> The cookie section of my local Shop-Rite came through again. A couple of months ago I saw something new--Minuet tea biscuits from Turkey. I quickly snapped up the two types available, which were their original plain ones, and the butter flavor kind.</p><p> Minuet is a brand of the Imisk Group. Imisk is a moderately old business, having started back in 1959. A man named Ibraham Miskavi founded his company in the Turkish town of Mersin, and initially he traded citrus and cotton. However, his business continued to expand, both in size and on the number of industries it was involved with. By 1976 Miskavi's company had started transporting goods to the Middle East, and especially to Iraq. In 1987 the company changed its (unspecified) name to Imisk. Imisk is derived from the signature of Ibraham Miskavi, as well as the telegraphic address of the company in the 1960's. In 1989 Imisk expanded into the area formerly known as the Soviet Union. And by 2016 the Dinamik Power Plant was started. All told Imisk is involved with warehousing, heavy lift transportation equipment, terminals, port operations, construction materials, power plants, and foodstuffs. It employs over 1500 people, and has offices in over 18 countries, including some in the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, Europe, and the U.S. Getting back to the Minuet brand, its products include biscuits, cream cookies, wafers, crackers, and cakes.</p><p><br /></p><p>Minuet tea time biscuits, plain flavor: These were rectangular in shape, about 2.25 inches (about 5.5 cm.) by 1.25 inches (about 3 cm.), with a yellow-brown color. "Tea biscuit" is embossed on them, and the edges were scalloped, and some small holes were also punched in the biscuits. They were a fairly typical tea biscuit. Crunchy, and not very sweet. Blandish. Maybe a tad better than the average European biscuit, but only slightly. Still a weak cookie/biscuit overall.</p><p><br /></p><p>Minuet tea time biscuits, butter flavor: Same size, shape, and color as the previous. Also dry and crunchy. And still weak. Maybe slightly better than the plain kind, but still not enough. Pretty boring. I get that many consumers dip the biscuits into their tea or coffee, but given my disdain for hot beverages I wasn't about to do this. So I didn't enjoy either of these, and wouldn't recommend them, unless you like really bland biscuits that don't taste like much. Very disappointing as a dessert.</p><p><br /></p><p> If you're curious, a minuet was a social dance (for two people) most popular from about 1650-1750. French in origin, it was also popular in England. The origin of the name itself is cloudy, but some think it's related to the French word for "menu," which also meant "slender." The dance steps for the minuet were small and neat, which were considered by some to be "slender." But, you may be saying, this is all fine and good, but what does a French dance from over 250 years ago have to do with Turkish baked goods? Which is a compelling question, and I can't provide a good answer. I guess Imisk thought the minuet dance was considered stately and elegant, and they wanted people to associate their cookies and cakes and such with these attributes as well.</p><p> Also, I was amused to see that a few of the Minuet cookies are named, "pinkos." Which used to be a slur for someone considered to be a Communist sympathizer in the U.S. in the 1940's, 50's and 60's or so. As in, you weren't a full on "Red," but you were somewhat soft on Communism, or "pink." Granted, I doubt many people use the term "pinko" much anymore, and those that do are probably well into the 70's or older. But still, I guess Imisk didn't realize the meaning of the word in the U.S. Cultural differences can be tricky. Finally, some of the products in the Minuet line are labeled as being, "Super Kosher." Which again, kind of tickles me. Isn't being kosher kind of like being pregnant--as in, something is, or is not? Are there degrees of kosher-ness? (Actually, I looked it up, and evidently there are different levels of kosher-ness. Based on how strict a person's diet is, and other factors. But as far as I could tell none of them are called "super," so I stand by my amusement about Minuet's labeling.)</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Paul Stansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17316782083485288588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086061820693070480.post-68231234636311937732024-02-24T06:14:00.000-08:002024-02-24T06:14:51.307-08:00Exotic/Disgusting Foods and Beverages Forum--An Italian Liqueur<p> I first had the subject of today's post, limoncello, way back in the late 1990's. My friend Keith brought some back from Italy, and let his friends and coworkers try some. Anyway, I kind of forgot about it after that. But recently I saw some in my local liquor store, and it jogged my memory. So I got a bottle and gave it a try. Specifically, I got the kind made by Marcati.</p><p> Marcati is a brand of the Gagliano Marcati S.r.l.company. Which dates back to 1919. As the history on the official website explained, after returning from World War I, Pietro and Luigi Marcati took over the Pharmacy of Veronella. Pietro quickly decided to drop the medicine part and focus on making and selling alcoholic beverages. Alas, the next World War destroyed their industrial plant. But in 1946 it started anew. Under Pietro's son Guiseppe's leadership, the company's headquarters moved to the Northern Italian town of Sommacampagna. By 1978 Pietro's grandchildren--Pietro, Andrea, and Maria Paola--were running things. Their wares were exported more, and the company began to acquire brands from other businesses. Currently Gagliano Marcati ships to over 40 countries around the world. The company's flagship product appears to be grappa, which is a type of brandy made from the grape scraps left over after wine production. There are three other brands besides Marcati. Tenuta Marcati is their line of wines. Ercola Gagliano (one of their purchases from another company, which started in 1860) is mostly various sorts of grappa. Morandini (another purchase, from a company that began in 1885) also mostly consists of several types of grappa, and a liqueur made out of gentian. All in all, the business also makes gins, amaretto, a sambuca, and liqueurs flavored from things like green apples, tangerines, strawberries, blueberries, licorice, pears, and even the dessert tiramisu.</p><p> As for the booze itself, limoncello is a liqueur made from lemons. Its origins are a bit murky. One theory holds that its inventor was the unnamed grandmother of Maria Antonia Farace, in the area of Isola Azzura in the early 1900's. (Some claim that Ms. Farace herself developed it, not her nana.) Another claim is that it was created in about 1920 by folks living along the Amafi coast of Sicily. A journalist named Kristin Tillotson advanced two other theories. The first was that it was initially made by an unnamed citrus grower in Azzura around 1900. The second was that fishermen or monks invented limoncello much earlier, and in an undisclosed part of Italy. Whatever the case, limoncello is extremely popular in Italy. It's reportedly the second most popular liqueur, after Campari. It's also particularly popular in Southern Italy. Much of it is made privately, in people's homes. Making limoncello is pretty easy. Lemon peels without their pith are steeped in a rectified spirit (which is typically a clear, basic alcohol, such as vodka) until the peel's oils are released, giving the solution a yellowish color. (This appears to take a couple of months.) Then this is combined with simple syrup, which is basically sugar water. The amount of sugar and water is varied by producers, as having different ratios affects the taste and appearance of the limoncello. On average limoncello is about 30% alcohol. One variant substitutes milk for the syrup, which results in a creamy limoncello, or "crema di limoncello." Other people make similar liqueurs using other substances for flavor. Agrumello uses mixed citrus peels, aroncello uses oranges, meloncello uses cantaloupe, fragoncello uses strawberries, and pistachiocello uses, well, you can figure it out.</p><p><br /></p><p>Marcati limoncello: The color was yellow (and looking at the ingredients, some artificial color was added), and the odor was lemony. The flavor was a little tame. I would have liked a bolder, more lemony taste. It did hide the alcohol content well. (It was 28%.) It was over 20 years ago, so obviously my memories aren't exact, but I recall liking the other, first kind better. I was unable to learn that one's exact brand, but looking at images online leads me to think that it may have been Villa Massa. Anyway, I was a little disappointed in this. I like lemons, and lemon-flavored things in general, and this Marcati one was mediocre at best. So maybe my recommendation would be to try another brand, if you're into lemon flavors in general.</p><p><br /></p><p> Learning about limoncello, and all its related "cellos," made me recall one of my posts from long ago--Buddha hands, which are a bizarre citrus fruit that truly does look like a creepy hand. (See my post on December 29th, 2014 for more info.) Briefly, Buddha hands essentially have no pulp--they're peels and pith only. But, as we learned, limoncello, and its other kin are usually made just using the zests, or the outer peels. Meaning someone could make a Buddha hand-flavored liqueur. (I rechecked, and some people have tried this already.) Long story short, if I ever see Buddha hands on sale again, I'm seriously considering trying my hand at making a version of Buddhacello. (Or translated into Italian, "Mani di Buddha."). I did a half-assed, non-alcoholic attempt at making a drink back in 2014, but I didn't give it much time, nor did I add any booze.) If this ever comes about I'll of course report the results here, and in the Buddha hand article, as updates.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Paul Stansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17316782083485288588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086061820693070480.post-38378365558059238402024-02-17T09:23:00.000-08:002024-02-17T09:23:18.158-08:00Extremely Difficult Trivia About "Pulp Fiction" <p> Usually my movie trivia quizzes are about horror/sci fi movies, but this is another one of the exceptions. "Pulp Fiction" is tough to categorize, but it's definitely not horror--maybe crime drama/dark comedy? Anyway, writer/director Quentin Tarantino has had a long and storied career, but to me "Pulp Fiction" is still his best film. It'll be the usual format--questions followed by the answers. SPOILERS abound, and these questions are true trivia--unimportant details, mostly in the background. So for diehard fans and obsessed eccentrics, basically. Let's begin.</p><p>Questions:</p><p>1) The film opens with a definition of the phrase "pulp fiction." From what dictionary?</p><p>2) According to Pumpkin (played by Tim Roth), how much do busboys earn per hour?</p><p>3) Jules and Vincent talk about Tony Rocky Horror's alleged dalliance with Mia Wallace, and how this caused her husband Marsellus to violently respond. What is Tony's real name?</p><p>4) And how many floors did Tony fall after being pushed out his window?</p><p>5) Vincent is asked to take out Mia Wallace while Marsellus is out of town. Where is Marsellus going?</p><p>6) What kind of beverage did Brett get to accompany his Big Kahuna burger, which Jules samples?</p><p>7) Aside from Jules and Vincent, how many guys were in the room, counting Brett and inside man Marvin?</p><p>8) By what name does Jules identify himself to Brett?</p><p>9) What round in the boxing match was Butch supposed to take his dive in?</p><p>10) What two boxing-related derogatory names does Vincent call Butch?</p><p>11) How much is the pack of Red Apple cigarettes that Butch buys in Marsellus's club?</p><p>12) How many piercings does Jody (Lance's wife) say she has?</p><p>13) What three types of heroin does Lance offer Vincent?</p><p>14) How much per gram do these three cost?</p><p>15) How many grams does Vincent purchase, and what kind does he choose?</p><p>16) What is the name of the other woman at Lance and Jody's house?</p><p>17) How long was Vincent in Amsterdam?</p><p>18) What kind of alcohol does Vincent drink at Mia and Marsellus's house?</p><p>19) Jack Rabbit Slim's has many 1950's and 60's movie posters on its walls. Most of them are crime dramas, but only one is a sci fi/horror film. Name it.</p><p>20) What is Vincent's order at Jack Rabbit Slim's?</p><p>21) And what is Mia's order?</p><p>22) Describe the five members of Fox Force Five, the characters in the TV pilot that Mia was a part of.</p><p>23) According to Mia, why did Marsellus have Tony Rocky Horror thrown out of his window?</p><p>24) What kind of cereal is Lance eating when Vincent calls about Mia's overdose?</p><p>25) Name Butch's great-grandfather, grandfather, and father, and what happened to them.</p><p>26) What is the name of the airman who returned the Coolidge family watch to Butch's dad?</p><p>27) How many years, total, did the watch spend up a soldier's ass?</p><p>28) What is the full name of the boxer that Butch kills?</p><p>29) What boxing weight class is Butch in?</p><p>30) What 2 boxers are on the undercard match of Butch's bout?</p><p>31) What is the nationality of Esmarelda Villa Lobos, who is the cab driver for Butch?</p><p>32) What cab company does Esmarelda work for?</p><p>33) What is Butch's final fare?</p><p>34) Where are Butch and Fabienne staying on the night of his final fight?</p><p>35) What two Spanish language phrases does Butch say to Fabienne, and what do they translate to in English?</p><p>36) What motorcycle movie is Fabienne watching when Butch wakes up in the morning?</p><p>37) What does Fabienne say she's going to have for breakfast?</p><p>38) What does Butch make for his breakfast, back at their apartment?</p><p>39) A dazed Marsellus accidentally shoots an innocent bystander while trying to hit Butch. Where on her body is she wounded?</p><p>40) What is the name of Zed's chopper (motorcycle)?</p><p>41) What day of the week is it during Marsellus and Butch's adventure in the pawn shop?</p><p>42) Zed and Maynard sexually assault Marsellus in a room named after someone. Name them.</p><p>43) What three objects does Butch choose for weapons, and then discard, before going with the samurai sword?</p><p>44) What does Marsellus say the crackhead torturers will use on Zed?</p><p>45) What kind of pancakes did Fabienne end up having for breakfast?</p><p>46) Where does Jules' friend Jimmie live?</p><p>47) While washing up, Vincent mentions a brand of soap. Name it.</p><p>48) What year, make, model, and color of car is Jules driving?</p><p>49) Jimmie tells The Wolf that the bedding that will be used to cover up the carnage in the car was a wedding present. From whom?</p><p>50) Jimmie gives Vincent a college t-shirt to wear. From what institute of higher learning?</p><p>51) What are the two phone numbers for Monster Joe's Truck and Tow?</p><p>52) Where do Vincent, and then Jules live? (Or, two separate places.)</p><p>53) What is the name of the restaurant where Honey Bunny, Pumpkin, Jules, and Vincent all meet?</p><p>54) What are Honey Bunny and Pumpkin's real names?</p><p>55) About how much money does Jules give to Pumpkin and Honey Bunny?</p><p>56) What famous actor/actress plays themself in the movie?</p><p>57) What two real life siblings play roles in "Pulp Fiction"?</p><p>58) What role does "Pulp Fiction" producer Lawrence Bender play in the movie?</p><p>59) Who keyed Vincent's car?</p><p>60) What later detail do we learn about the Jack Rabbit Slim's dance contest (during a radio broadcast in Butch's segment)?</p><p>61) What very stupid risk does The Wolf make while getting rid of the car with Marvin's body?</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Answers:</p><p>1) The American Heritage Dictionary, the New College Edition. (This is a real dictionary.)</p><p>2) $1.50.</p><p>3) Antwan Rockamora.</p><p>4) 4, and also through a glass, greenhouse-like structure.</p><p>5) Florida.</p><p>6) Sprite.</p><p>7) 4. Marvin, Brett, "Flock of Seagulls" (real name Roger), and "Fourth Man," hiding in the bathroom.</p><p>8) Pitt. Which is wrong, since his name is Jules Winnfield. Some speculate it's to rhyme with the rest of his statement--"your ass ain't talking your way outta this shit."</p><p>9) The 5th round.</p><p>10) Palooka and Punchy.</p><p>11) $1.40.</p><p>12) 18. If you're curious, she has 5 in each ear, then 1 in her left nipple, 2 in her right nostril, 1 in her left eyebrow, 1 in her belly button, 1 in her lip, 1 in her clit, and 1 in her tongue.</p><p>13) Panda (from Mexico), Bava, and Choco (from the Hartz Mountains in Germany).</p><p>14) $300 per gram for both the Panda and Bava, and $500 per gram for the Choco.</p><p>15) 3 of the Choco, although he indicates he'll buy 2 more later if he likes the first batch.</p><p>16) Trudi.</p><p>17) 3 years.</p><p>18) McCleary blended Scotch whisky. A fictional brand, also used in the 1987 movie "Barfly."</p><p>19) "Attack of the 50 Foot Woman" (1958).</p><p>20) A Douglas Sirk steak, cooked bloody as hell (rare), with a vanilla Coke. (Sirk was a German born movie director, most noted for his films in the 1950's and 60's.)</p><p>21) A Durward Kirby burger, cooked bloody, with a Martin & Lewis (vanilla) $5 milkshake. (Kirby was a TV host/announcer, also most famous in the 1950's and 1960's.)</p><p>22) The blond Somerset O'Neal is the leader, the Japanese Fox is a kung-fu master, the black Fox is the demolitions expert, the French Fox's specialty was sex, and Raven McCoy (played by Mia) was an expert with a knife, and also knew many old vaudeville jokes.</p><p>23) She says the foot massage story is false--the only thing Tony touched on her was her hand at her wedding. She claims no one save Marsellus and Tony know why he did it.</p><p>24) Fruit Brute, part of General Mill's Monster Cereal line, along with Count Chocula, Boo Berry, etc. Fruit Brute was made from 1974-82, and later reintroduced in 2013-14, and 2022. Tarantino reportedly loved this kind, and saved a box, which he puts in movies occasionally.</p><p>25) Butch's great-granddad was Private Erine Coolidge, who bought the watch, and fought in World War I, and survived. His son was Dane, a Marine who died at Wake Island in World War II. Butch's dad was a Major, and died of dysentery in the POW camp in the Vietnam War.</p><p>26) Winocki.</p><p>27) 7. 5 in the ass of Major Coolidge, and 2 more in the ass of Captain Koons.</p><p>28) Floyd Ray Wilson.</p><p>29) Wilson is announced as weighing 210 pounds, so he and Butch are heavyweights.</p><p>30) Vossler versus Martinez. (It's on the marquee outside of the arena.)</p><p>31) She's Colombian.</p><p>32) The Big Jerry Cab Company.</p><p>33) $45.60. Although he gives Ms. Villa Lobos another $50 or $100 to stay silent about him.</p><p>34) The River Glen Motel.</p><p>35) He says, "Donde esta el zapateria?" ("Where is the shoe store?") and, "Que hora es?" ("What time is it?").</p><p>36) "The Losers" (1970).</p><p>37) Blueberry pancakes with maple syrup, eggs over easy, 5 sausages, a tall glass of orange juice, a black cup of coffee, then a slice of blueberry pie with a slice of melted cheese on it for dessert.</p><p>38) Two Sam's Frosted Cinnamon Toaster Pastries. He doesn't get to eat them, though.</p><p>39) Her right hip.</p><p>40) Grace. It's written on "her," and Zed refers to her by name.</p><p>41) Thursday. (Meaning Zed's chopper can be safely parked out front of the store.)</p><p>42) Russell. Presumably a former captive?</p><p>43) A claw hammer, a baseball bat, and a chainsaw.</p><p>44) A pair of pliers and a blowtorch.</p><p>45) Buttermilk, as they didn't have blueberry pancakes.</p><p>46) Toluca Lake, near Burbank Studios.</p><p>47) Lava. A real brand.</p><p>48) A 1974 Chevrolet Nova, green.</p><p>49) His Uncle Conrad and Aunt Ginny.</p><p>50) The University of California--Santa Cruz. Team name is the banana slugs. (Really!)</p><p>51) 555-7908, and 555-7909. Or both fictitious numbers.</p><p>52) Vincent lives in Redondo, and Jules lives in Inglewood.</p><p>53) The Hawthorne Grill.</p><p>54) Honey Bunny is apparently named Yolanda. We never hear a name for Pumpkin, although Jules calls him "Ringo."</p><p>55) $1500.</p><p>56) Kathy Griffin, who is seen helping Marsellus after Butch hits him with his car.</p><p>57) Rosanna Arquette played the pierced Jody, and Alexis Arquette played "Fourth Man," the guy in the bathroom who miraculously (?) shoots at and completely misses Jules and Vincent.</p><p>58) He plays Long Hair Yuppie-Scum, I think in the diner scene.</p><p>59) Tarantino has confirmed it was Butch. Evidently he didn't like Vincent's insults at the club.</p><p>60) When Butch is walking to his apartment, a radio is (barely) heard discussing that the dance trophy was stolen. So Mia and Vincent didn't win fair and square.</p><p>61) Speeding. I get it, it's funny earlier in the movie when we hear Jimmie's place is 30 minutes away, but he'll be there in 10 (or less)--it makes him seem badass. But when you're driving a car with a dead body in it, the last thing you would want to do is attract attention from the police. By say, driving really fast, as The Wolf says he will. So anyone but an idiot would drive the speed limit for a trip like that.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Paul Stansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17316782083485288588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086061820693070480.post-4337748045909443652024-02-10T09:28:00.000-08:002024-02-10T09:28:46.538-08:00Exotic/Disgusting Foods and Beverages Forum--A Greek/American Baba Ghanoush<p> Looking back on it, I've realized I've been discussing Greek foods quite a lot lately. I try to vary the origin places for the foods and drinks I cover, but alas, I am limited by what I can find here in Southern New Jersey. Anyway, today's post is about baba ghanoush, which is a savory spread. It was actually made in Greece, but distributed by an American company named Esti Foods.</p><p> Readers with excellent memories may recall that I first reported on baba ghanoush back on October 24th, 2020, in a post about various Mediterranean foods from a local restaurant. I did give a very brief description of this dish then, but I'll expand upon it a little today. Basically, baba ghanoush (which, incidentally, can be spelled many different ways) is an appetizer which originated in the area comprising the modern areas of Syria, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine. (Some think it actually originated in Lebanon, but this isn't conclusively known.) However, neighboring areas in the Mediterranean also adapted this food--obviously, since the kind I tried was from Greece. Baba ghanoush is a spread, made from chopped up and roasted eggplant, tahini (which is made from sesame seeds), olive oil, lemon juice, and various seasonings. The last ingredient is usually the one that differs the most, depending on where you're eating it--some people like their baba ghanoush to be blandish, others prefer it spicier. Arabic folks have a similar dish called mutabbal, which includes the eggplant, tahini, and lemon, but also has salt, garlic, and more potent spices. The name baba ghanoush appears to be Arabic as well. "Baba" means "daddy," and together with "ghanoush" is translated into something like, "an old daddy who is indulgent, or pampered, or spoiled, or coquettish (i.e. flirty)." Which is, frankly, a weird and somewhat creepy title for a savory spread, but whatever. Perhaps there is some cultural reference or history that I'm not familiar with, or wouldn't really comprehend.</p><p> As for the company that distributed the food, I wasn't able to learn much. The official Esti Foods website is very limited. It basically just contains a product list and recipes. Alternate business-related websites indicated that Esti began in 2016, and that the current CEO may be Edward Tessier. Another noted that their number of employees is between 11-50, and their (presumably annual) revenue is $5,000,000, So this is all I have about the company's history. Esti's products include grab 'n' gos (essentially different kinds of snacks, mostly pita chips combined with other things), several kinds of yogurt, several kinds of dairy-free yogurt, plant-based foods (meatless "burgers," "hot dogs," "meatballs" etc.) pizza, and feta cheeses. And the company is based out of Rutherford, NJ, which is near to where the NFL's New York Giants and New York Jets play their home games. Finally, according to what I saw online, "esti" in Greek means "to be" in the third person singular, or it's similar to "is" in English.</p><p><br /></p><p>Esti baba ghanoush: The color of this spread was greenish-brown, with visible red pepper chunks. The texture was like a paste, rather smooth and creamy. I tried some plain, and then some as a dip with bread. It had some spice bite. It was pretty good. Not great, but solid. I enjoyed it more this time than the previous occasion--I think the extra seasoning made the difference. So overall it's a decent spread, and I would recommend it. Also, the Esti kind had garlic and salt in it, along with the peppers, so maybe it was closer to a mutabbal than a baba ghanoush. I'll let Mediterranean spread purists fight it out over this.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Paul Stansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17316782083485288588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086061820693070480.post-14464125121442474402024-02-03T09:46:00.000-08:002024-02-03T09:46:08.875-08:00The Worst Cy Young Awards Winners, Both Seasonal and Career<p> Back on November 11, 2023, I did a post about Rookies of the Year Award winners in Major League Baseball--both the worst ones, and some of the best. Today I'd like to do something similar, only using the Cy Young Award. This award is given annually to the best pitcher in each league. It's not as old as the Rookie of the Year, since it was only given out since 1956, and up until 1967 there was only one winner for all of baseball, and not separate American and National League winners. Like before, I'm going to make the statistic WAR (for Wins Above Replacement) my primary determiner of pitching effectiveness. WAR is very complicated to compute, but I'm going to use Baseball Reference's version. Essentially, below 0.0 is very bad, as in "shouldn't be in the majors" poor. 0.0--2.0 is substitute level, over 5.0 is All Star caliber, and over 8.0 is Most Valuable Player (MVP) level. Meaning, since the Cy Young winner is supposed to be the best pitcher in the league, their seasonal WARs should be well over 5.0, and probably at least 7 or 8 or above. Alas, especially in the past, voters for this award seemed to focus mostly on pitcher wins. Which in my opinion, as well as arguably every knowledgeable fan's view, is very flawed. Because a pitcher can earn a win even if he pitched terribly, and can get credited with a loss even if he pitched great. Wins and losses are team dependent, based on how well your team hits and fields. Anyway, enough setup, let's get to it. Let's start with the worst Cy Young seasons, as determined by WAR. Oh, and unless noted each pitcher was primarily or totally a starter.</p><p>1) 2.3 Steve Bedrosian, relief pitcher, Philadelphia Phillies, 1987.</p><p>2) 2.8 Early Wynn, Chicago White Sox, 1959.</p><p>2) 2.8 Pete Vuckovich, Milwaukee Brewers, 1982.</p><p>4) 2.9 Bob Welch, Oakland Athletics, 1990.</p><p>4) 2.9 Dennis Eckersley, relief pitcher, Oakland Athletics, 1992.</p><p>6) 3.0 Trevor Bauer, Cincinnati Reds, 2020. (a)</p><p>7) 3.1 Mike Marshall, relief pitcher, Los Angeles Dodgers, 1974.</p><p>8) 3.2 Shane Bieber, Cleveland Indians, 2020. (a)</p><p>9) 3.6 Bob Turley, New York Yankees, 1958.</p><p>10) 3.7 Whitey Ford, New York Yankees, 1961.</p><p>10) 3.7 Sparky Lyle, relief pitcher, New York Yankees, 1977.</p><p>10) 3.7 LaMarr Hoyt, Chicago White Sox, 1983.</p><p>10) 3.7 Eric Gagne, relief pitcher, Los Angeles Dodgers, 2003.</p><p> (a) Note that Bauer and Bieber were pitching in the COVID-shortened 2020 season, which was only 60 games instead of the usual 162 games. Therefore, their low WARs are not their fault, and would have presumably been much higher if they'd played a full season.</p><p> So let's attempt to fix these mistakes, and list a few pitchers more deserving of the Cy Young Award in these previously mentioned seasons. Again, these are starters unless mentioned otherwise.</p><p>1) Instead of Bedrosian in 1987, two Los Angeles Dodgers, Bob Welch, (7.1 WAR), and Orel Hershiser (6.4 WAR) were better picks, or Chicago Cub Rick Sutcliffe (6.0 WAR)</p><p>2) Instead of Wynn in 1959, Washington Senator Camilo Pascual (7.8 WAR), Baltimore Oriole Hoyt Wilhelm (7.6 WAR), or St. Louis Cardinal Larry Jackson (7.3) would have been better choices.</p><p>3) Instead of Vuckovich in 1982, Toronto Blue Jay Dave Stieb (7.6 WAR), Cleveland Indian Rick Sutcliffe (5.7), or Toronto Blue Jay Luis Leal (5.1 WAR), had better seasons.</p><p>4) Instead of Welch in 1990, Boston Red Sox Roger Clemens (10.4 WAR), California Angel Chuck Finley (7.7 WAR), or Baltimore Oriole Mike Boddicker and Toronto Blue Jay Dave Stieb (both 5.9 WAR) were better picks.</p><p>5) Instead of Eckersley in 1992, Boston Red Sox Roger Clemens (8.7 WAR), Baltimore Oriole Mike Mussina (8.2 WAR), or Kansas City Royal Kevin Appier (8.0) had more effective seasons.</p><p>6) Bauer's selection in 2020 was a good choice--no arguments here.</p><p>7) Instead of Marshall in 1974, New York Met John Matlack (9.1 WAR), Atlanta Brave Phil Niekro (7.9 WAR), and San Francisco Giant Jim Barr (6.3) all were better choices.</p><p>8) Like with Bauer, Bieber's 2020 Cy Young seems like a strong choice.</p><p>9) Instead of Turley in 1958, Detroit Tiger Frank Lary (6.7 WAR), St. Louis Cardinal Sam Jones (6.3 WAR), or Philadelphia Phillie Robin Roberts (6.3 WAR) were arguably better.</p><p>10) Instead of Ford in 1961, Chicago Cub Don Cardwell (6.1 WAR), Minnesota Twin Jack Kralick (6.0), or Los Angeles Dodger Sandy Koufax (5.7 WAR) were probably better picks.</p><p>11) Instead of Lyle in 1977, California Angels Frank Tanana (8.3 WAR) and Nolan Ryan (7.8 WAR), or Baltimore Oriole Jim Palmer (7.3) were better choices.</p><p>12) Instead of Hoyt in 1983, Toronto Blue Jay Dave Stieb (7.0 WAR), Kansas City Royal reliever Dan Quisenberry (5.5 WAR), or Baltimore Oriole Scott McGregor (5.3) had better seasons.</p><p>13) Instead of Gagne in 2003, Chicago Cub Mark Prior (7.4 WAR), San Francico Giant Jason Schmidt (6.7 WAR), or Montreal Expo Livan Hernandez (6.3 WAR) were better picks.</p><p> I pretty much always thought this, but this research has just solidified my position--relief pitchers should never be Cy Young winners--they simply don't pitch enough innings to justify winning over a starter. (And even when they did pitch a lot of innings, like Mike Marshall in 1974, there were still better candidates.)</p><p>Let's switch to another stat, ERA, or Earned Run Average. This is an older, more basic stat. Still limited, but not as bad as pitcher wins and losses. Let's look at the Cy Young winners with the highest ERAs in a season, ever. Some of these were in years where all pitching ERAs were higher, due to better hitting, such as in the heavy steroid years (the late 1990's to early 2000s). but still, let's take a look.</p><p>1) 3.66 LaMarr Hoyt, Chicago White Sox, 1983.</p><p>2) 3.51 Roger Clemens, New York Yankees, 2001.</p><p>3) 3.48 Bartolo Colon, Los Angeles Angels, 2005.</p><p>4) 3.37 Jack McDowell, Chicago White Sox, 1993.</p><p>5) 3.34 Pete Vuckovich, Milwaukee Brewers, 1982.</p><p>6) 3.25 Roy Halladay, Toronto Blue Jays, 2003.</p><p>7) 3.23 Steve Stone, Baltimore Orioles, 1980.</p><p>8) 3.22 Pat Hentgen, Toronto Blue Jays, 1996.</p><p>9) 3.21 Whitey Ford, New York Yankees, 1961.</p><p>9) 3.21 CC Sabathia, Cleveland Indians, 2007.</p><p> Now let's try and determine what Cy Young winner had the least impressive total career. Again, going by WAR. Some of the guys on this list are still active, so obviously their WAR totals can improve dramatically, or I guess decrease if they decline markedly, or get injured or something. Also, obviously even great relievers will have relatively low WAR totals, since they pitch fewer innings than a starter. Here we go.</p><p>1) 7.9 Mark Davis, mostly a reliever, played for the San Diego Padres, Philadelphia Phillies, etc. in a 15 year career. Cy Young in 1989.</p><p>2) 11.7 Eric Gagne, mostly a reliever, played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, etc., in a 10 year career, Cy Young in 2003.</p><p>3) 12.1 LaMarr Hoyt, played for the Chicago White Sox and San Diego Padres, in a 8 year career, Cy Young in 1983.</p><p>4) 13.2 Bob Turley, played for the New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, etc., in a 12 year career, with his Cy Young coming in 1958.</p><p>5) *13.5 Corbin Burnes, active, played for the Milwaukee Brewers, and as of now the Baltimore Orioles, 6 year career as of 2023, Cy Young in 2021.</p><p>6) 14.3 Jim Lonborg, played for the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies, in a 15 year career, with his Cy Young Award coming in 1967.</p><p>7) 14.5 Steve Bedrosian, mostly a reliever, played for the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, etc. in a 14 year career, Cy Young in 1987.</p><p>8) 16.4 Pete Vuckovich, played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Milwaukee Brewers, etc., in a 11 year career, Cy Young in 1982.</p><p>9) 16.7 Guillermo (aka Willie) Hernandez, mostly a reliever, played for the Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers, etc., in a 13 year career, Cy Young in 1984.</p><p>10) 17.0 Steve Stone, played for the Chicago Cubs, Baltimore Orioles, etc. in a 11 year career, Cy Young in 1980.</p><p>10) *17.0 Shane Bieber, active, played for the Cleveland Indians/Guardians, in a 6 year career as of 2023, Cy Young in 2020.</p><p>12) *17.6 Robbie Ray, active, played for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Toronto Blue Jays, etc., in a 10 year career as of 2023, Cy Young in 2021.</p><p>13) 17.8 Randy Jones, played for the San Diego Padres and New York Mets, in a 10 year career, Cy Young in 1976.</p><p>14) 18.2 Mike Marshall, mostly a reliever, played for the Montreal Expos, Minnesota Twins, etc., in a 14 year career, Cy Young in 1974. </p><p> Now let's flip things. Here's a list of the pitchers with the highest lifetime WAR, many of whom are in the Hall of Fame, but who never won a Cy Young Award. Obviously this is guys who pitched after 1956--great pitchers like Walter Johnson, Lefty Grove, Christy Mathewson, and Cy Young himself pitched and completed their careers well before 1956. </p><p>1) 95.9 Phil Niekro, Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees, etc. Hall of Famer.</p><p>2) 94.5 Bert Blyleven, Minnesota Twins, Pittsburgh Pirates, etc. Hall of Famer.</p><p>3) 86.2 Robin Roberts, Philadelphia Phillies, Baltimore Orioles, etc., Hall of Famer. (a)</p><p>4) 82.8 Mike Mussina, Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees, Hall of Famer.</p><p>5) 81.3 Nolan Ryan, New York Mets, California Angels, etc. Hall of Famer.</p><p>6) 79.5 Curt Schilling, Philadelphia Phillies, Arizona Diamondbacks, Boston Red Sox, etc.</p><p>7) 69.5 Rick Reuschel, Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, etc.</p><p>8) 67.8 Kevin Brown, Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Dodgers, etc.</p><p>9) 66.7 Don Sutton, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, etc., Hall of Famer.</p><p>10) 66.1 Luis Tiant, Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, etc.</p><p>11) 62.9 Juan Marichal, San Francisco Giants, Boston Red Sox, etc., Hall of Famer.</p><p>12) 62.3 David Cone, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Mets, New York Yankees, etc.</p><p>13) 61.6 Tommy John, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox, etc.</p><p> (a) Roberts played about half his career before the first Cy Young was awarded in 1956, so he had some, but limited opportunities to win one. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Paul Stansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17316782083485288588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086061820693070480.post-7658559494003604942024-01-27T06:12:00.000-08:002024-01-27T06:12:22.433-08:00Exotic/Disgusting Foods and Beverages Forum--An English Ginger Beer<p> One of my earliest posts ever was about an English ginger beer, way back on June 9th, 2013 (along with another, fruity flavored English soft drink). Anyway, let's explore another. This one was from Fentiman's, out of Hexham, Northumberland, U.K.</p><p> Fentiman's is moderately old, dating back to 1905. At this time, Thomas Fentiman was offered a ginger beer recipe in return for a granted loan, to an unidentified person or persons. Thomas was an iron puddler by trade. If you didn't know (I didn't), an iron puddler was a person who converted pig iron into wrought iron, via a furnace. Anyway, this unnamed loanee didn't repay the money to Thomas, so he set about making and selling the ginger beer himself. (Evidently the life of an iron puddler wasn't very lucrative.) Fentiman started by selling his ginger beer door to door, using a distinctive ceramic container. The label on this container had a picture of a dog, which was Thomas's faithful dog named Fearless. (Fearless can be seen on the label today, in fact.) The company thrived for decades. Alas, in the mid 1960's sales had plummeted, and the company closed. However, in 1988 Eldon Robson, who was the great-grandson of Thomas Fentiman, reopened the business, using some of the original recipes. The company has been reinvigorated, and is now doing well. Currently, aside from the flagship ginger beer, Fentiman's also markets various sorts of lemonade, cola drinks, a lemon shandy, several kinds of tonic waters, a dandelion and burdock concoction, and a sparkling elderflower beverage. Fentiman's has expanded in scope, too, as its wares are now exported to Japan, several nations in South America, Canada, Russia, and the U.S. There are at least 2 manufacturing centers in the U.S., one in Pennsylvania, and one in Delaware.</p><p> As far as controversy goes, I encountered two. Firstly, in the past year or so Fentiman's has started using an artificial sweetener, notably steviol glycosides. Some customers are irate about this, and think it's negatively affected the taste of the drinks that use it. Secondly, one of Fentiman's products, their Victorian Lemonade, has an alcohol content of between 0.3-0.5%. The state of Maine in the U.S. prohibited sales because of this, even though it would be almost impossible for even a small child to become intoxicated off of this, given its small, but discernable booze content.</p><p><br /></p><p>Fentiman's ginger beer & muddled lime: This drink came in a small bottle, only 6.7 ounces (or 200 mL). It had a dull yellow color, and a ginger-y odor. The flavor was pretty good. Nice ginger spice bite. Not as great as America's Cock 'n Bull, or England's Idris Fiery Ginger Beer (again, see my post on June 9th, 2013), but tasty. If you like ginger flavors, I would definitely recommend this to you.</p><p><br /></p><p> Finally, if you're a fan of the Netflix series "The Last Kingdom," as I am, Fentiman's comes from a region that's mentioned throughout the show. Northumberland (aka "Northumbria," in ancient times), is the area where star Uhtred is originally from. His home castle/town of Bamburgh/Bebbanburg is in this part of England.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Paul Stansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17316782083485288588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086061820693070480.post-22499722992219038612024-01-20T07:42:00.000-08:002024-01-20T07:42:59.334-08:00Exotic/Disgusting Foods and Beverages Forum--Chinese/Mexican/American Pepitas<p> Okay, I was a little sneaky today, by using this title. "Pepitas" are something I've already discussed on this blog--pumpkin seeds. Yup, even though the Halloween and Thanksgiving seasons are long over, I want one more crack at pumpkins. My previous foray into pumpkin seeds was marred by the misdeeds of the company that made them (see my post on November 4, 2023). So, therefore, I wanted to try pumpkin seeds with a clearer conscience. Today's pepitas came from Paramount Foods, out of NJ. The seeds themselves were grown in Mexico and China, hence the title.</p><p> "Pepita" means "little seed of squash" in the Mexican dialect of Spanish. And, if you're not aware (I wasn't), squash, gourds, and pumpkins are all closely related, so much so that they're essentially subvariants of each other, and not separate species. As it turns out, pumpkin seeds usually have white outer husks, which some folks eat, and others don't. Some farmers have even bred subspecies of pumpkins that don't form the husks, which must save considerable time and effort of de-husking. Also, speaking of breeding, pumpkins/gourds/squashes were all domesticated very long ago, between 8,000 to 10,000 years ago. Or at least 4,000 years before corn (maize) and beans were. This was done in Mesoamerica, or, essentially, the region comprising southern Mexico and most of Central America. Although, currently pumpkins and their kin are grown around the world, including, obviously, in China. Additionally, pumpkin seeds are very nutritious. They contain large amounts of protein, fiber, fat, niacin, iron, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, and manganese. And they have moderate amounts of riboflavin, sodium, potassium, folate, pantothenic acid, and various fatty acids. They can be eaten in various ways, too. Many people eat them raw, or else roasted and salted, as a snack. Others use the seeds as ingredients in sauces or salsas. Or, some folks press out the oil, and then utilize this on salads, or as a cooking oil. They can also be made into a seed butter, or as a flavoring for booze.</p><p> Since I just talked about the Paramount Foods company fairly recently, I won't repeat myself here. So if you're curious, you can read more about the business in my post on August 12, 2023.</p><p><br /></p><p>Paramount Foods pepitas, roasted and salted: These were an olive green color, indicating that they'd had their white husk removed. They were crunchy, and slightly salty. A tiny bit oily, too. Kind of reminiscent of sunflower seeds. Initially I thought they were kind of bland, but then they grew on me. Now I rather like them, and have bought more than just the initial bag. Also, it escaped me before, in my earlier samples, but I clearly prefer my pumpkin seeds to be shelled, to have the white husk removed. Therefore, I would recommend these. They're not awesome or anything, but they're decent. And probably healthier than a lot of snacks.</p><p><br /></p><p> One final tidbit about pumpkin seeds/pepitas, that's kind of both interesting and disgusting. Before better, more effective medical substances were developed, eating pepitas could help expel tapeworms. So that was a win-win, huh? You could crunch up a nice snack, and then rid your intestines of invasive worms, all at the same time! </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Paul Stansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17316782083485288588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086061820693070480.post-60647995179465555142024-01-13T09:42:00.000-08:002024-01-13T09:42:36.873-08:00Exotic/Disgusting Foods and Beverages Forum--A Dutch Sweet Treat<p> For once, I didn't find the food I'll be discussing today at either my local, or the secondary Shop-Rite. Instead, I first encountered this one at a random gas station/minimart while on a day trip with a friend (Hi Leon!). Anyway, this was stroopwafel. From the Daelmans company, from The Netherlands.</p><p> In essence, stroopwafel is the breakfast food times two, as a sandwich with a syrup filling. The history of this food is a bit vague. The French were making waffle "sandwiches" with a cheese center as early as 1393. And had their own sweet version, called gaufre fourree lilloise by the 1800's or so. But we're concerned with the Dutch kind. Its origins are in the late 18th/early 19th century. Some propose that a baker named Gerard Kamphuisen invented stroopwafel, during the time between 1810 to 1840. Others maintain that it was created by bakers using waffle scraps that were left over, which were then sweetened and sold. Whoever developed it, by the 1870's the dish was well established, and very popular. The southern Dutch city of Gouda (yes, the one associated with the cheese of the same name) is particularly renowned as a stroopwafel center. The name "stroopwafel" is a Dutch rendition of "syrup waffle" from the English. Others call it "coffee topper" because of a common way of eating it. A tradition holds that a stroopwafel needs to be "awakened" before consumption. This is accomplished by putting it atop a hot drink mug, holding coffee or tea, for 2 minutes. This will cause the syrup filling to become appropriately nice and gooey, perfect for eating.</p><p> As I was researching this blog topic, something kept nagging at me. The Daelmans name seemed vaguely familiar. Well, my memory was correct--I've actually covered this company before, back on August 12, 2017 to be exact. On that occasion I sampled some their cookies/biscuits. Anyway, I won't repeat myself very much here. Daelmans is a bit over a century old, and in addition to several additional stroopwafel flavors (chocolate, coffee, honey, maple, mini), the business also markets cookies/biscuits, cakes, a pastry called speculaas, and puff pastries. It employs over 300 people, and exports to at least 30 nations around the world.</p><p><br /></p><p>Daelmans stroopwafel, caramel flavor: They were a round shape, about 9 cm./3.5 inches in diameter. Their color was brownish-yellow, and they had the typical cross-hatched waffle pattern. Plus, as mentioned before, each one consisted of two waffles pressed together, with a brownish syrup-y filling. The texture was very chewy, and soft. And they tasted like....particularly sweet waffles. Or pretty good overall. Quite pleasant. I didn't learn about the putting-them-atop-a-hot-drink-mug-to-melt-them procedure until later, so I can't comment on that. (And given my disdain for hot drinks of all kinds, I wouldn't want to try them that way.) All in all, stroopwafels are a neat kind of cookie-type pastry, and I would recommend them to everyone, save folks who hate waffles, or sweet pastries, I guess.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Paul Stansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17316782083485288588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086061820693070480.post-16905285028186733772024-01-06T06:08:00.000-08:002024-01-06T06:08:07.110-08:00Exotic/Disgusting Foods and Beverages Forum--A Finnish-Style Cocktail<p> A little while ago I was browsing in my local liquor store, and saw something new. It was called "Long Drink," or less abbreviated, "The Finnish Long Drink, Legend of 1952." Well, clearly I couldn't resist this come on. For the record, I had the traditional citrus flavor, and the business behind this was The Long Drink Company, headquartered in Carmel, Indiana.</p><p> The name "long drink" is actually kind of generic. In general, a "short drink" (aka "shooter") is a mixed drink with some non-alcoholic ingredients combined with one or more alcoholic drinks, as a kind of a large shot. It's usually served in a large, double shot glass, or a small glass. A long drink is also a mixed drink, only for this one the non-alcoholic elements are a much larger portion, and the overall creation is put in a tall glass. Anyway, with that out of the way, let's get into the history of the Finnish Long Drink. Back in 1952 Finland was set to host the Olympic Summer Games. Therefore, huge international crowds of sports fans were scheduled to invade Helsinki and its surrounding area, and these people would naturally want copious amounts of adult refreshments. Finland hadn't had much of drinking tradition in a while. It had Prohibition from 1919-32, and then World War II had clearly disrupted Finland's supplies of alcohol, as well as everything else. Anyway, Finland realized it had to change this up, fast. The government thus relaxed some of the more restrictive laws about alcoholic beverages, and encouraged businesses to create 2 new drinks for the incoming customers. One of these was a cocktail combining brandy with a local soft drink called Pommac. That beverage was only semipopular at best, and was mostly discontinued in the 1970's, until a later revival in the 21st century. The other drink, which combined gin with a grapefruit-flavored soft drink, was huge. It became known as the Long Drink, and quickly became Finland's favorite alcoholic drink, period. In Finland Long Drink is rendered as "lonkero," which is a Finnish approximation of the English words "long drink." (Confusingly, lonkero is also a Finnish word meaning "tentacle," but this is evidently just a coincidence.) Lonkero is usually between 5 to 8.5% alcohol, and is sometimes flavored with cranberry or lime. Also, after Finland joined the EU in 1995 its government relaxed its alcohol production laws even further, so even more companies started making their own versions of lonkero. Some of these use some different ingredient, such as using orange or lemon flavoring, or utilizing cider as the base instead of gin. Currently the most popular brand of lonkero is made by Hartwell. Lonkero/Finnish Long Drink had begun to be introduced to other nations--now folks in China, Japan, Taiwan, Estonia, and the U.S. are starting to embrace it. Additionally, it should be mentioned that lonkero isn't that unusual or innovative. Another drink, the "greyhound," predates it, and a greyhound is gin (or sometimes vodka) mixed with grapefruit juice, instead of a grapefruit flavored soft drink. And in Mexico the Paloma (see my post on November 14, 2020) mixes tequila with a grapefruit-flavored soft drink. So there were/are other very similar drinks made in other places.</p><p> The history of The Long Drink Company was a little harder to learn. However, I did discover that the company was begun in 2017 by 3 Finnish guys and 1 American. The former were Ere Partanen, Sakari Manninen, and Mikael Taipale, with the latter was Evan Burns. The official company website also notes that actor Miles Teller, musician DJ Kygo, and golfer Rickie Fowler are involved with Long Drink, both as spokespeople and investors. The Long Drink Company has a partnership with Matt Brewing in New York to make and can their drinks--Matt is also known for making the Saranac and Utica Club brands of beer. Aside from the traditional citrus one that I sampled, Long Drink also makes a Zero flavor (zero carbs or sugar), a Strong one (8.5% alcohol as opposed to the other's 5 to 5.5 %), and a Cranberry flavored kind.</p><p><br /></p><p>Long Drink, traditional citrus flavor: Had a citrus-y, lemon-ish odor, and was cloudy--it kind of resembled lemonade. And it tasted like a lemon soda (soft drink). Pretty good. Not awesome, but good enough. I couldn't taste the alcohol, either. (It was 5.5%.) So overall a decent hard soft drink, if I can make up an oxymoron. After I had some I looked at the label, and that's when I first discovered that it was gin, with grapefruit and juniper flavors. Which shocked me. I despise gin, grapefruit, and juniper. So the fact that I didn't loathe this is a ringing endorsement of sorts. Therefore, I would heartily recommend this to those who like gin, grapefruit, and juniper, and would recommend even those that don't like these flavors to at least give it a try.</p><p><br /></p><p> If you're curious, Miles Teller is arguably best known for roles in such films as "Rabbit Hole" (2010), "Whiplash" (2014), the "Divergent" series (2014-16), "Fantastic Four" (2015), "War Dogs" (2016), and "Top Gun: Maverick" (2022). Kygo is a well-regarded, Norwegian DJ. Rickie Fowler is still active, and to date has won 10 golf titles, although he's still looking for his first Major win. His highest career ranking was #4 in early 2016. Finally, in the 1952 Olympic games in Helsinki, the top medal totals by country were the U.S. with 76, the Soviet Union with 71, Hungary with 42, Sweden with 36, and host Finland with 22. Individual stars include Soviet gymnast Viktor Chukarin, who won 4 gold medals, and Czechoslovakian runner Emil Zatopek, who won 3 golds.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Paul Stansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17316782083485288588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086061820693070480.post-42886808762152454322023-12-30T08:43:00.000-08:002023-12-30T08:43:55.571-08:00Exotic/Disgusting Foods and Beverages Forum--2 Croatian/American Fruit Spreads, and a Bit About a Historic Vampire, for Some Reason This was yet another find from the newish deli section in my local Shop-Rite. I was blase at first, until I saw that it was a product of Croatia. I'm not sure I've ever done a blog post about something from this country. If I did, it can't have been many. Anyway, I tried a sour cherry spread, and then a tangerine spread from the Dalmatia brand.<div> Dalmatia was co-founded in 1995 in Florida by Maia Magee, who hails from Massachusetts. (I didn't discover the identity of her co-founder.) I wasn't able to discover if Ms. Magee is Croatian in heritage, or even if she was born there, and not in the U.S. If you're wondering, Dalmatia is a region of Croatia. The fruit used by the brand Dalmatia is grown in Croatia, Serbia, Macedonia, and some other, unspecified Mediterranean nations. Aside from the two I tried, Dalmatia makes a fig spread (which is their flagship product), a fig orange kind, and three new spread flavors--rose hip, hazelnut, and super berry. Dalmatia's products are all vegan-appropriate, gluten-free, GMO free, and aside from the hazelnut one are free from nuts, even at their manufacturing facilities. And if you order in bulk, they'll have your spreads made kosher.</div><div> But, the most interesting thing about Dalmatia to me was the court case mentioned on their website. Which, by coincidence, also involved the last spread I posted about, the Divina brand, and its parent company FoodMatch. (See my post on September 30, 2023.) From 2007-15 Dalmatia had a business partnership with FoodMatch, which distributed their spreads. Alas, this relationship soured, and the partnership ended. A couple of years later Dalmatia went to court against their former partners. And so in February of 2017 a verdict was reached, finding FoodMatch guilty of misappropriating Dalmatia's recipe for fig spread, and also for flooding the market with counterfeit fig spreads falsely labeled as being "Dalmatia." Part of this case was the first one under the 2016 Defend Trade Secrets Act. Anyway, the jury awarded Dalmatia $2,567,000, so evidently they agreed that the actions against Dalmatia were quite serious. So this is a new one for me--one of the companies I wrote about ripped off another company I posted about, and paid a large fine. (I wonder why the Divina/FoodMatch website didn't mention this case? Ha, just kidding, I obviously do know why they left this nugget of information out.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Dalmatia tangerine spread: Orange color, looks like typical fig spread. Plain is nice. Tangy and citrus-y. On a roll was a good combo. The bread and sweet spread complimented each other well.</div><div><br /></div><div>Dalmatia sour cherry spread: This one looked like cranberry sauce, but was less firm. The flavor was rather like cranberry sauce, too. Tangy and tart. Quite good plain, and also pleasing on a roll. Again, a good pairing. Both of these were good spreads, but I liked the sour cherry one a bit more. Both were good, but maybe a tad short of awesome. I'd recommend each of these to anyone who likes tart fruit spreads</div><div><br /></div><div> As I often do, now let's discuss some famous Croatians, also known as Croats. As I learned, there are tons of these, so I had to limit this list significantly. Anyway, writer/director/producer Werner Herzog was born in Germany, but has some Croatian heritage. Herzog is known for such films as "Aguirre, the Wrath of God" (1972), "Nosferatu the Vampire" (1979), "Fitzcarraldo" (1982), "Cobra Verde" (1987), "Invincible" (2001), and the documentary "Grizzly Man" (2005). He was also once shot during an interview, and continued on like it wasn't a big deal. Staying on those behind the scenes in movies, there's Branko Lustig. He was born in what's now Croatia, with Croatian heritage. Lustig won Oscars for Best Picture for producing "Schindler's List" (1993) and "Gladiator" (2000). He also served as unit production manager/supervisor for such films as "Sophie's Choice" (1982) "Black Hawk Down" (2001), and "American Gangster" (2007). Actor John Malkovich was born in the U.S., but has Croatian ancestry. He appeared in such films as "Places in the Heart" (1984), "Dangerous Liaisons" (1988), "Queens Logic" (1991), "In the Line of Fire" (1993) "Con Air" (1997), "Being John Malkovich" (1999), "RED" (2010) and "RED 2" (2013), and "Bird Box" (2018). Actress Jenna Elfman was also born in the U.S., but has significant Croatian heritage. Highlights of her career include such films as "Grosse Point Blank" (1997(, "EDtv" (1999), "Town & Country" (2001), and "Friends with Benefits" (2015), and television shows such as "Dharma & Greg" (1997-02) and "Fear the Walking Dead" (2018-23). Then there's singer/songwriter Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O'Connor, better known by her stage name Lorde. She was born in New Zealand, but is of Croatian heritage. Still active, she's already sold over 5,000,000 albums and has won 2 Grammys.</div><div> Moving to sports, quite a few Croatians/Croatian Americans have had significant NBA careers. Five of them have been enshrined in the Hall of Fame, even. Many of them first had success in Croatian or other European League teams as well. First up, there's Croatian born Dino Radja, a power forward/center with the Boston Celtics from 1993-97. Per game he averaged 16.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.9 steals, 1.3 blocks, and accumulated 14.3 Win Shares. Drazen Petrovic was also born in what's now Croatia, and played from 1989-93 with the Portland Trail Blazers and New Jersey Nets. A shooting guard, per game he averaged 15.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.1 blocks, and accumulated 21.5 Win Shares. Tragically, he died very young in a car accident, cutting his NBA career very short. Croatian born forward Toni Kukoc played mainly with the Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks, from 1993-2006. His per game averages were 11.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.3 blocks, and a Win Share total of 59.6. He also was a part of 3 NBA title teams. Kevin McHale was born in the U.S,, but had Croatian heritage on his mother's side. Kevin played power forward for the Boston Celtics from 1981-93. His per game averages were 17.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.4 steals, and 1.7 blocks. He also was named an All-Star 7 times, was part of 3 NBA title winning teams, and totaled 113 Win Shares. Finally, there's U.S. born, but with Croatian heritage, center George Mikan, who played with the Minneapolis Lakers from 1948-56. Per game he averaged 23.1 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. (Alas, statistics from the league's early days aren't as complete, so that's all I have.) Mikan was part of 5 NBA title winning teams, and accumulated 108.7 Win Shares. He was also so dominant that the NBA had to change several rules so that other teams had even a slight chance against him.</div><div> I'll end with a tale about a mythical monster from Croatia. Jure Grando reportedly lived from 1579-1656 in Kringa, a village in the Istria region of Croatia. However, local lore insisted that for 16 years after his death he remained as an undead strigon, a vampire/warlock hybrid. He terrorized his community--among other atrocities his widow, Ivana, claimed he regularly sexually assaulted her. Attempts to kill him with wooden stakes were unsuccessful. Eventually a villager named Stipan Milasic ended Grando's reign of terror by cutting the monster's head off with a saw. I know, vampires, and other undead creatures aren't real, but this story is credited as one of the earlier, if not earliest, detailed historic record of an alleged vampiric-type monster. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Paul Stansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17316782083485288588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086061820693070480.post-89060575457626808352023-12-23T08:37:00.000-08:002023-12-23T08:37:31.105-08:00Extremely Difficult Trivia About "A Christmas Story"<p> I realize this might be considered an odd choice for me, since "A Christmas Story" is most definitely not a horror, sci-fi, or action movie. But, I enjoy movies from other genres, and this is one example. No one could plausibly argue that this movie isn't a quintessential Christmas-themed film. Anyway, today we'll be discussing Bob Clark's 1983 classic, which took over a decade, and countless airings on cable television to really become popular. So let's get to it. The usual format--questions first, followed by the answers. Many SPOILERS ahead, too.</p><p>Questions:</p><p>1) What is the name of the town where Ralph lives?</p><p>2) And in what U.S. state is this town located?</p><p>3) What is the name of the street that Ralph lives on?</p><p>4) Ralph tries to put the idea for the Red Ryder air rifle in his mom's head by planting a print ad for it from one of his magazines into one of her magazines. Name the two periodicals.</p><p>5) Ralph's father mentions two Chicago White Sox players, one by a nickname, and one by a surname. Name them.</p><p>6) Ralph's dad is participating in a trivia puzzle contest. What is the grand prize?</p><p>7) What is the theme of this particular puzzle?</p><p>8) What is the name of the Lone Ranger's nephew's horse?</p><p>9) Who in the Parker family knew the answer to the previous question?</p><p>10) In another effort to trick his parents into buying him the air rifle, Ralph says someone saw a grizzly bear in town. Near where?</p><p>11) After Ralph's mom expresses doubts about buying an air rifle, Ralph asks for something else as a gift as a ruse. What is this alternate gift idea?</p><p>12) In Ralph's fantasy, who leads the gang of thugs that threaten the Parker house?</p><p>13) In the fantasy Ralph kills most of the gang. (It's not graphic--they're shown with "x's" over their eyes.) How many thugs does he kill?</p><p>14) What car company does Ralph's dad prefer?</p><p>15) What is the name of Ralph's teacher?</p><p>16) What book is Ralph's class shown learning about?</p><p>17) Daring someone to do something can have up to a 6 part sequence, starting from least intense to most. Name the proper sequence.</p><p>18) One of Ralph's classmates indicates to the teacher where Flick is, when Flick is stuck to the pole. Name them.</p><p>19) Ralph claims that bully Scut Farkus has yellow eyes. What color are they really?</p><p>20) What is the name of Scut's toady?</p><p>21) Ralph says the Bumpus family owns how many dogs? (It's an obvious exaggeration.)</p><p>22) Ralph's dad knows someone who works at the freight depot. Name them.</p><p>23) At this point, Ralph's dad mentions two other possible trivia puzzle contest prizes. Name them.</p><p>24) After receiving and setting up the leg lamp, Ralph's old man talks to a neighbor outside. What is this person's name?</p><p>25) What time does the Little Orphan Annie radio program start?</p><p>26) The Red Ryder air rifle that Ralph craves has two other built-in features, besides the shooting BB's part. Name them.</p><p>27) According to the owner, how many trees are on his Christmas tree lot?</p><p>28) While tree shopping, Ralph's dad mentions a neighbor who bought a green plastic tree. Name them.</p><p>29) What is the license plate number of the Parker family car?</p><p>30) How much time is Ralph's dad aiming to change the flat tire in, to imitate the Indy 500 pit crews?</p><p>31) And how much time does it actually take him to change it?</p><p>32) Ralph imagines 5 punishments for saying the bad "F" word in front of his dad. Name them.</p><p>33) What soap is Ralph's favorite to have put in his mouth as a punishment?</p><p>34) And what is the worst brand of soap for this?</p><p>35) How far away does Ralph's friend Schwartz live?</p><p>36) Who countersigned the letter signifying that Ralph was now a member of the Little Orphan Annie fan club? (Aside from Annie herself, clearly.)</p><p>37) How old is Ralph?</p><p>38) When Ralph first tries to decode a message from Little Orphan Annie, what combination is he instructed to set his decoder pin to?</p><p>39) According to the date inscribed on the back of the decoder pin, what year is this movie set in?</p><p>40) What present does Flick buy his dad for Christmas?</p><p>41) What grade does Ralph earn for his "What I Want for Christmas" theme?</p><p>42) According to Ralph's dad, who are the Chicago Bears playing on Sunday?</p><p>43) What is the name of the department store that the Parkers go to?</p><p>44) How late is Santa working on the night that Ralph and Randy visit him?</p><p>45) What does Santa say he hates the smell of?</p><p>46) On Santa's lap, Ralph initially forgets that he wants the Red Ryder rifle. What gift does he agree that he wants when Santa suggests it?</p><p>47) What two gifts do we see Ralph's dad open?</p><p>48) What is the name of Ralph's school?</p><p>49) According to Ralph's father, how old was he when he got an air rifle?</p><p>50) Ralph counts off 6 turkey-related dishes after their turkey is destroyed by the Bumpus' dogs. Name them.</p><p>51) What is the name of the Chinese restaurant that the Parkers eat Christmas dinner at?</p><p>52) Ralph, of course, sleeps with his beloved Red Ryder rifle. What present does Randy sleep with?</p><p>53) What is the full proper name of the air rifle that Ralph so covets?</p><p>54) What company manufactures this air rifle?</p><p>55) The actor who played Santa in this movie, Jeff Gillen, co-directed a very different sort of movie in real life. Name it.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Answers:</p><p>1) Hohman, which is based on author Jean Shepherd's real life hometown, Hammond.</p><p>2) Indiana. Which is the state that Hammond (see Answer to Question #1) is located in.</p><p>3) Cleveland Street. Again, Jean's real life street. He lived at #2907 on Cleveland.</p><p>4) Ralph's magazine was "Boy's Life," and his mom's "Look." Both were real magazines.</p><p>5) "Bullfrog," and Shottenhoffer. I couldn't find a real MLB player named Shottenhoffer, but there was a guy nicknamed "Bullfrog," who played for the White Sox from 1936-46. He was pitcher Bill Dietrich.</p><p>6) $50,000.</p><p>7) Great characters in American Literature.</p><p>8) Victor. Online sources said this answer was accurate, and that Victor was the son of Silver, who was the Lone Ranger's horse.</p><p>9) Ralph's mother. (Incidentally, throughout this quiz I'll have to refer to Ralph's parents as "Ralph's mom," "Ralph's dad," etc. because their real first names are not provided.)</p><p>10) Pulaski's candy store.</p><p>11) Tinker toys.</p><p>12) Black Bart.</p><p>13) 4. Black Bart survives, however, and possibly one other cohort.</p><p>14) He's an Oldsmobile man.</p><p>15) Miss Shields.</p><p>16) Silas Marner, the 1861 book written by "George Eliot" (which was Mary Ann Evans' penname).</p><p>17) It starts with a dare, than a dog dare, than a double dare, a double dog dare, a triple dare, and then the triple dog dare. (Although, as in this case, kids occasionally skip a step or two.)</p><p>18) Esther Jane.</p><p>19) It's tough to say. Scut seems to be squinting most of the time, so it's hard to see. Actor Zack Ward claims his eyes are really green, although other sources say blue. Maybe they're bluish-green? They're definitely not yellow, and no yellow contact lenses were worn by Ward, or anything like that.</p><p>20) Grover Dill.</p><p>21) 785. In reality it appears there are probably around 5-7.</p><p>22) Ernie McCloskey.</p><p>23) A Spanish adobe house in Florida, and a bowling alley.</p><p>24) Swede.</p><p>25) 6:45 pm.</p><p>26) It has a compass in the stock, and "this thing which tells time." The latter being a sundial.</p><p>27) 300.</p><p>28) Zudoc.</p><p>29) 56 498.</p><p>30) 4 minutes.</p><p>31) 8 minutes. Although it may have been quicker if Ralph hadn't accidentally dropped the lug nuts.</p><p>32) The guillotine, hanging, the chair, the rack, and Chinese water torture.</p><p>33) Lux. Which was a real brand, but was discontinued in the 1990's.</p><p>34) Lifebuoy, which is real and still made. Palmolive was the brand in between Lux and Lifebuoy in flavor.</p><p>35) 3 blocks away.</p><p>36) Pierre Andre, who was a real life radio announcer.</p><p>37) 9 years old.</p><p>38) B-2.</p><p>39) 1940. Although this isn't absolute--the filmmakers wanted the time to be vague-ish, in the late 1930's/early 1940's. Several other brands, references, and products were from years other than 1940 exactly.</p><p>40) A rose that squirts water.</p><p>41) A C+.</p><p>42) Green Bay (Packers).</p><p>43) Higbees. Which was a real store, and still exists, but it changed its name to Dillard's in 1992.</p><p>44) 9 pm.</p><p>45) Tapioca.</p><p>46) A football.</p><p>47) The blue bowling ball, and a can of Simoniz (it appears to be Simoniz's car wax).</p><p>48) The Warren G. Harding School.</p><p>49) 8 years old.</p><p>50) Turkey sandwiches, turkey salad, turkey gravy, turkey hash, turkey ala king, turkey soup.</p><p>51) The neon sign reads "Bowling Chop Suey Palace Co.", but the "w" in "Bowling" is burnt out, leaving the more appropriate-sounding "Bo Ling Chop Suey Palace Co." as the name, for a joke.</p><p>52) His toy Zeppelin.</p><p>53) The Red Ryder carbine-action 200 shot range model air rifle.</p><p>54) Daisy, which again, was a real company.</p><p>55) 1974's "Deranged," a loose adaptation of real life killer Ed Gein's exploits. See my post on June 16, 2013 for more information about this movie and about Gein himself.</p><p> Also, for a post about yet another Bob Clark movie, "Deathdream," (aka "Dead of Night") check out my post on August 17, 2019. Otherwise, Merry Christmas to all those that celebrate it, and happy holidays to everyone in general.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Paul Stansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17316782083485288588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086061820693070480.post-44143331412451441152023-12-16T07:53:00.000-08:002023-12-16T07:53:51.860-08:00Exotic/Disgusting Foods and Beverages Forum--International Sweet Rolls<p> Several weeks ago, while in the deli section of my local Shop-Rite, I saw something new. They were called Hawaiian sweet rolls, from the King's Hawaiian company. Looking back, I can't recall discussing any bits of Hawaiian cuisine, so I picked up a pack. They were also the company's "original" Hawaiian sweet rolls.</p><p> King's Hawaiian is a moderately old business. Back in 1950, a man named Robert R. Taira opened "Robert's Bakery" in the Hawaiian town of Hilo. His baked goods were an immediate hit, and he began to grow the business. In 1963 Taira moved production to King Street in Honolulu, and so he renamed his company "King's Bakery." In 1977 Taira expanded into the mainland part of the U.S., as he started a manufacturing center in Torrance, California. The business was then renamed yet again, to King's Hawaiian Bakery. In 1992 all production ceased in Hawaii. Then the company moved east--by 2011 a factory was begun in Oakwood, Georgia. King's Hawaiian selection has also expanded over the decades. Their rolls include some more offbeat types, such as pretzel rolls, and jalapeno rolls. The company also markets cookies, holiday fruit cakes, bread pudding and coffee, teas, butters, jellies, mustards, and hot sauces. Sadly, Robert Taira is no longer with us, as he passed in 2003. His creation remains in his family's hands, however.</p><p> The flagship product of King's Hawaiian remains the type I tried, their original sweet roll. These are a kind of Portuguese sweet bread. But it's more convoluted than that, as the Portuguese settlers in the Azores islands then came up with their own take on Portuguese sweet bread, called Massa Sovada ("kneaded dough"), which is a roll often served on holidays. Azorean immigrants to Hawaii continued to make their signature Portuguese sweet bread rolls. There's just one issue. Portuguese sweet bread is known for its very brief fresh period. In fact, the Azorean kind in Hawaii was known as "stone bread," since it becomes hard as a rock if not eaten within a day. Somehow, and it's presumably a trade secret, Robert Taira was able to make Portuguese/Azorean sweet rolls that had an extended freshness life span. And, while Robert Taira was born in Hawaii, his heritage is Japanese. So, all in all, the rolls I got are a mix of Portuguese, Azorean, Japanese, Hawaiian, and American cultural influences.</p><p><br /></p><p>King's Hawaiian original Hawaiian sweet rolls: These looked like regular small rolls--a yellow interior, and brownish top and bottom. They were square, about 5 cm./2.25 inches to a side. I had some plain at first. They were good rolls, soft and fluffy, with a noticeably sweet flavor to them. Or quite tasty. I then tried some with a tangerine spread, and then as a sandwich with capicola and ranch dressing. Both these sweet and savory complements were also very good. So overall I enjoyed these, and would recommend them. </p><p><br /></p><p> As a fan of the Philadelphia Phillies major league baseball team, I was pleased to learn that a former member of the team, Shane Victorino, was a spokesman for King's Hawaiian in 2014. It's a natural choice--Victorino was also born in Hawaii, and like Robert Taira also has some Japanese heritage. (Shane's ancestry also includes Portuguese and Hawaiian.) For his career, which stretched from 2003-15, Victorino slashed .275/.340/.425, with an adjusted OPS of 102+. He also was named to 2 All Star teams, won 4 Gold Gloves as an outfielder, and was part of both the Phillies' 2008 World Series winning team, and the Boston Red Sox's world series winner in 2013. "The Flyin' Hawaiian," as he was known, accumulated 31.5 WAR for his career. Additionally, King's Hawaiian produced and released an animated children's Halloween-themed movie, called, "The Legend of Hallowaiian" in 2018. Voice actors included Mark Hamill, Vanessa Williams, Tia Carrera, and Noah Schnapp. If you're curious, its Rotten Tomatoes score is blank for critics, and 36% (out of 100%) from the general audience. IMDB has it as a 5.1 out of 10. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Paul Stansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17316782083485288588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086061820693070480.post-58078331434781737142023-12-09T09:38:00.000-08:002023-12-09T09:38:41.318-08:00Exotic/Disgusting Foods and Beverages Forum--Gabagool (Aka Capicola)<p> The first time I recall hearing about gabagool was on the episode of "The Office" when Michael Scott orders it at a restaurant while interacting with a guy he thinks is in the Mafia. (SPOILER--the man is actually just an insurance salesman.) I was vaguely aware that Michael clearly got this word from "The Sopranos," or "Goodfellas," or some other Mob-related program or movie, but it wasn't until a subsequent viewing of "The Sopranos" that I definitely heard the term again. Anyway, I looked for gabagool at the local grocery stores without success. But when I did a little googling, and found out that it was another word for "capicola," I was able to find some without much difficulty. Specifically, I tried some ham capicola from the Black Bear brand, which I think is one of the Shop-Rite store brands.</p><p> So what is gabagool/capicola? It's a type of cured meat. Some describe it as being a cross between prosciutto and sausage. More exactly, "capicola" is a good description, since it reveals where the cut of meat comes from on the pig's body. "Capo" is "head" in Italian, and "colla" means "shoulder." (Or at least one article I read said this. When I tried out some online Italian to English translation dictionaries sometimes they didn't agree with this.) And this cut of meat comes from the area between the neck and the 4th or 5th ribs (on the shoulder). There seems to be some variation about the production method, but the following one seems to be the most common. The meat is cured for a bit (maybe around 10 days), and then placed in a brine which contains garlic, wine, and spices, and then this whole thing is encased in salt. After being refrigerated, it's rinsed, and then re-seasoned, typically using red or black pepper, fennel, coriander, paprika, and anise. Then this is put back into natural pork casings (perhaps intestinal lining?) and dry cured for 4-6 months. Reportedly it was first made in the area around the Northern Italian city of Piacenza, but since it's now made throughout all of Italy, the French island of Corsica, Switzerland, Argentina, and other areas with significant populations of Italians, such as New York and New Jersey in the U.S. Capicola/gabagool has a relatively high fat content, meaning it's a bit juicier, creamier, and has less gristle than some other cured meats. Nutritionally the meat has high amounts of protein, iron, and Vitamin B-12, but on the negative side it's also very high in sodium, and of course, fat.</p><p> As for the alternate name, Dan Nosowitz did a deep dive about this in an article for Atlas Obscura titled, "How Capicola Became Gabagool: The Italian New Jersey Accent, Explained." Long story short, Italian American immigrants, as was their practice, tended to drop the final vowel, and garbled the "c's" into "g's." And the "p" became a "b." And the final "o" sound was drawn out and emphasized. And I for one think this bastardized version is better--I definitely think it's more fun to say "gabagool" than "capicola." Probably because it sounds so ridiculous and nonsensical. But, for the record, this cured meat has a few more alternate names, as some refer to it as "coppa" or "cotta." Which aren't very entertaining, either. I'll stick with gabagool, thank you.</p><p><br /></p><p>Black Bear ham capicola/gabagool: This was sliced into disc shapes (around 4 inches/10 cm. in diameter) and had a pinkish-brown color, with some whitish streaks (which are the fat) and a reddish-brown rind. The taste was a lot like ham, only better. The spiciness was quite nice, and it was noticeably juicier than most cured meats. I had some plain, and then as part of a sandwich with ranch dressing on it. I came away impressed. If you like cured meats, I think you'll find this is one of the stronger ones. Although given its relatively high sodium and fat content, it's probably better as an occasional treat, rather than a daily staple. Finally, readers are no doubt getting tired of hearing me rave about anise-flavored drinks. It didn't escape my attention that I enjoyed a meat that also uses anise as a flavoring. (And I checked the label on the meat I ate--anise was one of the spices mentioned in the ingredient list.) Also, even if you don't want to eat it, you can still have a good time just saying "gabagool" over and over again. Try it!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Paul Stansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17316782083485288588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086061820693070480.post-42671363417357578082023-12-02T08:46:00.000-08:002023-12-02T08:46:40.389-08:00Extremely Difficult Trivia About "Die Hard 2" (1990)<p> About two years ago, on December 25th, 2021 to be exact, I did a trivia quiz about "Die Hard." Well, it's December again, so let's do a sequel post about the sequel movie. Many fans of the series were disappointed by #2, but I'm not one of them. I thought it was a more than solid sequel--not as great as the first one, but still very good. I actually prefer the second one to the third one. And the less said about the 4th, or 5th one, the better--they totally went off the rails. (Or at least I thought the 4th one was pretty bad, and heard universally negative things about the 5th movie.) And yes, this one may resurrect the argument about whether or not the first two "Die Hard" movies are Christmas movies or not. Close enough for me. Usual format--questions first, followed by the answers, and these are all about incredibly obscure, and well, trivial details. Many SPOILERS ahead. Enjoy!</p><p>Questions:</p><p>1) The film opens with the car that John McClain is driving (owned by his mother-in-law) to the airport being towed. What is this vehicle's license plate number and letters?</p><p>2) According to the cop that John interacts with, how much will it cost to get the car back the following day?</p><p>3) As John enters Dulles airport, we hear kids singing. What famous song are they performing?</p><p>4) What country is deposed dictator General Ramon Esperanza coming from?</p><p>5) What is the name of the airport that Esperanza is flying out of?</p><p>6) We see two news journalists talking about this situation on television. Name them.</p><p>7) What is the airline, and flight number, of the plane that Holly Gennero McClain is on?</p><p>8) What television network does reporter Samantha Coleman work for?</p><p>9) What details first attract John's attention toward the terrorists?</p><p>10) The first terrorist that John kills is Cochrane. What is Cochrane's first name and rank?</p><p>11) The flight attendants reference two segments about the airline industry that Dick Thornberg recently did. Name them.</p><p>12) According to the restraining order Dick took out on Holly, exactly how far away is she supposed to stay from him?</p><p>13) According to Captain Lorenzo, how many FAA and then D.C. regulations did John break in his initial fight with the terrorists?</p><p>14) According to John, what new, innovative firearm were the terrorists carrying?</p><p>15) How many Twinkees does Sgt. Al Powell have on his desk when John calls him?</p><p>16) What is the Los Angeles police department's fax number?</p><p>17) Before his untimely "death" in 1988, where was Cochrane stationed and trained?</p><p>18) And what is Cochrane's special service number?</p><p>19) What brand of chainsaw do the terrorists use to cut the electric cables at the church?</p><p>20) What is the name and number of Esperanza's special, non-commercial flight?</p><p>21) During his initial meeting with John, what song is Marvin the janitor playing on his record player in his basement area?</p><p>22) Barnes is shot in his attempt to access the antennae array at the new Annex Skywalk. Where on his body is he wounded?</p><p>23) Colonel Stuart mentions seeing two of John's interviews, one in print, and one on television. Name the magazine, and the television program.</p><p>24) Stuart also uses a famous quote, "Treason is merely a matter of dates." Who does he credit this quote to?</p><p>25) The terrorist cause a plane to crash by providing incorrect data about how far above the ground the plane is. Name the airline, and the flight number.</p><p>26) Who is the sound man that Dick uses to tap into the cockpit radio?</p><p>27) What is the name of Major Grant's special military counterterrorism team?</p><p>28) What is the name of the Department of Justice official who meets and greets Grant as he arrives?</p><p>29) What is the job title of Trudeau (who's played by politician Fred Dalton Thompson)?</p><p>30) Who is the replacement member on Grant's team?</p><p>31) Why did this man replace the previous member?</p><p>32) What is Barnes' first name, and job title?</p><p>33) What make and model is the two way radio (walkie-talkie) that the terrorists use?</p><p>34) What is the code name for the terrorists' base of operations at the church?</p><p>35) And what is the code name for General Esperanza?</p><p>36) After his plane is damaged, what runway does Esperanza land on?</p><p>37) What is Esperanza's plane's number? (Not the flight number, the plane's, which is printed prominently on it.)</p><p>38) Where on his body does John shoot Esperanza?</p><p>39) According to Esperanza, how long did the terrorists' scheme take to plan?</p><p>40) How many grenades do the terrorists throw in the cockpit with John?</p><p>41) What kind of grenades do the terrorists use?</p><p>42) Where is Holly currently employed?</p><p>43) What television program is put on the screens in Holly's plane, to calm the passengers down?</p><p>44) What television station does Dick call and make a report to?</p><p>45) What famous weather forecaster does the old lady sitting next to Holly disparage?</p><p>46) What is the name of the church that the terrorists use as a base?</p><p>47) What is the church building going to be converted to?</p><p>48) What hangar is the terrorist's plane in?</p><p>49) What is Major Grant's terrorist codename?</p><p>50) What is the name of Captain Lorenzo's brother, who is the cop who enjoyed towing John's car in the opening scene?</p><p>51) What prayer does Holly murmur when it looks like their plane will crash?</p><p>52) What is the ID number of the terrorists' escape plane?</p><p>53) What song plays as the movie ends? (Before the credits.)</p><p>54) How many people do the terrorists kill?</p><p>55) How many terrorists does John McClane kill?</p><p>56) We see several trinkets in Marvin's area, including a sports team bobblehead. Which team is it?</p><p>57) Why didn't all the circling planes just fly to another airport, especially after the one is crashed?</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Answers:</p><p>1) TB7 639.</p><p>2) $40, which even for 1990, seems pretty cheap.</p><p>3) "Carol of the Bells."</p><p>4) The fictitious, yet common-in-movies nation of Val Verde (or perhaps Valverde).</p><p>5) Escalan.</p><p>6) Leonard Adkins and Amy Nicole.</p><p>7) Northeast Airlines, Flight 140.</p><p>8) WNTW. She's on the Night-Time News team.</p><p>9) He notices that one acts nervous when a cop walks by, and that one of them is carrying a gun in an airport.</p><p>10) His first name is Oswald, and his rank is Sergeant.</p><p>11) "Flying Junkyards," and "Bimbos of the Sky."</p><p>12) Holly says it's 50 feet, and Dick says it's 50 yards (or 150 feet).</p><p>13) 7 FAA, and 5 D.C.</p><p>14) A Glock 7. Which is incorrect--gun enthusiasts online point out that they're using Glock 17s. Also, all firearms would be picked up by metal detectors, since all have some metal parts. Finally, porcelain is very brittle, so it's not suitable for a firearm. And, Glocks weren't that expensive, and are made in Austria, not Germany, so basically everything John says is wrong.</p><p>15) 4.</p><p>16) 555-3212. Or, a fake number using the classic, "555" Hollywood exchange.</p><p>17) Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Ft. Benning (GA), Saudi Arabia, Langley (VA), Afghanistan, and Honduras.</p><p>18) 1-567-70-1459. I know, absolutely no one will know this, but I'll still throw it out there.</p><p>19) A Stihl.</p><p>20) Foreign Military 1. It's also called Foxtrot Michael One, using the military code.</p><p>21) "Old Cape Cod."</p><p>22) His left forearm.</p><p>23) "People" magazine, and the "Nightline" television program.</p><p>24) He credits Cardinal Richelieu, but some think it's a quote from Napolean, or others.</p><p>25) Windsor Airlines, Flight 114, out of England.</p><p>26) Victor.</p><p>27) Blue Light.</p><p>28) Rollins.</p><p>29) He's the Chief of Air Operations.</p><p>30) Telford.</p><p>31) The original man got appendicitis.</p><p>32) His first name is Leslie, and he's the Chief Engineer.</p><p>33) They are using the Kenwood TH-45AT, 440 MHZ.</p><p>34) Eagle's Nest.</p><p>35) Falcon.</p><p>36) 25R.</p><p>37) 709.</p><p>38) In his upper right arm.</p><p>39) 2 months.</p><p>40) Each man has 3 grenades, and they're told to use all of them. So 9 total.</p><p>41) RFX 55. Which, weapons enthusiasts online note are the practice M-30 grenade versions of the M-26.</p><p>42) She's seen reading a folder from Nakatomi, so evidently she's still working with that corporation. Maybe she got a promotion after the events of the first film.</p><p>43) "The Simpsons," the "There's No Disgrace Like Homer" episode (1990).</p><p>44) WZDC-11. Is he working for them now? Or is it the local affiliate of his LA based network?</p><p>45) Willard Scott, who she calls a "porker."</p><p>46) Barnes calls it the "Hidey Lake Community Church," but later a sign indicates it's the "Highland Lake Community Church." The latter name makes more sense.</p><p>47) It's going to be a day care center.</p><p>48) 11.</p><p>49) Hatchling.</p><p>50) Vito.</p><p>51) Psalm 23.</p><p>52) N473 EV.</p><p>53) "Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow."</p><p>54) Total, it appears to be 245. There's the church custodian, the 5 SWAT guys, the 5 members of the Windsor plane crew, the 230 passengers on the Windsor, the 3 members of the plane carrying Esperanza (killed by him), and Telford by Major Grant. Obviously, others could have died in the rioting and such, but 245 deaths appear to be confirmed.</p><p>55) It appears to be 24. McClane electrocutes Cochrane, shoots O'Reilly, Mulkey, and Thompson. Causes Sheldon to crash on the snowmobile, stabs Baker with an icicle, shoots Burke and Garber, and causes Grant to be sucked into the plane engine. Then Esperanza, Stuart, Miller, Kahn, and 11 members of the Blue Light team die in the plane explosion.</p><p>56) It's for MLB's San Francisco Giants.</p><p>57) Yes, this is questionable. The movie tries to explain that it's because the snowstorm engulfed the entire Northeast and Mid-Atlantic part of the country, so many airports were closed, or dealing with the snow. And they mention that Atlanta, Memphis, and Nashville had taken some of the errant flights. But given that these planes had been circling for 2 hours, they almost certainly could have flown to other airports, especially in the warmer, less snow bound South. I know, I know, it's a movie, so they wanted to keep it exciting and dramatic. But I'm just saying.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Paul Stansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17316782083485288588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086061820693070480.post-72884203033726212132023-11-25T09:24:00.000-08:002023-11-25T09:24:11.046-08:00Exotic/Disgusting Foods and Beverages Forum--An Italian/American Juice Beverage<p> Some readers might be anticipating a holiday-relevant post today, since it's only 2 days past the American holiday of Thanksgiving. (A holiday that's probably the most food-centric one of them all, even.) Alas, that's not the case. I couldn't locate anything like that. Instead, I'll discuss a drink made from bilberry nectar. From the Bionaturae brand. Which in turn is part of Jovial Foods, which is headquartered in the American state of Connecticut, but many (all?) of their products come from Italy.</p><p> The founders of Jovial Foods were a married couple--Carla Bartolucci and Rodolfo Viola. (I'm using the past tense because Carla tragically passed at a young age in 2021.) Bartolucci was American, but of Italian heritage. Viola was born in Italy, and is of Italian heritage. Carla had become interested in organic foods after her parents died from cancer. Rodolfo had actually studied organic agriculture while in college. So it was natural that together they started a brand that specialized in marketing Italian organic food and drinks in 1995. (Some of the business details are a bit unclear, but I believe that brand was Bionaturae. But by 2010 the overall company became Jovial Foods. This may have been the same date when the Connecticut headquarters were established.) Anyway, Jovial/Bionaturae produces pastas, tomatoes, vinegars, oils, fruit nectars, and fruit spreads. All traditional Italian dishes, obviously, and many (all?) grown and processed in Italy. But the focus of Jovial seems to be their foods made from einkorn. Einkorn is a variety of wheat, one which is a bit different than varieties most commonly used currently. Adherents love einkorn because it's not hybridized, and is seen as being healthier, and more pure. It does have more protein than the common modern varieties, and has greater amounts of some nutrients, such as potassium, beta carotene, and phosphorus. Reportedly einkorn also contains a weaker type of gluten. Some folks with gluten sensitivities can digest einkorn without difficulty. Although, critically, those with celiac disease should NOT consume einkorn, as its gluten will definitely still adversely affect them. Additionally, some consumers think that einkorn has a distinct, and better flavor than regular wheat. All of which makes me wish I'd tried some Jovial products made using einkorn, but unfortunately my grocery stores only had the bilberry juice.</p><p> Moving to bilberries, they are a variety of berry that's closely related to the North American blueberry. There are some differences, though. The exteriors of bilberries are dark purple or black, and their inner pulps are red or purple, as opposed to blueberries' blue exteriors, and greenish pulp. Bilberries are softer and juicier than blueberries, and are more difficult to cultivate. Meaning most bilberries are harvested from wild plants, and are not transported very far, usually sold in local gourmet stores instead of widespread supermarket chains. Bilberries are eaten raw, or are made into jams, pies, skyr (see my post on December 7th, 2016), other desserts, soups, and are even sometimes turned into liquors. It's often claimed that bilberries have various medical uses, such as helping to lower blood pressure, or aiding eye ailments, or improving night vision. However, as is so often the case, medical science has not found evidence for these claims as of yet. I mean, they're nutritious, and tasty, but don't expect them to cure your cataracts or astigmatism or anything.</p><p><br /></p><p>Bionaturae bilberrry nectar: Not much of an odor. Deep purplish-red in color. Taste was okay. Kind of thin. Not a bold taste. Slightly disappointing. I would have liked it to either be more tart, or more sweet. It was kind of in a mediocre flavor middle. As befits the Jovial overall healthy focus, there was no sugar added. Although there was some apple puree and apple juice concentrate, both organic, clearly. Otherwise there was just organic bilberry puree, ascorbic acid, and filtered water.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Paul Stansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17316782083485288588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086061820693070480.post-26685950408761103502023-11-18T09:16:00.000-08:002023-11-18T09:16:45.688-08:00Exotic/Disgusting Foods and Beverages Forum--An Australian/Indian Snack<p> I saw this one several months ago, at the alternate Shop-Rite. From the name and what it looked like, I initially assumed it was from India. But, then I read that it was distributed by an American LLC, out of Georgia. However, looking further, the food was actually made in Australia. Specifically, it was the bhuja cracker mix, from the Majans company.</p><p> The Majans official company website was one of those terse ones. So I got only a bare bones history, which lacked much detail. Anyway, the business began in 1960, when an unidentified member, or members of the Raniga family went door to door selling Indian spices and foods, in Brisbane, Australia. In 1984 the company started marketing a bhuja mix. All told, there are five kinds of the bhuja mix. The cracker one that I tried, plus the original mix, the nut mix, the beer mix, and the crunchy seasoned peas. According to LinkedIn, the number of Majans employees is between 51-200, and the current directors are Kam and Rick Raniga, who are presumably descendants of the founding Raniga member or members. (Unless the founding Ranigas are still going strong aged 95 or something.) Moving on, bhuja is a generic name for an Indian snack that was reportedly developed in the Indian city of Kantabanji in 1970. Bhuja consists of puffed rice mixed with items like crackers, dried noodles, dried peas, peanuts, other nuts, and spices. Additionally, the Majans products are free of GMOs, gluten, all meat and animal products, artificial ingredients, and are suitable for vegetarians and vegans. It was also a relief to find no articles detailing the Majans company's mistreatment of its employees, or its products causing any babies to become dangerously ill.</p><p><br /></p><p>Majans bhuja cracker mix: Present were green peas, yellow crackers, brown peanuts, yellow rods, brown crackers, and raisins. Crunchy. Not spicy, though. Kind of blandish. Okay, but not great. I was a bit surprised that an Indian snack wasn't more spicy. So overall this snack was alright, but the lack of spice bite was definitely disappointing. I've had other mixes of this sort, and those tasted a little better.</p><p><br /></p><p> As luck would have it, Brisbane is actually a city that I've visited, as a friend of mine (Hi Dan!) lived there for a time back about 20 years ago. I enjoyed it, although the summer heat was fierce. Because of its size (a population of about 2,600,000), Brisbane had had several famous denizens. Bowen Yang is of Chinese ancestry, but he was born in Brisbane. Although he spent almost all of his childhood in Canada and the U.S. Yang has written and acted on "Saturday Night Live" since 2018. The lead singer of the band Savage Garden, Darren Hayes, was also born in Brisbane. As was actress Miranda Otto, who's appeared in such films as "Daydream Believer" (1992), "The Well" (1997), "The Thin Red Line" (1998). "Human Nature" (2001), "War of the Worlds" (2005), and "The Silence" (2019). But she's surely best known for playing Eowyn in the last 2 "Lord of the Rings" movies (2002-03). Tennis player Roy Emerson, was born elsewhere, but spent much of his life in Brisbane. Emerson was a Hall of Famer, amassing a lifetime singles record of 1397-416, 110 career singles titles, 12 Grand Slam singles titles, and 16 Grand Slam doubles titles. Samantha Stosur was also a tennis player, and also was Brisbane-born. She finished with a lifetime singles record of 607-457 and 9 career singles titles, including the Grand Slam U.S Open in 2011. She also won 4 Grand Slam doubles titles (of 28 total doubles titles), and 3 Grand Slam mixed doubles titles. She retired earlier this year, and will presumably be elected into the Tennis Hall of Fame sometime in the near future. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Paul Stansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17316782083485288588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086061820693070480.post-80012200943568382672023-11-11T08:43:00.000-08:002023-11-11T08:43:27.104-08:00The Worst (and Best) MLB Rookies of the Year<p> The 2023 major league baseball season ended recently, meaning the MLB award season is upcoming (or has already started, for some awards). This includes the Rookie of the Year, the award given to the best rookie, defined as being the player's first year. (Some players have technically played some games in a previous season, or seasons, but they can't have gone over an official amount of at bats, innings, or time on the roster. Long story short, a player's rookie year is their first one wherein they play a full season, or at least most of one.) Of the major awards, Rookie of the Year seems to lend itself to the most "flashes in the pan," or players who have a great rookie year, but then underperform for the rest of their careers. Or sometimes they don't even play that many more years. There are occasionally cases like this for Cy Young or MVP award winners, but not usually as often. Anyway, that's what I'd like to cover today--the guys who won the Rookie of the Year but then didn't do much of anything else. Also, in some seasons the Rookie of the Year wasn't that great--either they were kind of overrated, or else maybe no other rookies that year were that special, either. So we're going to try to come up with a list of these worsts. I'm going to use the stat WAR (wins above replacement) to settle this. (I realize some stat enthusiasts prefer ones like VORP, EqA, Win Shares, or possibly others. I'm using WAR because it seems fairly extensive, it's more widely used, is more familiar to me, and finally, is easier to find, since it's on the Baseball Reference website. And therefore I'm using Baseball Reference's version of WAR, and not Baseball Prospectus', or any others.) Finally, I'm not trying to be mean here. I realize all these players were excellent players, and had accomplished careers. I'm just trying to figure out who were the worst ones in the MLB, for this category. So let the arguments begin, I guess. Lastly, this award was first given out in 1947. For the first two years there was only one Rookie of the Year for MLB, but starting in 1949 there was one for each league. I'll be abbreviating "Rookie of the Year" as "ROTY" frequently in this post, for obvious typing reasons.</p><p>Lowest WAR for a Rookie of the Year:</p><p>1) 0.0 Ken Hubbs, second baseman, Chicago Cubs, 1962.</p><p>2) 0.4 Steve Howe, pitcher, Los Angeles Dodgers, 1980.</p><p>2) 0.4 Eric Karros, first baseman, Los Angeles Dodgers, 1992.</p><p>4) 0.5 Chris Chambliss, first baseman, Cleveland Indians, 1971.</p><p>5) 0.8 Albie Pearson, outfielder, Washington Senators, 1958.</p><p>6) 1.1 Todd Hollandsworth, outfielder, Los Angeles Dodgers, 1996.</p><p>6) 1.1 Chris Coghlan, outfielder, Florida Marlins, 2009.</p><p>8) 1.2 Billy Williams, outfielder, Chicago Cubs, 1961.</p><p>9) 1.3 Tommy Helms, third baseman/second baseman, Cincinnati Reds, 1966.</p><p>9) 1.3 Kazuhiro Sasaki, pitcher, Seattle Mariners, 2000.</p><p>9) 1.3* Devin Williams, pitcher, Milwaukee Brewers, 2020 (a)</p><p> (a) Recall that the COVID-affected 2020 season was only 60 games, instead of the usual 162, so Williams WAR may well have been higher (or possibly lower) in a regular length season.</p><p><br /></p><p>Lowest Career WAR for a Rookie of the Year winner:</p><p>1) 1.0 Angel Berroa, shortstop, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Dodgers, etc., in 9 year career with his ROTY award coming in 2003.</p><p>2) 1.1 Chris Coghlan, outfielder/infielder, Florida Marlins, Chicago Cubs, etc., in a 9 year career with his ROTY award in 2009.</p><p>3) 1.2 Ken Hubbs, second baseman, Chicago Cubs, 3 year career, ROTY in 1962. (a).</p><p>3) 1.2 Butch Metzger, pitcher, San Diego Padres, St. Louis Cardinals, etc., 5 year career, ROTY in 1976.</p><p>5) 1.5 Joe Charboneau, outfielder, Cleveland Indians, 3 year career, ROTY in 1980.</p><p>6) 1.9 Kyle Lewis, outfielder, Seattle Mariners, Arizona Diamondbacks, active player as of 2023, 5 year career so far, ROTY in 2020. (b).</p><p>7) 2.5 Bob Hamelin, first baseman, Kansas City Royals, Detroit Tigers, etc., 6 year career, ROTY in 1994.</p><p>8) 3.0 Alfredo Griffin, shortstop, Cleveland Indians, Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Dodgers, etc., 18 year career, ROTY in 1979. (Also part of 3 World Series winners.)</p><p>9) 3.4 Walt Dropo, first basemans, Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, etc., 13 year career, ROTY in 1950.</p><p>10) 3.7 Harry Byrd, pitcher, Philadelphia Athletics, New York Yankees, etc., 7 year career, ROTY in 1952.</p><p>10) 3.7 Jerome Walton, outfielder, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, etc. 10 year career, ROTY in 1989.</p><p>10) 3.7 Kazuhiro Sasaki, pitcher, Seattle Mariners, 4 year career, ROTY in 2000. (c).</p><p>Notes:</p><p>(a) Hubbs' career was so short because he tragically died in a plane crash at the age of 22.</p><p>(b) Since Lewis is active, he might accrue more WAR and leave this list. Although his last few seasons have been poor, so he might actually lose more WAR and go down a few places, too.</p><p>(c) Sasaki played many years in the Japanese Nippon Professional Baseball league (NPB), so he didn't get to the MLB until he was 32.</p><p> </p><p> Okay, let's get to the positive. Here's a list of the 19 ROTY who had fine careers, and were eventually elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, followed by some possible candidates for later elections. Again, I'll order these in career lifetime WAR.</p><p>1) 156.2 Willie Mays, outfielder with the New York/San Francisco Giants and New York Mets. 22 year career, ROTY in 1951.</p><p>2) 109.9 Tom Seaver, pitcher with the New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds, etc. 20 year career, ROTY in 1967.</p><p>3) 107.3 Frank Robinson, outfielder/first baseman with the Cincinnati Reds, Baltimore Orioles, etc. 21 year career, ROTY in 1956.</p><p>4) 95.9 Cal Ripken, Jr., shortstop/third baseman with the Baltimore Orioles. 21 year career, ROTY in 1982.</p><p>5) 81.2 Rod Carew, first baseman/second baseman with the Minnesota Twins and California Angels. 19 year career, ROTY in 1967.</p><p>6) 79.9 Jeff Bagwell, first baseman with the Houston Astros. 15 year career, ROTY in 1991.</p><p>7) 75.1 Johnny Bench, catcher/first baseman/third baseman, Cincinnati Reds. 17 year career, ROTY in 1968.</p><p>8) 71.3 Derek Jeter, shortstop with the New York Yankees. 20 year career, ROTY in 1996.</p><p>9) 70.1 Scott Rolen, third baseman with the Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals, etc. 17 year career, ROTY in 1997.</p><p>10) 68.6 Eddie Murray, first baseman with the Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Dodgers, etc. 21 year career, ROTY in 1977.</p><p>11) 68.4 Carlton Fisk, catcher with the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago White Sox. 24 year career, ROTY in 1972.</p><p>12) 64.8 Andre Dawson, outfielder with the Montreal Expos, Chicago Cubs, etc. 21 year career, ROTY in 1977.</p><p>13) 64.5 Willie McCovey, first baseman/outfielder with the San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres, etc. 22 year career, ROTY in 1959.</p><p>14) 63.6 Billy Williams, outfielder with the Chicago Cubs. 18 year career, ROTY in 1961.</p><p>15) 61.8* Jackie Robinson, infielder/outfielder with the Brooklyn Dodgers. 10 year career, ROTY in 1947. (a)</p><p>16) 59.5 Mike Piazza, catcher/first baseman with the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, etc. 16 year career, ROTY in 1993.</p><p>17) 55/8 :Luis Aparacio, shortstop with the Chicago White Sox, Baltimore Orioles, etc. 18 year career, ROTY in 1956.</p><p>18) 50.1 Orlando Cepeda, first baseman/outfielder with the San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, etc. 17 year career, ROTY in 1958.</p><p>19) 43.0 Tony Oliva, outfielder with the Minnesota Twins. 15 year career, ROTY in 1964.</p><p> (a) If Jackie Robinson had been allowed to play in MLB earlier, he would have clearly played more seasons, and accumulated a higher lifetime WAR. As it was, he broke the color ban in his late 20's.</p><p><br /></p><p>Definite future Hall of Famers who also won Rookie of the Year. As in, barring an arrest or positive PED test or something like that, these guys will definitely be elected, probably shortly after the 5 year minimum.</p><p>1) 101.5 Albert Pujols, first baseman, outfielder, third baseman, with the St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angles Angels, etc. 22 seasons, ROTY in 2001.</p><p>2) 85.2* Mike Trout, outfielder, Los Angeles Angels. Active player, 13 seasons as of 2023, ROTY in 2012.</p><p>3) 81.0* Justin Verlander, pitcher, Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, etc.. Active, 18 seasons as of 2023, ROTY in 2006.</p><p> These next players have a strong case for Hall of Fame election, but not as strong as the previous 3 guys:</p><p>1) 75.1 Lou Whitaker, second baseman with the Detroit Tigers. 19 seasons, ROTY in 1978.</p><p>2) 70.1 Carlos Beltran, outfielder with the Kansas City Royals, New York Mets, etc. 20 seasons, ROTY in 1999.</p><p>3) 60.0* Ichiro Suzuki, outfielder with the Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees, etc. 19 seasons, ROTY in 2001. (a).</p><p>4) 58.7 Dick Allen, first baseman/third baseman/outfielder with the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago White Sox, etc. 15 seasons, ROTY in 1964.</p><p> (a) Suzuki played in the NPB in Japan until his late 20's, so bear that in mind while observing his career WAR.</p><p> And now the depressing pair. These last Rookie of the Year winners would have been surefire Hall of Famers, but they broke a couple of serious rules. They still might be elected someday, but it's unclear.</p><p>1) 79.6 Pete Rose, outfielder/first baseman, second baseman, third baseman, with the Cincinnati Reds, Philadelphia Phillies, etc. 24 seasons, ROTY in 1963. Barred from HOF due to gambling on baseball games.</p><p>2) 62.2 Mark McGwire, first baseman with the Oakland Athletics and St. Louis Cardinals. 16 seasons, ROTY in 1987. Not elected so far because of obvious, and finally admitted usage of PEDs.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Paul Stansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17316782083485288588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086061820693070480.post-4123680812639628072023-11-04T08:53:00.000-07:002023-11-04T08:53:48.099-07:00Exotic/Disgusting Foods and Beverages Forum--Pumpkin Seeds<p> Originally, this was going to be a typical, light-hearted post about an unusual food. I was happy that it was autumn-themed, or even late Halloween-themed, since it featured parts of pumpkins. But then, once I started researching the company that made the seeds, I learned some details that I found unsettling. So be forewarned--today's post isn't just about food, and will even touch on some political and societal issues. If you're the type of person who doesn't like hearing about such things, maybe give this article a pass. For the record, I tried two kinds of pumpkin seeds from Eden Foods--their lightly sea salted kind, and the hot, spicy, and savory ones.</p><p> At first, Eden Foods appeared to be similar to many of the food/beverage companies I cover. In fact, they seemed to be a bunch of "crunchy hippies," if I can use that term. The Michigan-based business opened in the late 1960's as a food co-op. Then it became a natural food store, then an establishment that had a cafe, bakery, and bookstore. Then in 1972 it became an organic and natural food warehouse, selling its products throughout the U.S. and Canada. Currently Eden sells a lot of different products-noodles, condiments, seaweed, teas, pickled veggies, rice, Japanese cuisine, oils, vinegars, beans, lentils, flour, cereals, hemp oils, dried fruit, nuts and seeds, butter, juices, fruit spreads, soy milk, etc. They also boast of being the oldest natural and organic food seller in North America. Oddly, their product labels don't have the USDA Organic seal, nor the Non-GMO Project Verified seal. Because, as they claim in their "FAQ" section on the official company website, Eden considers the federal regulations for each of these issues to not be stringent enough, not as organic or non-GMO as Eden is. Which seemed a little strange to me, but there it is. Otherwise, the folks behind Eden seemed like they were the usual good-hearted, green, health-conscious, vegetarians or vegans I often run across for my blog posts.</p><p> Then I checked out the company using other online sources. And found out some quite negative things. I guess, for legal reasons, I should preface all of these events by using the word "alleged," since I'm not 100% sure. But, on the other hand, the links and sites I used to confirm these claims seemed pretty legitimate. Anyway, first off, about 10 years ago Eden wanted to refuse to cover contraceptives for its employees on its health plan, because of the owner/founder's Catholic beliefs. A lower court blocked this, but the U.S. Supreme Court eventually reversed this decision. Additionally, in April of 2022 four women claimed that the owner and possibly some other high executives subjected them to various types of sexually harassment. In autumn of 2023 Eden settled, and paid out $182,500 to these employees. Finally, and most seriously, in 1988 a Canadian infant developed a rare eye and bone disorder due to vitamin deficiencies. The baby's parents had given it only Eden soy milk, instead of breast milk or vitamin-rich formulas, due to claims made by Eden's advertising. The CEO, Michael J. Potter, pled guilty to a misdemeanor, and got a $25,000 fine, 2 years of probation, and a 30 day jail sentence. (Fortunately, the baby later recovered.)</p><p>Eden pumpkin seeds with sea salt: These were a green color. They were okay. A bit bland. They reminded me of sunflower seeds. Dry and crunchy.</p><p>Eden pumpkin seeds, hot/spicy/savory variety: Some of these were green, and some were brown. A dusting of spice was visible on them. These were also dry and crunchy. But there was a noticeable spice bite. Not too strong, but pretty decent. I liked these better than the regular sea salt ones.</p><p> Overall these were a good snack. Previously I'd had a few dried pumpkin seeds that were collected after pumpkin carving, and found those to be extremely bland, probably because they didn't even have salt on them. But these professionally made seeds were pretty solid, especially the spicy kind.</p><p> So, in normal circumstances I would recommend these seeds, and would have been willing to try some other Eden products. But because of the unsavory and criminal details I learned about the company's higher ups, I don't want to support these folks financially. Obviously each reader will have to make their own decisions about this. I encourage everyone to research this on their own, and draw their own conclusions on whether to buy Eden products or not. Again, I didn't want to inject politics into this post--it just happened, and I felt I should comment on it. I hope that all (or at least most) of my future posts are just more fun musings on weird or unusual food and drinks, or discuss interesting trivia about horror movies or sports, or are accounts of upcoming magazines or anthologies that feature some of my stories.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Paul Stansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17316782083485288588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086061820693070480.post-44125541049654195562023-10-31T07:27:00.000-07:002023-10-31T07:27:21.672-07:00Yet More Pumpkin Beers Reviewed!<p> Yes, it's the same post once again, kind of. This is the 4th time I've posted this basic article. But, there is slightly more content, as I tried and reviewed 6 new pumpkin beers.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> The new reviews are marked with an
asterisk (*) in front of them.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Since it’s the
Halloween season I thought I’d do a post about the brew of the season—pumpkin
beers. By doing so I may be risking alienating (or boring) any
non-American readers, because pumpkin beers appear to be a nearly exclusive
American beverage. Also, these beers are probably pushing the “exotic”
title, as due to their type’s popularity explosion in the past decade or so
they’re probably more like “slightly unusual.” But what the hell—I want
to post about at least one food or beverage with a tie to Halloween this month,
so let’s get on with it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> In researching pumpkin
beers, I was surprised to learn that their history is extensive. Like
before the U.S. was even a country. One website I consulted
noted that America’s first folk song, written in 1643, was a satire about
eating (and drinking, in the form of pumpkin ales) nothing but pumpkins and
parsnips. The lyrics I viewed weren’t that funny to me, but humor can be
culturally and time period bound, and this song is over 350 years old, so I’ll
give it a break, and not mock it. During this period, evidently malt was
hard to come by, so early European colonists looking to brew beer turned to a
local plant that was a good source of fermentable sugars, the humble
pumpkin. As a result, pumpkin ale was quite popular, especially in the
1700’s, along with regular porters and ales. A recipe for making it
survives from 1771, even. However, this popularity took a major hit in
the early 1800’s. Pumpkin ale was seen as passé, and apparently malt
sources weren’t such a problem to easily locate anymore. Regular grain
ales, porters, and then lagers especially came to dominate
the U.S. beer scene in the mid to late 1800’s, and up until the
present day.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> However, in the early
days of the craft, microbrewing movement, in the late 1980’s, a brewer decided
to experiment, and reintroduce the pumpkin beer. This brewer, Buffalo
Bill’s Brewery (out of the Pacific Northwest) even used one of founding
father George Washington’s personal recipes for their prototype (although the
commercial version was apparently different, and used pumpkin pie spices in
place of actual pumpkin to make it). Over the next couple of decades
pumpkin beers steadily grew in popularity, and now hundreds
of U.S. breweries offer them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> And this in itself
produced surprising information. I didn’t realize how polarizing an issue
pumpkin beer is. People seem to mostly love it or hate. I read a
particularly vicious quote about the style from a Washington City Times beer
writer, Orr Stuhl: “Even picking a favorite is like picking a favorite
airborne disease.” Looking through some comments in the websites and
blogs I looked at, I saw some similar opinions—how much they hated pumpkin
beers, and in some cases, how they hated that they were sold, and how those
that enjoy them are not “real” beer drinkers, etc. These were balanced by
comments defending pumpkin beers, many of whom extolled (or at least
appreciated) the style.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I myself, not
shockingly, love to try new types of beer (and meat, organs, cheeses,
vegetables, fruit—you get the idea), and I’m not adverse to all the
fruit-flavored beer types, either, like lambics, krieks, winter seasonals—some
are quite tasty. Although I have to say that even the good ones, like
decent ciders, are usually so sweet that I can only have one or two in a sitting,
and can’t drink them all night. But as a switch up, I can appreciate them
from time to time. Over the years I’ve tried the occasional pumpkin beer,
and recall liking some, so I went into this project with enthusiasm. But
enough history and chatter, let’s get to the rankings. I deliberately
chose a mix of larger, macrobrewery offering, and smaller, local
microbrews. And these are listed, worst to best, using the school
A(excellent) through F (failure) rankings.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Shipyard Smashed Pumpkin Ale: D-. Orange-yellow color, no real odor. Odd taste, not good. Much too boozy (it's 9% alcohol), and kind of overly sweet/sour-y. Full disclosure--it's possible it might have been an expired bottle, or completely stale. I couldn't read the "born on/drink by" date on the container. Overall it was terrible, and very difficult to finish. Maybe I'll try another one if I can find a container with a legible date, so I know it's still fresh enough.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">New Belgium Voodoo Ranger Atomic Pumpkin: D-. Orange-yellow hue, no real odor. Starts off okay but ends badly. Spicy, in a bad way. Unpleasantly bitter and astringent. Peppery, also in a negative way. Drinkable, but just barely. Kind of surprising, since I like most New Belgium offerings in general, and their other Voodoo Ranger kinds in particular.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Southampton Pumpkin Ale (New York State):
D. Very nasty, and astringent. Not good at all.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Starr Hill Boxcar Pumpkin Porter (Virginia):
D. I like that they tried a different beer style—most pumpkin beers are
ales or lagers—but the result was tremendously disappointing. It was
tasteless, like water. Akin to a light beer—that’s how watery it was.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Ale (Colorado):
D. Thin, tasteless, and not worth it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Long Trail Unfiltered Pumpkin Ale (Vermont):
D. Bad. Metallic-tasting. Not pumpkin-y at all. What
happened? Long Trail is usually a quality brewery—a rare miss.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Buffalo Bill’s Brewery American Original Pumpkin
Ale (Pacific Northwest): D+. You may recall from above, this was the one that
reintroduced the style back in the late 1980’s. So I expected it to be
exceptional, since so many copied it, or at least the idea. But no, for
me. I found it only slightly pumpkin-y, and a lot astringent. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">* Big Muddy Brewing Pumpkin Smasher (Illinois): C-. Yellow-brown color, malty/vanilla-y odor. Thin, kind of weak. Spice bite at end. But needs to be much stronger. It's disappointing how mundane this was, especially given its title.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">* Evil Twin Milkshake Style IPA with Pumpkin and Spices (Connecticut): C-. Yellow. Lemon-y odor. Was sour, and not sweet. Some pumpkin spices. But not strong. Not a good sour or Berliner Weisse. Don't know what this was, but it wasn't great. Weird, innovative take on pumpkin spice beer, but not good as a sour, either. So points for the idea, but the execution wasn't there. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lakefront Pumpkin Lager (Wisconsin): C-.
Disappointing. Only a hint of pumpkin flavor. Watery and weak.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">* Glasstown Brewing Company, Clash of the Pumpkins (New Jersey): C. Dark brownish-red color, malty/vanilla-y odor. Kind of thin. Some spice bite, but should be more potent. Hides its alcohol content (7.2%) well. Disappointing. Not terrific, but bland. Cool movie-tie can painting on the label, though.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">* Southern Tier Caramel Pumking Imperial Ale (New York): C. Amber colored, sugary/malty odor. Almost overwhelmingly sweet, but ends bitter somehow. Hides alcohol content (8.6%) well. Hard to rate.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Post Road Pumpkin Ale (Brooklyn Brewery,
NY): C. Okay, not great. Slightly bitter in an unpleasant
way.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Ship Bottom Imperial Pumpkin Ale: C. Orange-brown hue. Not much of an odor. Kind of mediocre. Not great, not terrible. Not extremely pumpkin-y, but not bland. Okay, I suppose. Hides its alcohol content (9.4%!) well, at least.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Shocktop Pumpkin Wheat (Missouri):
C. Mediocre. Had slight cinnamon taste.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Shipyard Brewing Pumpkinhead (Maine):
C. Drinkable. Not very pumpkin-y. Rather bland and
inoffensive.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wolaver’s Pumpkin Ale (Vermont): C. Just
average. Kind of bland-ish. Not bad, just not a very compelling
flavor.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">* Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery Paranormal Imperial Pumpkin Ale (Canada): C+. Brownish red hue, malty odor. A little thin at first, but ends better, with a spice bite. Hides enormous alcohol content (10%!) well. Would have liked a more consistently stronger flavor. Not what I expected from its odor.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p>Lancaster Baked Pumpkin Pie Ale: C+. Orange-brown color, slight pumpkin-y odor. Pumpkin-y taste. A little thin. But better than average. Hides alcohol content (7.5%) well. I would have liked a bolder flavor.</o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p>Dogfish Head Punkin Brown Ale: C+. Orange-brown color, slight pumpkin-y odor. Okay. Kind of like the Lancaster one--some pumpkin flavors, but not the strongest taste. A little bland. Once again, I was surprised, because Dogfish Head is one of my favorite breweries. I guess even the great ones make mediocre beers once in a while.</o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ithaca Country Pumpkin (NY):
C+. Okay, weakish. Not great.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Great South Bay Splashing Pumpkin Ale (Long
Island, NY): C+. Pumpkin-y at first, but ends a little weakly.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sam Adams Harvest Pumpkin Ale
(Massachussetts): C+. Slightly better than average, but still not
very special.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Traveler Beer Company Jack-o Shandy
(Vermont) C+. Really different—it’s a shandy (lemon peel) mixed
with pumpkin. Weird. Flavor pairing is a little off-putting and
strange, but somehow is not terrible, and is oddly drinkable.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p>Two Roads Roadsmary's Baby Ale: B-. Orange-brown hue, slight pumpkin-y odor. Pretty good. A little stronger than most. Maybe a tad chalky. But decent overall.</o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p>Schlafly Pumpkin Ale: B-. Orange-brown color, slight pumpkin-y odor. Again, pretty good. Starts off promisingly, ends a little off. But still good for the style. Hides its alcohol content (8%) well. Not great, but alright to good.</o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Uinta Punk’n Harvest Pumpkin Ale (Utah):
B-. Nice odor. Okay, a tad blandish. Still a marked
improvement over most of the others.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Harpoon Pumpkin UFO Unfiltered Ale (New
England): B-. A bit weak, but better than average. Slightly more
pumpkin-y.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">* New Jersey Beer Company Hypnotic Pumpkin Ale (New Jersey, of course): B. Brownish-red hue, slight vanilla odor. Overly carbonated. Odd flavor. Tasted kind of sour rather than sweet. Strange, but not without its charms. Pretty good.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Harpoon Imperial Pumpkin (New England):
B. This was a surprise, as I usually do not like stouts at all.
Tastes very heavy and strong (it’s 10.5% alcohol!). Slightly spicy.
Weird. Has sweetish, vanilla-y burn at end. Really grew on me.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Southern Tier Pumking (NY): B. Sweet,
vanilla-y. Good. Hides alcohol content (8.6%) well. To be
fair, it didn’t taste very pumpkin-y, but it was tasty all the same.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale (New Hampshire):
B+. Nice odor, very good. Spicey. Tastes normal at first,
than pumpkin flavor really kicks in nicely.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin Ale (Pennsylvania):
A-. Very good. Blend of spices was well done.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> In conclusion, looking at my
rankings, I’m struck that I’m apparently an exception to the “love it or hate
it” dichotomy. Slightly over half (17) I found to be mediocre and average
(“C” rating), and I disliked (“D”) 7, and really enjoyed (“B to A”) 9. And even the 7 lowest ranked ones weren’t terrible,
weren’t drain pours or anything. So it appears, if I generalize, that I
kind of like the style, but only slightly.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> * Furthermore, I’ve
been a little puzzled, and amused, by the recent furor over “pumpkin
spice.” It appears that some people are really upset over this flavor
being added to coffee/lattes, doughnuts, cakes, candy, candles, etc. I
get that many people don’t like pumpkin spice flavoring, or are a little
annoyed that it’s being offered in tons of products, and you see the words
everywhere, but it still seems like an overreaction. It seems pretty easy
to just not order the offending flavor, and just ignore the fad for a few
weeks.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> Happy Halloween everyone! Hope you've enjoyed this Spooky Season as much as I have. And yes, you'll probably be seeing this same post in the future. But I promise I'll at least add a few more ratings and reviews. I'm also curious about how high I can get--50 brands of pumpkin beer? 100? More?</o:p></p>Paul Stansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17316782083485288588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086061820693070480.post-31586259552833316002023-10-28T08:07:00.000-07:002023-10-28T08:07:27.464-07:00Extremely Difficult Trivia About "The Evil Dead 2" (1987)<p> Previously, on October 29, 2022, I did a trivia quiz about the classic "The Evil Dead" (1982). Well, today it's the first sequel's turn. "The Evil Dead 2" (or "The Evil Dead II," for those that prefer Roman numerals) is a classic in its own right--many people even prefer it to the original. The major difference between the two is tone, as part 2 is much more overtly humorous. Granted, much of this humor is of the dark, messed-up variety, but most viewers really get a kick out of it. Personally, I prefer the original, but this one is awesome as well. Anyway, let's get to it. It's the usual layout, and as always there are many SPOILERS ahead.</p><p>Questions:</p><p>1) According to the opening narration, when did The Book of the Dead disappear?</p><p>2) What is Professor Knowby's first name?</p><p>3) What number log entry does Ash play on the tape recorder?</p><p>4) What is the surname of Associate Professor Ed (who's also Annie's boyfriend)?</p><p>5) What is unusual about Linda's grave?</p><p>6) What ends Ash's first possession?</p><p>7) How many spans does the bridge to the cabin have?</p><p>8) We see Annie arrive on an airplane. From what airline?</p><p>9) What is the plane's identification number?</p><p>10) How did Annie first inform Ed about the discovery of the additional pages to The Book of the Dead?</p><p>11) How old, at least, are the pages of The Book of the Dead?</p><p>12) How long has it been since Ed has had contact with Annie's mom and dad (the Knowbys)?</p><p>13) How much does Jake initially ask for in exchange for leading Ed and Annie to the cabin via the hiking trail, and how much does he eventually ask for?</p><p>14) How many shots does Ash take at his severed hand, eventually causing the torrent of blood?</p><p>15) There's a framed sewn message by the front door. What does it read?</p><p>16) Ash accidently shots Bobby Joe with his shotgun. Where is this wound?</p><p>17) Jake insults Ash using the title of another 1980's movie. What is this movie's name?</p><p>18) On what date did Professor Knowby record the entry discussing Henrietta's possession, and death?</p><p>19) What song does Henrietta sing to convince Annie that she's not possessed anymore?</p><p>20) What is Annie's exact birthdate? (I'm looking for the day, month, and year.)</p><p>21) What helps Henrietta remember this date so well?</p><p>22) According to Annie, what does recitation of the first passage in the Book do?</p><p>23) And what does recitation of the second passage do?</p><p>24) What ends Ash's second, more prolonged possession?</p><p>25) When Ash is fighting possessed Henrietta, Annie helps by distracting her. How?</p><p>26) Where is Castle Kandar located?</p><p>27) As in the first movie, producer Rob Tapert and writer/director Sam Raimi once again played small acting roles in this film. Name these roles.</p><p>28) What kind of shotgun is used in this move? (Hint, it's a different one from the first movie.)</p><p>29) Which character, or characters, are stabbed with the Kandarian Dagger?</p><p>30) Of the 8 named characters in the movie (Ash, Linda, Professor Knowby, Henrietta, Annie, Ed, Jake, and Bobby Joe) how many are not possessed at any time in the movie?</p><p>31) What characters eat something during the film?</p><p>32) Is this a sequel to the first movie, or a remake?</p><p>33) Why didn't possessed Henrietta destroy the pages of the Book of the Dead, to prevent Annie from reciting the passage to send it (and the dark spirit and the other demons) to another plane of existence?</p><p>34) What kind of alcohol were Ash and Linda just about to drink, before she got possessed?</p><p>35) When Ash's possessed hand is dragging his unconscious body across the kitchen floor, we briefly see a label for a bottle of beer. What brand is it?</p><p>36) In the shed scene, where we briefly see another clock, what brand of repair kit do we also see?</p><p>37) In the same scene, we see a six ounce glass beverage bottle. What brand is this?</p><p>38) Sam Raimi continued his call and response challenge to famous director Wes Craven in this movie. Name it.</p><p>39) In a (futile) effort to stave off the ratings board, the crew used different colored blood a few times. Which character is shown having green blood?</p><p>40) On the same note, which character bleeds blue blood?</p><p>41) What two kinds of real, regular human food do we see in the kitchen?</p><p>42) In the first movie we learn that Kandar is an ancient city in Sumeria. But in this movie Kandar is the name of a castle in another area of the world (Question #26). What gives?</p><p>43) What are the final fates of Bobby Joe and Professor Knowby?</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Answers:</p><p>1) 1300 A.D.</p><p>2) Raymond.</p><p>3) 2.</p><p>4) Getley.</p><p>5) She appears to have been buried in a pile of coal, not dirt.</p><p>6) The sun.</p><p>7) 3.</p><p>8) Huntley. One of the real life property owners of one of the movie locations used was named Huntley, so this is presumably a tribute to them.</p><p>9) N90INC.</p><p>10) By using the incredibly outdated communication method of sending a telegram.</p><p>11) 3000 years.</p><p>12) A week.</p><p>13) $45, and then after being nudged by Bobby Joe, $100.</p><p>14) 3 times.</p><p>15) Home Sweet Home.</p><p>16) Her left shoulder.</p><p>17) He says, "That crazy buck's gone blood simple." Which is a nod to the Coen brothers' 1985 movie "Blood Simple." The Coens were friends of Sam Raimi, and were even involved in "The Evil Dead."</p><p>18) October 1st.</p><p>19) "Hush Little Baby Don't Say a Word." This song's origins are cloudy, but it appears to have started by at least the 1920's in the American South.</p><p>20) September 2nd, 1962.</p><p>21) Because, strangely, it snowed that day.</p><p>22) It causes the dark spirit to manifest itself in the flesh.</p><p>23) It creates a kind of rift in time and space through which the physical manifestation of the dark spirit can be forced through.</p><p>24) He catches sight of, and holds the necklace that he gave Linda.</p><p>25) She repeats the same song that Henrietta sang to her ("Hush Little Baby Don't Say a Word").</p><p>26) England. All the knights at the end speak English.</p><p>27) Rob Tapert is the airline worker who opens the plane door (with a lot of difficulty), and Sam is one of the knights at the end of the movie.</p><p>28) According to online gun enthusiasts, it's now a Stevens 311-C, 12 gauge double-barreled shotgun, made by Savage Arms.</p><p>29) Annie accidently stabs Jake, and she in turn is fatally stabbed by Ash's severed and possessed right hand.</p><p>30) At least 3, maybe 4. Annie, Jake, and Bobby Joe are definitely not possessed, and it's unclear if Professor Knowby ever was. Ash, Linda, Ed, and Henrietta all definitely were possessed.</p><p>31) Bobby Joe accidently eats possessed Henrietta's right eye, possessed Ed eats a hank of Bobby Joe's hair, and possessed Henrietta evidently eats most of Jake, as we see he's only a skeleton afterwards.</p><p>32) This is admittedly confusing. Some viewers don't understand why Ash would go back to the cabin after the events of the first movie. There is an explanation, though. It's definitely a sequel--it even says so in the end credits. The first part of the movie, with Linda getting possessed, is a recap of the first movie. Unfortunately, because of the complicated distribution of the first movie, Sam Raimi didn't have the rights to include footage of it in the second one. Therefore, they had to shoot those scenes again. In doing so, they used a different actress to play Linda, and didn't show the characters of Shelly, Cheryl and Scott. So, in essence, the events of Evil Dead 2 actually start with Ash being propelled by the Force through the trees.</p><p>33) This is a definite plot hole, when you think about it. She definitely could pick up the pages, since she's the only one who could have moved the pages from the area under the cellar steps to the rear rooms of the cellar. Even if the Book's magic or something prevented her from ripping them up, or eating them, surely she could have hidden them securely, or buried them in the puddle right next to where a stack of them is eventually found. Unless possessed Henrietta doesn't know what the recitations would do? Unlikely, since she could have heard Annie discussing that, and she presumably heard her husband discussing the Book and its powers when she was alive.</p><p>34) A bottle of champagne.</p><p>35) Coors.</p><p>36) A Fix-Tite Rubber Repair kit.</p><p>37) Coca-Cola. Which is kind of weird, since Coke competitor Pepsi is credited with co-financing this movie.</p><p>38) Freddie Kruegers's bladed glove is (barely) visible in some of the shed scenes, above the door.</p><p>39) Possessed Ed.</p><p>40) The giant head of the dark spirit manifested in the flesh, known as the Rotten Apple Head by the cast and crew.</p><p>41) Beans in a bowl, and a box of saltine crackers on the kitchen floor.</p><p>42) I think the real answer is that Raimi and company wanted to switch the action to medieval England, so just reused the name. For an in-universe explanation, maybe the castle was named after the Sumerian city, maybe after the Book was transported from the Middle East to England.</p><p>43) Bobby Joe is seen being grabbed by vines and pulled into a tree, and is never seen again. So she's presumed dead (and not possessed). Professor Knowby clearly died, as we see and hear his spirit talk to Annie and the others. But we don't learn how he died. Henrietta tried to kill him when she became possessed, but he then killed or at least subdued her, and then buried her in the cellar, without dismembering her body. We never see him in a possessed state in either movie, so apparently he wasn't ever possessed. But we never see his body, or any remains, or blood, or anything. So his demise is a mystery.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p> </p>Paul Stansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17316782083485288588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086061820693070480.post-46825160103682975462023-10-21T09:18:00.000-07:002023-10-21T09:18:30.076-07:00Exotic/Disgusting Foods and Beverages Forum--A Wonderfully Repulsive Gummy Candy<p> Since it's October, I've naturally been seeing a better selection of candy on the grocery store shelves in the past few weeks. (Or really, maybe even the past couple of months.) A lot of these are just your basic candy fare, only in "fun size" or "bite-sized" pieces, often as an assortment in a bag of 100 or 200 total pieces. But, happily, some confections get into the Halloween spirit more extensively, and make their concoctions more spooky and scary in theme. And no one did a better job of this than the Frankford Candy company, out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I picked up two large bags of their Body Parts gummy candies.</p><p> I wasn't able to find out much about the history of the Frankford company. The official website, and other online sources were quite limited on this topic. That said, Frankford was founded in 1947 by a man named Sam Himmelstein. Initially the business specialized in making chocolate, but over the decades it's branched out. Currently, Frankford makes chocolates, cookies, hot cocoa, hot chocolate BOMBS, jelly beans, marshmallows, hard candy, and, of course, gummies. In 2000 the company started licensing popular television and movie characters, and other notable toys. Thus, now you can buy confections featuring characters from Marvel, Nickelodeon, Disney, Baby Shark, Sponge Bob, and the Elf on the Shelf. Frankford also partners with other famous brands to make candy versions of their food and drinks. Meaning you can get Oscar Mayer "bacon" and "hot dogs" made out of gummy, candy "Lunchables," fake Kraft Mac & Cheese, Dunkin Donuts products in candy form, etc. Additionally, and not surprisingly, Frankford has several holiday-themed candy lines. Clearly Halloween, since that's the type of candy I sampled, but also ones with Valentine's Day, Easter, and Christmas themes. They even sell a turkey make out of chocolate for around Thanksgiving. Finally, the Frankford company is based out of Philadelphia, in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, but some of their candy, like the kind I tried, is actually made in China.</p><p> The Frankford Body Parts gummies come in five different pieces. I'll describe each one below. Each piece was about an inch to an inch and a half (or about 2.5 to 3.5 cm.) in length. Each also came singly, in its own tiny plastic bag.</p><p>1) Foot: Considering it's made of gummy candy, the artistry of this was impressive. There were visible toes, an ankle "bone," and blood and bruising on the sawed off foot. The flavor of the candy was good too--this one had a strawberry-like flavor, perhaps from the pseudo-blood.</p><p>2) Ear: As with the foot, there was good, gory detail, with realistic-looking ear folds. The "cut off" side was a purple-red. Again, this one tasted good as well, with probably a cherry flavor.</p><p>3) Finger tip: Had the real-looking folds and lines of "skin" near the joint, and a molded nail. Where it had been severed it was bloody. Like the previous two, it had a cherry or strawberry taste to it.</p><p>4) Brain: It was cut in half, with the cut side red, and the intact side blue, with visible brain folds and all. Apparently the blue gummy was a different flavor, too, as this one tasted more like blueberry. And also again, tasty to eat.</p><p>5) Eye: This was an eyeball cut in half. Unlike the others, the "cut" side was not bloody red--it was just white, giving the whole thing a look like a sunny side up fried egg. The "iris" of the eye was green, and the pupil was black. Probably from the green iris, this piece had a lime flavor.</p><p> </p><p> Overall these were all great. Really artistic and realistic. Gross, in a fun way. I think kids will love how morbid they are. (Actually, I think adults will have the same reaction.) Plus, the candy itself was consistently tasty as well. Awesome idea and execution. Top marks! Extreme recommend. If you get a chance, snap them up, and satisfy trick-or-treaters hungry for candy and scares all at once. The website included a fun adult thing to do with them, too. They have some eyeballs impaled on toothpicks, sticking out of a cocktail as a ghoulish garnish. Drinks taste better when they're staring back at you accusingly!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Paul Stansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17316782083485288588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086061820693070480.post-607946693580692942023-10-14T08:33:00.000-07:002023-10-14T08:33:09.081-07:00Extremely Difficult Trivia About "An American Werewolf in London" (1981)<p> As I mentioned previously, I think "An American Werewolf in London" is one of the very best werewolf movies ever, and an excellent movie across the board. Comedy in horror is often tricky to get right, but this movie manages to do so very effectively. It even is able to have a cute romantic subplot that seems earned, and not tacked-on. But, critically, the tension and scares are handled well too, aided by the awesome, gooey gore and transformation special effects of maestro Rick Baker, who deservedly won the Oscar for Best Makeup for this film, and many others. So, let's get into the finer details about this movie. Questions are first, followed by the answers. Many SPOILERS ahead, obviously.</p><p>Questions:</p><p>1) The werewolf attack in the opening scenes take place in the (fictional) Yorkshire village of East Proctor. According to the sign, what are the two closest communities to East Proctor?</p><p>2) England is first in Jack and David's travel itinerary. What country are they headed to next?</p><p>3) How long was their vacation scheduled to be in total?</p><p>4) Who is the woman that Jack is currently pursuing romantically?</p><p>5) According to the barmaid, what are the only three things The Slaughtered Lamb sells?</p><p>6) What (non-werewolf themed) movie do Jack and David discuss with the pub denizens?</p><p>7) When they hear the howling of the werewolf out on the moors, Jack and David speculate on what is making the noise. What six things do they mention?</p><p>8) What is the name of the nurse that says she had a look at the comatose David's genitals?</p><p>9) What is the name of the American embassy man who visits David in the hospital?</p><p>10) According to this man, where in London is the hospital located?</p><p>11) What is the name of the London hospital where David heals up in?</p><p>12) How long has David been unconscious in this hospital?</p><p>13) Dr. Hirsch dreads spending another evening with a family friend. Who is this?</p><p>14) One of nurse Alex's patients is a child who only says, "no." Name this child.</p><p>15) We also see this patient reading a comic book. Which comic book?</p><p>16) What room number is David in?</p><p>17) What book does Alex read to David?</p><p>18) During one of David's dreams, we see him at home in the U.S. How many people are in his immediate family?</p><p>19) What television show is his family watching in this dream?</p><p>20) During Jack's first visit to David as an undead ghost/zombie, what does Jack eat?</p><p>21) According to Jack, the woman he was after romantically pursuing cried at his funeral, but then promptly slept with another guy. Who is this man?</p><p>22) What is the address number of Alex's apartment? (Or should I say, her "flat," I guess.)</p><p>23) What toy does Jack pick up and joke with during his next visit to David, at Alex's place?</p><p>24) Where did (or does) David attend college/university, according to his t-shirt?</p><p>25) While investigating David and Jack's attack, Dr. Hirsch visits The Slaughtered Lamb. What drink does he initially ask for? (Which they don't have.)</p><p>26) And what drink does Hirsch settle for?</p><p>27) How long has the pentangle (pentagram) been on the pub's wall, according to the barmaid?</p><p>28) While channel surfing on Alex's television, David briefly watches a "News of the World" program segment about someone. Who?</p><p>29) What is the number of Sean's house, according to the couple who are David's first victims?</p><p>30) Near what London landmark does werewolf David attack the homeless men?</p><p>31) In what London Underground station does werewolf David attack the lone businessman?</p><p>32) What is the phone number of David's family home back in the U.S.? (Hint, it's not given with the usual movie fake "555" exchange, it's a real 10 digit phone number.)</p><p>33) Where do David and his family live, specifically? As in, what state, and what part of this state?</p><p>34) What are the names of David's siblings?</p><p>35) How old is the sister he's speaking to on the phone?</p><p>36) David attempts suicide right after this phone call home. By what method?</p><p>37) In what famous London area does David meet up with Jack and the other victims?</p><p>38) In what porn theater does this meeting take place?</p><p>39) And what movie is playing during this meeting?</p><p>40) What are the names of the six people who David killed in werewolf form? (Up to this point in the movie.)</p><p>41) What six methods of suicide do David and his victims discuss?</p><p>42) How many total people does David directly kill while in werewolf form?</p><p>43) Did writer/director John Landis overdo it with playing songs with "Moon" in them during the movie?</p><p>44) What movie poster is visible on the wall in Alex's flat/apartment?</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Answers:</p><p>1) Leshire and Erwood.</p><p>2) Italy.</p><p>3) 3 months.</p><p>4) Debbie Klein.</p><p>5) Spirits, beer, and (somewhat grudgingly offered) tea.</p><p>6) "The Alamo," the 1960 version, featuring John Wayne and Laurence Harvey.</p><p>7) In order, a coyote, the Hound of the Baskervilles, Pecos Bill, Heathcliff, a dog, and then, more specifically, a sheepdog.</p><p>8) Susan Gallagher.</p><p>9) Mr. Collins, played by puppeteer/director Frank Oz.</p><p>10) Grosvenor Square, a real place.</p><p>11) St. Martin's.</p><p>12) 3 weeks.</p><p>13) Roger Matheson.</p><p>14) Benjamin.</p><p>15) It's a Laurel & Hardy Winter Special, which costs 40p.</p><p>16) 21.</p><p>17) "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court," by Samuel Clemens (aka Mark Twain).</p><p>18) Five, including him. We see his mother, father, and a younger sister and brother.</p><p>19) "The Muppets," including a scene with Miss Piggy, who's voiced by.....Frank Oz.</p><p>20) Some toast dipped in egg, which was part of David's breakfast.</p><p>21) Mark Levine.</p><p>22) #64, and she's in the first floor flat, or "B."</p><p>23) A small Mickey Mouse doll.</p><p>24) New York University, or abbreviated, NYU.</p><p>25) A Campari soda, evidently a cocktail drink.</p><p>26) A small glass of Guinness beer.</p><p>27) 200 years.</p><p>28) Nina Carter, a real life model/singer.</p><p>29) #39.</p><p>30) The Tower Bridge.</p><p>31) Tottenham Court Road Station, which is real.</p><p>32) 516-472-3402. Please don't call, though.</p><p>33) According to the info we get, and the area code mentioned in the previous question, his family home is in New York state, in Nassau County, which is on Long Island just to the east of Queens and Brooklyn.</p><p>34) Rachel and Max.</p><p>35) 10 (and a half, as she reminds him.)</p><p>36) Cutting his wrist with his small penknife blade. He doesn't follow through, clearly.</p><p>37) Piccadilly Circus.</p><p>38) Eros Cinema.</p><p>39) "See You Next Wednesday." This is a bit of dialogue from "2001: A Space Odyssey" (1968). Writer John Landis liked it, and used it as a fictional movie title in this movie, "Kentucky Fried Movie" (1977), "Trading Places" (1983), "Coming to America" (1988) and probably others.</p><p>40) The couple are Harry Berman and Judith Browns, the guy in the underground is Gerald Bringsley, and the homeless guys are Alf, Ted, and Joseph.</p><p>41) Sleeping pills, hanging, a gun (silver bullets not needed), a knife, an electric shock, and a car crash.</p><p>42) I say "directly" because clearly several additional people were presumably killed in the traffic accidents in Piccadilly Circus that David the werewolf caused. But, directly, at least 9 people. The 6 just mentioned in Question #40, then at least 2 in the porno theater, and Inspector Villiers. There may have been another person or two killed in the theater, but we only see the two bodies.</p><p>43) You can make that case. In all, there are 5 songs played with "Moon" in their titles--3 versions of "Blue Moon," as well as "Moondance," and "Bad Moon Rising."</p><p>44) "Casablanca" (1942). Which surprisingly has nothing to do with moons, or werewolves.</p><p><br /></p><p> Also, for the Halloween holiday I'm planning to change up my post schedule a little. Tune in for posts on Saturday, October 21st and October 28th as usual, but there'll be a bonus one on the day itself, Tuesday, October 31st.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Paul Stansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17316782083485288588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086061820693070480.post-26624386630409882112023-10-07T09:01:00.000-07:002023-10-07T09:01:02.457-07:00Extremely Difficult Trivia About "Hellraiser" (1987)<p> It's October again, the scariest of months! As such, I'm going to help celebrate it in the same way as in the past couple of years--lots of posts about horror-related things, such as movie trivia quizzes about famous and great films. (Although at least one post will be about a terror-related food.) Today's test will be about "Hellraiser," the original 1987 film that started off a series that's lasted, to date, 11 total movies, with one coming out as recently as a year ago. "Hellraiser" was a lot of folks' introduction to horror author/director/painter/etc. Clive Barker. It's a nice compendium of some of his favorite themes--strange worlds and dimensions, terrifying villains, bizarre body horror, and, of course, a healthy dose of, shall we say, alternative sex. So let's get into it. The usual drill--questions first, followed by the answers. Unless noted, all of these questions will be from the movie itself, not from alternate media like the sequels, novel, comics, etc. And many SPOILERS ahead, obviously.</p><p>Questions:</p><p>1) In the opening scene, when Frank is buying the puzzle box (aka The Lament Configuration or LeMarchard's Box), what kind of drinks are on the table?</p><p>2) What country's currency does Frank use to pay for the Box?</p><p>3) When Frank opens the Box in the house, he's sitting in a square of candles. How many candles make up this box shape?</p><p>4) Of the four Cenobites, which is the first one seen in the film?</p><p>5) Pinhead is seen wearing unusual black gloves on his hands. What fingers do they cover?</p><p>6) According to Larry, how long has it been since he's set foot in the house?</p><p>7) Who owned the house, before it passed to Frank and Larry Cotton?</p><p>8) Where did Larry and Julia live previously, in a place that neither speaks of positively?</p><p>9) What day of the week do Larry and Julia move into the house?</p><p>10) What brand of beer does Larry give to the movers?</p><p>11) What famous doctor does Larry compare the physician who stitched up his hand wound to?</p><p>12) At Larry and Julia's dinner party, aside from the two of them, and Kirsty and her boyfriend, who are the three other guests?</p><p>13) Larry announces that the dinner is a celebration of something. What?</p><p>14) What is the name of Kirsty's boyfriend? (It's only mentioned once, near the end.)</p><p>15) A weird homeless guy seems to be following Kirsty throughout the film. Where is he first seen?</p><p>16) What three negative qualities does Kirsty say her boyfriend has?</p><p>17) What weapon does Julia use to kill, or at least severely wound the victims she brings home for Frank?</p><p>18) How many victims does Julia bring back for Frank?</p><p>19) Where does Kirsty work?</p><p>20) What is the house's address number?</p><p>21) After Kirsty collapses out in public after attaining the Box, several people stand over her to see if she's okay. One of them is wearing a hat with the logo of a pro sports team. Name this team.</p><p>22) Who is the first Cenobite to appear to Kirsty?</p><p>23) Who are the only two Cenobites we see touching Frank? (Usually they use their telekinetic powers to send hooks on chains into their victims' flesh, so this is rare.)</p><p>24) Who is the only Cenobite we see actually touch Kirsty?</p><p>25) Not counting the flying hooks and chains, we only see two Cenobites wielding weapons in their hands. Name them, and when it happens.</p><p>26) How many of the Cenobites can see?</p><p>27) True or False? Of the Cenobites only Pinhead actually speaks.</p><p>28) Pinhead didn't get his famous nickname until later in the series, as the fans liked it (but Clive Barker doesn't). How is he billed in the credits for this movie?</p><p>29) Who is the only Cenobite who isn't sent back to their version of Hell using the Box?</p><p>30) Who is the only Cenobite who wasn't played by the same actor in "Hellraiser 2: Hellbound"?</p><p>31) We learn that Julia is Kirsty's stepmother, not mother. What's the situation of Kirsty's birth mother?</p><p>32) Is "Hellraiser" set in England, or in the U.S.?</p><p>33) How does Frank sound like Larry after he puts on Larry's skin?</p><p>34) Of the actors playing the five main living human characters (not counting Cenobites, then)--Larry, Frank, Julia, Kirsty, and her boyfriend, how many returned for the sequel?</p><p>35) At one point the creepy homeless guy (who we learn later on is not human, and may be an incarnation of the Engineer) is seen eating something. What?</p><p>36) At one point, Larry and Julia are seen watching a sporting event on television. Which sport? </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Answers:</p><p>1) It appears to be absinthe, since the drinks are a green color, and the seller puts a sugar cube in his.</p><p>2) American dollars.</p><p>3) 21 total. 6 to a side, except in the rear, where there are 7 in the line.</p><p>4) The Female Cenobite. Yes, that's her title.</p><p>5) Only his thumb, and pinkie finger are covered.</p><p>6) The better part of ten years.</p><p>7) An unidentified female relative that Larry calls "the old lady," so perhaps their mother? Grandmother? (In the novella she's identified as Larry and Frank's grandmother.)</p><p>8) Brooklyn. Or, the New York City borough in the U.S.</p><p>9) Sunday.</p><p>10) Budweiser. An American brand, obviously.</p><p>11) The infamous Nazi doctor Josef Mengele.</p><p>12) Bill, Evelyn, and according to the credits, "Dinner guest." Only Bill's name is spoken aloud.</p><p>13) The odd, and unexplained, "Night of the Paper Hat."</p><p>14) Steve.</p><p>15) At the subway/underground train station, which she and her boyfriend go to after the party.</p><p>16) He's reportedly "so damn polite, uptight, and frigid."</p><p>17) A hammer.</p><p>18) Three, all of whom are men.</p><p>19) At a pet store.</p><p>20) 55. The street is never mentioned or shown in the movie, although the novella and other media provide it as being Lodovico Street, in the Cricklewood section of London.</p><p>21) The New York Yankees, an American Major League Baseball team.</p><p>22) Chatterer.</p><p>23) Chatterer shoves him away from the door when Frank tries to escape, and Pinhead gathers up and arranges the pieces of Frank's face in the beginning of the movie, as if solving a macabre puzzle.</p><p>24) Again, Chatterer. He grabs her the first time the Cenobites meet her, and he briefly grabs her near the end of the film.</p><p>25) The Female Cenobite has blades with a hook that she uses to cut the wall as she ascends the staircase, and Butterball has a blade with which he tries to stab Kirsty's boyfriend with at the end.</p><p>26) Apparently only Pinhead and the Female Cenobite. Because no eyes are visible on Chatterer, and we later learn that Butterball's eyes are sewn shut behind his sunglasses. I guess these two have good senses of hearing and smell which they use to track victims. Or maybe they echolocate, like bats?</p><p>27) False. The Female Cenobite isn't as chatty as Pinhead, but she does say a few things.</p><p>28) He's billed, rather boringly, as "Lead Cenobite."</p><p>29) Butterball is overcome in the debris of the collapsing house, and is not seen being sent back, with the yellow light, as are the others. So how did he re-join his comrades for the sequel? I know, it's a movie, and the special effects for the sending back moments were rushed, so the filmmakers probably didn't do it because of this, or the cost, and hoped nobody would notice. But I did!</p><p>30) The Female Cenobite was played by Grace Kirby in the first film, and by Barbie Wilde in the second one. Evidently the makeup process was lengthy and uncomfortable, so Kirby backed out.</p><p>31) Larry tells the movers that Kirsty's mother is dead. So he was either a widower, or else they divorced and then Kirsty's mom died sometime after that.</p><p>32) "Hellraiser" was filmed in England, as is obvious from some of the locations used, and the accents of much of the cast. However, late in production the studio decided it would be better if it was set in the U.S., so they added some American details and references, and overdubbed some of the British actors with American voices. Which isn't very convincing--I think it was a mistake. So technically it's set in America, but a lot of things make this kind of ridiculous.</p><p>33) Yeah, this doesn't make much sense. The voice box regrown in Frank was his, not his brother's. Evidently Frank was really good at mimicking Larry's voice. (And it's a movie, clearly.)</p><p>34) Since it often takes place in a Hellish afterlife dimension "dead" characters can reappear, remember! Three return, and two didn't. Larry and Kirsty's boyfriend do not. Andrew Robinson, who played Larry, didn't agree to appear in the second one because he felt the salary was too low. Kirsty's boyfriend (Steve) doesn't make an appearance in "Hellraiser 2" at all. A cop mentions him briefly in the beginning, saying he's fine, but he's never actually seen.</p><p>35) He crunches up a bunch of insects he steals from a tank in the pet store where Kirsty works. They look like some kind of grasshopper, or cricket.</p><p>36) A boxing match. I tried to discover who the boxers actually were, as it looks like real footage, but was unable to.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>15) </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Paul Stansfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17316782083485288588noreply@blogger.com0