• I Ain’t Classy

    To those who already know me it comes as no surprise: I ain’t classy.
    Today’s episode of me being “not classy” is brought to you by Twitter:

    kcklo63:
    @kcmeesha You’re making fun of law enforcement at a memorial ceremony? Really? You stay classy.

    I guess I wasn’t supposed to post a photo of this gentleman getting ready for the police officers memorial ceremony in front of the KCMO police headquarters.

    To quote Larry the Cable Guy: Lord, I apologize, but, on the other hand, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, how could I possibly pass this by? I don’t know what law enforcement function this gentleman performs, whether it’s a wide entrance blocking, extreme uniform testing, bear-wrestling or just plain intimidation of the smaller-sized criminals, I am sure he is great at what he does. I just hope he is not tasked with foot-chases, stair-climbing or long jumps.

    To my credit, this photo was taken before the ceremony started. Still doesn’t make me classy although even if I could buy class I am too cheap to spend the money.

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  • Pickled Jalapeños

    If you are still using pathetic-looking jalapeños like these, do yourself a favor and pitch them or at least give them to someone you don’t like. Do not donate them to Harvesters – poor people have dignity too. Instead spend two bucks and 15 minutes to pickle your own delicious crunchy jalapeños. The recipe I am using is in Russian and translated version reads like gibberish, so with the credit to original creator of this recipe I will translate it and use my own pictures.

    1. Buy 10-20 nice-looking jalapeños. I usually pick the mixed colored ones, they just look good.

    2. Slice thinly the jalapeños, some shallots or onions and 5 cloves of garlic.

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    3. In the meantime heat up two cups of white vinegar (5%) with 2 tablespoons of salt, two tablespoons of sugar, less than a teaspoon of oregano ( I don’t put too much at all) and few bay leaves. When sugar and salt dissolve turn the heat off and let cool.

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    4. Place your jalapeños, onions and garlic in a container.

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    5. Pour cooled liquid over the peppers.

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    6. Cover the container and place in the refrigerator for 24 hours until vinegary smell dissipates. Because the seeds were left in, these peppers may only get hotter with time.

    Disclaimer:This recipe was safely tested on my co-workers. I cannot be held responsible for the damage to your internal organs.

    Warning: During the preparation of this recipe resist the urge to rub your eyes and any other sensitive parts of your body. Wash your hands before touching yourself. Women and girly-men are allowed to wear gloves.

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  • Old Photos:National Independence Day of Israel

    Yom Ha’atzmaut – national independence day of Israel is celebrated in April.

    Prime Minister Dave Ben-Gurion (6L), Foreign Minister Moshe Sharett (4R) and Labor Minister Moshe Ben-Tov (2R) at Proclamation of nationhood of Israel.
    Prime Minister Dave Ben-Gurion (6L), Foreign Minister Moshe Sharett (4R) and Labor Minister Moshe Ben-Tov (2R) at Proclamation of nationhood of Israel.©Time Inc.Frank Scherschel
    Establishment of Israel had important connections to the city where I was born and the city where I live now.

    Odessa became the home of a large Jewish community during the 19th century, and by 1897 Jews were estimated to comprise some 37% of the population. They were, however, repeatedly subjected to severe persecution. Pogroms were carried out in 1821, 1859, 1871, 1881, and 1905. Many Odessan Jews fled abroad, particularly to Palestine after 1882, and the city became an important base of support for Zionism.

    The Kansas City connection is through the President Truman and Eddie Jacobson who influenced Truman’s pro-Israely stance. A recent play at the Lewis and Shirley White Theatre at the Jewish Community Center covered the subject of their friendship. Truman library also has a collection dedicated to the recognition of the State of Israel. Then:

    Areal view of Tel Aviv. 1948
    Areal view of Tel Aviv. 1948 © Time Inc.Dmitri Kessel
    Now:

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  • Where have all sunflowers gone?

    Just like this summer, my sunflower patch slowly died down.

    Once strong and hopeful plants shriveled up and hunched over, leaning towards the ground overloaded with multitude of empty seeds.

    It was time for them to go.


    And just like that the garbage lid of life closed in on another summer. Hopes, dreams, plans will start over again next year.

    And now we dance:

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  • Rising Sun Over St.Louis

    A little historical aside before I get to the subject.
    If you ever drive on I-70 past the sign “Historic Downtown Rocheport” don’t waste your time getting off the highway. Here is a 1-second tour of the place.

    Now get back on the road, you still have a couple of hours to go.

    St.Louis Japanese Festival is one of the better-organized, meaningful and entertaining festivals in the country. I visited it once before and enjoyed it so much that I didn’t have any reservations about going there again.
    The Japanese Festival is once-a-year occasion when otherwise shy Americans release their inner Japanese, normally hidden deep inside, wrap themselves in shower curtains and prance around in uncomfortable wooden flip-flops pretending to like weird-looking food.

    My favorite Japanese traditional entertainer Masaji Terasawa was there once again making spun sugar sculptures, origami figures and making fun of the public.

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    I have few clips of his performance.

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    The Sumo demonstration was probably the highlight of the day since we decided not to stick around for karaoke.

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    On the way back I was tempted to get some “Free water in the name of Jesus” but decided against it, just in case it turns into wine and causes me to get a DUI. I wasn’t so sure I could count on Jesus to pay the ticket.

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