text:
(quote and picture by Luis Escobar)
(all other pictures are curtesy of Crew Pink Fuzzy!)
My weekend started with a drive to the airport. As I was leaving the house, I mentioned to Oleg we need to stop at REI to buy some gels - and then open a door and see a package from Cliff sponsors with my gels. Yay!
I flew to Phoenix, AZ, where Angie picked me up, and we just began talking non-stop. This girl is so sweet and comfortable, like my own sister, and conversation flows about everything you ever wanted to say to your best friend! 2 hrs drive went in a flash, and after situating in Motel 6 we went to the pre-race dinner. Since neither one of us eats pasta, we picked some food and the supermarket and took it to the school gymnasiun where the meeting was. None of the "fast boys" showed up, and we joked how they dissed us, conventional runners. I've met Larry, Lisa S-B client, and a few others, but mostly they are people I don't know (interesting thing was they did know me, but I'll talk about it in report). The controversial figure of a 17 year old kid Michael Hayden came to talk, then Luis Escobar walked and said: I didn't recongnize you with you clothes on! Shh, Luis, nobody supposed to know that:) He calls me talanted, smart and beautiful, and I want to marry him:) Why is that no white American boy ever compliments women, like we some sort of middle gender? But I already discussed it in some post... We laugh, he asked why I pick this course, and I say: this is my kind of course, I don't like running all that much, I am a hiker. He looks back and responds: yes, this is what I say - I am not fast but I am stupid to hang there all day. Right there and then I decided it would be the title of my post - and if I had known how true it will be, I might have changed my decision...
We went back to the room, and I spread out all my gels, bottles, packs and carb mixes to show Angie when is what. There is no science in my racing, I take 2 gels and 2 bottle in 1.5 hrs, nothing else. So depending on how far aid stations are I split my supply. Finally we watched some stupid reality show and turned in.
3 am came fast, but we were wide awake - at least until we got to the car, because driving put us into half-asleep stage. We were the last car parked at the start - the rest had been turned to the road - and happened to be behind Hal Koerner's group. I joked with him how he and the rest of elite's didn't show up at the dinner ("uhm, church? early sleep time? doesn't fly?") and went to check in. Kyle Skaggs was there and gave me a hag - I call him "my favorite boy with favorite thigh muscles", he is not only super-fast but an awesome kid, humble and friendly, and adorable too. I think of him as somebody who "grew up in front of my eyes" - he won his first long trail run at Capitol Peak 17M in 2004 when I won the 50k version, and then I gave him rides to his next 2 50k races he won, and I remember him looking up to me - and would you look at this kid now! He is such a sweetheart...but I digress:)
I was conteplating whether or not I should start with a flashlight, but really, the light comes up in 15 min after the 5am start, and we are so tight at first, there is enough people with lights around. We sort out on single track trail right away and single-file on the wash-out. I am feeling pretty good and clicking minutes, things go well, and I am listening to my tunes. The trails are rocky - and this is an understatement. Karl Meltzer cals this course the rockiest in the country, and he is a Master on this, he should know. So we kick 'em and step on 'em, and about 3 miles in I kick one big really hard, twist my left leg landing and a crazy pain shoots right inside the left hip joint in a place where my cartilage tear is! My eyes jump out of the orbits and I see stars, tears stream out, and swear profusely - F#$@!!! It is horrific, sharp and strong, and I can't make a step. I pull to the side, holding my fists to not yell much, and everybody - everybody! - and their mother passes me. I try to move causiously, and pull to the side again. Now everybody and their father, borther and sister go by me. I still can't make a step, I wonder if I damaged my hip completely and forever. I hobble a bit, lopsided and leaping, and reach out for my prescription pain killers. Thanks to my doctor for and for saving them! I pop two and walk. Bearing weight on left leg even for a split second is a disaster. I can stretch out my right leg, but absolutely locked in pain and muscle contraction on my left side. I slowly move on to the aid station. Hiking up is a bit easier, going flat and down sucks! Eventually I come out of clearing and Angie asks me what's wrong. Well, I am not sure, I think I tore something, but I took pills and it should get better, and I will hike to the next AS and see how it goes...
I switched bottles, put my pack on and moved to the next section. Luis Escobar (who was hired as an official photographer) is there yelling me: run! I am like: can't! He walks alongside me, listening to what happened, and wishes me strength. I continue walking. Whomever hasn't pass me yet, do it now. I feel like the last person on Earth, but tell myself: I pride myself in been a hiker, I power-walked 75% of this course last year, I can do the whole 100% and still get under cut off. I am not giving up, it is a far away from home race, and Angie is here for me...all those reasons flash, and I feel the pain finally easing off. I am still lopsided and can't reach out left leg, but I can make some kind of an uneven shuffle. By the time I get to second AS I am almost running - what Luis and Angie (taking pictures of me) notice. I do another switch of bottles and pack, thank my beautiful Angie, give Luis a kiss, and go on 3rd section.
It is hot. Have I mentioned it yet? It is 90F, all open terrain, we are high at 7,000 feet and climbing, and the air is dry. 10 miles is a lo-o-ng way, but if I only knew how long it really is...I am hiking pretty well by now, and drinking and eating from my 3 bottles, hoping just over that ridge will be an AS. Not be. I come across a snake on a trail and pinch myself to make sure I am not hallucinating. I am not, and I am petrified on snakes, so I wait for it to go away. I have a weird thought process: may be I can get bit, and then I can quit this race for a serious reason, I so don't want to continue. But then again, it's so far to an AS, I may never make it there with a snake bite. Nope, I guess not an option. I pass a creek and get a bottle of water - I am dry - and the other ridge doesn't bring the site of an AS either. I also dip my hat in the water - and it's warm so doesn't bring any relief. Every ridge after that went in hopes, for the WHOLE HOUR!! Unbelievable. I try to stay positive, and I reel in on people. This is my high, this is where I start feeling I am doing something right. I pick a person and slwoly pull behind, and then come by, say "hi, how are you, it's hot today" and pass on. It gives me motivation, but I am so dry, I stagger and get lightheaded. Actualy, I was staggering and fuzzy on the second stretch as well, thinking it was altitude sickness. It gets much worse here, but I keep pushing. "I am strong. I am a real power-walker. This is a hiker's course, and I am a hiker. My best strength is mental power. This is what I am going to use - I am Russian and I am mentally strong! GI Jane, baby! Keep on pushing when others are breaking down!" Hour...how long is an hour? Longer than you think it is when there is no water, no wind, no cloude, no tree, and you are going uphill. Who said this year's course is downhill? Does it have downhill at all? I don't see it, and when a short burst of something resembling it comes, it is so rocky and twisted, walking yet again is the only option.
Finally there it is, mile 26.5. I can't talk - but neither can anybody else here - and point at my bottles and my mouth. I get a cup of cold water, a cup of coke, 2 water bottles refilled - and move on. Lots of people staying trying to recupperate, but I can't afford to loose time, Angie is waiting and worrying, I am so f$#@ng late!
I stagger on, drinking, and before I know it - my bottles are emty. I am so dehydrated and heaving, I can't bear a thought of gels and mixes, so I just drink. Another creek - and I refill my bottles, and they are empty in a flash too. I come by Michael Hayden sitting on a side and try to pull him in. He walks a bit behind and disappears soon (he dropped at the next AS). I come by Larry and his friend - and he yells: I knew you'd come. I stop and explain the injury thing, and his friend says how he saw me getting it and how it didn't look good at al. Well, here I am, still moving on, lets go, boys... Despite that creek refill, I am walking on empty for 40 min before the AS, and it seems that those (aid stations) run away as we move towards them. It takes 30 min longer on each strecth than I predicted, and I can't understand it. I see Angie, and she enthusiastically tells me how many places I moved up, how well I am doing and how everybody's times are not just slow, but slower than last year's "up" course. The AS mile 33 looks like a hospital - runners laying under tents, sitting down, drinking, gazing...I have an urge to fall into Angie's arms and not go anywhere. Eb comes (he started 1 hr earlier) and asks me how is the day - it f%#$ed up, I say, trying to see if I want another shot of coke. My mind is far in another place, like the other side of the moon. Don't give up, Eb says. Who, me? I am not! And I walk out, almost missing the check-out point.Angie is cheerful, and it's a bliss to see her.
I count my miles in "Angie's": I see her now, then one more time, then finish.
Next section is not letting up. It is still hot like an oven, although we got 2 clouds 1 min each and a few trees. I am in desperate search of creeks again, my body is like a bottom-less well that can't get filled up, but creeks are emtry-dry as well. I am still passing folks one by one, and that keeps me moving. But this section brings low points as well. I go through "I am not ever running Zane Grey again, this was stupid...I am not running any other ultras...if I can't race, I am not running at all...who needs this suffer? may be my family is right...oh, and what do I tell them when I come back???" This slows me down for a bit, and I have to will myself into going.
I want to quit at the next AS (mile 42) - I can't bear a thought of going another 8M that would take me 2.5 hrs. My bottles are dry yet again, but I still have one gel left, and I figure I should get it in for at least some calories. I gauge on it, get a strong vomiting reflex, and talk to my gel: c'mon, baby, stay in, I can't loose you, I promise I'll be a good girl, just don't come out...it stays. There is a lot of hourse poop on this trail, and it stinks and has million of flies sitting on, and they come flying around our stinky bodies, and it's disgusting...who brought hourses here??
Last AS, and I drop everything: my pack, my hat, my i-Pod holder, my headphones. I am so tired of it all!!! But Angie shoves me my headlamp and says they ar policing everne who lives AS after 4 pm to ahve one. I look at her with disbelief. Me a flashlight? Are you kidding? (besides the point this headlamp shouldn't have even been here: I was in the car ready to drive to the airport when I decided to go back home and get it for the morning start, then at the motel when I figured I won't need it I left it in a bag, but came back to get it as we were leaving for the race and put it in a bag with words: who knows...I could have been stopped at 42M if I didn't have it!!!) But this pissed me off. Angie asks me something, and I say - just shoot me! - and move on to the trail. Volunteers steer me in a right direction (I went straight into the woods), Angie is smiling (she later said when she heard my response and saw my eyes, she knew I am going to kick ass).
I want to finish. I want to finish this mo-fo so badly, I don't care anymore what time, what place, who passes me, if I crawl, what damage - I want to get it done! So I angerly move. Me, flashlight! What the hell do you think you are doing? I don't need no f%#^ng flashlight in a 50 miler! I picked 2 ladies on first uphil, then a gal and a guy on a flat stretch. I can see beautiful views of the canyon - last year they were behind my back, and now they are in glory of setting sun. I run. My juices fired up - you can pass me anywhere in the first half of the race, but come last quater - I am fighting. This is MY territory, this is MINE! While I can't even think of fighting in the last mile, this is exactly why I keep strong to pull away before that possibility might happen. I use a trick nicely decsribed by Dave Terry and Jeff Browning: when you decide to pass on somebody, walk (run) behind for a bit matching their pace, gather your strength, then move by with a smile and put a hammer down for the next few minutes - even if you will have to crawl after the next bent of the trail. The person who is passed has to be so demoralized that he/she wouldn't even think of hanging on! So I push. There is a guy gaining on me, and while I run parts of the rim ridge, he seems to run it all. He catches me, passes, but I quickly regain my position. No way! I see familiar tattoo on a right calf ahead - this is Jodi Chase. I can't believe it! Last year I passed here same place! I pull behind, smile, say "hi, Jodi, I am Olga, we ran together last year, how is your day?" and while she looks at me, kick in. I run. I see another woman, the one Angie and I called "the hair-do" (she had her hair blow-dried and all nicely in a "do" at the start), and I just NEED to pass her. We enter last downhill. I come on to her and say: hang in here, I think it's a little left - and she doesn't respond. Heck with you! I put my hammer down. It is steep, twisted, loose gravel and sand, covered with rocks and roots - who installed this downhill here???!!! I can't fall, all I can think of, and I can't look back. I once read - only loosers look back, winners look straight forward. I am a winner, I can't look back no matter how much I want to know if anybody is hanging behind, or, God forbid, gaining on me. I hit the last half a mile flat and see Luis with camera. Whoa, Olga, amazing! You are unbelievable, you came from the dead! - he yells while clicking pictures. I know!!! I just passed 5 women in 6 miles, and I am going to kick their ass! I battle an urge to ask if anybody is close - but no, winners are not scared, I am a winner. I see Angie and stream into the finish line. Y-E-S!!!
Bottles fall out of my hands. They give me a finisher's bag - I drop it too. I can't hold anything, and I gaze around and say - cold beer...what I get immideatly! Angie is jumping around, my Crew Pink Fuzzy, and I hug her and tell her what I was thinking the whole way "I want her to be my permanent crew. If and when I get to WS100, any other race - I want my Pink Fuzzy best ever most efficient most cheerful and always believing crew with me always! I mean how could I NOT kick it when Angie KNEW I will?
We go to the car, and I change right there. People driving by and walking by and striking a conversation with me: great run! What's up next? Doing WS again? No! Blah...we talk, they leave, Angie asks who was that - and I am like: not a clue:) I love been Russian!!! On the trail as soon as I open my mouth I hear" here comes Olga. I finish, and in the middle of AZ they come to me as they know me - I love been only Russian in this whole freakish crazy community of ultrarunners!!! Did I say I am done with Zane Grey? Heck, no! Did I want to quit ultrarunning? Hell, never!
There are no words enough to say "THANKS" to Angie for been there for me...so I spare you, I said it to her:) Thanks to RD and voluteers for putting this whackiest race ever existed in a 50M range. Thanks to all for good wishes.
The real point in all this what we do (or may be in anything we do) is not the time or the place (or any other number). The real point is the correlation of what you had to put in to it in order to get the result you did. And for that I am eternally happy.
p.s. we went to see the "number" result just before we left - it was 13:18:36, good for 7th female and 3rd AG. This "down" course is not any easier than "up", and the results show. Kyle won by 30 min, but only 30 min faster than his last year's run. Emily bayer won female division. pam Reed was a few minutes ahead of me, and if I had known...or had a couple more miles:)
p.p.s once I get home and Angie sends me a link, I'll get picture up - and trust me, there lots of them and they are hilarious! Pictures curtey of Angie-Crew Pink Fuzzy!!!
split place split time place total time
Mile 6 88 1:16:50
Mile 17 86 2:50:25 89 4:07:15
Mile 26.5 71 2:39:46 76 6:47:01
Mile 33 36 1:47:18 65 8:34:19
Mile 42 46 2:37:11 63 11:11:30
Finish 28 2:07:07 53 13:18:37
(I had 28th fastest split on last section, faster than David Goggins and Pam Reed!)
Sunday night update: my hip is absolutely fine (Angie had a "simpathy pain" on Sunday morning on the same side, and I didn't:) so I think she willed it away); I have 5 blisters but nothing special from rock running, nothing is sore in the body, and I am hungry as a cow. Stephen won his boxing fight, and at home I got flowers and sheesh-kebab for a welcome home. Normal life is in full force...


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Exeter teen accused of growing pot on public conservation landBy Jason Schreiber
Union Leader Correspondent
October 18. 2013 11:04PM
EXETER - Most marijuana growers try to find a spot on their own property to hide their pot, but an Exeter teenager was charged Friday with growing a 5-foot plant on conservation land used by kids and other members of the public near the Exeter River.
Michael Tirico, 19, faces one felony count of manufacturing/cultivation of marijuana after he was arrested following an investigation that began last summer.
Police Capt. Stephan Poulin said the case is disturbing because of the spot allegedly picked for the pot. The 5-foot plant was found about 20 feet from a public trail on conservation land off of Linden Street, police said.
It's a place where people walk the trails, play and fish in the river.
Police believe the plant was likely a trial run and that Tirico may have been planning more plants on the land.
"We can speculate that if he's going to grow one and be successful, he's going to grow more," Poulin said.
But illegal marijuana growers usually don't grow their plants in public, he added.
"They usually do it in their own yard or a field in their yard. Children and the public would have access to them in this place, and then you bring in the criminal aspect of people maintaining the plants. That's what's disturbing," he said. "We've had grows on the edge of a person' property, but in a conservation area like this it's the only one I know of in my 10 years."
While the area where the plan was found was green with other vegetation, Poulin said that if someone is "aware of what the plant looks like, you could certainly see it."
Through covert surveillance, police identified Tirico as the main suspect in the case. Police continue to investigate other possible suspects and marijuana growing operations.
Tirico was released on personal recognizance bail and is scheduled to appear at the Brentwood Circuit Court on Dec. 2.

subset: commoncrawl


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Tai Chi for Health - UMKC (Session 6 of 6)
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UMKC - Volker CampusKansas City MO
Tai Chi for Health is easy to learn for relaxation, strengthening mind and body, and improving health and fitness. The gentle movements of Tai Chi have been shown to improve coordination, balance, flexibility, muscle strength, and posture. Tai Chi helps create a sense of well-being while facilitating mind/body awareness and reducing stress.
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text:
Huskers Gain Experience at Big Ten Championships
The Nebraska cross country team competed at the Big Ten Championships Sunday morning in East Lancing, Mich. The men's team finished 11th, while the women's team settled for 12th. Even with the results, Head Coach Dave Harris was proud of the team's effort in the conference championships.
"We ran our hearts out today with an eye for achieving some personal bests," Harris said. "We really want to do better as a team, but this is where the program is right now."
On the men's side, freshmen Jonah Heng and Matt Bloch led the way for the Huskers in the 8k race. Heng finished 52nd (24:57), while Bloch finished 63rd (25:15). The freshmen performances impressed Harris.
"Jonah and Matt impressed me with their times in the 8k, being freshmen they also got great experience at this type of meet." Harris said.
With Heng and Bloch's performances on the men's side, three of the top four Husker men's finishers were freshmen, something that bodes well for the future.
Sophomore Sarah Larson was the first Husker to finish the 6k course for the women, placing 75th (22:20).
"Sarah got out well and tried to hold her position and finished first for us," Harris said.
The Nebraska cross country team will be back in action Friday Nov. 9, at the NCAA Midwest Regional in Springfield, Mo. Races begin at 11 a.m. (central) Check back here at Huskers.com for updates throughout the week.


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Sunday, September 03, 2006
Acting and Animation are not the same thing
I like some Disney cartoons: Bambi, Blame It On The Samba The Nutcracker Suite, the dramatic scenes in Sleeping Beauty and many more.
Cartoons have many ways of entertaining us.
I analyze everything I watch and try to figure figure out what is making me like it. Then I share my discoveries for free with you. In Disney, it's color, music, staging, mood and other things.
Hardly any cartoons in history had specific customized acting in them. It's not what cartoons do best. Tex Avery didn't use much acting in his cartoons (more than Disney) but just enough to make the gags funnier. I love Tex Avery cartoons. I don't enjoy Tom and Jerry as much because it's just the violent gags without the acting.
The few cartoons that DO have some non-generic acting in them stand out and I write about them and show them to you. Clampett had the most specific acting in classic cartoons. Jones next. Popeye has some.
What I find interesting about the acting in The Flintstones as opposed to older style cartoon acting is that it's very human, not stylized funny animal "sufficient" acting that the same animators did for decades on fully animated cartoons. It's what people today say the new prime time cartoons are trying to do, but don't.
I guess the classic animators had just never thought of doing believable human acting because they never animated humans in human situations and now all of a sudden they had to.
It looks to me like they had fun doing it and that makes the cartoons fun for me. They are sincere. It's like a bunch of highly skilled regular Joes were making cartoons about guys like themselves. They weren't filtering their expressions and poses by asking themselves "Gee, would Walt understand this? Or will he think it's too weird?"
I'm not comparing the "animation" to the fluidity of Disney animation.
And I also wouldn't compare the "human" acting in The Flintstones to the real acting in The Honeymooners which the Flintstones is imitating. An animator can never act realistically as funny as a skilled and funny comedic live actor can. It's impossible. But it is fun to add some of that element to your cartoons if you can. I do it all the time-but I wouldn't rely on that alone, because I couldn't do it as well as The Three Stooges or Robert Ryan, Peter Lorre, James Cagney and many of my actor heroes.
Acting and animation are 2 different crafts. Sometimes they can be done together but they usually aren't and that's ok too. I love Betty Boop cartoons and there isn't much acting in them. They are wildly imaginative and funny and pretty. What's wrong with that?
I am just separating the elements that make up my favorite cartoons and then letting you know what inspired me and my own style.
Analysis is a useful tool. It can help you build your own craft. I don't blindly accept opinions I read in books. I check the source and compare it to what I practice myself and I pay attention to my sensory organs. When I sense something I didn't sense before, I've learned something new and improved my faculties, which is always a thrilling experience for me.
I don't expect people here to blindly accept all my opinions. But unlike the books we've all read, I explain in detail the reasoning behind my opinions and then use lots of illustrations and clips to back them up.
I used to think all 30s cartoons were primitive because I was so used to the 40s style and how slick it looked. I believed what the books told me. Then I saw Swing You Sinners and was blown away. I realized I had been looking for the wrong things and then started watching other 30s cartoons and discovered tons of great practices that got lost or were abandoned by the 1940s animators. Lately I've discovered early 30s Terrytoons and I love them. They have some animation styles I've never seen before and I would love to use them myself if I can figure them out.
35 comments:
- Dr. Strange-Q said...
I really enjoy watching "Naked Beach Frenzy". It's a good example of what I love in a cartoon. It was totally fun, not complicated, crazy characters doing crazy things. When Stimpy does the Shampoo Master bit, It reminds me of Curly doing the oyster soup routine with that weird wide angle lens. I always considered those scenes to be the equivalent of a guitar solo in a song. Look, Curly's doin' a solo! It makes for a better day. Mr. Horse's acting in "Stimpy's Pregnant" was insanely great. He's one hell of a character...I gotta go mow the lawn...oh ya, Weird Al looks like a freakin' Spumco character.
- The Butcher said...
Despite the lack of acting, the MGM Tom and Jerry is one of my favorite old cartoons because it's so solid and of course the violent content rocks. Of course, it doesn't hold a candle to Popeye and and Clampett's WB cartoons.
I really like the part in Firedogs 2 where Ren lays about 4 or 5 punches to Stimpy's face in the span of one second right before he says "Do something you idiot! Or we'll lose everything!" I wanna see something like that but crazier and longer. Make some crazy cartoons with more beatings! Then throw some titties in there for no apparent reason. Sex and violence, horray!
Looking forward to your post on Popeye.
- Wewelsburg said...
Relatively off-topic, but:
I just purchased the first season of _Ren & Stimpy_, "uncut". While I understand it's not 1000% of the original enchilada, I am very grateful that you helped make nearly all of it available to fans of the unbutchered originals. They remind me of the early WB pieces which were far more daring in tone and expressiveness then the later "safe" offerings.
That said, (Spumco-era) Ren & Stimpy pushed the medium much farther still, and it's gratifying to see much of the original vision come to life. *Real* cartoons.
So, a small word of thanks from a grateful fan. :-)
(Back to your regularly scheduled debate...)
- David Germain said...
Hey, John, if you like James Cagney's acting then you should check out my latest blogpost about the man.
- I don't really care said...
Make some crazy cartoons with more beatings!
LOL! I just thought it deserved to be seen again.
Despite the lack of acting, the MGM Tom and Jerry is one of my favorite old cartoons because it's so solid and of course the violent content rocks.
Nobody can deny their commitment to mean-spirited gags. There are some I just love. I was surprised to find they weren't higher on John's greatest list, but now I understand why. Like Disney they draw a lot on the acting rudiments of the silent film era, but unlike Disney, it is to greater effect, and look how gloriously mean they are. Any releases still have the black lady in them? Laserdisc?
- Benjamin De Schrijver said...
"you will see something that hardly ever happened in classic fully animated cartoons-not during the Golden Age and certainly not now in the huge budgeted animated features churned out by the big 3 studios"
If you don't think animators like Glen Keane, James Baxter or Sergio Pablos act naturally, or that films like The Incredibles rely on stock poses, than I just don't know what to say anymore. I definitly agree a lot of today's feature animation is bland and uninspired, but to say all of it? God no.
- JohnK said...
All that stuff is completely unnatural. It's all "animation acting". Tricks handed down through the ages.
- JohnK said...
The one modern animator that animates naturally is the guy who animated the girls in Hercules, Tarzan, etc...I love his stuff.
- Jorge Garrido said...
Ken Duncan?
- Benjamin De Schrijver said...
What "tricks" are you talking about?
- Ian M said...
Maybe the problem is the way you put things in a very black and white manor. Hearing you talk about Robert McKimson almost makes it sound like you hate Chuck Jones, which you clearly don't.
I guess some people aren't used to the idea of comparing two or more things one enjoys with sometimes unflattering light, but it really is neccessary for critical analyisis.
It can be a little confusing at times, but I'd suggest that people need to pay more attention to what you're trying to show us as a learning tool more than anything else.
- Eric C. said...
Hey John,
How come you it's not only more fun to watch the old classic cartoons but you can actually sit through it all and todays cartoons you can possibly stand less than 5 min. of it?
Is it the writing, the acting, the animation, the crazy ideas or it is all of those things?
How do you organize everything and determan if something is too much or not enough?
- Eric C. said...
And John, If I can ask another question. I've noticed that the new Ren & Stimpy is more better quality animation and most importaintly more cartoony.
Where you working up to the goal of getting more cartoony each time you've done an episode through time?
- JohnK said...
Yeah, Ken Duncan!
He's great! He actually observes how girls really move and the expressions they make and then he caricatures them in his animation.
- JohnK said...
>>How do you organize everything and determan if something is too much or not enough?<<
I don't. I just watch and if I'm having a good time, I want to know more about it.
- JohnK said...
>>Where you working up to the goal of getting more cartoony each time you've done an episode through time?<<
Actually, on the whole it's probably less cartoony because we were trying lots of new and difficult things.
I was trying a lot of more human and specific acting, which tends to make it less cartoony.
As I get used to new techniques I loosen up and then get more cartoony again.
Watch the Tenacious D music video when it comes out! Much cartooniness.
- Benjamin De Schrijver said...
"He's great! He actually observes how girls really move and the expressions they make and then he caricatures them in his animation."
Which is exactly what all the *good* ones do... Keane, Baxter, Pablos, you name it. It's not because Duncan's (great) work appeals more to you personally, that the work by the others suddenly isn't natural acting anymore.
- The Butcher said...
The part in Ren Seeks Help right before Mr Horse flips out and Ren is about to light a cigarrette (more specifically when he nods at Mr Horse after being asked, "You really wanna know what's wrong?"), is that an example of your attempting to do specific human acting? Either way, I really, really like that part. Weird how the build up for an intense scene can sometimes be better than what it's leading to.
- JohnK said...
Disney acting animation for the most part is extremely unnatural and inbred. I'll prove it in a later pose.
Especially modern Disney.
- JohnK said...
By the way "unnatural" doesn't always mean bad.
- JohnK said...
>>The part in Ren Seeks Help right before Mr Horse flips out and Ren is about to light a cigarrette (more specifically when he nods at Mr Horse after being asked, "You really wanna know what's wrong?"),<<
Most of that sequence is "natural" acting. It's human expressions and poses, rather than stock animation moves and poses.
Mr. Horse has always been a man.A regular guy.
- Jesse Oliver said...
Hey John
I just love the acting from Mr. Horse in "Ren Seeks Help" and "Stimpy's Pregnant". I hope that if you get to make more R & S cartoons in the future most of them will have Mr. Horse.
Yes sir, I like him.
- bardhol said...
Hey John (and anybody else who animates),
Is there a particular brand of animation paper you would recommend (12 field)? It'd be especially helpful to know the pros and cons of different types, but a one-word answer would do just as well. Thanks!
- k9_kaos said...
John K. said:
"When I sense something I didn't sense before, I've learned something new and improved my faculties, which is always a thrilling experience for me."
Me too, I love it when I see or hear something I like in cartoons, music, etc. that I've never experienced before. All too often artists today rely on generic "tried and true" methods of expression that don't develop the art form. Such people seem to think that they've perfected the art form, and that it's fruitless or unnecessarily risky to try to improve it. Nature takes risks with genetic mutations, and coupled with natural selection, this is why evolution occurs. If nature treated the genetic code of a species like dogma and didn't modify it, the species wouldn't evolve. Even if it didn't need to evolve, like if it was perfectly adapted to its environment, that doesn't mean that it would have reached the pinnacle of evolutionary perfection; it could in fact be truly primitive to what it could potentially become. If an unintelligent process can create such a wide diversity of life on Earth, why can't supposedly intelligent humans do likewise with art?
- Hammerson said...
John, I'm glad that you discovered the early '30s Terrytoons. I've been watching them a lot lately, and agree with you - these are really interesting and unique cartoons, much better than their reputation suggests. Some of my favorites are the 1932 cartoons like "Bluebeard's Brother", "Radio Girl", "Romance", "Sherman was right", etc. They have very original and cartoony animation, strange lip-sync expressions, amazing walk cycles, and totally unpredictable stream-of-consciousness plots that barely make any sense. Even the routine cartoons have some funny and amazing bits. For their pure strangeness, I'll rank them very close to Fleischer and Lantz "Oswald the Rabbit" cartoons of the same era.
- Donald S. said...
I generally enjoy good human acting in cartoons as long as the acting is exaggerated in context to it's surrounding. Matching the drawing of the character's exaggeration, and the voicing of the character.
If it fits the gag and is amplified in the right spot. I laugh. And loud too. Sometimes I hurt my side. But that's just me...
- Kevin said...
The natural acting in Ren and Stimpy is what got me hooked. I would see an expression on Ren that I've never seen drawn before. Expressions that everyday people use, but fall between broader categories like "smile" and "frown."
I think my favorite one from APC is Ren's reaction to Stimpy asking for a cuddle session in Stimpys Preg. Ren makes this awesome face that is so real. It looks like something John K may have drawn himself too. It's just too perfect.
I could sit here and talk about my favorite expressions in John K, and other classic cartoons all day. Those are the little things that make a cartoon great. If you just simply watch how the character's faces keep changing, it's almost funnier than anything else. Thats why I love R+S
- Kevin said...
by the way, the best way I can describe Ren's expression in that episode (it happens in others too) is kind of like a proud, "im too good for that"ish type of expression with a slight scrunching of the lips and chin. its awesome
- katzenjammer studios said...
Hey John!
I think it'd be great if you really defined and gave examples of what "stock animation acting" is. The term is a bit ambiguous. Do you mean cliche poses? Superfluous gesticulation during dialogue? Etc. It would be important for the upcoming animators to be aware of this stuff so we can at least make the conscious decision to avoid or embrace such stylistic choices.
To me, the thing that makes cartoons really funny is when characters do stuff they can't do in normal life. If you want great human acting, why not get a bunch of actors?
- Kevin said...
damnit, i meant to say ren makes that awesome expression in Stimpy Gets Pregnant when he says "oh yeah, you think he'll look like me" while contemplating being a father. Ren makes this awesomely real face that looks like something John would have drawn himself
- I don't really care said...
To me, the thing that makes cartoons really funny is when characters do stuff they can't do in normal life. If you want great human acting, why not get a bunch of actors?
Human acting as I understand it doesn't mean acting just like humans, it means expressing unique and specific things in response to what is specifically happening and what the characters should be feeling about what is actually happening, such as humans naturally do. It can still be cartoony or exaggerated, and is completely compatible with cartoony physics.
Look at most current shows, especially the flash ones, and you see nothing. You see completely artificial motion. You see characters moving only because it's not a cartoon if they don't. You see the same motion formula applied to every action.
Turn on Nick or CN and see how often you see either cartoony physics or any kind of acting. Even "stock animation acting" is often missing. They just jostle the characters to emphasize dialogue peaks. Most of those shows I can't even watch for an entire minute. If I had 5-year-olds at home, I'd let them watch pornos all day before I'd sit them in front of that stuff.
- Craig D said...
My daughter was big on Winnie the Pooh earlier this Summer, so I ended up sitting through multiple screenings of "The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh" recently.
While there was lots of awe-inspiring animation stuff happening, as far as moving masses around the screen, staging, design and drafting etc., but there were a couple of niggling things, too.
The "acting" as John has defined it, was either non-existant or very generic. Facial expressions, in many cases were very bland or of a "stock" variety. In at least one maddening case the lip-synch was so soft as to be non-existant.
What's amazing is that the stories came across as well as they did; but after all, this was crafted by the mighty Disney veterans! My daughter enjoyed it and we all know "Pooh" sent on to become a very successful franchise. And if you can market a product called "Pooh" then you are a good salesman, indeed!
- cemenTIMental said...
Great post...
I've been seeing a lot of really amazing animation acting in some recent Japanese animated films and series... Masaaki Yuasa's astonishing feature "Mind Game" and his new series 'Kemonozume' both have some really great moments of observational human movements and expression and in a really appealingly sketchy and off-model style.
Also Satoshi Kon's stuff (especially "Tokyo Godfathers") - very much in a 'realistic' non-cartoony style but contains some amazing and subtle acting as well as some more exaggerated moments.
- I don't really care said...
If you want great human acting, why not get a bunch of actors?
If you want to see some brilliant "human acting" from a very cartoony character, watch the pencil test from SVEN HOEK, if you have it. Ren is not doing the typical broad acting of most cartoons. Stock cartoon acting could never sell that scene visually. If that scene was done by most other modern cartoon shops, they would simply let the voice actor try to sell it, while the character just looks generically angry or frustrated. It would still be somewhat appropriate, just missing the specificity and the joy of the viewer in watching it. It would just be a diagram of a scene, istead of actually being one. Without real acting, a scene that talky does not even belong in a cartoon. That never stops these hack shops from letting their characters talk and do nothing all the goddamn time.
- Mark Borok said...
I thought the acting in "The Incredibles" was very natural, but now that you mention it I think it was only 1) a bit more natural than most of the other stuff that's out there and 2) a lot more natural than most other 3D animations. The broader gestures were generic, but some of the minor tics gave the characters added life.
I don't even mind so much, so long as the acting at least matches the character's inner state. Too many characters, it seems to me, manage to go through a dozen different emotional states in a single line of dialogue, and somehow none of those states expresses what the character is supposed to be feeling.


text:
How To Open HIP Files
Reader Question:
"Hi Wally, I am having problems opening HIP Files and wondering how to fix it?"
- Brian D., New York
Recommendation: Scan your Windows registry for problems affecting PC health.
- Step 1 : Download PC Repair & Optimizer Tool (3.32 MB)
(WinThruster for Win7, XP, Vista - Microsoft Gold Certified).
- Step 2 : Install the software (30 seconds). After installing, an automatic scan will begin to find registry issues that could be causing PC problems.
- Step 3 : After the scan completes (15 seconds), click "Fix Issues" to repair all registry problems.
Setting up weekly (or daily) automatic registry scans will help prevent system problems and keep your PC running fast and trouble-free.
Wally's Answer:
What Are HIP Files?
HIP files are 3D Image Files primarily associated with Spy-CD CD Search Database File.
(Other files may also be using the HIP file extension. If you know of any other software using the HIP file extension, please contact us so that we can update our information accordingly.)
Opening HIP Files
The easiest way to open a HIP file is by double clicking on it, which will let the computer decide the best way to open it according to the Windows HIP file association settings.
If your computer opens your HIP file, but it's the incorrect application, you'll need to change your Windows registry file association settings. In other words, Windows is associating HIP file extensions with the wrong software program.
Quick Tip: Incorrect HIP file association errors can be a symptom of other underlying issues within your Windows operating system. These invalid entries can also produce associated symptoms such as slow Windows startups, computer freezes, and other PC performance issues.
Therefore, it highly recommended that you download WinThruster and scan your Windows registry for invalid file associations and other issues related to a fragmented registry.
If the HIP file fails to open, it is highly likely that your system lacks the application needed to open HIP files. It is common for several applications to share the same HIP file extension label, so it could take some trial and error to figure out what application actually opens your file (if any).
Thus, I highly recommend that you contact the source of your file for more details on what program you need to open your HIP file. This will save your a lot of time and headaches!
Remember to always take caution when opening files that come from unfamiliar sources or emails.
Is Your PC Healthy?
I always recommend to my readers to regularly use a trusted registry cleaner and optimizer such as WinThruster (Download) or CCleaner. Many problems that you encounter can be attributed to a corrupt and bloated registry.
Happy Computing! :)
Wally's Answer Rating
Summary: Every Windows Wally blog post is evaluated on these three criteria. The average of all three elements determines an "Overall Rating" for each blog post.


text:
Depression: a misunderstood reality
From my "Moving Forward: The Early Years of Redefining Me"
… It was in the midst of all this therapy and all these different visits that I began to struggle to emotionally handle the strain of two special needs kids. My sense of self, tied to how well I handled all the kids' various medications, appointments, and therapy sessions, began to splinter. My emotions began to spiral downward.
I convinced myself–in the way only a person who's hit bottom


text:
While graduating students all over the world are naturally apprehensive about entering a slow job market, Dale Eggett (TLM '11) is among several members of the Monterey Institute's spring graduating class with multiple job offers to choose from. Dale will graduate in May with a degree in Translation and Localization Management and expects to start his new job in June. His Spanish language mastery and technical background as a translator with some knowledge of Web programming make him a highly sought-after employee.
A May 8 article in the Philadelphia Inquirer featured Dale as the leading example in a business section story highlighting the growing opportunities in the field of translation, interpretation and localization management. Localization management is said to "provide one of the best chances for steady employment in language services." The article also talks about the difference between being bilingual and having the specialized training of professional translators and interpreters, and how "machine" or computer translation has not reduced the need for language professionals.
For More Information
Jason Warburg
Eva Gudbergsdottir


text:
The scenario is a familiar one. You're about to step out for a leisurely day on the links, at the beach or in the backyard hammock and couldn't be more excited about your time off, when the little red light starts blinking on your phone: URGENT. You pretend to ignore it, but the phone rings; and you know your afternoon is over.
Something broke, on some system, somewhere. And now you have to direct everyone to clean up the mess.
So how do we set ourselves up to keep those afternoons free? To keep the phone quiet no matter what?
A morbid, but important, joke among many IT professionals is the "bus number": How many and which employees, if taken out by a bus, would result in complete chaos across your business? In other words, where is your knowledge center; who can't you do without? A smart company won't have a simple answer to this, or at least the response will be "a whole lot of people."
IT knowledge should never reside in one person's head; it must be spread among the team and written down as clearly as possible. With the crush of the day-to-day, finding the time to record down structures and protocols can be almost impossible. You've got to make that time—even if the recording and subsequent meetings mean staying a little later during the workweek. Taking that knowledge out of the confines of a single head and spreading it among the team will only pay off later.
The moral: You likely have redundant systems set in place in case of a technical failure; employ redundancy across your staff members as well.
Once confident that knowledge is spread sufficiently among team members, test the theory. Devising internal exercises can be effective and cheaper, but often the more successful move (and yes, more costly) is hiring independent consultants to hack or poke holes in your infrastructure.
Buy everyone pizza, pay double overtime and take a weekend to train your team to solve problems and emergencies. It will pay off, for you, your team, and most importantly, your company.
And as you educate your staff, intermittently remove yourself and other team members from the drills. If you're simulating an email issue, hold back a couple key members of your email support team; do the same across other systems. Highlight the human fail points, whether it is a team member or knowledge set, and continue devising a map to strengthening them.
Approaching problems with an incomplete team will not only teach the remaining members to cope, but also will allow those members sitting on the sidelines to observe the issue—a perspective that generates fresh angles on how to solve and plan for problems.
Often the worst IT disasters don't come from anything operating on electricity, 1s and 0s, or faulty code—but from "natural causes." A water pipe bursts. The power goes out. Someone drops muffin crumbs through a server vent. Systems can be backed up to alleviate these problems, and often the issues are wholly preventable from the start.
Knowing the design of your buildings is as important as knowing the design of your systems. For small companies, the kitchen can be an appealing place to locate servers; the area is better equipped for higher power demands. The caveat is that the room is also heavily piped with water and people are carting food in and out all day. It's always better to keep servers away from human traffic.
Going through the blueprints of your building and doing a walk-through with the owner (if it's not you) will start to reveal the other natural fails around the office. From there you can move servers, put them on or under better protection. For testing power, reserve time to do live, full power cuts to your office and see how systems react. Backup generators and batteries have fail points too.
Like any team effort, IT measures require lots of practice. With enough rehearsal, you should be able to ensure that the game can still be played when the captain is on vacation.
By Caleb Garling


text:
Are you fussy, like me, when it comes to muffins? I cannot understand how people eat those muffins from Dunkin Donuts. Have you ever had one? I had a blueberry muffin from there once and being the curious foodie that I am, I actually took it apart to see what those supposed blueberry thingee/nuggets were. They weren't blueberries, they were some sort of sweet, blue sticky like dots. I know dots is a bad example, but I could not figure out what they were. Also, the muffin was so high and full of air. How did they get it so fluffy and full of air to make it look like a muffin?
So I'm always on the search for good muffins when hitting up bakeries. Most times I don't find any good ones since living on Cape Cod the choices for bakeries are slim.
So the muffin making is done at home. Muffin recipes that deliver the goods are also hard to find unless you create your own. A lot of times I will go with an old standby (like this one). Muffins are fattening, so if I'm going to have a muffin with a ton of calories it better be a good one.
What is a good muffin? Well, one that has a good muffin top: crispy-crumbly over-lapping edges and a bit of crunch on the top. The inside is nice and cake-like but not dense, moist indeed, sweet, but not overly sweet and just the right ratio of fruits and nuts. The person who finally invented the jumbo muffin pans and muffin-top pans was pure genius. If I had to pick my top two muffins that I like (a lot) it would be blueberry and morning glory. But in all honesty I have yet to find a really good morning glory muffin. My blueberry muffins are pretty good. The times when I go to NYC I have had a good blueberry muffin there; can't remember the bakery though as there are so many good bakeries in NYC. But on this post, I give you another muffin I do like--very much so. I found this recipe over at King Arthur and of course had to kick it up a few notches. Plus I'm still on my coconut kick and wanted to put coconut on the tops of these muffins as the end result would be a nice toasty coconut topping.
chocolate-coconut muffins
muffin base from King Arthur
print recipe
2/3 cup (2 ounces) Dutch-process cocoa
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups light brown sugar (not packed)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1-2 ts espresso powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
½ cup milk choco chips & ½ cup bittersweet choco chips
2 eggs
1 cup light cream or half & half
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
4 ounces (1 stick) butter, melted
½ cup +/- of shredded coconut flakes
Cook Notes: the original recipe calls for no coconut. What? I knew the muffin base would be perfect for a little toasted coconut topping, so I just had to add it in. If you want no coconut in there then don't add it.
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large/jumbo muffin pan with paper or silicone muffin cups, and grease the cups.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cocoa, flour, sugar, baking powder, espresso powder, baking soda, salt and chocolate chips. Set aside.
In a large measuring cup or medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla and vinegar. Add the wet ingredients, along with the melted butter, to the dry ingredients, stirring to blend; there's no need to beat these muffins, just make sure everything is well-combined.
Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin tin; the cups will be heaped with batter, and the muffin will bake into a "mushroom" shape. Sprinkle with pearl sugar, if desired.
Bake the muffins for about 9 minutes then add some of the coconut to the tops of the muffins, and back into oven to finish baking for another 10 minutes. The original recipe says the muffins take about 20 to 25 minutes total time to cook. Mine only took about 18 minutes, so watch over the muffins; all depends on your oven. You can always see if they're done with a cake tester inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Remove the muffins from the oven, and after 5 minutes remove them from the pan, allowing them to cool for about 15 minutes on a rack before peeling off the muffin papers or silicone cups.
Should make about 8 – 10 jumbo muffins. (I tried baking them in regular size muffins but they tasted so dry, so I made them using the jumbo muffins tins, much better).
chocolate muffins with toasted coconut
52 comments:
That's a muffin worth getting up for. I bet it is so much healthier than Kashi. My kashi doesn't boast toasted coconut.ReplyDelete
why would this not be a cupcake? none-the-less it looks great!ReplyDelete
These look decadent enough to be dessert! I love toasted coconut, I'm sure it makes a great topping for the muffins.ReplyDelete
What a beautiful picture of your cupcakes! Chocolate and toasted coconut go together so well. I'm like you...super picky about my muffins. I've only found a few that I've actually enjoyed over the years.ReplyDelete
I'm thinking that these muffins would be great with a vanilla egg cream. :)
I totally just got gone baking a batch of muffins (haven't done so in quite some time!!) - but DAAAAAMN, Dawn, your muffins look INSANELY good!!ReplyDelete
Dawn you have to stop it with these posts! you are killing me. Everything looks so amazing, I am dreaming of your treats at night! I love toasted coconut! Probably too sweet for me to eat for breakfast but bring them on for dessert!ReplyDelete
I am baking muffins right now but they are certainly not as kicked up as these. That is some coconut love there!ReplyDelete
these muffins look delicious! I love muffins The added crunch of the cocon ut must be so yummy. At the moment my favourite recipe is this one http://creampuffsinvenice.ca/2006/05/23/the-best-muffins-ever-just-please-dont-sue-me/ReplyDelete
if you try it let me know your view :)
Now that's a muffin! You're pictures never fail to make me hungry, and usually hate what I have on a plate in front of me.ReplyDelete
THUD! I just passed out. How yummy do those look...I am wiping drool off my keyboard!ReplyDelete
Those are super rich and decadently chocolaty. Love the toasty coconut! Stellar pictures.ReplyDelete
i'm allergic to coconut but those muffins sound AMAZING!!!!ReplyDelete
I know what you mean about wasting calories on a so so muffin. Those look delicious! I love the crumb!ReplyDelete
Yep. I will take a bowl of Kashi Heart to Heart ove a muffin anyday!ReplyDelete
But I will still it your muffin for dessert!!
- Anonymous3/15/09, 8:31 PM
Ooo, yummy and chocolatey and I love the coconut on top!ReplyDelete
Mmm, chocolate and coconut...a match made in heaven. I'm with you: I love a good muffin, but most muffins aren't good. Because you're such a muffin skeptic, I know that these chocolate coconut muffins must be out of this world good. King Arthur has such great recipes to play around with!ReplyDelete
Mmm, chocolate and coconut...a match made in heaven. I'm with you: I love a good muffin, but most muffins aren't good. Because you're such a muffin skeptic, I know that these chocolate coconut muffins must be out of this world good. King Arthur has such great recipes to play around with!ReplyDelete
Ina Garten makes a really good blueberry muffin. I made them on my blog a while back and put a streusel topping on them. I need to find a better topping but the muffin was amazing! Give 'em a try!ReplyDelete
I'm feeling the love for sure! That coconut looks just incredible, but I don't think I'd eat these for breakfast. More like an afternoon snack.ReplyDelete
Toasted coconut, then white and then some deep, dark chocolate...wow, that's muffin seduction!ReplyDelete
I'm feelin it. That lump of chocolatey goodness is just what I need right now!ReplyDelete
Dawn, Dawn: wow!!! What else can I say? MMMMMMMMMM...... What beautiful pictures!!!!ReplyDelete
I'll have 3 please! Wow these look delish and I love coconut too! Since it is a muffin it must be healthy, right?ReplyDelete
Dawn........I'm seein' the love......I'm feelin' the love......I'm droolin' on the keyboard! This is MY kind of muffin...chocolate and coconut....YUM!ReplyDelete
I'm with you on the jumbo muffin pans....that's all I use now.....
Try that blueberry muffin recipe I sent you and see how you like it.....that's what got me started using those jumbo pans.
Its impossible not to love those muffins! They look lovely. I am not a big fan of chocolate muffins though. I'm more of a blueberry person ;)ReplyDelete
Ooooh my word!! this is a serious muffin that's sure to please!ReplyDelete
These look good, good , good!!!!! I recently made a chocolate cake with a burnt coconut topping and it is heaven. Your cupcakes look great with that topping!ReplyDelete
I recently discovered that I do like coconut and I've always been a chocolate lover! These look so yummy and moist!ReplyDelete
Saw these on TasteSpotting, and I think they look absolutely amazing!ReplyDelete
i think of chocolate muffins as naked cupcakes, but it doesn't matter. nothing matters right now except the deliciousness of the chocolate-coconut combination and your fantastic creation. drool.ReplyDelete
I am feeling the love - these look perfect with the toasted coconut on top. Another beautiful recipe Dawn.ReplyDelete
Love the PB cookies down below too!
Holy muffin!!! That looks unbelievable!! the perfect muffin in my book!!ReplyDelete
The coconut looks gorgeous on top! I love it when it is all toasty like that. Paired with a moist chocolate muffin is perfect. Remember when Starbucks had those mocha coconut fraps? I was hopelessly addicted and this reminds me of those. Too tasty, Dawn!ReplyDelete
Oh my gosh, these look insanely delicious!! I'd feel so guilty eating this muffin for breakfast...but I'm sure it'd be worth wonderful bite. :)ReplyDelete
Man, I could hook you up with some cereal that is much tasier than Kashi! Ha ha, okay, also a lot more sugar......but those muffins look so moist and delish. Yummy.ReplyDelete
The toasted coconut has my head spinning. The muffins look so moist. It seems the things that I bake from scratch that have chocolate come out a little too dry. Maybe this recipe will be my redemption.ReplyDelete
- Anonymous3/16/09, 4:12 PM
Whoooo, that first pic is great! You can see all the nice melty chocolate bits.ReplyDelete
My husband used to think a chocolate muffin was good for you, unlike a chocolate cupcake. Who cares though? Especially when they look like this!ReplyDelete
Whooo love that big picture Dawn! They look great!!ReplyDelete
They look pretty delicious!!!ReplyDelete
Very nice crunchy top..chocolate and coconut are perfect together.ReplyDelete
WOw-someone who knows how to really toast coconut-a nice shade of brown. yum.ReplyDelete
um will you please come live with me and make me these everyday?ReplyDelete
you're trying to kill me, aren't you?? gorgeous cupcake :) (yes i know you're trying to call it a muffin... i don't bite ;-))ReplyDelete
I love the black and white contrast of the coconut and chocolate. Adding the coffee is a great idea too.ReplyDelete
YUM! Those are some naughty-looking muffins! I could always swap in 1/2 cup of whole wheat pastry flour and claim they have whole grains.ReplyDelete
That's like a candy bar muffin! I love tosted coconut! I bet it made your house smell like heaven!ReplyDelete
WOW..this muffin would really get me going in the morning, simply perfect!!ReplyDelete
Hey Dawn! How did I miss these posts?? Mine must not be updating either. :( Dang! This looks great! Hmm...I am going to have to put you on the front of my blog...so I can follow it better.ReplyDelete
You're killing me with these. They look so good.ReplyDelete
Those cupcakes look so good!ReplyDelete
Oh my lord, I would love this! I love all the toasty coconut on top and that chocolately goodness inside!ReplyDelete


text:
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Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Tofu + Marmite = True Love
I always love, love, loved cottage cheese in my dairy-eatin' days, and I often try to recreate it with crumbled firm tofu, vegan mayo, and a pinch of sugar. But there was something really appealing about buying tofu cottage cheeze already prepared in a convenient little tub. I stashed a tub in our cooler and it made the 7-hour drive home to Memphis with me. Now, hold that thought.
When I arrived home and began unpacking, I opened my pantry door to see this adorable little guy waiting with open arms. Yep, my big ass jar of Champagne Marmite has a crush on me ... it's written all over his sophisticated European label. See ...
My buddy John P from Nashville (of The I-40 Kitchen blog fame) gifted me this huge jar of special edition champagne-flavored Marmite a few months ago. And what's my favorite thing to do with it? Spread it on whole wheat toast with faux cottage cheeze. Only this time, I didn't even have to make the cheeze myself:
Yep, this open-faced sandwich was pure bliss. I've been eating this meal everyday since I returned from my trip. But sadly, I finished that tub of cottage cheeze off at lunch. And our Memphis Whole Foods doesn't carry this stuff. Oh well ... guess I'm back to makin' it myself.
35 comments:
- Megan said...
I'm scared of marmite. What does it taste like?
- October 28, 2009 at 11:40 PM
- Meeps said...
omgoodness, champagne marmite?! I loooove marmite and i want to try this! :)
- October 29, 2009 at 12:37 AM
- Jeni Treehugger said...
Limited edition Marmite!! Not seen that before! I love the label. I miss cottage cheese.
- October 29, 2009 at 1:12 AM
- The Voracious Vegan said...
I love that marmite label! Put a huge smile on my face. I never ate cottage cheese in my pre vegan days, it actually grossed me out. But in tofu form I think I would love it.
- October 29, 2009 at 1:44 AM
- CHocolate-covered Katie said...
Ahhh Marmite! When I lived in China, my many Australian and British friends tried to get me to eat the stuff (and Vegemite).
I know, I know, it's super-healthy for you... but I just can't seem to make myself like it :(
- October 29, 2009 at 6:05 AM
- Knit-Picky Veganista said...
Last time I was at WFs-Memphis I asked about an item they don't have, and they said they'd do their best to get it! I loved cottage cheese, too, especially with corn and mashed potatoes. I'm gonna ask the dairy guy about it, I'd love to try it. Maybe they'll be able to add it to the cooler. Thanks for posting this, now at least I know vegan c-cheese exists!
- October 29, 2009 at 7:09 AM
- Lindsay I-F said...
Cottage Tofu?????
- October 29, 2009 at 7:28 AM
- The Shenandoah Vegan said...
I will make it my mission to find that tofu cottage cheese.
- October 29, 2009 at 8:04 AM
- Sunil Gupta said...
Good blog and Nice posting.
Priya | True Hindi Love Story
- October 29, 2009 at 8:27 AM
I wonder if I can find it at a Whole Foods around here
- October 29, 2009 at 8:33 AM
- Jessie (Vegan-minded) said...
I wish I could find tofu cottage cheese at my Whole Foods! It was one of my favorite pre-vegan snacks. With marmite on toast it must be amazing. :)
- October 29, 2009 at 8:54 AM
- Mary said...
Aren't grocery stores in other cities exciting?
- October 29, 2009 at 8:56 AM
- Jenn said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- October 29, 2009 at 11:49 AM
- Jenn said...
I just picked up some marmite from a British store (and some vegetarian Haggis that I have yet to try.)
Cottage tofu sounds so good!
Sadly it doesn't look like they sell cottage tofu in New York. http://www.whitemountainfoods.com/get_our_products.htm
- October 29, 2009 at 11:52 AM
- Carbzilla said...
A meeeeeelion years ago when I was working for Diet Center, we sold a Cottage Tofu salad. It was sooooo good! I've never seen it since (but I'm not eating soy so I haven't looked very hard). I may break down and try just a little! Good find!
- October 29, 2009 at 11:55 AM
- Wendy French Barrett said...
Hey Bianca,
I'm sure Whole Foods wouldn't mind ordering it for you. Most grocery stores will. Kroger has ordered specific products I'd found at other Krogers for me in the past. It's worth a shot!
- October 29, 2009 at 12:30 PM
- Debra said...
Debra @ Vegan Family Style
don't forget my cookbook giveaway- giveaway closes down Oct 31, midnight.
- October 29, 2009 at 12:33 PM
- Sheridanna said...
I've never tried marmite, but I would like to!
- October 29, 2009 at 1:29 PM
- dreaminitvegan said...
I tried Marmite in Australia and I was not a fan. Maybe now, years later my tastebuds have changed and I'll give it a try again.
- October 29, 2009 at 2:14 PM
Please tell me--HOW do you store your marmite?! I *just* got some recently for the first time ever for a recipe, used about a tsp, and now I have a whole jar and it doesn't say how to store it...in the fridge? In the cupboard? Where?!?
Thank you!
- October 29, 2009 at 2:42 PM
- Jen said...
tofu cottage cheese? where can i gimme some of dat?
- October 29, 2009 at 2:45 PM
- Cyn said...
I've never had marmite - I totally need to acquire some.
- October 29, 2009 at 3:23 PM
- Trinity (of haiku tofu) said...
mmm i love me some marmite. does the champagne one taste very different from the original?
- October 29, 2009 at 3:38 PM
- JohnP said...
That cottage cheese looks great! Glad you like the marmite. It was from an amazing stash sent to me from Mat Winser of the PPK!
- October 29, 2009 at 3:55 PM
- Jess of Veg Out! said...
I used to LOVELOVELOVE cottage cheese, too! I haven't tried making my own yet, but now I REALLY want this store-bought stuff. They don't sell it by me. :( It looks (and sounds) delicious!
I have never tried marmite. I'm a little nervous to buy a jar in case I don't like it.
- October 29, 2009 at 4:03 PM
- Mihl said...
I just found some champagner truffle tartex pate and thought "wow". Now my thoughs are deep into "double wow".
If I would spread it on my bread with a thin layer of champagner marmite underneath I would probably feel like the Queen or something...awesome!
- October 29, 2009 at 4:33 PM
- Sophia said...
I don't get your marmite love, I think it's some vile stuff! But it is a good source of B vitamins so power to you! lol.
- October 29, 2009 at 4:47 PM
- Niki said...
Oh how I love champagne marmite...
Wish I could get it here!
- October 29, 2009 at 6:18 PM
- Laura said...
I LOVE MARMITE!!! champagne???? holy shiz i need that now!
ps i totes miss cottage cheese, too. need it.
- October 29, 2009 at 6:30 PM
- jessy said...
i so super love that you puffy heart marmite too, Bianca! i love marmite, promite, & vegemite. mmmmmmmm! that jar = the best, and pre-made & super scrumdilliumptious vegan cottage cheeze = the yum! especially on toast. damn, that's such a tasty way to start the day. huzzah! :D
p.s. - i missed ya while you were gone, too! and i saw that you had more tester recipes up. superw00t!
- October 29, 2009 at 7:15 PM
I've had excellent results when I request items through Whole Foods' website. I received an e-mail response in about an hour and they had it in stock by the end of the week!
- October 30, 2009 at 3:06 PM
- greenbean said...
ask your WF to order it. they will likely be willing to carry it.
- October 30, 2009 at 8:05 PM
- Devan Geselle. N said...
i LOVED cottage cheese too in my dairy-eaten days!! OOOHH how I wish I could get this stuff!
- October 30, 2009 at 11:26 PM
- Erin said...
Oh man, I would love to find some prepared tofu cottage cheese! Not so sure about the marmite though...you can keep it :)
- November 2, 2009 at 11:14 PM
- Melisser; the Urban Housewife said...
Cutest Marmite ever! I want that Cottage Tofu!!!
- November 12, 2009 at 4:05 AM


text:
Clay, as always, has way too much energy for one person. I wish I had a tenth of it. He was walking along, doing pirouettes, banging off the walls and just being goofy. Of course, when I pulled out the camera, he calmed down some and my battery died a couple seconds after I started taping, but you can get an idea...
This reminded me of the video Peggy made of Caden walking down the street in NYC. Speaking of, the Larsons are heading back to NYC so Coleman can get some further treatment. For those of you who are new to my blog, Coleman Larson is an adorable little boy with a twin brother, Caden. Coleman is battling cancer and his mom, Peggy updates his CarePage almost daily. The Larsons have a strong faith and despite going through some really rough times, they always manage to see the rainbow at the end of the storm. If you haven't "met" the Larsons, go to carepages.com and sign up. It just takes a minute. You can access his page by typing in "colemanscott" with no spaces and no quotation marks. Anyway, Coleman's counts were down and he wasn't feeling well today, so pray he feels well enough to travel to New York in the morning.
So, we grabbed a bite to eat after the shopping "fun". We ran into some friends of ours there. When they came up to the table, I said, "Hey kids, wouldn't you like to go home with Uncle Dave and Aunt Brenda?" You know, because they were still wired and acting nuts and I figured why not share this special time with Dave and Brenda who have no kids of their own.
When Dave and Brenda left, Savannah asked, "Are they really our aunt and uncle?"
Austin looked at her like she was stupid and said, "No! They're our godparents, duh!"
Just for the record - they're neither the kids' aunt and uncle, nor their godparents. My kids are SO smart.
I have to go to bed. I'm so screwed up going from Central to Pacific to Central to Eastern to Central to Pacific to Central and off Daylight Savings Time in the past 2 weeks. I have no idea what time it is, but I'm pretty much always tired. Whose bright idea was Daylight Savings Time anyway? I can never figure out how to change the clock in my car and it ticks me off.
Tonight Savannah asked, "Is it really 8:30 now?"
"Nope. It's 7:30," I answered.
"Why don't you change it so it's the right time?"
My kids already think I'm technologically inept. There was no way I was going to admit that I didn't have a clue how to change the clock. "It'll be the right time in 6 months. Just be patient."
It was dark, but I'm pretty sure she rolled her eyes at me.
Have a good night! :)


text:
Money raised for dog hit by snow plowBy MARK HAYWARD
New Hampshire Union Leader
December 19. 2013 8:12PM
MANCHESTER — Her limbs are wrapped in bubble wrap, and she faces a 10-hour surgery. But an Australian shepherd still manages to wag her tail, despite getting struck by a snow plow during the Tuesday night snowstorm.
Three-year-old Molly is being stabilized at the Center for Advanced Veterinary Care and will likely go under the scalpel on Saturday, when a veterinarian will try to mend three broken bones and torn ACL, said Dr. Sara Rose.
She was brought to the 24-hour emergency clinic after getting struck Tuesday night by a plow on Union Street, Rose said. Unable to pay for her care, her owner — a veteran — discussed putting her down or taking her home to die, according to the clinic.
A subsequent email campaign ended up raising the money needed to pay for her surgery, as well as follow up care, Rose said. Now, the clinic hopes that donations will keep coming in for other abandoned animals. For example, two male cats are at the clinic now with urinary tract infections, a fatal ailment that is expensive to treat.
"This is the first plow-hit I've ever seen," said Rose, who said the plow driver has contacted the clinic and wants to come see Molly as well as meet with the family. She said the accident was not a hit and run, and the driver wrapped the dog in a blanket.
She said the family surrendered the dog to the clinic, which is standard practice when an owner comes in and cannot afford care for a pet. The clinic has its own non-profit — All Better Pets — which it created to raise money for abandoned, homeless and injured pets.
"We try our best to get them back to the owner, depending on the situation," Rose said. She said that will likely happen with Molly. The family has come by to visit her and brought a stuffed animal for the dog.
She said the family has a fenced-in yard, and it appears that Molly got loose by accident.
Earlier this week, Molly was on a drip painkiller, eating and wagging her tail. However, she cannot walk, and workers at the clinic must turn her because she is unable to move.
Rose said the dog does not appear to have internal injuries, but it is typical to wait several days to make sure she is stable before surgery. Expenses could exceed $10,000, which includes the hospitalization, surgery, intensive nursing care and plates that will be attached to the bone.
"There will be a lot of hardware used," Rose said.
But if everything goes well, Molly could be home by Tuesday, she said.