Welcome to Gastro Obscura!

Filed under FYI

Gastro Obscura is a food section devoted to curiosity and wonder. In addition to stories about melon-obsessed warlords and a quest to save an iconic cookie, you can explore our new database of curious and unusual food and drink. As you browse Gastro Obscura, you’ll find bamboo waterslides of fast-flowing somen noodles and a decadent Vietnamese egg coffee invented during a dairy shortage. Down the road, we plan to give you the ability to add your own wondrous food and drink entries, just like you can with our Atlas.

Welcome to Gastro Obscura!

Recipes

yesterday -- 12/26 December 26, 2024
Today's encore selection -- from Tell Me Why by Tim Riley. With more than 2,200 cover versions, Paul McCartney’s “Yesterday” is one of the most covered songs in the history of recorded music: "If ‘Yesterday’ isn't the most esteemed recording the Beatles ever made, it certainly is the most celebrated song they ever produced. Its […]
outrage in post-siege paris--12/24 December 24, 2024
Today's selection-- from Paris in Ruins by Sebastian Smee. In early 1871, economic measures and controversial decisions by the National Assembly deepen the crisis, fueling public anger and unrest. “Shuttling between Bordeaux and Versailles in early 1871, a distracted Adolphe Thiers was consumed by multiplying responsibilities. He had an entire nation to run. Jules Favre, […]

Recent Research Spreadsheets
Our students have compiled research in three topic areas. Below are the links to their research tables that can be downloaded for searching and viewing. For a state-by-state review of Mandatory Reporter laws, click here. For a state-by-state review of Background Check laws, click...
feigleycommunications
Legislative Drafting Students
Our students spend the summer working on the research project of the LDICP. Through their extensive research, massive databases of information on state statutes regarding the abuse of children have been created and will be posted here as their work is finalized. Here are...
feigleycommunications

Sunny Ann Starling, July 2, 1943 - January 6, 2023 January 10, 2023
All-American patriot, artist, designer, entrepreneur, flower arranger, chef, and joyful servant, Sunny Lou Starling, was carried on the wings of angels to the arms of her savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, January 6, 2023. She once said her mission was to “Gather and feed all you can, as often as you can, because you never know if […]
Unknown
WASP Final Flight February 28, 2022
WASP Deanie Bishop Parrish, 44-W-4"Failure isn't failure unless you let it be. It's simply a change in direction. Just count your many blessings move on. With God's help, anything is possible!"Deanie Bishop Parrish passed away peacefully in her home in Waco, Texas, on February 24, 2022, just one day shy of her 100th birthday. She met every challenge […]
Unknown

Four Fun Kodachrome Car Image Series No. 519 October 30, 2024
Editors Note: After posting over five thousand features and twenty five thousand images over the last thirteen years, the time has come to end posting weekly features here on The Old Motor. At this point, the site’s future hasn’t been decided, although it will remain online for the foreseeable future. There may be future updates...
David Greenlees
Four Fun Kodachrome Car Image Series No. 518 October 23, 2024
In this weekly series, we ask our readers to tell us the year, make, and model of all of these vehicles along with the location where the image was taken and anything else you find of interest in the photos. You can look back on all the earlier parts of this series here. The photos are via Americar....
David Greenlees

Noel, Iola: 1944 December 24, 2024
On this Christmas Eve, we travel back 80 years for a visit with the First Lady of Shorpy, Iola Swinnerton. Some two decades after her bathing-pageant days, she is still radiating beauty and cheer. Scroll down to the comments for more of Iola's life story. View full size. "STONE WOMAN" ENJOYS CHRISTMAS PREPAREDNESS […]
Dave
Festive Us: 1922 December 23, 2024
"Dickey Christmas tree, 1922." Our annual holiday visit with the family of Washington lawyer Raymond Dickey, who has a decade's worth of Christmas portraits in the archives of the National Photo Company. Some of which turned out better than others. View full size.
Dave

The Third Man: 1951 December 19, 2024
Occupied Germany at the U.S.-Soviet sector The East/West German border circa 1951, ten years before the Berlin Wall was built. U.S. Army soldiers Harry Manville, Dave Crosson, and Ray Kwapil (my dad). I have the Agfa Karat 35mm and Rolleicord 6x6cm Dad is dangling. Nice cameras, they are still working. Location: "Untersuhl by Eisenach, Germany, […]
JeffK
Eleanor & Mary: 1945 November 26, 2024
My wife's grandmother and a friend outside the family bakery in Nicetown, Philadelphia, around 1945. Located on North 15th Street. View full size.
exm1dog

Elder Abuse December 24, 2024
In reply to Festive Us: 1922: So why are the grandparents having to squat under the tree? As a geezer/boomer grandfather I am not amused! What happened to respect for your elders? I tell ya it started going downhill after 1900. [Grandparents?? These are Raymond and Rose Dickey and their children Granville, John, Alice and […]
fanhead
After the photo session -- December 24, 2024
In reply to Festive Us: 1922: Christmas dinner where the only sound was clanking of utensils and drinks being poured.
mwelch

Hungarian Wax Peppers October 18, 2024
Here’s an old Italian recipe for canning peppers, one of my husband’s favorites. Searching the internet, you’ll come across many variations — all probably good — but here’s a basic recipe to start you on your course. The kids and I canned these using the boiling method, though pressure canners might make the process easier. Not sure how, […]
gardenfrisk
Easy Microgreens June 13, 2023
Microgreens seem to be all the rage these days and for good reason: they are packed with nutrients and easy to grow! The USDA and University of Maryland found that leaves from microgreens had more nutrients than the mature leaves of the same plants. And great flavor. Plus, you don’t need a lot of space […]
gardenfrisk

Red and Green Chicken Enchiladas December 21, 2024
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our privacy policy for details. Can’t decide between red or green enchilada sauce? Now you can have both and have the best of both worlds! Sometimes you need red enchiladas, and sometimes you need green. This is where I have you completely covered. Called divorciadas or […]
Chungah @ Damn Delicious
Creamy Mushroom Pasta December 14, 2024
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our privacy policy for details. Creamy, garlicky, mushroom fettuccine that’s oh-so-fancy (and so stinking easy). An absolute weeknight staple here! Need a fancy dinner in? For company/friends/family/spouse/kids/all of the above? We have you covered with the creamiest mushroom fettuccine here, whipped up in no time, of […]
Chungah @ Damn Delicious

DIY Sweetgrass Basket Craft Inspired by Gullah Tradition by Josie Riviera May 22, 2024
Welcome back to Daufuskie Island, where every corner tells a story. This island is off the coast of South Carolina and is a 1 hour ferry ride from Hilton Head Island. Today I’m sharing how to make a sweetgrass basket: Materials: Coiled rope or raffia Colored yarn or embroidery thread Large-eye needle Scissors Instructions: Start […]
Josie Riviera
Daufuskie Delights: A Culinary Journey Through Gullah Flavors by Josie Riviera April 22, 2024
Welcome to Daufuskie Island, where time slows down and the rhythms of Gullah culture come to life. This inviting getaway off the South Carolina coast is more than an island; it’s a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Gullah people, descendants of West African slaves. These people were brought to work on the […]
Donna Fasano

More than 4,500 US troops are spending Christmas in Iraq and Syria, according to Pentagon figures December 23, 2024
Once again, the Pentagon has acknowledged that its footprint in the Middle East is bigger than it has claimed for years. In fact, after years of claiming that the total number of service members deployed to Iraq and Syria was about 3,400, the Pentagon acknowledged this week that 4,500 U.S. troops are in the two […]
Jeff Schogol
A Marine’s disciplinary record from 100 years ago reveals rank-and-file life as much the same December 23, 2024
An entry in a Marine’s service record from 1926 shows that even though the Corps has come a long way in 100 years, Marines are always gonna Marine. A currently serving Marine recently shared a disciplinary record for his great-grandfather on Reddit. He asked that his name not be included in the story because he […]
Jeff Schogol

Merry Christmas! December 23, 2024
Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas...From past Christmas Posts:Snow Globe images courtesy of Google's Gemini Image Creator A.I.
redlegsrides
Umarang's Black Water Tank Repairs, Part 2 December 21, 2024
A couple of days ago, after a test fill, there was still water splashing out of the black water tank's top side. It was time to take the tank off to see what was going on. Dammit.First though, I removed the toilet to see what could be seen from within the VRRV:This black fitting secures the […]
redlegsrides

The Myth of American Idealism: How US Foreign Policy Endangers the World December 16, 2024
If you’re not familiar with Noam Chomsky’s insights into the real causes and consequences of US foreign policy, The Myth of American Idealism is an excellent introduction. If you are familiar, it’s a great refresher. IMO, the biggest, high-level takeaways:1. Rulers have far more in common with and concern for each other than regard for the people […]
Barry Eisler
Nuclear War: A Scenario, by Annie Jacobsen December 13, 2024
There is no way to read Annie Jacobsen's Nuclear War: A Scenario and conclude other than that nuclear abolition should be a top priority for all world leaders. Nothing could be worth the risk to humanity of a highly emotional species, given to miscalculations, mistakes, and misunderstandings, possessing tens of thousands of the instruments of […]
Barry Eisler

Kashevaroff Mountain April 6, 2019
Long before we were a sailing family, Alisa and I were a young couple in love with adventuring in Alaska. The opportunity to introduce Eric and Elias to the delights of outdoor living in the Great Land was one of the big bright sides of our return to Alaska. Earlier this winter, the boys and […]
Letting go March 20, 2019
So...this beautiful island is our home. See the barky? The boys just had their spring break. A week off from school and nothing to keep us from buggering off in Galactic. The weather was generally poor - nothing like the pics above for the most part - so we just snuck off to the west […]

PDS on PBS II Cross post from "Frozen Grin" April 5, 2024
Here is a link to a story about my struggle to draw with Parkinson's Disease. the story is from "The Daily Cartoonist" a Web journal concerning the world of professional cartooning. It was occasioned by the release of the documentary "Matters of Mind, My Parkinson's" which follows three families and their efforts to cope […]
Peter Dunlap-Shohl
Matter of Mind, My Parkinson's, PBS Looks at PD and PD-S March 4, 2024
Here is a short trailer for the PBS documentary "Matter of Mind, My Parkinson's. It follows the attempts of three people and their families to cope with the progressive, disabling and incurable neurological condition. The film won the Audience Choice Award for documentaries at the recent San Francisco Film Festival, possibly due to a scenery-chewing […]
Peter Dunlap-Shohl

Identifying Devil’s Club Plant August 10, 2023
Devil’s Club is a common wild plant in Alaska that’s large & covered in hidden sharp thorns, growing everywhere from remote forests to even well-groomed Anchorage city trails. Just because you’re “in town” doesn’t mean you won’t run into devil’s club. It’s smart to stay on the trails, particularly if you’re not confident spotting it. […]
Ashley
Pumpkin BOO-berry Muffins (Fun Halloween Toddler Snacktivity!) October 21, 2022
Here’s a delicious fall-time spin on classic blueberry muffins. If you’re a solo adult who likes good food, this recipe is for you. Or if you’ve got extra kitchen “helpers” around (read: kids who need entertainment), turn baking these Halloween muffins into a fun toddler snacktivity. Pumpkin BOO-berry Muffin Recipe Ingredients: 2 boxes Jiffy brand […]
Ashley

"Home" vs. "Away" May 20, 2022
I’m home now. I’m looking at the flea market couch I brought up from California; I had cushions made three times over the years till I got it just right. Now it’s just right. It’s been in my life 42 years. Tim has been in my life 34 years, but he had to be out of […]
CloudyinAK
Goodbye, Toronto May 10, 2022
I’m saying my goodbyes to Toronto. I’ve seen my last Hot Docs Festival film, and I’m just back from my last author program. I’ve probably had my last roti, checked out my last book at my local branch library, gone to my last art workshop. Horror of horrors, I’ve even watched my last play. The thing […]
CloudyinAK

Pedestrian confusions December 24, 2024
The pedestrians are not the killers The mayor of Alaska’s largest wants to stiffen the so-called crime of “jaywalking” in the name of saving lives, and nobody seems to have asked […]
craigmedred
No salmon problems December 19, 2024
Industrial-scale, ocean farming all good – state officials Only weeks after a Seattle biologist warned Canadians that salmon numbers in the North Pacific Ocean have reached the point where ocean-farmed fish threaten […]
craigmedred

Malnourished launches today January 21, 2020
It’s here. The big day. My memoir, the one I spent 15 years struggling over, launches today from Raised Voice Press. I’m feeling very exposed, very vulnerable. This is not at all similar to when Dolls Behaving Badly launched from Hachette Book Group. That was a novel, and while some of it was based on… […]
cinthiaritchie
Book review: Secondhand Summer by Dan Walker December 1, 2019
I had had Alaska writer Dan Walker’s YA novel SECONDHAND SUMMER on my list for a long time, and two weeks ago finally had the chance to dive in. I wasn’t disappointed. Walker’s book, geared for middle school readers (but still immensely enjoyable for adults), follows 14-year-old Sam’s move to Anchorage from the small fishing… […]
cinthiaritchie

Sitka Nature Show #322 – Kitty LaBounty August 25, 2024
Download Radio Show The August 25th show featured a conversation with Kitty Labounty. We talked about the transition to fall here in Sitka, and some of the things it brings. Among the gifts of fall is the peak of mushroom season in our area. Kitty shared about here interest in fungi, including practical uses and […]
matt goff
Sitka Nature Show #321 – Patrick Webster August 11, 2024
Download Radio Show The August 11th show featured a conversation with Patrick Webster. He shared how a fascination with sea otters when young led to a career as a ship-based naturalist and underwater photographer. He is particularly passionate about inspiring appreciation for species that aren’t so often included among the charismatic megafauna. Check out Pat’s […]
matt goff

Sandra’s Overnight Artisan 10" Cast Iron Soft Bread-No Knead March 2, 2024
INGREDIENTS3-1/4 cups all-purpose flour1 teaspoon active yeast (not rapid or instant)1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt1-1/2 cups slightly warm water (tepid)--2 teaspoons canola oil (For top and bottom of dough ball so it doesn't stick or form crust while rising)-2 TB butter melted in ramekin, with brush (set aside)--10” Seasoned Cast Iron SkilletMETHODAdd flour to bowl. Add yeast […]
sandra
Sandra's Fresh Apple Pecan Cake (9x13") September 18, 2023
My husband loves this cakeso much he had two pieces 'after' eating lunch...Ingredients2 Eggs1 ½ cup Canola Oil2 cups Granulated Sugar3 cups A-P Flour2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon½ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg½ teaspoon Kosher Salt1 ½ teaspoons Baking Soda4 cups Chopped Apples (peeled and cored): measure after chopping1 cup chopped Pecans: measure after chopping1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract⅔ […]
sandra