Free For All

Friday! Time for a cooking project. Finished brining a turkey breast, it's now in the smoker being gently embraced by applewood smoke. To be served with asparagus and garlic mashed potatoes. I've become a fan of the brining process- it really makes a juicier product. I use water, kosher salt, brown sugar (or molasses) and seasonings (I like Old Bay, sometimes I'll use Tony Chachere's). I don't use quite as much salt as most recipes call for. Damn it smells good out there! Now if the rain just holds off for awhile...

Many Monday nights at the VV hearing the Thad & Mel band and its various incarnations. Favorite VV performance- Joe Henderson/Ron Carter/Al Foster in the 80s (circa the State of the Tenor recordings). Went back again the next night. Sat right in front both nights. Amazing music.

Mmmmmm......mole.

Were you in the men's room at the time?

Or macaroni.

Perhaps, but the lady can cook like the wind!

This thread was kinda fun before it got political. Since we aren't in the religion/politics forum could we please leave out that kind of content, gentlemen? Much appreciated.

Don Byas has a birthday today too!

Happy Birthday David!

Just now saw this. Thanks ubu!

Article He wrote the Addams Family and Green Acres themes. Lived to 93! RIP

Maria Shriver is kind of scary.

As is Michael Vick.

I just picked up the Live in London DVD and have been thoroughly enjoying it. Really an engaging performer.

Good game tonight between Denver and SD. That last Denver touchdown was a close call. I thought he didn't get in, but who knows. Denver undefeated in a "rebuilding" year! Whodathunk? Also, who'd have thought the undefeated teams at this point would be Denver, Indy, Minnesota and Nawlins? It's a crazy world.

Congrats, Ed. He sounds like a great kid. I hope he has a great time in the band!

I heard about this over the weekend. If there is already a thread let me know. Tony was in Corpus Christi for a performance- he apparently fell in the hotel and hit his head hard on the floor. He was rushed to the hospital and had surgery to ease pressure on his brain. The latest I've heard is that he seems to be out of immediate danger but there is likely fairly significant damage that may limit the extent of his recovery. I've known Tony for a long time going back to my Austin days. He is a very talented artist and beloved by all who know him. This is unbelievably sad news and I am hoping for the best. Please keep Tony in your thoughts and prayers. FYI, he does have a fan page on Facebook where there have been updates on his condition.

59-0?? WTF is going on with the Titans?

Just got back from a long weekend out of town, so apologies for being late to say: Congratulations to the whole Alfredson family! Them's a lot o' girls you got there, Jim.

Tappy Scottday!

Make that thrice nice!