Outstanding in His Field

Posted on May 27, 2014 by portfoliolongo.com

Every time I’d see Karl, I’d ask him about his donkey, and each time he’s say, “He’s outstanding in his field.”

Update: The Karl I was referring to was Karl Runser, whom I work with at ILGARD, now the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service. Sadly, a couple of months after moving back to Athens, OH in 2023, I learned of Karl’s passing. Please take a look at Karl Runser’s obituary. He was a man of integrity, honor, and wit, and it was a pleasure to get to know him on road trips to meetings and workshops throughout the Appalachian counties of Ohio. As outlined in his obituary, prior to working at Ohio University, Karl was Managing Editor of the Athens Messenger.

Check out this 1997 C-SPAN video to see Karl talk about the Athens Messenger: https://www.c-span.org/program/vignette/athens-messenger/175405

I drew this donkey on an iPad Pro using the Paper 53 app. I was thinking of Karl the whole time.

From the Archives: The archaeological Record

Posted on May 27, 2014 by portfoliolongo.com

Occasionally, we dip into the analogical past far beyond the digital confines of Paper by 53. Carbon dating techniques and the historical record indicate that the archaeological Record was endoodled in the fall of 1989 by one of the founders of portfoliolongo.com in Washington, DC during a graduate course entitled Archaeology and Physical Anthropology. Note the stylistic consistencies and the persistent resistance to perspectival regularity.

A Prayer by Rumi to Commemorate Cowboy’s New Dog Door

Posted on May 26, 2014 by portfoliolongo.com

First of all, that’s the rear end of a Belgian Tervuren named Cowboy going through his very own, brand new dog door. It took him around six cheese-assisted tries before he got the swing of it independently; it took me about five hours to install the door…with additional help from Ann!

It was well worth the effort! Cowboy now has direct and immediate access to the fenced-in, outside world, but because of the dog door, he can also take air-conditioned refuge from the Central Valley summertime heat. This is an appropriate development for a dog, who before our move to Merced, California, lived in an upper-floor, downtown Des Moines, Iowa loft! Three times a day, at least, for almost two and a half years, season after season, Cowboy would suit up, walk down the hall, get into and out of the elevator, walk through the lobby, out the front door, and continue for another 50 yards before he could finally get down to business! And he never complained once!!

This prayer goes out to Cowboy and all the other love dogs who teach us how to pray: (Link to YouTube Love Dogs by Rumi…or see it embedded below from my YouTube channel, plongeaux.)

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Ample Parking at Yang’s Strawberry and Produce Stand, Merced, CA

Posted on May 22, 2014 by portfoliolongo.com

For a little longer than a month we’ve been treating ourselves to the freshest, largest, most delicious, and least expensive strawberries I’ve ever come across. But that’s not all! There are many other kinds of berries, tons of produce, and herbs galore…all very reasonably priced.

When it comes to strawberries, I typically whip up some maple syrup infused cream and slather away, but I think it’s time to branch out into some new directions!

There are no marketing gimmicks, no distractions whatsoever in and around this stand on McKee and E. Alexander in Merced, CA; only friendly service, locally grown and just-picked fruits and vegetables, best prices in town, and plenty of free parking!

Between

Posted on May 21, 2014 by portfoliolongo.com

Here’s the image that came to mind just after I started reading this interview by Amy Santee with design anthropologist, Armonia Alvarado.

Armonia invited folks in the LinkedIn group, Ethnographers to read her interview by using the following quote, which helps us understand what is meant by design anthropology: “Mediation between objects and people has always gone in both directions. Anthropology breaks the dichotomies: person – object, humans – tools, user – designer, company – consumer. Anthropology reframes these relations, bringing processual understanding of the constant moving forward of creation and human reinvention. Design anthropology has given the industry the tools to create and respond to ever-changing human ecosystems.”

It was that quote that prompted me cognitively to drag out some of my favorite images in this illustration, e.g., facing mirrors and straddling stuff, in order to go back and understand the interview better.

Old Ford @ K & 26th in Merced, CA

Posted on May 20, 2014 by portfoliolongo.com

This beauty catches my eye every time I ride or drive by. I couldn’t resist the urge to photograph it last night on the way to the 17th Street Public House so that I could render it today.

Anyone know what year it might be? (thanks for the clue Jim; it’s a 1950.)

Making Sekanjabin, Persian Mint Syrup (recipe included)

Posted on May 19, 2014 by portfoliolongo.com

I had my first sip of an ice-cold sekanjabin just over 30 years ago, and I remember my immediate, four-word reaction, “This kicks thirst’s butt!”

A dear friend, Maryam carefully taught me how make sekanjabin years ago. I’ve included the recipe below, but I should warn you: internet research will uncover many variations of this ancient drink, including some that contain cucumber.

There are a few Youtube videos as well, see this one.

Even if you’re only partially inclined, give it a try the next time thirst messes with you!

SEKANJABIN RECIPE:
(Recipes vary. Adjust.)
Ingredients:
Sugar: 3 – 4 parts
Water: 2 parts
Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 part
Mint: 1 bunch

Preparation:
Dissolve sugar in water; when it comes to a boil add vinegar. Simmer for 1/2 hour. Add the mint, stir, remove from heat, and let cool over night before removing the mint and bottling (add a sprig of fresh mint in the bottle of syrup).
Serving:
Dilute the resulting syrup to taste with ice water (5 to 10 parts water to 1 part syrup). Add a sprig of mint. Sekanjabin stores without refrigeration.

Sunday AM: Time For 2 of 500 Spices

Image

Pre-Coffee?

Posted on May 17, 2014 by portfoliolongo.com

Have a preliminary coffee-like beverage in the hotel room? It raises other questions.

Monumental Bloviation

Posted on May 14, 2014 by portfoliolongo.com

I watched the United States of Secrets last night on Frontline. How upsetting!

Computer microminiaturization, new media, and the digital revolution may not be ushering us into the information age and the knowledge-based society as quickly as we would expect or hope. Maybe we’ve only just now technically entered the bloviation age?