Kilted to brûlée the crème

Who is that mysterious man at the Outlet Malls and why is he wearing a kilt?  It's just your humble blogger getting a butane torch to make some crème brûlée.

I'd never done it, but the Queen Of The World loves it.  As it turns out, it's dead simple:

Warm 2 cups of heavy cream and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract in a sauce pan.  You're not looking for boilage or even a simmer - wisps of steam means you're fine.

In a bowl, whisk 3 egg yolks and 1/2 cup of sugar for 2-3 minutes until the eggs are light yellow.  SLOWLY pour the cream into the eggs, whisking the whole time.  If your cream is too hot and you pour too fast you will curdle the yolks which will be kind of nasty.  So don't do that.

Pout the mixture into ramekins and put the ramekins into a large flat baking dish.  Fill the dish half way with hot water (the water will moderate the oven baking and give you a yummy smooth consistency).  Bake at 300° for 35-40 minutes.

Cool the ramekins.  Now it's time to brûlée.  Sprinkle the top of each with sugar - at least a teaspoon and maybe two.  You want good coverage.  Now take the torch and play the flame over the top, moving constantly.  The sugar will melt, then it will bubble, then it will turn brown - that's where it's just starting to burn (brûlée) a bit.  That's when you're done.

But the reason for the kilt is the Kilted To Kick Cancer fundraising.  Donations for Team Borepatch are appreciated, but the point it to fund prostate cancer research.  100% of donations go directly to research.

Get kilted, get checked.

Some of you have emailed saying that the site isn't taking your credit cards.  I've notified the admin, so please keep trying.

Does this nail polish make my ass look big?

The Queen got her nails done.

The ladies there didn't seem to mind the presence of, well, this.

Get kilted, get checked.

And donate.  Donations for Team Borepatch are appreciated, but the point it to fund prostate cancer research.  100% of donations go directly to research.

Everyone needs to get their Captain on

A Utility Kilt is an interesting change from the regular kilt - it has pockets so you don't need to wear a sporan.  Other than that, it's a kilt.  You collect admiring compliments when you're out and about (always from the ladys).

Gents, take notice.  Get kilted, get checked.

And donate.  Donations for Team Borepatch are appreciated, but the point it to fund prostate cancer research.  100% of donations go directly to research.

Kilted To Kick Cancer - toast the kickoff

It's September, which means that the annual Kilted To Kick Cancer fundraiser has started.  That's worth raising a glass to kick off the Kick.

Your humble host is in the middle.

But there's a reason for this season - men, get yourselves checked for prostate cancer if you (like me) are of a certain age.  Prostate cancer took Dad, but he caught it in time to get another decade.

And get kilted.  Chicks dig it.

And donate.  Donations for Team Borepatch are appreciated, but the point it to fund prostate cancer research.  100% of donations go directly to research.  So what are you waiting for?

Janus

The Romans worshiped the god Janus from early days.  The coin shown here is from ca. 250 BC, from the still vibrant Republic.  Janus was perhaps unique to Rome - unlike most of the other members of their pantheon there is no record of a Janus-like god among the Greeks who supplied much of Rome's culture.

Janus was long associated with the new year.  Our calendar inaugurates the year with the month of January, and this tradition dates back to Julius Caesar himself, who commissioned the Julian Calendar which began with that same month.

Janus looks back and forward at the same time.  The New Year's tide is a good occasion to look on our own lives, looking back on the past year and forwards on the new.

This year is going out with a bang for me.  Yesterday the Doctor gave me the results of the cancer test.  They were not what I'd hoped.  While still not conclusive, I've shifted out of the realm of not-entirely-reliable and into the realm of more-likely-than-not.  And a 30% chance of "High Grade" cancer.  Nothing but the finest cancer for Mom's little blogger.

Coming on top of the rest of the year, I shall not shed a tear for the late departing AD 2014.  We'll see how 2015 shapes up.

There's nothing immanent.  Dad got 10 good years after his treatment for this.  But he was 15 years older than I am now when they detected it.  Do I expect another decade?  Hells yes.  Do I expect another 25 years?  Dunno.

This time of year is for reflection on the past, and the future.  Our past is past, and Longfellow was eloquent that the dead past should bury its own dead.  Our future is what we will make of it.  Most of us live our lives locked in by our past choices, repeating year after year with little change.

Maybe I'll get a bigger motorcycle.  If ten years is what I have, then I have places to go.  This journey is perspective.  If you need some, you can't do better than this.  Or this:



May each of you have a joyous and prosperous 2015, beyond all your hopes.

Kilted To Kick Cancer - Final

Wow! Over $14,000 raised!  Thank you to everyone who donated, either to Team Borepatch or any others. 

And congratulations to Jay who beat me like a rented mule.

Kilted To Kick Cancer - Day 30: My Dogs are killing me

Nice collar!

The Silver Comet Trail used to be a rail line that went from Atlanta to Alabama.  As with much of life, it passed its usefulness and ended up abandoned.  But it was redone as a biking trail, and is now an outdoors destination for the ATL.  Like Wolfgang and a dashing (if unconventionally dressed) companion.

I'm keen to see how much we all raised - so far it looks like it's a little off from last year's total.  That would be a shame.  All month Jay, and Kelly, and all the Teams have put their dignity aside for a good cause.  I've found that it's been a wonderful experience, better than I had imagined.

And no, it's not because suburban hausfraus in the Publix parking lot tell me that they think it's hot.  Well, a little, but that's not the point.

This is the point:

This disease is cruel in what it does to the body; any military organization that did even a fraction of this to a prisoner would be guilty of war crimes.

Anger is one of the Seven Deadly Sins, deserving an entire ring of Hell in The Inferno.

Bless me, Father, for I have sinned ...

The cancer took Dad, and I'm still a little p***ed about that.  The fact that so many of you have donated means more than I can say.  For those who haven't, there's still another day left - it would be great to beat last year's total.  Remember, if you donate $24 via Team Borepatch, you'll get an autographed copy of my sister-from-another-mother Brigid's amazing Book Of Barkley. 

Kilted To Kick Cancer - Day 29: Almost gone

This has been quite a month, with the teams raising over $10,000.  Jay has opened up a comfortable lead, but I'm glad to have done my bit.  I keep thinking that Dad would have laughed his butt off if he could have seen me, but I also think that he would have smiled about it.  Thank you, everyone who donated via Team Borepatch for that particular thought - I means a lot to me.

But the month isn't over, and while collectively we've broken the $10,000 mark, that's just a number.  If you haven't donated yet, there's still time.  Remember, if you donate $50 via Team Borepatch, you'll get an autographed copy of Brigid's amazing Book Of Barkley.

Kilted To Kick Cancer - Day 27: Almost out of gas

We're down to the wire, and Blogfather JayG is starting to beat me like a rented mule.  Many thanks to everyone who's donated, and to everyone who has been considering, please help put us collectively over $10,000.  It's fully tax deductible, as a 501(c)3 charity.  The Donate link is here, and please select Team Borepatch.

And remember the bonus: the all donations of $50 or more via Team Borepatch will receive an autographed copy of Brigid's amazing The Book Of Barkley.

Kilted To Kick Cancer - Day 24: tricky to change a flat tire

I'm referring, of course, to the 1948 TASCO with it's odd wheel pods.  It looks like it was inspired by fixed gear 1930s aircraft landing carriages.  The whole car seemed to be inspired by air frames.

TASCO sands for The American Sports Car Company, and this concept car was the first to have a T-top roof.  The inventor (Gordon Buehrig) sued GM when they infringed on his patent with the 1968 'Vette.

We're coming down to the wire, and JayG in particular has harnessed the power of his fully operational Battle Star blog to pull neck and neck with Team Borepatch. But the point is not the competition, the point is the end goal - all the teams are pushing towards breaking $10,000 in this month's fund raiser.  Please click through to donate to this cause.  It's fully tax deductible, as a 501(c)3 charity.  The Donate link is here, and please select Team Borepatch.

And if you click through to read Brigid's post you'll see why she is also invested in this - her Dad is fighting that same fight right now.  She is so invested that she's made an enormously generous offer: the first twenty all donations of $50 or more via Team Borepatch will receive an autographed copy of her amazing The Book Of Barkley.

Note that I've modified the rules - all donations will get a copy of her outstanding book, because I'll buy them myself for her to sign.  So not only can you get a great read, not only can you support a great cause, but you'll help drive her rankings on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.  And you can watch me riding in a kilt.  If you screw your courage to the sticking point.

Kilted To Kick Cancer - Day 22: Who Framed Roger Rabbit?

I think that the artists who animated the file had actual models to use for inspiration for the wonderful cars in the flick.  Like the 1941 Chrysler Thunderbolt:

Everything was almost cartoon rounded.

It reminded me of this:

We're two thirds of the way through the fundraiser. Please click through to donate to this cause.  It's fully tax deductible, as a 501(c)3 charity.  The Donate link is here, and please select Team Borepatch.

And if you click through to read Brigid's post you'll see why she is also invested in this - her Dad is fighting that same fight right now.  She is so invested that she's made an enormously generous offer: the first twenty all donations of $50 or more via Team Borepatch will receive an autographed copy of her amazing The Book Of Barkley.

Note that I've modified the rules - all donations will get a copy of her outstanding book, because I'll buy them myself for her to sign.  So not only can you get a great read, not only can you support a great cause, but you'll help drive her rankings on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.  And you can watch me riding in a kilt.  If you screw your courage to the sticking point.

Kilted To Kick Cancer - Day 21: Heros

The 442nd Infantry Regiment is known as the most decorated unit in World War II, with 8 Presidential Unit Citations and 21 of its members awarded the Medal of Honor.  Amazingly, it was formed from Japanese-American volunteers who went off to fight while their families were interned in concentration camps by FDR.

At Japan Fest, there was a gentleman keeping that amazing story alive.

Those men were badass.  One of the Medals of Honor went to a Hawaiian boy named Daniel Inouye who lost an arm in the action which would win him that decoration.  We should remember these men and their story from a time that was very different than today.

The Kilted To Kick Cancer fundraiser is entering its final leg.  Please click through to donate to this cause.  It's fully tax deductible, as a 501(c)3 charity.  The Donate link is here, and please select Team Borepatch.

And if you click through to read Brigid's post you'll see why she is also invested in this - her Dad is fighting that same fight right now.  She is so invested that she's made an enormously generous offer: the first twenty all donations of $50 or more via Team Borepatch will receive an autographed copy of her amazing The Book Of Barkley.

Note that I've modified the rules - all donations will get a copy of her outstanding book, because I'll buy them myself for her to sign.  So not only can you get a great read, not only can you support a great cause, but you'll help drive her rankings on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.  And if we reach $2500 for Team Borepatch, you can watch a video of me riding the motorcycle in a kilt.  If you screw your courage to the sticking point.

Kilted To Kick Cancer - Day 20: Domo Arigato, Mr. Kiltobato

Today was Japan Fest with #2 Son.  In addition to cool things Japanese, that meant it was picture time!

I expect I was the only guy there in a kilt, and so attracted quite a lot of attention.  Antonio thought it was badass, but he was dressed up, too.

And I loved this lady of a Certain Age, rocking Sailor Moon.

I'm saving the best for tomorrow, though.  In the meantime, a musical interlude. 

I have a secret
I've been hiding
under my kilt ...

We're two thirds of the way through the fundraiser. Please click through to donate to this cause.  It's fully tax deductible, as a 501(c)3 charity.  The Donate link is here, and please select Team Borepatch.

And if you click through to read Brigid's post you'll see why she is also invested in this - her Dad is fighting that same fight right now.  She is so invested that she's made an enormously generous offer: the first twenty all donations of $50 or more via Team Borepatch will receive an autographed copy of her amazing The Book Of Barkley.

Note that I've modified the rules - all donations will get a copy of her outstanding book, because I'll buy them myself for her to sign.  So not only can you get a great read, not only can you support a great cause, but you'll help drive her rankings on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.  And you can watch me riding in a kilt.  If you screw your courage to the sticking point.

Kilted To Kick Cancer - Day 19: A guy in a kilt walks into a bar ...

The guy in the kilt expects the regulars to take a bit of the Mickey out of him.  But this is the best bar in the world, with Fred (the best barman in the world).

Mac McGee's on Canton St. in downtown Roswell, GA.  It's worth the trip.  Tell Fred that the goofy guy in the kilt sent you.  He'll probably tell stories on me.  Tip appropriately.

I've been repeatedly impressed at how positive the responses are to the kilt, especially once people hear about the cause.

Because it's not a good cause, it's a great cause.  Please click through to donate to this cause.  It's fully tax deductible, as a 501(c)3 charity.  The Donate link is here, and please select Team Borepatch.

And if you click through to read Brigid's post you'll see why she is also invested in this - her Dad is fighting that same fight right now.  She is so invested that she's made an enormously generous offer: the first twenty all donations of $50 or more via Team Borepatch will receive an autographed copy of her amazing The Book Of Barkley.

Note that I've modified the rules - all donations will get a copy of her outstanding book, because I'll buy them myself for her to sign.  So not only can you get a great read, not only can you support a great cause, but you'll help drive her rankings on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.  And you can watch me riding in a kilt.  If you screw your courage to the sticking point.

But at the end of the day it's generous people cutting you slack - and even donating! - for wearing what's most unusual attire.

Kilted To Kick Cancer - Day 18: Kilted Motor Madness and a challenge to you!

Things are getting jiggy in Roswell, GA.  Yes, I rode the bike wearing the kilt.  Yes, it was (ahem) exciting.  The things we do for fund raising.

And so to the challenge.  There are 12 days left in the Kilted To Kick Cancer fund raiser.  Ambulance Driver said that as of a couple days ago Team Borepatch had raised over $1200 (the thanks go to those of you who have donated).  He also said that he'd like to see the (then) total of $5600 get doubled.  I agree.

And so my challenge to you, Dear Reader: if Team Borepatch breaks $2500 by September 30 then I will post video of me riding in a kilt.  There, I said it.  You might not want to watch (what has been seen cannot be unseen), but I will put my dignity on the line for the Cause.

Because it's not a good cause, it's a great cause.  Please click through to donate to this cause.  It's fully tax deductible, as a 501(c)3 charity.  The Donate link is here, and please select Team Borepatch.

And if you click through to read Brigid's post you'll see why she is also invested in this - her Dad is fighting that same fight right now.  She is so invested that she's made an enormously generous offer: the first twenty all donations of $50 or more via Team Borepatch will receive an autographed copy of her amazing The Book Of Barkley.

Note that I've modified the rules - all donations will get a copy of her outstanding book, because I'll buy them myself for her to sign.  So not only can you get a great read, not only can you support a great cause, but you'll help drive her rankings on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.  And you can watch me riding in a kilt.  If you screw your courage to the sticking point.

Let's blow this away, everyone.  The Internet expects all readers to do their duty.

Kilted To Kick Cancer - Day 17: Going to the dogs

Well, to the dog park.  Wolfgang is rocking the kilt.

I'm a regular, and so people were happy to take my picture.  We had good conversations on the fundraiser which (hint, hint) is still going on.  Please click through to donate to this cause.  It's fully tax deductible, as a 501(c)3 charity.  The Donate link is here, and please select Team Borepatch.

And if you click through to read Brigid's post you'll see why she is also invested in this - her Dad is fighting that same fight right now.  She is so invested that she's made an enormously generous offer: the first twenty donations of $50 or more via Team Borepatch will receive an autographed copy of her amazing The Book Of Barkley.

Kilted To Kick Cancer - Day 16: Cyclone

More specifically, the 1959 Cadillac Cyclone.

Yup - Harley Earl was here.  390 cubic inches of big block goodness and a bubble top.  It had an anti-crash radar system (really!) hidden in these cones.

From back when Detroit dreamed outsized dreams.  This month we're dreaming outsized dreams about beating prostate cancer.  There are two weeks left in the fundraiser.  Please click through to donate to this cause.  It's fully tax deductible, as a 501(c)3 charity.  The Donate link is here, and please select Team Borepatch.

And if you click through to read Brigid's post you'll see why she is also invested in this - her Dad is fighting that same fight right now.  She is so invested that she's made an enormously generous offer: the first twenty donations of $50 or more via Team Borepatch will receive an autographed copy of her amazing The Book Of Barkley.

Kilted To Kick Cancer - Day 15: Nice shape!

This is so sweet I could feel myself getting a cavity just looking at it.

That's a 1935 Bugatti Type 575 Competition, designed by Jean Bugatti (son of founder Ettore.  One of these was recently discovered and sold at auction for 3.4 Million euros.  I guess collecting these is like collecting Picassos or Rembrants.

There are two weeks left in the fundraiser.  Please click through to donate to this cause.  It's fully tax deductible, as a 501(c)3 charity.  The Donate link is here, and please select Team Borepatch.

And if you click through to read Brigid's post you'll see why she is also invested in this - her Dad is fighting that same fight right now.  She is so invested that she's made an enormously generous offer: the first twenty donations of $50 or more via Team Borepatch will receive an autographed copy of her amazing The Book Of Barkley.

Kilted To Kick Cancer - Day 12: Back To The Future!

I missed yesterday's kilt picture with all the family drama.  But those of you who know me know that I'm nothing if not obstinate, and so it's back to the future!

That's a 1970 Lancia Stratos HF Zero, the only one of the cars that I'm been posting where I actually have a price tag.  This one was purchased in 2011 by the Petersen Automotive Museum for a cool €761.600 (around $850,000).  Yowzer.  The keen eyed among you will remember this car from Michael Jackson's 1988 film, Moonwalker.

But the car pr0n (and the kilt, err, pix) are just the surface trappings.  The fundraiser is the thing, and Justin at Kilted To Kick Cancer says that all y'all have donated over $3,500 so far (across all the teams)!  And there are still two and a half weeks to go.  It would be great if this year blew previous years away.

Please click through to donate to this cause.  It's fully tax deductible, as a 501(c)3 charity.  The Donate link is here, and please select Team Borepatch.

And if you click through to read Brigid's post you'll see why she is also invested in this - her Dad is fighting that same fight right now.  She is so invested that she's made an enormously generous offer: the first twenty donations of $50 or more via Team Borepatch will receive an autographed copy of her amazing The Book Of Barkley.

Damn

The doctor called, and my PSA is (still) elevated.  Getting referred to a specialist.  Gentlemen, this is why you get screened.

Or get kilted to kick cancer.  Or donate.  Please click through to donate to this cause.  It's fully tax deductible, as a 501(c)3 charity.  The Donate link is here, and please select Team Borepatch.

And if you click through to read Brigid's post you'll see why she is also invested in this - her Dad is fighting that same fight right now.  She is so invested that she's made an enormously generous offer: the first twenty donations of $50 or more via Team Borepatch will receive an autographed copy of her amazing The Book Of Barkley.