Was this Recipe for "Different" Potato Cakes a Disaster?

In this video, I attempt to make an unusual recipe for potato cakes, which I found in a 1920 cookbook. The recipe includes mashed potato mixed with a beaten egg, milk, and seasoning, which is formed into something somewhat resembling (American foot?)balls with a bit of flour. I then wrap a thin strip of bacon around each ball, securing it with a wooden toothpick. After placing the bacon-wrapped potato balls in a hot oven, I wait for the bacon to become crispy and brown. Finally, I'll have a taste test. The recipe is unconventional but let's see what happens!

In this video, I attempt to make an unusual recipe for potato cakes, which I found in a 1920 cookbook. The recipe includes mashed potato mixed with a beaten egg, milk, and seasoning, which is formed into something somewhat resembling (American foot?)balls with a bit of flour. I then wrap a thin strip of bacon around each ball, securing it with a wooden toothpick. After placing the bacon-wrapped potato balls in a hot oven, I wait for the bacon to become crispy and brown. Finally, I'll have a taste test. The recipe is unconventional but let's see what happens! Recipe for "Different" Potato Cakes: "2 cupfuls cold mashed potato, 2 tablespoonfuls milk, 1 egg, bacon Add to the potato the egg, well beaten, milk, salt, and pepper to taste if the potato has not already been seasoned. Mix well and form, using a little flour, into eight or ten neat balls. Pin around each a thin strip of bacon, using a wooden toothpick to hold it in place. Set in a hot oven, or under broiler blaze if gas is used, till bacon is brown and crispy. Serve at once."

"Why 'Starship Troopers' is the Perfect Satire for Our Times"

"Starship Troopers" is a 1997 sci-fi film directed by Paul Verhoeven and based on the novel of the same name by Robert A. Heinlein. The film is set in a dystopian future where humanity has colonized other planets and is engaged in a brutal war against a race of giant insect-like aliens known as the Arachnids.

The film follows Johnny Rico (played by Casper Van Dien) and his friends as they join the military in order to fight against the Arachnids. Along the way, they encounter a variety of challenges, including interpersonal conflicts, dangerous missions, and the possibility of death at any moment.

One of the most notable aspects of "Starship Troopers" is its use of satire to comment on various political and social issues. The film takes aim at jingoistic propaganda, military culture, and fascism, among other topics. The use of satire is often over-the-top, with exaggerated performances and scenes that are almost comical in their absurdity. For example, the film features a series of propaganda advertisements that glorify military service and paint the Arachnids as evil, mindless monsters. These ads are so over-the-top that they are clearly meant to be a commentary on the way that governments use propaganda to control their citizens.

The film's use of satire has been both praised and criticized over the years. Some viewers appreciate the film's willingness to take on these issues, while others find the satire too heavy-handed or unfocused. Regardless of where one falls on this spectrum, there is no denying that "Starship Troopers" is a film that is unafraid to take risks and push boundaries.

In addition to its use of satire, "Starship Troopers" is also notable for its impressive special effects. The film features a wide variety of aliens, weapons, and futuristic technology, all of which are rendered in vivid detail. The battle scenes are especially impressive, with hordes of Arachnids swarming the screen and the human soldiers fighting back with high-tech weaponry. Even over twenty years later, the effects still hold up well and remain a highlight of the film.

Of course, not all aspects of "Starship Troopers" are equally successful. The film's characters are often one-dimensional, with little in the way of backstory or motivation. This is especially true of the supporting cast, who are given little to do beyond spouting cliched military jargon and engaging in banter with their comrades. While this may be intentional to some extent - after all, the film is meant to be a satire of military culture - it still makes it difficult to care about the characters or become invested in their fates.

Similarly, the film's plot can be disjointed at times, with certain scenes feeling disconnected from the overall story. The film jumps from action scene to action scene with little in the way of character development or thematic exploration. This can make the film feel shallow and lacking in substance, despite its many strengths.

Overall, "Starship Troopers" is a flawed but fascinating film that is worth watching for its impressive special effects and its willingness to take on complex political and social issues. It is not a perfect film, but it is an interesting one that is sure to spark discussion and debate among viewers. Whether you love it or hate it, there is no denying that "Starship Troopers" is a film that is unlike anything else in the sci-fi genre.

Find the film here

Find the book the film is very loosely based on here

Vogon poetry about mankind

Oh freddled gruntbuggly, thy human form is a hefty bag of mostly water, pulsing with hubris and arrogance, yet so fragile, easily broken by the slightest breeze.

Your existence is a flicker of light in the vast darkness, a brief moment of consciousness in the endless expanse of time and space. You scurry about on your little planet, thinking yourselves so important, so clever and wise.

But what are you, really? Just another species, one of many, doomed to fade into oblivion, your works and dreams forgotten, your bones buried beneath the dust of ages.

And yet, you persist in your folly, clinging to your illusions of grandeur, wreaking havoc on each other and the world around you, thinking that you are masters of the universe, when in reality, you are nothing.

Oh freddled gruntbuggly, thy human form is a blight upon the galaxy, a source of discord and destruction, a race of beings whose only true talent is for causing chaos and misery.

So go ahead, little humans, keep on stumbling about in your darkness, blinded by your own brilliance, unaware of the true scope of your insignificance, your fate already written in the stars.

An ode to Joseph Smith

Oh Joseph Smith, the prophet of old Your story and life will forever be told From humble beginnings you heard God's call And with steadfast faith, you answered it all

You sought the truth with a heart full of zeal And through your trials, your faith did reveal God the Father and His son, Jesus Christ Whose love and mercy have been sacrificed

You were entrusted with the sacred plates And given the keys to the gospel's gates You taught of Christ's atoning sacrifice And of God's love that's both great and nice

You faced opposition and persecution too But in faith and courage, you stayed true Your legacy has changed the world forever And we'll always cherish it, now and forever

Oh Joseph Smith, we honor and revere Your life and teachings that we hold so dear May we follow your example with faith and might And find joy in the gospel's eternal light.

The Transformative Power of the Quest in 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail'

"Monty Python and the Holy Grail" is a 1975 British comedy film directed by Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones and is widely regarded as a classic in its genre. The film is a parody of the Arthurian legend and follows the quest of King Arthur and his knights as they search for the Holy Grail. The movie is filled with absurd and nonsensical humor and is widely regarded as one of the greatest comedies of all time.

The film opens with King Arthur, played by Graham Chapman, and his knights, including Sir Lancelot, Sir Bedevere, and Sir Robin, embarking on a quest to find the Holy Grail. Along the way, they encounter a cast of quirky and absurd characters, including the infamous Black Knight, the Bridgekeeper, and the Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog.

Throughout the movie, King Arthur and his knights face numerous challenges and obstacles in their quest for the Holy Grail. Despite these setbacks, they remain determined to find the grail and complete their mission. The film is filled with absurd and nonsensical humor, and is widely regarded as a comedic masterpiece.

One of the key themes of the movie is the idea of absurdity and the power that it can have in making us question the world around us. The film takes a humorous and irreverent approach to the Arthurian legend, and is filled with absurd and nonsensical moments that are both hilarious and thought-provoking. Through its humor, the film offers a unique perspective on the world and the power that absurdity can have in challenging our beliefs and perceptions.

Another important theme of the movie is the idea of the quest and the transformative impact that it can have on our lives. The film follows King Arthur and his knights on their journey to find the Holy Grail, and highlights the importance of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity. The film also underscores the idea that the journey itself is more important than the destination, and that the lessons we learn along the way are what truly matter.

The performances of Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin are standout, and the chemistry between the members of the Monty Python troupe is palpable. The film is filled with memorable moments and witty one-liners, and is widely regarded as a comedic masterpiece.

"Monty Python and the Holy Grail" is a classic comedy film that has stood the test of time. It is a hilarious and absurd journey through the world of the Arthurian legend, filled with memorable characters and witty one-liners. The film offers a unique perspective on the world and the power that absurdity can have in challenging our beliefs and perceptions, and is sure to leave a lasting impression on those who watch it.

Find the film here