Monthly Archives: July 2010

Chickens in Rothera (Seriously)

There is such a thing as a 48-Hour Antarctic Film Contest. Following strict guidelines, the participating research stations have 48 hours to script, act, film and edit a five minute work of cinematic art. Requirements change each year so that no station can get a head start on their film. For 2010, the line “Has anybody seen my chicken?” had to be included in the dialog. I am sure you can see where this is going.

The British Antarctic Survey‘s entry, From Rothera with Love, is an action-packed thriller about a mad scientist’s attempt to take over the world. And his love for a Chicken (Chicken Chicken). Got your popcorn handy?

‘From Rothera With Love’ by the wintering team at Rothera Station, Antarctica from Ben Tibbetts on Vimeo.

The chicken knitter, Ravelry Morganna, chronicles her completely alien (to me – 91F and thunderstorms this afternoon) lifestyle at Wholesome Fun at Home and Abroad. Sage and Onion (her finished chicken and rooster) can be found here.

Save The Date: Revenge of Dish Rag Tag

Sign-ups for Revenge of Dish Rag Tag will open on Monday, August 16, 2010 at 9am central time. They will close when participant capacity is reached or at 9am on Sunday, August 22, 2010. Whichever comes sooner.

The race will begin on Friday, September 3, 2010 when I mail the starting boxes. That’s Labor Day weekend, so boxes should arrive at Team Captain doors the following Tuesday.

Specific information for this year’s race will be announced immediately prior to the opening of sign-ups. But I will address the most pressing questions now:
How many people can play this year?
It looks like the race will be limited to 100 participants (10 teams of 10) and there will be a sign-up fee of $1 to cover postage for prizes and starting boxes. If the 100 slots fill in 24 hours, I will consider expanding to 120 participants (10 teams of 12).
What size box?!
We’ll stick with the USPS Priority Mail Small Flat Rate as the Official DRT Box. Postage rates went up again this year so the Flat Rate boxes for $4.85 (online rate +free tracking) is the most affordable and predictable rate available. Affordable being the key – I want this to stay a $10 swap.

Further questions specific to Revenge of Dish Rag Tag? Ask and I’ll answer in the comments so the responses are there for everyone.

If you are new to this, you might want to review the rules and regulations posts from past races.
Dish Rag Tag and FAQ
Dish Rag Tag: the Sequel and DRTS: the FAQ
Son of Dish Rag Tag This is the most relevant.

I’ve got six weeks to invent a dishcloth pattern, knit 10 of them and think up a fundraiser.

Can it be done?

Bar None

A Taste of Georgia calls them “Mock Baby Ruth Bars.” So does my Mom. I prefer “Chocolate-Topped Granola Bars.” It makes me feel less guilty about eating bar cookies for breakfast.

cookie

The whole “Baby Ruth” appellation makes no sense anyway.

Mom doubles this to make a 9×13″ pan. I have no self control, so I stick with half a recipe and a 9×9″ pan.

Chocolate-Topped Granola Bars

1/2 c. brown sugar
2 T. corn syrup
2 T. peanut butter (I like creamy, Mom likes chunky.)
1/2 t. vanilla
6 T. vegetable oil, butter or margerine*
2 c. oatmeal (I use old-fashioned, rolled oats but quick oats work too.)

Combine everything but the oats and stir until it’s all mixed up. Stir in the oats being careful get them coated. Spread this into a greased 9×9″ pan and smooth out the top. Bake in a 400° oven for 12 minutes (edges should be browning) while you mix up the topping.

1/2 c. chocolate chips
1/4 c. butterscotch chips
1/3 c. peanut butter

The minute the cookie comes out of the oven, spread this mixture on top. Keep spreading, the heat from the cookie will melt the topping into a gooey, delicious, swirly mess. Put the pan in the refrigerator until the chocolate sets before slicing into squares. If you can stand the wait. I store them in the ‘fridge during the summer.

cookie with bite missing

I want one right now!

*Mom and the recipe use butter. Many many years ago, I used canola in desperation and have never looked back. The oil gives the cookies a crispy, tender, flakey omnomnom and is a lot less greasy. Easier to mix up too.