Thursday, February 14, 2013

From My Pintrest: Soda Can Stove



Source: izit.org via Jacob on Pinterest

Friday, July 13, 2012

Hi, I'm a bearing.




Thanks for the insight Steve! Check out more of his run-throughs on Silverfish!

Friday, May 11, 2012

Vegan on a Budget: Super easy Quick and cheesy Quesadillas

I love to make these all the time so good.

The Recipe
4-5 Flour Tortillas
1 can Re-fried Beans (I like Rosarita, or you can make your own!)
1 bag vegan cheese shreds
and any spices you like, sometimes I use 'Mexican seasoning' from Sprouts.

Instructions
1)Put one of your tortillas on a plate and spread re-fried beans all over it, as much or as little as you like.
2)Next spread your cheese shreds on top, now is when you want to put on any spices.
3)Finally Put into a lightly greased skillet on medium heat, until the bottom is golden brown, then flip and do the same, now cut with a pizza cutter or a steak knife. Repeat until you have used all your re-fried beans.
4)Dip in some Tofutti faux Sour Cream and Enjoy!

Skate Spot Etiquette

Wow, haven't posted in quite awhile, been running around like, well, a busy person, but here is something I thought deserves way more face time, enjoy.

Skate Spot Etiquette by Cann0n on silverfishlongboarding.com

"Why have a Spot Etiquette?
Preserving the sanctity of a wonderful skate spot should be a natural feeling to any seasoned skater. Newcomers may do something careless, like get or cause injuries, damage property, litter, hit cars, and etc., which can cause a spot to serve consequences to attendees of a future session. 

What does it mean when a Spot gets Blown Out?

When a Spot gets Blown Out, local officials and residence don't enjoy our company. The tolerance toward skaters by the local community is subject to rejection upon visible or audible disturbance. In other words, someone will have a problem with skaters skating that spot, ask you to leave or simply call the local police station. Refusing to leave is a sure way to end a friendly situation. 

How do I prevent spots from getting blown out? 

Keep spots to yourself. The more people that know about it, the faster it will be blown out. Don't mention road names or have them visible in videos. Spot etiquette should be followed regardless of whatever location you skate. Remember to smile and wave at all passersby. Be friendly and courteous of the community you skate in. Pick up all your trash, be conscious of your language (don't curse, especially around children) and be mindful of others using the road. Wear your safety gear, accidents happen. Calling 911 is the last thing you want. Always wearing your helmet can help prevent a bad situation. Cars should be avoided at all costs! If a car is coming the other way, stay in your lane or get off the road altogether.

Who Blew Out the Spot?

The skater(s) that attract unwanted attention. Large groups or gathers of skaters, which is why it's not the best idea to idle around at the bottom and waste time talking. Skaters that skate outside of their ability and crash. Skaters that fail to be aware of their surroundings, skating right out in front of cars or police. Cars own the streets, not skaters. Skateboards are easily crushed by cars. Severe injury, which may consists of an emergency rescue, can persuade local law the installment of a rule/sign that is intended to reduce future injury or other liability issues. Sharing skate spots with the masses (internet) allow a spot to be subject to overuse. The more skaters, greater the chance of causing an issue with the locals. In every case, the skater(s) are not aware that they are blowing out the spot(s).

Did I Step On Anyone Toes?
It is very likely that someone was offended that you skated their spot. Some spots are held so sacred by the native skaters, an outside-skater must understand the power of such a bond with ideal terrain. If you have seen the spot in a video, it is likely not yours to skate unless you are invited. This is not always true for many skate spots are not filmed. There is no way of a outsider knowing. It is best to contact people you know that do skate these spots to escort you on that particular skate sesh. Don't bring friends to gnarly skate spots, especially if the terrain is far above their skill level.

Where Do I Skate?

Every skater has his or her favorite spot. Find a spot. Drive around until you find one in your neck of the woods. Get with your friends and localize your spots. There are spots hidden in the most desolate areas. Always assume you aren't the only one skating that spot. 

What Are Spotters?
Spotters are people that stay at the bottom intersection or blind corner that keep a lookout for traffic, pedestrians, or other hazards. Signs should be used in order to signal skaters on their journey down in case they need to stop exists. It is very dangerous skating through an intersection blindly. Spotters are your remote eyes. If people are sitting around watching, tell one of them to save your life and keep an eye out.

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Who Uses Hand Gestures and Sign Language?
There are many gestures someone can use. Both spotter and fellow skaters are advised to use signals. This will allow a skater so signal the skaters directly in rear. It is wise to be courtesy to the individuals traveling behind you.

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This guy isn't the best spotter; he should be in the middle of the road making sure you see him. Make sure your spotter is focused on saving YOUR life. 

What If I Don't Know How To Slide?
A good rule of thumb is "do not skate faster than you can stop". Stopping is important. If you are going faster than you can skate, you are skating outside of your limit. You are a danger yourself and to those skating downhill with you. If so, you should probably learn to Coleman slide. RipTide How To: Coleman Slide (180 and Pendy) - YouTube

Lessons Learned.
1. Know your limits.
2. Wear proper gear.
3. Progress in a controlled environment. 
4. Respect the roads and respect the residents. Always be courteous and friendly. We are not entitled to anything, At best, we are uninvited guests. It is YOUR job to ensure that we have hills to skate for years to come.
5. Don't blow out spots.

Check out this awesome thread!
Downhill Etiquette by Kevin Reimer

Share this with your friends. Spread spot preservation awareness.

Credits to Sheldon Jacobson for the ideas and Mike Watts for being him. Jared Tyler too."

Certainly needs to be shared! Until next time...

Tuesday, April 03, 2012

A Closer Look at one Vegan Cheese Cubstitute

CHEESE! Yeah I'm vegan but that's not because I don't like the taste; And while there are quite a few vegan cheese substitutes, to day we are going to focus on Daiya.

Daiya began in 2005; being developed for 2 years, and in 2007 Daiya was introduced at the Natural Products West Expo in Anaheim, California. In the 4 years following Daiya won first place in the BC Innovation Council (BCIC) 2009 Commercialization of Agricultural Technology Competition, the PETA Libby Award for best vegan cheese, best vegan cheese award from VegNews and the 2010 Proggy Award for Company of the Year from PETA.

While Daiya only makes 6 products (Vegan cheese shreds and now wedges, super excited to try!) they are also partners with companies like Amy's, Gardein, and Tofurky. Recently I contacted Daiya concerning their ingredients, because let's face it, it effects all of us that eat vegan cheese, this is what they said:
"Thank you for your email and your interest in Daiya and our deliciously dairy free products! Due to proprietary rights of our flavor suppliers we are not able to list the source of ingredients. However, we can tell you that they are plant based (mainly oils and essences), 100% GMO and MSG free. The flavors are natural and do not contain many of the common allergens including soy, dairy (casein and lactose), gluten, eggs, rice, peanuts and tree nuts (except coconut oil)."
What does this mean for me? Well I remain reasonably skeptical, but I will keep buying from Daiya, while others may choose to avoid it, but ultimately it is up to you. I hope this helps you to make smart decisions and to stay healthy, thanks for reading subscriptions are deeply appreciated. See ya later!

Sources:
daiyafoods.com
wikipedia.com

Thursday, December 08, 2011

Vegan On A Budget: Mashed Potatoes and Soup!

Okay just quick post. This one is simple and really cheap; about $1.25 per serving depending on where you get your soup.

The Recipe?
1 Box Instant Mashed Potatoes
1 Can Soup (I use a no-name chunky vegetable soup)

Instructions
1) Follow instructions for 2 (for me its usually 4 actually) servings of mashed potatoes.
2) Cook soup according to instructions on can.
3) Combine in induviual bowls.
Done!

Really simple, super quick, and filling! Enjoy!

Tuesday, December 06, 2011

Vegan On A Budget: Baked Potato Soup Bowl

In these tough economic times it can be rather hard to be vegan on a budget, but have no fear it is possible to be ethical and economical! Here is a simple yet filling little recipe I wiped up the other day for lunch.


The Recipe (serves two)
2 Medium or Large Potato's (depending on how hungry you are)
1 Can of your favorite soup (I used Amy's Lentil)
1 Tablespoon of Parsley for garnish

1) Preheat oven to 350°, wash potato's and stab with a fork on one side, place in oven for 30 to 40 minutes.
2) When the potato's are almost done cook soup according to instructions on can, set aside.
3) Take potato's out and cut off one side, then dig out the flesh with a fork and set aside.
Extra step: Instead of setting potato flesh aside make a little pile in the center of a plate and place potato on top
4)Spoon soup into potato and top with garnish.

Enjoy! More coming soon.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Anger Management and Skateboarding

I see this a lot so I thought this was worth posting.

"You've probably all seen it before:

You're skating somewhere, and there's some other people around skating there too (skatepark, streetspot, whatever).
Maybe you know the people skating, maybe not.

Anyways, at some point someone attempts some trick and either bails it or eats it in the process of trying to land it.
Perhaps the board even cracks/breaks or something else more or less renders the skate unskateable...

Well, here comes the tantrum:



Board gets picked up, and board gets hurled into the ground or smashed against something.
Either it's just kicking the board over, or focusing the thing all together, some serious aggression is taken out the instrument they are riding.

Some people (not just kids) seem to have a problem with realising that the saying rings true to "don't blame the instrument, blame the musician." In this case, don't blame the board, blame the rider.

I could care less how frustrating it is to not be able to land that tre-flip down the 4 stair after the 57th time. I'm sorry you sprained your wrist or whatever, but taking it out on your skateboard only makes you look like a bratty 3 year old crying for the Whaaaaambulance.

Tantrums are ugly to watch. I think it's evident that the one throwing the tantrum (and board) is only seeking attention to somehow offset their own personal frustration over the situation. It's childish, and lame.

I have no sympathy for hockey temper skaters.

If you can't land it, keep trying. Eventually you'll nail it.
If you get hurt, it understandable to get angry. But freaking out on your skateboard isn't going to make it hurt any less.

The bigger man sacks up, doesn't cry and for gawd's sake doesn't chuck their skate halfway across the skatepark. Picking on an inanimate object isn't "cool" and is downright stupid.

Flipping chill out and count to 20 or something, sheesh!"


What do you do to calm down while skateboarding? Leave a comment below!

What Vegans Eat

From I Love Charts
Re-bloged from Your Daily Dose of Vegan Outreach!