Osmosis Online--The Blog

Famous Zucchini Soup

2011-09-07T13:39:00.000-07:00

Since I mentioned it in this piece, "Moral Dilemma of the Week: I Found a Wad of Cash," I figured I may as well share the recipe.

Hardly gourmet, hardly complicated, but dammit it's delicious.

(Plus since step 9 of today's piece by Julie Feinstein Adams reminds us that BLOGS NEED TO BE UPDATED, well . . . here you go.)

FAMOUS ZUCCHINI SOUP

About 6 medium zukes, cleaned and cut into chunks
1 chopped yellow onion (medium to large)
olive oil
3 tablespoons of chopped garlic (or more. I go with more).
3 cups of low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock (low-sodium because most national brands put the dreaded MSG in the full-sodium version)
1 cup of milk/lowfat milk/unsweetened soy milk (I prefer the soy in this)
Salt
Pepper
Chili flakes
Parmesan cheese.

Put olive oil in sauce pan with onions. Cook 3 minutes, slowly stirring. Add garlic. Cook for another 15-30 seconds. Add zucchini, a pinch or two of salt, pepper, and chili flakes to preference; still stirring, cook until zucchinis begin to get tender (3-5 minutes). Add broth; bring to boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 20 min. Take off the heat. Get your immersion/hand blender; blend until smooth or mostly smooth (I like some zuke pieces still floating about in there). Add milk, stir. Parmesan to taste. Serve hot OR cold, delicious either way.

PREP TIME: Maybe 10 min.

COOKING TIME: About 30 min.

You're welcome.

Fiction!

2011-06-13T12:45:00.000-07:00

While we've made a habit of mostly publishing magazine-style articles, Q&As, essays, and opinion pieces, OO has not published much fiction. Sure, we've published parody of dubious humor, and we've published a serialized fictional story in graphic (i.e., comic book) format in the form of Apocalypse Meh.

But today marks our first publication of fiction in its most-traditional form: a prose short story. Now I know 5,000 words of fiction is a tough sell for the short attention spans of the Internet crowd (of which I am one, of course), I'm really very pleased that Tami Levin submitted "Snow Globe" for publication consideration. It's really a fine story and instantly one of the finest things with which OO has had the pleasure of being associated.

(And, on the subject of the short attentions of the Web audience, I'll defer to Winston Rowntree, of the Subnormality Web comic, who once told me: "In terms of the arts I’d consider “conventional wisdom” to be a fairly obvious oxymoron, and I think so would anyone who has the intention of creating something genuine as opposed to something that nobody will make fun of.")

People of Wal-Mart Video . . . Spiritual Successor to Trader Joe's Commercial?

2011-05-12T13:18:00.000-07:00

It's definitely filled with less love than all-time classic "If I Made a Commercial for Trader Joe's" -- but this video by Jessica Frech seems to me to sort of be the spiritual successor to Carl Willat's TJs-centric masterpiece. Clever wordplay, visual jokes to go along with it, catchy tune, and DIY aesthetic . . . okay, it's kind of mean, but hard to turn away.

Check it out for yourself below.

Anthologies--Woo!

2011-04-03T20:15:00.000-07:00

Man, I love anthologies, especially of the comic book variety.

I'll admit they are exceedingly difficult to review, since each story is likely to be of a different quality (oh, Pop Gun and MOME, how I love thee . . . but there's always one or two stories that plod). But they are also a ton of fun, especially if you are in the mood for a short, done-in-one kinda story, either a bunch or one at a time.

In fact, I was super excited to accidentally discover that comic book fantasy anthology Elf World, which was a one-off from a few years back, has resurfaced as a quarterly book, and number two is about to come out. Check out info here. The original was like a breath of awesome (I talked about it on SFist a little like a million years ago).

So that's a nice surprise. Currently attempting to earmark 12 bucks to buy the new series.

Another nice surprise is that OO contributor (writer of the Apocalypse Meh! comic and semi-frequent looks at the world of comics) Jonathan Westhoff is organizing a kickstarter campaign to publish an anthology. It's basically a sampling of stories from creators that met on the 11 O'Clock Comics forums, the online presence of a quite popular podcast.

I was inclined to like it because Jon was involved, but just checking out those sweet samples on the kickstarter page made my jaw drop, jest a little bit.

So, if you like anthologies, good art, and publications that really capture the spirit of comics, definitely check out Elf World, and seriously consider a donation to Jon's kickstarter campaign.

Marvel Comics for Free? There's a Catch

2011-03-25T09:03:00.001-07:00

(*you gotta drink some Starbucks)

Gosh, this is really interesting.

We wrote in November about the roll out of "Starbucks Digital Network," where Starbucks customers can access Wi-Fi along with content from several partners for free while doing so.

It looks like Marvel Comics is joining the party, allowing Starbucks patrons to browse comics through Marvel's Digital Comics Unlimited service.

The Marvel DCU is usually $10/month, equal to about five cups of Starbucks drip coffee, or maybe three espresso drinks (though year-long commitments currently go for about $60/half off).

You know I love to criticize SBUX, but this actually seems like a great move for both parties. I think people would in fact indulge in Starbucks for a Marvel DCU preview, and those used to spending so much on coffee, not to mention people that are online and enjoy reading, seem to be a great target market.

Looks like I'll be visiting Starbucks again pretty soon--the partnership starts April 23--just to check out the MDCU interface and catalog. Might be fun to see how the Hulk looks on my Droid.

Starbucks' New Trenta Monstrosity Rolling out Nationwide

2011-01-18T07:59:00.000-08:00

It's true! We told you last March about the testing phase of Starbucks' extra-large Trenta size; now word's come out that the 31-oz. beverages will be widely available.

Yes, this represents the further denigration of SBUX into a business catering to the lowest common denominator, but of course going the instant route with Via was really the point of no return in that regard. For anyone overly incredulous about this, let us remind you: Big Gulp, at 32 ounces, is still bigger; naturally, the Double Big Gulp, at 64 ounces, is even more egregious.

It's still being billed as "cold drinks only," but I'll stick with my "The customer is always right/Starbucks is the new 7-11" line of logic in thinking hotter drinks will follow within the year. The Trenta size will be about 50 cents more than a Venti according to reports.

Goodman's Bastard Machine Is Back; We All Win

2011-01-05T08:58:00.001-08:00

America's most readable TV critic is relaunching at his new home. Tim Goodman, formerly the best reason to read the San Francisco Chronicle/SFGate Web site, is now the best reason to check out The Hollywood Reporter. His blog, The Bastard Machine, lives again in a slightly flashier form; do yourself a favor and check it out . . . HERE's his first post since relaunch (Jan. 4).

One of the Most Horrific Things In Existence

2011-01-03T13:36:00.000-08:00

This 10th anniversary commemorative Sept. 11 coin is more of a slap in the face to those that dealt with 9/11-based hardships than anything else. How tacky.

When the Criticism Outshines What it Critiques

2011-01-03T13:32:00.000-08:00

This essay on Savage Critics by Abhay Khosla may be the favorite thing I've read in months. No disrespect intended to Misters Morrison nor Burns; what I've read of the works Khosla dissects are good to very good. But the critique is just great reading, even, I suspect, for people only mildly familiar with the subjects.

A List of "Flavorite" Comics Stores

2010-09-30T11:23:00.001-07:00

Jonathan Westoff shouted out Quimby's in this recent post. Check out Quimby's -- and Flavorwire's other 9 favorites -- HERE.

GoDaddy Shoots First, Asks Questions Later; Ignores Responses.

2010-09-07T12:03:00.000-07:00

The headline says it all. Main site down due to bullcrap.

At about 3:30, site went live again. That's about six hours down for no good reason. I do appreciate that the reviewers took less than the 36 hours the customer service rep said they would.

Shedding a Tiny Bit of Light on the Mysterious Trader Joe's

2010-08-24T05:59:00.000-07:00

Almost a year ago now, OO talked to Carl Willat about the awesome unsolicited commercial he made on behalf of Trader Joe's, and a few of the other "TJ's as a cultural phenomenon" standard-bearers.

Recently, Fortune Magazine covered some of the more business-oriented aspects of our favorite, and notoriously tight-lipped, grocery store. Check it out!

Adam WarRock's new version of 'Ira Glass'

2010-08-05T08:19:00.000-07:00

Eugene Ahn, a.k.a. "geek emcee" Adam WarRock, has just released a new version of "Ira Glass," his collaboration with Ruckus Roboticus that is an ode of sorts to the NPR radio personality of that name.

Check out the entry on the Adam WarRock Web site, where you can hear the track and purchase it for a mere buck.

If you missed our interview with Ahn, check it out here to find out what the scoop on Adam WarRock and his alter ego is all about.

RIP Harvey Pekar

2010-07-12T09:27:00.002-07:00

Harvey Pekar has passed at the age of 70. One of the unique personalities and storytellers we've seen. For more info, go here. UPDATE: Or go here. Cuz I wrote that one.

Stevia Sweetened Soda Follow-up

2010-06-21T11:48:00.000-07:00

Today, I happened to try this, the Cherry Vanilla Creme version of Blue Sky Free, the stevia-sweetened line from Blue Sky.

It's only fair to follow up on the original article, given the very small sample size.

While this flavor definitely has the characteristic more-muted sweetness of the stevia/sugar alcohol combination, the bright, slightly tart cherry finish seems to totally mask the stevia's potential "winter green paste" effect.

So, at least for today, I'll informally crown Blue Sky Free Cherry Vanilla Creme as the king of naturally sweetened, sugar-free sodas, and formally recommend it.

Hey. We Scooped the Atlantic

2010-06-12T09:27:00.001-07:00

I can't believe a few days after I posted my semi-rant photo essay about mulberries, the Atlantic Monthly food blog had to weigh in.
I feel so wronged! (j/k)

Let's compare:

Osmosis' opening line: "My driveway is covered in purple bird shit."
Ultimate solution: Make mulberry vodka

Atlantic's opening line: "Mulberries. Until recently, a mere mention this tree would get me going. I hate mulberry trees. They'll conquer your yard and are nearly impossible to kill. "

Solution: sorbet; panna cotta

Nice piece, Atlantic, but please excuse our vain proclamation: O.O. FOR THE WIN!

One, two, three, I vant to suck your blood

2010-06-09T14:05:00.000-07:00

Friend of O.O. Zee Burns wrote this fun piece on Metacritic which ranks vampire shows and offers some commentary. One photo, the Count, indicates that Sesame Street isn't in the running despite the number-obsessed little bloodsucker.

Despite this egregious oversight, this is quite an enjoyable feature. Personally, number four, Angel, is my number one, and number three, True Blood, would come next (though I've only seen season one).

Hamblogger -- a new site we can appreciate

2010-04-27T09:12:00.000-07:00

Photojournalism + burgers. Sounds promising. Check it out: http://thehamblogger.com/

666 episodes of Coverville? This calls for a theme show!

2010-04-20T20:00:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite podcasts, Coverville -- the cover-song centric, always entertaining music show -- has reached episode 666! Brion Ibbot, host of the show (who spoke with O.O. for this article a few months ago) writes on Coverville.com:

Coverville 666: The Devil Went Down To Coverville
Really, what else could I do for episode 666? You’ll hear songs that reference all things underworldly, and a Rolling Stones cover that will shake you to your very foundations. Maybe.

Sure to be a must-listen -- check it out here, and come back often (or subscribe) if you like what you hear. (Also kinda goes with our new Web Comic, Apocalypse Meh!)

Scott Belcastro posts more art -- have a look!

2010-04-07T11:05:00.001-07:00

Scott Belcastro, whose eerily beautiful art was featured by our very own Matt Graves a few weeks ago, has let Mr. Graves and other fans in on a little secret: five more paintings for your perusal over at his site.

I'm especially fond of "At an Immaculate Decimal."

Check 'em out.

More coffee news: $13 Coffee with Jay Caragay

2010-04-07T11:04:00.000-07:00

Mr. Jay Caragay, whom we recently interviewed, was cited in a piece on CNN today concerning the, erm, aspirational value of certain cups of coffee.

Aside from the headline, which is just silly (though I suppose we at O.O. shouldn't be throwing headline stones), I thought it was very fair, mainstream coffee coverage. As with comics, another favored topic around here, the world of specialty coffee often gets dumbed down or stupidified in the hands of the mainstream media. So this is a nice little piece.

Creating a Ghost

2010-03-17T14:31:00.000-07:00

Matt Graves, our multi-talented photo dude, has revealed on his own blog the manner in which he created his recent "Ghosts" photo series, which we posted on the main site last week.

The nut quote:

I went about this by shooting white styrofoam balls of varying sizes on white corrugated paper next to a large window facing west. I shot as the sun was setting so the light was coming directly through the window, which created sharp shadows from the styrofoam. That is where I concentrated my shooting, on the shadows, the "nothing in between" area.

For the rest of the story, check out Matt's blog.

Jayelle Hudson Featured at Juxtapoz

2010-02-25T08:48:00.000-08:00

The discriminating eyes over at Juxtapoz have become hip to Jayelle Hudson, an artist that we featured last September here.

(Reminder: you can meet all of OO's featured artists on this dedicated page)

Juxtapoz's piece gets a little more in depth with Hudson, who explains some of the sensibilities behind her designs. Check it out . . . now!

Secret Origins

2010-02-23T15:56:00.000-08:00

Some PR lady approached me the other day with an offer to join her database of blogs*, so that both content providers and product peddlers could join up for corporate interests.

Hmmm. Not really our thing. But my response to her sort of encapsulated my thoughts on O.O.:

"We cover pretty much anything our writers find interesting, from food and pop culture to literature, small business, art, photography, politics, and even sports from time to time. We function on a policy-based approach, not a content-based one . . . the policy being: if you give a sh*t, write about it. Our goal is to create content with personal resonance from the writer that will add weight to the story for the reader. . . . [and thus her service wasn't really in our bailiwick]"

Osmosis Online is mostly an effort to see what you might accomplish by banding together with people you find intriguing and talented to share your collective sensibilities with a larger audience. Not just the writers, but folks like the ultra-talented Charlene Tiedemann, who designed the logo, and the legal advice from a buddy who I would name, but I haven't cleared it with him first.

*Oh, and we're not a blog. I mean, THIS page is the O.O. blog, but we call the main site a "Web Magazine" and we're sticking to it. Blog being a mostly useless term, right, since all blog format means is publishing in a chronological top-to-bottom order . . .

Who is Mr. Silence Dogood?

2010-02-18T09:23:00.000-08:00

One of the problems with working in politics is you can't express your true opinions. At least not to a public audience.

Enter our political insider, the pseudonymous Mr. Silence Dogood.

He chose his nom de plume based on a similar faux identity assumed by one of our nation's founding fathers. Ben Franklin = Mrs. Silence Dogood. So is Mr. Silence Dogood similarly transgendered by his (her?) pen? Or is it a trick to throw you off his/her trail?

Damned if I know.

But I like his/her stuff. Even when I don't agree.

By all accounts, it's been too busy a political environment to get any writing done, but more will be forthcoming at some point. In the meantime, Mr. Silence Dogood's contributions dominate OO's Politics Page. See what you think.

We Like People

2010-02-11T10:41:00.000-08:00

Christopher Neseman, one of the subjects of my article on podcasting back in September ("It’s The New Dial: Popular Podcast Proprietors Talk About Talk"), recently revealed to his audience that his show "Around Comics" is being put to pasture after a rather good run. He can still be heard on other shows, including 11 O'Clock Comics, and some special projects for the gang at iFanboy.

It's a little sad for fans of the show, but it's also a good reminder that things change. As they should. The prospect of a static world is pretty frightening. But it really pounds the point home that there's a fairly limited window in which you can show your appreciation for something. I interviewed Chris and the others from that article (Peter Rojas of GDGT, Patrick Melton of NLO, Brian Ibbott of Coverville) because I dig their respective acts.

I need to credit Ken Coffelt, who recently came on board to talk movies, but has really excelled at coming through with cool interviews. It was his piece about BabyWit that prompted me to pursue the recent pieces with cartoonist Minty Lewis and entrepreneur Kristin Fraser Cotte . . . and I have a few in progress in my pocket that should be pretty great. (Here's a hint on one of them).

Add Ken's recent interviews with Jeffrey Luck Lucas and our bevvy of featured artist pieces (which, Matt tells me, has a pretty amazing entry coming soon), and maybe we're finally living up to one our original goals: to spotlight "interesting people doing interesting things."

Thanks for listening. Next up: two very different takes to Valentine's Day . . . from the same writer.

Welcome

2010-02-10T16:45:00.000-08:00

While I've distinctly never characterized Osmosis Online as a "blog" (rather, it's a "Web Magazine"), I thought it could be a worthwhile endeavor to have an accompanying, actual blog for O.O.

So here it is.

What's the point? Well, there are a few. First, my ability to market O.O. has been severely limited, and I think from a search standpoint, and maybe "more real estate" standpoint, an accompanying blog can help get our contributors the attention they deserve (I make no such claims about my own articles, mind you. Except maybe the peeing in the pool one. Ha ha.)

I also thought it would be cool to occasionally offer some behind-the-scenes thoughts about the pieces we publish. The thought process, the internal discussions we had, etc. Like the argument Milla and I had about her very popular Sarah Palin thing. I'm not telling you who won.

In any case, I intend to "blog" in the next few days about how O.O. came to be, as well as offer some commentary on the site . . . and maybe some thoughts on other things outside of O.O.'s purview as well.

In any case, I intend to have fun writing it; if someone else enjoys it as well, all the better.