K.O. Zine

Recipes

2010-02-11T14:48:00.000-08:00

My mom has made this for us for as long as I can remember. To me it's like a mix between french toast, a crepe, and pancakes. The best of all great breakfast sweets. I made it this morning for Greg and he loved it. So, here it is!

Dutch Baby's AKA German Pancake

Ingredients:

1/3 c. butter
4 eggs
1 c. milk
1 c. flour
1 tsp. sugar
touch of cinnamon

You will need a 13x9 casserole pan. It can be glass. Put the butter in the pan and heat until melted in the oven at 400 degrees. Meanwhile mix all the other ingredients in a blender for 30 sec. to a minute. Once the butter is melted take the pan out of the oven and pour the blended mix into the pan. Return to oven and let bake for 20 minutes. While it is cooking it will rise and then once you remove from the oven it will sink. It's great with syrup and powdered sugar or fruit. This last Christmas my mom made it with this lovely sauce:

Banana Butterscotch Sauce

Ingredients:
1 c. brown sugar
1/4 c. butter
2 tsp. water
1/2 c. sour cream
1/2 c. chopped and toasted walnuts or pecans
2 bananas peeled and sliced
pinch of salt

in medium saucepan cook brown sugar salt and water over medium heat, stirring until bubbling (about 5 min.) Stir in the butter, sour cream, and bananas. Heat through and enjoy!

Recipe from Brianne Henderson

R.I.P. Howard Zinn

2010-02-06T15:27:00.000-08:00

Last week we lost one of the greatest historians/activists/writers in decades. Howard Zinn took the rich, white man off his high horse and brought the underdog to the forefront of history.

Remember in elementary school when you were led to believe everything was happy and merry with the Pilgrims and Indians? Or that Christopher Columbus was the reason America exists? Well, if you were like me, some of these stories sounded a little suspicious, but when you're 8 it's hard to know what to do about it.

The teachers didn't lie on purpose. Most textbooks had the same stories because most were written by rich, white men. While Zinn is also a rich, white man, somewhere along the way he realized history is more than Louis & Clark and the Oregon Trail.

In addition to being a highly-regarded historian, he was also an anti-war activist. He joined the military during World War II to fight fascism, but he began to question the morality of war after his service.

For some time Zinn was also a professor at Spelman College, placing him in the center of the civil rights movement. In 1963 he was fired from the college for his involvement in encouraging students to stand up for themselves.

In this world of blogs and online magazines, anyone can be a writer/journalist/historian. For better or for worse, we now have a surplus of opinionated news stories that rarely see an editor (see K.O. Zine). While I'm all for opportunity, all of this information makes it even more tough to find the real facts. Zinn's work on history, specifically People's History of the United States, are always my go-to sources if I want to know the truth. He will be missed.

For more information please watch the documentary "You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train" and read the autobiography of the same name.

Sarah A.'s Photo Of The Week!

2010-01-29T15:59:00.000-08:00

found this guy sun bathing while paddle boating at the redondo beach pier.

Shanty Cheryl's Photo of the Week!

2010-01-19T15:30:00.001-08:00

This is a outtake photo from a recent stop motion video I made in San Pedro.

The model is Sarah Elise Roessler (K.O.'s other weekly photo girl).

She is an amazing photographer and person. If you ever get a chance to meet her or see

her work at a art show, you're a lucky person.

If interested in viewing the video from this outtake click below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUY7Si15tUk

Earthship: The Future Home

2010-01-17T20:26:00.000-08:00

The first time I heard of an Earthship was when my friend was trying to break down the details of it. I didn't understand what she was trying to explain. I kept picturing what I imagined E.T.'s home would look like if he were to put it upon Earth. I was then shown a video on YouTube, which showed in depth what an Earthship actually looks like and why it's beneficial to own one as soon as the means are provided.

Michael Reynolds had an idea for a radically sustainable living that did something about the amount of waste that came from building design. Michael is a former architecture turned into a now self-proclaimed Earthship Biotecture who, in 1972, built his first house from recycled materials that came from everyday trash such as aluminum cans and plastic bottles. He used beer cans wired together like bricks are. Michael then mortared these materials together and then plastered over them. He later realized how any old tire or pop bottle could be a durable insulation when it's filled with dirt. This utilizes thermal mass construction to naturally regulate indoor temperature. Earthships are usually off-the-grid homes, which makes it so that they don't have to rely on public utilities and fossil fuels.

Earthships use many natural resources. One major source is energy from the sun. The buildings will often be horseshoe-shaped to heighten natural light and solar-gain during winter. In the summertime, the thick walls are effective insulation against summer heat.

Earthships uses rain water, snow, and condensation, then gets filtered so it doesn't have bacteria and contaminants. The roof of the house will collect water which will then go into a silt-catching device and into a cistern and is used for: laundry washing machines, dishwashing machines, kitchen and bathroom sink water, shower water, drinking water, and even toilet flushing water. To better explain, an Earthship takes Greywater, which is used water that's unsuitable for drinking after already used, still has other purposes later on. The Greywater gets channeled through a grease and particle filter then into a rubber-lined botanical cell, a miniature living machine. This filter with built in plants can also produce food from a fruit tree. In the botanical cell, filtration takes place by passing the water through a mixture of gravel and plant roots. Due to the nature of the plants, oxygen is added to the water as it filters, as nitrogen is removed. Water taken through the plants and transpired at the top humidifies the air. Bacteria natural grows and helps cleanse water in the botanical cell. The low-end water of the cell goes through a peat-moss filter and collected in a well. The reclaimed water travels to a Greywater board and used to flush toilets.

Electricity in Earthships come from them collecting and storing their own energy from various sources. Most of the electrical energy is from the sun and wind. The energy is stored in different deep-cycle batteries. Earthship provides a prefabricated system, which is called, the Power Organizing Module that is adjusted to the wall on the interior and wired in a conventional way and uses circuit breakers and converters. This module is then used for any household appliance such as: computers, print machines, washing machines, vacuums, the list goes on.

A huge downfall about Earthships are the price which can range from $50,000 to several million dollars but, the plus is that once you own an Earthship, you wouldn't have to worry about bills. Of course, celebrities have caught on and it helps that they can afford not one but several if they wanted and environmental activists have been drawn to owning an Earthship. The Government won't be spreading this knowledge as fast to the public mostly due to them not wanting to lose out on all the money that they are getting from mortgage payers, renters, and all the tax money that goes to good old Uncle Sam but if you're all for living an eco friendly lifestyle that also helps fill your pockets then maybe investing in an Earthship someday is something to consider.

The following links will show you what an Earthship looks like and more information on how they're designed.

http://www.greenhomebuilding.com/earthship.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ENIhmDskmY&feature=related

By Khadeeja Coonrod

Sarah A.'s Photo Of The Week!

2010-01-14T12:45:00.001-08:00

Alpine Village Swap Meet and its many treasures.

Book It!

2010-01-11T15:39:00.000-08:00

All Things Forever (2010)
By Izzy The Artist

All Things Forever, written by Ishaqq A. Rahim, is a poetry book conjured of inspiration and heart felt passages. Ishaqq, also known as IZZY The Artist, wants readers to feel connected to life, feel closer to the divine, know the important value of their soul, know how one good person can make all the difference, and that the book is pleasing to read yet challenges the current position of their life towards betterment.

The first opening poem is titled, Live it be 180 to eternity;

Live it be 180 to eternity

Live I want to be. In 180 degrees. To complete all that I can dream,
Inside of me lives eternity, So much to create it seams,
from my eyes to my hands, from a voice to the feet moving on solid land
Direction to my purpose, 180 to it’s soul,
Eternity knows you better than it’s clay in solid mold

As one who travels and moves often, it's important to take in every moment and appreciate life no matter where you may find yourself calling home or what season it is. Seasons Come Home holds the little details that are huge;

Seasons Come Home

In those cozy moments, cooking fried rice, telling stories accumulated.
Fresh organic juices on ice, how these moments so nice, reading books
at the coffee shop, taken away by conversation, winter brings such cozy situations,
from simple moments to long amazing vacations

IZZY introduces a part of himself to anyone viewing into his shared world in I am;

I AM
I am created, I worship, The One
I am a visionary, A leader, of self and inspire, thee, I am an artist A soul,
Build in ingenious as I unfold- Genius, I AM so I state this and I mean this.
The resolution to inform the reform, The First form aware, this self aware of self…
I AM be and I was, I AM be and I AM.

The title of the book, All Things Forever, is a poem which reminds us of how we can continue on by striving towards a better future for not just ourselves, but for everyone in the world who wants to learn to grow and enrich their lives;

All Things Forever

Pass on some knowledge
lived wisdom, for them to use, re-use and teach,
Put in and up foundations for outreach,
let your life live on and seek,
The winners the doers the makers, the dreamers,
All things, and
for the ever

All Things Forever will be released around early Spring 2010. It will be made available on ebook and paperback at the same time. You will be able to purchase this book on Amazon.com, Estore, Artist Website, and book stores nationwide ISBN 1450512712.

IZZY The Artist is an artist, sculptor, poet, producer, graphic designer, community organizer, and entrepreneur. IZZY The Artist is also the founder and director of YOU R A CREATOR, Inc. His interests include: break-dancing, traveling, meditation, astrological psychologist, life, inventing, love, truth, reform, understanding, peace, fun, and work.

To find out more about this book and author visit these sites:

http://www.youracreator.com/video/spoken-truth-ep4-exclusive-ft
https://www.createspace.com/Customer/EStore.do?id=3423498
http://www.surrealstudiosone.com
http://www.izzytheartist.com
www.myspace.com/izzytheartist
http://www.youracreator.com

Review by Khadeeja Coonrod

Reel Good Things

2010-01-10T19:27:00.000-08:00

Girls Rock! (2008)

Directed by Arne Johnson, Shane King

I rarely ever say this, but I wish I knew more little girls simply because they must see this movie.

Girls Rock! follows a group of girls who attend a female-only band camp in Portland, OR where they learn how to play and write music in five days. Indie darlings like Beth Ditto and members of Sleater-Kinney, as well as a number of other talented female volunteers, do more than teach music. They also show the developing ladies how to defend themselves and conflict resolution.

The movie focuses on four campers, all with very different backgrounds. Distortion-obsessed Amelia has already created her own notes (or at least she calls them that) and is set to record what I believe is the first artist to write a 14-song album about her dog Pipi. Laura loves death metal, no matter how many naysayers tell her Asians aren't supposed to like that type of music. Misty is recently out of rehab, music being one of her only escapes from a very tough life. And Palace, the youngest punk rocker I've ever seen (and not in the look-how-cute-my-kid-looks-with-a-mohawk way), has her own issues bottled up inside, which she surprisingly ends up taking out on one of her band mates (luckily a punch from a girl as tiny as her couldn't have hurt).

This film has a positive, if not quite happy, ending that highlights how these four girls were changed from just five days. You realize that after it's all over these girls will go back to their normal lives, the ups and downs of growing up. Despite that, you hope these five days have made them better-equipped to deal with the lows.

In the end, you'll be wondering where rock band camps were when you were young. And then you'll tell all your friends to find their favorite little lady of rock and watch this movie.

Shanty Cheryl's Photo of the Week!

2010-01-03T20:38:00.001-08:00

Hannah Dancing in the Rose Garden outside the Los Angeles Coliseum

Book It!

2009-12-31T16:18:00.001-08:00

In the world of the Internet and e-readers (thanks for that Kindle Santa), I'm beginning to wonder how much longer hard copies of books, magazine, etc. will be appreciated. Will the next generation simply be so used to downloading information without a thought of picking up a hard copy??

With that said, I start this series, highlighting why old hard copies are irreplaceable. Unfortunately, most books these days are pressed in such a hurry that the packaging and preludes just aren't compelling. That's why old books will be the main focus in this series. I hope to squeeze some new ones here and there.

This first book is called "One Hundred Favorite Foreign Recipes" by Marion Stewart. It's on loan from my friend Lucy, one of the nicest people I know. The book is battered and dirty, an obvious sign that it was put to good use. There's even a few food stains on the pages. I wonder how many people were entertained with these very recipes. What was the owner's favorite? How many cooks have used these recipes? Why is it that everything these days is so much simpler to make than it was back then? I guess our laziness has made us slaves to preservatives and microwave ovens.

This book throws together a collection of recipes, in the order that the ingredients are in season in California. Of course, most recipes are much more difficult than I care to attempt, but this book fits today's notion of eating locally, if you have the patience to concoct these selections.

Ms. Stewart takes the time to describe why each dish is important to its country of origin and then briefly explains why it works for her family. I love that she doesn't simply list ingredients and directions. She writes them out in her own words. And you'll be convinced that every dish could be your new favorite. Her passion for food and complicated techniques makes me wonder of her relation to another M. Stewart.

Broccoli + Gruyere Gratin

2009-12-29T15:45:00.000-08:00

I made this yummy casserole dish for xmas with my bf's fam and it was such a hit. It's a nice twist on the traditional broccoli and cheddar dish. The cheese isn't too strong and works well with the broccoli. It's even delicious as leftovers, which is the true test of good holiday food.

Ingredients

2 large bunches of broccoli, roughly chopped

4 tablespoons butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 cups whole milk

2 cups grated Gruyere

kosher salt and black pepper

1. Heat over to 375 degrees F. Steam broccoli. I had to do this in the microwave because my steamer basket wasn't big enough for this much broccoli, but if you have a large steamer basket it's preferable to steam until tender in the basket with 1 inch of water.

2. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and cook about 2 minutes (don't darken). Whisk in the milk and simmer until thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheese, salt and pepper. Toss with the broccoli.

3. Transfer mixture to baking dish (and resist taking a taste for yourself, I couldn't). Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake until golden brown, about 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool about 10 minutes. Best served fresh!

PS I stole this recipe from Real Simple magazine.

Sarah A.'s Photo Of The Week!

2009-12-27T20:53:00.000-08:00

Girl Alex

Taken in Santa Barbara

Beth's Dream Journal (Or Luncay From A Sub-Sane Mind)

2009-12-17T14:04:00.000-08:00

I had a dream when I was 7 years old. I have always remembered this dream vividly among others. This I think is my favorite. Before I start the dream I should mention I loved Godzilla movies. Loved them.

It started out about 4 or 5 PM. Spring. It looked like the Bura was coming (Bura is Croation for El Nino). There was a full moon that was very close and next to it a diamond-shaped moon (no clue where I got that from pretty sure no diamond-shaped moons in any Godzilla movies, please correct me if I'm wrong).

My mother and me were watering the flowers in front of the house. It was also lightly raining at the time. This is a detail about the dream I always laugh about.

So me and my mom are calm and serene while watering the plants in the rain. Then thunder and lightning. Then out of the thunder and rain and the diamond-shaped moon came GODZILLA!!!!!!! RRROOOOOOOAAAAARRRRRRR.......Fire. Terror. Pillage of 26th place and Walker in San Pedro. He came through and just started wrecking (in real life I would have been jumping and cheering, in my dream terrifying.

He started at the top of the block at Tina's house killing her dog 'Kitty' then on to the German neighbors I had called nazis once (and gotten ground for) and moved right down to our drunken mechanic's house. The whole block.

He continued to set fire and crush my entire block. Then...he killed my neighbor's cat. And I was devastated. I loved that cat so much and then he killed my mom. I couldn't believe it. My idol Godzilla (I was 7) killed my favorite cat and my mom.

ANALYSIS: Well don't know how much I can really analyze a 7 year old's dream. I know I loved Godzilla movies, Laurel and Hardy, The Three Stooges and The Marx Brothers (my parents are old).

I did recently see an episode of The Three Stooges and it did not hold up the test of time. Great when you're a kid, in your 30s not so much. Don't know what it is but Laurel and Hardy and, of course, my favorite The Marx Brothers are always funny. Are the last two a more intelligent humor, a higher quality humor or are they just timeless humor. I think all of the above. I love Groucho.

Shanty Cheryl's Photo of the Week!

2009-12-13T21:14:00.000-08:00

Mike Watt standing outside Cali Mucho Studios in San Pedro, CA

Watt along with other Pedro musicians were recording one of the last tracks for the upcoming Reactionaries Album coming out on Water Under the Bridge Records. It's an awesome project with joint efforts from local San Pedro musicians. This whole project is what DIY is really about. Check it out here: waterunderthebridgerecords.blogspot.com/

Recipes

2009-12-08T23:29:00.000-08:00

After receiving so many compliments on my mac and cheese, I gotta stop the illusion. It's not actually my recipe. I got it outta the Amy Sedaris book "I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence." The gouda cheese gives it an extra punch, making the dish a little more gourmet than usual.

Ingredients
1 box elbow macaroni
1 stick butter
1 cup grated smoked Gouda
1 cup grated white Monterey Jack cheese
2 cups grated mild yellow Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste

Topping:
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup bread crumbs
2 TBLS chopped parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
8 thin pats of butter to go on top

Boil macaroni in salted water to al dente. At the same time melt together all other ingredients, except the toppings of course.

Drain macaroni and put back into the pot. After cheese mixture is melted, mix well with the macaroni. Pour into 2-quart casserole dish.

For topping, mix all ingredients (except butter) and sprinkle on the macaroni and cheese. Top with pats of butter. Bake at 425 degrees F for 20-25 minutes.

P.S. I sometimes throw in a little extra cheese and take out a little pasta to make it a little cheesier.

Recipe by Jennifer McCullen

Commentary by K.O.

Sarah A.'s Photo Of The Week!

2009-12-06T21:14:00.000-08:00

for underneath:

The Calm

Taken in Redondo Beach.

Recipes

2009-12-02T22:30:00.000-08:00

DOT’S TRAILER PARK CASSEROLE

1 package sausage
1 bag frozen tater tots, thawed
1 ½ c shredded cheddar cheese
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 onion, chopped

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Sauté onion in skillet until translucent. Remove from pan.

In same pan, fry sausages. After cooked through and cooled, chop roughly.

Place tater tots in casserole dish. Smash them a bit to cover the entire bottom and some of the sides of the casserole dish. Top with sausage and onions. Pour in cream of mushroom soup. Top with cheddar cheese and bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until cheese is golden and casserole is heated through.

Lastly, try not to think about how much weight you’re gaining while eating this deliciousness.

By Ginger Ivey

Recipes

2009-11-25T18:45:00.000-08:00

So I bought an acorn squash because it looked cool and festive but I wasn’t sure what to do with it. I found a recipe for squash filled with goat cheese, pecans and maple syrup. But I didn’t have pecans and syrup in my kitchen; I had almonds and honey. So, voila, here it is!

Acorn Squash filled with Goat Cheese and Toasted Almonds

2 acorn squash, halved crosswise and seeded
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons melted butter
2/3 cup toasted/roasted crushed almonds
2 tablespoons honey plus more to drizzle
1/2 teaspoon fresh or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
4 oz. log goat cheese

Heat oven to 375F. Sprinkle inside of squash halves with salt and brush with melted butter. Turn upside down on baking sheet and bake 30 minutes.

Stir together crushed almonds, honey, and thyme. Turn squash upright on baking sheet. Reserving about 3 tablespoons almond mixture, fill hollow of each squash with remaining almond mixture. Fill the rest of each squash with goat cheese, and sprinkle with reserved almond mixture.

Bake 10 minutes more. Drizzle with more honey as desired and serve.

Servings: 4

By Nada R.

Shanty Cheryl's Photo of the Week!

2009-11-22T21:31:00.001-08:00

This photo was taken right around the same area of the last photo I posted on K.O. Zine. I don't think I have been anywhere else like the hills of Fort MacArthur above Paseo Del Mar in San Pedro.

There is so much beauty and history up above there. I recommend any artists, writers or photographers to take their sketch pad, journal or camera up there and let yourself go.

Let's Talk About: Media Bias

2009-11-20T15:31:00.000-08:00

In this bi-monthly column I plan to comment, complain, etc. on topics relating to the media and consumerism and how these two evils (at least sometimes) affect Americans.

I think the media is far too influential on how Americans live their lives. Most of us depend on a certain news source to receive all of our information on current events. Now this wouldn’t be such a problem if all media were fair and balanced. Unfortunately this is not the case. Americans need to wise up to this fact.

It’s sad that many liberals probably go to MSNBC for their news. At the same time conservatives flock to Fox News and those seeking “unbiased” coverage go to CNN. Each demographic has no idea what they are missing.

No news can be unbiased, most reporters have an agenda and very few will look for a story they aren’t interested in covering. With that said, Americans are in trouble. Thankfully, we can rout out this problem by focusing on the younger generations and how they perceive and seek out media.

I strongly believe kids should be taught about media bias from a young age. As most of us know, the older we get, the more stubborn we become. If children begin to understand that the media has all kinds of influences that affect the final draft of each story, they will become less likely to believe everything they hear or read (that is if we can still convince them to keep reading).

I would also hope these classes would encourage students to actively seek out a variety of sources, so that they can get a number of different sides of every story and form their own opinions on the issue.

Not only would this make for smarter Americans, it would help push journalists to a new level. No longer would they be able to mold the brains of the public.

Families also need to make it a priority to talk with each other about how certain types of media affect them. For most, a conversation about the nightly news is probably a little boring, but if your kids watch MTV or Sesame Street, ask them what they liked about it. Americans need to become active participants with the media they consume.

I realize this may be a long time coming, but it’s important that it happens. So many Americans today take what Sean Hannity or even Keith Olbermann say seriously. And yeah, sometimes they might be correct, but there’s more than one side of any story.

In fact, there’s normally five or six.

Americans are known as being excessive. We need more food, bigger cars and louder movies.

Settling for one news source is simply un-American.

By Kelly KO.

Beth's Dream Journal (Or Luncay From A Sub-Sane Mind)

2009-11-18T17:41:00.000-08:00

Dreams- A series of thoughts, images, or emotions occurring during sleep.

People say dreams are messages from your spirit guide, a premonition of what’s to come, an insight into your subconscious mind… Well this is an insight of what is in mine, lord help you all.

The other week I had a dream of a post apocalyptic United States. The deal was the Middle East pretty much came back and said “Fuck you” and bombed us all. No more streets, recognizable buildings, or trees. Just mud, fire, and screaming men with automatic weapons blowing up every goddamn thing in sight. There was a row of apartments like a ghetto ( a WWII kind not the other kind that we all live in now ). I only saw about 5 of my friends . The rest were dead, didn’t surprise me about 90% of the world was dead. All of would soon, just inevitable and almost a relieving thought, don’t wanna live in this mess.
The few friends I did see that lived must have been super tough. The others weak!

Another sub-plot to the dream involved my ex-boyfriend being a complete ass ( recurring theme to many of my dreams). In real life a great guy. My dreams always just a complete dick. I’m sure I died in the end. That’s supposedly means a new beginning, Booyah Up Turn!

Ananlysis= I have zero paranoia’s. Even in an Apocalyptic world if I die I die. Live it up now. Hey dreams could come true. So fuck it let’s party!

Recipes

2009-11-17T15:26:00.000-08:00

First the joke:

"Here are my eggs, cooling on the windowsill."

Now, here's my recipe for pickled eggs:

In each jar place:

2 garlic cloves
2 hot peppers
3 slices onion
pepper & salt
italian seasoning
6-8 eggs
fill with apple cider vinegar
shake well, refrigerate, be patient, and eat when you can't wait any longer.

Ta-Da!
By Ginger Ivey

Sarah A.'s Photo Of The Week!

2009-11-15T18:13:00.001-08:00

pumpkin patch and broken glass

I saw this pumpkin patch on the side of the 101 freeway and had to pull over and take a few pictures, and the broken window i saw while walking down pacific coast highway. It always amazes me the things you can catch if you slow down a bit.

Recipes

2009-11-10T14:42:00.000-08:00

I have gotten really into cooking recently. I find it relaxing and enjoyable and I love practicing new dishes. Lately I've been hosting some dinner parties and each time I try to make something creative and yummy for my guests. Usually I'll look up a recipe online for something I like, and then implement it with my own twists and variations. This was no exception. I've made this peanut sauce twice and each time it's been great, but the second time I actually wrote down the directions and measurements for your convenience. This recipe is simple and delicious and great for making a large quantity that will last. The main event is the peanut sauce, which I poured over sauteed tofu and veggies and served with rice. But you can use it with almost anything - your favorite meats, noodles, or even eat it cold as a salad dressing or dip! Enjoy!

Peanut Sauce with Tofu and Veggies

Peanut Sauce

16 oz. creamy peanut butter
1 cup coconut milk
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 cups water
2 tbsp. honey
1/2 of a fresh squeezed lime
salt and pepper

Combine the peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, water and honey in a large pot. Cook at medium heat and stir often. Lower heat so that it doesn't boil. The key is to stir and stir to get all the lumps out. Cook on low/med heat for about 20 minutes. The sauce should be creamy and smooth. Squeeze the lime in, and season with salt and pepper.

Tofu

16 oz. firm tofu
olive oil salt

Dice up tofu into 1 inch cubes. Saute in frying pan with a little bit of olive oil and salt. Saute tofu until the cubes are a light golden brown on all sides.

Vegetables

Broccoli
Red onion
Red bell pepper
2 carrots
Green asparagus
White asparagus
3 cups water

Dice up vegetables (you could also use frozen veggies). Heat water in a large wok or frying pan until boiling. Place veggies in water and cook on high for 15 minutes. Cover and lower heat so that the veggies are well cooked

Drain veggies. When serving, combine veggies and tofu and pour peanut sauce on top. Serve with rice or noodles. Garnish with a squeeze of fresh lime, some cilantro and cucumber slices. This recipe will serve 6 people and you will have a good deal of peanut sauce leftover! Store it in a closed container in the refrigerator. And with that, the possibilities are endless!

By Nada R.

Shanty Cheryl Photo of the Week!

2009-11-08T20:53:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite places to take photos is in San Pedro. Whether you want an urban graffiti background or a beautiful ocean background it's all here.

This photo was taken of a great pianist I know named Jeanette Y. I took this photo at this secluded place I love near Friendship Park. It has great ocean views and is so inspiring.

The best damn prints ever

2009-11-05T22:38:00.000-08:00

The title pretty much sums it up. By one of my favs: Alfie!!

More to come. Check out her other work.

Recipes

2009-10-30T15:56:00.000-07:00

You probably remember how much you loved that stuff peppers recipe we posted awhile back. Well Ginger is back with another delicious recipe. She makes this one so much she's memorized it, but she wrote it all out for you guys to try it yourself. "They are soooooo good!" she says. Yeah, so good the so deserves six os.

Mama Jan’s Broccoli Enchiladas
Ingredients:
3 cups chopped broccoli
1 can chopped black olives
1 brick pepper jack cheese
Corn tortillas (warmed in microwave for 30 seconds)
1 can green enchilada sauce

Optional:
Hot sauce
Chopped green onions
Salsa

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Sauté the broccoli in a little butter or olive oil for about 10 minutes. When done sautéing, mix the drained olives with the broccoli. If you are using hot sauce, drop some in.

Fill each tortilla with some of the broccoli/olive mixture and some cheese. Roll each tortilla and place seam-side down in a greased casserole pan. Use any left-over cheese to cover tortilla rolls. If using green onions, sprinkle over top. Top with the enchilada sauce.

Bake covered at 375 degrees for 30 minutes. Remove cover and bake another 15 minutes.
Let rest 5 minutes (covered, if possible) before serving.

By Ginger Ivey

Threads Of Time - Profile

2009-10-25T19:03:00.000-07:00

In San Pedro, Calif., between the renovated lofts and the halfway houses, you will find many independently-owned cafes, salons and specialty shops. As you stroll pass the Warner Grand Theatre on 7th Street, you will come across one of the best-designed storefronts you’ve ever seen. Think Mannequin, but in real life.

This season’s theme is the sixties. Bright oranges, yellow and pinks pop against a purple backdrop. One mannequin wears a printed low-cut baby doll dress with white boots and a sun hat. The playmate on her left blocks the sun with a tan fedora. On the other side, a mannequin wears a long, flowery halter dress with big earrings and a matching bright purse.

The inside is basically a thrift store lover’s dream closet. A strappy, gold dress hangs on a mannequin, waiting to be taken home. A red-violet backless, sequined sweater from the eighties is calling your name. And a prom dress from every era hangs by the fitting rooms, daring you to resist playing dress-up.

And in the back you have any type of shoe you need to complete your look. Mary Janes, 70s-platform slides, 30s-style button-up boots or sky-high heels, you name it, it’s here.

Near the front of the store, behind the glass-casing that holds antique jewelry and sunglasses, a woman with shoulder-length red hair and bright red lipstick is busy sewing, fixing up the next edition to her collection.

Her name is simply Liz (no last name provided). She’s been running an antique shop for almost 20 years that eventually became overwhelmed with vintage clothing. In 1997 she decided it was time for the clothes to have their own space, calling the store “Threads of Times.”

While the two shops are her only source of income, she has worn many different hats in her day. She’s dabbled in poetry, music, design and art, but never felt any of those hats were the right fit.

“I was kind of a grasshopper that never sort of did anything,” the San Pedro native says.

The store has no website, but Liz has considered utilizing a web cam to give others an idea of what the shop features. She believes it’s important to shop locally and thinks it should be exciting to “discover” local stores.

Her clientele are young and old, ranging from 5-years-old to 95. Some come in looking for every day items, others come in looking for costumes. The prices can be a bit steep, but normally no more than what you would spend on new clothes that are half as cool (and well-made).

All the way down Los Angeles’ 110, tucked beside craft stores and sneaker shops, sits a cute vintage shop with mannequins begging you to take their clothes off.

By Kelly KO

Reel Good Things

2009-10-19T15:42:00.000-07:00

Where The Wild Things Are (2009)
Directed by Spike Jonze

As a child I wasn't really into the book but I gotta say I was super excited to see this movie. The puppets or monsters or whatever reminded me of all of my favorite Jim Henson characters, so that's probably why I am so into it. I'm so jealous that I wasn't creative enough as a child to come up with characters this cool to get through all childhood problems. Max was the cutest kid and, yeah, maybe he is a bit selfish, but I think all kids deserve to be a little selfish before they have real problems to worry about.

The story line was a little slow, but I thought Dave Eggers (one of my favorite writers) did a great job with the script by adding some wit here and there. However, I'm not so sure most kids could actually sit through this movie. If your kid watches a ton of TV (like anything on the Disney Channel these days) they are going to get bored.

The soundtrack was the only downside. I really got tired of Karen O.'s vocals in the middle of otherwise wonderful scenes. And I wanted the soundtrack to be a little more atmospheric with less acoustic guitar. I'm not a Yeah Yeah Yeahs hater, I just didn't think she needed to do the whole soundtrack.
Review by Kelly K.O.

Coco's Catbox Tips

2009-10-15T15:38:00.000-07:00

I have problems with stinky shit. Not my own, although I am not exempting myself from this, but namely from my cat, Scooter. She is 13 years old now, and a bit more of a “sitter“than a Scooter. But boy does she love using the cat box. I guess it’s a lot better than her not using the litter box, but she is a cute poop machine all the same. I have been experimenting with different litters for years, to the chagrin of my cat. I tried the Feline Pine brand scooping litter, but it was a little like quick sand and scooter did not approve. I did like some features about it, like it is not strip mined from the earth, it is made from a renewable source, it is more bio-degradable, and the pine scent neutralizes the ammonia smell. I really wanted to like it but it’s not really up to me, it’s up to Scooter. After some experimenting, I came up with a process that extends the life of my cat litter up to a week longer!

1. Start with a clean empty cat box.
2. Line the bottom of the box with baking soda. This absorbs moisture, smell and prevents stuff from sticking to the floor of the box.
3. Create a thick layer of Feline Pine.
4. Put down a layer of scoopable sand litter. Any brand will do.
5. One last layer of Feline pine.
6. Make sure not to over fill the box! Scooter’s vigorous digging and kicking often sends excess sand over the side.

This technique works because the pine litter will bond with the clay litter and the pine makes it smell less. A covered cat box helps immensely too! Keep on lovin’ dem kitties!

Poetry

2009-08-31T22:23:00.000-07:00

So my buddy Jeanette is a wonderful songwriter, previously in the band No Ma'am and soon to be in a new one I'm sure. She likes to talk about why philosophy is interesting, but sometimes it's better to have a philosophy of your own instead of someone named Nietzshce or Plato. Or maybe I like to make her talk about that. I dunno.

Little did I know she also aspires to be a poetry/short story writer. Here's one of her poems:

SHIELDED
There are places in this world that are safe and free
As real as it gets right around the corner, it lets you feel.
Gives you the opportunity.
Other places are dangerous and guarded, dead as the sea
with the smash of glass
they force you to feel what’s really real.

There are people in this world who are open and giving.
Light pours out and warms everyone that surrounds,
even those with cold dark souls.
Black sea souls that want to bring you down,
cut you down to their size.

Teaching you Buddah Sahfa lessons,
learning from unexpected situations.
There are no insignificant people,
unless everyone is insignificant.
Everything is meaningful,
unless everything is meaningless.
Are there any wholly useless encounters?

Photos - Female Trouble

2009-08-14T18:47:00.000-07:00

All of you wanna-be cobra snakes, take note. Real photographers actually have more talent than it takes to flash lights in the face of socialites. One of my many real photographer friends (and former roommate, Jefferson St. represent) is named Ali Burgis. She wrapped up her senior thesis for The School of Visual Arts in New York earlier this year and can, from time to time, be found riding around in a spaceship listening to Four None Blondes.

Here's what she has to say on her thesis called "Female Trouble:

"This is a series of photographs that were taken based on a lie. I decided to play a prank. The stories are a ruse, unfolding my subjects in a false view. You wouldn’t know the difference would you? A photograph would never lie, right? I started collaborating with people, asking questions regarding how they would want to be looked at or portrayed as someone else. Essentially, I am creating a false scenario and telling you, the viewer, that it is genuine. That moment, the one that excites me most, is watching the reaction I receive after I tell you what these strong females do. This is more about listening and hearing, not seeing. I never reveal much information about my subjects. The viewer tends to make up their own mind about my photographs, and in return I get curious analytical reactions about these women and the lives they lead."

Reel Good Things

2009-08-06T20:05:00.000-07:00

Heavy Metal In Baghdad (2007)
Directed by Eddy Moretti & Suroosh Avli

This documentary is based on the only (?) metal band in Iraq, Acrassicauda. A year or so before this they were bright, young musicians with a huge following. Now they, and their country, are torn apart by war. I'm not sure if I'd actually listen to their record, but to see how their lives have changed is sometimes heartbreaking. And the film shows how hard musicians who really love to play will work to continue performing music, no matter what. This offers an outsiders perspective on the war in Iraq. Hint: it’s worse than we thought.
Review by Kelly K.O.

Cool comics

2009-07-30T18:42:00.000-07:00

Here's one of my favorite comics by my friend Tess Haghighi. She just graduated and could be teaching your children real soon. You should check out her other art. She makes great custom pieces too.

Recipes

2009-07-23T20:31:00.000-07:00

Easy + Delicious Stuffed Peppers

This is one of our favorite recipes. The name says it all.

What you need:

About 4 peppers, any color
1 pack ground turkey
1 jar marinara sauce
Several handfuls of shredded cheese, your choice
1 onion chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pinch each rosemary, thyme, basil or any other Italian seasoning blend
Salt, pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a frying pan, cook the chopped onions and garlic in a little olive oil or butter.

When onions are translucent, add ground turkey. Add salt, pepper, and seasoning. Brown turkey for about 10 minutes.

While turkey is cooking, cut tops off peppers and clean out the insides.

When turkey is done, transfer peppers to a baking dish and fill each pepper 3/4 of the way full with turkey.

Fill rest of peppers with marinara, top with generous amounts of cheese.

Bake about 45 minutes.

Recipe by Ginger Ivey.

Reel Good Things

2009-07-20T20:42:00.000-07:00

The Battle OF Algiers (1966)
Directed by Gillo Pontecorvo

This film is shot like a documentary, but is actually fiction based on true events that happened during Algeria’s struggle for independence from France in 1957. Some of the scenes are bone-chillingly real. The acting constantly makes you forget this isn't a doc. The film is amazingly relevant today, both artistically and politically, and covers a topic that most Americans know little about. A perfect idea of what happens when an imperialist country thinks they will always be powerful enough to enforce colonial rule. If you can get The Criterion Collection version, do it!
Review by Kelly K.O.

Yay!!

2009-07-19T18:44:00.000-07:00

Hey! So K.O. Zine was originally supposed to be a printed publication, but in these tough times an online version was much more practical. The goal of this online zine is simple: to compile a collection of some of the best writing, poetry, art, recipes, reviews etc. that I can find. This means that I need as many people involved as possible, so if you're interested please contact me at djknockout@gmail.com so that I can add you to the many talented artists already preparing their first contribution. Expect the first real post tomorrow night!!

Clean Energy? How The Cap And Trade Act Swindled Americans

2009-07-15T23:13:00.000-07:00

Written By: Kelly K.O.

On June 26, the House of Representatives passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. Better known as the cap and trade act, it is setup to limit this country’s affects on global warming by, you guessed it, capping and trading the amount of greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere.

Basically, a company will have a certain amount of emissions that they can legally release with no penalty. After reaching that limit, the company is then in the penalty and must either gain more permits through other companies who have extra or offset their emissions through things like planting trees.

While the 1500+-page (including a 300-page amendment added the night before!?!) has much more to it than can be covered in this piece, one controversial point is the idea that an increase in energy costs will force companies to develop or use alternative forms of energy, including wind and solar power. Proponents of the bill believe this will create new ‘green’ jobs for the country.

Opponents of the bill claim that companies will simply move to other countries where the cap and trade bill will no longer affect them, costing the US millions of jobs. Other opponents, mainly Republicans, also claim an increase in energy costs would directly hurt consumers, but the EPA and nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office believe the cost would be less than $200 to each household per year.

During a recession it’s hard to convince Americans how necessary this relatively small amount of extra cash, but they must understand that despite everyone’s current struggles the world will not be alright if those of us who can sacrifice refuse to do so. If you can afford it, don’t support the overseas companies who ignore their environmental effects.

And some are still arguing on whether global warming actually exists. Based on almost all scientific evidence this argument is ridiculous, but it must be addressed.

While we can debate all day on whether global warming is fact or fiction, the important point is that this bill was not created to deal only with this issue. It’s also about the massive amount of natural resources in use. At some point these resources will not be as readily available as they are now. It’s better to focus on other forms of energy now than to wait until there is no other choice.

Republicans are not the only ones speaking out against the bill. Former Democratic presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich believes the bill needs to be tougher on coal-burning companies. He also doesn’t think the goal to reduce emissions to 17% below 2005 levels by 2020 and 80% below 2005 levels by 2050 goes far enough.

“Apparently, the planet is not melting; it is just getting better for polluters,” he said in a speech on the floor of the House of Representatives.

President Barack Obama has acknowledged to the New York Times that many environmental groups would not be happy with the so-called modest bill, but he told them it is an “extraordinary first step.”

Unfortunately, the bill still must get through the Senate where it could be hacked until barely recognizable, probably to appease conservatives, not left-wingers like Kucinich.