Winter In America: Gil Scott Heron (1974)

Couldn't go this month without at least an oblique mention of the US election. To quote the text from the Winter In America LP sleeve:

"At the end of 360 degrees, Winter is a metaphor: a term not only used to describe the season of ice, but the period of our lives through which we are travelling. In our hearts we feel that spring is just around the corner: a spring of brotherhood and united spirits among people of color. Everyone is moving, searching. There is a restlessness within our souls that keeps us questioning, discovering and struggling against a system that will not allow us space and time for fresh expression. Western iceman have attempted to distort time. Extra months on the calendar and daylight saved what was Eastern Standard. We approach winter the most depressing period in the history of this industrial empire, with threats of oil shortages and energy crises. But we, as Black people, have been a source of endless energy, endless beauty and endless determination. I have many things to tell you about tomorrow’s love and light. We will see you in Spring."

Mam Tor to Lose Hill

Went for a solitary Derbyshire walk in October. We had an Indian Summer style month in the UK with ample sunshine. Plenty of chance for reticent walkers to get a last one in before the cold weather.

Spinach, Carrot & Kolonji Salad

This is a great salad, highly nutritious, quick to prepare and very delicious. I bastardised this recipe from one which required watercress and dandelion greens. You can of course do this, or add in something like sorrel, pea shoots or microgreens. Anything green that moves (or doesn’t) is fair game!

Carrot, grated Spinach, bag of, washed & shredded (3-4 large handfuls) 10 Dates, cut into small pieces	Prepare the vegetables opposite & mix in a large salad bowl thoroughly.
1 cup fresh orange juice	Add the orange juice to the salad & mix.
3 Tbsp Coconut oil 1 tsp Kolonji (onion, or black) seed	Heat the oil on a medium heat. Add the kolinji, let it fry gently until aromatic. Add to the salad and stir

For best results, this salad should be eaten whilst the drizzle is still warm, but it fares quite well if it is stored in the refrigerator for the next day. The coconut oil solidifies and along with the kolonji and dates, makes a nice frosted coconut type effect. In such circumstances I put it on top of warm food (such as roasted vegetables) and let the coconut oil gently melt, which makes the salad texturally interesting. 

One step forward, one step back...

My final cartoon from The Book of Zen: Freedom of the Mind (Asiapac Comic Series) by Chih Chung Tsai (Illustrator), Koh Kok Kiang (Translator)

By North Utsire

The Singularity