Culture on My Mind – The 2023 LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar

March 15, 2024March 5, 2024 Michael FalknerLeave a comment

Culture on My Mind
The 2023 LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar
March 15, 2024

It’s time to talk about the 2023 LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar!

This box was inspired by The Bad Batch, the prequel films/The Clone Wars, and Return of the Jedi (celebrating its 40th anniversary). It also tied in some holiday cheer with the typical festive spin on fun builds. We got Omega on a sled, a Christmas pit droid, a reindeer Gonk droid, a festive Ewok, and even Emperor Palpatine in an ugly holiday sweater.

Overall, I really enjoyed the builds in this set. Of course, the Star Wars sets hardly ever disappoint, and the creativity is a joy. I adored the Endor sets, including the Ewok village and the shield generator complex.

Even the basic fillers like a B1 battle droid and a weapons rack didn’t distract. It doesn’t beat the 2022 calendar, but it was still fun. In the end, that’s what counts.

Our countdown this year was a little different since we had a lot of competing plans in early December. We got it done by doubling up each day leading to the new year instead of Christmas Eve.

Now, on to the countdown:

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Day 11

Day 12

Day 13

Day 14

Day 15

Day 16

Day 17

Day 18

Day 19

Day 20

Day 21

Day 22

Day 23

Day 24

Culture on My Mind is inspired by the weekly Can’t Let It Go segment on the NPR Politics Podcast where each host brings one thing to the table that they just can’t stop thinking about.

For more creativity with a critical eye, visit Creative Criticality.

Culture on My Mind – The 2023 LEGO Avengers Advent Calendar

March 8, 2024March 5, 2024 Michael FalknerLeave a comment

Culture on My Mind
The 2023 LEGO Avengers Advent Calendar
March 8, 2024

It’s time to talk about the 2022 LEGO Guardians of the Galaxy Advent Calendar!

My family has been doing these LEGO advent calendars since 2015 and I chronicle the daily builds on Instagram. Each of the annual box sets has been spotlighted on this site. These boxes contain twenty-four unique small builds, many of which are abstract, along with exclusive mini-figures and whimsical winter-themed spins on franchise staples. This box is themed after the Marvel Cinematic Universe, specifically on the Infinity Saga which celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2023.

Goodness… did Iron Man really come out that long ago?

This set continues the trend of building a scene or a world for the minifigures within, but it also dives a bit more into the building of abstract versions of ships and elements from the property like the Star Wars calendars.

This calendar was a rollercoaster ride. One day would be an up, but the next would be a down. For example, we got Doctor Strange one day, but the day before was just his cape. While I get what the design team was trying for, I struggle to see how this would be fun for a seven-year-old kid. All that excitement for a new LEGO build gets dashed by opening an accessory for a minifigure.

The other accessory choices were packed after the minifigs, but they were difficult to connect thematically. Spider-Man’s webs make sense, but a jet pack for Captain America? Or winter accessories for Okoye? It felt like the designers had some ideas they wanted to throw in, but they didn’t know exactly how to sell customers on a jet pack or an ice hockey set.

Loki’s throne and the bunny from Iron Man 3, though? Those worked, though I would have loved a Loki to sit on his throne, especially considering how Season Two of his show ended.

The minifigs were cool, but the box overall would get a C grade for execution. The design team needs more thought and inspiration to meet the levels set by the Star Wars calendars and the previous Marvel sets.

Our countdown this year was a little different since we had a lot of competing plans in early December. We got it done by doubling up each day leading to the new year instead of Christmas Eve.

Now, on to the countdown:

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Day 11

Day 12

Day 13

Day 14

Day 15

Day 16

Day 17

Day 18

Day 19

Day 20

Day 21

Day 22

Day 23

Day 24

Culture on My Mind is inspired by the weekly Can’t Let It Go segment on the NPR Politics Podcast where each host brings one thing to the table that they just can’t stop thinking about.

For more creativity with a critical eye, visit Creative Criticality.

Dragon Con 2023: Theater and Performing Arts Lovers Schedule

August 18, 2023August 9, 2023 Michael FalknerLeave a comment

Dragon Con 2023: Theater and Performing Arts Lovers Schedule
Atlanta, GA – September 1 through September 5, 2022

As you may have noticed, I am a huge supporter of the Dragon Con Theater and Musical Lovers fan community. They were established as an unofficial gathering of Dragon Con attendees who love theater, musicals, and the performing arts. Their goal is to create a community of fellow thespians and fans at the convention.

They have been running discussion panels on their YouTube channel, and they continue the discussion on their Facebook group and Instagram account.

This year, they have coordinated with various tracks across Dragon Con to present discussion panels and meetups for the community. If you get the chance and want to celebrate the vast riches of the performing arts, I recommend visiting with them.

As always, Dragon Con schedules are tentative until the convention ends on Monday. Even then, things are a bit suspect. Be sure to check the Dragon Con app or the Daily Dragon fliers at the information booths for the most up-to-date information.

The Schedule

5:30p: Group Meetup!
Marriott Marquis, Marquis Level, M103-M105
The Theater Nerds are coming! Learn how you can support the idea of a Theater Track at Dragon Con, meet new friends, play theater adjacent games, win prizes, get your badge ribbon, and a raffle ticket!

10:00a: The Magic of Disney on Broadway
Virtual Panel – YouTube
Our panel of Disney enthusiasts present a joy-filled exploration of the spellbinding fusion of Disney’s beloved characters and the electrifying energy of Broadway. We discuss how the music, choreography, and stagecraft transport you to Agrabah, the African savannah, and beyond, where we can bask in the pure joy of the extraordinary journeys where dreams come true. Don’t miss the chance to be whisked away on a magical adventure where Disney and Broadway collide in an explosion of wonder!

10:00a: Revolting Children: Matilda’s Musical Magic on Stage & Screen
Marriott Marquis, Atrium Level, A707
Step into a world of enchantment as our panel takes you on a rollicking adventure through the transformation of Matilda from page to stage, and back to the silver screen!. Expect laughter, mischief, and a dash of music in this captivating discussion you won’t want to miss!
Host Track: Young Adult Literature

11:30a: The Beat Goes On: The Rise of TV Musicals
Marriott Marquis, Marquis Level, M302-M303
Uncover the enchanting world of musical TV shows like Zoey, Glee, Galavant, Schmigadoon, and more. How do they revolutionize music and storytelling on TV? Even normal genre shows get into the act! Let’s explore their impact and the genre’s future in our discussion!
Host Track: American Sci-Fi & Fantasy Media

4:00p: Theater & Nerddom: Is Theater Pop Culture?
Marriott Marquis, Marquis Level, M103-M105
Let’s ignite the ultimate debate: Is Theater a bona fide member of Pop Culture? Join our panel of nerds as we unravel the threads of the stage and geekdom. Get ready for a geek-tastic exploration of whether the Bard can meet superheroes, and the footlights can shine as bright as lightsabers!
Host Track: American Sci-Fi Classics

7:00p: Sing-Along – Heading Back to Washington Heights: In the Heights
Courtland Grand, Macon Room
Step into the lively streets and vibrant culture of the neighborhood as we come together to sing, dance, and rediscover the heartwarming and unforgettable melodies that have made this musical a cherished favorite.
Host Track: Alternate & Historical Fiction

8:30p: Science Fiction in the World of Theater
Hyatt, Embassy AB
Science Fiction & Theater, two things as different as they get, right? Wrong! Rocky Horror, Metropolis, and Return to the Forbidden Planet are just a few examples of when scifi and theater merge. We talk about the shows we love, the ones we want to do, and why you should give them a chance.
Host Track: Science Fiction Literature

11:30p: 50 Years of Rocky Horror (The Show! Damnit Janet!)
Marriott Marquis, Marquis Level, M103-M105
Once upon a time, Richard O’Brien had a brainwave: blend B-horror humor, schlocky dialogue, muscle flicks, and 50s rock ‘n’ roll into a musical. Enter Rocky Horror Show! Grab heels, corset, fishnets and channel your inner Transylvanian, while we celebrate 50 years of cult classic show!
Host Track: American Sci-Fi Classics

10:00a: Shakespearean Comedy: Love, Mistaken Identities, & Social Satire
Virtual Panel – YouTube
Indulge in an enchanting journey into the world of Shakespearean comedy. Join us as we unravel the delightful tapestry of love, mistaken identities, and social satire found in Shakespeare’s comedic masterpieces. From the uproarious antics of mischievous characters to the witty wordplay that fills the air, we’ll explore the timeless shows that have delighted audiences for centuries. Whether you’re a lover of Shakespeare or new to his comedies, this panel promises an engaging exploration of his unparalleled ability to make us laugh and reflect on the follies of human nature. Come and immerse yourself in the mirth and merriment of Shakespearean comedy!

1:00p: When Fandom Meets Footlights: A Theatrical Journey into Geek Culture
Hyatt, Hanover FG
Geeky productions have taken the stage by storm! Beetlejuice, Back to the Future, and Heathers are just a few examples of the biggest named fan fueled shows! And there’s plenty more that operate off-off-Broadway! Lets talk about about the magic, mischief, and musicality of genre-specific theater!
Host Track: Filk Singing

2:30p: The Road To Hadestown: Mythology in a Post-Apocalyptic World
Westin, Chastain FG
Welcome to Hadestown, an award-winning musical that intertwines mythology and a post-apocalyptic world. Two young dreamers live in a world of famine and death. and this story tells of their hell-raising journey to the underworld and back and their struggle to live in a world that is at its end.
Host Track: Apocalypse Rising

2:30p: Thespians of the Final Frontier
Hilton, Galleria 2-3
Some would believe that any crossovers with Star Trek & theater would be highly illogical. Au contraire! From Shakespeare to fandom theater, Klingon Opera & cat poetry, Trekkies and Thespians overlap more than you might think. Resistance is futile, make sure you are there for a panel like no other!
Host Track: Trek Track

5:30p: Sing-Along – 35th Anniversary of Phantom of the Opera
Hilton, Grand Ballroom East
It’s been 35 years since we first heard the music of the night, but the Phantom is a beloved show and a permanent part of the theater world. We’ve been wishing we could hear your voice again so we’ve put together a selection of our favorite songs to sing together before the Phantom takes flight.
Host Track: Alternate & Historical Fiction

10:00a: Stagecraft Secrets: The Art of Writing for the Theater
Virtual Panel – YouTube
In this captivating panel, dive into the world of playwrights and their craft as we explore the intricate interplay of words, emotions, and imagination that bring stories to life on stage. Whether you’re an aspiring dramatist or a theater enthusiast, this panel offers a unique glimpse into the magic that transforms words into unforgettable theatrical experiences.

10:00a: History & Theater: American History told from the Stage
Courtland Grand, Macon Room
Broadway has never shied away from exploring history. Just look at Hamilton, 1776, Hair, Newsies, Allegiance, Parade, and Ragtime to name a few. We’ll discuss how theater lets modern audiences process historical events and how it addresses, skews, and sometimes, even changes historical perspectives.
Host Track: Alternate & Historical Fiction

3:00p: Photoshoot – Broadway, Musicals, Theater & Performance
Hilton Steps B
RSVP is recommended at the Facebook Event Link.

5:30p: Cross-Casting: Breaking the Walls of Gender & Race in Theater
Hyatt, Hanover AB
From Hamilton, 1776, to Six and beyond, gender and racial blind casting become more and more normal in todays theater world. Lets talk about this trend & how it helps make the theater world more dynamic and inclusive.
Host Track: Diversity in Speculative Fiction & Literature Fandom

10:00a: Willkommen to the Kit Kat Club: Celebrating the Legacy of Cabaret
Virtual Panel – YouTube
Step into the enchanting world of Cabaret as we celebrate the theatrical brilliance of John Kander’s iconic musical and its transition to the silver screen in the 1972 movie adaptation. Join us for a captivating discussion that delves into the history, cultural impact, and enduring allure of this unforgettable production. From its electrifying beginnings on stage to its transformation into a cinematic masterpiece, we’ll explore the essence of Cabaret and its profound influence on the world of performing arts.

11:30a: Behind the Mask: The History, Myths and Legends of the Phantom of the Opera
Courtland Grand, Macon Room
The longest-running show in Broadway history, and a global sensation, the story of The Phantom of the Opera was built on actual history. Our Phantom enthusiasts will discuss the real events, the legends, and stories from the show that have inspired pop culture for half a century.
Host Track: Alternate & Historical Fiction

Dragon Con 2023

August 4, 2023July 31, 2023 Michael Falkner1 Comment

Dragon Con 2023
Atlanta, GA – August 31 through September 4, 2023

Dragon Con!

It’s typically an annual tradition for me, but it won’t be this year. I’m taking this year off for personal and family reasons, but I’d still like to support the convention where possible.

The convention app is available now – look for Dragon Con by Core-apps in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store – and will have the schedule of events soon. The list of confirmed guests, performers, artists, and attending professionals is available on the official Dragon Con site. That list and the events surrounding it will obviously be subject to the ongoing WGA/SAG-AFTRA strike.

Dragon Con itself takes place in downtown Atlanta spanning five hotels (~~Sheraton Atlanta~~ Courtland Grand, Hilton Atlanta, Atlanta Marriott Marquis, Hyatt Regency Atlanta, and Westin Peachtree Plaza) and the AmericasMart Atlanta exhibition center. The convention draws approximately 70,000 to 80,000 attendees (or more) annually and showcases one of the city’s most popular parades on Saturday morning at 10am. This year, the attendance numbers will be lower with an attendance cap between the reported 85,000 in 2019 and 65,000 in 2022.

Dragon Con prides itself on contributions to charity and the community. You can find more information about those efforts on their webpage. Each year, the convention partners with a local charity organization and this year’s partner is CURE Childhood Cancer. CURE’s mission is to conquer childhood cancer through funding targeted research while supporting patients and their families. Donations can be made at various locations around the convention, including donation buckets in each track room and contributions from the annual charity auctions. Dragon Con will match every donation up to $125,000.

The convention has previously hosted the Dragon Con Hustle, a virtual 5K conducted on the honor system. The registration fee is donated to the annual charity and each participant gets a physical medal two weeks after the convention ends. As of this writing, I haven’t seen a post about the event this year, but keep an eye out if you’re interested. You can run, walk, roll, or even skip your way to the goal, and all Dragon Con asks is for a progress update on social media with the #DragonConHustle hashtag.

Dragon Con also hosts one of the most successful blood drives with the donations going to the non-profit Lifesouth Community Blood Centers. Lifesouth serves 125 hospitals in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, and the Dragon Con blood drives routinely outperform those held at that big West Coast corporate convention. In exchange for your donation, you get a custom exclusive t-shirt.

If you’re new to the convention, consider visiting the Dragon Con Newbies group on Facebook. It is run by Kevin Bachelder, Sue Kisenwether, Kim McGibony, and me, and is an in-depth community resource for information about this massive (and sometimes overwhelming) event. Memberships (tickets) for this year’s convention are available, however memberships are limited.

Note: All Dragon Con schedules are tentative until the convention ends on Monday. Even then, things are a bit suspect.

I will miss you all this year. Please be safe and have a wonderful long weekend, and (fate willing) I’ll see you all again in 2024.

Culture on My Mind – The 2022 LEGO Guardians of the Galaxy Advent Calendar

January 27, 2023December 27, 2022 Michael FalknerLeave a comment

Culture on My Mind
The 2022 LEGO Guardians of the Galaxy Advent Calendar
January 27, 2023

It’s time to talk about the 2022 LEGO Guardians of the Galaxy Advent Calendar!

My family has been doing these LEGO advent calendars since 2015 and I chronicle the daily builds on Instagram. Each of the annual box sets has been spotlighted on this site. These boxes contain twenty-four unique small builds, many of which are abstract, along with exclusive mini-figures and whimsical winter-themed spins on franchise staples. This box is the second themed after Marvel characters, specifically those of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and leaned heavily on the recently released Guardians of the Galaxy Christmas Special.

This set continues the trend established in the 2021 Marvel calendar of building a scene or a world for the minifigures within, but it also dives a bit more into the building of abstract versions of ships and elements from the property like the Star Wars calendars. This box contains minifigs for each of the Guardians, including Star-Lord, Rocket, Nebula, Mantis, Groot, and Drax. Nebula and Drax have unique and fun prints for holiday sweaters and Groot has some blue on his body to simulate frost.

The set contains presents for the heroes – Mantis’s guitar (and her metal face) and Rocket’s BFG were my favorites – and a few deep-cuts in the movie mythos like the Kyln hoverbots. It also has a couple of nods to the holiday special itself. I thought that the Milano build and the contents of Rocket’s crate were stars of the box while the Benetar build was a bit uninspired.

There was some filler such as the snacks and the weapons rack, but overall this box set was a fun one to work through over the twenty-four days leading to Christmas. Special thanks go to Joe Heath for his advice during the building process.

Now, on to the countdown:

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Day 11

Day 12

Day 13

Day 14

Day 15

Day 16

Day 17

Day 18

Day 19

Day 20

Day 21

Day 22

Day 23

Day 24

Culture on My Mind is inspired by the weekly Can’t Let It Go segment on the NPR Politics Podcast where each host brings one thing to the table that they just can’t stop thinking about.

For more creativity with a critical eye, visit Creative Criticality.

Culture on My Mind – The 2022 LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar

January 20, 2023December 27, 2022 Michael Falkner1 Comment

Culture on My Mind
The 2022 LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar
January 20, 2023

It’s time to talk about the 2022 LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar!

My family has been doing these LEGO advent calendars since 2015 and I chronicle the daily builds on Instagram. Each of the annual box sets has been spotlighted on this site. These boxes contain twenty-four unique small builds, many of which are abstract, along with exclusive mini-figures and whimsical winter-themed spins on Star Wars staples. This box leaned on the recently released LEGO Star Wars Summer Vacation special.

Despite the Summer Vacation links, however, this set also tied in some holiday cheer and sampled various aspects of the Star Wars library. It started with the prequel era (with a brief nod to The Bad Batch), then hopped into the classic era (with a small bounce into Summer Vacation), before wrapping up with a Santa-themed GNK droid.

The holiday sweater-clad C-3PO and R2-D2 were so much fun to see, as was the beach bum Darth Vader with his snorkel fins and sand castle. The abstract mini-builds were all well done and I adored the ability to hang Luke Skywalker from the Wampa cave. The snowtrooper was a big hit in our household since LEGO took time for representation and gave us a black woman beneath the helmet. That was a great surprise and I hope they have more like them in the future.

Even the basic fillers like a B1 battle droid and a weapons rack didn’t take away from the fun, leaving 2022 with one of the best Star Wars advent calendars in recent memory.

Now, on to the countdown:

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Day 11

Day 12

Day 13

Day 14

Day 15

Day 16

Day 17

Day 18

Day 19

Day 20

Day 21

Day 22

Day 23

Day 24

Culture on My Mind is inspired by the weekly Can’t Let It Go segment on the NPR Politics Podcast where each host brings one thing to the table that they just can’t stop thinking about.

For more creativity with a critical eye, visit Creative Criticality.

Culture on My Mind – The 2021 LEGO Marvel Advent Calendar

January 13, 2023December 27, 2022 Michael Falkner2 Comments

Culture on My Mind
The 2021 LEGO Marvel Advent Calendar
January 13, 2023

Apparently, the latter days of 2021 and early days of 2022 were chaotic. So chaotic, in fact, that I completely forgot to post my summaries of the 2021 LEGO Star Wars and Marvel advent calendars. So, January 2023 will bring you some late (and even later) gifts as I take a look back at four separate calendars.

Last week, I looked back at the 2021 LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar. In the coming weeks, I’ll cover the 2022 sets for Star Wars and The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. This week is about the 2021 LEGO Marvel Advent Calendar.

My family has been doing these LEGO advent calendars since 2015 and I chronicle the daily builds on Instagram. Each of the annual box sets has been spotlighted on this site. These boxes contain twenty-four unique small builds, many of which are abstract, along with exclusive mini-figures and whimsical winter-themed spins on franchise staples. The Marvel characters made their debut with this holiday line in 2021, and there was no better way to kick it off than to highlight the Avengers from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

At this point, the MCU was settling into what would become Phase Four. The Infinity Saga (Phases One, Two, and Three) ended in 2019 and, of course, 2020 put everything on hold due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of 2021, we had four new films and five new television series to crack open the multiverse concepts that would define the next three phases, but the pandemic had definitely thrown a wrench into plans at Marvel Studios.

Thus, celebrating the Avengers was a strong choice.

The 2021 Marvel-themed box focused on themes and characters from The Infinity Saga, including minifigures for Tony Stark/Iron Man, Black Widow, Spider-Man, Thanos, Captain Marvel, Nick Fury, and Thor. Those minifigures were also outfitted differently to make them exclusive to this set, which presents a challenge to “gotta-have-em-all” collectors.

The Marvel set differed from the traditions set by the Star Wars sets by building a world for these characters (and kids of all ages) to play in. The scene was set for an Avengers-style holiday party, including presents and decor to compliment the typical abstract micro-builds. It’s a neat concept, but it also comes across as filler in some cases, such as the barbeque grill and present wrapping station.

I did really like the idea of presents, however, particularly how they were linked to each character’s style and cinematic gags. Spidey gets a churro and an arachnid-themed box while Tony gets the arc reactor under glass as proof that he has a heart. I also really enjoyed the helicarrier, Stark robot, and Avengers Tower builds, and the finale with an Infinity Gauntlet was an elaborate one. It came with enough extra Infinity Stones to reenact the paperweight scene from Loki.

It’s a good debut for the Marvel brand, and while I expected something closer to the Star Wars boxes, the world/scene-building aspect isn’t a terrible choice. For every barbeque grill and Christmas wreath, I have to remind myself that children are building these sets with their parents. The fun they have and memories they build together is worth it.

Now, on to the countdown:

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Day 11

Day 12

Day 13

Day 14

Day 15

Day 16

Day 17

Day 18

Day 19

Day 20

Day 21

Day 22

Day 23

Day 24

Culture on My Mind is inspired by the weekly Can’t Let It Go segment on the NPR Politics Podcast where each host brings one thing to the table that they just can’t stop thinking about.

For more creativity with a critical eye, visit Creative Criticality.

Culture on My Mind – The 2021 LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar

January 6, 2023December 27, 2022 Michael Falkner1 Comment

Culture on My Mind
The 2021 LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar
January 6, 2023

Apparently, the latter days of 2021 and early days of 2022 were chaotic. So chaotic, in fact, that I completely forgot to post my summaries of the 2021 LEGO Star Wars and Marvel advent calendars. So, January 2023 will bring you some late (and even later) gifts as I take a look back at four separate calendars.

Next week will bring the 2021 Marvel set. After that, I’ll cover the 2022 sets for Star Wars and The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. This week is all about the 2021 LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar.

My family has been doing these LEGO advent calendars since 2015 and I chronicle the daily builds on Instagram. Each of the annual box sets has been spotlighted on this site. These boxes contain twenty-four unique small builds, many of which are abstract, along with exclusive mini-figures and whimsical winter-themed spins on franchise staples. The Marvel ones are relatively new to the line, but Star Wars has been a longtime anchor property.

The 2021 Star Wars-themed box was heavy on ships and characters from The Mandalorian, a move that made a ton of sense since that was the big draw for fans on Disney+ starting in 2019. I particularly liked the Razor Crest build, the whimsical multi-day stormtrooper and shooting range setup, the Slave I (the “flying iron”), and the multi-day Grogu/Mandalorian run. Of course, staples like the X-Wing, landspeeder, and Imperial cruiser are nice to have. On the downside, there seemed to be a lot more filler with weapons racks and the like.

Now, on to the countdown:

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Day 11

Day 12

Day 13

Day 14

Day 15

Day 16

Day 17

Day 18

Day 19

Day 20

Day 21

Day 22

Day 23

Day 24

Culture on My Mind is inspired by the weekly Can’t Let It Go segment on the NPR Politics Podcast where each host brings one thing to the table that they just can’t stop thinking about.

For more creativity with a critical eye, visit Creative Criticality.

Cenandi – Sam’s Shepherd’s Pie

November 25, 2022November 24, 2022 Michael FalknerLeave a comment

Cenandi
Sam’s Shepherd’s Pie
November 25, 2022

Note: I know that everyone dislikes the wall of text preceding the actual recipe, but the United States Copyright Office requires “substantial literary expression” to accompany the ingredients and instructions. You can jump to the recipe by clicking here.

This recipe comes from Sam the Cooking Guy. Sam Zien is a Canadian chef and restauranteur who lives in the San Diego area. I came across his YouTube channel some years back and started finding inspiration in his creations.

This particular dish looked amazing so my wife and I decided to give it a try. This was before he published the recipes as he demonstrated them, so I watched the video multiple times to estimate the proportions. You see, Sam is the kind of chef that cooks by what looks and smells right, so his bottle shakes and weights are educated guesses based on experience. We have tweaked this recipe over time to fine-tune the details to our tastes.

Among those details are the proteins and the produce. We have tried ground beef, ground turkey, and ground bison, and the key to the protein is the fat content. The higher the fat, the more likely that the ground meat will stick together and stay substantial. We have also experimented with produce by adding bell peppers and mushrooms.

If you are not a meat-eater, I would love to hear how you adapt this recipe to your dietary needs. I don’t have enough experience with tofu or meat replacements but I want to learn as I grow and experiment.

Our red wine of choice for the dish is the famous “two-buck chuck” at Trader Joe’s. It’s a wine that cooks well and is enjoyable on its own. Note that the alcohol cooks off in the making of the dish, so the wine is providing an earthy and fruity body to the meal. We have also tried Yellow Tail. The key is getting an inexpensive bottle because you’re cooking with it. There’s no sense in using an expensive bottle of wine here.

This is one recipe that I recommend playing with. Even if it isn’t quite right for your palate, the results are still amazing. The leftovers are even better since the extra time allows the flavors to meld and enhance.

The original video by Sam the Cooking Guy can be found on YouTube (and is embedded below).

Sam’s Shepherd’s Pie

Ingredients

Meat

1/2 lb bacon
1 lb ground meat or protein of choice

Produce

3 to 4 Yukon Gold potatoes (or equivalent)
1 yellow onion
3-4 large carrots
1-2 bell peppers (optional)
2 mushrooms (optional)
4 cloves garlic (unpeeled)
2 cloves garlic (pressed/minced)
1 handful of fresh spinach
Chives or parsley for garnish

Dairy

1/4 cup butter
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Liquids

1/2 cup red wine
1/2 cup beef broth (or equivalent based on meat choice)
1 Tbsp Worchestershire sauce
2 Tbsp tomato paste

Spices and Staples

2 Tbsp flour
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp rosemary
Salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)

Miscellaneous

Aluminum foil
Cooking oil of choice

Instructions

These instructions are separated into four parts, however, Part 2 and Part 3 should be accomplished simultaneously if possible.

Part 1 – Bacon

Chop the bacon into bite-size pieces and cook in a frying pan
Reserve 2 Tbsp of the cooking grease
Place the bacon (and a small amount of grease as needed for moisture) in a warm space

Part 2 – Mashed Potatoes Topping

Wrap unpeeled garlic cloves in aluminum foil and roast at 300°F for 30-45 minutes
Chop the potatoes into similar-sized pieces
Boil the potatoes for 20 minutes and drain thoroughly
While the potatoes are boiling, combine butter and cream in a small saucepan and stir over low heat until melted
Mash/whip the potatoes while adding the butter-cream mixture
Add salt, pepper, paprika, and roasted garlic (discarding the paper skin)
Mix in parmesan cheese
Fold in bacon
Set aside and keep warm

Part 3 – The Insides

Finely chop the onion, carrots, (optional) bell peppers, and (optional) mushrooms
Using the reserved bacon grease, soften the onion, carrots, and bell peppers over medium heat
Add minced/pressed garlic and a splash of cooking oil, then cook until fragrant (30-60 sec)
Add meat of choice and cook thoroughly
If using mushrooms, mix them in and cook briefly
Mix in the flour and allow to thicken
Mix in wine and broth and allow to thicken
Mix in Worchestershire sauce, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper
Add spinach and mix until wilted
Remove from heat

Part 4 – Finishing the Dish

Add Part 3 contents to an oven-safe dish
Top with mashed potatoes, ensuring complete coverage
Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes
Broil to crisp the top for 1-3 minutes
Top with garnish and allow to rest for a short time (approx 5 minutes)
Serve and enjoy

Cenandi is a collection of recipes and culinary concoctions. Cooking is a dual expression of art and science, and I like making good meals and tasty treats for the people in my life.

For more creativity with a critical eye, visit Creative Criticality.

Debrief: Dragon Con 2022

September 12, 2022September 12, 2022 Michael Falkner1 Comment

Debrief: Dragon Con 2022
Atlanta, GA – September 1 through September 5, 2022

Boom! Dragon Con 2022 is in the books!

And it was an experience of highs and lows.

Attendance was reported at 65,000, and while it was definitely higher than the 42,000 from 2021, it was still pretty manageable. The big issue was the convention’s pandemic precautions (or lack thereof… more on that later), but I could still get behind an attendance cap in the 65,000 to 70,000 range. It felt comfortable enough.

As usual, we did a lot of good charity work this year. Open Hand Atlanta will be receiving at least $190,000, which is $70k more than we raised in 2021.

Dragon Con was also a getaway from reality that I really needed. Life and work have been insanely busy lately, and it was refreshing to decompress with the geek family, especially the former Scapecast folks that my wife and I hadn’t seen for three years.

On to the discussion!

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: