The Humble Waffle Iron…

I submit for your approval, the humble waffle iron.
Chances are you can pick one up on sale somewhere, or likely inherit one from someone in your family for free. I got mine in a neighborhood near UWM. A bride had a rummage sale nearby and I picked a new one up for 8 bucks.

I'd recommend the kind with adjustable heat setting. I'd also recommend you get a pizza pan larger than the waffle iron to catch any spill-over (especially if you make bacon) and be prepared with a wet towel to wipe up any spillage.

I've made a complete breakfast in the thing: first made the bacon (be prepared with a wet rag to hit the sides of the waffle iron and a pizza pan beneath it to catch the grease), then scrambled eggs, tater-tots pressed into waffle-hash browns, waffles (of course)...and even brownie mix for a midday snack.

Of course, the list has a few more things, and even a few recipe tweaks.

[click the photo to be taken to the ANSWERS.COM "top ten list."]

Beautiful Classic Film Photos to share...

If you know me, you know that I am a graphic designer by educational preparation (BFA). I am also an illustrator by both education and profession, and a (albeit not professional) photographer by choice ;-)

Every once in a while I'll come across something from one of those disciplines that I find interesting, and I'll share it.

In this case, my wife found this site, and shared it with me. I was so captivated by the painterly eye that this photographer held while shooting film. The "urbanscapes" of cities like New York and Chicago are something that I find breathtaking. Check out the  link (click on the photo below) to see what I mean. Shots from the "El" (which those of us with Chicago family roots may know is the Elevated Rail (which converges with the subway system also as a part of mass-transit).