Jean wrote on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 09:39:39 -0400:

> Mark Thorson wrote:
>> You can see it he
>>
>> http://www.gourmet.com/food/2009/02/...e=1#showHeader
>>
>> I get an error when I click on item 2, but I can
>> get to item 2 by replacing 1 with 2 in the URL.
>>
>> I wouldn't put air conditioning on the list, but
>> I've never lived in a place with an air conditioner.
>>
>> I'm not that keen on timers, either. I used to use
>> a clock, and now I use the clock in my computer or
>> TV set.
>>
>> Chimney starter? I use fluid, and before that I used
>> an electric starter. Either works fine. The chimney
>> starter doesn't provide any new capability.
>>
>> I'm not going to finish looking at this list. Too much
>> of it seems bogus.

> Gee. I use a fraction of these things, and some don't sound
> like a good idea at all.

> 1. Nonstick coating--turns out not to be good for you, among other
> things.

> 2. Air conditioning--depends on one's climate I suppose. I
> don't like, say, using the oven or otherwise generating much
> heat when I have the AC on. If I do have to cook something
> for an extended period when it is hot, I prefer to do that in the
> early morning or at night.

> 3. Timer--yes, I do use them--both for timing (duh) and to
> remind myself that something is on or something needs to be
> done.

> 4. Chimney starter--not applicable to me (now).

> 5. Plastic wrap--depends on one's definition of cooking; it
> is not good to COOK with it. Or to wrap fatty foods in it.

> 6. TV--well, mom used to watch Julia Child et al., so there
> was probably a carryover effect on my cooking. I don't watch TV.

> 7. Vacuum sealers--I haven't ever used one. Come to think of
> it, I do have one, given to me by someone else who didn't use it.

> 8. Dishwasher--useful, but mine has been broken for years.

> 9. Silpat--I don't own any. I wonder whether down the line, research
> will show it is a bad idea, like nonstick coating.

> 10. Refrigerator--I'll go along with this one.

> 11. Overnight freight--yes and no. I think ideally we need
> to buy local produce etc. and eat in season.

> 12. The Internet--obviously, being here, I agree with this as
> far as access to recipes and information goes.

> 13. Food processor--I gave mine away to a former rfc poster
> years ago and very rarely regret that.

> 14. Gas grill--if and when I get up the nerve to grill, it
> will be with charcoal (at least I think so).

> 15. Microplane--I have never used one and have survived!

> 16. Blender (or Blendor--they should spell the Waring product
> correctly)--useful. I think one might have to include stick blenders
> here....

> 17. Slow cooker--I can see this, especially for folks who
> can't be home cooking for hours before dinner.

> 18. Tupperware--I prefer containers made of glass/Pyrex.

> 19. Microwave oven--yes, especially when it comes to
> reheating.

> 20. Weber Grill--???

> This is an odd list. How about a beater (even the
> hand-cranked ones were a big improvement on having to beat
> things for hours, and the electric ones were obviously an
> improvement over that).

> Or a coffee grinder (home or store) for those of us who like
> coffee?

> Or a stove/range/oven (as vs. using the fireplace?

> Or indoor plumbing/easy access to water?

> Or electricity, if you want to get down to basics?

Also, too many phobias and misstatementsd to counter in one post!
--

James Silverton
Potomac, Maryland

Email, with obvious alterations: not.jim.silverton.at.verizon.not