LHS Episode #321: The Weekender XL

by Black Sparrow Media Episode #321 Duration: 00:47:37
LHS Episode #321: The Weekender XL

It's time once again for The Weekender. This is our bi-weekly departure into the world of amateur radio contests, open source conventions, special events, listener challenges, hedonism and just plain fun. Thanks for listening and, if you happen to get a chance, feel free to call us or e-mail and send us some feedback. Tell us how we're doing. We'd love to hear from you.

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This Weekend in Amateur Radio (Segment 1)

This Weekend in Open Source (Segment 2)

  • Distros to Try

  • Fedora Core 31

  • Source: https://lhs.fyi/fedora

  • Events

  • FOSDEM'20

  • Source: https://lhs.fyi/ik (FOSDEM)

  • O’Reilly Software Architecture Conference

  • Source: https://lhs.fyi/il (O’Reilly)

  • SCaLE 18x

  • Source: https://lhs.fyi/im (SCaLE)

  • LHS Open Source Challenge

  • Google for a trending Open Source topic or technology and learn something about it even if it’s not relevent to your field or life.

This Weekend in Hedonism (Segment 3)

  • Cheryl’s Recipe Corner!

  • Margarita Cupcakes

  • Ingredients

  • 9 ounces margarita mix

  • 3 ounces tequila

  • 3/4 ounce Grand Marnier

  • 1 box white cake mix

  • 3 large egg whites

  • 2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil

  • 1 tablespoon lime zest

  • Lime Buttercream Icing

  • Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

  • 5 to 6 cups powdered sugar

  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

  • 1 teaspoon lime zest

  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

  • green food coloring, if desired

  • small lime slices for garnish, if desired

  • Directions (Cupcakes)

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two dozen cupcake tins with paper liners. Whisk together margarita mix, tequila and Grand Marnier in a small bowl. Measure out 1 1/4 cups for the recipe; pour the rest on some ice and drink it while making the cupcakes. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the cake mix, egg whites, oil, lime zest and 1 1/4 cups of the margarita mix from step 1. Blend on low for about 30 seconds and then increase speed to medium and blend for two additional minutes. Batter will be slightly lumpy. Spoon the batter into cupcake liners (about 3/4 full). Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool for about 10 minutes in the pans, then remove them to a rack to cool completely.

  • Directions (Icing)

  • Place the butter in a large bowl and beat with electric mixer until the butter is fluffy. Add 5 cups of powdered sugar, lime juice, zest and salt. Mix until thick and creamy. Add more powdered sugar until the frosting is of a good spreading (or piping) consistency. Mix in a tiny amount of green food coloring or gel paste if you’d like the frosting to have a green tint. Ice the cupcakes in whatever manner you prefer… spreading or piping the frosting. Use small lime slices as garnish.

  • Notes and Tips

  • Conversions: 9 ounces = a little over a cup, 3 ounces = a little less than 1/3 cup, 3/4 ounce = 1 1/2 Tablespoons. Grand Marnier is an orange liqueur- sub another kind if you’d like or add in some orange juice. Don’t worry too much about exact measuring for the margarita mix/tequila/Grand Marnier. Just eyeball it and measure out the 1 1/4 cups that you’ll need for the recipe. If you just spread frosting on the cupcakes (rather than piping), you’ll probably have a bit of frosting leftover. If you prepare these a day before, it’s best to place them into a covered container and refrigerate them. Remove them to room temperature a couple of hours before serving. Of course, they’re best if eaten the day they’re made.

  • Russ’s Drink Corner

  • Tomatin Dualchas Highland Single Malt Scotch

  • Description

  • When Tomatin Distillery was established in 1897, the isolated and idyllic setting of Tomatin was almost perfect. However there wasn’t a local workforce; the local inhabitants were scattered shepherds and cattle drovers. The company began a project of construction to accommodate its workforce. Since that time the distillery has been at the heart of the community and the community at the heart of the distillery. This legacy has continued and Tomatin remains one of the few distilleries to provide a home for its dedicated craftsmen. Time in Bourbon barrels and Virgin Oak casks brings a light sweetness to The Tomatin Legacy, which boasts aromas of vanilla, marshmallow, pineapple and lemon. On the palate gentle flavours of candy, pine, lemon sherbet, apples and sponge cake emerge ahead of a light, clean finish.

  • Details

  • Mashbill: Barley

  • ABV: 43% (86 Proof)

  • Region: Highlands

  • Color: Light gold

  • Nose: Light and fruity with hints of vanilla, pineapple, unripe banana and lemon

  • Taste: Similar to the nose with vanilla, lemon, straw and a hint of a pepper

  • Finish: Short, with oaky sweetness and lingering tingle of pepper

  • Price: $20-25 (750ml)

  • Rating: 84

  • Bill’s Whatever Corner

  • Stone Brewing - Stone IPA - The Iconic West Coast Style IPA

  • Details

  • ABV:  6.9%

  • IBU:  71

  • From the Brewer:  By definition, an India pale ale is hoppier and higher in alcohol than its little brother, pale ale—and we deliver in spades. One of the most well-respected and best-selling IPAs in the country, this golden beauty explodes with tropical, citrusy, piney hop flavors and aromas, all perfectly balanced by a subtle malt character. This crisp, extra hoppy brew is hugely refreshing on a hot day, but will always deliver no matter when you choose to drink it.