C.R. KASPRZYK

[bag]gage

// November 26th, 2010 // community, environment, equality, food

Things are moving in the right direction for those interested in the voice of the people! Why would one, for example, avoid the joy of convenience, opting for this bring-your-own-bag idea for groceries and other shopping? How ridiculous would someone look walking into a store with their own bag?!? We live in the best country on Earth so obviously we deserve conveniences. Am I expected to remember bags every time I want to purchase something? I have enough to carry (and most people recycle (most of the time)). Besides, reusable bags typically cost an entire dollar! That’s just for one bag! There are many restaurants where one can purchase an entire sandwich for that price. Bags that advertise the stores at which we shop are another way to display social status (and have been known to make some feel sexy). There’s nothing wrong with a little plastic, right? Major social change simply costs too much. If problems, like using plastic bags, were really an issue, I’d be able to see it. It’s no different than those who feel there’s actually something wrong with bottled water. In any other case, it’s just fuel for someone’s impractical agenda.

07.13.10 preview

// July 30th, 2010 // composition, environment, field recordings

I’ve found myself observing how prevalent power is in our society. The dependency on electricity, for example, has found an invisible place in our lives. (Field recordings left this painfully evident). With that, I’m exploring a variety of textures created by layering the sounds of computers, printers, TV’s, cars, electricity poles, coffee makers, etc. (as heard below).

Many of these electromagnetic fields will be utilized in a new piece I’m writing called 07.13.10. The work itself will take many forms: two or four-channel prerecorded electronics, as well as in its full version with baritone saxophone and harp, realized through the Eastman-based Mana Duo (Dannel Espinoza/Kristina Finch). The version without acoustic instruments will be premiered alongside other four-channel works in Baltimore, August 12th at the Red Room; the full version will likely premiere in early 2011 in Rochester, NY.

Samples of electromagnetic fields…

Learn more about the work and listen to an excerpt here.

Spinach and Shaved Asparagus Pizza

// June 14th, 2010 // environment, food

I’ve been eating a bit less meat lately. (Aside from typical concerns expressed by vegetarians, I see this as another way for me to live a more environmentally conscious lifestyle). Following a visit to the local farmers’ market, I whipped together this pizza. It should be noted that I’m by no means a chef. I am, however, having better luck with each attempt, saving money by not going to a fast food restaurant. Enjoy….

Adapted from Smitten Kitchen

1 pizza dough – I found honey wheat to be a nice flavor
~6 stalks of asparagus
Several leaves of spinach
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1/2 pound shredded mozzarella
2 teaspoons olive oil
Some black pepper

Preheat your oven to its hottest temperature; probably 500.

Cut the asparagus horizontally. You can use the ends as handles. Don’t cut your fingers, especially if you play an instrument. The idea is to create long shavings of asparagus. The pieces can be different sizes and you can alter the amount of asparagus to your liking. This will provide a nice mix of textures. Toss the peelings with olive oil, pepper and maybe some other spices (e.g. garlic) if your wife isn’t looking. Be sure to try some of the asparagus raw.

If you want, put a small amount of olive oil on the pizza dough. Sprinkle Parmesan, then mozzarella over the pizza dough. Shred the spinach into small pieces and throw this and the asparagus onto the pizza. Throw any remaining mozzarella on top. Bake the pizza until the edges are browned (around 10 minutes). Turn your oven off asap; eat!

New Water Bottle

// January 24th, 2010 // environment

While 30 million people continue to wonder why it’s a big deal to throw away one plastic water bottle, many college students find it trendy to carry around reusable water bottles. Many people, however, are on the run through the day, so they opt for the convenience of buying bottled water. Most bottles of water cost over a dollar. That $7 a week, ~$31 a month, $365 a year is pocket change to some. That’s assuming you have one bottle a day (instead of the 64 ounces of water per day we all wish we had). I assume you can buy in bulk and save money. Let’s say you’ve already done the math and know that, obviously, you save money by having a filter at home and using a reusable bottle when you’re out. I did this for some time and ended up trusting that the water I used to refill my bottle was clean. (How bad could it be?) Many continue to buy clean, bottled water to avoid this predicament.

What if you could filter your water throughout the day? There are many plastic bottles that have built in filters, but BPA is one of many problems one can experience. (I’m told BPA-free plastic is probably OK, but plastic will leach chemicals into your water eventually.) Even bottles made of other materials (e.g. aluminum) have had their issues. SOLUTION?? I personally have a 27-ounce bottle from Seychelle (specs here). It’s a new product, thus, the price may scare off some. For those that don’t know ways around the price, or simply aren’t a fan of the built in straw, Water Geeks have a solution (specs here)*. (The Australians are allowing fans of the French-press to have a (plastic) option as well). You can’t hang on to the same bottle or filter for too long, but you’re still bound to save money. I realize there are better home filters out there, and drinking from glass is great, but these bottles are the best portable option I’ve seen.

So why wouldn’t you buy a reusable like one of these? No really, someone email me and tell me one decent reason not to make this purchase instead of continuing to buy water bottles that may or may not be recycled, and may or may not have tap water in them. Regardless of change happening from the top, there’s no reason not to wait; start something from the bottom.

Money isn’t an issue for you? Please take a moment to look. No, really, LOOK. What is the rationale behind being wasteful?

*N.B. Water Geeks are currently making donations to Hope for Haiti with the purchase of this bottle. Please do what you can to help the Haitians regardless of if you’re thirsty or not!

Also, Beth Greer has a great book and many online resources for those interested in this and other important topics.

Chris Jordan

// August 7th, 2009 // art, environment, photography

I just came across an artist whose work truly speaks to me. Chris Jordan begs one to take a closer look at how we inhabit Earth. His Running the Numbers looks at American Mass Consumption, as with the two million plastic beverage bottles depicted above (the number used in the US every five minutes). The fantastic art work provokes essential self-inquiry. Look for yourself.

Before I get hitched…

// June 3rd, 2009 // environment, field recordings, personal, running, technology

The results are in: 100+ miles and almost 20 lbs. long gone. My running escapades went so well I had to tone it down in the interest of my tux measurements for the wedding. I intend to strap on the running shoes again later this month.
I am extremely happy to see that my old friend and former running mate Bill Pasutti has (definitely) continued running since our high school days. To mark his first half-ironman, he is raising funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). The fight against cancer is a subject close in my mind, and many others’. Please support this worthy cause by visiting this link.

On the musical front, I’m making great use of my self-made contact mics, as well as my new hydrophone. My take only audio, leave only footprints attitude to my surroundings yields a number of field recordings that will find their way into many upcoming projects. The first work will be a sonata that clocks in under 100 seconds, to be premiered this fall by Griffin Campbell and Mike Straus. A few other projects are on the horizon as I prepare to leave Virginia.

(To further actuate my musical/environmental interests, I have joined Ear to the Earth and hope to become more active in this wonderful community).

For now, I begin a quasi-hiatus. After all, only a few days from now…

I WILL BE GETTING MARRIED!!!