Day 90: Podracer
"What? You think you're some kind of Jedi, waving your hand around like that? I'm a Toydarian. Mind tricks don't work on me. Only money. No money, no parts, no deal!" Watto was losing his patience, but Qui-Gon Jinn needed the work done, otherwise they may never get off of Tatooine. Knowing the junk-dealer enjoyed a good bet, he had an idea. "I have acquired a pod in a game of chance. The fastest ever built." Watto scratches his head, as he flies around some more. "I hope you didn't kill anyone I know for it."
Welcome back, my thirsty readers. Another week is behind us, and you know what that means. We are venturing long ago, in a galaxy far far away. I needed a break from everything today. It's been a really tough few weeks, and it's only going to get busier. With that said, shall we set off for adventure?
Let's be clear, the prequels get a bad rap, in my opinion. If you take Jar Jar out of the equation, the movies aren't so bad, and they give us some really vital information about the original trilogy we love so dearly. It's hard to even imagine a Star Wars universe without Anakin, and his origins in Episode I set the backdrop for sure.
Probably my favorite part has to be the podrace. I don't think the scenes in particular are that good, but more the content within. If we didn't have the Boonta Eve podrace, Anakin would have never gone with Qui-Gon to see the Jedi Council. He would have never fallen in love. He would have never had children. He most certainly would have never become Darth Vader. We are talking about a Skywalker-free Star Wars here!
The point I'm trying to make, is that none of our beloved fandom would be possible without the victory of a "junkyard-slave" That's right, we can't just have a Sunday that's all sunshine and rainbows. The world keeps moving, and so must we keep moving. Could you even imagine a world without the contributions of those who would have once been slaves? I'm referring to people of color, as well as every marginalized group since the beginning of time. Without progress, without change,we would have missed out on the contributions of so many.
I think there's a young podracer in each of us, a bright-mind yearning to break out. I feel like we spend so much time, as a society, putting-down the dreamers, when we should be lifting them up and encouraging their dreams. I guess, sometimes it takes an impossible feat to get their attention, and then they have no choice but to hear you. Let's all find our podrace and take our chance.
Podracer
1oz Blanc Agricole Rum
.75oz Reposado Tequila
.5oz Blue Curacao
.5oz Mulled White Wine Reduction
.5oz Orgeat
.75oz Lime Juice
Double Old Fashioned or Mai Tai glass
Shake and strain over grog-style ice cone.
Garnish with mint sprigs, flower, and parasol
Mulled White Wine Reduction
1 cup Sauvignon Blanc
1 cup White Sugar
2 Star Anise
2 Cinnamon Sticks
4 Cloves
Peel of 1 Grapefruit
Combine in medium saucepan, stiring until it reaches a boil.
Remove from heat and allow to steep 1 hour.
Strain and serve.
I've mentioned that a post-pandemic world is the ultimate "dare to be great" situation. I don't want to waste that. This is an opportunity to reset and treat each other better. I really hope to see all of you soon. I'll make the cocktails, as long as you bring yourself and you come thirsty. Until next time, keep shaking.