I've been enjoying making charcoal in the woods recently, using a retort kiln I designed and built myself. It's like a rocket stove with a smaller barrel inside which is packed with wood and allows the flammable wood gases to escape whilst not letting any air in. Here it is ready to ignite with a water heating system I'm experimenting with using the thermosyphon effect.

"Male patients show little response to traditional male treatments. I have come to realise that manly essence is absent in many of them, and they have become very feminine as a sign of the worsening times." [...] "After hearing this, I realized how true it was; so many men now seem to have the pulse of a woman. There are few who can be thought of as a real man. This means that one man can surpass others by making just a small effort" - From the Hagakure

HAPPY NEW YEAR MONEY AS DYNAMIC ENERGY

gm to all unlicensed money transmitters

No complaints against my carbon steel skillet for searing steak but has anyone else tried these "hard nitrided" cast iron pans? They're basically already non-stick before you form the patina. Very cheap too. I've been using a "hard nitrided" cast iron wok recently and its delightful. Gotta be some downsides, surely?