My eyes hurt. I have been spending most of my days with my nose in travel books. Staring at three color maps while simultaneously cross checking places and translating local place names makes my head hurt. On the upside, I now think I am pretty darn knowledgeable about Amsterdam. Only Munich, Berlin, Prague, Paris, Lyon, and Taize to go, right. I can do all that in a little over a week. Ha!
It doesn't matter. We are not going to fill our days with museums and dance clubs. No for us we are looking forward to laying in the parks, picnicking in the beer gardens, and sunbathing on the banks of the Seine River, since August is the time the French truck in Sand to make beaches for those who can't afford to travel out of Paris.
I have books from the Library, from my mother, from Eliz's sister, books we bought. I am about to go on a book revolt. I say this as my eyes causally glance upon a magazine that is suppose to be in my pile of "Must Reads before I Go."
I will take opinions though. Fill up the comment section on things we should do while we are in Europe. Anything in particular that exemplifies local life or is instrumental in making connections with local people? Those are the real things I am interested in.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Sunday, August 1, 2010
New Hobby
Yesterday, I took a little trip to Monroe (a.k.a. Funroe) Louisiana for some family time. Got to visit with my grandmother and aunt and uncle for the afternoon. It was, as usual, a very enjoyable day. However, the highlight was the time spent in my Uncle Mike's shop learning to weld.
Welding is something I have been interested in for a few months now, but I have never had the opportunity to actually weld anything. I had a few hours, uncle mike had a few hours, so I had a chance to try my hand at welding. It was pretty darn entertaining. I managed to weld two pieces of metal together...twice. There was a lot more to it and I learned a great deal. I actually learned enough to know this is something I would like to pursue. So watch out Mike, cause I am making a list of projects and blocking of weekends. But, I will wait to the temperature drops considerable.
This is the first thing I have ever welded (pause for affect and virtual "awes," and now we are back at it). Actually it is half of the first thing I have every welded. We cut the previous two, no one piece of metal in half to determine the amount of penetration of the weld. This is the piece I kept as my souvenir. Cause I am nostalgic like that.
This is the same piece, only the end that we cut to see how well I did. Not bad, but always room for improvement. You can see I welded on both sides and the top section you are looking at is a pull technique...the first one. The bottom bead is a push technique, which I believe I handled a little better.
We did some T welds ( I may be making up this termonolgy but who cares) too. But they were very indicative of a first time welder so there are no pictures of that to post.
It was a blast and I am looking forward to doing it again. There is just something extremely manly about connecting two piece of metal with molten metal...I liken it to Tom Hanks in Castaway when he builds the fire. "I, WELD METAL!" There may have even been a grunt or two, but I will never admit it.
Lastly, here is a pic of Uncle Mike and me in the process...and don't worry, the first, the very first thing I am going to do before I try this again, is get a set of those bitchin, awesome overalls!
Welding is something I have been interested in for a few months now, but I have never had the opportunity to actually weld anything. I had a few hours, uncle mike had a few hours, so I had a chance to try my hand at welding. It was pretty darn entertaining. I managed to weld two pieces of metal together...twice. There was a lot more to it and I learned a great deal. I actually learned enough to know this is something I would like to pursue. So watch out Mike, cause I am making a list of projects and blocking of weekends. But, I will wait to the temperature drops considerable.
This is the first thing I have ever welded (pause for affect and virtual "awes," and now we are back at it). Actually it is half of the first thing I have every welded. We cut the previous two, no one piece of metal in half to determine the amount of penetration of the weld. This is the piece I kept as my souvenir. Cause I am nostalgic like that.
We did some T welds ( I may be making up this termonolgy but who cares) too. But they were very indicative of a first time welder so there are no pictures of that to post.
It was a blast and I am looking forward to doing it again. There is just something extremely manly about connecting two piece of metal with molten metal...I liken it to Tom Hanks in Castaway when he builds the fire. "I, WELD METAL!" There may have even been a grunt or two, but I will never admit it.
Lastly, here is a pic of Uncle Mike and me in the process...and don't worry, the first, the very first thing I am going to do before I try this again, is get a set of those bitchin, awesome overalls!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
NPR in Technicolor
I choose to wake every morning by the mellow tunes of NPR's Morning Addition. I, like my wife, get almost 85% of my discussable news from the two to three hours of repetitive snippets that flows into my brain as I mindlessly stir myself awake to face the day. The side affect is my last few dreaming moments are mutated with actual events that leave me wandering if I was involved in the train wreck in India or was this just something that I heard. Needless to say, it can provide for some pretty intense, colorful, and scary dreams.
The same was true today as they discussed a group working for B.P. skimming for oil in the marshes of Louisiana. They, unfortunately, were doing in incorrectly which only results in more damage, maybe irrevocable, to the marshlands. By the time I was brushing my teeth the story had long passed, but the memory of my dreams had not. I was there at the marsh, with the tools, the heat, working with the smell of salt and oil chemicals burning my noise.
Makes for a pretty confusing time as I try to decipher if this is a real memory, a manifested dream, or something I had just heard in passing. My face stays contorted, trying to decide, until the top of the hour saves me when the story replays itself. A deep sigh of relief followed by a wondering of what horrid news will warp my dreams tomorrow...
The same was true today as they discussed a group working for B.P. skimming for oil in the marshes of Louisiana. They, unfortunately, were doing in incorrectly which only results in more damage, maybe irrevocable, to the marshlands. By the time I was brushing my teeth the story had long passed, but the memory of my dreams had not. I was there at the marsh, with the tools, the heat, working with the smell of salt and oil chemicals burning my noise.
Makes for a pretty confusing time as I try to decipher if this is a real memory, a manifested dream, or something I had just heard in passing. My face stays contorted, trying to decide, until the top of the hour saves me when the story replays itself. A deep sigh of relief followed by a wondering of what horrid news will warp my dreams tomorrow...
Monday, July 26, 2010
Abita Is Stepping up to the Plate
Louisiana has many things it can call it's own. Many things to be proud of. These call-signs usually involve food, or culture, or bitching parties (mardi gras). But, one great institution that is solely Louisiana is the Abita Brewing Company. They have been producing quality beer since 1986. That's 24 years of brewing genius. They have recently moved beyond the bounds of a microbrewery and are a mainstream staple amongst beer connoisseurs. And their quality speaks for itself.
Whether it is the always impressive and crisp Abita Amber, to the ever so refreshing, summer Abita Satsuma, your taste buds bounce and leap with an over 21 joy. But the beer is only one part that makes them great.
Its' not the free tour...which is pretty awesome with all you can drink beer. It's not the post consumer grade, recycled materials used in both the bottles and the six-pack packaging...which is virtually unheard of in your big 3 companies of mass produced rice beer. But, it's their dedication to the community that shows a commitment to the consumer as a person and not a dollar sign.
After Hurricane Katrina, which needs no introduction or explanation, they came out with and produced a Restoration Ale. Quite possibly one of the best ales on the market. A portion of the sale of these went to efforts for restoring the area after Hurricane Katrina. Awesome!
Now, they have responded to the disaster in the gulf. They have just come out with a SOS Pilsner. Which, I drink as I write this...and I admit is very good. I have taken this description from the Abita Website:
Working with the Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board (LSPMB), Abita Beer announced that it has established ‘SOS – A Charitable Fund’ that will assist with the rescue and restoration of the environment, industry and individuals fighting to survive this disastrous oil spill.
The fund has pledged that 100% of all money raised will go to charity. In addition, the Louisiana Seafood Marketing Board will play an important role in advising where the money can do the most good. An advisory committee is being established as the donation process and grant procedures are finalized.
The centerpiece of the fundraising effort is a new charitable beer created by Abita. The brew, called SOS – A Charitable Pilsner, will generate 75¢ for every bottle sold. This Abita Beer is a message in a bottle...a distress signal for the troubled waters of our Gulf Coast. For every bottle sold Abita will donate 75¢ to the rescue and restoration of the environment, industry and individuals fighting to survive this disastrous oil spill. This unfiltered Weizen Pils is made with Pilsner and Wheat malts. It is hopped and dry hopped with Sterling and German Perle hops. It has a brilliant gold color, a sweet malt flavor, and a pleasant bitterness and aroma.
In addition, related retail merchandise (hat, tee shirt, lapel pin, decal and car magnet) will be sold and 100% of the net proceeds will also go to the SOS Fund.
I write this to inform and encourage. You can always donate directly to the fund or to another related organization, but this is just another, fun way to contribute. Bottoms Up!
Picture I took from the tour. All free, fill it up yourself
Whether it is the always impressive and crisp Abita Amber, to the ever so refreshing, summer Abita Satsuma, your taste buds bounce and leap with an over 21 joy. But the beer is only one part that makes them great.
Its' not the free tour...which is pretty awesome with all you can drink beer. It's not the post consumer grade, recycled materials used in both the bottles and the six-pack packaging...which is virtually unheard of in your big 3 companies of mass produced rice beer. But, it's their dedication to the community that shows a commitment to the consumer as a person and not a dollar sign.
After Hurricane Katrina, which needs no introduction or explanation, they came out with and produced a Restoration Ale. Quite possibly one of the best ales on the market. A portion of the sale of these went to efforts for restoring the area after Hurricane Katrina. Awesome!
Now, they have responded to the disaster in the gulf. They have just come out with a SOS Pilsner. Which, I drink as I write this...and I admit is very good. I have taken this description from the Abita Website:
Working with the Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board (LSPMB), Abita Beer announced that it has established ‘SOS – A Charitable Fund’ that will assist with the rescue and restoration of the environment, industry and individuals fighting to survive this disastrous oil spill.
The fund has pledged that 100% of all money raised will go to charity. In addition, the Louisiana Seafood Marketing Board will play an important role in advising where the money can do the most good. An advisory committee is being established as the donation process and grant procedures are finalized.
The centerpiece of the fundraising effort is a new charitable beer created by Abita. The brew, called SOS – A Charitable Pilsner, will generate 75¢ for every bottle sold. This Abita Beer is a message in a bottle...a distress signal for the troubled waters of our Gulf Coast. For every bottle sold Abita will donate 75¢ to the rescue and restoration of the environment, industry and individuals fighting to survive this disastrous oil spill. This unfiltered Weizen Pils is made with Pilsner and Wheat malts. It is hopped and dry hopped with Sterling and German Perle hops. It has a brilliant gold color, a sweet malt flavor, and a pleasant bitterness and aroma.
In addition, related retail merchandise (hat, tee shirt, lapel pin, decal and car magnet) will be sold and 100% of the net proceeds will also go to the SOS Fund.
I write this to inform and encourage. You can always donate directly to the fund or to another related organization, but this is just another, fun way to contribute. Bottoms Up!
You, Me, and Jack Johnson
Last weekend, Eliz and I zipped off to D.C. for some fun and revelry. Our two fold mission had a singular theme. Have fun with our friends and have fun at the Jack Johnson Concert! Overall, the weekend was a success.
We flew in late on Friday night and flew out mid morning on Sunday, so it was basically a day in D.C. (truth be told the concert was outside of Baltimore, we just stayed in D.C.). Saturday morning was spent at Great Falls National Park. It was a pretty neat little place. We had the opportunity to watch a couple of kayakers shoot the rapids and an osprey soar over head. We spent too much time there and had to race back to shower up for the concert.
For those of you who are not familiar with Jack Johnson, let me show you a video of his from his new record:
So, he's pretty cool, and one of two or three people I have always really, really wanted to see in concert. It was a good time, but has been a long time since I have been to concert with so many damn people. Eliz and I have been able to stay off the mainstream long enough that the concerts we attend are roughly a tenth that size. I think there were something like 30,000 peeps. That was kinda a nightmare, but worth it to relax in some great music. We were able to pack a bag with fruit, hummus, a baguette, and some bottle water which made it all the easier, and cheaper. I, unfortunately, didn't get too many pics, but I did manage a bootleg video...which won't load up for some reason. But, here is what I do have:
People at the Concert
Jack on the Big Screen
One cool thing that did happen to us was getting bumped to First Class on our flight home. Eliz and I have never had the pleasure to fly first class, where the air is crisp. It was quite possibly the best flying experience I have ever had. We didn't get just three measly options of snacks...no relegated to pretzels, cookies, or peanuts, no sir. We had those options, plus fruit, candy, and candy bars, and we had multiple opportunities to have them. Our drinks were served in real glasses and there was bottled water waiting for us as we sat down (we didn't drink it as we don't support bottle water). It was the coolest part of the day, I must admit. I am all about the free upgrade!
Eliz enjoying the first class
Lastly, I wanted to post a short video of Eliz who was super excited to get there Friday night. I will probably get in trouble for this, but she was standing at the airport, waiting for our ride and doing a little happy dance. I managed to get just a glimpse before she noticed I was filming...
We flew in late on Friday night and flew out mid morning on Sunday, so it was basically a day in D.C. (truth be told the concert was outside of Baltimore, we just stayed in D.C.). Saturday morning was spent at Great Falls National Park. It was a pretty neat little place. We had the opportunity to watch a couple of kayakers shoot the rapids and an osprey soar over head. We spent too much time there and had to race back to shower up for the concert.
For those of you who are not familiar with Jack Johnson, let me show you a video of his from his new record:
So, he's pretty cool, and one of two or three people I have always really, really wanted to see in concert. It was a good time, but has been a long time since I have been to concert with so many damn people. Eliz and I have been able to stay off the mainstream long enough that the concerts we attend are roughly a tenth that size. I think there were something like 30,000 peeps. That was kinda a nightmare, but worth it to relax in some great music. We were able to pack a bag with fruit, hummus, a baguette, and some bottle water which made it all the easier, and cheaper. I, unfortunately, didn't get too many pics, but I did manage a bootleg video...which won't load up for some reason. But, here is what I do have:
One cool thing that did happen to us was getting bumped to First Class on our flight home. Eliz and I have never had the pleasure to fly first class, where the air is crisp. It was quite possibly the best flying experience I have ever had. We didn't get just three measly options of snacks...no relegated to pretzels, cookies, or peanuts, no sir. We had those options, plus fruit, candy, and candy bars, and we had multiple opportunities to have them. Our drinks were served in real glasses and there was bottled water waiting for us as we sat down (we didn't drink it as we don't support bottle water). It was the coolest part of the day, I must admit. I am all about the free upgrade!
Lastly, I wanted to post a short video of Eliz who was super excited to get there Friday night. I will probably get in trouble for this, but she was standing at the airport, waiting for our ride and doing a little happy dance. I managed to get just a glimpse before she noticed I was filming...
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Europe Bound
it's official. Eliz and I booked our tickets for a European Vacation. As this is the internet and I know those of you out there are kinda sketchy, so I am not telly when or where we are going, but rest assured, there will be someone living in our cute little home and taking care of our BIG, MEAN dog. I am pretty excited, still have lots to plan, not my favorite part, but hopefully worth it. Yeah Us!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Why I am mad at Ireland
We entered this contest and didn't even make it to the second round. That's why I have decided to be man at Ireland. Yeah, that's right, the whole bloody country can kiss my Irish/American booty.
This was the contest:
www.runawaybrideandgroom.com/ultimatejob/
This was our video:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIaIsQWtM90
It took me about a week and then I just realized I wasn't ready to forgive them. So, when I no longer hold a grudge, I may plan a visit or drink a Guinness, but until then it's Scotland or nothing for me.
This was the contest:
www.runawaybrideandgroom.com/ultimatejob/
This was our video:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIaIsQWtM90
It took me about a week and then I just realized I wasn't ready to forgive them. So, when I no longer hold a grudge, I may plan a visit or drink a Guinness, but until then it's Scotland or nothing for me.
Thought I would add some pictures of what I have been up to over the past couple of months...Since apparently I haven't posted anything.
I will have to report back when we open and taste the first bottle. Hopefully it will be drinkable and also the first of many batches.
This is Elizabeth and I at a wedding in Columbus. I had to sport the bow tie with this suit. It was lots of fun.
Another thing I have been up to is brewing beer with a buddy of mine, Mr. Scott L. This is our first batch and should be fully brewed and fermented in the next couple of weeks. We were lucky enough to have a guy in the area with expertise and all the goods we needed. We called the beer the S and E Pale Ale (after our wives, Sarah and Elizabeth)...it's a bitter beer.
Its a three stage process. "Cooking" it one day, letting it ferment. Putting it in a Carboy, letting it ferment. Bottling it, letting ferment. Those are the three parts in a very, very brief overview. Brewing beer is actually pretty intense and specific. We were lucky enough to have our friend Drew Sutton in town when we were bottling. Lucky, because he has an amazing eye for photos and took some great ones.
I have some pictures that I took of the other two processes, but they really can't compete. The only cool thing I have is this video of the fermenting process, day one, 7am. I moved the 5 gallon fermenter to the closet in my office, to keep it out of the way. I was concerned the night before when the air lock wasn't doing anything I thought we messed up. But, as I was working on my computer, I kept hearing this odd noise. I realized it was signs the beer was brewing, it was quite exciting.
Its a three stage process. "Cooking" it one day, letting it ferment. Putting it in a Carboy, letting it ferment. Bottling it, letting ferment. Those are the three parts in a very, very brief overview. Brewing beer is actually pretty intense and specific. We were lucky enough to have our friend Drew Sutton in town when we were bottling. Lucky, because he has an amazing eye for photos and took some great ones.
I have some pictures that I took of the other two processes, but they really can't compete. The only cool thing I have is this video of the fermenting process, day one, 7am. I moved the 5 gallon fermenter to the closet in my office, to keep it out of the way. I was concerned the night before when the air lock wasn't doing anything I thought we messed up. But, as I was working on my computer, I kept hearing this odd noise. I realized it was signs the beer was brewing, it was quite exciting.
I will have to report back when we open and taste the first bottle. Hopefully it will be drinkable and also the first of many batches.
Monday, April 19, 2010
I know why there is poverty and hunger in the world. It's because the people of the world allow there to be. Bar from our excuses of warlords and cultural differences, if enough of the world's wealthy were more concerned for the world's people then their bank statements, it could come to an end.
This thought struck me today as I was walking away from the Casino. My mission there was to retrieve my wife's I.D. that had been misplaced, by me, at the Muslim wedding we attended there the night before. I graciously accepted, signed, and left with the I.D. and exited out the side, valet door. I nearly came crashing into a Hummer, which as far as I could tell, was blocking out the sun. I was struck with how useless and impractical this vehicle is for the everyday masses. Then I thought of the money spent in the Casinos, The money spent on impractical and over the top vehicles, the money spent on this Mac Book Pro, the money spent on this $9 six pack I am drinking, and it makes me sad.
I was told a One Billion Dollars could end the world's hunger. I was also told the Methodist church, in assets alone (church campuses, lands, retreat centers) has way over this amount. And this is just the Methodist church. Not withstanding the awesome fundraising the Southern Baptist are capable of, or event the vast caches of wealth held be the Catholic Church. However, I fear the headlines show how they spend their money.
Our churches at slowly nicking away at the problems of poverty and world hunger, but image what a combining of efforts and money could do. Is it worth it to loose much of the empire the receptive denominations and religions have amassed to indeed help their neighbor.
You know what amazes me. Jesus told the rich man..."to follow me, you must sell everything you have..." And what do with do with this today? We warp it into a new meaning so as to not feel guilty about stuff and accomplishments. When we are young, bible stories are stuffed into our little heads, teaching us the right and wrong. As we grow older, the American Dream is beaten into our brains pushing the true, pure meanings of biblical teachings from their once safe resting grounds. No longer able to see past the color of money, another chance to act and change has given way to mortgages, stocks, future.
I openly admit to my comfort and how giving it all up would leave me in a perpetual state of fear and anxiety of my next step. But, man, how freeing would it be. I know it could be done and be a fulfilling life...
I wonder what the news would talk about if we no longer had hunger, poverty. Maybe that could straighten out politics too? Worth a try. I could wander with my wife and my dog to seek the life of Christ. In fact, it sounds like a better adventure then the 9 to 5 the American Dream provides.
Monday, March 1, 2010
100 Push Ups and The Mardi Gras Marathon
This weekend was a blur of fun, travel, and sweat. It started Friday morning when I attempted (2nd attempt) to complete my hundred push-up challenge. For the past six plus weeks I have been undergoing a workout, in which, once completed I would be able to do 100 nasty, ugly push-ups at one time. It's called One Hundred Pushups training. Well, Friday I gave it my good ole college try, and finally was successful. It was not easy, it was not suave, it ended up with me appearing as a crumpled heap on the floor, sweat dripping off my brow like a New Orleans levy. But, thanks the wonderful encouragement of my beautiful wife, I am a proud completer of this challenge. As you can see, I have placed a little logo on my blog (actually I am working on it), so I can proudly display my accomplishment...because nothing says you rock like a little, free to anyone whether they did it or not, gif.
Second cool thing Eliz and I did this weekend was go to New Orleans to see Scott, Sarah, Haley, and Emily run the Mardi Gras Marathon. This was the first Marathon for Haley and Emily, and Scott and Sarah's second. All four of them did so great! They finished in under 5 hours, I personal best for them all. Their exact time was 4:58:32. Wonderful. The weather was pristine and warm. There was a celebration afterward complete with beer and the local band Cowboy Mouth. Eliz and I were not runners in this race, but we considered ourselves to be "participants" as we rode our bikes along the race and met up with the runners in different locations. They ran for five hours, Eliz and I biked down bourbon street, Esplanade, Jackson Square...I know we had it easy. We even stopped a place call Eat on Dumaine Street for a wonderful brunch of Tomato Pesto and Feta Torte and Shrimp Omelet with Avocado and Goat Cheese. It was quite nice. We got up a 5:00am to get there in time for the start and drove all the way back to Shreveport that day. We got back around 8pm and she and I were both in bed on our way to sleep by 9:30. It was a great, fun weekend. It has even inspired us to attempt a half marathon. I guess the training begins today!
Here's a video of the runners about to cross the finish line:
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