I flipped the meat this morning, the brine has formed. All it has to do now is keep getting flipped over in the two gallon ziploc bags every morning until Sunday! Then I'll take it out and smoke the newly made bacon!
I can't wait!
Team USA had a very good game yesterday against Team Canada in hockey. We played for gold and had previously beaten Canada earlier. It looked like we were going down two to one when with under a minute left we scored and tied the game! It was then overtime hockey. First team that scores wins.
It was fitting that Sidney Crosby, the NHL wunderkind, scored the final goal against us. We won silver which is pretty good in this very tough tournament.
Over the next few weeks you'll hear the term, "reconciliation" bandied about in the political landscape. Pay attention to when it is being used. You'll see liberals talk about how the GOP has used reconciliation more times than anyone else to pass legislation. Just pay attention, I'll get more into this in another post.
Do a little homework and research the term and how the procedure was used then and how it is being talked about being used now.
Monday, March 01, 2010
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Operation: Making Bacon Day Two
Yesterday I acquired a large slab of uncured and soon to be bacon. I went to the store and got a box of kosher salt, some seasonings, and a small bottle of maple syrup. I already had a bag of brown sugar.
All essential ingredients for curing the meat and turning it into bacon. I checked on the meat this morning and it is nearly thawed but not totally yet. After it is completely thawed I'll cut it into two or three even sized pieces and start the curing process.
Mix equal parts of kosher salt and brown sugar, add in the syrup until it is still a dry mix but not a syrupy mess (the syrup just makes the salt and sugar sticky but it does add some flavor) and then you add in your seasoning of your choice. You rub the mix all over each piece of meat and place into ziploc bags.
You then place the soon to be curing meat into the fridge. After the first day you will notice a lot of juice has appeared in the bag. Leave it, it'll act as a brine. You flip the meat over once a day so the top and bottom are in the brine.
That's about as easy as it gets! No hard, tricky steps. Nothing to monitor closely. Nothing at all to do except turn the meat over once a day!
I'll begin today with the dry rub and get the meat into the plastic bags today!
All essential ingredients for curing the meat and turning it into bacon. I checked on the meat this morning and it is nearly thawed but not totally yet. After it is completely thawed I'll cut it into two or three even sized pieces and start the curing process.
Mix equal parts of kosher salt and brown sugar, add in the syrup until it is still a dry mix but not a syrupy mess (the syrup just makes the salt and sugar sticky but it does add some flavor) and then you add in your seasoning of your choice. You rub the mix all over each piece of meat and place into ziploc bags.
You then place the soon to be curing meat into the fridge. After the first day you will notice a lot of juice has appeared in the bag. Leave it, it'll act as a brine. You flip the meat over once a day so the top and bottom are in the brine.
That's about as easy as it gets! No hard, tricky steps. Nothing to monitor closely. Nothing at all to do except turn the meat over once a day!
I'll begin today with the dry rub and get the meat into the plastic bags today!
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Operation: Making Bacon
I've been reading about curing bacon this past week. It's a simple process that takes about a week to complete. Very easy though. Since you aren't using sodium nitrate it is also healthier....well as far as bacon is healthy anyway.
You use kosher salt, brown sugar, and the seasonings you want like maple syrup or peppercorns or BBQ spices or whatever. Commercial bacon is usually wet cured, homemade bacon is dry cured and then smoked until the internal temperature of the meat reaches one hundred fifty degrees. Not enough to cook the meat, just enough to smoke it good and impart the flavor you want.
You can also cold smoke bacon which is something I'd rather do since it is still Winter out. You take a soldering iron, a tin can, and wood chips. The way you MacGyver this all together is by poking holes in the can's side and partially cut the end of the can with a can opener. You put the wood chips into the end of the can until it is full, place the soldering iron in with the chips, place the whole thing into your smoker, and plug it in. In a couple of hours you have smoked food!
This works best with cheeses and soft foods that will melt if you used heat.
So now my task lies ahead, I'm on a quest for a pork belly!
You use kosher salt, brown sugar, and the seasonings you want like maple syrup or peppercorns or BBQ spices or whatever. Commercial bacon is usually wet cured, homemade bacon is dry cured and then smoked until the internal temperature of the meat reaches one hundred fifty degrees. Not enough to cook the meat, just enough to smoke it good and impart the flavor you want.
You can also cold smoke bacon which is something I'd rather do since it is still Winter out. You take a soldering iron, a tin can, and wood chips. The way you MacGyver this all together is by poking holes in the can's side and partially cut the end of the can with a can opener. You put the wood chips into the end of the can until it is full, place the soldering iron in with the chips, place the whole thing into your smoker, and plug it in. In a couple of hours you have smoked food!
This works best with cheeses and soft foods that will melt if you used heat.
So now my task lies ahead, I'm on a quest for a pork belly!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Happy Friday!
Today is payday Friday, that makes me happy:) After the unexpected death of our present from Witchy, Scrat, was killed by the neighbor's dog we adopted another pretty little kitten last night. Scotch was getting very lonely and the dog was running from him in his attempts to play so he needed a companion:)
They are about the same age and she is very shy right now. She's feeling out the house and environment to see what is here. Scotch has hissed and growled at her a couple of times but nothing major.
I think she'll fit right in before long:) She is just really scared of things right now but hasn't even been in the house for twenty four hours yet.
I talked to the owner of the dog. He is a twelve year old rottweiler and past his expiration date. The owner said he was on his last legs right now and wouldn't last much longer. He apologized a lot and felt really bad.
So we have a new kitten now:)
They are about the same age and she is very shy right now. She's feeling out the house and environment to see what is here. Scotch has hissed and growled at her a couple of times but nothing major.
I think she'll fit right in before long:) She is just really scared of things right now but hasn't even been in the house for twenty four hours yet.
I talked to the owner of the dog. He is a twelve year old rottweiler and past his expiration date. The owner said he was on his last legs right now and wouldn't last much longer. He apologized a lot and felt really bad.
So we have a new kitten now:)
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Half Done
The electrical system is now brand new! From where it attaches to the house to where it enters the house. The outlet wiring is the same but it was replaced before I moved in.
Brand new breaker box with lots of room to expand.
Brand new outdoor outlet.
Brand new mast.
Brand new meter holder.
Brand new ground.
He showed me the old ones and they were about to burn up. It was ugly for sure. Even the new breaker I had put in during the Summer was burning already.
The house is now officially ready for the new central heat/air unit to be installed:) Hopefully today they'll call me and start on installing it!
Brand new breaker box with lots of room to expand.
Brand new outdoor outlet.
Brand new mast.
Brand new meter holder.
Brand new ground.
He showed me the old ones and they were about to burn up. It was ugly for sure. Even the new breaker I had put in during the Summer was burning already.
The house is now officially ready for the new central heat/air unit to be installed:) Hopefully today they'll call me and start on installing it!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
It Starts Today
Before the new central heat/air unit can be installed we ran into some problems at the breaker box. That'll be replaced today. Then that should open the door for everything electrical that needs to be done to put in the brand spanking new heat/air unit!
I can't wait! Efficient heat, soothing cool air, yes! Hot in the Winter, cold in the Summer! Cheaper bills and faster heating/cooling times:)
I was really going to expand on the pickled sausage post from yesterday but I'm sure pretty much everyone agrees with me so there is no need;) No, I know that pickled sausages are a niche snack and not for everyone. I'd definitely make it my goal though in the Zombie Apocalypse of Doom to grab as many pickled sausages as I could for survival.
We were watching Man vs. Food last night and Adam went to Munchies 4:20 in Florida for a mystery challenge. They wouldn't tell him what it was until he actually got there and ordered it. Turns out it was hot wings.
Now I can handle me some spicy food, I have carried a bottle of The Source with me to cast parties to find out who can handle hot stuff, and I've got a bottle of much cooler sauce at home that clocks in at two million on the Scoville scale. The Source though is a spicy seven point two million and should not be tried by everyone, just the daring.
A jalapeno is roughly two thousand on the Scoville scale if that gives you an indication on temperature.
These wings look like they were encrusted with The Source. Adam can usually make it through a lot of these challenges but he made it through about a wing and a half last night. He had to eat ten wings in twenty minutes with no water or milk.
He has done hot challenges before but this one just dominated him. With hot stuff he can get through most of it before he gives up but this time it was very early on, like Tyson vs. Spinks.
I'd like to see him take on the challenges he failed at and see what he can do a second time around.
I can't wait! Efficient heat, soothing cool air, yes! Hot in the Winter, cold in the Summer! Cheaper bills and faster heating/cooling times:)
I was really going to expand on the pickled sausage post from yesterday but I'm sure pretty much everyone agrees with me so there is no need;) No, I know that pickled sausages are a niche snack and not for everyone. I'd definitely make it my goal though in the Zombie Apocalypse of Doom to grab as many pickled sausages as I could for survival.
We were watching Man vs. Food last night and Adam went to Munchies 4:20 in Florida for a mystery challenge. They wouldn't tell him what it was until he actually got there and ordered it. Turns out it was hot wings.
Now I can handle me some spicy food, I have carried a bottle of The Source with me to cast parties to find out who can handle hot stuff, and I've got a bottle of much cooler sauce at home that clocks in at two million on the Scoville scale. The Source though is a spicy seven point two million and should not be tried by everyone, just the daring.
A jalapeno is roughly two thousand on the Scoville scale if that gives you an indication on temperature.
These wings look like they were encrusted with The Source. Adam can usually make it through a lot of these challenges but he made it through about a wing and a half last night. He had to eat ten wings in twenty minutes with no water or milk.
He has done hot challenges before but this one just dominated him. With hot stuff he can get through most of it before he gives up but this time it was very early on, like Tyson vs. Spinks.
I'd like to see him take on the challenges he failed at and see what he can do a second time around.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Pickled Sausages: Nature's Perfect Food?
Now those of you who are long time readers will recall my blog, Funyuns: The Perfect Food? (I'm paraphrasing myself, I can't remember the exact title) A long time ago, like thirty years or more, I saw a Penrose Pickled Sausage in a quick shop. It said hot and since I'm a fan of hot foods I tried it.
It was really more vinegar than hot but the flavor endured with me. I pick one up every once in a while because they are darn tasty, so tasty they might be a desert island food for me. You know if you can have X and X and X on a desert island?
Anyway I've come to realize that pickled sausages might very well be the perfect food. They are packed with protein. No vitamins or minerals to speak of. High in sodium. Have a really good flavor. Easily affordable. And last but not least, they are widely available!
So are pickled sausages the perfect food? If not they are a good contender!
It was really more vinegar than hot but the flavor endured with me. I pick one up every once in a while because they are darn tasty, so tasty they might be a desert island food for me. You know if you can have X and X and X on a desert island?
Anyway I've come to realize that pickled sausages might very well be the perfect food. They are packed with protein. No vitamins or minerals to speak of. High in sodium. Have a really good flavor. Easily affordable. And last but not least, they are widely available!
So are pickled sausages the perfect food? If not they are a good contender!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Nothing Much
The start of a new week is here. New possibilities, new goals, new opportunities! Yeah, I'm not doing much right now. Trying to wake up from a restful night's sleep. My sinuses are bothering me like they were late last week, not as bad though.
The pulled pork is nearly gone now. That's good:) Coffee is on, I'm showered and uniformed up to head to work. Friday is payday, glad about that:) Wednesday our new central heat and air unit will be here, hopefully installed by the weekend!
We all are excited about that happening! There aren't many other random tidbits I can throw at you right now. It was a slow weekend.
The pulled pork is nearly gone now. That's good:) Coffee is on, I'm showered and uniformed up to head to work. Friday is payday, glad about that:) Wednesday our new central heat and air unit will be here, hopefully installed by the weekend!
We all are excited about that happening! There aren't many other random tidbits I can throw at you right now. It was a slow weekend.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Yummy!!!!
I decided to put the pork roast on earlier than I was going to. Since I wrapped it when the roast passed the one hundred eighty degree mark I knew it wouldn't overcook and would be moist.
I don't like the idea of putting water in a smoker to cook with, to me it is better with dry heat and let the meat itself take care of the moisture. There are massive threads on BBQ forums about water vs. dry. I do believe inject-ables (which I didn't use on this roast) will add flavor and keep a bigger piece of meat moist.
While it was wrapped and about an hour from serving I made the vinegar sauce and it got pretty much bad reviews other than me. The Date and Thing 2 didn't quite like the vinegar taste.
Agreed that it's an acquired taste but I thought it added a flavor to the pork that was far different from the normal sweet KC taste we are used to. It was more of a sweet/sour taste similar to the generic sauce you'd find on a Chinese buffet but with the vinegar twang.
After I wrapped the pork and put it back onto the BGE, I shut down the vents so that it would retain heat but not cook any further. The tissue would continue to break down which leads to the falling apart factor that we all love. I brought the roast in and let it rest for about a half hour before I started to pull it. I did literally pull it apart with a fork and it didn't take much effort at all.
Taste was good, tons of moisture (as the BGE message boards said would happen) fork tender, and lots of leftovers for many sandwiches this week:) It's a success and definitely something I'll make on the BGE many more times:)
I don't like the idea of putting water in a smoker to cook with, to me it is better with dry heat and let the meat itself take care of the moisture. There are massive threads on BBQ forums about water vs. dry. I do believe inject-ables (which I didn't use on this roast) will add flavor and keep a bigger piece of meat moist.
While it was wrapped and about an hour from serving I made the vinegar sauce and it got pretty much bad reviews other than me. The Date and Thing 2 didn't quite like the vinegar taste.
Agreed that it's an acquired taste but I thought it added a flavor to the pork that was far different from the normal sweet KC taste we are used to. It was more of a sweet/sour taste similar to the generic sauce you'd find on a Chinese buffet but with the vinegar twang.
After I wrapped the pork and put it back onto the BGE, I shut down the vents so that it would retain heat but not cook any further. The tissue would continue to break down which leads to the falling apart factor that we all love. I brought the roast in and let it rest for about a half hour before I started to pull it. I did literally pull it apart with a fork and it didn't take much effort at all.
Taste was good, tons of moisture (as the BGE message boards said would happen) fork tender, and lots of leftovers for many sandwiches this week:) It's a success and definitely something I'll make on the BGE many more times:)
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Pulled Pork
Yep I'm making a big helping of pulled pork today out of a seven pound pork shoulder!
I'll bring the BGE up to temperature, let it stabalize around three fifty, not as low and slow as some competition cookers but I want a nice crust and not all of the fat to melt away while still getting done. I'm going to use indirect heat as you always should while smoking something over a long period of time. It should have a nice crust to it and get done in about six hours this way.
Then I'll prep the roast around ten, trimming some of the fat off but not too much. Season it, and then put it on the BGE around eleven. When the internal temperature of the roast reaches one ninety five I'll wrap it in foil and let it rest for about a half hour.
Then the fun really begins! You start pulling it apart for sandwiches!!!!
I'm making a Carolina BBQ sauce for it, Carolina is known for using apple cider vinegar in its sauce. Memphis for its dry rub, and KC for its wet sauce which is the most common. Anyway for this smoked pulled pork it'll be the Carolina sauce.
I can't wait until its done! It'll be a fun day!
I'll bring the BGE up to temperature, let it stabalize around three fifty, not as low and slow as some competition cookers but I want a nice crust and not all of the fat to melt away while still getting done. I'm going to use indirect heat as you always should while smoking something over a long period of time. It should have a nice crust to it and get done in about six hours this way.
Then I'll prep the roast around ten, trimming some of the fat off but not too much. Season it, and then put it on the BGE around eleven. When the internal temperature of the roast reaches one ninety five I'll wrap it in foil and let it rest for about a half hour.
Then the fun really begins! You start pulling it apart for sandwiches!!!!
I'm making a Carolina BBQ sauce for it, Carolina is known for using apple cider vinegar in its sauce. Memphis for its dry rub, and KC for its wet sauce which is the most common. Anyway for this smoked pulled pork it'll be the Carolina sauce.
I can't wait until its done! It'll be a fun day!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Good Day!
Other than I came home with a bad sinus headache yesterday was a rocking good day!
Last week I had called for an estimate on a new heating and air system, desperately needed in my house. Mine was on its last legs about five years ago.
Yesterday I got the estimate and it was less than I expected. The other estimate I received was for between seven and eight thousand. Totally outrageous and I couldn't afford that.
I got the all yesterday and it was a more affordable price and I hired him right there! The equipment should be in by next Wednesday! I'm so happy about this as my system is around thirty years old, very inefficient, noisy, and just worn out.
So yay!!! I'm excited that something I've been needing to do for years is finally going to happen!
Last week I had called for an estimate on a new heating and air system, desperately needed in my house. Mine was on its last legs about five years ago.
Yesterday I got the estimate and it was less than I expected. The other estimate I received was for between seven and eight thousand. Totally outrageous and I couldn't afford that.
I got the all yesterday and it was a more affordable price and I hired him right there! The equipment should be in by next Wednesday! I'm so happy about this as my system is around thirty years old, very inefficient, noisy, and just worn out.
So yay!!! I'm excited that something I've been needing to do for years is finally going to happen!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Curling Losses
I DVR'd the men's team the previous night and watched the end of USA versus Switzerland last night. The announcers mentioned the game previous to both of those against Germany I believe, in all three games our captain had a chance to win on the last rock slidey thing.
All three of those he missed and we lost leaving us 0-3 in the round robin tournament. The stiffer competition is coming up according to the announcers as well which paints a grim picture for US gold in curling.
Fortunately we are better at other sports as we lead the medal count with fourteen total medals. Germany is second with ten total medals but we have five golds and they have three!
Curling just must not be a sport we do any good at in the Olympics. That's ok, we rule snowboarding and other various sports. Maybe our women's team is doing better, I'll have to find them now on TV since our men apparently can't get it done.
All three of those he missed and we lost leaving us 0-3 in the round robin tournament. The stiffer competition is coming up according to the announcers as well which paints a grim picture for US gold in curling.
Fortunately we are better at other sports as we lead the medal count with fourteen total medals. Germany is second with ten total medals but we have five golds and they have three!
Curling just must not be a sport we do any good at in the Olympics. That's ok, we rule snowboarding and other various sports. Maybe our women's team is doing better, I'll have to find them now on TV since our men apparently can't get it done.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
The Curling Paradox
I was watching the Olympics last night and curling was on. I realized I didn't want to change the channel but at the same time it takes more athletic effort for me to choose a cigar and pour myself a cocktail than is exhibited in curling.
There is no way this should be considered a sport let alone an Olympic sport. It is such a bizarre game with brooms and one person who pushes this giant, sliding rock on ice.
Perhaps there just aren't enough winter sports to fill up an Olympic team so they had to add something as nonathletic as curling. If curling is a sport they might as well make winter golf a sport or choose your summer game sport and just add winter to the title. A winter decathlon on ice, now that might be compelling. I'd love to see a high jump on ice. Winter swimming, lets see how Phelps would do then!
Curling has some strange appeal though as I actually looked at the schedule and found when the USA was playing next on TV and DVR'd it. Maybe it is appealing that basically anyone from any walk of life can do this event. If you are like four hundred pounds, you can curl. If you are an air head super model...you can curl. Can't get a steady job anywhere? Yep, you can curl. With some practice you might even be good at it.
So yes like my friend Mr. Feeny, I find myself watching curling and even though I don't understand it I find it compelling.
There is no way this should be considered a sport let alone an Olympic sport. It is such a bizarre game with brooms and one person who pushes this giant, sliding rock on ice.
Perhaps there just aren't enough winter sports to fill up an Olympic team so they had to add something as nonathletic as curling. If curling is a sport they might as well make winter golf a sport or choose your summer game sport and just add winter to the title. A winter decathlon on ice, now that might be compelling. I'd love to see a high jump on ice. Winter swimming, lets see how Phelps would do then!
Curling has some strange appeal though as I actually looked at the schedule and found when the USA was playing next on TV and DVR'd it. Maybe it is appealing that basically anyone from any walk of life can do this event. If you are like four hundred pounds, you can curl. If you are an air head super model...you can curl. Can't get a steady job anywhere? Yep, you can curl. With some practice you might even be good at it.
So yes like my friend Mr. Feeny, I find myself watching curling and even though I don't understand it I find it compelling.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
It Was A Good Day!
The meetings went well in the morning! Beersnob and I were very encouraged by the progression and outcome of the business meeting! We then went to a coffee shop and talked over our strategy and what we feel we did right and wrong in the meeting.
More right than wrong. We're waiting on them to talk a few things over and call us back for a second meeting later in the week.
I'm excited about this prospect.
More right than wrong. We're waiting on them to talk a few things over and call us back for a second meeting later in the week.
I'm excited about this prospect.
Monday, February 15, 2010
First Business Meeting!
That's right, this morning Beersnob and I are going to our very first business meeting with an actual potential client! Since today is a holiday and I have the day off of work I'll fill that time by working.
8:30 meeting with Beersnob to go over what we are doing and where we are going.
9:30 meeting with potential client!
To say I'm excited about this is an understatement.
Yesterday was really nice! I made The Date a grilled ribeye supper with a smoked baked potato and grilled asparagus on the BGE. We watched the Olympics until around seven and then we headed to meet Skate and The Invader at Bdubs for some celebration and supper.
We waited for nearly twenty minutes and no one came over to take our order, clean up the table, or give us the time of day. We left and told the manager why we were going to Chili's instead. There we had a fine meal before heading back home for some much needed sleep!
It was a great day thanks to my Valentine, The Date:)
8:30 meeting with Beersnob to go over what we are doing and where we are going.
9:30 meeting with potential client!
To say I'm excited about this is an understatement.
Yesterday was really nice! I made The Date a grilled ribeye supper with a smoked baked potato and grilled asparagus on the BGE. We watched the Olympics until around seven and then we headed to meet Skate and The Invader at Bdubs for some celebration and supper.
We waited for nearly twenty minutes and no one came over to take our order, clean up the table, or give us the time of day. We left and told the manager why we were going to Chili's instead. There we had a fine meal before heading back home for some much needed sleep!
It was a great day thanks to my Valentine, The Date:)
Sunday, February 14, 2010
The Engagement Of Skate
Last night I got a text that was expected at some point. It was imminent, there was no doubt. Skate and The Invader are going to be married! Over the time I've known Skate, meeting him at dinner theatre two years ago, I've really come to love him. He is a stand up guy.
Over time our friendship has developed and the big lug, albeit clumsy at times, grows on you. He is known for breaking breakables and isn't allowed to touch a lot of things.
The Invader is also a lovely person and will make a great match for him in life. I always enjoy their planned get togethers and I'm sorry I missed bingo night. The Invader also grows on you, she is a lot of fun to hang out with and while she rarely has a good day, I know she has to have them sometimes and I suspect yesterday was one of her best days!
The Date, The Things, and I are looking forward to their impending nuptials and wish Skate and The Invader nothing but the best! I love them both and look forward to many years of them in our lives!
Over time our friendship has developed and the big lug, albeit clumsy at times, grows on you. He is known for breaking breakables and isn't allowed to touch a lot of things.
The Invader is also a lovely person and will make a great match for him in life. I always enjoy their planned get togethers and I'm sorry I missed bingo night. The Invader also grows on you, she is a lot of fun to hang out with and while she rarely has a good day, I know she has to have them sometimes and I suspect yesterday was one of her best days!
The Date, The Things, and I are looking forward to their impending nuptials and wish Skate and The Invader nothing but the best! I love them both and look forward to many years of them in our lives!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
A Mac Followed Me Home
The Mac version of the grill. It just seemed to have more going for it and was much easier to use than the Weber Kettle grill which in itself is a very easy to use grill. On the Big Green Egg you just stick a couple of lighter sticks into the lump charcoal (which you could easily do on the Weber as well) and within ten minutes it is a blistering temperature.
You adjust the vents to the temperature you want to cook at they are different of course for smoking, grilling, or baking. Put your prepared food into the Egg, flip it over maybe once (depends on if you want grill marks or not) and then pull it off the grill when it is done. It cooked a pork loin last night in about half the time it would have when I've grilled them before.
The Date and I went to the store and bought a big bill of groceries, lots and lots of grilling stuff:) The BGE will get its workout this week for sure:)
On the menu this week will be such things as ribeye, ribs, hamburgers, hot dogs, veggies, roast, and various other things:) I'll work in teaching The Things how to grill before long as well!
You adjust the vents to the temperature you want to cook at they are different of course for smoking, grilling, or baking. Put your prepared food into the Egg, flip it over maybe once (depends on if you want grill marks or not) and then pull it off the grill when it is done. It cooked a pork loin last night in about half the time it would have when I've grilled them before.
The Date and I went to the store and bought a big bill of groceries, lots and lots of grilling stuff:) The BGE will get its workout this week for sure:)
On the menu this week will be such things as ribeye, ribs, hamburgers, hot dogs, veggies, roast, and various other things:) I'll work in teaching The Things how to grill before long as well!
Friday, February 12, 2010
New Grill: Mac Vs. PC
I'm going to purchase a new grill. My dilemma is do I purchase a Mac or a PC? Sure the PC is steady, versatile, and cheaper but the Mac is flashy, has a cult following, a small learning curve, and more expensive.
The choice is between a Steady, proven, and cheaper Weber Performer. One of the most versatile grills in history. It can grill, smoke, or anything in between. It comes with everything you need to do both right out of the box at half the cost.
OOORRRRRrrrrr the Big Green Egg, a flashy, more expensive, and just as versatile cooker at twice the cost. It has accessories to purchase to smoke with or even bake with. Yeah you can bake breads, pies, cakes....well you get the idea.
The advantages are that the Big Green Egg is a ceramic cooker, a heavy ceramic cooker. It reaches temperature in ten minutes or less. That's about half the time the trusted mainstay of patio cooking can reach it's desired cooking temperature. The Weber was the first brand out there that moved the American family to the backyard for cooking. The kettle cooker is iconic if not legendary.
The Big Green Egg is fuel efficient with one bag of charcoal lasting around three months...if you cooked three times per week. That's a twenty pound bag! Take the same bag and use it in a Weber and it won't last half that time.
Both cookers will get used weekly and year around at my house. Both cookers will last for decades and might very well be the last grill I ever buy. Both are high quality cookers that will open up a world of food options I haven't had since my last grill that went bad a couple of years ago. The Things will love my smoked foods, they will love the pulled pork, smoked ribs, brisket, and other more difficult foods to cook that I haven't done in a while due to a lack of a proper cooker.
I know The Date hates to start the fire on a charcoal grill. Both of these make it very easy to start and achieve temperature. In fact both are so easy that even The Things could start either cooker with ease and be able to cook a big three or four dish supper on either!
Why am I leaning towards a cooker that weighs nearly one hundred fifty pounds and costs twice as much? I think it comes down to the fuel usage and it requires less attention during cooking. It is faster, cooking a one and a half inch thick steak to medium rare in less than five minutes at a much higher temperature than the Weber. You can set the vents, never touch the fuel, and get a rock steady temperature for the duration of a long smoke.
That means you can start smoking something before bed and be confident it'll maintain the temperature you want, until you get up the next morning to take the brisket or pork roast off of the smoker.
The Big Green Egg is so simple that a first time smoker could do competition level brisket with very few instructions. My whole adult life I've wanted a top level grill, today I'm going to get that grill and fulfill that dream.
I'm really on the fence as to which to purchase today but I am leaning towards the Mac.
The choice is between a Steady, proven, and cheaper Weber Performer. One of the most versatile grills in history. It can grill, smoke, or anything in between. It comes with everything you need to do both right out of the box at half the cost.
OOORRRRRrrrrr the Big Green Egg, a flashy, more expensive, and just as versatile cooker at twice the cost. It has accessories to purchase to smoke with or even bake with. Yeah you can bake breads, pies, cakes....well you get the idea.
The advantages are that the Big Green Egg is a ceramic cooker, a heavy ceramic cooker. It reaches temperature in ten minutes or less. That's about half the time the trusted mainstay of patio cooking can reach it's desired cooking temperature. The Weber was the first brand out there that moved the American family to the backyard for cooking. The kettle cooker is iconic if not legendary.
The Big Green Egg is fuel efficient with one bag of charcoal lasting around three months...if you cooked three times per week. That's a twenty pound bag! Take the same bag and use it in a Weber and it won't last half that time.
Both cookers will get used weekly and year around at my house. Both cookers will last for decades and might very well be the last grill I ever buy. Both are high quality cookers that will open up a world of food options I haven't had since my last grill that went bad a couple of years ago. The Things will love my smoked foods, they will love the pulled pork, smoked ribs, brisket, and other more difficult foods to cook that I haven't done in a while due to a lack of a proper cooker.
I know The Date hates to start the fire on a charcoal grill. Both of these make it very easy to start and achieve temperature. In fact both are so easy that even The Things could start either cooker with ease and be able to cook a big three or four dish supper on either!
Why am I leaning towards a cooker that weighs nearly one hundred fifty pounds and costs twice as much? I think it comes down to the fuel usage and it requires less attention during cooking. It is faster, cooking a one and a half inch thick steak to medium rare in less than five minutes at a much higher temperature than the Weber. You can set the vents, never touch the fuel, and get a rock steady temperature for the duration of a long smoke.
That means you can start smoking something before bed and be confident it'll maintain the temperature you want, until you get up the next morning to take the brisket or pork roast off of the smoker.
The Big Green Egg is so simple that a first time smoker could do competition level brisket with very few instructions. My whole adult life I've wanted a top level grill, today I'm going to get that grill and fulfill that dream.
I'm really on the fence as to which to purchase today but I am leaning towards the Mac.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Captain Phil
By now you've heard that on February 9th Captain Phil Harris, from the reality TV show The Deadliest Catch has passed on.
Last year before the last season started Discovery ran marathons of the show. My dad watched the show and it quickly turned into his favorite show. I blogged before how dad and I would talk over the newest episode the day after it aired....and the one time I nearly called him after he had passed on but caught myself from doing so.
Captain Harris was one of his favorites. The hard living Captain had a rough side and a lovable side when he wasn't working. A teddy bear...a salt encrusted teddy bear, frozen on the waters North of Dutch Harbor but a teddy bear.
I'm sure that the Cornelia Marie will sail on. His sons will carry the mantle and the show will not be the same without Captain Phil at the helm. I send my prayers for Josh and Jake Harris and the rest of the family.
Last year before the last season started Discovery ran marathons of the show. My dad watched the show and it quickly turned into his favorite show. I blogged before how dad and I would talk over the newest episode the day after it aired....and the one time I nearly called him after he had passed on but caught myself from doing so.
Captain Harris was one of his favorites. The hard living Captain had a rough side and a lovable side when he wasn't working. A teddy bear...a salt encrusted teddy bear, frozen on the waters North of Dutch Harbor but a teddy bear.
I'm sure that the Cornelia Marie will sail on. His sons will carry the mantle and the show will not be the same without Captain Phil at the helm. I send my prayers for Josh and Jake Harris and the rest of the family.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Finally
After seeing the trailer, waiting until it hit theaters and refusing to see it in our theater because the experience there sucks, waiting for the eventual DVD release, buying it on the day of release and then waiting until The Date's schedule and mine allowed for it to happen.....I FINALLY got to see Zombieland!!!!!
Good movie, fun movie, was similar to Shaun of the Dead in terms that it was a parody of zombie movies. It never took itself seriously and the one part where it could have been serious well it veered back into goofy music/flashback territory.
I don't see a franchise here but who knows what the suits would do, they greenlight a ton of junk and throw it at us for consumption. Sometimes we consume it like Pocahon...um..Avatar, sometimes we don't like Pluto Nash.
Is Zombieland a masterpiece like Night of the Living Dead or the superior Dawn of the Dead? By no means. Is it better than lots of the dreck they flood movie theaters with? A little bit but that's because of the subject matter, it's fun and interesting.
I was hoping for a two DVD release though that had a digital copy. I'm really digging that feature when they add them to DVD sets. Transfer it to your PC, load it up on your iPhone and away you go! You have entertainment at work during the boring parts.
Yay technology!!!!
Good movie, fun movie, was similar to Shaun of the Dead in terms that it was a parody of zombie movies. It never took itself seriously and the one part where it could have been serious well it veered back into goofy music/flashback territory.
I don't see a franchise here but who knows what the suits would do, they greenlight a ton of junk and throw it at us for consumption. Sometimes we consume it like Pocahon...um..Avatar, sometimes we don't like Pluto Nash.
Is Zombieland a masterpiece like Night of the Living Dead or the superior Dawn of the Dead? By no means. Is it better than lots of the dreck they flood movie theaters with? A little bit but that's because of the subject matter, it's fun and interesting.
I was hoping for a two DVD release though that had a digital copy. I'm really digging that feature when they add them to DVD sets. Transfer it to your PC, load it up on your iPhone and away you go! You have entertainment at work during the boring parts.
Yay technology!!!!
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
The Big Yellow Vacuum
I came home yesterday after work and found a big yellow brand new vacuum cleaner in the living room. Immediately I was struck by the memory of a past girlfriend who lived with me and the time I made her as mad as I have ever made her.
Her vacuum had burned up and quit working so I had some extra money and went and purchased a new one. I took it home, tried it out, and went to work. I worked the night shift then so I could do things like that during the day.
She got off work well after I was at work. She got home and tried it out. About an hour later she called me at the shop and she was furious. I mean as mad as I've ever heard someone on the phone....directed at me!
Now I didn't know this but they don't put bags in the vacuum cleaners when you buy them. I had swept up half the house without a bag in the vacuum and it had gotten full and was starting to throw dust and debris everywhere when she was using it.
Now I laugh about it but at the time it was bad....
After work yesterday I paid a visit to Ten, a member of our keeper fantasy football league and runner up champion. He was the former general manager of my beloved Storm, R.I.P.
We talked over the old times dealing with the team and how the league folded. He had been keeping up with this blog and wanted to know more about Jim J. Bullock, the kid who didn't have a clue in the teen show.
I told him everything I knew about him and his sour attitude. How out of all of the shows I've done he was the only actor who needed a headset because he refused to learn his lines. He said he wished Mrs. Ten would get involved in the theatre and I told him that she is welcome to come down and help out on any show. They are always in need of either tech, stage, or actors. If I'm involved in the show I'm always willing to help someone new get acquainted with everyone and join the theatre family. There are some good shows coming up this year!
Her vacuum had burned up and quit working so I had some extra money and went and purchased a new one. I took it home, tried it out, and went to work. I worked the night shift then so I could do things like that during the day.
She got off work well after I was at work. She got home and tried it out. About an hour later she called me at the shop and she was furious. I mean as mad as I've ever heard someone on the phone....directed at me!
Now I didn't know this but they don't put bags in the vacuum cleaners when you buy them. I had swept up half the house without a bag in the vacuum and it had gotten full and was starting to throw dust and debris everywhere when she was using it.
Now I laugh about it but at the time it was bad....
After work yesterday I paid a visit to Ten, a member of our keeper fantasy football league and runner up champion. He was the former general manager of my beloved Storm, R.I.P.
We talked over the old times dealing with the team and how the league folded. He had been keeping up with this blog and wanted to know more about Jim J. Bullock, the kid who didn't have a clue in the teen show.
I told him everything I knew about him and his sour attitude. How out of all of the shows I've done he was the only actor who needed a headset because he refused to learn his lines. He said he wished Mrs. Ten would get involved in the theatre and I told him that she is welcome to come down and help out on any show. They are always in need of either tech, stage, or actors. If I'm involved in the show I'm always willing to help someone new get acquainted with everyone and join the theatre family. There are some good shows coming up this year!
Monday, February 08, 2010
Super Nice
Yesterday was really pretty nice! I started it off watching Panic In The Year Zero. A relic of a cold war movie directed and starring Ray Milland. A family starts off on a travel trailer vacation and then America is attacked by nuclear weapons.
Anyone interested in surviving the Zombie Apocalypse of Doom should watch this movie as it seems to be an good depiction of what panicked people will do to survive. A good B movie that didn't quite have the scifi edge to it I was hoping for but it was still a good movie.
Then it was the final teen show. Glad its over. It was a fun experience and T, and Witchy did an amazing job. 99% of the cast did an amazing job. My tech crew did an amazing job. I'll say no more about Jim J. Bullock in this show.
Then Thing 2 and I went directly over to the Super Bowl party at Beersnob's house! A great time was had by all! Too many people attended to list them all but it was a wonderful party to top off a good weekend! Now I'm rested and ready to take on this week's worth of work.
The Date watched the first two episodes of Lost while I was at the Theatre. That's good, I want to wait until the show wraps up to watch them all at once. Thank you DVR and it's commercial skipping ability!
Anyone interested in surviving the Zombie Apocalypse of Doom should watch this movie as it seems to be an good depiction of what panicked people will do to survive. A good B movie that didn't quite have the scifi edge to it I was hoping for but it was still a good movie.
Then it was the final teen show. Glad its over. It was a fun experience and T, and Witchy did an amazing job. 99% of the cast did an amazing job. My tech crew did an amazing job. I'll say no more about Jim J. Bullock in this show.
Then Thing 2 and I went directly over to the Super Bowl party at Beersnob's house! A great time was had by all! Too many people attended to list them all but it was a wonderful party to top off a good weekend! Now I'm rested and ready to take on this week's worth of work.
The Date watched the first two episodes of Lost while I was at the Theatre. That's good, I want to wait until the show wraps up to watch them all at once. Thank you DVR and it's commercial skipping ability!
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Super Bowl Sunday!
And I've got the final teen show at two. That's alright. I'll still have plenty of time after striking the set to get to the Super Bowl party and see the game.
Last night went better except in the second act the lead's headset appeared to go out. He wasn't listening to any instruction and was going wherever he wanted to go in the script including skipping three pages at one point.
The actors covered for him and I sent a tech guy to the back stage area to fit him with another headset. He got back and it worked fine, turns out he just wasn't listening to his lines anymore and ignoring the director.
All I can say is AAAHHHHHHH!!!!! A director used to working with adults would have killed him by now if there were anything left over after the cast finished with him. He thought he was good though and the show didn't crash and burn as it very well could have and probably should have.
Anyway today is the last show, we close it down and strike the set. Take things back to storage and sweep up for the next show.
Hopefully it won't take more than a couple of hours to get all of that done.
Last night went better except in the second act the lead's headset appeared to go out. He wasn't listening to any instruction and was going wherever he wanted to go in the script including skipping three pages at one point.
The actors covered for him and I sent a tech guy to the back stage area to fit him with another headset. He got back and it worked fine, turns out he just wasn't listening to his lines anymore and ignoring the director.
All I can say is AAAHHHHHHH!!!!! A director used to working with adults would have killed him by now if there were anything left over after the cast finished with him. He thought he was good though and the show didn't crash and burn as it very well could have and probably should have.
Anyway today is the last show, we close it down and strike the set. Take things back to storage and sweep up for the next show.
Hopefully it won't take more than a couple of hours to get all of that done.
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Valentines For The Things
Yesterday was slow at work so I after finishing what I needed to get done I took off around two o'clock. I had come to the conclusion that Things 1 and 2 needed phones so it would be easier to contact them when needed. Thing 1 always has The Date's iPhone when they are both home so I decided to change that.
First I headed over to the regular AT&T store, told them what I wanted but no dice. They didn't have any of the second generation eight gig iPhones in stock. Then I headed downtown to find the other AT&T store. No luck there either but they suggested Wal-Mart.
So my odyssey took me out to Wal-Mart in search of the elusive iPhone. I inquired as to what I wanted, they said they have twelve in stock. I said I need two and they proceeded to hand my purchase over to one of the women there who had never sold or activated my phone purchase. Let's just say technology was beyond her.
So roughly a little over an hour later (with a call to tech support) I left the store with a bag full of two iPhones that were going to make two girls very happy.
I stopped off and purchased supper as now I was up against the clock to make my film meeting at six. So I stopped off to see The Date at work, gave her supper and showed her Valentines for The Things.
I said I was planning on giving them on Valentines day, she said it would be better to do it now. Alright, so that's what I'll do! I bring home supper, place the Wal-Mart bag on the counter opposite of the food. Call The Things and they come into the kitchen to grab supper.
Then I get my phone and call one of the other phones, they look for the noise thinking it was The Guest's phone that he had left here for some reason. Thing 1 tracks the noise down to the bag eventually. Opens the bag and explodes across the room to put me in a strangle hold. Thing 2 goes and looks in the bag and does the same to me, well more around my shoulders actually. Supper was ate and I made my meeting on time but just barely.
Then it was off to Opening Night of the teen show. It went much smoother last night. The lead actor still didn't know his lines and even when being fed his lines still made them up. I've got no patience for him anymore. I don't want to be around him. He didn't care enough to put any time into this while the rest of the cast did and as far as I'm concerned he let everyone of them down.
T, the director, has done an outstanding job in a no win situation with a difficult play and a cast that are all brand new to main stage acting. The rest of the cast did a fabulous job and hit most of their marks despite not knowing if the right cue line was coming or not and most of the time it did not come.
Two shows left.
First I headed over to the regular AT&T store, told them what I wanted but no dice. They didn't have any of the second generation eight gig iPhones in stock. Then I headed downtown to find the other AT&T store. No luck there either but they suggested Wal-Mart.
So my odyssey took me out to Wal-Mart in search of the elusive iPhone. I inquired as to what I wanted, they said they have twelve in stock. I said I need two and they proceeded to hand my purchase over to one of the women there who had never sold or activated my phone purchase. Let's just say technology was beyond her.
So roughly a little over an hour later (with a call to tech support) I left the store with a bag full of two iPhones that were going to make two girls very happy.
I stopped off and purchased supper as now I was up against the clock to make my film meeting at six. So I stopped off to see The Date at work, gave her supper and showed her Valentines for The Things.
I said I was planning on giving them on Valentines day, she said it would be better to do it now. Alright, so that's what I'll do! I bring home supper, place the Wal-Mart bag on the counter opposite of the food. Call The Things and they come into the kitchen to grab supper.
Then I get my phone and call one of the other phones, they look for the noise thinking it was The Guest's phone that he had left here for some reason. Thing 1 tracks the noise down to the bag eventually. Opens the bag and explodes across the room to put me in a strangle hold. Thing 2 goes and looks in the bag and does the same to me, well more around my shoulders actually. Supper was ate and I made my meeting on time but just barely.
Then it was off to Opening Night of the teen show. It went much smoother last night. The lead actor still didn't know his lines and even when being fed his lines still made them up. I've got no patience for him anymore. I don't want to be around him. He didn't care enough to put any time into this while the rest of the cast did and as far as I'm concerned he let everyone of them down.
T, the director, has done an outstanding job in a no win situation with a difficult play and a cast that are all brand new to main stage acting. The rest of the cast did a fabulous job and hit most of their marks despite not knowing if the right cue line was coming or not and most of the time it did not come.
Two shows left.
Friday, February 05, 2010
A Nice Friday
Today isn't a payday Friday but it is a Friday nonetheless. Tonight I have a meeting with the film festival committee, I've come to love these meetings!
It is rare when you have something you have a passion for just falls into your lap. This festival is going to be really nice. We aren't going to overdo this thing the first year, we need to have proof it can support itself.
We also have a drop dead date that if we can't find the funding for a certain percentage of the festival this year then it'll be postponed until next year. This isn't anything anyone wants to happen but it is a necessary thing to have in place as none involved can finance the festival out of our pockets.
Tonight is also opening night for the teen show. The final dress went better than expected. They kept it flowing even though they were all over the script and one actor had a case of stage nerves and got sick off stage.
The show might surprise a lot of people!
It is rare when you have something you have a passion for just falls into your lap. This festival is going to be really nice. We aren't going to overdo this thing the first year, we need to have proof it can support itself.
We also have a drop dead date that if we can't find the funding for a certain percentage of the festival this year then it'll be postponed until next year. This isn't anything anyone wants to happen but it is a necessary thing to have in place as none involved can finance the festival out of our pockets.
Tonight is also opening night for the teen show. The final dress went better than expected. They kept it flowing even though they were all over the script and one actor had a case of stage nerves and got sick off stage.
The show might surprise a lot of people!
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Another Snowy Day
Well at least a bit this morning. It's warm out though and it isn't much. It's built up on my vehicle windows and slushy.
Rehearsal was rehearsal last night. T was in the booth with us. The teens tended to have a habit of trying to find her in the audience to see if they got their lines right.
Tonight is final dress. That means they are working without a net in front of live people who haven't seen the show. Tomorrow is opening night and it'll be sink or swim for them. Most of them will swim and do fine. A couple will tread water. One will sink like he had the mafia dump him in the river even though he has arm floaties on.
T has done an incredible job with them all but one of them has demanded so much attention that he has deprived the rest of the actors of attention that would have made this a spectacular show. Again this show is difficult and the person responsible for choosing it should be held responsible. It isn't a show for teens to do and it is a difficult show for adults to do as there are so many timing gags involved.
Witchy's set is tight though. It is incredible! Tech is top notch and will be solid.
Rehearsal was rehearsal last night. T was in the booth with us. The teens tended to have a habit of trying to find her in the audience to see if they got their lines right.
Tonight is final dress. That means they are working without a net in front of live people who haven't seen the show. Tomorrow is opening night and it'll be sink or swim for them. Most of them will swim and do fine. A couple will tread water. One will sink like he had the mafia dump him in the river even though he has arm floaties on.
T has done an incredible job with them all but one of them has demanded so much attention that he has deprived the rest of the actors of attention that would have made this a spectacular show. Again this show is difficult and the person responsible for choosing it should be held responsible. It isn't a show for teens to do and it is a difficult show for adults to do as there are so many timing gags involved.
Witchy's set is tight though. It is incredible! Tech is top notch and will be solid.
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Tax Time
I made my yearly pilgrimage to Turbo Tax to pay my dues to the most complicated tax system in the history of the Earth last night. Yeah before the teen show rehearsal which will not be a subject today of this blog.
The IRS, well what can you say now that hasn't been said for decades before? I'm a rank amateur when it comes to criticizing this giant behemoth with all of its intricate tendrils. I'm so for a simpler tax code. This progressive tax system is a genuine monster that brings misery to the multitudes and benefits no one.
Yes I do enjoy the federal interstate system, yes I do enjoy the protection and security of our military, no I'd rather be in charge of my own retirement instead of social security, no I don't care about the various government departments that are just layers upon layers of bureaucracy. Yes I'd vote for anyone who made it their priority to gut the tax code and make it fair for everyone.
The tax code now has become so ingrained into our culture that it would be difficult if not impossible to sever the many limbs of discontent it has grown. The roots go for generations, the branches will stretch for many future generations.
Last year I had extra taken out for federal and state. I hate paying at the end of the year. Yes I know the wise CPA will tell you that if you break even at the end of the year is the best result however I paid extra in. I look at it a little differently, it's kind of a savings account you can't touch for an entire year.
Maybe it's not right but that's how I do it. Well off to work I go!
The IRS, well what can you say now that hasn't been said for decades before? I'm a rank amateur when it comes to criticizing this giant behemoth with all of its intricate tendrils. I'm so for a simpler tax code. This progressive tax system is a genuine monster that brings misery to the multitudes and benefits no one.
Yes I do enjoy the federal interstate system, yes I do enjoy the protection and security of our military, no I'd rather be in charge of my own retirement instead of social security, no I don't care about the various government departments that are just layers upon layers of bureaucracy. Yes I'd vote for anyone who made it their priority to gut the tax code and make it fair for everyone.
The tax code now has become so ingrained into our culture that it would be difficult if not impossible to sever the many limbs of discontent it has grown. The roots go for generations, the branches will stretch for many future generations.
Last year I had extra taken out for federal and state. I hate paying at the end of the year. Yes I know the wise CPA will tell you that if you break even at the end of the year is the best result however I paid extra in. I look at it a little differently, it's kind of a savings account you can't touch for an entire year.
Maybe it's not right but that's how I do it. Well off to work I go!
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
First Tech Rehearsal!
From our end it went very well! The lights were on, the phone cues were off as the actors skipped or completely missed lines leading up to the cues. Thing 2 was on script in the booth and she couldn't really keep up with what was going on on stage.
They have a few days left to get it straight. T is taking it far better than I would be. She has an incredible amount of patience as I would have lost my mind with them last night. I can't believe how strong she has been through all of this! I might have burned the scripts in front of them or something similar to that action to demonstrate that they couldn't use them anymore.
T has been a trooper. This directing experience will prepare her well for any theatre experience to come! She is becoming a far stronger person and a far more seasoned director because of this experience.
You have to admire the sheer amount of hard work that she has put into this show. It's been vast and dedicated! She has my respect as I would have wound up with a train wreck of a show and she has them on the path for a good opening night!
They have a few days left to get it straight. T is taking it far better than I would be. She has an incredible amount of patience as I would have lost my mind with them last night. I can't believe how strong she has been through all of this! I might have burned the scripts in front of them or something similar to that action to demonstrate that they couldn't use them anymore.
T has been a trooper. This directing experience will prepare her well for any theatre experience to come! She is becoming a far stronger person and a far more seasoned director because of this experience.
You have to admire the sheer amount of hard work that she has put into this show. It's been vast and dedicated! She has my respect as I would have wound up with a train wreck of a show and she has them on the path for a good opening night!
Monday, February 01, 2010
Freezing Fog
It really looks very cool outside with only the street lights to illuminate a foggy and chilly morning. It looks amazing actually. It's not as foggy as it was in previous days in the evening but still there is a quiet to it that just makes you want to stay outside in it.
Tonight is the first night of tech week for the teen show. I'll be in the booth with the teens until Thursday, from Friday on it's their show and they'll work without a net. It is really easy though, eight cues total. The Director is using curtain in the show so I put in the blue wash lights as it is extremely dark backstage when the curtain is closed.
The only other lights we'll need to adjust is for the skyline backdrop. It isn't illuminated yet but after tonight it will be.
Have most of our taxes done! Waiting on one more W2 and they'll be finished and filed!
Tonight is the first night of tech week for the teen show. I'll be in the booth with the teens until Thursday, from Friday on it's their show and they'll work without a net. It is really easy though, eight cues total. The Director is using curtain in the show so I put in the blue wash lights as it is extremely dark backstage when the curtain is closed.
The only other lights we'll need to adjust is for the skyline backdrop. It isn't illuminated yet but after tonight it will be.
Have most of our taxes done! Waiting on one more W2 and they'll be finished and filed!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Last Set Call
Witchy, Thing 2, and I finished up the set yesterday while the actors (and in one case I use that term loosely) ran lines in the lobby.
We painted the stage, finished the walls, hung a back drop, set the light plot, and finished up the curtains. That took from eleven thirty until almost five. That made it a busy day.
I stopped by the line run every once in a while to see how they were doing. To my surprise everyone was pretty much off book except that one case (Jim J. Bullock), he decided it was ok to show up to rehearsal two hours late. He was on his script almost the whole time and adding in lines that weren't in the script at all.
You really can't do much at all at this point. A replacement would have a tough time getting up to speed. It's possible but it'd be tough on the kid put into that position. This is tech week after all and the show opens on Friday night.
The rest of the kids are pretty good and this week they will have it all down as they work with their props, costumes, and set. We'll see what happens to Jim J. Bullock and if he shapes up at this late hour or not, I'll keep you posted.
We painted the stage, finished the walls, hung a back drop, set the light plot, and finished up the curtains. That took from eleven thirty until almost five. That made it a busy day.
I stopped by the line run every once in a while to see how they were doing. To my surprise everyone was pretty much off book except that one case (Jim J. Bullock), he decided it was ok to show up to rehearsal two hours late. He was on his script almost the whole time and adding in lines that weren't in the script at all.
You really can't do much at all at this point. A replacement would have a tough time getting up to speed. It's possible but it'd be tough on the kid put into that position. This is tech week after all and the show opens on Friday night.
The rest of the kids are pretty good and this week they will have it all down as they work with their props, costumes, and set. We'll see what happens to Jim J. Bullock and if he shapes up at this late hour or not, I'll keep you posted.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Aftermath
The storm is over, it raged pretty much all day yesterday as well. It's hard to determine the amount of snow as there were some pretty high winds but estimates put it at ten inches.
We didn't get any ice though. I spent yesterday inside except when I had to go get my brother from work and take him home. I have his truck so right now I can get to anywhere I want to go, four wheel drive rocks!
Thing 1 is on my PC deep into WoW while I'm blogging on my laptop in the bedroom. She can't see Fuzzy as the roads are too bad for him to get out on so they are adventuring online.
There is set call today to finish up the teen show's set and set up the lights. Obviously over the past two nights rehearsals were called off so now they have to make them up today and tomorrow. I'm sure they won't like it but that's tough, if they had known their lines they would get some slack. They don't and now they have twice as much work to do.
They'll really have to get a ton done this week then they will be working without a net!
We didn't get any ice though. I spent yesterday inside except when I had to go get my brother from work and take him home. I have his truck so right now I can get to anywhere I want to go, four wheel drive rocks!
Thing 1 is on my PC deep into WoW while I'm blogging on my laptop in the bedroom. She can't see Fuzzy as the roads are too bad for him to get out on so they are adventuring online.
There is set call today to finish up the teen show's set and set up the lights. Obviously over the past two nights rehearsals were called off so now they have to make them up today and tomorrow. I'm sure they won't like it but that's tough, if they had known their lines they would get some slack. They don't and now they have twice as much work to do.
They'll really have to get a ton done this week then they will be working without a net!
Friday, January 29, 2010
No Work Today
Yep, it's a snow day:) Our storm paid off with about four to six inches of snow yesterday and into last night. It's about time we got a good snow storm this season. We had some at Christmas but most of it was down South.
There isn't any ice under the snow so it's fairly safe to drive in. It's an unexpected three day weekend, payday Friday, and no where to go and nothing I have to do:)
Think I might head back to bed:)
There isn't any ice under the snow so it's fairly safe to drive in. It's an unexpected three day weekend, payday Friday, and no where to go and nothing I have to do:)
Think I might head back to bed:)
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Finally!
About an hour ago the snow started to come down. It's windy out so it's drifting but all in all we could finally get some decent accumulation!
-- Post From My iPhone
-- Post From My iPhone
Ho Hum
The storm of the (young) century has yet to produce a flake of snow or a speck of ice. The radar shows us with storm painted all over our county yet it's bone dry outside.
-- Post From My iPhone
-- Post From My iPhone
The Storm?
Yeah, maybe so. We might very well be inundated by freezing rain, snow, and lots of ice. Not so much a regular snow storm as there will be high winds and blizzard like conditions!
YEAHHHHHH!!!! It's about time! I must be one of the only person in the world who likes to get out in this kind of weather and drive in it!
I plan on work being closed sometime during the afternoon today. It looks bad from the radar. Bring it! We are prepared to ride this one out!
YEAHHHHHH!!!! It's about time! I must be one of the only person in the world who likes to get out in this kind of weather and drive in it!
I plan on work being closed sometime during the afternoon today. It looks bad from the radar. Bring it! We are prepared to ride this one out!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Teehee The Director!!!!
Last night I was sitting at home, Thing 2 was getting ready to go to the teen show rehearsal when I got a text from T. She was horribly sick and asked me what I thought of canceling rehearsal. I said that the teens needed the work and they could ill afford to skip a rehearsal so I'd step in and run it for her so she could stay medicated and resting.
About the time I was going to leave I received an IM from my friend Teehee. I told him what I was doing. It just so happened that he was in town and asked if he could help me out. Never one to turn down help or to spend time with a friend I gladly encouraged him to come up and help.
I stalked the front of the stage a few minutes after seven. Rehearsal starts at seven, I was expecting them to be in place by seven and ready to go, alas that is not what they thought. I understand that almost none of them have driver's licenses so they are relying on their parents to drive them so I couldn't be overly upset.
Taking T's notes for me I relayed that she was ill and Teehee and I would be running the show for the evening. I stated the simple fact that I wanted all cell phones to be lined up on the front of the stage before we began. Then that when they were backstage they needed to be in their scripts as a few of them do not have their lines down yet....a few days from tech week.
Midway through the second act I handed the script over to Teehee so I could walk around the backstage area and ensure that scripts were being read. Teehee gladly kept the script on my return to the front row and stayed on giving lines like Douglas on Tyson! He was all over them! The actors have problems with lines as was expected and the lead actor kept speeding through his lines and I couldn't understand him and neither could Teehee.
After the act was over I called for a five minute break and Teehee called the lead actor (the Jim J. Bullock lookalike) down to talk to him. Teehee told him to breathe after each sentence. I wasn't privy to the rest of his advice as I was returning from talking to the wall which was doing as much good as talking to a couple of the teens.
The second act started again and the lead actually was using the wisdom Teehee imparted to him! It was amazing!!!! Teehee is the Actor Whisperer!!!! After the second act was finished again he used a voice I have never heard!
He said he wanted everyone to the front of the stage and he told them how scary it was that they were this close to tech week and still didn't know their lines! He detailed how important that would be when the show opened.
Teehee took command and gave them a big dose of reality. I never had to say a word!!! It was so incredible!!!!
Teehee, you really need to direct a show. We talked last night about it but I just want to again tell you how great it would be if you took up that challenge!
About the time I was going to leave I received an IM from my friend Teehee. I told him what I was doing. It just so happened that he was in town and asked if he could help me out. Never one to turn down help or to spend time with a friend I gladly encouraged him to come up and help.
I stalked the front of the stage a few minutes after seven. Rehearsal starts at seven, I was expecting them to be in place by seven and ready to go, alas that is not what they thought. I understand that almost none of them have driver's licenses so they are relying on their parents to drive them so I couldn't be overly upset.
Taking T's notes for me I relayed that she was ill and Teehee and I would be running the show for the evening. I stated the simple fact that I wanted all cell phones to be lined up on the front of the stage before we began. Then that when they were backstage they needed to be in their scripts as a few of them do not have their lines down yet....a few days from tech week.
Midway through the second act I handed the script over to Teehee so I could walk around the backstage area and ensure that scripts were being read. Teehee gladly kept the script on my return to the front row and stayed on giving lines like Douglas on Tyson! He was all over them! The actors have problems with lines as was expected and the lead actor kept speeding through his lines and I couldn't understand him and neither could Teehee.
After the act was over I called for a five minute break and Teehee called the lead actor (the Jim J. Bullock lookalike) down to talk to him. Teehee told him to breathe after each sentence. I wasn't privy to the rest of his advice as I was returning from talking to the wall which was doing as much good as talking to a couple of the teens.
The second act started again and the lead actually was using the wisdom Teehee imparted to him! It was amazing!!!! Teehee is the Actor Whisperer!!!! After the second act was finished again he used a voice I have never heard!
He said he wanted everyone to the front of the stage and he told them how scary it was that they were this close to tech week and still didn't know their lines! He detailed how important that would be when the show opened.
Teehee took command and gave them a big dose of reality. I never had to say a word!!! It was so incredible!!!!
Teehee, you really need to direct a show. We talked last night about it but I just want to again tell you how great it would be if you took up that challenge!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Teen Show Situation
So there we were, I had brought Thing 2 up to the theatre to help Witch and to do things back stage with her. She loves the theatre and learning about it. I went to go have a business meeting with Beersnob about some really cool news with out commercial business.
After the meeting I went back by the theatre and helped Witch when I could and decided to sit next to T, the Director of the show. It was clear the lead actor (a dead ringer for Jim J. Bullock) wasn't listening to T. She would stop him, give him instructions, and he would go on doing what he was doing anyway. He would constantly break character and his lack of line knowledge was hurting the other actors.
T called all of the actors up front to end the rehearsal and to give them their notes. The lead actor was on his phone checking for texts, goofing off, and not paying attention to what he was being told. Now if I were an actor and I was as bad as he was, I'd beg for notes. I'd want to know how to get better because I'd like to think I was self conscious enough to know I sucked.
He is on his phone, again not paying attention to what he is being told. If my death stare had a voice it would have sounded like it did last night, I said, "HEY! Your Director is giving you notes! Put the phone down and pay attention to her!" It startled Thing 2 who was sitting close by:) Amazingly all of the kids got quiet and the notes went on in silence with full attention being on T:)
I believe I'll be back at the theatre tonight and sit next to T again:) She might need me to jerk someone's leash.
After the meeting I went back by the theatre and helped Witch when I could and decided to sit next to T, the Director of the show. It was clear the lead actor (a dead ringer for Jim J. Bullock) wasn't listening to T. She would stop him, give him instructions, and he would go on doing what he was doing anyway. He would constantly break character and his lack of line knowledge was hurting the other actors.
T called all of the actors up front to end the rehearsal and to give them their notes. The lead actor was on his phone checking for texts, goofing off, and not paying attention to what he was being told. Now if I were an actor and I was as bad as he was, I'd beg for notes. I'd want to know how to get better because I'd like to think I was self conscious enough to know I sucked.
He is on his phone, again not paying attention to what he is being told. If my death stare had a voice it would have sounded like it did last night, I said, "HEY! Your Director is giving you notes! Put the phone down and pay attention to her!" It startled Thing 2 who was sitting close by:) Amazingly all of the kids got quiet and the notes went on in silence with full attention being on T:)
I believe I'll be back at the theatre tonight and sit next to T again:) She might need me to jerk someone's leash.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Championship Sunday
The first game was so so, it wasn't the most exciting game of the season by any means. The Viks/Saints on the other hand was a knock down, drag out barn burner of a game that had everyone at Beersnob's engaged and cheering!
The Saints are going to their first Super Bowl and The Colts will be making a return trip. The Vikings just suffered from too many turnovers, The Saints capitalized on those mistakes.
Beersnob will be hosting the annual Super Bowl party as well! Can't wait for that! Colts/Saints will be a good game and a match up of the two best teams of the season. Both had shots at 16-0, really good shots at it.
Looking forward to the party and the game in two weeks:)
The Saints are going to their first Super Bowl and The Colts will be making a return trip. The Vikings just suffered from too many turnovers, The Saints capitalized on those mistakes.
Beersnob will be hosting the annual Super Bowl party as well! Can't wait for that! Colts/Saints will be a good game and a match up of the two best teams of the season. Both had shots at 16-0, really good shots at it.
Looking forward to the party and the game in two weeks:)
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Set Call
Yesterday was pretty busy with set call for the teen play. From ten until after two we assembled the set. The only part left is detail work now, some painting, some decorating, and some tweaking.
It was good to get the teens lined out on how things run at the theatre. We showed them, told them how, and worked with them as the set was built. We showed them the power tools, how to safely use them, and the benefits of using them.
Gradually the set came together as it always does. Witchy, the teen sponsor and T the show's director, worked diligently to oversee the construction. The nearly dozen teens struggled to stay focused and my serious voice was used a couple of times to get their attention and get them back on track. Thankfully I didn't have to break out my death stare:)
Today we'll be heading to Beersnob's house to watch one of the NFL Championship games. Right now, laundry awaits!
It was good to get the teens lined out on how things run at the theatre. We showed them, told them how, and worked with them as the set was built. We showed them the power tools, how to safely use them, and the benefits of using them.
Gradually the set came together as it always does. Witchy, the teen sponsor and T the show's director, worked diligently to oversee the construction. The nearly dozen teens struggled to stay focused and my serious voice was used a couple of times to get their attention and get them back on track. Thankfully I didn't have to break out my death stare:)
Today we'll be heading to Beersnob's house to watch one of the NFL Championship games. Right now, laundry awaits!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Legion: Movie Of Cliches
First off the past two days were insane at work. Super busy!
Then I went to the film fest meeting. I've never been so encouraged by the amount of progress we have made! This will be an amazing production if we get all of the pieces into place!
Then I went to the theatre to catch up with Witchy and see if she had some marketing ideas. We went over to Trey of Hearts and caught a fast drink before Filmmaker Friend Chris and I went to see Legion.
Legion is quite the cliche. They had nearly every single cliche in a movie that is possible. From the black guy with a gun, to the foreshadowing of the diner blowing up, to the uberweapon that does all of the unexpected things and just looks cool. Yeah, all of it and a story that doesn't hold up to logic on top of that.
Chris didn't think it was good or bad. I thought it was bad and predictable. You be the judge but I'd strongly believe you'll forget seeing it soon after you have seen it.
Then I went to the film fest meeting. I've never been so encouraged by the amount of progress we have made! This will be an amazing production if we get all of the pieces into place!
Then I went to the theatre to catch up with Witchy and see if she had some marketing ideas. We went over to Trey of Hearts and caught a fast drink before Filmmaker Friend Chris and I went to see Legion.
Legion is quite the cliche. They had nearly every single cliche in a movie that is possible. From the black guy with a gun, to the foreshadowing of the diner blowing up, to the uberweapon that does all of the unexpected things and just looks cool. Yeah, all of it and a story that doesn't hold up to logic on top of that.
Chris didn't think it was good or bad. I thought it was bad and predictable. You be the judge but I'd strongly believe you'll forget seeing it soon after you have seen it.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Fixed!
Yep, got the old Suburban fixed last night and now the diesel purrs like, well not purrs exactly but it runs like a diesel should. It took a while but we found melted wires that was causing the problems.
We cut those out, spliced in new ones, and viola! It again has roared to life! All I have to do next is put the dash back together tonight which will take about twenty minutes.
I'm driving my brother's truck again today though because it was dark and getting late last night when we got it running and I just didn't want to mess with it anymore. It started, it was consistent, and therefore it can be trusted again.
In other news, the liberal radio network Air America filed for bankruptcy yet again yesterday. This time will likely be the last time though as they have ceased all live programming and will cease all broadcasting by Monday I believe.
Declining ad revenue, lost stations, and a bad economy are the reasons they gave. I listened to Air America. I probably listen to more progressive radio than conservative radio to prepare debate arguments. If I know their reasons for why they believe what they believe then it is called understanding. I completely understand what and why, I just don't agree with it at all.
Mark Thompson on Sirius is one of the shows I listen to on the drive home. He is a fine example of liberalism and someone I disagree vehemently with but I do understand his points and wouldn't dismiss his positions. They are just wrong and dangerous. He has his arguments that he stands by, I have mine. Mine are traditional, his have been formed since Woodrow Wilson's progressive take over.
We cut those out, spliced in new ones, and viola! It again has roared to life! All I have to do next is put the dash back together tonight which will take about twenty minutes.
I'm driving my brother's truck again today though because it was dark and getting late last night when we got it running and I just didn't want to mess with it anymore. It started, it was consistent, and therefore it can be trusted again.
In other news, the liberal radio network Air America filed for bankruptcy yet again yesterday. This time will likely be the last time though as they have ceased all live programming and will cease all broadcasting by Monday I believe.
Declining ad revenue, lost stations, and a bad economy are the reasons they gave. I listened to Air America. I probably listen to more progressive radio than conservative radio to prepare debate arguments. If I know their reasons for why they believe what they believe then it is called understanding. I completely understand what and why, I just don't agree with it at all.
Mark Thompson on Sirius is one of the shows I listen to on the drive home. He is a fine example of liberalism and someone I disagree vehemently with but I do understand his points and wouldn't dismiss his positions. They are just wrong and dangerous. He has his arguments that he stands by, I have mine. Mine are traditional, his have been formed since Woodrow Wilson's progressive take over.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
It's Official!
My long referred to second project is now official. Beersnob and I will be starting a commercial business. There is really only one game in town and they are outrageously expensive.
Those of you who know me know that my car is paid for. I edit on my home system, again paid for. My camera (serviceable right now but will be upgraded) is also paid for. I use the same software as the other place.
By contrast (and keep in mind I like the guy, he is really nice) he drives a newer Suburban, he has a business in which he pays for, a camera, and employees.
Anyone with local cable has seen his work, I'll leave it at that.
We plan on specializing in internet only commercials. TV might have to wait until the camera upgrade which I'll not pay for until the business can pay for it.
My strategy is to charge $200 for a twenty second internet only, edited commercial.
If you want three of them I'll charge you $500. If you want an actor it'll be $50 for each actor we use.
For training films, safety films, DVD brochures, and real estate, well I'll have to give you a quote on that but it'll be cheaper than anyone else because I don't have to pay anyone else or pay for anything else. The money we earn will go for upgrades.
Quite honestly there isn't a lot of thought put into making an internet commercial, most of them are edited versions of TV commercials. To me an internet commercial should get its point across in twenty seconds or less with no sound on. I know I always mute them or turn the sound down when they pop up. I figure I'm an average internet user and so are most of the eyes you want to see your commercial.
We'll build a commercial from the ground up with what you want to say in a visual way. We'll get your point across even if the viewer doesn't have any sound operating. If I'm not happy with the product I shoot, I'll reshoot it and get the scenes I need to make it right and then I'll see if you, the customer is happy with it. If not I'll reshoot it or reedit it.
Beersnob is crucial to this whole thing working. Both of us have busy lives and it'll take someone I can trust to take the equipment out and shoot, edit, and deliver a product if I'm not available to do it. I trust him, I know him, I believe he can do it.
I'm excited about this project, I think it is a need in town that has gone unchallenged for too long, and I think it's time to lay down that commercial making challenge!
Those of you who know me know that my car is paid for. I edit on my home system, again paid for. My camera (serviceable right now but will be upgraded) is also paid for. I use the same software as the other place.
By contrast (and keep in mind I like the guy, he is really nice) he drives a newer Suburban, he has a business in which he pays for, a camera, and employees.
Anyone with local cable has seen his work, I'll leave it at that.
We plan on specializing in internet only commercials. TV might have to wait until the camera upgrade which I'll not pay for until the business can pay for it.
My strategy is to charge $200 for a twenty second internet only, edited commercial.
If you want three of them I'll charge you $500. If you want an actor it'll be $50 for each actor we use.
For training films, safety films, DVD brochures, and real estate, well I'll have to give you a quote on that but it'll be cheaper than anyone else because I don't have to pay anyone else or pay for anything else. The money we earn will go for upgrades.
Quite honestly there isn't a lot of thought put into making an internet commercial, most of them are edited versions of TV commercials. To me an internet commercial should get its point across in twenty seconds or less with no sound on. I know I always mute them or turn the sound down when they pop up. I figure I'm an average internet user and so are most of the eyes you want to see your commercial.
We'll build a commercial from the ground up with what you want to say in a visual way. We'll get your point across even if the viewer doesn't have any sound operating. If I'm not happy with the product I shoot, I'll reshoot it and get the scenes I need to make it right and then I'll see if you, the customer is happy with it. If not I'll reshoot it or reedit it.
Beersnob is crucial to this whole thing working. Both of us have busy lives and it'll take someone I can trust to take the equipment out and shoot, edit, and deliver a product if I'm not available to do it. I trust him, I know him, I believe he can do it.
I'm excited about this project, I think it is a need in town that has gone unchallenged for too long, and I think it's time to lay down that commercial making challenge!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Slept Very Soundly
It felt awesome too!
I can't wait until November to see what good things the Political Fairy puts under the Election Tree!
I'm so enjoying reading the Daily Kos this morning!
I can't wait until November to see what good things the Political Fairy puts under the Election Tree!
I'm so enjoying reading the Daily Kos this morning!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Epic Upset
Think about USA Hockey-Russian Hockey, Tyson-Douglas, Titanic-Iceberg, or Colt-Jets. Add Coakley-Brown to that list.
With over 75% of the vote counted Martha Coakley has conceded the election to Senator Elect Scott Brown. Massachusetts has won one for America tonight and told Washington that enough is enough.
To say this is an embarrassment to President Obama is an understatement. President Obama has no coat tails at all. He campaigned for John Corzine in New Jersey and lost. He campaigned for Creigh Deeds in Virginia and lost. He personally (and his massive entourage) flew to Copenhagen to get the Olympics for Chicago and was eliminated in the first round. Now he campaigned for Martha Coakley and she has lost by seven points... in Massachusetts!!!!!
Let that sink in for a while, it is quite profound and literally a political tsunami against the White House agenda and President Obama. Yes I think you can go so far as to say President Obama has been rejected tonight.
To put this into perspective Massachusetts has been a liberal controlled state, even in the time when Mitt Romney was the governor he had a strong democratic machine that he struggled with every day. The Kennedy clan controlled Massachusetts for decades and that Senate seat for nearly five decades!!! FIVE DECADES! John Kerry, one of the most liberal Senators in Congress is from there!
Martha Coakley enjoyed a twenty point lead on December nineteenth. Tonight she lost by seven points. Even the state officials expected a landslide for Coakley, they didn't even have exit polls set up as the election was supposed to be over with before it got started.
One year into a four year term and President Obama has no gravitas, his political capital has been spent. I'm not sure how the label of being a great communicator applies anymore. He ran one of the slickest, most polished campaigns of all time in 2008! He earned accolades for his delivery and won the election on his oratory skills. His only real job was as a community organizer and getting voters to the polls. That was his bread and butter and it has not worked in three elections and one international selection committee.
Now the real dilemma for Democrats is upon them. They have a nightmare scenario on their hands!
They have a couple of choices to protect Obamacare:
1. They can pass the Senate plan. There are a lot of House members who do not like the Senate plan and it would be a very bitter pill to swallow as it is unpopular with both conservatives and liberals alike.
2. They can try to get the bill out of committee before Massachusetts can seat Brown. It is possible that the liberal machine pressures Massachusetts to delay seating Brown for as long as they can.
3. The so called nuclear option or reconciliation. This would be unheard of to try and would lead to massive liberal losses in November. This option would essentially take the sixty vote super majority the liberals enjoy and need to pass Obamacare and reduce it to a simple majority of fifty one votes. This is the option they would think long and hard about before using as the backlash would be swift and dramatic against the party in power. Campaign funds would pour into the coffers of any contender against a seated Senator.
You can be sure that Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi, Rahm Emmanuel, David Axelrod, and Barack Obama are not going to get much sleep over the next few days as they figure out how to save their plan for destroying health care.
I'll sleep very well tonight knowing that the patriots in Massachusetts might have very well saved America as we know it tonight. The rejection of socialism is underway and it started tonight!
With over 75% of the vote counted Martha Coakley has conceded the election to Senator Elect Scott Brown. Massachusetts has won one for America tonight and told Washington that enough is enough.
To say this is an embarrassment to President Obama is an understatement. President Obama has no coat tails at all. He campaigned for John Corzine in New Jersey and lost. He campaigned for Creigh Deeds in Virginia and lost. He personally (and his massive entourage) flew to Copenhagen to get the Olympics for Chicago and was eliminated in the first round. Now he campaigned for Martha Coakley and she has lost by seven points... in Massachusetts!!!!!
Let that sink in for a while, it is quite profound and literally a political tsunami against the White House agenda and President Obama. Yes I think you can go so far as to say President Obama has been rejected tonight.
To put this into perspective Massachusetts has been a liberal controlled state, even in the time when Mitt Romney was the governor he had a strong democratic machine that he struggled with every day. The Kennedy clan controlled Massachusetts for decades and that Senate seat for nearly five decades!!! FIVE DECADES! John Kerry, one of the most liberal Senators in Congress is from there!
Martha Coakley enjoyed a twenty point lead on December nineteenth. Tonight she lost by seven points. Even the state officials expected a landslide for Coakley, they didn't even have exit polls set up as the election was supposed to be over with before it got started.
One year into a four year term and President Obama has no gravitas, his political capital has been spent. I'm not sure how the label of being a great communicator applies anymore. He ran one of the slickest, most polished campaigns of all time in 2008! He earned accolades for his delivery and won the election on his oratory skills. His only real job was as a community organizer and getting voters to the polls. That was his bread and butter and it has not worked in three elections and one international selection committee.
Now the real dilemma for Democrats is upon them. They have a nightmare scenario on their hands!
They have a couple of choices to protect Obamacare:
1. They can pass the Senate plan. There are a lot of House members who do not like the Senate plan and it would be a very bitter pill to swallow as it is unpopular with both conservatives and liberals alike.
2. They can try to get the bill out of committee before Massachusetts can seat Brown. It is possible that the liberal machine pressures Massachusetts to delay seating Brown for as long as they can.
3. The so called nuclear option or reconciliation. This would be unheard of to try and would lead to massive liberal losses in November. This option would essentially take the sixty vote super majority the liberals enjoy and need to pass Obamacare and reduce it to a simple majority of fifty one votes. This is the option they would think long and hard about before using as the backlash would be swift and dramatic against the party in power. Campaign funds would pour into the coffers of any contender against a seated Senator.
You can be sure that Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi, Rahm Emmanuel, David Axelrod, and Barack Obama are not going to get much sleep over the next few days as they figure out how to save their plan for destroying health care.
I'll sleep very well tonight knowing that the patriots in Massachusetts might have very well saved America as we know it tonight. The rejection of socialism is underway and it started tonight!
Exciting Day!
Yesterday was fraught with car repairs, moving some heavy things with Mr. Feeny, and more car repairs. There is a wire that isn't not sending the right signal to the starter now. Don't know why but that is likely what burned out the solenoid on the last starter.
Replacing the starter was easy (three to get it out maybe five to put the new one back in), finding out why the starter burned out in the first place to prevent the replaced starter from burning out....not so much.
Beersnob came over in the morning and took me up to O'Reilly's to get the old starter tested, it failed of course and they replaced it. He took me over to the quick shop to get a forty of Bud Light at 9:30 in the morning. That was actually kind of funny:) I'm sure the clerk has seen it before though.
We had a roast in the fridge to cook and I like using beer with a crock pot to cook roast and potatoes in.
Beersnob dropped me off at home and checked on me all day to see if I needed help. To be honest it was far beyond my skill. Wiring is my weak point for sure. I called Plumber Friend to come over and he did. He always does. I swear I could ask him to change the entire engine out in the middle of the night...in December and he would do it cheerfully and without even thinking of a payment in return. Really good guy, a genuine good guy.
He calls me with computer help questions and I call him for mechanical problems I can't fix, I've called him many more times than he has called me. I need to do something nice for him soon.
Today is an exciting day too! There is a very important Senatorial race being held in Massachusetts. This race could determine the fate of President Obama's health care debacle. Everyone agrees that insurance should be widely available and easy to afford. No one believes that you should be put in jail for not having it, at least freedom loving citizens who have actually read the Constitution and can comprehend it's meaning.
If Scott Brown wins today's election it could spell the end of the government take over of health care. If Martha Coakley wins it'll mean that Harry Reid has a filibuster proof majority and will make sure that it gets rammed through even though it'll be a massive upset and a clear sign people are upset with the Administration's solution for everything. More and bigger government. In deep blue Massachusetts if a conservative Republican should win the seat held by Teddy Kennedy? That is the equivalent of a wake up call to the House and Senate that if they proceed with their plans, they will lose their seats.
Unions will be exempt from the Cadillac plan tax for about five years if I read the reconciliation right. After that there will be a forty percent tax hike for union members who's plans cost over eight thousand dollars per year as a single and twenty three thousand for families. I've got one of those plans and so does everyone who works with me. We are not rich people and adding forty percent on top of what I pay will be devastating to our income.
Yes I know that the insurance company will be taxed for offering those plans, however they will not pay the tax out of the goodness of their hearts, they would go bankrupt. We will be taxed, you will be taxed if you have good insurance. If you are not in a union you will not escape the tax as I will escape it for a few years.
We all will share the burden of the uninsured, share the misery equally so that those who can't, don't want it, or can't afford it can have it. I'm all for those who are disabled and can't live on their own having insurance if they can't get it otherwise. Not those who just live off of the system because of X reason.
I'll be glued to the election coverage tonight for sure! The fate of our health care system might very well be voted on tonight.
Replacing the starter was easy (three to get it out maybe five to put the new one back in), finding out why the starter burned out in the first place to prevent the replaced starter from burning out....not so much.
Beersnob came over in the morning and took me up to O'Reilly's to get the old starter tested, it failed of course and they replaced it. He took me over to the quick shop to get a forty of Bud Light at 9:30 in the morning. That was actually kind of funny:) I'm sure the clerk has seen it before though.
We had a roast in the fridge to cook and I like using beer with a crock pot to cook roast and potatoes in.
Beersnob dropped me off at home and checked on me all day to see if I needed help. To be honest it was far beyond my skill. Wiring is my weak point for sure. I called Plumber Friend to come over and he did. He always does. I swear I could ask him to change the entire engine out in the middle of the night...in December and he would do it cheerfully and without even thinking of a payment in return. Really good guy, a genuine good guy.
He calls me with computer help questions and I call him for mechanical problems I can't fix, I've called him many more times than he has called me. I need to do something nice for him soon.
Today is an exciting day too! There is a very important Senatorial race being held in Massachusetts. This race could determine the fate of President Obama's health care debacle. Everyone agrees that insurance should be widely available and easy to afford. No one believes that you should be put in jail for not having it, at least freedom loving citizens who have actually read the Constitution and can comprehend it's meaning.
If Scott Brown wins today's election it could spell the end of the government take over of health care. If Martha Coakley wins it'll mean that Harry Reid has a filibuster proof majority and will make sure that it gets rammed through even though it'll be a massive upset and a clear sign people are upset with the Administration's solution for everything. More and bigger government. In deep blue Massachusetts if a conservative Republican should win the seat held by Teddy Kennedy? That is the equivalent of a wake up call to the House and Senate that if they proceed with their plans, they will lose their seats.
Unions will be exempt from the Cadillac plan tax for about five years if I read the reconciliation right. After that there will be a forty percent tax hike for union members who's plans cost over eight thousand dollars per year as a single and twenty three thousand for families. I've got one of those plans and so does everyone who works with me. We are not rich people and adding forty percent on top of what I pay will be devastating to our income.
Yes I know that the insurance company will be taxed for offering those plans, however they will not pay the tax out of the goodness of their hearts, they would go bankrupt. We will be taxed, you will be taxed if you have good insurance. If you are not in a union you will not escape the tax as I will escape it for a few years.
We all will share the burden of the uninsured, share the misery equally so that those who can't, don't want it, or can't afford it can have it. I'm all for those who are disabled and can't live on their own having insurance if they can't get it otherwise. Not those who just live off of the system because of X reason.
I'll be glued to the election coverage tonight for sure! The fate of our health care system might very well be voted on tonight.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Sunday Fun!
The Guest moved out last week and back to his hometown for a few days while his apartment stuff gets settled. Yesterday he moved back in. It shouldn't be long now before he gets his apartment approved and he can move in. I don't know how long these things take but I'm sure it might be a week or two anyway.
Before I knew about all of that though I had made some secret plans to kidnap Mr. Feeny and take him for a nice meal in the City. As it was his last night in town I thought a sendoff with a nice meal would be a good thing. We got The Date, Teehee, Beersnob, and Thing 2 to go with. We all had a blast!
I feel it was a good sendoff for a good friend:)
Now I've got to get to work! The starter in my truck gave out yesterday, at least I'm hoping it is my starter. That is the easiest and cheapest fix. Twenty minutes or so and I'll be going again. If it is something else then I'll need some better diagnosis than what I have.
Before I knew about all of that though I had made some secret plans to kidnap Mr. Feeny and take him for a nice meal in the City. As it was his last night in town I thought a sendoff with a nice meal would be a good thing. We got The Date, Teehee, Beersnob, and Thing 2 to go with. We all had a blast!
I feel it was a good sendoff for a good friend:)
Now I've got to get to work! The starter in my truck gave out yesterday, at least I'm hoping it is my starter. That is the easiest and cheapest fix. Twenty minutes or so and I'll be going again. If it is something else then I'll need some better diagnosis than what I have.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Not Quite A Lazy Sunday
I've got to get up and around quickly. We have breakfast plans at ten this morning to send off Mr. Feeny. I listened to his last play by play yesterday on the radio. I swear he is really really good at it and I wish he could jump back into calling sports faster than he thinks he can.
Over the past year Mr. Feeny has become a really good friend. I first met him when we did Broadway Bound. He had recorded the sound effects for the show. The first stage call he helped me put together part of the set. I didn't know his name then but I learned it and I learned about him. He is one of the genuine good guys out in this world.
He got a better job opportunity and has accepted it, tonight will be his last night in town and tomorrow I'm going to help him move a couple of heavy things. It has been a pleasure knowing Mr. Feeny in person and by the miracle of the internet and Facebook we will be connected all the time.
I love how the internet has made the world smaller when it comes to keeping in touch with people. Twenty years ago finding someone took a private detective and some luck, now if you can't find them on Facebook they are likely a search engine away for some scrap of information that'll lead you to where you want to go.
Mr. Feeny, I wish you nothing but the best. I thank you for being such a good and cool friend. When you, Teehee, and Skate set up the Ball O' Fire on the patio, well that's one of my best memories!!!! Thank you for your part in that memory Mr. Feeny!
Over the past year Mr. Feeny has become a really good friend. I first met him when we did Broadway Bound. He had recorded the sound effects for the show. The first stage call he helped me put together part of the set. I didn't know his name then but I learned it and I learned about him. He is one of the genuine good guys out in this world.
He got a better job opportunity and has accepted it, tonight will be his last night in town and tomorrow I'm going to help him move a couple of heavy things. It has been a pleasure knowing Mr. Feeny in person and by the miracle of the internet and Facebook we will be connected all the time.
I love how the internet has made the world smaller when it comes to keeping in touch with people. Twenty years ago finding someone took a private detective and some luck, now if you can't find them on Facebook they are likely a search engine away for some scrap of information that'll lead you to where you want to go.
Mr. Feeny, I wish you nothing but the best. I thank you for being such a good and cool friend. When you, Teehee, and Skate set up the Ball O' Fire on the patio, well that's one of my best memories!!!! Thank you for your part in that memory Mr. Feeny!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
What A Day!
Yeah, it was a good day:)
It started off with eight hours of work, no big deal. I can do that in eight hours, and I did do it in eight hours! So with work all taken care of I went to the SPCA to pick up Scotch from his dipping procedure. He hates going there now, but he is small and fits into a pet carrier so there isn't a lot that he can really do about it.
Yeah I feel for the kitty but it's for his own good and the other pet's benefit as well. Then I stop off and get some supper for the family. Once we are well fed I take a hot bath to let the remains of the day soak off of me.
Then it is off to meetings! Yay!!!! First up was the film festival meeting! I so believe in this project! It is an amazing opportunity to get some cutting edge culture into our small town! We have reserved dates, priced equipment, working on a name, planning a contest for the logo, and have had an all around good time planning it!
Next up was the Zombie Apocalypse of Doom meeting. We discussed what we have read, movies we have seen, and even talked over plans that we would do when the imminent ZAoD happens.
We will be raiding a pharmacy, survivors will needs drugs.
We will be raiding a liquor store, survivors will needs alcohol.
We will be stocking up on weapons, zombies must be killed.
We will be getting a big bus or semi and traveling North where the zombies won't be able to move as quickly as they would in tropical climates. We are banking on the Romero zombies as opposed to the 28 Days Later zombies. Everyone wants the slow and lumbering kind rather than the super humanly fast and smart kind.
Next up was karaoke. This was unknown to me but around 9:30 at Trey of Hearts they had a karaoke machine brought in and naturally Beersnob jumped at the chance to find us a ZAoD anthem...and he did.
With all apologies to Freddy Mercury and Queen, Beersnob changed the lyrics of Another One Bites the Dust to Another Zombie Bites the Dust. Not just once but every single time Freddy sang the word "one".
Now if you listen to the song again you'll notice that it is a lot of times. It felt like a lot of times and I'm positive that it was one of the best renditions of a popular song into a zombie anthem ever made on the fly...complete with dance moves.
Yes it was a fine time and we rolled out of there around midnight, I've got set call this morning and wanted to make sure I make it and can still function:)
Yeah I've got to say, it was a good day!
It started off with eight hours of work, no big deal. I can do that in eight hours, and I did do it in eight hours! So with work all taken care of I went to the SPCA to pick up Scotch from his dipping procedure. He hates going there now, but he is small and fits into a pet carrier so there isn't a lot that he can really do about it.
Yeah I feel for the kitty but it's for his own good and the other pet's benefit as well. Then I stop off and get some supper for the family. Once we are well fed I take a hot bath to let the remains of the day soak off of me.
Then it is off to meetings! Yay!!!! First up was the film festival meeting! I so believe in this project! It is an amazing opportunity to get some cutting edge culture into our small town! We have reserved dates, priced equipment, working on a name, planning a contest for the logo, and have had an all around good time planning it!
Next up was the Zombie Apocalypse of Doom meeting. We discussed what we have read, movies we have seen, and even talked over plans that we would do when the imminent ZAoD happens.
We will be raiding a pharmacy, survivors will needs drugs.
We will be raiding a liquor store, survivors will needs alcohol.
We will be stocking up on weapons, zombies must be killed.
We will be getting a big bus or semi and traveling North where the zombies won't be able to move as quickly as they would in tropical climates. We are banking on the Romero zombies as opposed to the 28 Days Later zombies. Everyone wants the slow and lumbering kind rather than the super humanly fast and smart kind.
Next up was karaoke. This was unknown to me but around 9:30 at Trey of Hearts they had a karaoke machine brought in and naturally Beersnob jumped at the chance to find us a ZAoD anthem...and he did.
With all apologies to Freddy Mercury and Queen, Beersnob changed the lyrics of Another One Bites the Dust to Another Zombie Bites the Dust. Not just once but every single time Freddy sang the word "one".
Now if you listen to the song again you'll notice that it is a lot of times. It felt like a lot of times and I'm positive that it was one of the best renditions of a popular song into a zombie anthem ever made on the fly...complete with dance moves.
Yes it was a fine time and we rolled out of there around midnight, I've got set call this morning and wanted to make sure I make it and can still function:)
Yeah I've got to say, it was a good day!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Three Day Weekend!!!
And today is payday to boot! Those times are rare but they do happen! How can you get much better than that?
The alarm clock is off for three whole days! I've got a film festival meeting tonight, I can't wait to get to that but I'll be leaving early as it is also the Zombie Apocalypse of Doom night!
Filmmaking friend Chris, Actor, The Date, and I will be hanging out at a local establishment and talk over zombie movies and novels! Beersnob could possibly show up after he gets off of work as well!
I'm interested in the debate of Romero zombies vs. 28 Days Later zombies. If it happened which would I rather have running after me? I've got to go with Romero's zombies, slow, plodding, albeit relentless but still slow!
Looking forward to both meetings:) One is all business and the other just wacky fun!
The alarm clock is off for three whole days! I've got a film festival meeting tonight, I can't wait to get to that but I'll be leaving early as it is also the Zombie Apocalypse of Doom night!
Filmmaking friend Chris, Actor, The Date, and I will be hanging out at a local establishment and talk over zombie movies and novels! Beersnob could possibly show up after he gets off of work as well!
I'm interested in the debate of Romero zombies vs. 28 Days Later zombies. If it happened which would I rather have running after me? I've got to go with Romero's zombies, slow, plodding, albeit relentless but still slow!
Looking forward to both meetings:) One is all business and the other just wacky fun!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Thank You
I've texted a couple of times for those of you who contacted me last night. Same thing goes for today, you text me today and ask me to and I'll text another ten dollars to the Haitian Relief Fund for the Red Cross.
If you would rather do it yourself it is 90-999 and text the word Haiti.
Keep in mind this is a disaster that far exceeds that of New Orleans and possibly the Sumatra Tsunami.
If you would rather do it yourself it is 90-999 and text the word Haiti.
Keep in mind this is a disaster that far exceeds that of New Orleans and possibly the Sumatra Tsunami.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Haiti Relief
Haiti has been destroyed by an earthquake in case you have been living under a rock the past twenty four hours. Haiti is a different kind of country, it is beyond third world. Perpetually poor, perpetually destitute. America's worst poverty problems would seem grand by comparison.
America has swung into action as swiftly as possible. This is not a partisan issue, real people are suffering in horrible conditions right this very second. Conservatives, liberals, everyone. One thing everyone can agree on is that Haiti needs help.
If you can, I'd encourage you to donate a few dollars to the relief efforts. Personally I donated to the Red Cross, you can text the word Haiti to 90-999, it'll cost you $10.00 that will be charged to your cell phone bill.
I'll even make you a deal, if you send me a Facebook message or a text, I'll donate another $10 for you. You know if you know me or not and how to reach me. You contact me and I'll send another $10 text for you.
Sound fair?
America has swung into action as swiftly as possible. This is not a partisan issue, real people are suffering in horrible conditions right this very second. Conservatives, liberals, everyone. One thing everyone can agree on is that Haiti needs help.
If you can, I'd encourage you to donate a few dollars to the relief efforts. Personally I donated to the Red Cross, you can text the word Haiti to 90-999, it'll cost you $10.00 that will be charged to your cell phone bill.
I'll even make you a deal, if you send me a Facebook message or a text, I'll donate another $10 for you. You know if you know me or not and how to reach me. You contact me and I'll send another $10 text for you.
Sound fair?
Sometimes
I really amaze myself when I cook. I don't want this to sound arrogant at all, if you heard me talking about it in person it wouldn't be in that vocal tone. I made lasagna last night and it was really really good!
Took a pound of 93/7 hamburger and a pound of sweet Italian sausage, browned them together with minced garlic. Boiled about twenty lasagna noodles. Doctored two cans of sauce up with white pepper, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, dash of salt, some Italian seasoning, and a dash of garlic salt.
Then I started to layer the noodles, it went noodles, meat sauce, noodles, parmesan cheese, noodles, meat sauce with asiago and mozzarella cheese, noodles, meat sauce and the last of the mozzarella on top! I left out the ricotta cheese, never a big fan of it anyway. Into the oven for twenty five minutes and BAM! It was done!
The layers aren't traditional layers of meat sauce and cheese as I made one layer of cheese between two layers of noodles. It provided a great texture contrast as you were eating!
I couldn't stop eating it! It'll be lunch today for sure!!!!
I'm also really liking the new Facebook app update. Loving the push notifications! It really is pretty cool to have them pop up with the entire message on your screen so you don't have to start the app every once in a while to see what's up. If you commented on a thread and someone else does, it'll show up! Very cool:)
The Guest has found an apartment! The Date took The Guest around town yesterday to a few different places to see what we could get for him. Turns out they found an amazing place and one based on his income. Which is pretty much nothing other than social security. They have to appraise his house, which is burned up, and add 2% of that value to his income. He was very happy about the apartments and is excited to move in once the paper work is completed!
All is well in the world right now!
Took a pound of 93/7 hamburger and a pound of sweet Italian sausage, browned them together with minced garlic. Boiled about twenty lasagna noodles. Doctored two cans of sauce up with white pepper, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, dash of salt, some Italian seasoning, and a dash of garlic salt.
Then I started to layer the noodles, it went noodles, meat sauce, noodles, parmesan cheese, noodles, meat sauce with asiago and mozzarella cheese, noodles, meat sauce and the last of the mozzarella on top! I left out the ricotta cheese, never a big fan of it anyway. Into the oven for twenty five minutes and BAM! It was done!
The layers aren't traditional layers of meat sauce and cheese as I made one layer of cheese between two layers of noodles. It provided a great texture contrast as you were eating!
I couldn't stop eating it! It'll be lunch today for sure!!!!
I'm also really liking the new Facebook app update. Loving the push notifications! It really is pretty cool to have them pop up with the entire message on your screen so you don't have to start the app every once in a while to see what's up. If you commented on a thread and someone else does, it'll show up! Very cool:)
The Guest has found an apartment! The Date took The Guest around town yesterday to a few different places to see what we could get for him. Turns out they found an amazing place and one based on his income. Which is pretty much nothing other than social security. They have to appraise his house, which is burned up, and add 2% of that value to his income. He was very happy about the apartments and is excited to move in once the paper work is completed!
All is well in the world right now!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Nice Evening
Watched college basketball with The Guest last night. Brought home a sack of burgers and fries for supper for everyone and just chilled. It was actually a pleasant evening.
Thing 2 pretty much kept upstairs and out of conversational range as The Guest tended to talk her to pieces:) It was funny. I get it though, he has spent many years alone and just has a lot built up to say I guess. There are worst things than having a grandfather live with you and someday she'll appreciate the experience.
Work was work, grateful to have my job but the challenge has long gone away. I don't mind that so much as yeah, I'm grateful to have a job in this economy. Many people don't and I do feel it'll be worse before it picks up again. So no complaining about simple things at my job for me although they would make interesting blog posts from time to time.
I got to try Throwback Pepsi and Mt. Dew the other day. Forgot about that. Interesting difference. You wouldn't think that replacing high fructose corn syrup with sugar would make a difference but it does. I remember when Dr. Pepper did a limited release a couple of years ago that used sugar cane and it was smoother and tasted better to me. They are putting out Heritage Dr. Pepper but I haven't seen it yet.
Thing 2 pretty much kept upstairs and out of conversational range as The Guest tended to talk her to pieces:) It was funny. I get it though, he has spent many years alone and just has a lot built up to say I guess. There are worst things than having a grandfather live with you and someday she'll appreciate the experience.
Work was work, grateful to have my job but the challenge has long gone away. I don't mind that so much as yeah, I'm grateful to have a job in this economy. Many people don't and I do feel it'll be worse before it picks up again. So no complaining about simple things at my job for me although they would make interesting blog posts from time to time.
I got to try Throwback Pepsi and Mt. Dew the other day. Forgot about that. Interesting difference. You wouldn't think that replacing high fructose corn syrup with sugar would make a difference but it does. I remember when Dr. Pepper did a limited release a couple of years ago that used sugar cane and it was smoother and tasted better to me. They are putting out Heritage Dr. Pepper but I haven't seen it yet.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Productive Sunday Evening
The first shots of the documentary project were finally shot last night. It went better than I had planned. Beersnob would ask a question from off camera and Jamal and Mozart would fill in the blanks. They work extraordinarily well together, the chemistry shows on screen.
This will be a great partnership to document as the project moves along in time. In some ways they are complete opposites and some ways they could almost complete each other's thoughts as they answered the questions.
All in all it was a good weekend! Our friend T made a spectacular wedding album/scrapbook for us and gave it to The Date yesterday. It was simply amazing, beautiful, and heartfelt. She put a ton of work into it and it'll be something that is treasured for years!
Thank you T, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
This will be a great partnership to document as the project moves along in time. In some ways they are complete opposites and some ways they could almost complete each other's thoughts as they answered the questions.
All in all it was a good weekend! Our friend T made a spectacular wedding album/scrapbook for us and gave it to The Date yesterday. It was simply amazing, beautiful, and heartfelt. She put a ton of work into it and it'll be something that is treasured for years!
Thank you T, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
A Good Saturday
Beersnob and I worked on the project I haven't mentioned yet for an hour or so. Got some stuff done on it and then we had some lunch to discuss where it'll go from here and what we need to do to get it to that point.
Stuff is being printed up, stuff is being shot, lots more work in the future though and that's what I'm looking forward to!
Our preparation will be top notch. Our skills, honestly I have to shake the rust off of some of my knowledge and I'm doing that so I can be proficient once again. I'll get to where I was shortly and surpass that point as this will challenge me and Beersnob to get better.
Last night I headed over to Chris's house for a small get together and I took Thing 2 with me. We watched his latest short film once again, the one I blogged about after Halloween. Now it is fixed and things have been tightened up and put into their places by his editor.
Then we watched Rope, the Hitchcock classic! There were a couple of people who had seen it years and years ago so I was nearly the only one familiar with the movie and how tense it is. Everyone thought it was a fantastic movie! It is, it is an outstanding movie and an example of how Hitchcock made movies. How he developed intensity and then ratcheted it up at the right time.
Documentary shooting is on tap for tonight and then another week of work!
Stuff is being printed up, stuff is being shot, lots more work in the future though and that's what I'm looking forward to!
Our preparation will be top notch. Our skills, honestly I have to shake the rust off of some of my knowledge and I'm doing that so I can be proficient once again. I'll get to where I was shortly and surpass that point as this will challenge me and Beersnob to get better.
Last night I headed over to Chris's house for a small get together and I took Thing 2 with me. We watched his latest short film once again, the one I blogged about after Halloween. Now it is fixed and things have been tightened up and put into their places by his editor.
Then we watched Rope, the Hitchcock classic! There were a couple of people who had seen it years and years ago so I was nearly the only one familiar with the movie and how tense it is. Everyone thought it was a fantastic movie! It is, it is an outstanding movie and an example of how Hitchcock made movies. How he developed intensity and then ratcheted it up at the right time.
Documentary shooting is on tap for tonight and then another week of work!
Saturday, January 09, 2010
The Guest
A couple of years ago I did a documentary at Witchy's request on the play Red Hot Mamas. It was the story of a man and wife who when the man's mother was widowed she was lonely and she moved into their house. The wife's mother felt left out so she was also invited to live with them.
Decades ago this was a common practice, families lived together for generations under one roof. Tribes still do. Now I am. The Date's father's house burned up in early December. He was lonely not living in his house anymore and didn't like the apartment he was set up in. The Date finally convinced him to come and stay with us.
For how long, I don't think any of us knows for sure. Might be a few weeks, might be longer. It'll be an interesting experiment to see how this goes.
Just over a year ago it was just me, Rocket, and Patch. Now it is me, The Date, The Things, Zip, Scrat, Scotch, and The Guest.
So far it has been peaceful. He has a hard time hearing and the TV is up a little louder than normal but no problems. He seems a pleasant gentleman and is content to watch TV and drink coffee.
Decades ago this was a common practice, families lived together for generations under one roof. Tribes still do. Now I am. The Date's father's house burned up in early December. He was lonely not living in his house anymore and didn't like the apartment he was set up in. The Date finally convinced him to come and stay with us.
For how long, I don't think any of us knows for sure. Might be a few weeks, might be longer. It'll be an interesting experiment to see how this goes.
Just over a year ago it was just me, Rocket, and Patch. Now it is me, The Date, The Things, Zip, Scrat, Scotch, and The Guest.
So far it has been peaceful. He has a hard time hearing and the TV is up a little louder than normal but no problems. He seems a pleasant gentleman and is content to watch TV and drink coffee.
Friday, January 08, 2010
Sometimes It's Too Cold
For a diesel to start. I was running out of starting fluid and used the last 1/3rd of a can this morning trying to get my big diesel to turn over and catch. A quick rummage around the house for The Date's keys yielded no results so I had to wake her up briefly to talk to her. I learned the keys were in her coat pocket! Now we are getting somewhere.
I quickly located them and was off to the quick shop to get more starting fluid. I found what I needed to purchase and jetted back home to see if my new purchase had more umph than the last can with little pressure in it.
It did. The fluid was finely atomized and had plenty of pressure to get the needed ether down into the air intake! Now to try the engine itself. It didn't seem to want to catch. I added more ether to the engine thinking that if it didn't start this time I was going to have to use more leave up which I didn't want to do after yesterday.
It hit, the big diesel roared to life, literally a roar because it started to suck all of the extra ether in the intake in and burn it. I was so happy! Now it is warming up and getting itself ready for a chilly day!
I keep the water dripping during the Winter, I've crawled under the house too many times to fix busted pipes in the mud to let another one happen. I texted The Date to let her know if she heard water rushing under the house there was a shut off valve in the front of the house under the metal cover. She looked and saw water standing and texted me back that something had broke.
I took off work and rushed home to investigate the damage, dreading going under the house again in the cold mud and water to fix something. It was only the drain pipe to the sewer. Leaving the water drip had built up some ice and the water was going to an overflow which was spilling out onto the ground.
I boiled some water and poured it down the bathtub drain and fixed the problem:) The day was saved!
I quickly located them and was off to the quick shop to get more starting fluid. I found what I needed to purchase and jetted back home to see if my new purchase had more umph than the last can with little pressure in it.
It did. The fluid was finely atomized and had plenty of pressure to get the needed ether down into the air intake! Now to try the engine itself. It didn't seem to want to catch. I added more ether to the engine thinking that if it didn't start this time I was going to have to use more leave up which I didn't want to do after yesterday.
It hit, the big diesel roared to life, literally a roar because it started to suck all of the extra ether in the intake in and burn it. I was so happy! Now it is warming up and getting itself ready for a chilly day!
I keep the water dripping during the Winter, I've crawled under the house too many times to fix busted pipes in the mud to let another one happen. I texted The Date to let her know if she heard water rushing under the house there was a shut off valve in the front of the house under the metal cover. She looked and saw water standing and texted me back that something had broke.
I took off work and rushed home to investigate the damage, dreading going under the house again in the cold mud and water to fix something. It was only the drain pipe to the sewer. Leaving the water drip had built up some ice and the water was going to an overflow which was spilling out onto the ground.
I boiled some water and poured it down the bathtub drain and fixed the problem:) The day was saved!
Thursday, January 07, 2010
No Snow
It is cold though, about ten this morning. The truck is warming up, coffee is brewing, The Date, and The Things are still in bed. I'm up and it's peaceful as Scrat and Scotch are eating. Soon they will start their morning run through the house.
It's Thursday out and on the downhill side of the work week. A coworker who has been off work for the last six months with a liver transplant has rejoined our shop. Well not my shop but our shop in general. He has had it rough over the past two years. He had hernia surgery, when he had they they discovered he has prostate cancer, then the first hernia surgery didn't work so they redid it and took care of the prostate cancer. During all of this they discovered his liver was shot and he needed a new one so he was put onto the transplant list. Now he will be on several medications the rest of his life.
He still has to get his knee replaced but in order to do that they have to break his leg and straighten it first. That'll take a few months to heal before they can do the knee operation and possibly a hip replacement as well. He is looking at being off for at least another six months soon.
So if you are thinking you might have it rough, something just isn't going your way today, you feel cranky and irritable or are experiencing some kind of mishap in your life...be thankful instead. You probably have it better than a lot of people out there, let the small stuff go.
Mend fences, tend to your family, and don't sweat the small stuff.
It's Thursday out and on the downhill side of the work week. A coworker who has been off work for the last six months with a liver transplant has rejoined our shop. Well not my shop but our shop in general. He has had it rough over the past two years. He had hernia surgery, when he had they they discovered he has prostate cancer, then the first hernia surgery didn't work so they redid it and took care of the prostate cancer. During all of this they discovered his liver was shot and he needed a new one so he was put onto the transplant list. Now he will be on several medications the rest of his life.
He still has to get his knee replaced but in order to do that they have to break his leg and straighten it first. That'll take a few months to heal before they can do the knee operation and possibly a hip replacement as well. He is looking at being off for at least another six months soon.
So if you are thinking you might have it rough, something just isn't going your way today, you feel cranky and irritable or are experiencing some kind of mishap in your life...be thankful instead. You probably have it better than a lot of people out there, let the small stuff go.
Mend fences, tend to your family, and don't sweat the small stuff.
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Cold Snap
Yeah, tonight and tomorrow it's supposed to get cold out, like below ten degrees out. I know The Date will be hating that. I don't mind as much, yeah it's cold but I know I'll want it to be cold when it's one hundred plus degrees in the Summer time!
The cold keeps things from getting boring. If you just had perfect weather all the time, well what fun would that be? I need to see some epic thunderstorms! Blizzards! I'd love to experience a hurricane someday! Just to see nature on display like that is something to behold.
Someday.
Anyway it would be cool to get some snow with the cold, makes it that much more fun. I'm pretty good at driving in the snow and have few problems with it. When I was a freshman in high school I ran the paper route in a small town. I was driving it at five thirty in the morning with the town cop's permission no less, by myself. Through all the different kinds of weather I learned quite a bit and it's really a skill. Give me adverse conditions! Love it! I need the challenge most of the time.
The cold keeps things from getting boring. If you just had perfect weather all the time, well what fun would that be? I need to see some epic thunderstorms! Blizzards! I'd love to experience a hurricane someday! Just to see nature on display like that is something to behold.
Someday.
Anyway it would be cool to get some snow with the cold, makes it that much more fun. I'm pretty good at driving in the snow and have few problems with it. When I was a freshman in high school I ran the paper route in a small town. I was driving it at five thirty in the morning with the town cop's permission no less, by myself. Through all the different kinds of weather I learned quite a bit and it's really a skill. Give me adverse conditions! Love it! I need the challenge most of the time.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Not A Bad First Day
Yeah it was super busy, I'll have my hands full for most of this week catching things up. I can handle it though. I've done more with less.
This week is Armageddon week on History channel. Love this channel! After a some doom and gloom I watched Russia: Land of the Czars. It has been on many times before but it's still interesting. To see a country that big and with that many natural resources just not make it to the level of America because of the monarchy and their backwards attitudes.
As Americans we kind of have a built in allergy to monarchy. We don't understand it or understand what it would be like living under one. We'd also flip if someone tried to create one here in the States and quickly depose such a ruler.
They only got the UK, France, and Russia so far and then....yeah. They kind of plateaued and got stale. Our Founding Fathers took their cues, learned from them, and laid the foundation to one of the fastest growing countries in the history of the world.
That's kind of why I don't feel there will be a Armageddon as the History channel points out. Barring a natural disaster of epic proportions like a asteroid, America will go on. It's too strong and resilient not to. Not because of the government but because of the people and what we represent to people of other countries. Freedom, a better life, opportunities. No President can destroy it in two terms and no President can build it in two terms. As we go through these dark days of pop politics keep that in mind.
I'm so looking forward to the mid-term elections! They will actually be the report card on how President Obama is doing, the people will decide again and adjust accordingly. Exciting times!
This week is Armageddon week on History channel. Love this channel! After a some doom and gloom I watched Russia: Land of the Czars. It has been on many times before but it's still interesting. To see a country that big and with that many natural resources just not make it to the level of America because of the monarchy and their backwards attitudes.
As Americans we kind of have a built in allergy to monarchy. We don't understand it or understand what it would be like living under one. We'd also flip if someone tried to create one here in the States and quickly depose such a ruler.
They only got the UK, France, and Russia so far and then....yeah. They kind of plateaued and got stale. Our Founding Fathers took their cues, learned from them, and laid the foundation to one of the fastest growing countries in the history of the world.
That's kind of why I don't feel there will be a Armageddon as the History channel points out. Barring a natural disaster of epic proportions like a asteroid, America will go on. It's too strong and resilient not to. Not because of the government but because of the people and what we represent to people of other countries. Freedom, a better life, opportunities. No President can destroy it in two terms and no President can build it in two terms. As we go through these dark days of pop politics keep that in mind.
I'm so looking forward to the mid-term elections! They will actually be the report card on how President Obama is doing, the people will decide again and adjust accordingly. Exciting times!
Monday, January 04, 2010
Back To Work
Yeah today is going to be a busy day indeed. Regular work and two projects to kick off the new year with! I'm prepared for the project I haven't mentioned yet. I'm doubly prepared for the documentary!
I've got my partner on the same page on both projects and I'm waiting just a couple of more days before telling everyone what it is here. I need some paper work finished and I need to get the rest of the ground work done. I've actually got two parts of the project to do this week in the evenings.
It'll be good, I can just feel it!
We will be starting filming on the documentary very soon until the duration of such. I don't know how long it will last right now and neither do the subjects.
I'm excited to finally get started on the new year, vacation is nice but I'm used to working. So look out 2010, I'm on my way.
I've got my partner on the same page on both projects and I'm waiting just a couple of more days before telling everyone what it is here. I need some paper work finished and I need to get the rest of the ground work done. I've actually got two parts of the project to do this week in the evenings.
It'll be good, I can just feel it!
We will be starting filming on the documentary very soon until the duration of such. I don't know how long it will last right now and neither do the subjects.
I'm excited to finally get started on the new year, vacation is nice but I'm used to working. So look out 2010, I'm on my way.
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Day By Day
I'm currently reading Day by Day Armageddon. A journalized account of the survivor of the Zombie Apocalypse of Doom. Riveting read, I wanted to put it down last night but I couldn't until I just gave up and went to sleep.
It is the first hand account of a Naval officer living in San Antonio and how the world falls apart around him. He learns all he can about his adversaries to defend his homemade fortress and survive in a deadly new world. The journal is complete with reproduction torn pages and coffee stains.
Day by Day begs to ask the question, are the dead really the lucky ones in such a horrible world. The sheer force of will to survive in such a monstrous and terror filled world is monumental.
With that being said I'd be hard pressed not to be excited about it...
It is the first hand account of a Naval officer living in San Antonio and how the world falls apart around him. He learns all he can about his adversaries to defend his homemade fortress and survive in a deadly new world. The journal is complete with reproduction torn pages and coffee stains.
Day by Day begs to ask the question, are the dead really the lucky ones in such a horrible world. The sheer force of will to survive in such a monstrous and terror filled world is monumental.
With that being said I'd be hard pressed not to be excited about it...
Saturday, January 02, 2010
Project Two
Is coming along better than I had hoped. I got some unexpected additional help the other evening with it and soon I'll be able to post here what it is! I'm very excited about it even though it'll tie up a lot of my free time to start with. I'll have a partner in this project and that'll be great as I won't be doing everything on my own.
Yesterday was really pretty nice even though The Date has had to work her tail off since Wednesday. I think she has put in close to thirty hours on two nights and yesterday as the store inventoried everything. It's been insane, she has been worn out the past two days.
I had a meeting with Beersnob last night and we discussed Project One and some of Project Two. I can count on him to give honest feedback! Today appears to be a day of homework. Project Two homework, I've got notes to take and logistics to figure out!
Yesterday was really pretty nice even though The Date has had to work her tail off since Wednesday. I think she has put in close to thirty hours on two nights and yesterday as the store inventoried everything. It's been insane, she has been worn out the past two days.
I had a meeting with Beersnob last night and we discussed Project One and some of Project Two. I can count on him to give honest feedback! Today appears to be a day of homework. Project Two homework, I've got notes to take and logistics to figure out!
Friday, January 01, 2010
Promises Of A New Year
This morning is bright, shiny, cold but nice. As the new year and I get acquainted I'd just like to say that I'm looking forward to all of the opportunities and promises that come with a clean slate!
Not that it's completely a clean slate as there are always things that carry over but all in all it's just like hitting a reset button and trying to do better this time because you know a little bit more and are a bit wiser because of the past experience.
My simple pledge this year is to try to be a better person than I was last year. Nothing outrageous, nothing too small, I just want to do the right thing when the situation arises.
I pledge to do right by my friends, all of them even in the most difficult of situations. Even if there is a fine balancing act to perform.
I pledge to be a better man.
Not that it's completely a clean slate as there are always things that carry over but all in all it's just like hitting a reset button and trying to do better this time because you know a little bit more and are a bit wiser because of the past experience.
My simple pledge this year is to try to be a better person than I was last year. Nothing outrageous, nothing too small, I just want to do the right thing when the situation arises.
I pledge to do right by my friends, all of them even in the most difficult of situations. Even if there is a fine balancing act to perform.
I pledge to be a better man.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
2009: Literally The Best of Times And Worst Of Times
The year started off with something I hadn't had in a few years, a full time girlfriend that I dubbed The Date. After a few more months I decided that it was high time that I moved her and The Things in with me and see if that was going to go as well as dating had gone. It obviously did:)
I developed closer relationships with my friends Court, Bobo, Skate, Teehee, and The Invader while maintaining my older friendships and rekindling at least one friendship that could have died on the vine had it not been harvested again.
Last Christmas I finally got my brother and dad to talk again after a couple of years of fighting. I had prayed for that daily. Their reconciliation was long enough.
The first six months of 2009 went very well even though we were facing an economic downturn of Carteresque proportions. The election of the first black President, to start with, brought a new tone to the country. A better tone or worse tone, well we just don't know yet. Suffice it to say we could have been out of this financial disaster long before unemployment reached the double digits it now sits at.
As May and June rolled around things started taking a turn for the worse. In May my cat of almost nine years died. Her brother remained my loyal and loving lap kitty. June and my company and union could not agree on a contract so I walked off of a job I had held for seventeen years with no guarantee of returning.
I was unemployed for the first time in almost two decades. I got a job delivering food from a delivery restaurant. Honestly the one time I felt any kind of peace in that span was when I was alone in the back of that place washing dishes. It felt honest and peaceful. No labor disputes, no anger, nothing else to do. The job helped me pay the bills as I got to keep the tip money which was instant help.
During this time my dad also took a turn for the worse. I was able to spend some time with him and make sure he made his doctor appointments. Then he called and said he had fallen and needed help. I loaded up and drove to his place, my mom was already there and had called 911. He was talking to her and then just kind of passed out. They drove him to the hospital and the next day he died.
If the strike were ever a blessing, I began to see this as the reason. I was able to take care of everything and literally not have to worry about work interfering. My Northern Brother came down to help me get through those very tough days, I don't know what would have happened if he hadn't. The Date stood by my side every step of the way as well, never wavering in her love for me. I'll never be able to thank them enough for the support they gave me, nor my friends who came to my side. That was literally the worst two weeks of my life, no exceptions. That was rock bottom of the ocean and couldn't go any deeper.
I worked three shows total this past year, Broadway Bound, Into The Woods, and Christmas Carol. Thing 2 endeared herself to any director who worked with her as a painter. She just went crazy painting sets and whatever else they wanted. Zip joined our family over the Summer. A little wired haired doggie who has fit right in.
October came and things started to take an upturn. By the end of the month I had decided to ask The Date to marry me. November came around and we married at the Theatre. My other cat, Patch's brother was killed in a dog attack. Scrat and Butterscotch joined our family shortly after.
I'm nearly recovered now from the financial mess that the strike caused. I had part time work and it still messed with my finances for months on end. Now as a new year dawns I've got two brand new opportunities! One I can't talk about yet and the other is a documentary I'm able to shoot!
2009 was without a doubt the most difficult year I've ever had and the best year I've ever had. There were no medium as it contained drastic turns up or down. On the very cusp of 2010 I look for the good to continue, my other project to manifest and become successful as I continue to film the documentary with the help of Beersnob, Jamal, and Mozart. Jamal, Thing 2, and I had a nice talk over coffee last night and talked about protecting our respective projects. Starting out on the same page and just making sure everything and everyone is covered and protected. We were in total agreement and really enjoyed the hour or so of talking!
2010 is going to be so much better in terms of stability, growth, and hopefully many projects becoming fulfilled! I wish you, dear reader a better 2010 than I plan on having and I plan on having a great year!
I developed closer relationships with my friends Court, Bobo, Skate, Teehee, and The Invader while maintaining my older friendships and rekindling at least one friendship that could have died on the vine had it not been harvested again.
Last Christmas I finally got my brother and dad to talk again after a couple of years of fighting. I had prayed for that daily. Their reconciliation was long enough.
The first six months of 2009 went very well even though we were facing an economic downturn of Carteresque proportions. The election of the first black President, to start with, brought a new tone to the country. A better tone or worse tone, well we just don't know yet. Suffice it to say we could have been out of this financial disaster long before unemployment reached the double digits it now sits at.
As May and June rolled around things started taking a turn for the worse. In May my cat of almost nine years died. Her brother remained my loyal and loving lap kitty. June and my company and union could not agree on a contract so I walked off of a job I had held for seventeen years with no guarantee of returning.
I was unemployed for the first time in almost two decades. I got a job delivering food from a delivery restaurant. Honestly the one time I felt any kind of peace in that span was when I was alone in the back of that place washing dishes. It felt honest and peaceful. No labor disputes, no anger, nothing else to do. The job helped me pay the bills as I got to keep the tip money which was instant help.
During this time my dad also took a turn for the worse. I was able to spend some time with him and make sure he made his doctor appointments. Then he called and said he had fallen and needed help. I loaded up and drove to his place, my mom was already there and had called 911. He was talking to her and then just kind of passed out. They drove him to the hospital and the next day he died.
If the strike were ever a blessing, I began to see this as the reason. I was able to take care of everything and literally not have to worry about work interfering. My Northern Brother came down to help me get through those very tough days, I don't know what would have happened if he hadn't. The Date stood by my side every step of the way as well, never wavering in her love for me. I'll never be able to thank them enough for the support they gave me, nor my friends who came to my side. That was literally the worst two weeks of my life, no exceptions. That was rock bottom of the ocean and couldn't go any deeper.
I worked three shows total this past year, Broadway Bound, Into The Woods, and Christmas Carol. Thing 2 endeared herself to any director who worked with her as a painter. She just went crazy painting sets and whatever else they wanted. Zip joined our family over the Summer. A little wired haired doggie who has fit right in.
October came and things started to take an upturn. By the end of the month I had decided to ask The Date to marry me. November came around and we married at the Theatre. My other cat, Patch's brother was killed in a dog attack. Scrat and Butterscotch joined our family shortly after.
I'm nearly recovered now from the financial mess that the strike caused. I had part time work and it still messed with my finances for months on end. Now as a new year dawns I've got two brand new opportunities! One I can't talk about yet and the other is a documentary I'm able to shoot!
2009 was without a doubt the most difficult year I've ever had and the best year I've ever had. There were no medium as it contained drastic turns up or down. On the very cusp of 2010 I look for the good to continue, my other project to manifest and become successful as I continue to film the documentary with the help of Beersnob, Jamal, and Mozart. Jamal, Thing 2, and I had a nice talk over coffee last night and talked about protecting our respective projects. Starting out on the same page and just making sure everything and everyone is covered and protected. We were in total agreement and really enjoyed the hour or so of talking!
2010 is going to be so much better in terms of stability, growth, and hopefully many projects becoming fulfilled! I wish you, dear reader a better 2010 than I plan on having and I plan on having a great year!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Yesterday Was Spent
Not doing a whole lot but preparing for a dud of a snowstorm. Yeah it snowed for a while and was really nice to watch but it's melting away and it is nine o'clock in the morning.
I had coffee with Chris last night (one of the few people who doesn't have a nickname) and we had a wonderful conversation about pretty much everything. It was super nice!
I took little Butterscotch to the SPCA and they scheduled him for a ringworm treatment today after ten AM so I'll have to get cleaned up shortly and get things underway to get him there in time.
Tomorrow is my end of the year wrap up blog. 2009 was a mixed year for sure.
I had coffee with Chris last night (one of the few people who doesn't have a nickname) and we had a wonderful conversation about pretty much everything. It was super nice!
I took little Butterscotch to the SPCA and they scheduled him for a ringworm treatment today after ten AM so I'll have to get cleaned up shortly and get things underway to get him there in time.
Tomorrow is my end of the year wrap up blog. 2009 was a mixed year for sure.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
A Great Outlaw Canadian Comedy!
I'm new to this amazingly lowbrow but hilarious comedy, Trailer Park Boys. It's on channel 101 on DirecTV and I've been recording it but I also found it online and have nearly watched the whole series.
It's the story of Sunnyvale trailer park in Canada. The main characters are Julian, Ricky, and Bubbles. They have two stupid helpers Corey and Trevor. They also have two antagonists in Jim and Randy Lahey, the trailer park supervisor and the assistant trailer park supervisor.
Ricky is just about too stupid to live. Julian always has a drink in his hand and is the idea man. Bubbles is mildly retarded but is sometimes the smartest one of the bunch. They are really pretty likable guys but Ricky can be annoying.
Over the five plus seasons I've watched so far the shows revolve around Ricky and Julian staying out of jail and avoiding Jim Lahey's attempts to get them arrested for any number of infractions such as growing weed. Ricky's only real skill in life is growing weed. However they never have enough money to get a crop going and if they do it always befalls some sort of tragedy in which it's destroyed.
This show really is at times hard to watch, it can be that lowbrow. When it's funny though it is brilliant if you don't mind the Cheech and Chong style drug humor. These characters really don't have much at all going for them, Ricky has lived in a car for nearly the entire show's run while only briefly living in a better place when he is in jail.
The sad thing is that this series has ended. It has gone onto make two movies I believe. I could be mistaken about that. The entire show is only fifty some episodes so it is fairly fast to watch the whole run. I would liken it to It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia but before that show came out. TPB kicks the language up a few notches and the characters aren't as self absorbed like they are in Sunny. Many of the characters will go to great lengths to help out another character where as in Sunny they backstab them.
This show is a definite watcher though for some people. If you think you might be one of those people then it's for you! I'd recommend checking out the first couple of episodes though for anyone but keep in mind it doesn't get really good until the story lines unfold during the course of the coming seasons.
It's the story of Sunnyvale trailer park in Canada. The main characters are Julian, Ricky, and Bubbles. They have two stupid helpers Corey and Trevor. They also have two antagonists in Jim and Randy Lahey, the trailer park supervisor and the assistant trailer park supervisor.
Ricky is just about too stupid to live. Julian always has a drink in his hand and is the idea man. Bubbles is mildly retarded but is sometimes the smartest one of the bunch. They are really pretty likable guys but Ricky can be annoying.
Over the five plus seasons I've watched so far the shows revolve around Ricky and Julian staying out of jail and avoiding Jim Lahey's attempts to get them arrested for any number of infractions such as growing weed. Ricky's only real skill in life is growing weed. However they never have enough money to get a crop going and if they do it always befalls some sort of tragedy in which it's destroyed.
This show really is at times hard to watch, it can be that lowbrow. When it's funny though it is brilliant if you don't mind the Cheech and Chong style drug humor. These characters really don't have much at all going for them, Ricky has lived in a car for nearly the entire show's run while only briefly living in a better place when he is in jail.
The sad thing is that this series has ended. It has gone onto make two movies I believe. I could be mistaken about that. The entire show is only fifty some episodes so it is fairly fast to watch the whole run. I would liken it to It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia but before that show came out. TPB kicks the language up a few notches and the characters aren't as self absorbed like they are in Sunny. Many of the characters will go to great lengths to help out another character where as in Sunny they backstab them.
This show is a definite watcher though for some people. If you think you might be one of those people then it's for you! I'd recommend checking out the first couple of episodes though for anyone but keep in mind it doesn't get really good until the story lines unfold during the course of the coming seasons.
Monday, December 28, 2009
The Start Of A New Week
And the countdown to the start of a new year begins. T-Minus four days! I'm going to save my critique for 2009 for the first but I've got a lot to say about the current and almost former year.
Today I've got to take Scotch into the cat clinic and have this spot on his head looked at. The Date thinks it might be mange, I'm not sure so he is going to the vet and get checked out.
I'm off all week long! I'm going to enjoy this as well! I so needed a vacation. Towards the end at work I got to where I dreaded coming in. It'll be nice to usher in a brand new year and a brand new start.
I guess that's what everyone wants from time to time, a brand new year, a clean slate, and a reset button. I don't feel I need all of that but maybe a little time off will do just nicely.
Today I've got to take Scotch into the cat clinic and have this spot on his head looked at. The Date thinks it might be mange, I'm not sure so he is going to the vet and get checked out.
I'm off all week long! I'm going to enjoy this as well! I so needed a vacation. Towards the end at work I got to where I dreaded coming in. It'll be nice to usher in a brand new year and a brand new start.
I guess that's what everyone wants from time to time, a brand new year, a clean slate, and a reset button. I don't feel I need all of that but maybe a little time off will do just nicely.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Fun With Weezy At The Blue Note
Yesterday was really pretty nice all around! Thing 1 got to drive her new WoW character around for a little bit. I took Thing 2 to a local store to exchange a book I got her for Christmas which was one she already had.
Weezy put out a clarion call to meet some place last night for drinks before she jets back off to her LA life as a newly represented actor. She leaves tomorrow but that's ok, we got to spend a lot of time with her and catch up!
Beersnob and Mrs. Beersnob showed up as well as Actor, Red, and Court to my favorite place in town, The Blue Note to see Weezy off as she has lots of family plans today and wouldn't be around much.
Actor, Red, and Court left around a quarter til ten to catch Sherlock Holmes. It was sold out earlier so they had late tickets. They were very happy to spend some time with Weezy and Weezy was happy to hang out with everyone for a while.
I had a La Aurora Platinum cigar with a Bushmills and water on the rocks. It was a gift from a guy on a message board I'm on and I've got to say it was an amazing cigar! Full flavored but not harsh at all. Well constructed, no burn problems, and it was a delight to smoke with the company and conversation!
I also brought along a St. Luis Rey Habano that I really didn't want to smoke but I figured in a pinch I'd smoke this Cuban if Beersnob wanted the La Aurora. I guarantee though that the La Aurora was a far superior cigar than any of the Cubans I've smoke thus far and that numbers around two to three dozen. They all just seem a lower grade to me for some reason. They are either harsh, have major construction problems, or are plugged and won't draw properly. I've yet to enjoy smoking a Cuban cigar over a Fuente or a Padron with Padron being my preference.
They are widely available, a better value, and are quality all the way. I've never had a burn problem, a plugged cigar, or a foul tasting Padron, let alone Fuente! A common Cuban would cost two to three times as much and in the end it would fall flat and disappoint me, as they have already. But as Beersnob is my friend I would have offered up my La Aurora to him before choking down another Cuban.
Weezy put out a clarion call to meet some place last night for drinks before she jets back off to her LA life as a newly represented actor. She leaves tomorrow but that's ok, we got to spend a lot of time with her and catch up!
Beersnob and Mrs. Beersnob showed up as well as Actor, Red, and Court to my favorite place in town, The Blue Note to see Weezy off as she has lots of family plans today and wouldn't be around much.
Actor, Red, and Court left around a quarter til ten to catch Sherlock Holmes. It was sold out earlier so they had late tickets. They were very happy to spend some time with Weezy and Weezy was happy to hang out with everyone for a while.
I had a La Aurora Platinum cigar with a Bushmills and water on the rocks. It was a gift from a guy on a message board I'm on and I've got to say it was an amazing cigar! Full flavored but not harsh at all. Well constructed, no burn problems, and it was a delight to smoke with the company and conversation!
I also brought along a St. Luis Rey Habano that I really didn't want to smoke but I figured in a pinch I'd smoke this Cuban if Beersnob wanted the La Aurora. I guarantee though that the La Aurora was a far superior cigar than any of the Cubans I've smoke thus far and that numbers around two to three dozen. They all just seem a lower grade to me for some reason. They are either harsh, have major construction problems, or are plugged and won't draw properly. I've yet to enjoy smoking a Cuban cigar over a Fuente or a Padron with Padron being my preference.
They are widely available, a better value, and are quality all the way. I've never had a burn problem, a plugged cigar, or a foul tasting Padron, let alone Fuente! A common Cuban would cost two to three times as much and in the end it would fall flat and disappoint me, as they have already. But as Beersnob is my friend I would have offered up my La Aurora to him before choking down another Cuban.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
The Crackheads Are Back
So I kind of got The Date the fifth season of Lost for Christmas. After Christmas breakfast with my mom we came back home. The Date put Christmas dinner in to cook and then camped out on the couch with Thing 2.
Episode after episode they went! I'm not sure what time it ended but I was fast asleep by then. Thing 1 is still on the couch this morning, likely didn't have the stamina that The Date and Thing 2 have built up for marathon Lost watching.
All in all it was a good Christmas. Dinner was really good, time with the family was really good, and it was still fairly white out but it was blustery cold. I hope that everyone had a good Christmas and remembered the real reason for the season.
Episode after episode they went! I'm not sure what time it ended but I was fast asleep by then. Thing 1 is still on the couch this morning, likely didn't have the stamina that The Date and Thing 2 have built up for marathon Lost watching.
All in all it was a good Christmas. Dinner was really good, time with the family was really good, and it was still fairly white out but it was blustery cold. I hope that everyone had a good Christmas and remembered the real reason for the season.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Christmas Eve!
Yes it is. The winds are howling outside, a massive Winter storm is on its way, and all is right with the world right now! It appears that my first Christmas with my family will be a White Christmas! The storm is very slow moving and it is now on our doorstep.
I'm on vacation, yesterday's Christmas party was a success. Three briskets, a full pork loin, and some sausages for meats. Then everyone brought the salads and desserts. The past two days were spent smoking the briskets and yesterday I grilled the pork loin.
All in all everything went well.
Thing 1's Christmas is installed and I tested it last night. She will be happy with WoW and it'll be fun both of us.
The one movie I've seen more than any other starts tonight at seven. Twenty fours of A Christmas Story begins tonight on TBS. I always catch it four or five times a year and sometimes more.
I'm on vacation, yesterday's Christmas party was a success. Three briskets, a full pork loin, and some sausages for meats. Then everyone brought the salads and desserts. The past two days were spent smoking the briskets and yesterday I grilled the pork loin.
All in all everything went well.
Thing 1's Christmas is installed and I tested it last night. She will be happy with WoW and it'll be fun both of us.
The one movie I've seen more than any other starts tonight at seven. Twenty fours of A Christmas Story begins tonight on TBS. I always catch it four or five times a year and sometimes more.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Today Is It!
Today's the last day of work before my vacation begins! I won't be back to work until the fourth of January, 2010! Yayyy!!!!
ok so against The Date's wishes I purchased Thing 1 World of Warcraft. I've played every MMORPG that's come down the line since EQ. The list is very long, trust me. WoW has legs though, easily being the most complex and rich environment in an online realm since real life.
I've got a level sixty warrior sitting on one of the servers that I'll have transferred and she can play without the basic level grind. She can jump right in essentially.
Thing 2 and I have bonded, long ago but I feel I have a tough time reaching Thing 1. Maybe this is a way for her and I to have something in common and we can share together. It just so happens her boyfriend who I'll name Fuzzy, has three pretty high characters too so I've asked him questions (that I already knew the answers too) to basically have something in common with him as well. He fears me, good. I don't really want him to dislike me, bad. A healthy respect is good though and if there is a clear line that he sees that will invoke my wrath, all the better.
So this is as much a present for Thing 1 as it is for Fuzzy as I know they will be able to play together online and adventure until she is burned out on the game in a month or two.
We'll see how this exercise in bonding 101 goes. Perhaps if we speak a common language then great things can happen!
ok so against The Date's wishes I purchased Thing 1 World of Warcraft. I've played every MMORPG that's come down the line since EQ. The list is very long, trust me. WoW has legs though, easily being the most complex and rich environment in an online realm since real life.
I've got a level sixty warrior sitting on one of the servers that I'll have transferred and she can play without the basic level grind. She can jump right in essentially.
Thing 2 and I have bonded, long ago but I feel I have a tough time reaching Thing 1. Maybe this is a way for her and I to have something in common and we can share together. It just so happens her boyfriend who I'll name Fuzzy, has three pretty high characters too so I've asked him questions (that I already knew the answers too) to basically have something in common with him as well. He fears me, good. I don't really want him to dislike me, bad. A healthy respect is good though and if there is a clear line that he sees that will invoke my wrath, all the better.
So this is as much a present for Thing 1 as it is for Fuzzy as I know they will be able to play together online and adventure until she is burned out on the game in a month or two.
We'll see how this exercise in bonding 101 goes. Perhaps if we speak a common language then great things can happen!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Fun Evening
While The Date had to work last night and The Things were out of town at a relatives house I spent the evening with Beersnob, Skate, The Invader and Weezy at Buffalo Wild Wings for some football watching!
It was nice, the conversation varied but seemed to last on Long Beach, which sounds like an amazing place and fantasy football. Much to the arguments of The Invader, but cheerleading is still not a sport. She does argue strongly though, just not strong enough.
I took Weezy home and headed on home to meet The Date to finish off a quiet evening with no Things.
Today will be busy at work. There are some things to wrap up before the New Year but my vacation starts Thursday and I won't be back until the fourth. So what we are going to do it better get done today, tomorrow is a big meal at work so no one works.
It was nice, the conversation varied but seemed to last on Long Beach, which sounds like an amazing place and fantasy football. Much to the arguments of The Invader, but cheerleading is still not a sport. She does argue strongly though, just not strong enough.
I took Weezy home and headed on home to meet The Date to finish off a quiet evening with no Things.
Today will be busy at work. There are some things to wrap up before the New Year but my vacation starts Thursday and I won't be back until the fourth. So what we are going to do it better get done today, tomorrow is a big meal at work so no one works.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Good Thing One Is A Go!
The first good thing that is happening, that I blogged about last week, is officially a go! I loaded up Beersnob and went to a meeting at Director's house (though that nickname will officially be changed now to Jamal, there are simply too many directors I know and they can't all share the same name) and we met with Mozart. They are writing an original musical and plan to take it to work shops and get it produced.
Jamal is the lyricist and writer of the project while Mozart is the composer. They have been working on the project for a short while and are about a quarter of the way done. That leaves me in the perfect position as there is some foundation laid down and I can easily recap what has been done thus far.
We had a wonderful supper cooked by Jamal and we discussed both projects as we ate. I did what a documentarian did and watched, observed, and listened. Beersnob asked the questions and got a feel for where they saw their project going. It'll officially be dubbed Project X in this blog until it gets an official name from Jamal and Mozart.
They played some of the musical score from the opening and all I can say is that I was blown away by it. It was simply amazing and to be able to document a project of this nature from its beginning is something few ever get the chance to do.
This is a wonderful opportunity that I know I can make the best of and make something both Mozart and Jamal will love but at the same time make something an audience might enjoy watching. I'm really excited to put in the work, which could be a year or longer, to make sure this project is everything it can be.
Jamal is the lyricist and writer of the project while Mozart is the composer. They have been working on the project for a short while and are about a quarter of the way done. That leaves me in the perfect position as there is some foundation laid down and I can easily recap what has been done thus far.
We had a wonderful supper cooked by Jamal and we discussed both projects as we ate. I did what a documentarian did and watched, observed, and listened. Beersnob asked the questions and got a feel for where they saw their project going. It'll officially be dubbed Project X in this blog until it gets an official name from Jamal and Mozart.
They played some of the musical score from the opening and all I can say is that I was blown away by it. It was simply amazing and to be able to document a project of this nature from its beginning is something few ever get the chance to do.
This is a wonderful opportunity that I know I can make the best of and make something both Mozart and Jamal will love but at the same time make something an audience might enjoy watching. I'm really excited to put in the work, which could be a year or longer, to make sure this project is everything it can be.
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