Beanblog

Strassenbrew Beard

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 18:29:13 -0600

After my long recess from blogging which has been brought to my attention many times, I've decided to return with a single blog that features three of my favorite things: Strassenfest, homebrewing, and beards, and I'm going to do it using only one sentence (not counting this highly punctuated, run-on, intro sentence)... wait for it... wait for it... GO:

I won two first places in the Strassenfest homebrewing contest while sporting a sweet beard.

A Big Zit

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 16:51:11 -0600

Went to the urgent care center for what I thought was a spider bite. Turns out it was an abscess (aka boil) and she had to cut it open to drain it. Mind you, the actual amount draining out was probably less than the size of a grape, but prior to her cutting in, it felt like a baseball in my calf. She packed the cavity with an iodine soaked "wick" to keep the wound open so it can drain some more.

Yummy!
TTags: boil

Replacing Stuff

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 10:32:47 -0600

Who should replace the paper towels, the person to take the last one or the person who comes in to grab one and finds the roll empty?

What about toilet paper?

Coffee (in an office environment)?

I don't have strong feeling one way or the other, but I'm interested to see your answers and whether or not they are the same for all three.

Lost Season 4 is Over

Fri, 30 May 2008 06:35:06 -0600

Mothereffer and I took yesterday off of work and watched Lost all day long. 12 hours straight. I think we got in about 11 episodes, a mid-day ice cream break, and the "3-hour finale event". We rewatched some of the classic episodes, then concentrated on 3-4 Desmond-centric ones, then did a spotty recap of all of season 4 leading up to the live show. It was good tims, to say the least.

I'm not going to do a recap just yet, but I have a few points to make.

The very literal and unavoidable introduction of time travel over the past season has made trying to "figure out" Lost nearly impossible.
The show has always had a "free will versus fate" theme embedded in it, but I think we got to see a lot more of it this season, along with the concept of course-correction. Is the smoke monster the physical means of course correction?
Visit Sledgewebs Lost Stuff for good screen caps and discussion.
During the finale last night, there was a suspicious commercial for octagonglobalrecruiting.com. Looks like another ARG this summer.
Also, Hurley is still fat.

TTags: lost

Tank Update

Tue, 20 May 2008 16:06:46 -0600

I've been itchin' to post some good pics of my redone 75G cichlid tank.

I swapped blue gravel for 50% crushed coral and 50% pebbles and put down some light diffuser paneling on the bottom of the tank. I set up the rocks so that they supported a deep base of coral/rocks in the rear of the tank and left an open area in the front. I built two separate rock piles (THR on the left, random stuff from the LFS on the right). I also painted the trim on the tank black, to match the stand. To top it off, an art teacher friend of mine made me a custom background oil painting. The painting matches the rock formations and plants in the tank and really adds a great custom look!

Before:

After:

I plan on replacing my single tube light with twin tubes at some point in the future. The Fichcam (ie only) looks into the right side of the tank, if you care to take a live peak.
TTags: african cichlids

Lost: Cabin Fever (S04EP11)

Fri, 09 May 2008 10:40:23 -0600

Mothereffer/Bleach decided to write a Beanblog-style recap of last night's episode of Lost. Enjoy:

This episode of LOST continues the fast paced plot development that has defined Season 4. For us few die hard fans, who have dealt with time changes and writers strikes, the complications have been minimal compared to the content we are getting this season. "Cabin Fever" proved no different. What a great episode.

Locke's Backstory
We learn that Locke was born a healthy baby against all odds. His mother is almost killed by a car crash, causing Locke to be born prematurely. Locke manages to fight off several newborn complications and beats the odds. We then see that Richard Alpert has made a return to baby John Locke at his birth. This scene confirms a couple things. A) Richard indeed does not age and B) Locke's connection with the island is not just happenstance. Richard then visits Locke when he is around 5 or 6 to see if he is the chosen one. A Dalai Lama type ceremony ensues. Right before the current Dalai Lama dies, he gives an approximate location of his next birth place. Belongings of his are then presented to children matching his description. The child who picks out the right belongings, without hesitation, is the new holy leader. Richard was clearly doing this with Locke. Locke chooses a knife, which is apparently not correct, and Richard leaves in a hurry. Is Locke the reincarnation of Jacob? What is Locke chosen to do?

Everyone's favorite Marine: Keamy � Who would not like to kill this bastard?
First of all, I am not sure how he survived the smoke monster attack. It seemed as if he should be toast. Nonetheless, he does indeed survive and make it back to the freighter. At the freighter, he is told by the captain that Michael is the one who has let Ben know Keamy's name and background. This makes the usually happy go lucky Keamy upset to say the least. I for one thought Michael was a goner. Keamy tries to shoot Michael a few times in the head but the gun jams. Is this the island protecting Michael from death? Arguments can be made either way, but with each escape from death, it seems the island is not letting him die. Keamy is hell bent on getting back to the island and getting revenge. The pilot (Frank) says the he was hired to fly scientists back and forth. Keamy decides to show he is serious about getting back to the island by killing the doctor. The doctor had washed up on shore the day before on the island. The time delay is revealed once again. Frank is then convinced to take the marines back to the island. Looks like Frank is a good guy and might even be helping Michael out.

Sayid and Desmond
It is simply worth mentioning that the captain of the ship (Captain Gault) appears to be helping Sayid and Desmond. I believe that Sayid has earned his trust by turning over Michael. He gives Sayid a boat to take back to the island. I do not think that this boat is how they get off the island because Hurley alone would sink the damn thing. Desmond decides he cannot go back to the island because he has been there for 3 years. Who can blame him. He may have told Michael a little earlier though.

The Cabin
Where to begin. The Cabin was apparently built by Horace who was killed in the purge. He appears in a dream to guide Locke. Locke pulls a map from his dead pocket that will lead them to the Cabin. Does the cabin move? If it is always moving, then how does an old map show them where it is? They arrive at the cabin, Ben and Hurley decide to not go in. They partake in one of my favorite scenes of all time. The candy bar sharing! If you watch Ben�s mannerisms during this scene, you will see why is almost everyone�s favorite character. He is a great actor. Once Locke is in the Cabin he runs into Christian Sheppard who announces that he can speak for Jacob. Claire is also in the Cabin and appears HAPPY to be there, WITHOUT HER BABY! What is going on here? John emerges from the Cabin and declares that he needs to �move the island�. DUN DUN DUN. The island can be moved! What a revelation.

I really enjoyed this episode! Hope my recap lives up to the traditional Beanblog fashion.

TTags: lost, cabin fever

Biscuits and Gravy

Mon, 05 May 2008 15:38:17 -0600

I blogged about Momma's B&G a few years back, but I realize now that I left out a major instruction! This is a special 2-part blog with one common thread - you love it, I love it, everybody who isn't a commie or a terrorist loves it: biscuits and gravy!

Part 1: The Missing Ingredient
As I mentioned, my original post outlines the basic method of making sausage gravy, but fails to identify what I consider to be the key ingredient: Kentucky Kernel Seasoned Flour. It's delicious. I use it to make a roux from the leftover sausage fat and then thicken with milk once it has darkened a little. No further seasoning is needed. Simple, low ingredient count, and the best B&G I've ever tasted.

Part 2: An Experiment
As I was whipping up a batch of sausage gravy last week, I took a taste just as it was thickening up. I blurted out "This gravy is so god damn good I just wanna eat it" insinuating that biscuits, the first half of "B&G" are not even needed! Well, I decided to test it out this evening. I warmed up and ate a plate of gravy. It tasted great! Next, I warmed up a biscuit covered in gravy and ate it. I'm here to tell you that the biscuits ARE needed. The biscuits add a cruicial texture element to the mix.

So in summary: When you follow instruction in Part 1 and make your first batch, don't overreact at how good a sample tastes and eat the whole batch before the biscuits are done.
TTags: biscuits and gravy

Hedrick For Commissioner

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 12:48:53 -0600

I got a dose of County level government and politics in 2007 due to some ongoing issues with our subdivision developers. Basically, the County Engineer (Hyun Lee) failed to renew the bond that held AJ&E/Tri-Sprig (our builders/developers) accountable for all of the little things you are supposed to do when you develop a subdivision. When they went belly up, we were left with unfinished roads, drainage problems, and overgrown, trash-filled empty lots. With no developer money left, the county ends up having to foot the bill and finish the work. It has happened before us, and has happened since. Last I heard, there were a dozen or so other developments with similar issues. Commissioners Ed Meyer and Ralph Guthrie consistently voted down or simply failed to second any of Commissioner Mike Moore's motions to not only fulfill their obligations, but to also correct the underlying problem. Hyun Lee, who emphatically reminds us at meetings that he works the commissioners, is still employed as the County Engineer.

So that's the intro. Now to the point: Ed Meyer is running for re-election this year. In Clark County, you pretty much have to be a Democrat to get elected, so the Democratic primary is big. I'm voting for Eric Hedrick, and here's why:

What is the most important issue facing this position and what is your plan to resolve it?
"...I believe the most important issue that the County is currently facing is the lack of holding developers accountable for their actions. Bonds on developments are being allowed to expire at the County tax payer�s expense. As your County Commissioner, I will work to tighten the reigns on these developers to ensure that bonds are not allowed to expire before developer�s obligations are met. I will also sponsor an ordinance that ends the issuance of building permits to those developers who have not complied with the County�s standards in previous developments. No more �deadbeat builders� in Clark County..."

Here's Ed Meyer's response to the same question:

"The role of a county commissioner has taken on more responsibility as the county grows and people turn to elected government officials to help maneuver government. Major focus for a commissioner includes: oversight of county roads and bridges, local property taxes, county contracts, county zoning, addressing the state and federal mandates the county must work through with little or no funding, and county drainage concerns that must be addressed..." [blah blah blah some more generalities, blah blah something about a visionary county planner]

In my limited dealings with Ed Meyer, I have found him to be the definition of a sleazy politician. He routinely mumbles snide comments under his breath at Commissioner meetings... just low enough that they wouldn't get picked up by the tape recorder. Ralph Guthrie and Ed Meyer had meetings concerning county matters and purposefully excluded the third commissioner (Mike Moore) from them. I could go on. Ralph is not seeking re-election [For the record, I'm voting for Dave Abbott for that spot.]

Simply put, Eric understands that home values are most peoples biggest investment and that regulating and maintaining property values insures consistent property tax revenue for the county. Seems like a no-brainer!

Also, in county government news: Clark County now has their meeting minutes online. Bonus point to whoever can find my name in them!

TTags: clark county, indiana

Motivate Me!

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:44:42 -0600

I will be running in the Indianapolis 500 Mini-Marathon on May 3rd. It will be a comeback year for me, as I haven't run one since 2005. I also ran in 2003 and finished in 1:39:39 the first year I ran in 2002. I'm older, fatter and in questionable shape. I've been running more and more over the past few months to gear up, but have yet to do any long runs (over ~5 miles). I decided that I need additional motivation, so here's my plan:

#1 - Sponsor me. Design a shirt logo or just give me a phrase and I'll print it up. Nothing vulgar, since there will be kids present. Design space available on the back and upper chest area of a white t-shirt. Proceeded will go towards the beanblog beer in my fridge fund (and of course the printing of said shirt). Bidding starts at.. $10. Note: I'll make every attempt to get the shirt logo in pictures and video as I run.

#2 - Bid on my finishing time. Check out my past finishes and make a guess or project my utter failure - the choice is yours. $2 per entry. Closest time takes all. Hint: I'm shooting for ~8:00 miles... but you never know.

Entries for #1 need to be in by Friday (April 25). All entries must be validated via papal by May 1. Is this legal?
TTags: indianapolis, mini marathon

Mo Betta Fich Updates

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 18:08:06 -0600

Time for some FICH UPDATES!

I have gotten rid of 4 fich so far, numbers 3, 8, 9, 16, for various reasons. I got $40 store credit for them.

I bought 3 juvenile Malawi's (2 Yellow Labs and some other random Zebra). I can tell them apart, so they get numbers. I still can't quite tell the fry that were in the tank when I got it apart, so they don't get numbers yet. At any rate, this brings the official fich roster to:
1 - Aulonocara jacobfreibergi (Peacock, "Lemon Jake")
2 - Aulonocara hybrid (Juvenile "Strawberry Peacock")
3 - Red zebra-based hybird or a peacock... not sure. A big mean fucker. [SOLD]
4 - Metriaclima estherae (Male, "Red Zebra")
5 - Metriaclima callainos ("Cobalt Zebra") or Metriaclima estherae ("Red Zebra")
6 - Cynotilapia afra (Male "Cobue")
7 - Tropheops macrothalmus ("Red-headed Mac")
8 - Aulonocara hybrd (Peacock w/slight orange tinge) [SOLD]
9 - Metriaclima greshakei (Dull, "Red Top Ice Blue") [SOLD]
10 - Aulonocara hybrid ("OB Peacock")
11 - Labidochromis caeruleus ("Yellow Lab")
12 - Cynotilapia afra (Female "Cobue")
13 - Tropheus duboisi
14 - Metriaclima greshakei (Big and colorful, "Red Top Ice Blue")
15 - Cynotilapia afra (Female juvenile, "Cobue?")
16 - Melanochromis joanjohnsonae (mean, "Exasperatus") [SOLD]
17 - Labidochromis caeruleus (Larger juvenile, "Yellow Lab")
18 - Labidochromis caeruleus (Smaller juvenile, "Yellow Lab")
19 - Unknown zebra... light blue w/ blue/black stripes.

I bought a 10 gallon tank (and accessories) so that I can use it as a hospital tank and or prison cell for mean fich and or a place to raise baby fich (so the others don't eat them). It worked out good, as I was able to use my previously mentioned store credit to absorb most of the cost. Right now, fich 4 is in there recovering from a whooping. Somebody shredded his fins and bit most of his tail fin off.

And to top it off, my OB Peacock (number 10) finally spit her fry into the Texas Holey Rock. I don't know how many survived... I've only seen 2 so far.
TTags: cichlids