and it begins...

Started my latest home project which is wiring my house with CAT-5e for Gigabit home network. The final network will have a total of 12 drops in 6 rooms. A buddy of mine who has a house in the same subdivision (same floorplan) went halfsy's w/ me on materials and labor. My house is the guinea pig.

Here's the access to the devil's den. Crawling around the attic in the dead of summer in Tucson isn't exactly fun but it has to be done.


Here's the first drop we did. Picked up everything from www.firefold.com. All told damage was $102 per person which is a far cry from what it would cost to get someone to do this for me. Plus, where's the fun in that?!


Keystone jacks on the first drop. These little guys make finishing the wires a breeze.


The first jack buttoned up. The jacks lie flush with the plate and everything looks beautiful :).


A little snap down one direction of the devil's den.


and the other direction. Not much sense of scale in these pictures but it is hella tight.


The second plate in the loft. Opposite wall from the first. This one went super easy.


This is the one place where I had to cut the drywall. The attic access stops right at the leftmost stud. So we had to drop down into the wall and punch through to where we had cut the hole for the master plate. I kept the drywall pieces and I'll end up re-screwing them back in and patching around them once everything is done.


Close up of four drops making their way through the drilled studs.


An intermediate shot of the master panel.


This is where all the drops are run. This master panel will then serve as my patch panel where I intend to run two subnets. One subnet will be my regular internet access and will have my xbox, laptop, and one nic of my desktop. The second subnet will host my MythTV frontends and backends.

Well that's what we accomplished the first day... will try to remember to snap more pics as more progress is made.

I figured y'all would like this.

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Expert Angler

This past week I spent some time on the Jersey shore with Allie and her family. Logan is always posting his pictures of giant whales caught on his boat, so I couldn't think of a more appropriate place to post this. We only caught little tiny fish but it was a lot of fun and I drank a lot of beers in 4 hours. Isn't that what fishing is all about?

To Groomsmen, RE: Rides

I've been asked a few times about getting to the wedding, and more importantly, getting back from the reception. Since I need all of the groomsmen together before the wedding to get ready and take pictures, I think it would be best for me to pick all of you up in the morning and take you up to Christina's brother's house to get ready. That way I'll have my car up there to head out after the wedding, and no one will be stuck there drunk with a car. After the ceremony, we'll take the limo to the reception. Following the reception, the worst case is you catch a ride home with your families, at the mercy of when they want to leave. A better situation in my opinion is if one of you can convince your date to be a DD, drive a large suv type car up there, and drive everyone back to NW B-town. I think that's a pretty solid plan... feel free to post suggestions.

PS - Let me know if you've been fitted for your tux in the comments.

Bahamas pics

Sorry, I got back and forgot to put these up.

Blogger Babies

Is anyone else freaked out by those baby pictures on the blogger dashboard?

Happy birthday Jae! (And Alex)

Jae...welcome to a very boring age of 26. Alex...you are one year closer to 30:)

We'll celebrate in Sept!

A drinkers paradise

I am planning a trip to New Orleans for Halloween. The modern holiday of Halloween has its origins in the ancient Celtic festival known as Samhain (Irish pronunciation: [ˈsˠaunʲ]; from the Old Irish samain).[2] The festival of Samhain is a celebration of the end of the harvest season in Gaelic culture, and is sometimes [3] regarded as the "Celtic New Year".[4] Traditionally, the festival was a time used by the ancient pagans to take stock of supplies and slaughter livestock for winter stores. The ancient Gaels believed that on October 31, the boundary between the alive and the deceased dissolved, and the dead become dangerous for the living by causing problems such as sickness or damaged crops. The festivals would frequently involve bonfires, where the bones of slaughtered livestock were thrown. Costumes and masks were also worn at the festivals in an attempt to mimic the evil spirits or placate them. Thanks Wikipedia, I like to keep the history lesson going. The only evil spirits I wish to placate come in packs of twelve. These spirits like the ones mentioned above also cause sickness and damage, but coupled with Bourbon Street it is all worth it. I would like invite everyone down for the mayhem that a Friday Halloween brings. This includes people from Florida, New England, Out West, Alabama, Kentucky, Texas,not you Mississippi, Georgia is cool, but North Dakota is right out. Airfare is cheap, hotels are cheap, drinks are cheap, and you can get drinks taller than most grade school children.

I'm a big girl now...

Well, my internship paid off. My supervisor got a promotion and you'll never guess who was offered her spot! After only a few short months of working for free I am now the Fitness Director at the AEGON all-employee gym... which basically means I run the company fitness center :) AEGON is some kind of a financial/insurance company (not entirely positive what they all do, it's a big building) and the company I now work for that AEGON contracts me through is called Corporate Fitness Works. I'll be there for at least a year because that's what they asked of me, and then we'll see where it leads me. The pay isn't spectacular but it's a respectable start, and the benefits are a nice supplement to the crap I have, which is something I like to call pay out the A$$ for COBRA. I'll actually have a 401K! Haha... I knew I'd start to grow up sooner or later!

What has our society become

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfcnorth/0-3-15/Packers-brass-offers-cultural-reference-lesson.html

Read the article first and then my response below.

It's sad that our society as a whole is so ignorant as to warrant an article about someone making a reference to ancient roman history. There was a time when the phrase "alea iacta est" was one of hundreds of phrases memorized, along with the historic or literary stories behind them. This knowledge enriched and enlightened our lives, and public discourse as well. Take the phrase, written by Horace: "Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori," which means "it is a sweet and honorable thing to die for one's country.". Horace was being literal when he wrote this. Now when Wilfred Owen, a soldier in WWI, was in the trenches, he thought of Horace and thought "how wrong that old coot was.". Owen then used Horace's phrase as the basis for a poem about the horrors of war and how senseless all the killing was. I make two points: this is much more effective than "Bush lied, people died." And huzzah for a Colgate man making reference to the Rubicon. A small victory but a victory nonetheless.

$250 = $300

just helped my mom set up a new ingdirect savings account. she used my referral to get a free $25 and made an initial deposit of at least $250 to get another free $25. so she was able to turn her $250 into $300 and all i got was a measly $10 referral bonus.

let me know if anyone else wants to take advantage of this, maybe i can turn these referrals into a free tank of gas :P

Another bank bites the dust

http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/press/2008/pr08065.html

Bradenton makes the front page of digg, but not for something good of course.

Wedding Invite Clarification

A "+1" is implied for everyone that received an invitation addressed to themselves only. In those cases, we either didn't know your significant other's last name or didn't know if one existed at all. Sorry if there was any confusion!

College Rankings

I know everyone is aware that UF topped the list of party schools this year but a more important ranking came out, the schools whose graduates make the most money. I just thought I would post some of the results...

Colleges

Starting Median Salary

Mid-Career Median Salary

University of Florida (UF)

$47,100

$87,900

Florida State University (FSU)

$42,100

$73,000

Auburn University

$45,400

$84,700

Middlebury College

$47,700

$94,200

Colgate University

$52,800

$108,000

Here is the link, in case you want to check it out. Alex, do not worry you beat Alabama.

http://www.payscale.com/best-colleges/top-colleges.asp

Plans within plans

We have Cristina's beach place for Eric's wedding so anyone looking for a Hotel can stay. It has 3 bedrooms and 5 queen sized beds and it is right next to the beach and bars. It makes for a fun stumble. I am also heading to the Keys Aug 22nd, I am going to have a six toed cat fight a Florida Lobster for my drunken amusement. If anyone has a free weekend to walk around the keys give me a call. Punch and pie will be served, more people will come if you tell them we have punch and pie.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZZRe9sKcfw

Bahamas next week

So I am going to the Bahamas again before I start my new job.  Alex is going to the Bahamas too before he starts his new job.  

Mac user

I am now a mac user.  I made the switch.  I now have to learn how to use it.  Anyone else using one?

Dark Knight

I saw the new Batman movie last night and I just want to say it was phenomenal. The most impressive character was by far the Joker I will give big time credit to Heath Ledger. It was played way different then Jack did, but it was so much more deranged. Between the Joker and the typical Batman theatrics it was more then I expected. The only downside is when Christian Bale forces the "Batman voice" which he does a few times but other then that you will not be disappointed. I am not sure if him being dead adds to his performance or not but you can not take your eyes off the Joker the entire movie.

PS Saw a preview for a couple of good movies a lot of my boys are coming out with new ones (Pitt, DiCaprio, Reeves and of course a new Terminator staring Christan Bale).

Have a good weekend ladies and Gents.

Nick D....out.....Rory is gay.

My Catch Log

This is something that a buddy and I have been working on for a while now. Can everyone take a couple minutes and register and give us your opinions on it. For those of you that are tech savvy, this is in the alpha stage of development. Let us know everything. http://www.mycatchlog.com

Bradenton

I love when Bradenton makes national news. It was even on the Drudge Report!

Link

Netflix + Live = Awesome

Press Release

To summarize, starting in the fall Xbox Live Gold members who are also Netflix members will be able to watch their "Watch Instantly" queue on their tv through Xbox Live.

Something else they touched upon is being able to sync across multiple accounts to watch movies with friends. Hard to say how useful that will be, but I could see giving it a shot.

I was seriously considering getting a Roku, but now I'm glad I waited.

Sandy Mousseau: 2/19/96 - 7/12/08

Sweetest dog ever in the world... may she rest in peace. God I'm going to miss that happy face...

NYC Vids

Note to self: Don't play rock band around Jenny.

NYC on the 4th

How was everyone's 4th of July? I assume there were some shenanigans had in NYC? Adam, how was camp? DC was rainy most of the day on the 4th, per the usual. But fun was still had.

Boat Races

and 2 videos:

Also Heading to B-Town

As some of you already know and already realize from Bryan's previous comment, I am heading back to Bradenton to start work at (surprise surprise) my dad's practice. I was going to delay a possible decision to move back home for about another year, but Ashley has decided to give FL a try and I decided I should take the opportunity. Plus it is hard to turn down a job where I work fewer hours, have consistent days off, don't have emergency duty, AND get paid more. It probably doesn't hurt that my current job is driving me crazy. I should be moving back late July/early August. I just need to find a way to move that's not going to cost me a fortune.

So I expect to hear from anyone who visits Bradenton.

NY Trip

I am officially ready for the "Invasion" for those of you coming up please bring a pair of shoes you are comfortable walking many miles in. You will also need a pair of jeans because even though it is hot as hell bars up here like to enforce dress codes on males. Even run of the mill Irish Pubs like to think they are fancy and deny people in shorts and sandals sometimes. It is better safe then sorry.

Please post when and what airport your flight arrives into as I only have a half day on Thursday so I want to be sure I am around and not out gallivanting (copying logan) around town. Call me if you have any questions....

Let the party begin....HIIIYOOOOO

Nick D....CPA

New Job

Yes, gallivanting around Florida and the Bahamas on someone else's boat while getting paid to do it was fun. I figured it was time to actually start my career though. I took a job with the Florida West Coast Resource Conservation and Development Council. I am coming in as an Assistant Project Manager. Which means......I will be moving back to Bradenton! Never thought I would be excited to do so but I do have to say that I miss that town. I will be back in Btown in early August.

Sweet

Epcot missed one.

Cadbury Creme Eggs

geez, all i ever did with mine was eat them...

See more funny videos at CollegeHumor

Tell me how my A$$ tastes

Post topics appear to be dwindling... and I'm bored and sicky at work so lets weigh in with our opinions to Shaq's busting on Kobe rap that I'm sure you've all heard by now. I'd post a video but the office intranet or whatever is restricting me from youtube, ehh. If you haven't seen it I suggest you take a minute to look it up because I personally find it hysterical... I can never get enough Shaq spittin out some phat beats (Eric - catch the DWTS Gutt reference?). The site for the TMZ video is www.tmz.com/category/shaq-attack if you just want to give that a shot. Play along if you wish, like I said I'm just reaching here.

google knows best

Respect!

New Homeowners!

We just closed on our new house! It's 2200 sq ft, 4 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage. Before you ask, the colors in the video are going, and we'll be painting for the rest of the week before we move in this weekend.

Here's proof of the painting...

This one's for Nick, real-life Jurassic Park

link

newly added -------------------------------------->

i added this slideshow widget to the blog after signing up for a free account on badongo. my hope was to give everyone the login and password so that any pictures that are uploaded will automatically start rotating through the album. give me an email if you would like the password.

UF calling

I get a phone call everyday at noon from the University of Florida. They don't leave a message, but I appreciate the effort to reach me. Apparently once they realize you get a paycheck they want a taste. I will give them money if they have our football team and a heard of puppies send me an autographed photo depicting Tim Tebow single handedly solving the worlds oil crisis.I admit it is a welcome change from messages to Lashonda who apparently enjoys writing bad checks for furniture. New iphone looks cool, I am waiting for it to have flash and be able to microwave last nights pizza. I saw Zohan, good Jewish humor it helps if you know some people from Israel, and enjoy good hummus on everything. I could see myself brushing my teeth with hummus flavored toothpaste.

Bailey's New Ride

Good bye Saturn, hello Malibu! We are the proud owners of a totally pimptastic new (2007) car! Cevrolet Malibu Maxx SS Though it is mine (Carla's) to drive, secretly Chris thinks it's cool too ;).

Fishing Team Website

www.outtalinefishingteam.com

This is my first attempt at doing a site 100% by myself. I wrote it all in code - no editing programs.

Be sure to check out the tournaments section, you will see that we placed 3rd last week in the Tarpon tournament.

An Engineer Sells Out

Well kiddies it's official. As of last Monday I am no longer an engineer for the phone company. I have been promoted to a management position with a company called Truevance that does contract and consulting work for major telecom companies. I should be moving back to the Tampa area in the next few months. If any of you are going to be in the Tampa area look me up.

July 4th New York Thread

Ok everybody I just want to get a gauge of who is coming that weekend so we can make any plans necessary. Please rate your chances of coming below.

1) Tickets have been bought, have the beer ready to flow
2) I am actively looking for tickets and the chances are good
3) I am looking but will only come if I see a really good deal
4) Pulling a Nick move and say maybe but really I am not coming
5) No shot in hell, joining Rory in btown

I have a feeling this could be a great weekend join up if you can.

Nick D, CPA

new car!

On Thursday, we decided to plan on going today to buy a new car to get rid of Mike's cause it was getting to that scary stage. Well ironically, Thursday afternoon Mike's car was totaled. He's ok, just a little sore still, but we actually made out. We got double what his car was worth, plus money for pain and suffering. So we're gonna use some money to fix up our other car, and we were able to put a little down on this one. Its a 2008 Nissan Sentra 2.0 S. We lucked out because we almost ended up with a gray or black car, but as I was looking at the black one saying, "I don't want black, I want blue... I want blue... I don't want a boring color again..." a guy drove up a blue one right off the delivery truck. We ended up getting the fully loaded version (since that's what the blue one was) instead of the standard one we were planning on through USAA, for only like $400 more. Plus a free tint job. Plus free extended warranty. Yay! It has keyless entry, blue tooth, and a bunch of other non-needed but cool features. Here's a few pics:









So, as Nick would say... I'm so "exited"!

So You Think You Can Dance Is Back

Here's a taste...





Fox Thursdays 8/7c

Stuff White People Like...

Had to post this link because it is cracking me up! Just click on any on the list to go to the blog entry.

Alex...might want to check #23 :)

Beer and B'town

I thought some of you could appreciate a well stocked fridge. I seem to have developed a bad habit. If I see a beer with an alcohol content greater than 6% that I have not tried, I tend to buy it. Ashley thinks that I have gone overboard, but I think I can still make room for more.

I also thought I should let everyone know that I will be in Bradenton this weekend. I should be in town on Friday afternoon until Monday morning. So, give me a call if you are in town and want to get a beer.

By the way, beer is good!

GOW2

Not to distract you from GTAIV for too long, but check out what we have to look forward to in November:

You can also download a high-definition version of this through Xbox Live Marketplace and the graphics look awesome.

Playin with Weiners

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/college/orl-tebow0508may05,0,2769867.story?track=rss

Seriously? Apparently, the kids in the Phillipines are guinea pigs and don't count as human, so they allow Tim Tebow to perform surgery. I wasn't aware the Heisman Trophy gave you the right to perform a circumcision.

GTA IV glitches...

Time to stimulate...

... the economy. Got fat paid on Friday w/ Uncle Sams' 1200 bones. Wondering how everyone is planning on spending (or not spending) theirs. Our is going into stuff for the house - patio furniture and maybe something else if it stretches that far.

Been neglecting the blog

(I'm just going to assume that I was missed terribly...) I haven't checked up on y'all in a few weeks due to finals and all that jazz, but I am now happy to report that I have gotten all A's this semester which brings by GPA to a 3.7. This follows my start at not one but two jobs... so I'm pretty high on life right about now. No need to boost my ego, I was just sharing :o) But I missed Taylor's intro and Nick's job change and everything so I feel quite out of the loop. Hi Taylor, congrats Nick, Logan's probably somewhere tropical, Fasoli boys went to weird schools... think I'm about caught up now! Haha, have a good weekend guys.

Inter-collegiate Quidditch?

I just saw this on E:60... Adam, please explain...

From Middlebury's website, on YouTube, and the Wall Street Journal?

This just might be the gayest thing I've ever seen.

Memorial Day Weekend

I wasn't sure if anybody would want to get together or meet up somewhere for the weekend? I will have May 30th through June 2nd off from work and I could travel on the night of May 29th if needed.

I don't mind traveling, and I figured that it could be a good opportunity for some of us to get together since I haven't seen most of you in awhile.

I know it is somewhat short notice but I thought I would throw it out there. So, let me know if you have any thoughts or ideas.

Job Change for Nick D

Well folks the life and times of Nick D at AIG will come to an end in two weeks. I have been doing some job searching for the last few months and decided to make a change. I will still be working in the insurance industry, but will be working with a company called QBE. They are an Australian based firm who are expanding into the America's and Asia. It should be a good opportunity because the company is growing and looking to continually expand and add good people. Of course there is a substantial pay raise in it for me which was one of my main goals after passing my CPA. I will be getting a 40% increase in base pay as well as still earning OT which is awesome. My position is also eligible for a 15% target bonus come year end. So needless to say I am very excited and it should allow me to live much more comfortable in this very expensive city. This company has no idea what they are getting themselves into...suckers. Have a good weekend everybody.

Nick D....out

Dropbox Beta

I just received my invite to join the dropbox beta. It's an app for PC and mac that seamlessly syncs everything between all computers that you install it on. I've got it set up at home, work, and on my laptop. Folders can also be shared between users and all changes are synced between them as well. Check out the video at http://www.getdropbox.com/ and see if you'd like to join. I have 10 invitations, so let me know if you're interested in using this.

here you go boys, i'm so f'in stoked...

Turkey - Part One

I thought I should finally share some pictures from my trip to Turkey.

This is the Hajia Sophia. It was originally built as a church during the Byzantine Empire around 500 A.D. It was converted to a mosque by the Ottomans but it is now a museum.

This is the Blue Mosque which is about 1000 years older than the Hajia Sophia. It is a working mosque, so the call to prayer was rather loud and I had to take my shoes off in order to enter it.

The Grand Bazaar is the world's oldest and largest bazaar, which means that it is a giant mall with really annoying salesman. The salesman would stand outside the shops and try to speak whatever language they think is your native tongue. One guy asked if I was from Holland.

This is a picture from Cappadocia. We stayed in a village called Goreme and it is surrounded by hills which have caves carved into the sides of them. The caves were made by Christians that were trying to escape from persecution.

This is a picture inside one of the caves that was made into a church. The landscape is literally covered with these caves and the walls are covered with paintings inside the churches.

Recipe Installment #2

So I have been at home studying and finally got through my goal for the day. So I decided to reward myself with a little treat. Fried Ravioli. I have had these frozen raviolis in the freezer for forever and decided to jazz them up:

Frozen ravioli
Egg
Flour
Parmesan cheese (not the crappy Kraft stuff, the real deal)
Oil
Marinara sauce

Cook the ravioli per the directions. Then lay them out on some paper towel and make sure they are dry. Heat up a skillet with an inch or two of oil until you get a good popping sound when you flick a drop of water into the pan. Now dredge the raviolis in the flour followed by the egg, followed by the cheese. Pop them into the oil for a few minutes until golden brown. If you didn't use a lot of oil, flip them over to make sure all the sides get crispy. Put them onto some more paper towel to soak up the extra grease and season. Finally, pour some marinara into a dipping bowl and garnish with a little basil.

Your whole apartment is going to smell like McDonald's with all the oil but it is worth it. This would probably work well as a cocktail party food too.

P.S. Bread crumbs are for sissies. The more cheese, the better.

Walking is good for your health, right?

Everybody I have a very important and urgent announcement

CANNON BALL!!!!!!!

I am bored at work so I decided to pass the time with this.

PS I named it the Octagon

Geez...

...you make one mention of "man-kinis" and end up with google ads like these... better remedy the situation. boobs, girls, tools, motorcycles, power, gorillas, grills, trucks, electronics.

New Car

Well guys, the Audi is finally gone. After years of excellent service, I finally gave up on her. She needed a new timing belt that would have cost more than she was worth and I have a ton of driving to do this summer so I figured I would take advantage of a slow economy and get a good deal on a car. Anyway, here she is. 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander XLS. 220-hp V6 with continuously variable transmission. Keyless ignition, leather heated seats, xenon headlights, premium sound, etc. etc. etc. It is a nice car and it was a good deal too. Anyone out there looking for a nice inexpensive ride, look at Mitsubishi. They also have a ridiculous 10yr/100k powertrain warranty and 5yr/60k bumper to bumper. Anyway, enjoy the pics and I'd be happy to pick anyone up from the Boston airport in it. =)

Yale artwork

Somebody please explain to me why I should ever think an education from Yale is worth a damn when compared to state schools. FYI, the link is in the title.

I guess I do not understand what the word "art" implies. A Yale student apparently thinks that self expression involves video taped, self induced abortions. I guess Yale assumes that a display of skid marks from my childhood could represent the saga of a young boy growing up in Florida, while it really just a bunch of shit stains in tighty whities.

But, what the hell do I know, I done got me an edumacation from one of them schools down south in them areas where them boys wear white sheets and chase around the darkies.

Costa Rica

Heading to Costa Rica in the morning. I will post pics when I get back on Tuesday.

Champions Club

Carla and I were thinking of signing up for champions club tickets for Gator games. Any other Gator fans interested? It won't be until Carla graduates.....next June at least, but if any of you are interested we could try to get tickets together. Just as info the seats are $2600 a piece per year if you are interested

......one more

Happy Birthday Chris! Hope it's a good one. Your bday is always so easy to remember ;-)

P.S. - Hope everyone got their taxes done....only a few hours left.

For the motorcycle guys...

Ok bike guys...I'm looking for any advice/input. Anything will help.

Do you use daily?

Do you suggest having a car also? Could I get by without it if I needed to?

Sorry to be so broad...but hopefully you guys can fill me in a little.

Joint Bdays

Happy Birthday Fasoli Boys. Welcome to the ripe old age of 26. Hope you guys have awesome days.

Love Nick D

I fear for the future...

I'm not going to post a link since the story is friggin everywhere by now, but have you all out of the area heard about the Polk county kids who beat the ever loving crap out of a girl who was talking smack on MySpace? One chick lured her a house where 6 girls were waiting to jump her while 2 guys waited outside as lookouts. The girl didn't even fight back and now has impaired hearing and vision. As if this weren't bad enough, these idiots were dumb enough to video tape the half hour beatdown (their great plan was to post it on YouTube), and now face kidnapping, battery, and tampering charges that could (but won't) put them in prison for life. They're all being tried as adults. Retards are gonna throw their lives away just for some stupid words being said. I know stupid kids will be stupid kids, but no amount of running your mouth warrants being trapped and beaten senseless like that. It reminds me of that punk who killed a kid by continuing to go at him after he fell unconscious... dumbasses don't realize they could actually murder someone when stuff like this escalates. Anyway, there's been some buzz down here on the radio and stuff about local kids thinking that what these girls did wasn't that big of a deal, saying that the first girl shouldn't have run her mouth in the first place. I was curious as to what you guys thought, because it pretty much makes me sick... *shutter*

YAY! No longer a bum!

I got a job, woo hoo! I started yesterday at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital as a PT Aide part time, and will be starting an internship with Corporate Fitness Works of Clearwater in a couple weeks when my semester ends. Only the first is a paid position, but I'm hoping both will beef up my resume enough to secure a decent chance at a job upon graduation. The internship might secure me a job in and of itself anyway, but will give me a Sh*t ton of experience and teach me to apply what I already know regardless. So yay, I'm officially not a piece of crap anymore :o)

Happy Early Nicholas

I will be gone all day tomorrow so I am saying Happy Birthday tonight. Yes, I was thinking ahead.



PS I love you

Adam's Chicken Hash

So over the weekend I decided to make an oven roasted chicken. Needless to say, one man cannot consume such a fowl in one sitting and I have tons of leftovers. So far, I made a chicken sandwich for lunch, made some stock, and put some chicken in a burrito. But my best use has been my dinner the past two nights: Chicken Hash.

It has been the perfect use of chicken and actually tastes better than the chicken dinner I made for myself initially. Here goes:

Ingredients:
Chicken
Potatoes (I have made with both regular and sweet potatoes)
Onion
Fresh Basil for garnish
Garlic powder
Chili powder
Salt/Pepper

To speed things up, I like to cut the potatoes in medium chunks and then boil them in water for maybe 15 minutes until they are cooked through. Then heat up a nice cast iron skillet with some oil (which works much much better than a regular pan) and add the potatoes and onions. Don't move them around a lot so they get nice and brown and cook for about 5 minutes. Now add your chicken and spices. I used a hefty amount of garlic powder and maybe half as much chili powder. Cook for another 5 minutes. Pop it on a plate, garnish with basil (I used green onion the first night and that was tasty as well) and serve with some ranch dressing and biscuits.

The spice possibilities seem pretty endless but these worked quite well. Also I am sure one could come up with a more creative dipping sauce but that is what I had in the fridge. Maybe something horseradishy would be good... Anyway, this is what I do with my time when I don't want to study anymore.

Airlines f**cked us, how about you?

As you probably know, the airline industry is hurtin' for certain. As a result, Jetblue stopped service from Tucson to NY as of May. Our July 4 trip to NY was, therefore, cancelled. Jetblue as a company was fairly easy to deal with. Regardless of what we decided to do (re-route, refund, etc.) they gave us $50 Jetblue credits per person per flight ($200 in total). In the end we are flying out of Phoenix now (a 2 hour drive as opposed to 20 minute drive) since flights have gone up so much it doesn't make sense to get a refund.

Has anyone else been affected or heard of someone affected by the recent cancellations? Which airline were they flying and how was it handled?