Songs from the wood

Peyton Manning's Status for next season

2012-01-31T12:56:00.002-07:00

It is hard to have missed the bru-haha in the press this week regarding the older Manning's injuries calling into question his return to Indy for the 2012-13 season. Let's face it, he sucks up a lot of salary cap, and if he's not 100%, they need to cut bait and run.

So what team would possibly be interested in a Super Bowl winning quarterback of questionable health / longevity to build a season with? What team, by virtue of it's starting QB choices over the last 20 years would even DREAM of picking up Manning-the-Elder for the 2012-13 season? hmmm? Who would spend the millions to bring in this long-shot for a go at an appearance in the Big Game? What organization would do more than even think about this possibility?

MN Vikings Starting QB, '93-today

Jim McMahon - 1993
Warren Moon - 1994-1996
Randall Cunningham - 1998
Jeff George - 1999
Brad Johnson - 2006 (after he had won his superbowl and not his rookie season with them)
Gus Ferrotte - 2008
Brett Favre - 2009-10
Donaovan McNabb - 2011

Poor Vikes.

R.I.P Pat Morris - "Uncle Snack Crackers"

2012-01-26T08:37:00.002-07:00

Boogie on, Pat!

Tragic news out of Telluride. Long time fixture on the local scene, Pat Morris, passed away under sad circumstances last week. Known to some as the "Dancing Hippy" due to his propensity to get his boogie on during the Bluegrass festival, he was a constant source of energy at the show. More than ten years ago at the first Bluegrass Festival we attended, we noticed Pat on Sunday morning, as he was the only one standing and dancing during the opening set. A friend coined the name "Uncle Snack Crackers" for the exuberant Pat, and though it was never mentioned to him, the moniker stuck and was fondly recalled amongst a group of our friends many times in the last decade.

Since then, we have attended the festival many times, and were happy and excited to see him up front getting his groove on year in and year out. In fact, I became convinced, after years of observation, that this man and a small cadre of cohorts was actually a caretaker of the vibe in Town Park, and as guardian of this trust, had a hand in making sure that when energy ebbed, catalysts were brought to bear that would cause it to flow strong and free once more. Often, this was his ferocious right-armed jig and intensely staring eyes, moving rapidly through the dense crowd, defying all to deny the epic jam emanating from the PA, sweeping away the cobwebs of bad vibe as if the San Miguel were crashing through the audience, purifying and invigorating all in it's icy embrace.

Though I only conversed with him several times, the moments are fond memories. Anyone who can tell me four tales in a handful of minutes that all contain the phrase, "cause you know we were trippin", will certainly hold my attention and get a grin. We had already decided to skip this year's festival to spend time elsewhere this summer, and in a way, I am glad, as his absence would be like a hole in the crowd. According to the obituary, Pat's ashes were scattered above chair 9 a the resort. It wouldn't surprise me that if, when you're riding the chair, a faint chuckle is heard on the wind as it blows through the pines. That would be his style, passing along another good vibe.


The Pirate, Pat, and some dude up at Blues&Brews this past Summer (Yes, it snowed) Rock it, Pat, wherever you may be.

2011-12 NFL Regular Season Roundup

2012-01-23T15:23:00.001-07:00

Phallus in Wonderland

With the Vikes struggling to the end, and following the tragic and completely uncalled for knee injury to Adrian Peterson, (truly saddening that this had to occur on the tail end of a failed season), I turned my attention to my backup team, Los Bronco's. Unless you live in a hole, the name Tim Tebow is not unbeknownst to you. Following a stunning victory over the stealer's in the wild card game, Tebow and the Pony's got their asses handed to them in the divisional playoff by New England. With Bronco's VP of Operations, John Elway, firmly on the Tebow train, it should be an interesting off season for the team. We will see how our boy, Tim, progresses over the summer when he takes the field at Mile High next season. In other news, the flatulent Pack managed to pooch their shot at a return to the big game, to the disappointment of some. I guess I would have liked to see them go, but after watching the Patriots last week and the Giants this week in the NFC Championship, I think they would have gotten beat down by the beast from the East. The big game is up in two weeks in Indy, and could be a good one if El Gigantes show up to play football. they looked like a regimented unit last night, but still only managed to squeak by the 9'ers by a hair. But 'round here, I'm looking to next year when the Purple headed warriors will be super bowel bound! Until then, Go Vikes!

The Great Grain Heist of 2011

2011-12-22T10:00:00.001-07:00

A midnight mission for 50lb sacks of malted barley for brewing. Thanks to all who helped set this up!


The Great Pagosa Grain Heist of 2011

Vikes bench the Pounder, bet on Webb (again...)

2011-12-16T12:53:00.000-07:00

After giving the Lion's 24 points in turnovers last week, the Vikes decided to sit Ponder and go with Webb for the win. A late game officiating travesty of epic proportions cost the poor Vikes the game when Webb's head was nearly torn off, forcing a fumble for the Lion's win as time ran out. It was basically the opposite the luck the Broncos have been having. Poor Vikes. We will see what happens this week when they face the Saints.

Rumor has it the AP will be back in the game, along with all of the rest of the vikings squad, save Cook, who is still dealing with the legal aftermath of beating up his girlfriend. Dumbass.

Getting ready for the Holidays!

2011-12-16T12:16:00.000-07:00

Winter is upon us

With her puppy

Mr. Puppy!

Snowy Doodle-face

Ferocious!

Ready to help with snow removal

Rufus playing his favorite winter game, bite the snow being flung from the blower

Our tree is up

Ta-Da!

Da Bears!

2011-12-06T13:13:00.001-07:00

Ho HO! With Cutler hurt and Haine playing like a heine, the desperate Bears going looking for help. But where can they find the calm hand of experience this deep into the season, you ask?!?

Hey Chicago, I'm your Huckleberry!

Mesa Verde Sunrise

2011-12-03T10:48:00.001-07:00

Mesa Verde at Sunrise, November 2011

Vikes wave McNabb, bet on the Pounder

2011-12-02T11:09:00.002-07:00

What the...?

As my buddy Dave said, "Duh Oh, McRib outlasted Mcnabb!" I, for one, am not sad, except at the money and draft pick that it cost the team. I think there is a lot of field presence in Christian Ponder, and with some time in the pocket from the offensive line, a few receivers to throw it at, and some re-vamping of the backfield defense, the Vikes will be on a roll. Oh well, next Year.

And from the official story, "McNabb was in the locker room, seen rather innocuously asking running backAdrian Peterson to autograph a jersey. But he was gone by the time practice began and unavailable for comment."

ho HO!

2011-12-02T10:27:00.002-07:00

Turkey Brew Day!

2011-12-02T07:30:00.045-07:00

The weather was fantastic on Thanksgiving Day, and I used the opportunity to brew up a batch of Scotch Ale out on the deck.

The recipe:

Type: All Grain

Date: 11/24/2011

Batch Size: 6.00 gal

Brewer: Joe Mama

Boil Size: 8.53 gal

Asst Brewer: Rufus

Boil Time: 60 min

Equipment: My Rig - 15gal Mash Cooler + 9gal Brew Pot

Taste Rating(out of 50): 35.0

Brewhouse Efficiency: 70.00

Taste Notes:

Ingredients

Amount	Item	Type	% or IBU
14 lbs	Pale Malt (2 Row) US (2.0 SRM)	Grain	81.16 %
1 lbs	Caramel/Crystal Malt - 40L (40.0 SRM)	Grain	5.80 %
1 lbs	Munich Malt - 20L (20.0 SRM)	Grain	5.80 %
1 lbs	Special Roast (50.0 SRM)	Grain	5.80 %
2.4 oz	Roasted Barley (300.0 SRM)	Grain	0.87 %
1.6 oz	Chocolate Malt (350.0 SRM)	Grain	0.58 %
0.50 oz	Chinook [13.00 %] (60 min)	Hops	17.2 IBU
0.50 oz	Chinook [13.00 %] (30 min)	Hops	13.2 IBU
1.00 tsp	Irish Moss (Boil 10.0 min)	Misc
1 Pkgs	Scottish Ale (Wyeast Labs #1728) [Starter 1000 ml]	Yeast-Ale

Brew Buddy Rufus

Beer Profile

Est Original Gravity: 17.391 Plato

Measured Original Gravity: 17.390 Plato

Est Final Gravity: 5.043 Plato

Measured Final Gravity: 5.040 Plato

Estimated Alcohol by Vol: 6.81 %

Actual Alcohol by Vol: 6.82 %

Bitterness: 30.4 IBU

Calories: 329 cal/pint

Est Color: 17.5 SRM

Color:

Color

Mash Profile

Mash Name: Single Infusion, Light Body

Total Grain Weight: 17.25 lb

Sparge Water: 1.76 gal

Grain Temperature: 66.0 F

Sparge Temperature: 168.0 F

TunTemperature: 50.0 F

Adjust Temp for Equipment: TRUE

Mash PH: 5.4 PH

**Single Infusion, Light Body**
Step Time	Name	Description	Step Temp
75 min	Mash In	Add 5.39 gal of water at 166.0 F	150.0 F
10 min	Mash Out	Add 3.45 gal of water at 201.8 F	168.0 F

Mash Notes: Simple single infusion mash for use with most modern well modified grains (about 95% of the time).

Notes

Substituted 40L for 80L as I have 8lb of the stuff
Mash in: 10:20am thanksgiving Day. 75 Min at 148-150, pulled 1.5gal runnings and boiled for 20 min to carmelize.
Added 3.5 gal boiling H20, steep 10min, Mash out: 12:00
Was in a hurry, and ended up with 6gal at 1.072 rather than 5 a 1.090. Ho Ho! More beer. Lower gravity might allow hop flavor to dominate more than intended.
Ferment Primary 9 days and rack to keg for extended secondary in bsmt.

Phil n' Friends in Denver, Feb16-18

2011-12-01T17:55:00.001-07:00

Wow - Scofield, Haynes and Greene with Joe Russo!?! Might have to make the trip.

The great Well Debacle of 2011 - SOLVED!

2011-11-27T17:22:00.000-07:00

The pressure that our naturally occurring artesian well has maintained for the 13 years since its inception changed about a month ago. The result was that despite the mighty draw of the existing Gould J-Plus 5s pump, the water volume that it was able to lift from the wellhead into the garage where it and the pressure tank sit was insufficient for it to drive the pressure of the water system in the house up above 50 psi, the cutoff on the pressure switch.

It took a week of FREAKING OUT for me to eliminate several possible causes, and two (TWO!) previously unknown pressure leaks in the system before concluding that the pump was worn and needed to be rebuilt/replaced. This turned out not to be the cause, BUT, in a fortuitous twist, ended up aiding in the solution. A replacement J-Plus 5s was acquired, and while being installed, a number of oddities in the plumbing system were also resolved.

Here is the bad boy in all his glory. Too bad that despite being brand new, the pump was still running right at the limit of its pulling/pushing capacity - 22lbs of vacuum. I was able to determine this after installing a vacuum gauge on the 1/4" fill hole on the top of the pump. These can be bought from Granger for ~$10 and are complete life savers, as they tell you what is going on inside your pump.

After installing it in the garage, I was forced to call no joy on the fix, as the new pump was also unable to pull the weight of water that it required from the well head at the bottom of the lot. Jet pumps are cool in what they do, but they are limited to 25' of vertical lift, and I am sure that the vertical between the wellhead to the pump location is right on that line. To solve the issue, I took the old pump (which apparently was not too worn) and installed it at the wellhead. I wired it in to the pressure switch on the pump at the top of the hill so that they turn on/off simultaneously. The result was fantastic. Instead of pulling 22lbs of vacuum, the pump up top barely registers any vacuum on the gauge.

Back to brewing!

2011-11-27T16:02:00.002-07:00

After weekends filled with wood and the "well debacle", I took the opportunity on Thanksgiving Day to brew up a batch of Scotch Ale. The goal was 5gal of 1.090. We had to head up to the neighbors for dinner, so I ended up with 6gal at 1.072. I think it'll be OK.

The Boil in full effect.

Happy doodle brew-buddy in the sunshine!

Car traded for Ska Beer!!

2011-11-21T08:49:00.002-07:00

Despite the coolant blowing everywhere when I rolled in to the parking lot at Ska, the buyer was still game, and agreed to the sale. The terms are below. Believe me when I say that the signed document will be framed and hung with honor in the garage.

Got Wood, pt 4 - the Finale.

2011-11-21T08:36:00.003-07:00

Firewood came in late this year. Things to deal with prevented me from getting after it, then my saw broke. It's still broke after two weeks because the guys at Ted's Grand Rental Station apparently can't fix a 2-cycle engine. Take my advice and have your Husquavarna serviced elsewhere. Their repair tech works bankers hours and they never call to update. Not real keen on Ted's right now.

I was able to borrow Corbet's saw and took care of the slicing and dicing last Saturday and Sunday. On Monday, I was lucky to have the help of the Schmig, and a 28-ton splitter that I picked up from Southwest Ag out in Gem Village. They service Husky's and had I known that I might never see my saw again after bringing it to Ted's, I would have brought it there.

It took most of the day, but were all set for winter now.

The final pieces. We celebrated by watching the Vikes game. Erica cooked up a feast, and the hapless Vikes got schooled by the Pack on Monday night football. Stupid Vikes.

Doodle gets a haircut and a fancy new coat!

2011-11-21T08:32:00.003-07:00

Our newly trimmed doodle was lucky to have Erica make a fine coat to keep him warm until his fur grows out. He seems to like it, and was able to take it off once when it got too warm in the afternoon. What a lucky doodle.

Ford Focus - Will trade for Ska Beer!

2011-11-11T10:22:00.005-07:00

I have had it with the car. I should have been strong and cut the ties to it years ago, but I relented. When the car stopped on the side of the road again a couple of weeks ago, (on the same day the well pump broke and just after I gave away all our money to pay an old bill), I was done. Rather than pay to have the thing hauled away, I listed it on Craigslist and offered to trade it for Ska Beer. The posting is copied below. At this point, it looks like I have a potential deal to trade it straight up for three 1/2 Bbl's!

--Begin Craigslist Post --

2001 Ford Focus Wagon - $1000 (Durango)

Date: 2011-11-10, 10:42AM MST

2001 Ford Focus Wagon for sale - $1000 as is OR TRADE FOR SKA BEER!!

150k miles. PS/PW/Auto, FM/CD, Tint.

New Tranny, Fuel Pump, Tires, Battery - needs alternator. Had alternator replaced recently, but it doesn't seem to be charging. Work was done locally at McNeal's and part may be under warranty. I don't want to deal with it and would like to get car out of my driveway to make room for my other vehicles. I would help by calling the mechanic to determine if part can be replaced cheap/free. Car is in decent shape inside and out.

Please email if interested, or if you want to trade for Ska beer.

**UPDATE 11.11.2011** Ok - I have an offer in to trade the car for three 15.5gal kegs of Ska Beer. I am meeting the prospective buyer Saturday morning to work the deal. If he backs out, I'll update here***

Location: Durango

Proof: Good tech is timeless

2011-11-03T08:13:00.005-06:00

Check this out - apparently this "Drug Trebuchet" was seized across the border from Douglas, AZ. It had been used to launch bundles of weed over the fence into the USA. The seizure of a modern implementation of a device that dates back at least a thousand years made me laugh. I take it as proof that sound design and good engineering are timeless.

Bakula/Eckhart Conspiracy!

2011-10-31T08:30:00.003-06:00

I can't be the only one to notice this simmilarity. After close consideration, I think that THEY ARE REALLY THE SAME MAN!

Got Wood, pt 3

2011-10-30T15:42:00.003-06:00

Getting there - I figure I have close to 3 cords stacked, and maybe that much again to slice and dice.

Dirty Doodle!

2011-10-30T09:13:00.001-06:00

Guess who was wrestling with his little buddy Sunny on a rainy day?

Got Wood? Pt 2

2011-10-30T08:59:00.003-06:00

Trying to get the wood cut up for winter still. A neighbor came down with a splitter, and punched through a third of it yesterday. I intended to cut the remaining logs, but my luck continues, and the chainsaw won't start. So I stacked.

Wisconsin, Pt I

2011-10-26T15:49:00.003-06:00

A quick run to Wisconsin for a sad occasion. Erica captured these pictures of the light at her fathers house following her mothers funeral.

Got Wood?, pt I

2011-10-26T09:44:00.006-06:00

Got yer wood cut fer winter yit? Well, I'm a little behind - Yikes. I guess it's choppin' wood and drinking beer this weekend... yee - Haw!

NOAA goes on record with La Nina predictions

2011-10-25T15:21:00.003-06:00

Well, there you have it. NOAA has issued their official 2011 La Nina predictions here. I guess that we will see. Personally, El Nino and La Nina sounds more to me like El Caca made up by weathermen who won't admit that they are basically guessing on a daily basis.

Widespread Panic Wood Tour and why Aspen Blows

2011-10-25T13:27:00.005-06:00

Widespread Panic has announced a short series of acoustic "Wood" shows to cap their 25th anniversary celebration that has been rolling all year. Folllowing some dates out East, plans are for a three night run at the Fillmore in Denver for us commoners, followed by an exclusive run in Aspen, CO, at the Belly Up Tavern, with tickets for each evening starting at $350.

While an all acoustic set sounds cool, I can't help but think of the winter run they did through Colorado back in '96, when they would play one set acoustic and one plugged in. Some of my favorite tapes are from these dates, and I am sure that tickets were not in the $350 range at that time.

Ahh, Aspen. I hope shit like this is not a trend, or at least one that does not extend beyond the circle of non-relaity that Aspen is part of.

Fall Colors in Durango, pt III

2011-10-09T16:55:00.004-06:00

Fresh black bear tracks in the snow this morning on a scouting mission for Elk up in the National Forest service land behind the 'hood. He walked right along the fallen tree.

Corbet taking a break.

A view back down the creek towards the 'hood.

Fall Colors in Durango, pt II

2011-10-09T16:49:00.003-06:00

We had mad snow above 8000' on the 6th/7th of October in the San Juans. Wolf Creek got 3 feet, and turned on the lifts. WE headed over the hills for a look at Red Mountain pass, and a soak in the hot springs in Ouray. This is near the top of the pass at Ironton.

Erica and the doodle dug the snow.

Queue the John Denver.

Fall Colors in Durango, pt I

2011-10-09T16:34:00.003-06:00

Pictures taken at the end of September / beginning of October on the top of Missionary Ridge..

Costa Rica, August 2011, pt.4 - Isla Tortuga

2011-08-28T19:43:00.004-06:00

Our last day on Nicoya, we took a day trip out to this island, Isla Tortuga, by boat.

The ride was a lot of fun, and the weather was unbelievable.

Smile Mon!

PURA VIDA!!

Costa Rica, August 2011, pt.3 - Santa Teresa

2011-08-28T19:36:00.006-06:00

Playa Santa Teresa looking north towards Playa Hermosa.

This was the best beach in the area, and went on for miles.

Lots of great surfing, and breaks all along the coast. We got some boards, took a lesson, and are hooked.
Saw a lot of great surfers, kids living down there for the waves. Having seen them, and surfed them, I think I get it.

Costa Rica, August 2011, pt.2 - Mal Pais

2011-08-28T19:12:00.011-06:00

A few miles as the crow flies, but on the Northwest side of Park Cabo Blanco and a 40 minute cab ride lies the strip of coast called Mal Pais, "Bad Country". This is the sweep of rock where the fishermen have their boats. We rented a quad (4-wheeler) and drove all the way up and down the stretch of road, from here up through Santa Teresa and past Playa Hermosa to Playa Manzinillo, beyond the reach of the tourists and development.

These are looking north up the coast.

This was at a small resturant that seemed to be closed for the season. Too bad, because you could sit at tables right by the hammocks and get dinner or drinks. I think it was called Playa Azul, and is in the Lonley Planet guide book. I think this picture came out really well. It may be my favorite of all that we took.
This is the beach at Playa Carmen, right at the Mal Pais Surf Camp where we stayed for a couple of nights. I'll be putting all of the hotel reviews into Tripadvisor.com. Check it if you are headed to Central America, everyone we met was all over it on their iPhones, regardless of nationality (lots of Europeans down there in August ,which was cool). Wi-Fi is available everywhere, and there isn't really a reason to pay for international cell service for your smart-gizmo.
With the wild waves and rip current making surfing a little rough for beginners, we improvised.

After the litro of local cerveza, the monkey decided to go find a coconut for a refreshing drink.

Opposable thumb led to the success of this mission.

It craked open pretty easy and the water was sweet and delicious.

Costa Rica, August 2011, pt.1 - Montezuma

2011-08-28T15:55:00.007-06:00

We grabbed the midnight special out of Denver direct to San Jose on Frontier. It's a painless flight, with the exception of arriving at 5am and having to wait until 10 for our connection to Tambor, on the penninsula Nicoya. The helpful woman at the Sansa desk suggested that we grab the free shuttle to Denny's. My first couple of hours in Costa Rica were spent at Denny's. The Sansa flights were a great way to go - roughly $40 per person each way, and 20 minutes of flight time. There is anoter service, Inter Bus, that we found out about later. Private shuttles that run door to door from San Jose International to your hotel on the coast for $40 each. This would take a little longer, but would save the cab fees on each end. I think we will try this next time.

The landing strip / aeropuerto at Tambor.

Playa Cedros, a short distance north of Montezuma. The surf was pounding the first few days, and a wave later washed through our position on the beach and up on to the road.

Taking the first days of vacation in stride.

The fabeled waterfall of Montezuma. NOTE: you have to wade the river above the first falls to continue on the trail to the upper falls.

On the third day, we hiked the trail through the Cabo Blanco nature reserve o nthe southernmost tip of the penninsula Nicoya. The heat and humidity in the jungle almost killed me (take lots of water, some food, and a soda or something with sugar with you!!). The arduous journey was totally worth it when we got to spend the day o nthe deserted beach at the end. WOW!!

The Cabo Blanco - In the dry season, the little island gets covered by guano and turns white.
Yayyy!

Nap time! Thanks EMO - the BEST HAMMOCKS EVER!! And a really good thing to throw in your backpack.

At the Cafe Mediteranean in Montezuma. The night, the moon, fie food, chilled white wine... Muy Romantico!

Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band - Keystone, CO 8/6/2011

2011-08-09T10:19:00.011-06:00

We made the run up to Keystone to catch the Bluegrass & Brews festival, and to see two sets by Peter Rowan. The brewfest was choked with people, but Peter delivered on the main stage. A later, second show, commenced in the performing arts center, and blew us away. Awesome!

So GOOD!

Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band

8/6/2011 Keystone Bluegrass & Brews Festival

Keystone Village, Colorado

Peter Rowan - Guitar

Paul Knight - Bass

Keith Little - Banjo

Michael Richard - Dobro

Early Set (Brewfest Stage)

1. Jailer, Jailer

2. Father, Mother

3. The Raven

4. So Good

5. Cold Rain & Snow

6. Dustbowl Children

7. Dobro Instrumental (Michael Richard)

8. Little Maggie (Keith Little vocal)

9. Blue Moon of Kentucky

10. Walls of Time

11. Midnight Moonlight ->

12. Hey, Bo Didley ->

13. Not Fade Away ->

14. Midnight Moonlight

Encore:

1. Panama Red ->

2. Tea Party

3. Live and Let Live ->

4. Mountain Dew ->

5. I Saw the Light

Second Show -

Montezuma Events Center

Keystone, CO

The second setlist is more fuzzy. The first four or five songs were the same, as Peter, IMHO, wanted to more fully flush out those melodies in the silence that the evening audience allowed him. It was *SO GOOD*! He then cut into a number of his other tunes. I've heard Land of the Navajo many times, but he played the shit out of this one. I thought the Vulture Peak was really well done as well, but that's an old favorite of mine.

There was also a workshop and then a third set at the beer tasting on Sunday the 7th that we we're not able to attend.

Star Trek Demotivational Poster

2011-08-04T15:00:00.001-06:00

Not sure why, but I find this really funny.

Ska "ModusHead" to be tapped tonight

2011-08-04T10:27:00.002-06:00

From Ska's Facebook page:

"International IPA Day is Thursday. Hows about some Modus and Metal? We have a souped up Modus cask (Modushead) dry-hopped to the gills with Simcoe and Amarillo, and two metal bands, Towrdis and Sagerith. Rock on bitches."

I can't wait. More Hops, bitches!

McNabb a Purple Headed Warrior?!?

2011-07-29T14:04:00.003-06:00

Aww, man! I can't believe it. I normally have to wait until the season starts to begin talking about the Vikes and their debacles, but goddamn if they havn't given me reason to already with the pending deal to acquire Donnovan McNabb from the 'Skins ... and it's still July! I have been talking steady trash about this guy being a lazy sack of sh*T for years, and now he's going to grace the squad of the purple headed warriors in 2011-12. Check out the blog below from the Washington post. It seems to sum it up well.

Romanowski: ‘McNabb was lazy’
By Dan Steinberg

I’m not sure just how often Bill Romanowski talks to Mike Shanahan nowadays, but he sure seems to think he has a read on his former coach. The ex-NFL linebacker made a bunch of radio appearances this week, and in one of them — with ESPN Boston — he attempted to clear up just what went wrong last year in Washington.

“Mike was not a difficult guy to get along with,” Romanowski said of Shanahan. “You had to be a pro. He wanted you to work hard every day. He wanted you to get there early and leave late and do not be a problem in the locker room. That’s who and what he is....

“If you get under his skin, I’ll tell you what, he will make it miserable for you. That’s the way Mike is....

“You have to be able to make the tough decisions. Look what he did with Donovan McNabb. Do you know why he had issues with Donovan McNabb? He had issues because Donovan McNabb was LAZY. He wasn’t prepared. It is a real bad thing. But guess what, Mike tried to save face, and he got caught in some situations where he should have just come out and said you know what....

“But he thought he would lose the locker room. He didn’t have to worry about losing the locker room with Albert Haynesworth. But with Donovan McNabb, he could have completely lost the locker room, so he got caught up with some issues there, kind of skating around. We all heard it last year when they benched Donovan at the end of a game and they brought Rex Grossman in and said he wasn’t ready to handle [the two-minute offense]....

“I was looking at it and I was like ‘Mike, what are you doing? Why are you doing this?’ And it was pretty clear to me. I know Mike. I’ve played for him. When you kick butt for him, you work your butt off, he will give you ultimate respect. When you don’t, he won’t.”

This does, in fact, track with much of what Jason Reid wrote this week:

People in the organization say McNabb deserves much of the blame for his disastrous partnership with the Shanahans.

They say Mike Shanahan felt betrayed by McNabb. He believed McNabb would embrace new ideas, and work harder, after being dumped by the Philadelphia Eagles. That’s why Shanahan ignored his son’s strong objections and traded second- and fourth-round draft picks for McNabb.

They say once McNabb arrived, Shanahan quickly determined his son was right. McNabb moved too slowly during practice and in games to operate their offense.

Except for the whole “lazy” word.

Summer BBQ with our neighbors

2011-07-28T14:13:00.003-06:00

Summertime is PARTY TIME in the shire!

Yup Yup!!

Wooo-hooo!

Yee-Haw!!

KOTO DOO-DAH 2011!

2011-07-28T13:43:00.005-06:00

All right! Keller Williams on Town Park Stage!

Hoopin!

Keller & the Keels played the first set, then he came back solo. They crushed it! I think they were *REALLY* enjoying being back up here.

Keller n' Larry layin' it down.

Check out the sweet little 12 string. It was mic'd through the port in the upper body. He spanked the thing like a hound all night.

Summertime!

I don't have a setlist or a recording, but I'd love to find both!! Drop me a note if you can help.

Hiking Bear Creek - KOTO Doo-Dah 2011

2011-07-28T13:34:00.003-06:00

Took a hike up to Bear Creek Falls prior to the Doo-Dah.

Bear Creek valley looking back towards town.

At the falls.

Way to pose for the camera, puppy.

Camping at Alta Lakes - KOTO Doo-Dah 2011

2011-07-28T13:14:00.003-06:00

Above Trout Lake, near the cutoff for Ophir on Hwy 145

Hell Yeah!

Camping just below the mine structure ruins at Alta Lakes

The view from the campsite in the morning. Sunshine Peak & Lizard Head with Wilson Peak and Mt. Wilson hiding in the background.

Hike in to City Reservoir - July 4th

2011-07-28T12:52:00.006-06:00

Taking the advice of our neighbor, we decided to hike in to the "City Reservoir" area of the Wemuniche Wilderness area over the 4th of July. The hike is spectacular, and not too aggressive. We used the Eindlich Mesa trailhead, located atop Eindlich Mesa Road. To get there, drive past Lemon Reservoir, and continue straight as the road turns to a 4wd track. The road is in good shape, and any all wheel drive car or truck should be able to get to the top. It's 10+ miles, and takes an hour. The best advice we got was to make sure and have some cold beer handy for the trip down. The approach is mostly above treeline, so you'll want to get going early to avoid storms. The drop in to the Res is steep, but short, and the climb out to the ridge top only takes an hour.

Us looking back into the Vallecito Creek valley.

Happy Doodle #1!

The intrepid team.

Taking a break.

The peaks that comprise the south buttress of Chicago and New York Basins with silver mesa in the foreground.

Checking out the landmarks on the ridge above City Reservoir.

Doodles LOVE hikes!!

City Reservoir, queue the John Denver.

I think they dug it!

Happy Doodle #2!

Our campsite.

Before heading out.

Ska press release focuses on loss

2011-07-21T09:02:00.001-06:00

Ska Brewing Oddly Focused On “Loss” at Recent Beer Competition

DURANGO, COLO., (July 20, 2011) —Judging has been completed in the 2011 Los Angeles International Commercial Beer Competition, and Ska Brewing didn’t win a single medal, or even an honorable mention. Despite winning gold and silver medals in the 2010 competition, Ska came up empty-handed this year.

“Our friends at Odell Brewing and Lagunitas Brewing won medals,” said Dave Thibodeau, Ska Brewing President and Co-Founder. “Last year we won two medals in L.A… Samuel Adams Light won a medal. How am I supposed to tell our shareholder about this?”

Despite recently winning two medals at the Australian International Beer Awards—a silver for Modus Hoperandi, and a bronze for ESB, out of 1195 total entries—Thibodeau remained strangely focused on the loss. The medals in Australia weren’t the only recent wins, either, with Ska winning a silver medal at the Denver International Beer Competition for Buster Nut Brown Ale, and a two medals at the North American Beer Awards—a gold for Pinstripe and a bronze for Steel Toe Stout.

“We’ve actually been winning a lot of medals this season, but this loss at L.A. is all I can think about,” said Bill Graham, Ska Co-Founder and Overlord of Brewing Operations. “I know [Ballast Point Brewing’s] Sculpin IPA is a nearly perfect IPA, but I thought Modus would bring home some hardware. Nebraska Brewing didn’t even name their IPA. I don’t know where the justice is in this crazy mixed-up world.”

According to well-placed sources, Ska has actually won as many competition medals this season as they ever have, including a previously unmentioned bronze for Modus Hoperandi IPA and a silver for ESB at the AmeriCAN Craft Beer Festival. That fact notwithstanding, Thibodeau insisted on putting out a press release about Ska’s “loss” in L.A. According to a Ska PR manager who requested anonymity in order to speak candidly, Thibodeau didn’t even want to make the release funny, or poke fun at beer competitions in general. “Press releases are supposed to show your company in the best possible light,” said the source. “No one here listens to me. We’ve been winning things left and right, and all these guys can think about is not winning at one event. I don’t know if I can keep doing this.”

Telluride Bluegrass Festival 2011

2011-07-11T19:32:00.005-06:00

I missed Thursday, but finally made it up to the show on Friday. This is the Durango Crew for 2011.

This is the only pay phone in Telluride. Time to get that iPhone, babe.

The direct effect of 90% market penetration for cell phones.

The old home place.

Hoopin!

Drew Emmit & Billy Nershi

Emmit/Nershi Band with Sammy Bush on Violin.

Yonder!

Girls trip to the Weminuche

2011-07-11T19:22:00.003-06:00

A second spring excursion to Vallecito Creek with a much bigger doodle!

Jess & Rufus!

He hehe hehehe.

Summertime!

2011-07-11T19:12:00.003-06:00

Catching up with friends out on the deck downtown back in June.

Summertime - finally!

Animas River Days 2011 Pt 2

2011-07-01T12:08:00.003-06:00

Owner/Operator Mike deftly guides the New Wave towards the maw of the wave. Note Enis (rear right) squealing like a biaatch at the first taste of cold water.

The New Wave takes the brunt of the wave.

Drama ensues as owner/operator mike looses his right oar.

Will they make it?!?

WILL THEY MAKE IT?!?

I think they're gonna make it!

Uh - OH! SwimmerS!

Which way did they go?

Oh, SHIT!

Owner/Operator mike wondering what n' tha frick jus' happened?

Animas River Days 2011

2011-07-01T11:58:00.003-06:00

Animas River Days was a blast. The river was up, and we hit it with two boats - one under the able command of 'River Man' Dan, and the other with owner/operator Mike on the oars.

'Big Red' approaching the "Big Water".

In the Shit.

Munched by the wave (brrr).

Dan can't believe we made it!

Gunning for more action.

The Animas is PUMPIN'!

2011-06-07T15:36:00.004-06:00

Check it out - 5400cfs this morning!

We ran at 4200 on Sunday. The latter pics are of a serious log jam/ sweeper combo setting up across from the parking lot at Santa Rita. With the water this high, the 40' TREE sticking into the current is not visible from upstream. STAY LEFT!

The quote below from Durango FD:

"I wanted to give an update on a new hazard that occurred on the river in the last 2 days. The flow this morning Wed 7th is 5500 cfs. There is a growing log jam on the river right below smelter rapid. This is a concern because water is flowing through the jam at this time and it is the area where swimmers will be pushed into. To my great surprise I also did see a large group of tubers on the water yesterday, no pfd, no protective gear! Natural selection at work! I encourage all shifts to take a look at this new log jam. A rescue would be very difficult. On Saturday evening the boat parade for Animas River Days is taking place! There will be hundreds of very “sober” boaters on the water starting at 1730. Come out for the weekend of river fun!"

Rufus' Summer Hiarcut

2011-06-05T12:45:00.001-06:00

Fancy Boy!

May 19.

2011-05-19T08:39:00.000-06:00

Dear Spring... FAIL!

Moab, mid May.

2011-05-18T09:42:00.005-06:00

Met up with old friends from Idaho in Moab last weekend. We found a campsite just north of the White Rim section of Canyonlands Natl Park. The view sucked.

They were rocking the "Brown Palace", we had the fortress of solitude (van). The previous evening, we had crashed the "Synchro Solstice" vanagon rally held at the Lone Cone group campground out on 313, Northwest of Moab. The FOS is an AWD Chevy Express cargo van, and we were shunned as Far-ners. I even tried to tell my joke about the FOS actually being our old 21-window Type-II microbus, but no love here for the air-cooled oldies. The punch line ran - "She'll never be a van again". Ho Ho! This was met with scorn. At one point, I needed to warm up, and went over to the group fire. The talk was of transmissions. I fled quickly. Fun in the Sun!

I think he liked it!!

Poison Spider Cycling, Moab, Utah

2011-05-17T16:51:00.002-06:00

I love this. It's scary in a demented Dungeons & Dragons sort of way.

Hiking on Flagstaff with the Schmig!!

2011-05-17T16:42:00.003-06:00

Early May above Boulder.

Beautiful day, getting amped for the Femi Kuti show that night!

La Garita Creek Area, Early May.

2011-05-17T16:30:00.006-06:00

Stopped off in the La Garita / Penetente Canyon area Northwest of South Fork, CO in early may. After passing through some private "off the grid" properties, you get in to the Forest Service land proper. The forest is cedar, juniper, pinon, and pine. Sparse, but beautiful. There are some good access roads, and a dirtbike or jeep could go for miles back here.

Found this natural arch on the map, and camped beneath it. Compared to the ones in Utah, this kinda looks like a dynamite blast hole, but the area was pretty cool, none-the-less.

Rockin' the traveller guitar.

Erica in the arch!

Early May on the river!

2011-05-16T18:00:00.002-06:00

Thanks to River Man Dan and Mike (who needs a badass river handle), we hit the Animas in Early May - Snow on the peaks, but water in the River!

River Man Dan and Graham eye the big water ahead.

"Power Mike", that's a badass handle, right?

Femi Kuti - Boulder Theater, May 9th, 2011

2011-05-11T17:10:00.000-06:00

This past New Years eve, we sat down and wrote down ideas for what we would like to do with the coming year. When it came to live music, we both agreed that the only musician we would travel more than a few hours to go see would be Femi Kuti. Sometime in February, I was looking around online and saw that he would not only be in the US this spring, but that he would be playing at the 1200 capacity Boulder Theater. Despite the show falling on a Monday night, tickets were bought, and us, Dave, and The Schmig went down for the show.

My camera was not adequate for the lighting, but there are some pro shots intermixed.

I likened the sound from the band to the well orchestrated violence of a diesel locomotive made of pure funk rolling through the Boulder Theater at 70mph. I was beyond blown away.

Yes, Epic!

The Shpongletron Experience pt 2

2011-05-06T10:05:00.004-06:00

Some video from the occurance in Boulder. When the guy says, "Wow, that's the craziest thing I've ever seen..." :-)

Dirty Doodle!

2011-04-26T17:29:00.003-06:00

Check out the gnar puppy!

Mud season is getting a little old this year...

The Shpongletron Experience

2011-04-26T16:38:00.006-06:00

Wow - where to begin on this one... So a year ago, I ran across this live video of Shpongle from back in the day. I was intrigued enough to check out their website, and disappointed to find out that they had not been touring for a while. One day this past spring, while perusing email, I ran across a listing for "The Shpongletron Experience" appearing at the Boulder Theater in April. A quick web search turned up the following on YouTube. Since the "experience" was the night after Microbreweries for the Environment featuring 'Head for the Hills', the decision was easy.

Behold, the Shpongletron!

The EYE!!

Frickin' Laser Beams!

WTF?

2011-04-26T16:36:00.001-06:00

Took this photo in Farmington, NM traffic last week. That guy paid money for that...

Charlie Sheen's Hork Nostril

2011-04-11T20:21:00.005-06:00

I can't be the only one who noticed the *incredible* feature he has developed for himself. Seriously, the whirlwind this mad-machine could generate would suck the panties off a prostitute...

Gearing up for the Republican Primaries

2011-04-11T19:48:00.008-06:00

Is it too early to get excited about the complete G.O.P shit show that is about to unfold this summer? I, for one, am completely stoked to see this go down. Just look at some of the fine personalities that will vie for a presidential bid...

Ahh - leading the pack with some early season PR antics, we have everybody's favorite boss, "The Donald".... Guess what, D?! That crap about Obama not being a US citizen has been beaten to death.... nice try, but You're fired!

She's special, isn't she? What a peach.

OK - no idea who did this, but serious props to the uncovering of the Michelle Bachmann / Bat-boy "separated at birth" photo. Maybe Trump should be checking this shit out...

Another fine shot of Ms. Bachmann....

And here we have everyone's *other* favorite Minnesotan, Gov. Tim Pawlenty, seen here looking very presidential holding a pinner pike...

And then there's our boy from Utah, Sen. Romney....

Great picture, man... What in the hell's about to go down here?

Newt Gingrich is pondering a run...

And, last but *certainly* not least, rumor has it that Sen. John McCain may throw his hat in the ring again....

Should be a BLAST! I can't wait!

Rare Cuddle Wolf Utah Sighting

2011-04-03T19:41:00.003-06:00

A rare sighting of the elusive Cuddle Wolf near his lair in remote canyon country, Utah.

Arch Canyon. Utah 4WD Trip

2011-04-03T19:05:00.007-06:00

Rolled out to Arch Canyon near Blanding, UT this weekend with our neighbors. The map claimed a 9 mile 4WD access road that travels up the wash. The entrance to Arch canyon is easily found and roughly 2 miles off of the pavement. Some water in the creek (April 2) but not enough to be an issue. The road is sandy, windy, and *NARROW*. Expect to pinstripe the paint on this one.

This is the top of the road where the BLM land and Manti-La Sal Forest intersect. The forest service does not permit vehicles beyond this point. There is one *very cool* campsite up here. There is not much established camping throughout the canyon. Being BLM land, leave-no-trace is permitted, but finding areas to pull vehicles clear of the road would be tricky.

Hank looking tough on the road. The road is sand and traverses the creek continually. Other than a mud hole at the bottom, and some tight dips where streams are crossed, it wasn't that bad of the drive. I was happy with the higher clearance that the 3.5" lift kit and 31's provided. There are a number of rock hazards that were much easier with the extra clearance.

Rock towers on the cliff face of the canyon.

Cathedral Arch

Porter cools off in the creek.

Corbet's Cruiser, Herman.

Angel Arch is a short hike from the end of the road.

Rufus turns 1

2011-04-03T19:01:00.002-06:00

Rufus, age 1.

R.I.P Owsley Stanley

2011-03-16T10:44:00.006-06:00

"I always trusted what happened on acid. Everything that happens to you on acid is real. Everything you see is real, everything you experience is real, everything you think about is real. The thing about it is, that a lot of the stuff you see is not stuff you see when you're straight, because when you're straight you're limited. The acid removes the "filters" and lets the noise through. That "noise" is as real a part of the universe as the other part that you do allow to pass through, it just hasn't been important for you. That's a survival issue, we discard a lot of sensory information to make our daily lives simpler. When you open those floodgates and let it all pass, you let in a lot of stuff that's as real, and often more interesting than the stuff you usually let through. The patterns that you see when stoned, for instance, are an artifact of the way the nerves in your eyes are arranged and mapped into the brain. Beautiful noise!
...Psychedelics are a gift of nature that brings tribalism to people; they bring an understanding of the ecology of the planet and the interaction of all living things, because that's one of the first things you become aware of when you take psychedelics--how everything is alive and how everything depends on everything else. You go take a look at every indigenous culture that has a respect for its environment -- unlike the hierarchical approach of the feudalistic structures that the world is now run by -- and you will find that these people use psychedelics of some sort, usually in a regular, ritualized manner.
The music of the Grateful Dead is an important assistant to the revival of tribality. Because it has to do with the way things are. It's not somebody's idea about the way things might be, or the way things could be or should be. It's what it is. It's real music about real things. The whole thing is about a social movement. It's tribalism. Which is the only social structure that is truly human. The structure of the world today runs on feudalism--governments, companies; all those structures are feudalistic, arranged in a hierarchy which at the root of it follows Parkinson's law. That is, once you create a hierarchy or bureaucracy, it has only one purpose, and that is: To Continue. There's nothing else. But that has nothing to do with the tribal entity. The tribal entity exists so as to abide in harmony with its environment. It's something that benefits everyone, not just this one structure." -- Bear.

Pack wins the big game, completes Vikings "Season of Shame"

2011-02-07T08:16:00.001-07:00

Poor Vikes. I look at the 2010-11 season like I look at the Bush administration... It is highly unlikely that in my lifetime, it'll be this bad again. Go Vikes.

Hovenweep Natl Monument

2011-01-17T14:11:00.005-07:00

A winter visit to Hovenweep with the dogs and the Schmig!

Friday DuB!

2011-01-14T13:12:00.000-07:00

Cool pics from the past

2011-01-12T11:46:00.001-07:00

Dead - 1986.

Brewing Surreptitious IPA

2011-01-06T18:00:00.002-07:00

Brewed up a batch of IPA in the sun on the deck the other day with my snowy little brew buddy. It was based on a clone of the excellent Furious IPA, from Surley Brewing up in Minnestrohta. It called for bittering hops to 99 IBU's. This one;s gonna havve some bite!

Cuddle Wolf rareity in the wild explained

2011-01-06T17:50:00.003-07:00

As it turns out, the Cuddle Wolf's long locks mate quite well with damp snow. Combined with his need to play at all costs, and a visit by his little buddy Sunny from down the hill, and you can see that he quickly changes from feared predator to helpless prey.

Oktoberfest 2010! pt 2

2011-01-04T08:03:00.001-07:00

More fun with footage from 2010.

Utah is Mars, October, 2010

2011-01-02T19:24:00.001-07:00

THE SICKNESS.

Little Wild Horse Canyon, UTAH

2010-12-31T15:04:00.002-07:00

Little Wild Horse Canyon with Mitby & Adam & others this past October.

Cuddle Wolf's first big snow

2010-12-31T14:43:00.006-07:00

2 feet of freshies put the puppy in wonderland.

He was a little unsure, then dove right in.

Frosty beard!

Who loves the snow!

Puppy in Wonderland!

Joe Webb, rookie no mo!

2010-12-29T15:41:00.003-07:00

While it is wayyy to early to call Joe Webb road tested, he sure put on a solid performance last evening, including two completions for serious yardage and a sweet rushing TD. He definatly held up his end of the deal, as did the D both the line AND the backfield! Wow. Where has this team been all year!?

Cris Collinsworth is an asseater, pt II

2010-12-29T15:27:00.004-07:00

As described here, our old boy Collinsworth was up to his old tricks during the Tuesday night "Sunday Night Football" game between the vikes and the eagles. Up until 7:02 left in the game, his only contribution was to tough-talk the Rookie Webb. What a putz. It's apparent that the rumors of Dan Marino showing him what an 8 second bull-ride is all about after each taping of "Inside the NFL" are true.

Ed Rendell, a democrat with balls.

2010-12-29T08:41:00.003-07:00

The Democratic Governor of Pennsylvania, Ed Rendell, stepped up this week and called out the NFL for canceling the Sunday night football game between the Vikes and Eagles this week. The quote as follows:

"My biggest beef is that this is part of what's happened in this country," Rendell said.

"We've become a nation of wusses. The Chinese are kicking our butt in everything," he added. "If this was in China do you think the Chinese would have called off the game? People would have been marching down to the stadium, they would have walked and they would have been doing calculus on the way down."

Later on he name checks Bud Grant and Vince Lombardi. I like this guy.

Vinyl Picks for 2010, Pt II

2010-12-28T17:31:00.005-07:00

Missed a couple in the earlier post here.

Hank III's third(?) studio album is solid country. He sticks to his favorite topics on this one, namely gettin' drunk and gettin' high, and it makes for some kicakass country music. Hope he lives to cut some more of these.

A remaster of this level has to be mentioned here. I don;t think there is much to say about Exile that hasn't been said, save for 2010 was the year I really got it for the first time, and now I'm hooked. While it was sweet to pick up a brand new 180gm pressing of this classic album, sonically, I think that the CD I have from the Virgin European pressing a few years back is superior. Looks for it.

December Brews 2010

2010-12-28T17:14:00.002-07:00

This months brews in the primary. On the right is the Oktoberfest using the WLP820 yeast, and on the right is an Olde Ale using the Danstar Nottingham Ale yeast, but fermenting happily at 56 degrees. I am hoping to get a good dry finish on this one without the fruitiness that the Notty Ale yeast can add. I'll post more once these are done an tasted.

My take on Culumbarillo IPA

2010-12-28T16:55:00.004-07:00

Columbarillo IPA
American IPA

Type: All Grain
Date: 11/2/2010
Batch Size: 6.00 gal
Brewer: Joe Mama
Boil Size: 7.97 gal Asst Brewer: Doodle
Boil Time: 60 min Equipment: My Rig
Taste Rating(out of 50): 45.0 Brewhouse Efficiency: 67.00

Taste Notes: Phenomenal grapefruit bitter, big hop nose and finish. A powerful IPA.

Ingredients

Amount Item Type % or IBU
11.00 lb Pale Malt (2 Row) US (2.0 SRM) Grain 68.75 %
4.00 lb Vienna Malt (3.5 SRM) Grain 25.00 %
1.00 lb Caramel/Crystal Malt - 10L (10.0 SRM) Grain 6.25 %
1.00 oz Simcoe [13.00 %] (Dry Hop 7 days) Hops -
2.00 oz Centennial [10.00 %] (Dry Hop 7 days) Hops -
1.25 oz Columbus (Tomahawk) [14.00 %] (60 min) Hops 47.3 IBU
1.00 oz Amarillo Gold [8.50 %] (Dry Hop 7 days) Hops -
2.00 oz Columbus (Tomahawk) [14.00 %] (Dry Hop 7 days) Hops -
0.50 oz Columbus (Tomahawk) [14.00 %] (30 min) Hops 14.5 IBU
0.50 oz Simcoe [13.00 %] (30 min) Hops 13.5 IBU
2.50 oz Amarillo Gold [8.50 %] (0 min) (Aroma Hop-Steep) Hops -
1.50 oz Columbus (Tomahawk) [14.00 %] (0 min) (Aroma Hop-Steep) Hops -
1.00 oz Centennial [10.00 %] (0 min) (Aroma Hop-Steep) Hops -
1.00 tsp Irish Moss (Boil 10.0 min) Misc
1.20 tsp Yeast Nutrient (Primary 3.0 days) Misc
12.00 gm Gypsum (Calcium Sulfate) (Mash 60.0 min) Misc
1 Pkgs American Ale (Wyeast Labs #1056) [Starter 125 ml] Yeast-Ale

Beer Profile

Est Original Gravity: 1.065 SG
Measured Original Gravity: 1.065 SG
Est Final Gravity: 1.015 SG Measured Final Gravity: 1.012 SG
Estimated Alcohol by Vol: 6.42 % Actual Alcohol by Vol: 6.92 %
Bitterness: 75.3 IBU Calories: 291 cal/pint
Est Color: 6.0 SRM Color: Color

Mash Profile

Single Infusion, Light Body, Batch Sparge
75 min 148.0 F
Mash In Add 20.00 qt of water at 160.8 F

Notes

Based on Culumbarillo IPA recipe from BYO mag - dude from New Mexico won the GABF pro-Am with this one. Nice work Herbal Joe!

Dry Hop Simcoe/Columbus pellets 11.6.10
Dry hop Centenial/Amarillo leaf 11.9.10
Keg 11.15.10 - to cellar.

Vinyl Picks for 2010

2010-12-28T16:16:00.006-07:00

The following are my top picks for vinyl releases in 2010. All kick serious ass in their own right. Possibly to be included, but not yet in my possession, the 9 album re-issue of Bob Dylan's first nine albums in mono (HFS, right!), and Kid Rock's new release, Born Free (I am a sucker for Bob Seger and understand that this one includes NO METAL and NO RAP, so I bet it rocks!)

This release from Petty stands proudly amongst his best. ROCKIN! Great lyrics, great double disc 180gm presentation, Petty isn't missing a beat. If you love rock n' roll... and check out the picture on the cover. These guys know how to rock, and once again they throw down the gauntlet with Mojo.

My original take on this album, before I knew the story behind the recording, or the story behind the handmade axe that Young wields on it, was that "Le Crap" would be a better title. After reading the story, and listening to the mp3 at a good friend's house, the vinyl was put on order. Easily Young's most intimate album, this thing kicks ass with the same power of the soundtrack to the film "Dead Man". Brooding and introspective, recorded only at night by moonlight, Young lay's it down again on Le Noise.

I bought this and Dan Auerbach's solo effort from 2009 together. What a trip. How these guys can keep a 2-piece rock unit interesting is beyond me, but the proof is this the rock on this album.

Cadillac Sky's 2010 release, Produced by Dan Auerbach, is quite a jump from traditional bluegrass, and sounded great up on stage at the 2010 Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Check it out!

The old home place

2010-12-26T12:55:00.004-07:00

Took a hike with the puppy this morning to the top of the ridge across the way. Great view of the house from up there.

Cuddle Wolf

2010-12-26T12:47:00.003-07:00

The Cuddle Wolf takes a break from his prey to contemplate further acts of gentleness and Mayhem, his specialties.

More proof that god hates the Vikes

2010-12-26T12:46:00.001-07:00

Vikes / Eagles game postponed until Tuesday due to a massive blizzard bearing down on Eastern Pennsylvania. What more could happen to the 2010 season?

2010 Cider in the bottle

2010-12-21T16:26:00.003-07:00

This years batch of cider, brewed 9.14.10, went in the bottle today. The going name is "Indian Summer Hard Cider" after the long run of beautiful weather in the San Juan's this fall. It's a New England style hard cider made with molasses, brown sugar, some spices, and cranberry. It'll bew mostly ready in a year, and I'll post the recipe once the verdict is in on the overall taste.

Drinking Reggae Stout

2010-12-21T16:13:00.005-07:00

As promised in an earlier post, here is the recipe for the Reggae Stout that was brewed earlier in the fall. It's a dry west-coast stout with plenty of hop to it. Great for these warmish snowy days that we have been blessed with courtesy of the wet pacific storm system that has been rolling through for the last week.

Reggae Stout

Reggae Stout

American Stout

Type: All Grain

Date: 11/5/2010

Batch Size: 5.00 gal

Brewer: Marcus Garvey

Boil Size: 6.82 gal

Asst Brewer: Garvey's Ghost

Boil Time: 60 min

Equipment: My Rig

Taste Rating(out of 50): 35.0

Brewhouse Efficiency: 67.00

Taste Notes: Dry stout with notes of dark chocolate in the nose and across the middle of the toungue. Nice hop flavor surrounding this, solid hop finish.

Ingredients

Amount	Item	Type	% or IBU
9.00 lb	Pale Malt (2 Row) US (2.0 SRM)	Grain	63.51 %
3.00 lb	Munich Malt - 20L (20.0 SRM)	Grain	21.17 %
1.00 lb	Black (Patent) Malt (500.0 SRM)	Grain	7.06 %
0.67 lb	Caramel/Crystal Malt - 40L (40.0 SRM)	Grain	4.73 %
0.50 lb	Chocolate Malt (350.0 SRM)	Grain	3.53 %
1.00 oz	Summit [18.20 %] (60 min)	Hops	58.3 IBU
1.00 oz	Cascade [5.50 %] (10 min)	Hops	6.4 IBU
2.00 oz	Williamette [5.50 %] (0 min) (Aroma Hop-Steep)	Hops	-
0.25 tsp	Irish Moss (Boil 10.0 min)	Misc
1 Pkgs	American Ale (Wyeast Labs #1056)	Yeast-Ale

Beer Profile

Est Original Gravity: 1.066 SG

Measured Original Gravity: 1.065 SG

Est Final Gravity: 1.016 SG

Measured Final Gravity: 1.016 SG

Estimated Alcohol by Vol: 6.57 %

Actual Alcohol by Vol: 6.40 %

Bitterness: 64.7 IBU

Calories: 294 cal/pint

Est Color: 47.6 SRM

Color:

Color

Mash Profile

Mash Name: Single Infusion, Medium Body, Batch Sparge

Total Grain Weight: 14.17 lb

Sparge Water: 4.09 gal

Grain Temperature: 72.0 F

Sparge Temperature: 168.0 F

TunTemperature: 72.0 F

Adjust Temp for Equipment: FALSE

Mash PH: 5.4 PH

**Single Infusion, Medium Body, Batch Sparge**
Step Time	Name	Description	Step Temp
60 min	Mash In	Add 17.71 qt of water at 165.9 F	154.0 F

Notes

11.5.10 batch with starter of S-05 US Ale yeast.
O.G. 1.065
Keg 11.15.10 - to cellar

Created with BeerSmith

A Monday night beating

2010-12-21T07:57:00.001-07:00

Favre miraculously starts, and then goes out with a concussion. Webb finishes the ice bowl. Team crushed by Bears 40-14 in the snow. This is the last vikes post for the season. Poor vikes. I hope that wasn't the last homegame ever.

Favre out - Webb to start ice-bowl

2010-12-19T11:11:00.002-07:00

Game time temps in the single digits with a predicted 10 below windchill and 4-6" of snow accumulation over the course of the afternoon. hahahahahahahaha suckers. Bulletproof field. Rookie starting quarterback.

Should be a great game, right?

Rare sighting of elusive Cuddle Wolf!

2010-12-17T13:35:00.003-07:00

BEHOLD! A rare photograph of the elusive but gentle Rocky Mountain Cuddle Wolf in his native environs.

The territory he prowls.

Is the "Home Field Advantage" worth it?

2010-12-17T10:05:00.003-07:00

From NFL.com today:

Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, who suffered a concussion in a game earlier this season, said the condition of the field was "the main concern with the guys in the locker room."

"We don't want to go out there and play on a concrete-type surface," Cutler said.

University officials said they planned to use a tarp over heating coils to soften the field before the game.

Considering the temps should be in the single digits, the generous warmth from the heating coils (yet to be deployed) will likely penetrate what, maybe 1 inch? They ought to just plow the dome parking lot, make it standing room only / BYOB, and play the sucker street-fighter style.

This from the Vikes marketing shill, Steve LaCroix:

"We think it's going to be great," LaCroix said. "It's nighttime football, it's going to be freezing cold temperatures, it's going to be very memorable."

That guy is *full* of horseshit. I guess that's his job, isn't it?

Oh wait, there's more! Sounds like The Rookie Joe Webb will be the starting QB for the Vikes.

go vikes?

And the hits just keep on commin'

2010-12-16T09:20:00.004-07:00

Seriously? Check out the loaders that are waist deep in snow. According to NFL.com "The two biggest concerns (over playing at TCF Stadium), according to Minnesota assistant athletic director Scott Ellison, were if all the snow can be removed in time and whether or not the frozen field could be softened to a level that won't hurt the players".

Thaw the field. Like with steam and tarps... yeah - it'll be just dandy when the wraps come off, and the sucker tightens up like a drum in the sub-freezing temps. maybe a nice slick of glaze ice to slow down the receivers?

As for injuries, NFL.com reports that Favre is still broken, TJ has a serious case of Turf-Toe, and the rookie Webb has a pulled hamstring (in addition to BEING A ROOKIE!) So the vikes have pulled in CFL grade vet Ramsey to help finish out the season.

Just end it now....

Get ready for a shit show

2010-12-15T18:08:00.003-07:00

After 29 years without an outdoors home game, the stage *may* be set for Monday night when the Bears come to twon for the Vikes 50th anniversary show. I say *may* as no source can yet predict wither or not the flipping seasonal stadium a the U of MN can be prepped in time. Even assuming they can pull this together in time, there are some practical issues, like parking, beer (none is normally served at college games - wha?), security, and all of the other practical considerations of inviting 50,000 people over to your place for a party. On top of all that, this is the current NOAA weather predicition for Minneapolis:

Monday: A slight chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 17.

Sounds F'ing lovely. By game time, the field will be a sheet of ice, and that's without the wind chill.

To all my Pack buddies out there, you win. Compared to all of the humiliations that the vikes have heaped upon your hapless team, there is no comparison with the complete meltdown of a season, the physical failure of a great player, the firing of a coach, and the implosion of your stadium. Truly, god hates the vikes.

Dome is Hosed, Vikes to play outdoors on Monday Night

2010-12-15T09:09:00.003-07:00

With the metrodome in apparent ruin,

The Vikes and league will spend an estimated $700k to get the U of M stadium thawed out and ready for the NFL on Monday night.

It's like a freaking circus. The vikes ought to enter the field packed in to little clown cars with favre popping out of a big cake that they wheel in. Poor vikes. This may be the last homegame ever for this team. just lovely.

Vikes take a beating, Favre sits at 297

2010-12-14T09:28:00.003-07:00

In signs that the Dome collapse will portent an ill fate to the 2010 season, the vikes got crushed handily by the flatulent Giants in DETROIT last night after the game was moved due to a roof failure at the metrodome. Calamity number two was the ending of Brett Favre's starting streak at 297, due to a serious injury to his shoulder last week. Add to this a brief moment of sheer panic when T.J banged his knee and had to sit a down, coupled with the odd metric of zero fan noise due to the fact the freaking GAME WAS IN DETROIT, and it is hard to conclude anything other than disaster for the remains of the season.

Issue number one is where the scheduled Monday night game against the stinking Bears will take place next week. With some talk of an outdoors game at the U of M stadium, I can't wait to see a below zero snow bowl in MN for the first time since the early 80's. That's exactly what is needed to end the crap about building an open stadium for the vikes. You people are crazy, and enjoy freezing your butts off next week, suckers.

Issue number two is the question of a new stadium and if the team will move. With money together in LA, the stadium is a must to keep the team. The owner would be mad to refuse a decent offer after his stadium collapsed. It's really up to the MN taxpayer now. I don't envy the cost, but I also remember the North Stars moving to Dallas the year after wining the Stanley Cup due to the inability to get a new stadium built. The new stadium was then built some time later at a greater cost, and a new team created, sans 30 years of history. Real clever, MN sportsfan. If the Vikes leave, there's only the face in the mirror to look at.

Turing test possibly to be passed Feb 14-16, 2011

2010-12-14T09:17:00.002-07:00

IBM announced plan, reported here in the New York Times, to place a computer and program called "Watson" into head-to-head gameplay against that sucker, Ken, and another past winner on Jeopardy. There is some room for debate, but I feel that if the machine wins, or even performs to a high level, then IBM will have made a huge step forward in answering the famed "Turing Test" for machine intelligence. In a nutshell, the test would have an interviewer hold a conversation with two clients, one machine, one human. If, from the replies, the difference between man and machine was nebulous, or impossible to discern, the machine has passed the test. In many ways, simply competing believably in this exercise on Jeopardy goes a long way to meeting the goal, if not fulfilling it. I may have to tune in...

Metrodome collapse - an ill omen for the Vikes

2010-12-13T11:29:00.001-07:00

I hope this is not an ill omen for the Vikes, the season, and the possibility of a move to LA.