The musings of a former office worker stuck in his house applying for jobs, when he would rather be out on the water.

Friday, January 28, 2011

Shrimp

I have a confession. If I could eat one thing, for the rest of my life, it would be shrimp.

Hell, I'd even eat this guy.


No matter what kind of shrimp, I would eat it. Last night, my family and i were firmly ensconced around the table, discussing pickled herring. I took this opportunity to inform my family that I would like to do the traditional seven fishes meal with seven shrimps.
Shrimp Cocktail
Shrimp Skewers
Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp Sushi
Shrimp and Pasta
Shrimp with Ooo La La Remoulade(a recipe I have made, delicious)
Fried Shrimp

My family said that this would be too much shrimp. I refuse to believe that. Shrimp, like beer, is proof that god loves us.

And this is my problem. I have a fish tank. And in that fish tank are ghost shrimp.
 
And even though I would of course never eat anything I kept in a fish tank.

I still wonder.

How would they taste sauteed with onions?

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes

So far so good. I have had one piece of advice from my readers, and it was to buy and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes. So i downloaded "Home".

And the verdict is.....

I liked it. A lot. Good choice readers you are 1 for 1 so far. Keep up the good work.

Snow

It snowing here. I used to think that these were the most evil minions of the Devil.

In my head though, they look more like this.

I know, scary.

But I have since revised my thoughts. I now believe that snow is the new agent of Beelzebub.

Seriously.

Think about it, my fellow Northeast readers. For the past what 3 or 4 weeks, we have had snow every 3 or 4 days. I think Satan, the wily devil he is, is trying to induce sore backs and cold toes among us. I know I at least have cold toes. Let's face it, when you get down to the bottom of the driveway, by the snow that has been plowed, and it's heavy, and it falls off the shovel, and into your shoe? That's something no one likes.

So please, do your part. Shovel snow. Fight off the shark kittens. AND ONE MORE THING.

I only got one suggestion for a song for my Itunes card. And I plan on downloading that suggestion as soon as I post this post. So please, help me out, and toss a few tune suggestions my way.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Alarm Clocks

I have an alarm clock. I'm sure everyone does. Well, actually, I have 3 alarm clocks. But I like to use the old one. The 3 alarm clocks all have different functions, different styles, and different looks. The alarm clock I use is old. Very old. So old that it doesn't have a radio function. It is a clock and that is all it does. And it is made by a company I have never heard of before. Spartus. Spartus, if you are out there reading this, I love what you've done with the clock, and I hope you're still making them.

The second clock is just a normal clock. It has 2 alarms, a radio, and a clock. You know, just a basic clock.I guess it gets the job done, but it just doesn't have the pizazz that good old Sparty does.

The last clock is an electronic marvel. It sets itself. That's right, It can set itself. The only problem is, this clock is also showing it's age. It was made at a time when daylight savings was set on a different day. So when this clock set itself, it's wrong for about 2 months of the year. And a selfsetting clock that is wrong 1/6 of the time? What good is that?

No good, that's what. So I threw it out when I cleaned my room.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

I Need Some Advice

I have a $15 Itunes card. That means I can download 15 singles. Well readers, it's your time to shine. Give some tunes to listen to. GO!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

It's been a while...

I wish i remembered the rest of the lyrics to that song. But no matter, I have stories to tell.

The Bass Expo was a blast. The highlight was the Hawg Trough.

After watching a couple of very informative seminars, including one that should be very helpful with my dropshotting technique, my Dad and I saw what may be the best seminar ever.

Jumping Labs. But it was so much more than that. The show was great. The host got all the kids in the audience involved. Each dog jumped, all 3 of them. You could go up and pet the dogs. And let me mention the hosts again, because they were absolutely hilarious.

Then my Dad and I continued our yearly trek with a visit to Bass Pro Shops.

I didn't buy much, and neither did my Dad. But we always have a blast walking around, looking at the stuff, and the huge fish they have in their fish tank. Including a huge catfish, which had to weigh close to 60 or 70 pounds.

We ended the trip with a visit to what, in my humble opinion, is the best restaurant ever.


Yes that's right.



Keep going....


Almost there......


Here it is:

They give you huge portions, tons of sides, and they have Stewart's Orange and Cream soda. The best soda ever. There food is great, they give you a ton of it, have great soda, and it isn't that expensive. What's not to like I ask?

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Saturday

Today I travel on a yearly pilgrimage I have been making with my father for 10 years now. We are going here. Also to a Bass Pro Shops near Baltimore. It's the boost we need to get through winter before Spring and real fishing season comes. It's always an adventure, especially when I find the bargain bins. And the Hawg Trough(a 40 foot long, tractor trailer aquarium) is back. I'm psyched.

See you on the flipside.

Friday, January 14, 2011

And then I Wrote About

"You can't try to do things; you simply must do them."
-Ray Bradbury

I read that quote today, and I thought it really applied to this post. I'm not really sure where it is going, but it will get there eventually. But in all seriousness, I like this quote a lot. It works for a couple of things in my life.

Fishing
Maybe the one thing where all I did was try in the beginning. I fished my little butt off for 9 weeks before I finally caught something. And that something was 2 Largemouth Bass off the point across from the launch ramp on Marsh Creek. It was my proudest day as a fisherman. My Dad and I brought those 2 bass home, cleaned them, ate them(despite bass not being very tasty). After that the hobby took off. I've been fishing for years. And I plan on fishing for years. I get to go fishing every weekend with my Dad, and every once in a while, I even catch more than he does.

Beer Making
I did this. I jumped right in and made it. And as bad as it might smell to some, it is definitely getting better. And there really is no way for you to start making beer other than just doing it. And it may be a trial and error process, but hey, there are worse errors than not great beer. It is still better than this.

Dating
I'm a very self confident person. I have no trouble meeting people, being the only person in the room who doesn't know anyone, taking trips to places alone. None of these things bother me. Except for one kind of person. A pretty lady. But, sometimes you just have to get up off the couch, ignore how short she may be, and ask if you can take her out. Then, you bet on a game, and when you lose, you get to take her out on the date you really wanted. And things turn out exactly the way you want them to. That happened to me too.

So overall, I would say that this is a pretty damn good quote. And if i were you? I would read it, and take it to heart. Things work out pretty well when you follow it.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

My Tonsils

My tonsils are evil creatures. I believe they are currently about this big:

Maybe a little bigger. I know for certain the right one is touching my uvula, because I can see it in the mirror when I looked at them.

But enough about my gigantic tonsils. Let's move on to something more important. I've been reading a lot of other blogs lately, and some of them are truly fascinating. Others, not so much. But one thing I have noticed is that there seem to be a lot more women out there in the blogosphere than men. And as such, there are a ton of posts on things such as love, clothes, and food. So, in response to all of these topics, here is my response to each topic.

Clothes:
Clothes are clothes. Do I feel comfortable in them? Do I look good in them? Do I look cool in them? If i answered yes to at least one of the questions above they are fine to wear. Matching? Maybe if I'm lucky. Stylish? I'll be screwed when button downs aren't stylish anymore? Comfortable, you better believe my clothes are comfy. Women, I await your response to my reasoned and logical approach to clothing.

Food:
Food is great. Calories are a lie invented by weightloss people to buy their food and pills. Food friend in butter? GREAT! Things grilled, especially big juicy burgers or a nice succulent steak? AMAZING? Salad? Ehh, I guess it's ok. Having someone else cook for you? THE BEST THING EVER! So in closing, cook for other people, and they shall cook for you. Everyone wins!

Love:
I won't pretend to be an expert. Find someone you like, who likes you, and ask them out. Then if things go well, continue with the dating. Whatever you do, don't overthink it. Overthinking leads to arguments, and nobody likes arguments. Instead, take a tip from the above paragraph. Next time you want to get in a fight with someone? Cook them a steak, or bake them a cake, whatever you are good at. I myself can't bake, so I would go with the grilling option. If after a good meal you are still rip roaring and ready to fight, well then, I don't know what to say. You're in over my head.

So there you go. Enjoy readers, and profit from my advice.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Recaps upon Recaps

So yesterday was the National Championship. Oregon lost, Auburn won. It was a huge victory for War Eagle.(who knew Auburn used to be called the War Eagles? I didn't until my Dad told me. Talk about a great name for  a team. The War Eagles. It was so cool, they even flew a bald eagle over the crowd when the Auburn players were introduced. The response from Oregon? Less than stellar. No ducks were seen, and the eagle left the building famished. But I digress)

Anyway, Auburn won the game. And I can't decide if it was a game that was exciting and close, or just exciting because it was close. Either way, the college football season is over. All that is left now is the NFL, and who really cares about the NFL anyway. It's only 8 months until college football season starts again! And Penn State starts with a clean record! Let's go Lions!

I can't wait.

And now, the moment you've been waiting for. Here are some pictures from my New York trip. Hope you like em.






Monday, January 10, 2011

The National Championship

Alright a quick post today, a nice long one tomorrow.

I'm ticked at the NCAA.

What's the deal with putting the game on ESPN? I want to watch it, and now I have to do it illegally since my house doesn't have cable. I think ABC should be broadcasting this game. You'll get a bigger audience and more advertisers.

End Rant, it's game time.

Friday, January 7, 2011

The Room is Clean

And so are the streets. Well at least the driveway. It snowed today, and so I got my butt out there and shoveled my driveway and my neighbors. Before you ask, yes, I was alone. And yes there was approximately 1to 2 INCHES of snow. I know, a terrible fate for one so young. So after 20-30 minutes of shoveling, I decided to sit down and write a post. Nothing fancy, just a quick post. I figured I would tell a couple of snow stories. Here they are.

1. Best Snow Shoveling Comment Ever.
I was shoveling snow this past storm right after Christmas. After getting done with our driveway, my Dad and I hurried over to help our older neighbor(He's about 80). I ran up to him, because he was pushing the snowblower, and told him not to worry, I would take it from there. He responded with possibly the best quote I have ever heard while shoveling.
"No, I'll be fine. I just get chest pains when I push this thing"
.
..
...
I know. I thought the same thing. Just chest pains? Of course I grabbed the snowblower from him and finished his driveway for him. As minor as chest pains are, I'd rather not take a chance in the middle of a snowstorm.

2. My dog disappears
When we got my dog, we got her February. A great month, and that year, a snowless one. But a mere 10 months later, in December, we got a pretty big snow. 15 or so inches. Rosie(the dog) had never seen snow before. She ran right off our back porch into the snow. And promptly sank in up to her neck. She looked around bewildered, then discovered that this was the best stuff ever, She hopped around as only a dog can, and came in about an hour later, so called that snow had frozen in little balls all over her fur.

3. That All I Got
That's all folks, tune in tomorrow for something not as topical as what happened to me this morning.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Cleaning and Daytime TV

So I've been cleaning my room the past few days. Really cleaning. And it really needed it. Consequently, as I've cleaned, I've also discovered just how trashy daytime TV was. I'm sure you are all aware of just how terrible these shows are, but I've discovered that each one likes to exploit a different kind of person. Some like the poor, some like downright illiterate, and some like the scummy. Here are my views on each of these shows.

1. Maury Povich

Maury likes to act like he is better than all those other shows. He is above all that drivel that they put on air, they are beneath Maury Povich. Maury is different because he cares. But he doesn't. He just has a nicer looking set and doesn't encourage beating on other guests. Today's topic was, and I quote, "7 Men to Test, Who is the Father?" Total garbage to be sure, but also probably the cream of the crop when it comes to daytime drivel.
Scummy level: 4

2. Cheaters

This show also tries to make itself out to be better than what it really is. It's real goal is to get couples into fights in public so they can film them from impossible angles. But it tries to come off as a show that really cares about the people who are on it. Yea, ok. They follow people around for days, confront them dressed in all black, and speak in low tones, because of course it is disrespectful to yell when you are in the process of watching a break up.
Scummy Level: 6

3. Every judge show ever

These shows are great. People agree to have their small claims court cases heard on TV, get way too for any court room in the real legal system. Then they have their cases discussed, get made fun of by the judge for a little while, and then leave, with both parties involved still angry and upset over the judges decisions. These shows are great, and also probably the least trashy. They also have the least content, and are boring, because every single case is exactly the same, 2 loud people yelling about something stupid.
Scummy Level: 2

4. Jerry Springer

The undisputed King of daytime TV. I've never seen anything like this show, and god willing, I never will again. This show is the epitome of terrible. Horribly uneducated people get up on stage, take off all their clothes, and fight about cheating on each other. Usually in terrible ways. It's something you should never see, and should never have crawled out from under the rock it was hiding under. And now that it is out, it's big disgusting, and you can't kill it.
Scummy Level: My god, who cares, this is real garbage. 10

In conclusion, I wouldn't watch any of these. Turn on some music. It's what I had to do to keep myself sane. But if you do turn on the TV, and are tempted to see if I'm right? Go with Judge Joe Brown, he clearly has the best name.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Let's Get Serious for a Minute

Mark Twain is one of the greatest American authors of all time. I don't care who you are, or what you read, you have to respect what Mark Twain has done for American literature. Which is why news that I heard yesterday has gotten me a little worried about where our society is headed.

They are taking a word out of the book. A word which I won't wrote, since as a white guy I can't say it. And I refuse to * out letters. Or write the first letter of the word and then -word. But you know what word it is. It was in common usage at the time. Everyone, black and white used it. It was as integral a part of language as the word like is for Valley girls.

But the powers that be at NewSouth publishing are taking the word out Huckleberry Finn. And replacing it with the word slave. Not only is this ridiculous, but it doesn't make sense. For those who have read the book, try to recall when the word in question is used. Now replace it with slave. It just doesn't make sense. It will not read correctly.

I have heard people say that this version is for children, and the reason the word was removed is to protect their delicate young sensibilities. If I may be so bold, that's bullshit. Young kids today hear the same word out of the mouths of rappers, friends, and random people walking down the street every day.

The only reason to take this word out of this book is because it was written by a white guy. 125 years ago. But, Political Correctness has once again grabbed hold of something that should be held sacred, FREEDOM OF SPEECH, and destroyed for all the little snowflakes out there.

All right there, I'm done. serious rant over. Here's a funny picture to lighten your day.

And I apologize for the cursing.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Something I've always wondered

I'm 6'7". I'm the tallest person almost everyone I know knows. I tend to stick out in a crowd. and everywhere I go, everyone I meet says the exact same thing.

"Wow, you're tall."

Now, normally I just thank the person for the compliment. In my head when I hear, "Wow, you're tall" what I really think they are saying is, "My god you are the most stunning looking man I have seen in days."

Of course I'm right. I am the most beautiful looking man they have seen in at least hours. Also the most humble. But I have a problem. How do I respond to these glowing compliments? I feel as though a simple thank you will no longer suffice. How can I subtly respond to people, and give them the same ego boost they give to me when they tell me how amazing looking I am?

I'm stumped. Thank you is no longer good enough. will, "why thank you, I think you are also stunning as well" work"? what about, "You are almost as good looking as me, thank you for the compliment."? There is also the classic, " Oh stop, you're making me blush."

Which should i use? Help a stunningly good looking, incredibly humble, guy out.

Monday, January 3, 2011

The Past Week

So. I'm back. Sorry for the long absence again, I promise I'll be better. But I spent the end of last week and weekend with the wonderful A, in a city I had never been in before,

THE BIG APPLE!! New York City. It was pretty fun. We saw the Rockettes, Times Square, the big Tree at Rockefeller Center, China Town, Little Italy, The Stock Exchange, Central Park. Overall, it was a hell of a lot of walking. And I took pictures too! I promise. But I took them with this:

A great camera to be sure, but one filled with film. Yes, i used a film camera. So to get all those pictures, I need to get them developed. Which takes time. So when I get those pictures I will write and extensive recap of my trip.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

And to my loyal followers, thank you for sticking through me thick and thin. All 9 of you make me feel like my ramblings are listened to by at least 3 of you on any given day.

And to my potential 10th follower? Sign up now and win a prize*!!!!!!!

And that is my post making up for the lack of recent posts. Hope you like it, I'll write a better one tomorrow.

*Fabulous prize is just my unending gratitude, I am totally not popular enough to have people contact me about a giveaway. for someone who is though, head over to www.ohlauradarling.blogspot.com