The new pumpkin brew
October 29, 2009
Not every goblin unearths success while carving the iconic pumpkin.
For all the ghouls that can’t quite use the tools, here’s an alternative to the madness of slashing & slicing:
No fear this Halloween. Invent your own festive beer koozie. Bring it to the costume party. Or just rock it on your couch with a hard cider (or preferred hard beverage of choice).
A buzz without the bloodshed.
Personality Purchases
August 29, 2009
What were your last three online purchases?
What do these items reflect about you? The investments could possibly suggest an eccentric taste in film, a secret interest in paleontology or a tea cup fetish.
My last three online purchases:
Bathtub Crayons
Book: How to Raise a Millipede
A Jump Rope of Speed
I think best in the shower, and my memory mirrors that of a fly. I need to transfer thoughts on the tile while shaving the legs.
Also, crayon messages are an excellent way to doodle friendly notes for the roommates: “We need more toilet paper … have a good day!”
I’m still waiting for a millipede. Possibly a friend or sibling will get the hint and deliver it this Christmas.
I’m preparing for a winter hibernation, and I refuse to let the cold hinder my exercise regimen. I will jump rope in my TV room. Measurements were taken, and there are a few inches of space to spare.
I shared my latest splurges. What are yours?
I’m buying a house.
August 24, 2009
Go wild. Color in your Dream House and send it to me.
Drink and Draw: Experience Not Required
August 18, 2009
My sketch from the NYC Drink and Draw Event at 3rd Ward
Experience not required. PBR’s and Chex Mix were served. Ten bucks (when you bring a friend) included eclectic music and a nude model. It’s the best way to get your perspective back in focus.
The Drink and Draw at 3rd Ward Design Center in Williamsburg, NYC was an ideal way for my friends and me to dip back into the drawing groove.
My sketch above was not actually our “model”, but the 3rd Ward artist posed for our group while we were waiting for the actual model to show. Train delays.
The event concept is clever, and I’m looking into other open art opportunities in the city. Do you know of anything? If not, start one. I’ll go.
I’m easily amused
August 10, 2009
My stallion at Kennywood Amusement Park
The best gift I’ve received recently is a plastic toy.* I lit up as soon as I saw the striped animal waiting for me in my old bedroom.
I don’t need much. My parents have given me a lot already. During the holidays, my family bypasses extravagant gift exchanges.
We’ve simplified with no regrets.
Surprises are still in the game plan. Unbeknownst to me, my mom recognized my odd obsession with zebras. Giving me a zebra was her way of showing me maternal love. The toy cost less than five bucks, but it has already entertained me for endless hours.
I’m easily amused.
While we’re in the mood to give, I do need a name for this stallion. I feel like he will appear in a lot of photos as I venture out.
*The Barbie Dream House may top the list.
Be a kid with Laffin’ Sal
July 29, 2009
Laffin' Sal in Kennywood Amusement Park
My great-grandparents fell in love among the wooden roller coasters in Kennywood Amusement Park. Or maybe it was lust.
It’s been twelve years since my family and I have played in Kennywood Park near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. We made it back last weekend.
The numerous historic landmarks, such as the toothless Laffin’ Sal, deliver quirky character to the grounds much like Coney Island. “Laffin’ Sal debuted at Kennywood in 1931 as a free attraction in front of Laff in the Dark. It was during the Great Depression and provided some of the best medicine available in that sad period – Laughs.
“When the ride was razed in 1965 to make room for the Turnpike, Sal went into retirement – in a storage bin. But life began again in her 40′s and she has been laughing ever since” -Kennywood plaque
Next time your inner-child plays hide-n-seek and doesn’t come back out, visit Laffin’ Sal. Listen to her ancient cackle and stare into her dead-eyes. Your intrinsic-kid will reappear and either tremble with fear or laugh hysterically. My tyke chose the latter.
I sound like I’m 87-years-old, but new parks do not compare to this rich landmark; you feel the history and magical aura of previous generations in the air. Or maybe that’s just the aroma drifting from the Potato Patch. Either way, it’s delightful.
Mating call
July 28, 2009
His nose is loaded with lotion. My nose is hidden inside of a book.
I’ve been quiet.
The best feature of reading is re-reading. A favorite book of mine entered my realm post-College and pre-European Adventure. I needed a few “bus books” for the trip, and I stumbled across a good one: The Girl’s Guide To Hunting and Fishing by Melissa Bank.
The story follows Jane through her relationships with the most important men in her life: Father, Brother, First Love, Idealistic Love, Oodles of Lovers in Between, and the Real Love. The witty writing makes you light up, and the reality of truth, in the storyline, makes you dim down.
Bank reminds you of all that is “beautiful and funny and sad and true.”
Every time I re-read, I revel.
On the beach, Linda became her social-scientist self and said, “At the top of the social hierarchy is the blond man on the elevated white chair. The symbolic throne.”
“I believe the common term ‘lifeguard’ signifies his desire to copulate,” I said, “i.e., to guard the perpetuation of the species.”
“Note that he paints his nose white,” she said. “Not unlike the chiefs of many sub-Saharan tribes.”
The lifeguard stood up and blew his whistle.
I said, “Mating call.”
-The Girls’ Guide to Hunting and Fishing by Melissa Bank
Customer service and dog-biking
July 19, 2009
A new dog trend?
What is more surprising?
Option A.) My credit card was absent during a Starbucks visit today (not the surprise). It was not intentional. After ringing up my pasta-pack and goodies, I realized that I only had three bucks on me. I apologized profusely to the barista, and the saccharine woman handed me my items free of charge. I wasn’t a complete mooch, and I paid for the coffee.
The barista did not need to give me the items. I was clearly in the wrong (yes, not having money for your purchases is wrong), and I was ready to put my items back. The ease in which she gave me the gift made my day. I’ll remember it, and I’ll share it. It’s little, but it is the reason I will continue to give Starbucks business. Excellent customer service.
Option B.) Before the coffee stop, I jogged near an oncoming biker – an oncoming biker with a pup glued to his chest. Double-take. Is that dog really in a baby holder? Is this a new trend? What is the purpose? Pure love and companionship, possibly. It was more awkward than cute.
The answer is hidden here.
I will CLOBBER every single sport.
July 9, 2009
Toe wrestling photo courtesy of BBC Stoke & Staffordshire
While lying in the sand at Myrtle Beach, I declared a splendid new challenge for myself. I will learn and conquer every single sport. I’m playing off of the Wikipedia List which contains roughly 900 sports! Tic-Tac-Toe included.
I am a curious person. I’m active, and I am attracted to games, challenges, and adventure. Recently, I have attended a juggling class, fished for Sea bass, and started training for the upcoming Chicago Marathon. I like a little fear in my life. This new ambition seems fitting.
I’m in shape. But I’m no more athletic than the average person. I am clumsy. I’m afraid of balls flying at my head. I got cut from volleyball, cheerleading, and basketball in junior high. But I did go on to make the basketball team, track team, and swim team in high school. I’m persistent, and I try for most everything. Why not? I relish rejection. Except in dating (another story).
Here’s how the game goes … I will study every sport and know the rules in-and-out. Research will be a necessity. Interviews and expertise will be required. Photos, doodles, diagrams, all of it. The final test: I will be able to teach a uninformed stranger about every single sport. Yes, that includes knife throwing, Hide-and-Seek, and the Salsa. I’ve already nailed Beer Pong.
It will be a dangerous year, and some activities may require simulations. I mean, I’ll get as close to BASE jumping as possible, but let’s be slightly realistic here.
Toe wresting may change my life.
Help is needed. Check out the list of Wikipedia Sports. If you have an opinion or you are an expert, please contact me. If you have an interest in a particular sport or activity, let me know. I request assistance and camaraderie from all of you. I don’t care where you are located, let’s make a little Rock-Paper-Scissors action together.
Drink & Draw = Pure Genius
July 7, 2009
The genius artistry of the west coast makes me want to relocate.
I’ve never been to Portland, but I’m ready to move there tomorrow. Maybe. Is it because of the roses?
No folks, it’s more about The Drink & Draw. It’s pure social-genius in an artistic form. A group of artists, of all levels, meet at a bar on Sunday night and have a few drinks.
Anyone can start their own drawing or add their own artistic touch to a creation that’s chillin’ in the center of the table – just waiting for some magic.
The concept is captivating, and the scene actually happens in other cities as well (Sacramento, Montreal, and Seattle).
I want to play. Anything near me? I’ll look into it. New York City can always use more collaborative opportunities for artists of all levels. Take a look and check it out if you’re ever visiting P-town or the other locations.
The Beer Dragon was created by Stuart Hiner at a recent Drink & Draw event
