Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin

I just made the following recipe in my crock pot.  It came out amazing.  Nice texture, well seasoned, and a very large portion to boot.

RECIPE

Since I only took a few bites, the future possibilities are endless.  Tonight: pulled pork mac and cheese with spinach.  Tomorrow: BBQ pulled pork sammies with grilled sweet potatoes..

MMM MMM  GOOD

Postcard to the Past

My friend Paula sent me a postcard that she found in her special possessions.  It was a post card that my mother sent her from our trip to Sanibel Island, Florida in 2009..  As my mother's body was waning from cancer, her unbreakable spirit and renewed energy allowed us one more memorable trip to that beautiful, serene island.

Postcard text:

"March 1st, 2009
Dear Paula,

We got here in one piece.  I was tired at times, but it was like resting in paradise.  Wind through the pines and palms, surf, sand, and shells...and my loving boys!  I guess we will get a cold welcome at home, but I got here by the grace of god.

All my love,

Karen"

Labyrinth (1986)

Shoot yourself in the groin? Get a new penis!

It caught my attention too..especially on my google news feed.  Story here.

Legally Blind Archer Breaks World Record

Submitted by Bram

ARTICLE.http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/07/27/legally-blind-archer-sets-first-world-record/

THE BEATLES: SIMPLE, TIMELESS, PERFECT

When lyrics and simple chords can send chills down a listeners spine then you have a perfect song. The Beatles had many hits but only a couple of songs that I consider perfect.  Although they are musically simple, Hey Jude and Let It Be are two of the best songs I have ever heard. Let It Be and have faith that everything will be alright.  "Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better." Both of these songs depict struggles in life but leave the listener hopeful for the future.  When I find myself in times of trouble I listen to these songs.

ng

A CURE for A.I.D.S.??

Some extremely exciting health news.  Hooray science!

Comb The Desert!!!

Sexual In-ur-End-OOOOOHHHH!!!

We all now that sex sells.  But these days they are laying it on pretty thick....What ever happened to
 subtlety???

 

Apple TV - The Wave of the Future

Several months ago, I purchased an Apple TV.  Just like every other Apple product, I was blown away.  It was cheap ($100), easy to use, and versatile.  It comes out of the box looking very simple and elegant.  The only places for connections are the A/c adapter, a video output, and an audio output.  The remote is also stylish and simple, attributes we have come to expect from apple.

But It's what the apple TV can do that, in my opinion, might change the way we get our entertainment. You can use it for Hulu, Netflix, Itunes Store, MLB TV, and a variety of other applications.  But what I like most is how you can instantly stream any song, movie, or picture from any IOS device.  This includes Iphones, Mac computers, and Ipod touches.  So, for instance, I can play music from my computer in my bedroom, and have the audio play in my living room.  And same goes for movies, tv shows, and youtube clips.  You can read more about it at the following link:

WIRED

If you are interested in purchasing an Apple TV, you can do so at the following link:

Seeing Eye Shoes?

Our everyday interactions with the world, and with each other,  are rapidly changing.  GPS, smart phones, and internet are all making streets, stores, and shops easy to find.

But this morning I received a google alert about a shoe for the blind.  It would have a micro chip planted in the sole, and It pairs with a smart phone using blue tooth.  They also feature vibrating rotors to tell blind people when and where to turn.  I can't wait 'til I can buy my first pair.  Read Article Here.

Top Secret

Shepard Smith is a Nutjob

"wow...he's like a combination of Edward R. Murrow, Walter Cronkite,  and Gary Busey!"


Watch Video

Reversal of Fortune

Two years ago in the summer, I was in a terrible place (emotionally, mentally, and physically).   I had just been told that Columbia could not help me with my illness, and that I should check my self into Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.  Aside from my mother and best friend, Karen, passing away just a few months earlier,  I was  blind, obese, exhausted,, and depressed.  I think it was the lowest point of my entire life.  I honestly felt like I couldn't go on...

Flash forward to today, Tuesday, July 24th, 2012.  I found out that I may be eligible to apply for a grant to go back to school at Manhattan College.  I could potentially earn a masters degree in counseling, which would be a wonderful career for me.   Tom and Tom, the same people who notified me about the grant,  offered me Manhattan basketball season tickets for some of the games they would not be attending.  I only spoke with them because Raya's father, Keith, has made so many connections with others during his life.  Connections with all types of people in a variety of places.      

In addition, My brother Oli, and Sister in-law Erin, were both hired as teachers in Vermont within the last 2 weeks.  My girlfriend Raya was recently accepted into a selective nursing program at Lehman.  I don't think I could be in a more positive or happier place mentally than I am at this moment.

Life is full of ups and downs.  Sometimes we cry in sadness, and other times our eyes well up with tears of joy.   That is what connects us as human beings.  One of us may feel pure ecstasy while another feels endless sorrow.  but our connections to one another and to the human race, can help us through.  So if you need some cheering up...call a friend you haven't talked to recently.  If you are feeling great...reach out to someone who has been down on their luck..  Make connections with everyone you can, because you never know just how much one impromptu call or meeting may positively influence someone' else's life.

Unintentional Guest Blog

I have been bugging our blogger Jeff to get his mental juices flowing again.  I received the following email from his address:

Yo dude, I totally am psyched about blogging...the block in my noggin' is now ready for a bloggin'. So a blogging I will go, up the road and back again blogging like I have never blogged before. So much blog to blab or bloggation to babble baboom my brain is busting with blogulation. Therefore, stay posted or shall I say watch out for my postings that have been months brewing to exceptional blog notations.

humorous,  clever, and poetic?  I think we found ourselves a new blogger, named Angela. 

Whatever you do, don't wobble

“Moderation? It's mediocrity, fear, and confusion in disguise. It's the devil's dilemma. It's neither doing nor not doing. It's the wobbling compromise that makes no one happy. Moderation is for the bland, the apologetic, for the fence-sitters of the world afraid to take a stand. It's for those afraid to laugh or cry, for those afraid to live or die. Moderation...is lukewarm tea, the devil's own brew.”

Quote of the dayt

" pork chops! With pork chops people will be going down left and right!"

_ Rea, speaking about the dangers of barbecue

Drones Coming To A City Near You

Unmanned aircraft has proven to be a useful tool in the war in Afghanistan and Iraq.  The ability to stay in flight providing warnings to soldiers on the ground of any impending threats has most likely saved a lot of soldiers lives.  They also provide unmanned missile attacks.  A soldier controls the plane with a remote control which eliminates any threat to a pilots life.  The Middle East feels like a world away but some day soon these same drones are going to be in your cities, patrolling your skies, observing you.  I for one am not excited for that day to come.  I see no practical use or need of drones in the United States but I am just using my brain.  I am not a psychic but I foresee so many abuses that will come from said drones and it makes me kind of sick that the government is allowing these to fly in our skies. Land of the free, home of the brave, and drones. http://mashable.com/2012/07/20/drones-danger-in-us/

15 Common Defense Mechanisms

While attending college, I was interested in majoring in psychology.  I took about 5 classes, and some of the information really stuck with me.  I think understanding defense mechanisms will help you better understand other people's actions,, and, more importantly, your own..  Even at 28 years old, I find myself "acting out," and notice many people I interact with are "projecting."


Common Defense Mechanisms

Raise the Roof for Troy Billington

The community of Rye NY rallied around me when I needed help.  Without the support of my family, friends, and especially community, I don't even know where I would be today.

Now our friend and neighbor, Troy Billington, needs help.  Please share your love and compassion with Troy.

Raise the Roof!!!

Second Sight

Although this future technology might not benefit me,it could help millions and millions of people.

A Breath of Fresh Air

Everyday, the news seems to get more and more depressing.  Wild fires, shootings, dirty politicians,  When a story like this comes along I have to give it some love.  Big ups to ST. STEPHEN, a real life hero.

Jeop-hardy har har

 

Strange Coincidences

I was connected with a man Named Dom by Ray's father Keith.    Dom lives in Manchester, VT, and is on the board of the AKP Foundation..  , Always Keep Pedaling, a non profit,  gives grants and host trips with cancer survivors who want to challenge themselves physically and mentally.        Aside from being aManhattan College alum, he also has a father-in-law who attended Manhattan College.

The weird part is that his father-in-law went blind while attending.  Then I learned that both his mother and father in law   lived in my old apartment building, directly across the street from campus!  We all know it's a small world, but sometimes the coincidences are just a little too freaky.

AKP Website

A New Frontier in Cancer Treatment?

Gold and tea?  Two unlikely allies in the fight against cancer.  You have to read this article to believe it...

ARTICLE

Manhattan skyline from the liberty house in New Jersey

Memorable Quotes

Since losing my vision, my hearing has improved.  THE STORIES ARE ALL TRUE.  Although this is a benefit for ,me, people around me are far less appreciative.  Now when someone says something stupid, I hear and remember it.  O I figured I would post some of them here.  Certain quotes will remain anonymous due to there risque subject matter.

"I Can't understand the British when I'm tired."
-Raya, while trying to convince her to watch Monty Python's The Meaning of Life

"My farts don't smell...unless I'm off my cycle."

-Al

"Wait...Babe Ruth wasn't black?"

-Anonymous

Recipe Update

I recently signed up for a free account on allrecipes.com.  It has a service where you can receive emails whenever  certain types of recipes are posted.  I chose slow cooker recipes because they are so easy and delicious.  Here is the first one I received

SLOW COOKER BAKED CHICKEN


I also found a recipe for"Chicken Fiesta Chili Mac..  This sounds like my fantasy food, featuring chicken, mac and cheese, and some serious spice.

Guitar for Sale

Heritage 535 Electric Guitar

Mint Condition

Color: Almond Burst

This is a fantastic Guitar that belongs to my brother.  He loved this thing more than his own little brother (Believe me, I'd know!)  He LITERALLY cleaned it after every single time he played it.).  

Price is $3500 OBO.

email me if interested. 

EMAIL me at the following link:Mail

"And The Days Go By..."

Last night's show has inspired me to post some great Talking Heads videos.  Enjoy.

Get Your Rocks Off

Tonight  some friends and I are attending a Rocks  Off jam cruise.  It is a boat that holds a live band, a bar, and many adoring fans.  It usually travels around manhattan at night, giving passengers new and beautiful  vantage points of landmarks such  as the brooklyn bridge, the statue of liberty, and the Manhattan Skyline.

  It is featuring a band called "Start Making Sense.:  They cover all Talking Heads songs, and do it very well.

If you are a concert-goer in New York city, I highly recommend that you check out ROCKS OFF.  They do regular concert cruises that leave from either west 50th street, or east 23rd street in Manhattan.  They host a wide variety of music, from guitar legends like Dick Dale, to cover bands like The Machine {Pink Floyd}, and Ship of Fools {Grateful Dead}.  

Recently they have added a new service; party vans and buses to concerts at large venues, such as Giants Stadium or Yankee Stadium.  I think these are a great idea because they probably curb a lot of drunk driving.  Anything that will reduce drunk driving is O.K. in my book.Check out their schedule and see if anything floats your boat!

Owning a Canadian

This is from a chain letter that was forwarded to me. I agree that religious teachings are usually not meant to be taken so literally. This person lays it on pretty thick, but I thought some of it was funny. Enjoy.






Owning A Canadian


>>
>>On her radio show, Dr. Laura Schlesinger said that, as an observant Orthodox
>>Jew, homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22, and cannot be condoned under any circumstance.
>>
>>The following response is an open letter to Dr. Laura, written by a U.S. man, and posted on the Internet. It's funny, as well as informative:
>>___________________________________________
>>Dear Dr. Laura:
>>
>>Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination ... End of debate.
>>
>>I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other elements of God's Laws and how to follow them.
>>
>>1. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are from neighbouring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?
>>
>>2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
>>
>>3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness - Lev.15: 19-24.
>>The problem is how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.
>>
>>4. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odour for the Lord - Lev.1:9. The problem is my neighbours. They claim the odour is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?
>>
>>5. I have a neighbour who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself, or should I ask the police to do it?
>>
>>6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination, Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this? Are there 'degrees' of abomination?
>>
>>7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle-room here?
>>
>>8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?
>>
>>9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me
>>unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?
>>
>>10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev.19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? Lev.24:10-16.
>>Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair, like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)
>>
>>I know you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy considerable expertise in such matters, so I'm confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.P.S. It would be a damn shame if we couldn't own a Canadian.

"BACK, BACK, BACK, BACK...BACK, BACK"

CHRIS BERMAN SHOULD STICK WITH FOOTBALL...

Always Keep Pedaling

I spoke with a man named  John Wilson yesterday.  He is a cancer survivor and an amputee.  But more importantly, he is an adventurous, strong, and generous person..

He started a 501 c3 charity called "Always Keep Pedaling"  The foundation gives grants to survivors and takes trips with young adult cancer survivors..    I think I may have found one of the benefactors of this years Chowder Cup.  I really like and respect the way this charity encourages people to attack their cancer, rather than sitting back and letting it eat away at you physically   and emotionally    ..

Read about the AKP FOUNDATION

"A Truly Wonderful Human Being"

My friend Alex told me a story about his Iphone.  It involves heavy boozing, iphones, rice, and a very honest man.

----------

So Katie and I went out for "one beer" with a friend that we hadn't seen in a while.  Well, it's never one beer.  And we bounced around from bar to bar, painting the town red, performing karaoke, and taking pickleback shots (Jameson followed by pickle brine).  We went to four different bars (and one hot dog truck).

The next morning I woke up in a haze.  I couldn't find my phone.  No big deal I thought, it's somewhere around here.  I went on iCloud and then to Find my iPhone.  iCloud said the phone was "Offline".  Absolutely devastating news.

I called every bar.  No luck.  I went to every bar.  Nothing.  I even drove to the hot dog truck.  No luck.  I thought for sure the phone was gone forever.  I thought I had insurance, but I didn't.  I called Apple and they said that it would cost $700 to replace the phone.  One friend actually offered to sell me his upgrade for a little fee (first nice offer).  With the upgrade, it would have cost me $400 to replace the phone.  Then, at 1am last night, I got the following message:

"I think I may have found your iphone. I connected your phone to my computer and it said "alex's iphone" so I just took a shot and searched for "alex" in "stamford CT" on facebook. Your profile picture looks really similar to the one on the background of the phone.

If this is not you, please disregard this message. IF it is you...this is hilarious becuase I found Will's friend's iphone on the ground. Message me back if you lost your phone."

I followed up with this person and said indeed it is mine.  He told me he found it soaking wet on Prospect Street in Stamford (it must have fallen out of my pocket".  He said it wouldn't turn on.  So, he put it in a bag with rice to dry out the phone.  It finally turned on and he plugged it into his computer.  He learned it was "Alex's iPhone" from the name.  He took a long shot and searched "Alex" and "Stamford, CT" on Facebook.  He eventually found my Facebook profile picture which resembled the person on the iPhone.  So he sent me a Facebook message.  He is in Long Island tonight, still drying out the phone.  But I am going to meet him tonight to pick it up.  Turns out we have one mutual friend too.

I am so grateful to this guy.  Truly a wonderful human being.  Little things like this restore my faith in humanity.  I just bought him a bottle of champagne.

Concert Contrast

Last night I attended Roger Water's "The Wall" at Yankee Stadium.  It blew my mind..  It utilized numerous stadium features, such as the PA system, the jumbotron, and almost all of the generous space..  ..it also got me thinking.  What is the best way to perform  music?

Jam bands like Phish, Soulive, and Furthur have monopolized many of my concert visits over the last few years..  Any show could bring an array of different songs coming from catalogs of thousands of titles.  Throw in the option to play cover songs and there are literally millions of different shows that could occur on any given night.

Flash forward to last night and all that was changed.  The show featured the album of "The Wall" being performed in its entirety.  All the same songs, all the same words, all the same little nuances in the music.  I knew what was coming..and I loved it.  Maybe more bands should start performing whole albums from time to time.  Then you would see each album/show performed at the highest possible level.  The way it was imagined in the head of the writer.    No mistakes, no shwag new songs, no shows ending early, no shows ending late.  .  

For the purpose of making money bands need to evolve and adapt to stay afloat.  But if you are  an ultra popular rock and roll icon, why not treat us to your most beloved album once every few years.

Fortune Cookie Wisdom

"The worst bankruptcy in the world is the person that has lost his enthusiasm."

"Our brightest blazes of gladness are commonly kindled by unexpected sparks."

I interpret this to mean be a positive person and buy Raya her Kindle ASAP.

another Tragic Loss

The town of Manchester, Vermont has suffered a number of tragic losses over the last several years.  Rudy Kiburis left our physical realm too early and he will be missed.  To understand just how much he will be missed, read the following article featuring his friend's thoughts.

R.I.P. RUDY

Greatest Band That Never Was Submitted by Oliver K.

Sorry

I often bump into many inanimate objects throughout the day. Because I don't know what they are I am apologizing to them, to the amusement and delight of Rayana...So I figured I would write a poem about it. Sorry rock, Sorry car, Sorry little, metal bar. Sorry wall, Sorry shoe,, Sorry door I scurry through. Sorry fence, Sorry Can, Sorry sketchy hippie van. Sorry guy who wants to fight, You are very impolite, forgive me for I have no sight. your smell to me just isn't right.

Man Destroys T Mobile Store In Manchester

So Simple... A Blind Man Can Use It

Introducing the new product review section, "so simple a blind man can use it."  The idea is that some products are so simple, I can easily use them, even if they were not specifically designed for blind people.

Today I wanted to talk about my Keurig coffee maker.  It has a small tank for water  that is easily removable and has an ergonomic grip.      The whole machine has 3 buttons.  a power button, a button for a small 8 oz. cup, and a button for a large 12 oz. cup.  And that's pretty much it.

One thing I really enjoy about the product is that it almost eliminated the danger of being scalded.  One con about the products is that you need to use the coffee pods, which some people think are too expensive.  But if you buy them from Walmart or Target they are not too bad, and you never have to worry about making a big coffee grind mess with the Keurig

.

Mr. Marcus

For some reason Ray, Sophia, and I were talking about D.A.R.E. and it reminded me of the following Ben Stiller clip.  Enjoy.