tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-104199862024-03-05T04:27:28.938-05:00Big Blue SkyTNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09808435667602931442noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10419986.post-6168796314149897012009-07-31T16:04:00.001-04:002009-07-31T16:06:02.188-04:00Pouring OutEver have days like this?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIYLNhxDf0RJEL-H9M4dwS6YLt9zti_lgrLX33zpb9RELLSNKiR-aPmaaWwMMDVbjEZvcueGdTSmpH6kb3CYfCZf3mxG1xShGLBhBTqTq76k-Iwq_nz0NTGsDLWtKaOLvZ-gp/s1600-h/someassemblyrequired-710x592.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 334px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIYLNhxDf0RJEL-H9M4dwS6YLt9zti_lgrLX33zpb9RELLSNKiR-aPmaaWwMMDVbjEZvcueGdTSmpH6kb3CYfCZf3mxG1xShGLBhBTqTq76k-Iwq_nz0NTGsDLWtKaOLvZ-gp/s400/someassemblyrequired-710x592.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364717752791292946" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I've been having a week like this. Inventory. Yuck. It sucks. But I'm finally not putting this project off on anyone else. I'm pouring my knowledge onto some paper. Next year it will not be this bad.TNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09808435667602931442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10419986.post-22110380201642689392009-06-25T13:33:00.000-04:002009-06-25T13:34:40.810-04:00Jib Jab - He's Barack Obama<div style="background-color: rgb(233, 233, 233); width: 425px;"><object id="A64060" quality="high" data="http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/client/zero/ClientZero_EmbedViewer.swf?templateID=203286&service=sendables.jibjab.com&partnerID=JibJab" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="319" width="425"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="movie" value="http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/client/zero/ClientZero_EmbedViewer.swf?templateID=203286&service=sendables.jibjab.com&partnerID=JibJab"><param name="scaleMode" value="showAll"><param name="quality" value="high"><param name="allowNetworking" value="all"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="FlashVars" value="templateID=203286&service=sendables.jibjab.com&partnerID=JibJab"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></object><div style="text-align: center; width: 435px; margin-top: 6px;"><br />Try JibJab Sendables® <a href="http://sendables.jibjab.com/ecards">eCards</a> today!<br /><br /></div></div>TNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09808435667602931442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10419986.post-36106545824613276152008-07-16T15:20:00.001-04:002008-07-16T15:20:43.093-04:00Time for some Campaigning<div style='background-color:#e9e9e9; width: 425px;'><object id='A192614' quality='high' data='http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/client/zero/ClientZero_EmbedViewer.swf?content_url=http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/files/production/tentpole_config.xml&service=sendables.jibjab.com' pluginspage='http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' wmode='transparent' height='319' width='425'><param name='wmode' value='transparent'></param><param name='movie' value='http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/client/zero/ClientZero_EmbedViewer.swf?content_url=http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/files/production/tentpole_config.xml&service=sendables.jibjab.com'></param><param name='scaleMode' value='showAll'></param><param name='quality' value='high'></param><param name='allowNetworking' value='all'></param><param name='allowFullScreen' value='true' /><param name='FlashVars' value='content_url=http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/files/production/tentpole_config.xml&service=sendables.jibjab.com'></param><param name='allowScriptAccess' value='always'></param></object><div style='text-align:center; width:435px; margin-top:6px;'>Send a JibJab Sendables® <a href='http://sendables.jibjab.com/sendables'>eCard</a> Today!</div></div><img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/CIMP/bHQ9MTIxNjIzNjAwOTE1NiZwdD*xMjE2MjM2MDQ3ODc1JnA9MTkxMTMxJmQ9Jm49YmxvZ2dlciZnPTI=.jpg" />TNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09808435667602931442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10419986.post-76735253612888919672008-07-06T13:35:00.024-04:002008-07-06T15:44:31.156-04:00Newest Tailgate UpgradeEveryone has their own way to relax, be creative and do the things they enjoy the most. One of my favorite this to do is to build things. So this week while I was at my parents house I decided to build something for our tailgate. I got to use all kinds of power tools which is cool and I did it all on the cheap. All materials for the screen were under $40. Just some wood and fabric. And I think the overall product came out very well. We're basically upgrading from a 27" CRT TV to a 70" flat screen display.<br />Everything is portable. Everything is easy. And hopefully once we get the routine down game day set up will be a breeze.<br /><br />Here's what I did:<br /><br />1. Make the frame<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sFLuQrpZL4fAH5kiGG_lK8OtEZ-hHvuIulN2CNQkGec4ul7qPvjVNBMW1xHcVkTShjjGzhske7LdWvL6Z54_wsx_75rxmK4A45CruLw3Q9ihesQIGnytXSk9d2IYKR-TK5UL/s1600-h/100_2178.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sFLuQrpZL4fAH5kiGG_lK8OtEZ-hHvuIulN2CNQkGec4ul7qPvjVNBMW1xHcVkTShjjGzhske7LdWvL6Z54_wsx_75rxmK4A45CruLw3Q9ihesQIGnytXSk9d2IYKR-TK5UL/s400/100_2178.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219957490970900146" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPk-uZv-MZ5vcpee2mC7xLWdO1RC4sRyknQIYe5vsn5phOqyCg_IR3aHDRdT4cIofp4c3YChautrLvr8DkTu21HXWEmeeN3b3QNB2djYwQ8IlEU6X6P5tu5UUXcp2jSIomVBos/s1600-h/100_2179.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPk-uZv-MZ5vcpee2mC7xLWdO1RC4sRyknQIYe5vsn5phOqyCg_IR3aHDRdT4cIofp4c3YChautrLvr8DkTu21HXWEmeeN3b3QNB2djYwQ8IlEU6X6P5tu5UUXcp2jSIomVBos/s400/100_2179.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219957894697825986" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQh2qEXod4vh2bjawWT43DAxQRy6Xvw2d5sfXHCJrZWAh5UaUnjPtkU2AoKQZgxvsL9fMYu2PceL7EQ5dTU_4-Qm-EFoejvqJ9m0IA49Mtz9NxRKSb_7WrBemtmL6t2Izc8b7/s1600-h/100_2185.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQh2qEXod4vh2bjawWT43DAxQRy6Xvw2d5sfXHCJrZWAh5UaUnjPtkU2AoKQZgxvsL9fMYu2PceL7EQ5dTU_4-Qm-EFoejvqJ9m0IA49Mtz9NxRKSb_7WrBemtmL6t2Izc8b7/s400/100_2185.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219958345669392082" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQk-Q1A7V9E7kGyBSZcSsZQHkaFs3wCxiXX6PR_FI9QlRWeL04zOViPiImCPRdb3Wf03zk0JhLapa66MXQtGgREm5h86WS59YaiYqQkS2CVUO8LJblR_NYVyEKJvUgH4_04ny/s1600-h/100_2188.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQk-Q1A7V9E7kGyBSZcSsZQHkaFs3wCxiXX6PR_FI9QlRWeL04zOViPiImCPRdb3Wf03zk0JhLapa66MXQtGgREm5h86WS59YaiYqQkS2CVUO8LJblR_NYVyEKJvUgH4_04ny/s400/100_2188.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219958745101350626" border="0" /></a><br /><br />2. Add the fabric/screen. I used Black Out drape lining. It works like a dream. Blocks light and produces a crisp image.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3XtonLaNwxiH8-4TlojVwVmuaDm7QD_d2_jX64AWDJaoD7z6ucV8fF7BgpOGH85_J3LMMBu7hDRg5_Dtm5XV6AXuGx3kRPofLYDwmNfZ0cpnrEj5-vHrD7_dD-Vltq7YMO0m8/s1600-h/100_2190.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3XtonLaNwxiH8-4TlojVwVmuaDm7QD_d2_jX64AWDJaoD7z6ucV8fF7BgpOGH85_J3LMMBu7hDRg5_Dtm5XV6AXuGx3kRPofLYDwmNfZ0cpnrEj5-vHrD7_dD-Vltq7YMO0m8/s400/100_2190.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219959329216902898" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNupu25SVUD696Hw0h6CsOl5lgZEzoLa5TybzbuK2NYAbD6TEtRk1aX5O6XA7AbR1TLoKG7n57xkEm4fFXb0DiNRsITlgr8GLvdnppTJqhELmiKdHRFxidmGfqyDL_2rhRlacg/s1600-h/100_2192.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNupu25SVUD696Hw0h6CsOl5lgZEzoLa5TybzbuK2NYAbD6TEtRk1aX5O6XA7AbR1TLoKG7n57xkEm4fFXb0DiNRsITlgr8GLvdnppTJqhELmiKdHRFxidmGfqyDL_2rhRlacg/s400/100_2192.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219959698584090370" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTrb7Cw4YCiutSiJyGXhUn0pbvhr_1qT5q3TNTSc4gbQx2tWr9Tk5kfRFlZopgDPwsuE_LXO2PKzUQlyBiaI6MTyoLYT2nlXcj8HVqPMGYM5fVfqcjqizcK4xx0apCOqgNcIX/s1600-h/100_2196.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTrb7Cw4YCiutSiJyGXhUn0pbvhr_1qT5q3TNTSc4gbQx2tWr9Tk5kfRFlZopgDPwsuE_LXO2PKzUQlyBiaI6MTyoLYT2nlXcj8HVqPMGYM5fVfqcjqizcK4xx0apCOqgNcIX/s400/100_2196.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219960055066375954" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />3. Adding a black frame border on the front<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUDmKL9qtrSm6Pu7HDu_Crcxx0k85_SVIag8DixOaDOmf2EEj96xZct0PKqsPQZ3o-CVYnoQNv9pnzitGP9MDnVSzcUl9hY6Hm-cMEdOD67Lj-VcHbYZyQzSxuyXtQ5LYZmqng/s1600-h/100_2203.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUDmKL9qtrSm6Pu7HDu_Crcxx0k85_SVIag8DixOaDOmf2EEj96xZct0PKqsPQZ3o-CVYnoQNv9pnzitGP9MDnVSzcUl9hY6Hm-cMEdOD67Lj-VcHbYZyQzSxuyXtQ5LYZmqng/s400/100_2203.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219960737966176034" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPE5bnFR95MrUJB-ZYSGFaHE5jlCHU2-vP2p7zPLXkyCW6JcLklgawH06W60YptcrJGUKwEPpQiFupUoy4B5aFfEfTBi0AHZxhU35uEbvKAbCeYlf7elEVlllHGzItC6LkFJxO/s1600-h/100_2206.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPE5bnFR95MrUJB-ZYSGFaHE5jlCHU2-vP2p7zPLXkyCW6JcLklgawH06W60YptcrJGUKwEPpQiFupUoy4B5aFfEfTBi0AHZxhU35uEbvKAbCeYlf7elEVlllHGzItC6LkFJxO/s400/100_2206.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219961120218265394" border="0" /></a><br /><br />4. Final measurements...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlgPIV9-5AK3_CVMdZdHQZAFy__43qkTnnSOSiNVBMCbFRO_FDWtwii-PIuXts8XX-F9_2qdbwYxdU3VuyUc6BxgP_buQW2fjlkBwT5IkflKDDY7zcpEGkXFzuUu9IxyqjX5U/s1600-h/100_2200.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlgPIV9-5AK3_CVMdZdHQZAFy__43qkTnnSOSiNVBMCbFRO_FDWtwii-PIuXts8XX-F9_2qdbwYxdU3VuyUc6BxgP_buQW2fjlkBwT5IkflKDDY7zcpEGkXFzuUu9IxyqjX5U/s400/100_2200.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219961760168392530" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRRn4_0rp7GXoViIYk4422fj7SkVEn47dgHaYkkLpnGfRb944iH5icFJQrWi1TuTXEQC_ogR2-K7n3OoPdGQESFvNIi2qrNZtQInruX-vdxnAlmqRj3KYMdCZvOsUZVjc-vESZ/s1600-h/100_2201.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRRn4_0rp7GXoViIYk4422fj7SkVEn47dgHaYkkLpnGfRb944iH5icFJQrWi1TuTXEQC_ogR2-K7n3OoPdGQESFvNIi2qrNZtQInruX-vdxnAlmqRj3KYMdCZvOsUZVjc-vESZ/s400/100_2201.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219961480995518274" border="0" /></a><br /><br />5. Now hanging it in the tent. Hanging the screen is easy. But I really wanted to utilize the dead space in the tent by hanging the projector above instead of sitting it on a table. When the projector is on the table you lose too much floor space. but by hanging it above you gain all the floor space back and you help with the cord management issues as well.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQXzW7qMrOMfkj3lrES2fAwxcLYMJfhB8kywkgplNDwtEAsuwlNuupM4vDHJUtwtydKF2IN_0nKBH5ZPM7nqPIbOPvQw2luPdFOJBko9O9nsgV4Mr2zeRXXVVrCUf4zdupZBo/s1600-h/100_2217.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQXzW7qMrOMfkj3lrES2fAwxcLYMJfhB8kywkgplNDwtEAsuwlNuupM4vDHJUtwtydKF2IN_0nKBH5ZPM7nqPIbOPvQw2luPdFOJBko9O9nsgV4Mr2zeRXXVVrCUf4zdupZBo/s400/100_2217.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219963873292302210" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQ335K1Wu2xWG7zD_wbXFN8x_r08FngRRvtd-oyUXP82WPubJg1SxEF9nbv-cdwCW4ewAunPq4v2tMp9PfSNlCnKBeEewdv4z5_grvC954mxqzMy_Khn2G-4lvzucB_DUZY1C/s1600-h/100_2213.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQ335K1Wu2xWG7zD_wbXFN8x_r08FngRRvtd-oyUXP82WPubJg1SxEF9nbv-cdwCW4ewAunPq4v2tMp9PfSNlCnKBeEewdv4z5_grvC954mxqzMy_Khn2G-4lvzucB_DUZY1C/s400/100_2213.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219963413730801522" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfNuxhWmpXk90Vq20V7yoECXWS3onPWnpEgNrVnSwzMZBNeaTl_PaWkUbisTLHS200HHa4cIKxIbTfiFCyLLUjyTzHE-SPr2cSqBihvHTW7IAtc46fnq9FVnBsOesN2SJ-gwd/s1600-h/100_2211.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfNuxhWmpXk90Vq20V7yoECXWS3onPWnpEgNrVnSwzMZBNeaTl_PaWkUbisTLHS200HHa4cIKxIbTfiFCyLLUjyTzHE-SPr2cSqBihvHTW7IAtc46fnq9FVnBsOesN2SJ-gwd/s400/100_2211.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219962838205183842" border="0" /></a><br /><br />6. Hanging the projector.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqburFbcyjxOVh0pMlsS0MaNzcaNatZyOFrDvzR5XKphblQlm4cDIgMOrppotJssoljJUa7WSaGgY8Pk_4MPACciiyo5MoOG6jRjTptqNvQciCqkmpvxYFT5RlQEMVUmAN55Q/s1600-h/100_2220.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqburFbcyjxOVh0pMlsS0MaNzcaNatZyOFrDvzR5XKphblQlm4cDIgMOrppotJssoljJUa7WSaGgY8Pk_4MPACciiyo5MoOG6jRjTptqNvQciCqkmpvxYFT5RlQEMVUmAN55Q/s400/100_2220.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219964706515957666" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahzsoIr8NOqPPdCC3LLSRUfn0O9zvq0Mcy-M9T1-Mll1vXjUNnZTGUvVrV0lk4WphMIig-qb3hVTJzcFHW-Trptf-7RcH9jAm2xN6hh7VGtUbpKavxIirbRDTIjaOwQOvE2kZ/s1600-h/100_2219.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahzsoIr8NOqPPdCC3LLSRUfn0O9zvq0Mcy-M9T1-Mll1vXjUNnZTGUvVrV0lk4WphMIig-qb3hVTJzcFHW-Trptf-7RcH9jAm2xN6hh7VGtUbpKavxIirbRDTIjaOwQOvE2kZ/s400/100_2219.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219964418753148818" border="0" /></a>I'm not really happy with the bungee cord set up. It is functional and it does work. But I'm sure between all of us we can come up with a better solution. The bungees are functional and it is nice to be able to move the projector at will. I just don't think it looks good and if the tent gets knocked then it moves and shakes as well.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VVkJlZfs_i0eC_n2YeGi52EOHfWf1J5ikaiBdSajm7VyfjHwev29Bt-9P7yqnBqn5yfU0X0ehekTL5VWODB1J1jMUKacHVWgYpkOkuS3sRrcoNBuEONDueCsy0Z_IW-jvJbu/s1600-h/100_2227.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VVkJlZfs_i0eC_n2YeGi52EOHfWf1J5ikaiBdSajm7VyfjHwev29Bt-9P7yqnBqn5yfU0X0ehekTL5VWODB1J1jMUKacHVWgYpkOkuS3sRrcoNBuEONDueCsy0Z_IW-jvJbu/s400/100_2227.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219966020775950258" border="0" /></a><br /><br />7. Final Product<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKLFvVx8iYG6tgLRoacLZPL2Hin9GMMHLW2oZTD9qvUMvHs0tm9z43oiacf-PGvCDN8fnVAhK9nL3OTh51cJUr0dGvP2rXL1zwqGHi9pq3NNtlifwvTEQR5VqgmTvowGATZ34/s1600-h/100_2218.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKLFvVx8iYG6tgLRoacLZPL2Hin9GMMHLW2oZTD9qvUMvHs0tm9z43oiacf-PGvCDN8fnVAhK9nL3OTh51cJUr0dGvP2rXL1zwqGHi9pq3NNtlifwvTEQR5VqgmTvowGATZ34/s400/100_2218.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219966334308562882" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTWBvfkT8YsrWXP1xJjSCBZVwMJAWMrCl_DGw_bhzuGtJNuzW5wB90lwhxhY06IU3HvU_Ote2MumxdkBIJfp2phNPE0LDIxX97xETBZiAzuLKX7SuuNq-FHrtaUb6tEJ3e5IM/s1600-h/100_2230.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTWBvfkT8YsrWXP1xJjSCBZVwMJAWMrCl_DGw_bhzuGtJNuzW5wB90lwhxhY06IU3HvU_Ote2MumxdkBIJfp2phNPE0LDIxX97xETBZiAzuLKX7SuuNq-FHrtaUb6tEJ3e5IM/s400/100_2230.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219966896949278690" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3HEUqQRwYLsx4k_ihn-j-IpA89mQc0mi2nuI3EUyjPmpx9qsmMQuiq7sUMPVuvJM7ueLKIo2RtNW3ewq1YEQqMqv6LEWbZzxg0jQTmy0E-8udnsqs_mwZY9K-1dokcL5Q_0I/s1600-h/100_2228.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3HEUqQRwYLsx4k_ihn-j-IpA89mQc0mi2nuI3EUyjPmpx9qsmMQuiq7sUMPVuvJM7ueLKIo2RtNW3ewq1YEQqMqv6LEWbZzxg0jQTmy0E-8udnsqs_mwZY9K-1dokcL5Q_0I/s400/100_2228.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219966592006600658" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So what do you think? I think it's going to be awesome to watch gameday on this screen and to enjoy all of the other games too!!TNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09808435667602931442noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10419986.post-19423357100791744012008-05-27T18:22:00.003-04:002008-05-27T18:28:36.933-04:00Taxi DriversIt's been an interesting ride in Xalapa...<br /><br />Since we live out so far we have had to take quite a few taxi's. So far we've had taxi drivers that were:<br /><br />1. Former gang members in Chicago<br />2. A guy that used to work in Thompson, GA for 4 years. He saved $20,000 and returned to Mexico to buy a house and a taxi.<br />3. A guy who I'm pretty sure was only 12.<br />4. An agronimist<br />5. A taxi with a flat tire<br />6. A driver that really enjoyed loud spanish poetry.<br />7. several drivers that didn't know where we lived.<br /><br />Well that's just a quick preview of what we've been seeing and hearing about for a week now.<br />I really should have been writing more of this down...TNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09808435667602931442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10419986.post-1789220866190807032008-05-27T18:11:00.002-04:002008-05-27T18:21:57.772-04:00Hacienda El LenceroOn Sunday we visited the <a title="Hacienda" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hacienda">Hacienda</a> del Lencero. Its first owner was Juan Lencero, a soldier of <a title="Hernán Cortés" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hern%C3%A1n_Cort%C3%A9s">Hernán Cortés</a>. In the 19th century is was the property of <a title="Antonio López de Santa Anna" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonio_L%C3%B3pez_de_Santa_Anna">Antonio López de Santa Anna</a>. Today, it is a museum in which you can see furniture and personal effects dating from the 19th century. It also has a chapel and spacious gardens surrounding the property which include a sculpture by <a title="Gabriela Mistral" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabriela_Mistral">Gabriela Mistral</a> who spent time here while in exile.<br /><br />I didn't even know that Santa Ana was from Xalapa. The tour was pretty cool and the Hacienda was amazing.<br /><br />I can't find my pictures right now.. but when i do I'll upload some.TNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09808435667602931442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10419986.post-77966700959663512212008-05-23T18:34:00.006-04:002008-05-23T18:54:27.936-04:00More Random Pics<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ss5yqz2cSaikZCTI-0xSfa7K7lAWLseU6jQNKRsVaC6weNzONBKvmtee7Z6ORAATtc0uLJhLCAaIYp_yHPeK_2NHDSJoOJ6Il0vpi-TfjXOxNOUBq4ik2K6ohHNPrDTfjjXI/s1600-h/IMG_5875.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203709901606642594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ss5yqz2cSaikZCTI-0xSfa7K7lAWLseU6jQNKRsVaC6weNzONBKvmtee7Z6ORAATtc0uLJhLCAaIYp_yHPeK_2NHDSJoOJ6Il0vpi-TfjXOxNOUBq4ik2K6ohHNPrDTfjjXI/s400/IMG_5875.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Group shot from the orphanage we visited. We realized that we haven't been taking pictures of ourselves very much, but we'll change that this coming week :)</span></em></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifw4f3mkoD2a3w8T96B1FDZ1MnPb8t9gBgeNDjYsLD_QOi6yh5B9dONQoWEo6BdydBs5TEPLWnsj_waAjLiowzVPTSJWyNkdqsW4iz5XBXGSv-E7CsT0D0GZn-ShL0RzrahK6b/s1600-h/IMG_5883.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203707045453390626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifw4f3mkoD2a3w8T96B1FDZ1MnPb8t9gBgeNDjYsLD_QOi6yh5B9dONQoWEo6BdydBs5TEPLWnsj_waAjLiowzVPTSJWyNkdqsW4iz5XBXGSv-E7CsT0D0GZn-ShL0RzrahK6b/s400/IMG_5883.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Food Guide Pyramid anyone? I guess the new one hasn't made it to Mexico yet.</span></em></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtt9r9H-Ge9zRLLimHttdd7Qo0RHl06ZzxBmVBy_07XwsWlBiMYZAhCuAtbXG3Yh7nEOGLMuv4q6oGCscTLC2sv7UML4k__0pZ-sRFIAMP-nwMAbi0spc-jhsM9azdVJYcZWbb/s1600-h/IMG_5836.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203706353963655890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtt9r9H-Ge9zRLLimHttdd7Qo0RHl06ZzxBmVBy_07XwsWlBiMYZAhCuAtbXG3Yh7nEOGLMuv4q6oGCscTLC2sv7UML4k__0pZ-sRFIAMP-nwMAbi0spc-jhsM9azdVJYcZWbb/s400/IMG_5836.jpg" border="0" /></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> This is Phil and RJ. They're taking notes about the tomato growing practices </span></em></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">of one of the places we visited this week.</span></em><br /></div></div>TNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09808435667602931442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10419986.post-3422963671585906962008-05-23T17:51:00.009-04:002008-05-23T18:34:37.463-04:00Coyopalan, Veracruz, Mexico<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRsEUYMUAHuD0Vf-9M1j5KKb0X_-CfCqSm4P5EqKUOYYsH74lS4Nfq7-ZxLCGAJ0xeKuvusLgyULoKSz9cyi-LL6i2DzBoq-H9Ji9XZ6oPKZ5w7NknwixZOhyphenhyphenSg-wG62pcmacY/s1600-h/IMG_5912.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203703815637983586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRsEUYMUAHuD0Vf-9M1j5KKb0X_-CfCqSm4P5EqKUOYYsH74lS4Nfq7-ZxLCGAJ0xeKuvusLgyULoKSz9cyi-LL6i2DzBoq-H9Ji9XZ6oPKZ5w7NknwixZOhyphenhyphenSg-wG62pcmacY/s400/IMG_5912.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div>I finally have a chance to sit down and write. However I don't think it will last long. This computer I am typing on sucks and the space bar is broken. Today we had a little of a break from the hectic schedule we've been keeping this week. The business is good because it makes the time go by fast but it gets tiring. </div><div></div><br /><div>Apparently we brought the heat with us to Xalapa. It's been pretty hot yesterday and today. That contributes to your exhaustion as well. Well I'm sitting in a internet cafe not too far from where I am staying. It's pretty funny because not only is it an internet cafe but they also have X-boxes and stuff that you can pay to play by the hour. It's the old x-box though. But there are two little boys over there playing it and they are pretty excited about it. It costs 8 pesos to use the internet for an hour, that equals about $.80. Pretty good deal if you ask me.</div><br /><div></div><div></div><div>We've really done and seen alot this week. Usually every day we have a lecture of some sort about Mexico and Veracruz. Most of these have been from professors from the University of Verecruzana and they are directly related to the outreach functions of the university. We've basically heard about their own Cooperative Extension, even though that's not what they call it. One night this week (Monday or Tuesday) we heard from a professor that is responsible for setting up places of knowledge exchange throughout the state of Veracruz. We visited one, names 'Casa de Coyopalan'. This 'casa' or house is basically in a village that is way up in the mountains. It is a place that the community can come and receive help and research based information and best practices on anything from health to food safety. They have a woman from the community that has been trained in best practices for health and food safety and she has three program assistants from the community that help her to educate the people around there. OK. They didn't call them program assistants, but that's what they were. People from the community educating their peers to prevent disease and encourage best practices with food... sound familiar anyone? </div><div></div><br /><div>We also visited a school in the community. It was a multigrade school and the only school in the community. 1st - 6th grade I believe. Two teachers and about 40 something students. It was guite the interesting set up. They had a smartboard and a computer in the classroom too. I was pretty shocked to even see internet access way out where we were. The Casa also had a computer lab, but no internet. They allow the children to come there in the afternoon and use the computer to learn to read and so forth. They were in there yesterday while we were visiting. This is an opportunity that they never would have had if the University of Verecruzana had not brought their resources and knowledge to this town.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203701719693942898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVqlLkTRS01ws9uclE3b50P3tNtvsQqpkmvJaqGyK70eYI51Be91B42rFG0iLmEurOc5Udvaike2mfoiZhVIIsqGEG28xlIfacG0f0tgiehOmj6sNW5kR5tSGFXZoV2sgCaGXF/s400/IMG_5914.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203704730466017778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxEfsB4CIfnTSbzRoDTxNfGA6basAQDggP1d7BESP-Q27-FLObpLXtvLyD57xfcYlJm35pJ9TGAYCGkCrD11OyPmgvVrXRIgNsH5g9s-eYhmPO1igvakJoKFahFkFLv35-WX5/s400/IMG_5919.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><em>This is Rafael. He went to University, graduated and returned to his home to reach the people of Coyopalan. And he's pretty passionate about what he does too.</em></p>TNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09808435667602931442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10419986.post-33978523406797975772008-05-22T17:48:00.006-04:002008-05-22T17:58:52.982-04:00Coyopalan - A visit to the mountains<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203323260060719810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUhhMKUwxdSkIe7e9L5WMDT06z5YBSZsffPk826NYMREI3FBYuZMUVDulDXp1J06sJe-G5CG5Q1aJafRtnD92TTLQdOawFeeRdgCW9w9QG4zKJAXs_rzE-LBgaGXNSUr-RSuj/s400/IMG_5886%5B1%5D" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Yes, there really is snow in Mexico.</em></span></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203323590773201618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8zFP4v1W_SDGiD0rIKPpaI7gBaLQsZdi5wq6fkXAcrN3h0u29n1Pblv887ZxiGK3P5eof54hG-qw_hfnOFCZy0ofvqWbAabKI2jfcbqIQ_k8nE0_bPxiKx1ZU7DshLGQsUQs/s400/IMG_5896%5B1%5D" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">This was a multigrade school we visited this morning. I'm pretty sure we were the first Americans they had ever seen.</span></em><br /></div><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZNnf9DNirb0BDXnE-dWa1tNWjFa0whAPDISwd6y38nE8KkAGRnN3tdrK06yF0OBXmSzljptarPOu8WYWT8ajQMvYYLf5PkTreyCoH9hkoB45KPzS-YYC6TVE4SznUoKRNlU0/s1600-h/IMG_5917%5B1%5D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203324252198165234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZNnf9DNirb0BDXnE-dWa1tNWjFa0whAPDISwd6y38nE8KkAGRnN3tdrK06yF0OBXmSzljptarPOu8WYWT8ajQMvYYLf5PkTreyCoH9hkoB45KPzS-YYC6TVE4SznUoKRNlU0/s400/IMG_5917%5B1%5D" border="0" /></a> <em><span style="font-size:85%;">They even have computers... this was really interesting. Most of the children couldn't even read before they started the school. More on this later. I just wanted to put some pictures up.<br /></span></em></p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6omUyMv2ZGBfbatW5VPXHpljayQ783R__9br5vRTlw4I7Kz2yHbHY4qD6TgrR4M1luRpZXN4CV-I1vY5qdyzPBSKDj8ScY-NSy3bshp7tNc1D5s_l0szilNoRmd7AOlcht7L/s1600-h/IMG_5904%5B1%5D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203323921485683426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6omUyMv2ZGBfbatW5VPXHpljayQ783R__9br5vRTlw4I7Kz2yHbHY4qD6TgrR4M1luRpZXN4CV-I1vY5qdyzPBSKDj8ScY-NSy3bshp7tNc1D5s_l0szilNoRmd7AOlcht7L/s400/IMG_5904%5B1%5D" border="0" /></a> <em><span style="font-size:85%;">And seeing yourself in a camera for the first time is always a fun experience...</span></em><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div><br /></div>TNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09808435667602931442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10419986.post-36523467286259264182008-05-20T16:45:00.005-04:002008-05-20T17:07:18.986-04:00Tuesday's AgendaToday we went to a composting and mushroom factory... very interesting. Who knew it took such effort to grow those scrumptious white mushrooms that I love to grill out with so much?<br /><div>We saw the composting process and then how they innoculate the barley to put in the compost to grow the mushrooms. Pictures will follow. </div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202568061406143874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPp-aT8vJJ4EOy_0YhUPEzb-NC40aH4O9HDSpk91y7xDpn6uG2bNhnu8M8TVpCe6NECeRsL-iKIzPCECPT7pAM_CkXM4ZxC857DMjXCL0F_cOsMYDmZ1QQXwD061WJtaK8Trw/s400/IMG_5862%5B1%5D" border="0" /></div><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Compost pile = Hay, lime (or plaster I think is what they called it), and chicken litter...</span></em></div><br /><div align="center"><em></em></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202567374211376498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWhyqJxu-ztTVVGBnwrlpXS0Y7ki5kgqxKvEDIKfhKo0XbmoQtm31bwsZKm95FsDhJ9CzLBGNensGjcl6oqFyAYwV9Nm4r21pn-ZZ0QzwKNPvVift3vsFzo2NAAN3WZQSFN2rz/s400/IMG_5866%5B1%5D" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Mushrooms growing on the compost medium.</em></span><br /></div><div> </div><div>Spanish class is going ok. We conjugated our first verbs today, Ser and Estar. I think everyone is hanging in there with the language. Most of us are understanding more than we can speak, so we don't feel so lost and confused all the time...<br /></div><div>We also stopped by a queso shop to stop in and see how they were pasteurizing the cheese and making fresh queso and mozzarella. Please don't tell Judy about all of the flies in there :)</div><p></p><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202569109378164114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy9kTWOjj_nzWq8Wd5VxiTaPUPddcAWfrYKJ-0-pLwFvMm__Xjew8hCs3-l1aq2qeVXNlknfMgLYnA8ImEwd2WSkj7iHI72UOcvMWQE4VqfLxfuD230K3qtsBIWYEODjnkqLYM/s400/IMG_5874.jpg" border="0" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div>TNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09808435667602931442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10419986.post-4127115690716778182008-05-19T21:38:00.005-04:002008-05-19T21:48:22.160-04:00Pictures from Monday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhodWwWqxdoY4bUQrUVrwushfD1_a8Ar5ByEYsU4x7Yr6-rKBptEFD-Tgitvu4g8Sw7O5T9EybwdLfehoPsghnFbiN9FbDR-BWJun-21bvZ9qUGFJ6pUCwDpQOZCNbPmds0jS_p/s1600-h/IMG_5859[1]"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202270355748021570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhodWwWqxdoY4bUQrUVrwushfD1_a8Ar5ByEYsU4x7Yr6-rKBptEFD-Tgitvu4g8Sw7O5T9EybwdLfehoPsghnFbiN9FbDR-BWJun-21bvZ9qUGFJ6pUCwDpQOZCNbPmds0jS_p/s400/IMG_5859%5B1%5D" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbNORDX5mB3MzSNjnteMIzSDnY8aJdDxtztVF220WBm3gNJD1OlDFz0kCSIutbCg3OzN8VXyD4HAAEYQAGonog3KbLlbGoUhTDKFQQ5eB1f2v4ONJhd5j2xwq3f1n2x1xT_Ex/s1600-h/IMG_5838[1]"></a>Can anyone figure out what these are and if they are nutricious? I should have take a picture of the nutrition label.<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWoHFkfeDCJDf0_tu6YJ0Cg99OJIqbmDVH2PJGdbFRMytMKRsVNOLarI_qDfZfdhXwRkryLMZe1sCUUfG3jxaeeQ2seqnRNDmBXAS8ll9YlSPAMIRy0Wneqlg3iVFXNTTIqzNH/s1600-h/IMG_5841[1]"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202269071552800034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWoHFkfeDCJDf0_tu6YJ0Cg99OJIqbmDVH2PJGdbFRMytMKRsVNOLarI_qDfZfdhXwRkryLMZe1sCUUfG3jxaeeQ2seqnRNDmBXAS8ll9YlSPAMIRy0Wneqlg3iVFXNTTIqzNH/s400/IMG_5841%5B1%5D" border="0" /></a> Bamboo Farm</div><div><br /><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>TNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09808435667602931442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10419986.post-65628213887846643242008-05-19T18:12:00.005-04:002008-05-19T21:38:51.128-04:00Developing Country ChecklistWe've been here almost 24 hours. Let's run through a few things that are standard when traveling to developing countries.<br /><br />1. Roosters - Of all of the places I've been I'm starting to believe that I pack the roosters in my bags. They were crowing this morning at the crack of dawn. Luckily I have a wise friend who told me to bring earplugs.<br /><br />2. Crazy driving with no rules - Lines mean little in places like this, however they do obey the traffic lights. But be careful crossing the street.<br /><br />3. Bars on windows - You just can´t capture the overall charm of bars on windows and doors on film. It´s something you must experience.<br /><br />4. Water - As is the case in most of the world, don´t drink water from the tap... not even to brush your teeth.<br /><br />5. Gracious hosts - I´m sure the first thing I will notice when I return is how unfriendly most Americans can be (and that probably applies to me too). Our hosts have been wonderful and the food has been great. Well I guess the best part is that I haven´t had to eat rice and beans... yet.<br /><br />Update...<br /><br />6. Taxi Drivers - They hoot for no apparent reason and the universal signal for turning is to wave your arm up and down out the window. <br /><br />7. OK - It truly is the most universal word in the world. Ok can get you a long way... but nodding and saying ok may lead you into trouble:)TNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09808435667602931442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10419986.post-55544774439651131692008-05-18T01:50:00.001-04:002008-05-18T01:51:41.694-04:00Tennis Bulldog from Xalapa, MexicoThe news aggregator just pulled up this article.<br /><br /><a href="http://media.www.redandblack.com/media/storage/paper871/news/2008/05/16/Sports/Mens-Tennis.Tops.Pepperdine.Faces.Ole.Miss.In.Quarterfinals-3372610.shtml#cp_article_tools">Men's tennis tops Pepperdine, faces Ole Miss in quarterfinals - Sports</a><br /><br />Check it out - Senior Luis Flores is from Xalapa, Mexico. The Dawgs beat Pepperdine to move to the round of 8 in the men's NCAA tennis tourney.<br /><br />Go Dawgs!!TNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09808435667602931442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10419986.post-37468193484330200282008-05-18T01:41:00.002-04:002008-05-18T01:46:23.118-04:00Leaving on a jet plane...So I think I'm done packing. I have to weigh my bags one more time. Everything fit and I still have room, I just don't want to pay for any overage on the weight of my bags. <br /><br />I'm a little nervous about telling people that I'm going to blog. There's actually pressure to write something and to write it well. I hope I can live up to the expectations.<br /><br />Here's the link to the UGA ISPO site that will give you some more <a href="http://www.uga.edu/internationalpso/mexico08.html">info about our trip to Xalapa</a>.<br /><br />We flight out tomorrow from ATL about 3. Hopefully I'll be able to check in to the internets on Monday.TNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09808435667602931442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10419986.post-16438875376322343992008-05-15T10:16:00.002-04:002008-05-15T10:18:08.425-04:00When will Saturday in Athens arrive?<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BkphvqdjuOc"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BkphvqdjuOc" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">107 Days...<br /></div>TNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09808435667602931442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10419986.post-53449065428887984642008-05-12T10:02:00.003-04:002008-05-12T10:16:49.124-04:00One week left and counting...I think I'm now about 6 days away from departure and I still need a few shots and to get some medicine. Hmm. This trip really snuck up on me. I've got some reading to do and I need to get a Spanish phrase book. Well at least I can tell people where I'm from and ask for the bathroom.<br />Needless to say it's another crazy week at work and a busy weekend again.<br />I'm also taking names of volunteers who want to help me pack.<br />I hate packing. I hate packing alot. This one time I was moving from Uganda back to America and I couldn't even deal with packing so my awesome room mate basically did it for me. I hate packing.TNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09808435667602931442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10419986.post-49839531953830121832008-05-01T14:58:00.004-04:002008-05-12T10:01:13.429-04:00So I'm heading South of the Border...I'm off to Mexico in a few weeks... So much to do and so little time. How does that always happen right before you leave the country? <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.visitxalapa.com/images/visitxalapa/xalapa_map.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.visitxalapa.com/images/visitxalapa/xalapa_map.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Stay tuned here for updates. I'm going to be using this site as a journal for my travel experiences and personal reflections of our cross cultural studies in Xalapa, Verecruz, Mexico.TNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09808435667602931442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10419986.post-1152194590341485462006-07-06T10:03:00.000-04:002006-07-06T11:02:09.013-04:00Georgia Sports Blog: What's YOUR record attending UGA games?My friends over at the <a href="http://georgiasports.blogspot.com">Georgia Sports Blog</a> have raised an interesting question. <a href="http://georgiasports.blogspot.com/2006/07/whats-your-record-attending-uga-games.html">What's YOUR record attending UGA games?</a><br />Let's see if I can calculate my record using the schedules provided at <a href="http://www.sicemdawgs.com/football/sched/fb_sch.php">www.sicemdogs.com</a><br /><br />1994 - 1-0<br /><br />1995 - 3-3<br />missed all away games + Peach Bowl<br /><br />1996 -3-3<br />Missed all away games<br /><br />1997 - 7-2<br />missed Vandy, Florida, Ole Miss<br /><br />1998 - 7-3<br />Missed Kentucky + Peach Bowl<br /><br />1999 - 6-1<br />Missed Vandy, Florida, Auburn, Ole Miss, Tech<br /><br />2000 - 0-0<br />Out of Country<br /><br />2001 - 1-2<br />Came home three days before Florida Game. Saw Florida, Auburn, Houston<br /><br />2002 - 13 - 1 (complete season)<br />First complete season and we won the conference!<br /><br />2003 -10 - 3<br />Missed Vanderbilt<br /><br />2004 -8 - 2<br />missed Arkansas and Kentucky<br /><br />2005 - 10-3 (complete season)<br />second complete season, second SEC Championship<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Georgia's record while I am in attendan</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">ce is 69 - 23 (.750)</span></span><br /><br />Bowl record - 5-1 (.833)<br /><br />Home record - 45 - 12 (.789)<br />Road record - 16 - 4 (.800)<br />Neutral site record - 8 - 7 (.533)<br /><br />That is much higher than I would have predicted. I think that just means that maybe the late 90's weren't as bas as I remembered because things are sooooooo good now. My record benefits from only being around for an abbreviated part of Donnan's 8 win years and only being in school for one year of Goff's reign of mediocrity and inconsistency.<br /><br />And as the GSB pointed out - my record is a direct reflection of this man's arrival:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/geo/sports/m-footbl/auto_wide/411352.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/geo/sports/m-footbl/auto_wide/411352.jpeg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />By the way - if any of these #'s are wrong it is because I suck at math.TNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09808435667602931442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10419986.post-1151507356906314952006-06-28T10:45:00.000-04:002006-06-28T11:16:42.036-04:00So I did it... I actually graduated.<div style="text-align: center;">I finished my master's degree last month. I turned in my last paper in June and it felt GREAT. I haven't received my diploma yet so I guess it isn't quite official. New Orleans is still a mess. I was really taken aback at some of the stuff I saw when I was there in May. I went twice and I got to see a lot of different parts of the city. I'll post some pictures so that you can see the city and the seminary.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6378/2773/1600/100_0283.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6378/2773/320/100_0283.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >The French Quarter looked fine. Lots of trash and a few less restaurants, but overall fine. The smell however has not gotten any better.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="font-style: italic;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6378/2773/1600/100_0271.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6378/2773/320/100_0271.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >I was driving over the twin spans and I knew something wasn't right, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it...Then I realized that most of the barrier wall on the west bound span was gone and had been replaced by concrete barriers.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6378/2773/1600/100_0273.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6378/2773/320/100_0273.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >The spray paint on the houses was still there. It was eerie. We couldn't figure out all of the codes, but it was a good indicator of the water line too. The higher up the paint, the higher up the water. </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6378/2773/1600/100_0295.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6378/2773/320/100_0295.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Pierre Masperos is a great place for lunch. I had the crayfish po'boy and it was GREAT! It's way better than Cafe Maspero on Decatur Street. So keep walking back towards Chartres and St. Louis.<br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6378/2773/1600/100_0316.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6378/2773/320/100_0316.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">This was a perfect New Orleans night. Can you believe this is Canal Street? There is still a lot of Post-Katrina damage to a lot of businesses on this street. The street car is running though - FEMA's paying :)</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6378/2773/1600/100_0365.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6378/2773/320/100_0365.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >This is Leavell Chapel - Post Katrina<br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6378/2773/1600/100_0375.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6378/2773/320/100_0375.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >That's me on graduation day.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;">I'll post some more pictures later.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div>TNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09808435667602931442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10419986.post-1141581173772218472006-03-05T12:52:00.000-05:002006-06-28T10:45:08.386-04:00Houston Wants Katrina Evacuees to Move On - Newsweek Gulf Hurricane 2005 Coverage - MSNBC.comI forgot to post this about three months ago. What can i say - life was crazy back then.<br /><a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11677333/site/newsweek/">Houston Wants Katrina Evacuees to Move On - Newsweek Gulf Hurricane 2005 Coverage - MSNBC.com</a><br /><br />I think that alot of these people are back in New Orleans now because t<a href="http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nation/4004700.html">hey just had to call the National Guard in.</a>TNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09808435667602931442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10419986.post-1141247117005718742006-03-01T16:05:00.000-05:002006-03-02T09:46:22.686-05:00Missions MisunderstoodI have taken up a new hobby lately. It happened by accident, but the more I dig and look the more I read. The more I read to more I want to keep reading. SO what is this new hobby you ask? Well I have discovered the world of reading other blogs that come from young leaders in the SBC. I will post the links to some of those blogs soon. I'm still searching and finding new ones almost daily. <br /><br />But for now I want you to check out this blog - <a href="http://missionsmisunderstood.blogspot.com/2006/02/you-know-what-your-problem-is.html#links">Missions Misunderstood.</a><br /><br />The post speaks to the sad state of missions right now. The people in power who control and send the missionaries are no longer interested in creating indigenious churches. They are interested in creating SBC megachurches overseas. Is that really the best way to start a true church planting movement? This missionary pleads for more "regular" people to come to the mission field. "It seems to me that the best way to avoid the influence of the American Christian religion and subculture on the churches we plant is to stop exporting it through our personnel." - WOW - It's true... some of the most effective people I knew on the mission field didn't come over as pastors or previous ministers. They were people who were businessmen and women who were completly engaged in the lives of the people that they were living among.TNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09808435667602931442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10419986.post-1141222603170049962006-03-01T09:16:00.000-05:002006-03-06T11:14:59.210-05:00iPod - what if it were marketed by Microsoft?<a href="http://tb.news.com/tb.cgi?__mode=list&tb_id=2061-11200_3-6044381&storytitle=What%20if%20Microsoft%20marketed%20the%20iPod?">Trackback | What if Microsoft marketed the iPod? | CNET News.com</a><br /><br />I'm a pretty big fan of my iPod. It makes the long trips much more bearable. I wish I would have gotten it sooner. It would have helped over the past three years that I have been commuting to ATL for class. I'm beginning to come around to Mac's and Apple in general. They seem to be much more appealing to my generation. Will I ever make the switch? I'm not sure.... but in the meantime check out the video linked above. It shows what a complete debacle the iPod would be if Microsoft got its hands on it. I really had to laugh when i watched this video. It is all sooo true!TNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09808435667602931442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10419986.post-1131978497853946462005-11-14T10:20:00.000-05:002005-11-14T11:26:23.783-05:00A Culinary Equivalent to Mount EverestI don't have many blog readers. Which is completely fine because I don't really post that much. But I wish I would have been blogging throughout this whole process. So first, let me describe the process. Last Saturday <a href="http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/uga/1105/14gafoot.html">Georgia played Auburn</a>. The game was in Athens and under the lights. It was our first true night game since Clemson 2002. By now we all know that Auburn won on the scoreboard, but they did not beat us. Georgia completely beat themselves. Well, it wasn't even the mistakes by the players that so much beat us. The players did what was asked of them. It is what was asked of them that was soooooo frustrating. Let me decipher...it was coaching... again.<br /><br />Prior to all of that excitement under the lights in Sanford stadium there was a GREAT tailgate at the coliseum. It was most of the usual suspects. But we had plenty of time to enjoy all aspects of the day. Now I know that the tailgate should never become more important than the game. If that ever happens I will hang my hat up. The focus is always what happens between the hedges.<br /><br />But this day was a special tailgate. With the help of a small village I was able to conquer my culinary Everest. So without any further adieu let me introduce the <a href="http://www.chefpaul.com/turducken.html">Turducken</a>. Another friend of mine had a nice preview of the <a href="http://georgiasports.blogspot.com/2005/11/this-weekends-tailgate-turducken.html#commentsl">turducken event</a>. It seemed as if the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turducken">turducken</a> was everywhere last weekend. It was on <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,175233,00.html">Fox News</a>, AIM.com and other news outlets. It was even a feature in the November issue of<a href="http://www7.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0511/feature7/index.html"> National Geographic.</a><br /><br />So I now present to you the turducken that will go down in history. After three days of preparation and 14 pages of instructions... I did it!!TNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09808435667602931442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10419986.post-1131981151797531152005-11-14T10:12:00.000-05:002005-11-14T10:12:31.806-05:00<a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/47/5844/640/deboned%20chicken.0.jpg'><img border='0' style='border:4px solid #000066; margin:2px' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/47/5844/400/deboned%20chicken.0.jpg'></a><br />It all started with a deboned chicken. I wish I could have had more pictures of the deboning process. Maybe I can get some at Thanksgiving. TNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09808435667602931442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10419986.post-1131980796330209772005-11-14T10:06:00.001-05:002005-11-14T10:06:36.330-05:00<a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/47/5844/640/deboned%20duck.jpg'><img border='0' style='border:4px solid #000066; margin:2px' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/47/5844/400/deboned%20duck.jpg'></a><br />A deboned duckTNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09808435667602931442noreply@blogger.com0