SURPRISE!: Hiking Adventure

What words can describe this weekend? Magical, humbling, connecting, natural and painful. Definitely can't forget painful. So painful in fact, I'm staring at a cold Sierra Nevada and a bottle of Aleve, hoping for the remedy to ease my sore limbs and back. Walking up and down a maze of foliage, roots and streams with a 30 pound pack weighing you down can really burn. 

The experience I received was well worth it. Torreya State Park offers intense trails running along Florida's largest river, the Apalachicola. I saw jagged cliffs, babbling creeks, and wild pines reaching to the heavens that opened up at night. I had never seen such an abundant amount of stars. The night even offered a glimpse of the cosmic dust that composes spirals in our stunning galaxy. 

My dog, Sky, seemed to enjoy the adventure. She was very anxious upon entering the trail, but seven miles of hiking brought her to a calm state. She earned the trail name, Poodle, for her lack of bravery and interest of the outdoors. I'm beyond excited to conquer new trails as I train for a week on the Appalachian. Bring it on Mother Nature!

SURPRISE!: Weekend Wedding Edition

Yowza! I haven't posted in weeks, but surprise! Two of my great friends, Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong (AKA Sam and Jessica) just got hitched this weekend. The wedding was flawless, and it was a great event that brought old friends together. I will forewarn readers, this is going to be a sappy post. This wedding stirred up some weird feelings. These emotions were comforting, yet unsettling, familiar, but strangely alien. My heart sank when Jessica, who was stunningly beautiful, began to speak her vowels. This was the moment where I truly realized that my two friends from high school were getting married. 

The ceremony sparked thoughts of the past and the future. I hope to find someone who I can really connect with. Someone who I can share my thoughts with. Someone who is beautiful on the outside, but more importantly, someone who is beautiful on the inside. 

I wish nothing but the best for you, Sam and Jessica. You, both, have a wild ride ahead of you, and I'm sure you will love every second of it.

I leave you with more sappiness. Enjoy!

Media Monday: The Expendables, A Storm of Swords, and Branding Intimacy

It's Monday night, and I'm already physically and mentally preparing myself for the weekend that's about to unfold. I'm seeing the Zac Brown Band on Friday. The following day is FL/GA, and if I can manage to get my shift covered on Monday, I'll be seeing The Expendables on Sunday. I've seen The Expendables three times already, but they get better every time. Worth it!

I finished reading the third installment, A Strom of Swords, of the A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin. This book blew me away. There's plenty of twists to keep the reader interested throughout the book. The epilogue left me craving more, and brings the plot down an entirely different road. I recommend picking up the books if you're a fan of the show. So, for this Media Monday, I decided to pick a quote from the book. Bran, the Broken, the Winged Wolf, the Prince of Winterfell (nerd moment) once said, "Old stories are like old friends. You have to visit them from time to time." There's so much truth to be found in this quote.

I found an interesting article on intimacy and advertising. The article delves into the notion that intimacy can provide opportunities for advertisers. Since I began to study advertising, I have agreed that proper promotion needs to have relatable, humanistic and moving content. I wanted to highlight the intimacy between driver and car when I developed a campaign aimed at multicultural millennials for Nissan in the National Student Advertising Competition. You may not think there's much of a bond between a person and a hunk of metal, but there is. The car buying experience really turns into an expression of the buyer's individuality. People look for a set of qualities such as the look, sound, technology and drive of a new automobile. Buyers tend to make a purchase that shows off their personality. Some drivers even give their car a name.

A Haunted Weekend

There's not a lot going on in Jacksonville this weekend. No music, no events, and a Jaguars bye week leave North Florida dry. There might be a little wave this weekend, but I'm more interested in some local haunted houses. I've heard these houses offer scares, thrills and excitement that will keep you up at night, which can always be cured with a little whiskey.

Night Terrors
Night Terrors, located on San Jose Blvd., has received excellent reviews. The attraction has been selected as one of America's best haunts by AmericasBestHaunts.com, which "was established to acknowledge the most superior haunted attractions in the United States." Night Terrors offers three haunted house attractions. In Outbreak you have to survive a zombie infection. Madhouse lets patrons tour an insane asylum. The Vacancy, a new attraction, is left as a mystery. For $25-$35, you can visit all three. Visit NightTerrorsHauntedHouse.com for more information.




Warehouse 31
Warehouse 31, located in St. Augustine, has awesome sponsors backing the production. Monster Energy Drink is Warehouse 31's main sponsor. Nothing like getting amped off some energy drinks, and getting scared shitless. Warehouse 31 offers three houses. Rigamortis takes patrons on a lovely walk through a field with monsters of all varieties escorting you along the way. Clown Nightmare has you put on 3D glasses to get personal with killer clowns in an abandoned fun house. The last house, Vertigo, leaves you feeling disoriented, and according to the Warehouse 31 Web site, "You will never know what lies ahead and the dizziness of this maze may make you sick." Visit Warehouse31.com for more information.

Media Monday: Phantogram, Spicoli, and Digital Luxury

Do you ever discover music, a band, or a song you just can't stop listening to? Phantogram has found its way to my iPod, and has been on repeat for a week straight. Sara Barthel is almost as stunningly beautiful as her voice, and she is incredibly talented at keyboard. Her counterpart, Josh Carter is an amazing guitarist, but I wish he refrained from singing. He's a dull light in the brilliance of Barthel. She is one of the sexiest performers I've discovered in awhile, and she looks fantastic in this video!

If you haven't seen the movie, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, I suggest you find the nearest Blockbuster that's still open, and make tonight a movie night. I was introduced to this movie in high school. After hundreds of viewings, I sadly can recite just about every one-liner this movie offers, and there's a plethora. Spicoli, easily the best character, once said, "All I need are some tasty waves, a cool buzz, and I'm fine." This quote comes in reply to the sugesstion that Spicoli needs a job, which is oddly relative to the point I'm at in life.

It's 2012, and it's clear that print media is becoming less prevalent in today's society. Consumers can read newspapers, magazines, even their favorite books using digital media. Computers, tablets and phones can bring almost every form of media right to the user. So, how much has the wealthiest indulged in the digital world. According to according to the Ipsos Media CT's 2012 Mendelsohn Affluent Survey, "Affluents' time online rose 14 percent in 2012 from 2011, as people spent more time doing things like social networking, shopping, using apps and playing games." This article by Adweek really breaks down the digital media usage by the wealthy: http://bitsylink.com/?XLAUS

Weekend Wonders

I felt like I hit a brick wall in the middle of exercising yesterday. Several hours of sitting in the Florida heat eventually rendered me useless at work. I'm sick, and not very stoked about the situation. There's too many awesome events blessing the Jacksonville area this weekend. I've already made plans to check out the Riverside Arts Market. My schedule for today includes overdosing on sleep, soup and green tea, so I can actually enjoy the weekend wonders. Here's some events you may want to check out:

Brew at the Zoo

Brew at the Zoo offers drinks, live music and local cuisine. This event is great! Eat, drink, and explore what the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has to offer. $75 tickets may be a little pricey, but the proceeds are dedicated to feeding the animals, and if you work the system you can have a LOT of drinks and food. The event takes place Friday from 7:00p to 10:00p.

Boobsapalooza 2012

Another epic event for an even better cause. Boobsapalooza invites you to enjoy ten bands at Lynch's Irish Pub. According to The Florida Times-Union, "proceeds will go to breast cancer research, to fund Bands Against Breast Cancer's education and outreach programs, and fund the Rick Wilson Memorial Mammogram Fund." Check it out on Saturday. The music starts at 12:00p.

EOTO

If you still have a craving for more live music after Boobsapalooza, you could walk down a block, and check out EOTO at Freebird Live. EOTO is comprised of Jason Hann and Michael Travis of the String Cheese Incident. But, this isn't your ordinary jam band. It sounds more like the Grateful Dead playing with the rhythmic sounds of an arcade. They play Saturday at 8:00p.

Media Monday: Chrome Privacy, The Imp, and The White Buffalo

Google is finally catching up in the realm of Web browsing. But, this news is not what advertisers want to hear. Google Chrome has decided to add 'Do Not Track.' The privacy feature informs advertisers to not record user data. The change will certainly make it difficult for advertisers to target specific audiences. According to PCWorld.com, "Ad networks and sites aren't required to comply, but several of them do, and the U.S. government is now pressuring more companies to play along, including Google." To read more, visit http://bitsylink.com/?KNOTY.

Movie quote time! Actually, today I'm using a quote from my favorite show, Game of Thrones. I've turned into a huge G.O.T. nerd. In fact, I plan to dress as Jon Snow for Halloween. I just need to find a Ygritte. Ladies, any takers? Here's the quote from another favorite character, Tyrion Lannister. Tyrion once said, "My brother has his sword, King Robert has his warhammer and I have my mind...and a mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone if it is to keep its edge. That's why I read so much Jon Snow." 

I end Media Monday with a new folk and country favorite, The White Buffalo! Why didn't I discover them before I went to Bonnaroo? 

SURPRISE!

The Jags lost yet again! At least I had a stellar weekend. Zach Deputy was phenomenal.

Zach Deputy and Color Me Rad

Great news for the Jacksonville music scene. Zach Deputy is coming to Freebird Live this Friday. I'm very tempted to buy tickets. Deputy is a phenomenal guitarist. He uses loops to create a one-man, funky, psychedelic and jammin' orchestra! Here's a little taste. I know you'll want seconds.

There's another weekend temptation! Color Me Rad 5k is taking place at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center. Tickets are already sold out, but I may try to work some magic, and hunt down a ticket. The race looks really fun. Runners race through clouds of neon color as they make their way to the finish line. Apparently there's a huge post-race party as well!

Makin' Up With Hiking

Compare Jacksonville sports from this week and last. It's enough to make me sick. Surf is garbage, the Jaguars are a joke, and there's just not much excitement going on. So, instead of dwelling on the lame week of sports that consumed Jacksonville, I'm looking forward to future outdoor adventures. My dad and I are planning a hiking trip somewhere in Florida. I want to investigate Big Shoals State Park. Did you know there's actually a class III rapid at the park? Check it out!

Looks like a fun kayaking adventure. This trail offers wildlife viewing, fishing, rafting, and it's a good start to Florida hiking season. I would love to test my outdoor knowledge on a two week hike in North Carolina. My family owns a mountain cabin there, and it's surrounded by trees, starry nights, lightning bugs and beautiful rivers. 

Media Monday: Goonies, Creative Sandbox, and The Avett Brothers

I'll begin this Music Monday with a movie quote from one of my childhood favorites, The Goonies. This movie was an inspiring film when I was young. What kid didn't want to go on an adventure, act like a pirate, beat the bad guys, and find buried treasure? The Goonies is a classic, and the quote I'm pulling from the movie is just as great! Mikey once said, "Goonies never say die!" I love that quote. It makes me feel like a rebel, an outsider, and ready to conquer the world.

Interesting news on the Google front. Ever heard of Google Creative Sandbox? It's awesome. From my understanding, it's a way for creative agencies to post the story behind campaigns. According to Adweek, "With Creative Sandbox, agencies can upload their work as well as case studies explaining the campaigns." It has already attracted over 55 agencies to showcase the creativity, work and planning it takes to develop a great campaign. To read more, visit http://bitsylink.com/?KMZSC.

I leave you with The Avett Brothers! They just released their brand new album, The Carpenter. I just bought the album, and already listened to it three times through. Personally, I think it's one of their best works. They're playing in Gainesville on October 25th, and you can bet I'm going!

SURPRISE!

The Jags lost, but that's no surprise. However, the Bonnaroo 2013 dates have been a released, and that is. Here's Carrie, the dancing dog, with the big reveal.

Root Beer Pulled Pork

It was a busy weekend. My mom drove up from Tampa for a visit, and to witness the Jags get destroyed. I also had to conduct a lifeguard training at work, which was a success, but I forgot to post for Food Friday. So, here is what you missed. This recipe is for root beer pulled pork sandwiches. These sandwiches are great for tailgating! You will need a slow cooker and these ingredients:

• 3 pounds of pork roast
• 1 cup diced sweet onion
• 2 tablespoons of minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 cup of Maggi: Sweet Chili Sauce
• salt and pepper
• 2 packs of King's Hawaiian sandwich buns 
• 5 cups of your favorite root beer

Start by trimming the fat off the roast. Once the fat is trimmed, sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper on all sides of the pork. 

In a sauté pan, drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Turn to medium heat. Add the pork, and brown all sides.

In your slow cooker, add 2 cups of root beer, 1 cup of diced sweet onion, 2 tablespoons of minced garlic, and the pork. Let the pork cook for nine hours on low.

To make the sauce, add 3 cups of root beer and 1 cup of chili sauce to a medium sized pan. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it begins to boil, lower the temperature, and simmer for one hour. Occasionally stir.

After one hour, remove the pan from heat, and set aside to cool down. Put the pan in a fridge once it has cooled.

After nine hours of cooking, remove the pork, and add into the sauce pan. Pull the pork apart with two forks. 

With a slotted spoon, scoop all the onions from the bottom of your slow cooker, and add to the pan. Mix the onions, sauce and pork until its evenly distributed. 

Finished! Now your're ready for some football.

Thinkin' Thursday: Terraforming Mars

Lifeguarding at a pool gives you a lot of time to think, and at five in the morning I tend to have VERY random thoughts. Luckily, I work with some of my best friends who actually encourage my pondering adventures. Let's take Tuesday morning for example. It's dark outside. You can see the stars perfectly. So what do I start thinking about? Outer space of course! I begin a conversation with a fellow guard that somehow leads to terraforming Mars.

I decided to do a little research when I arrived home. I discovered the terraforming of Mars is actually a hot subject. Type terraforming into a Google search, and "terraforming Mars" is the second keyword that appears. Who knew? So, according to Dictionary.com, terraforming means to "alter the environment of a celestial body in order to make capable of supporting terrestrial life forms." This process would take centuries to complete

The latest Mars rover is on a mission to discover if humanity can terraform Mars. There's certain requirements that need to be met to achieve this goal. According to io9.com, we must overcome the following challenges:

                                          1. The surface temperature must be raised

                                          2. The atmospheric pressure must be increased

                                          3. The chemical composition of the atmosphere must be changed

                                          4. The surface must be made wet

                                          5. The surface flux of UV radiation must be reduced

There's many theories and strategies on how these challenges will be realized. To read more on this interesting random thought visit http://bitsylink.com/?AYMVR. Here's a video of theoretical theorists, Michio Kaku, discussing the terraforming of Mars.

Jacksonville Events with Art and Punk

Other than the Jags game, which I'm going to, there's some interesting events occurring this week around the Jacksonville area. The Riverside Arts Market is taking place this Saturday from 10:00a to 4:00p. I've never attended the market, but from my understanding, it's good entertainment and even better people watching. You'll find little boutiques selling art, instruments, home decor, organic food and much more. There will be street performers and LOTS of hippies. It's definitely worth a check.

Another event taking place this weekend is the Amelia Island Blues Festival in Fernandina Beach. I'm a huge blues fan, and this festival looks really fun. The event will kick off at 5:00p on Friday, and will last all weekend. According to The Florida Times-Union, there will be "more than 10 performances including Beech Street Blues Band, The Nouveau Honkies & David Gerald Band." You can buy a three day pass to the event for $40 in advance.

One event I'll be missing, unfortunately. Guttermouth, an early '90s punk band, will be playing Jack Rabbits this upcoming Monday on September 17. This band reminds me of high school, skateboarding, inside anarchy jokes and mosh pits. I still blast them in my car on a regular basis. If you ever grew up with a little rebellious nature, or still feel like a punk, then it's definitely worth a check. Tickets are only $13 dollars. The venue is small, VERY local, but has a homely vibe to it. Enjoy this video!

Nexstar Interview

I had an interview today with Nexstar Broadcasting Group, Inc. The interview went as smooth as butter. I should be receiving a call next week to come back and meet the director. Hopefully I'm offered a job. Here's a photo of professional me. 

Hurricane Leslie

This last week was tubular for sure! Jacksonville Beach was hit with head high swell thanks to sweet Leslie. Her gracious gift let me surf for three days straight, and it was a blast. I definitely caught some of the best waves I've had all summer. Tasty nugs! Leslie was such a blessing, it even caught the attention of Transworld Surf. Zander Morton claimed Leslie provided "a never ending buffet of barrels" fot the East coast. I now have an ear infection from being in the water so much, but it was well worth it.  Here are some pictures provided by Void Magazine.

I think a Jags win would have been the only thing that could have made last week flawless. My blood pressure was way too high watching them play the Vikings. The Jags played decent. I was actually impressed with quarterback, Blaine Gabbert. I just wish the receivers were more on point. Redemption is this Sunday in Jacksonville against the Texans. I'm going to the game, so the Jags better not disappoint. If I'm "all in," then they should be too!

Structure

It's been a crazy few weeks. On August 3rd, 2012, I graduated from the University of North Florida. Swoop! I moved into a new apartment as well, which I've been enjoying thoroughly. Living by myself has been sweet bliss, but I hate to say I've put responsibility on the back-burner. After ending five years of college it's easy to lose track of what's important. My blog has clearly been neglected, so I've decided to add a little structure! Every weekday I will post on specific topics. So, here is the weekly schedule:

Media Monday: Movie quotes, media and music!

Tubular Tuesday: Sports, outdoor activities, and all things tubular.

Wicked Wednesday: Jacksonville events that are worth attending.

Thinkin' Thursday: Most likely random thoughts. Might be scary.

Food Friday: Food, food and more food.

Surprise Saturday and Sunday: It's a surprise! I can't ruin it.


Might as well catch up on lost time. Let's dive into Media Monday with a movie quote. How about a little inspiration from my favorite green Jedi. Master Yoda once said, "Try not. Do. Or do not. There is no try." This quote can't be more relative for me. I'm at the stage of my life where there is no more trying, just doing.

I thought it would be interesting to highlight social media and how it affects politics. I believe the upcoming election will be greatly determined by social media. Charlie Warzel, writer for AdWeek would agree. According to Warzel, journalists are using Twitter, now more than ever, to follow the political spectrum. Warzel writes, "newsrooms across the country have bent to the social network's will." You can read more about social media and politics at http://bitsylink.com/?CTXII.

I leave you with this live video of Sleigh Bells from The Terminal. They rock, and Alexis Krauss is smoking. Enjoy!

Olympic Advertising

I couldn't agree more with Forbes.com with their opinion of the "Cadillac ATS vs The World" commercial. I've always looked at Cadillacs as a car my grandma would drive. My opinion may have changed when I saw this commercial during the Olympics opening ceremony. The ad begins like an adventure documentary, but the audience will later discover it's a showcase for the performance of the Cadillac ATS. Two drivers test the ATS as they blaze down a road, if that's what you want to call it. This road looks more like a roller coaster ride from hell to me, as it snakes its way down a very tall canyon. 

The ad really delivered an edgier message, and it appears others agreed. According to Forbes.com, "Shopping on Edmunds.com for the Cadillac ATS, albeit from a small base, soared 351 percent after the first 60-second commercial aired during the opening ceremony." This incredible statistic proves the power of intelligent, creative and emotional advertising. 

Back to Square One

I had a blast this weekend at the SOJA show. Those guys put on a stellar performance. The day after the show I fell back to reality as I considered how close my college graduation and move out date is. This time in my life reminds of how I felt right before college, days away from leaving where I had lived all my life, knowing a new chapter was soon to begin. It's stressful to think about some of the inevitable life changes coming my way, but I'll always approach great challenges with even greater determination and positive thinking. Here's a little taste of the music I witnessed this weekend!

SOJA Sunday

The next few days are going to be filled with music, changes and gloriousness. I'm seeing SOJA on sunday and graduate next Friday. Woo!

The Evolution of Bruno Littlemore by Benjamin Hale

I just finished reading The Evolution of Bruno Littlemore, the first novel written by Benjamin Hale, and I must say this book was one the most well written, thought provoking and entertaining novels I have read in a long time. The book’s protagonist, Bruno Littlemore, is a chimpanzee born in captivity at the Chicago Zoo. Linguistic researchers from the University of Chicago pick Bruno to be studied. The plot truly begins to take root when Bruno, who desperately desires to be human, falls in love with the assistant researcher, Lydia Littlemore. Bruno eventually learns to speak the English language, and dives into the human world. After a series of dramatic twists of love, cruelty, death, and even murder, Bruno finds himself at odds with his newfound identity. He sees life, as a human, to be filled with wonders like art, music, literature, theater and love, yet overshadowed by hate, ignorance and cruelty. The story questions the very definition of what it means to be human. I will warn readers that are easily offended or insular; this may not be the book for you. Readers may also want to have a dictionary on hand, as this book is filled with a challenging vocabulary. The Evolution of Bruno Littlemore is an excellent novel, and I highly recommend the read.

The Importance of DoubleClick

Using search engines like Yahoo!, Google or Bing allows web surfers to find what they’re looking for with the click of a mouse. Type the word that describes your search, click enter, and the Internet opens up. Modern technology has enabled these engines to use searches as an advertising tool. Type in “gardening” and one is sure to find several advertisements for gardening products and a list of related websites. A big push for this merge of advertiser and search engine occurred in 2007 when Google bought DoubleClick. DoubleClick provides ad serving. What is ad serving? Ad serving is “the act of serving, or delivering, ads to websites” (Kinnier, 2007). There are two products ad serving offers, publisher and advertising-agency. Ad serving helps publishers decide when and where to place an advertisement on websites. If one is using a search engine to find a new bicycle, the search engine will display a list of related websites. DoubleClick will help publishers find the most appropriate time and place to put their ad on one of those sites. For advertising-agencies, DoubleClick helps track the effectiveness of the agency’s ads. This function is crucial, as “real-time performance reporting enables advertisers and agencies to change the content, and timing of ads almost on the fly” (Kinnier, 2007). DoubleClick was valuable to Google for many reasons. DoubleClick allows Google to have a productive advertising system. Advertising agencies can use Google to promote products in an efficient way, while keeping track of how effective those promotions are. Everyone benefits from this system. Google attracts more advertisers, advertisers have productive promotions, and consumers receive an easier way to find what they’re looking for. Since 2007 more search engines have adopted similar systems to DoubleClick, because of Google’s huge success.


Source:
Kinnier, A. (2007, June 26). [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2007/06/why-were-buying-doubleclick.html

Andrew Hem: Do Not Neglect the Art

I just realized I've neglected one of the key components of my blog, art. In fact, the last time I wrote about art was over two months ago. It's time get back up to speed! Art is something that has always inspired me, art has brought me to new worlds, art has made me question, art is something I can never neglect. The next artist I would like to share is Andrew Hem. He is a wonderful painter who embodies the uncertainty of my generation into every one of his works. His art focuses on vibrant characters with their own story, their own irresolution, walking on their own path. I feel a strong connection with his work, especially in my stage of life. I hope you enjoy my favorite pieces by this magnificent artist, Andrew Hem, as much as I do. Please take a gander on his website at http://www.andrewhem.com/.

Beginning of an era

Make the best of things

End of the tunnel

Get right back up

This road gets harder

Facebook Focuses on Mobile Advertising

For all of you mobile Facebookers, get ready to start seeing some serious advertising on your feed. According to Reuters.com, "Facebook is making it easier for advertisers to reach the growing ranks of users on smartphones and mobile devices, taking a significant step toward addressing one of investors' most pressing concerns and broadening its appeal to marketers.” Facebook recently went public in the market, allowing for stock trading. Clearly social media and smart phones are on the rise. Add advertising to the equation, and companies have the potential to reach LOTS of consumers. This move by Facebook seems like an attempt to increase market shares, and entice more advertisers to their social media outlet. Certainly, focusing more on mobile advertising will help Facebook reach out to companies and buyers. Read the full article on Facebook's move at http://bitsylink.com/?EUGJQ.

Sky is the Limit

Just surfed for the second day in a row, and it has given me much love for where I am physically and mentally. I only have one month until I graduate from UNF! I'm so pumped up to see what happens after. There are so many things to look forward to. I feel determined, focused and ready for new challenges. With a recent triathlon under my belt, I have begun training for the Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon. Crazy, I know! This recent craving for exercise has given me goals, and a feeling of health, energy and a new perspective on life. Besides working toward success both in work and athletics, I have planned several fun events for the near future. After graduation I'm spending some time in the Appalachian Mountains, either on the trail or in my family's cabin. This time will be spent relaxing, and reflecting on the past 23 years of my life and the many years to come. One event I'm exuberant for is the Rebelution, The Expendables, and Passafire show at the St. Augustine Amphitheater on August 19. Three of my favorite bands at one show means for an epic time. Another great band, SOJA, is playing at Mavericks in the Jacksonville Landing on July 29. So far it's been an awesome summer filled with surf, music, opportunity and life changes. I'm even pondering on the idea of getting a tattoo (hope my mom doesn't read this), the title of this slide is a big hint of what it might be. But, that's where my mind is. So much can happen in the next stage of my life, the sky truly is the limit!

 

Oh Snap! A Snapper Recipe

 Here's another recipe for those that appreciate seafood. This recipe is healthy, tasty, and packs a punch. Here's what you need.

• Pitted and chopped green olives
• Cherry tomatoes
• Fresh parsley
• 1 lime
• Olive oil
• Fresh jalapeños
• 1 snapper filet

Start off by getting your grilled or oven fired up. You want to reach a temperature around 400 degrees. While things are heating up, marinate the snapper. I prefer Tobago Keys Peruvian Sauce. 

Let's get chopping. I used about five green olives that were already pitted, five tomatoes, one jalapeño, and a pinch of fresh parsley. Dice and slice until you have a medley of ingredients.

Put your chopped ingredients into a bowl, adding juice from your lime

Spread a sheet of tinfoil, and place your fish. Top with your salsa creation, and loosely wrap. If you're using an oven, place the filet on a baking sheet instead of tinfoil. 

By now the grill or oven should bet hot. Place your fish on the cooking grates.

After about 20 minutes your meal should be ready. Take the fish out of the grill or oven, and dig in,

I Never Quit

I finally raced in the Never Quit triathlon after three months of rigorous training. It was a fun, exciting and challenging. Windy and rainy, the weather was definitely against me that day. Jacksonville Beach lifeguards actually cancelled the 500 yard swim, because the ocean looked more like a giant washing machine. To suffice for the swim, the Never Quit managers decided to have racers run an extra half mile in knee deep water, barefoot! Keep in mind this took place directly after a 5k run. To finish the race I had to endure the punishment of the surf in a 1.5k surfboard paddle. This event turned out to be the most challenging due to the unfavorable conditions. In the end, I finished in little over an hour, and ahead of most racers. Here's a little taste.

Try our slideshow creator at Animoto.

Bonnaroo 2012: Top Five

I don't know why I've been torturing myself by watching this year's Bonnaroo performances on YouTube. Lack of funds, an advancing graduation, and an internship have kept me away from one the greatest music orgies this world could ever witness. Yea, I said it, music orgy. That's exactly what Bonnaroo is; great music colliding, partying and getting freaky! Watch out Bonnaroo 2013, because if I land a big boy job you can bet I'll be returning to the farm with style, cash and an RV. Until then, I will be watching these five performances religiously on YouTube, because in my opinion, they display the best of what I missed this year. Enjoy!

#1: Radiohead

#2: Phish


#3: Mogwai


#4: The Avett Brothers


#5: The Shins

Weekend of Joy!

Last weekend was insane! It started with "Dancing in the Streets" in Atlantic Beach. I had an excellent time beach cruising, perusing and dancing. Oh yes! I danced my ass off with the encouragement of a few margaritas. I met a very beautiful and nice lady who was definitely skilled in dancing... we danced... it was awesome. On Monday I witnessed one of the greatest shows of my life. Flogging Molly played at Mavericks. There, I was moving to a different tune, and that tune was aggressive Irish punk. Needless to say, I moshed for about half of their set. It was a freaking fantastic night! The only complaint I had was the feeling I experienced the following day. I felt like I had been ran over by a truck. Random bruises, random aches, but well worth it. Here's a little taste of my experience.

Falafel Chicken and Hummus Slaw

I have another delicious recipe that deserves to be tried at least once. It's on the wholesome side, so all the health freaks will love this one. Here's what you'll need:

• 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 1 1/4 pounds)
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup falafel mix
• A pack of pre-sliced whole wheat pitas
• 6 tablespoons hummus
• 1 lemon
• 4 cups shredded coleslaw mix
• 6 radishes
• 1 cup fresh parsley

Begin by slicing down the middle of each chicken filet. Each cut should make 1/4 inch thick strips.

Place the strips of chicken in a large bowl, and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1/2 cup of falafel mix. Time to get your hands dirty! Mix the concoction so the chicken is completely coated.

Let's get chopping! Take your parsley, and chop it up until you have enough to fill 1 cup.

Not done with the chopping knife just yet. Halve your your 6 radishes, and dice thin.

Time to bring that lemon into the equation. Use a cheese grater to obtain your lemon zest.

Go ahead and turn your oven on. Preheat until it reaches 425 degrees (American Style)! Use canola oil to grease a baking sheet, and place in the oven while it preheats.

While the oven is getting hot and ready, scoop 6 tablespoons of hummus, and place in a large bowl. Squeeze your lemon so its tangy juices fall into the bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of water. I also like to add a pinch of red cayenne pepper. Save 2 tablespoons of the sauce, keep to the side.

Now add your parsley, lemon zest, radishes and coleslaw so that a medley of deliciousness is created. Go ahead, mix the ingredients, let them mingle. 

Keep your hummus slaw off to the side. By now your oven should be at 425 degrees. Place your chicken strips on the sheet, and cook for 10 minutes.

After 10 minutes your falafel chicken should be cooked. Place the strips on a plate, and drizzle them with the 2 tablespoons of sauce.

Finally, take your pitas, and stuff them with as much hummus slaw and falafel chicken as you can. You're ready to dig in!