Yesterday was the Fourth of July. Which aside from meaning that today is the fifth of July, means that yesterday was a day set aside to celebrate America’s independence from the occupying British forces.
That independence from British rule established principles regarding life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
As part of my pursuit of happiness this year I took part in a trio of All-American festivities. At the time I woke up I was only planning to partake in one American tradition but as the day wore on I soon added a pair more to my original plan.
For nearly a century people have been eating Nathan’s Hot Dogs on the Fourth of July. Of course some people end up eating way more than others. Photo R. Anderson
The first tradition I took part in was eating a Nathan’s hot dog on the fourth of July.
For about a century now Coney Island, New York has hosted the Nathan’s Famous July Fourth International Hot Dog Eating Championship.
And while competitors come from nations all over the world the item remains All-American in that it occurs on July 4th.
For much of the past five years or so Thursday nights have been bowling night for me.
I have tried other sports through the years and despite the lasting sting of being cut from my high school bowling team as a freshmen bowling seems to be the one that stuck and was also the one I went back to after each of my stints attempting other sports.
The epic struggle of man and woman versus pins takes place daily at bowling alleys across the world. Photo R. Anderson
My first foray into team sports was a couple of seasons on the Gaithersburg, MD Recreation League soccer circuit. I enjoyed the strategy of the game and the cat and mouse dynamic between the goalie and the strikers trying to score.
Okay, to be honest I was like 4 or 5 when I played soccer and I basically just remember the half time orange wedges.
I also remember that in two years of playing the only time my team scored a victory was on Father
Recently it was announced that the Food Network was cutting ties with personality Paula Deen in response to a deposition she gave where she admitted to using a certain word in the past.
The word in question was uttered several decades ago, yet the fallout was swift in the part of the Food Network despite Deen stating that she no longer uses the word and has not since it was deemed offensive.
Lost in the debate is the fact that the word is still widely used without any penalties on one side of the tracks yet it is considered career suicide to use it on the other.
Vocabulary needs to be either for all or for none. There cannot be words that only certain members of society can freely use and others cannot.
Dictionaries like this one do not include sections limiting words to people who look a certain way and neither should society. Photo R. Anderson
In terms of this particular word I personally think that it should not be used at all due to the offensive nature of it. To say that a word is only offensive when uttered by people who look a certain way does not work.
As a journalist I am a huge fan of the First Amendment and related freedom of speech clause contained therein. Without that freedom the job of the press would be greatly impacted. But of course that freedom does not encompass all language and does not mean a freedom from reaction to the words spoken. We have the freedom to say things but others have the freedom to react either favorably or negatively to what is said with that freedom.
Following the announcement of Deen losing her Food Network position, countless fans have rallied to her side and protested the decision.
About this time last week I was able to do something that I had never done before.
It was not that I had never wanted to do this particular thing. In fact I had often thought about how fun it would be to try.
Still despite my best efforts and desires I had never found myself with the opportunity to grill my own dinner.
Of course I have cooked my own dinner numerous times and actually enjoy coming up with new creations but the pivotal manly event of cooking over either a propane or charcoal grill with visible flames had eluded me.
Early attempts at fire starting proved difficult to say the least. Photo R. Anderson
I mean some people would say that guys are born to grill from the womb with generations of instincts rattling around through them dating back to the first fire discovering cave men.
Others might think that a man of my age who had never actually harnessed those generations of innate fire cooking skills is not really living up to their full manly potential.
It is hard to say how it is that I got so far in life without ever being head griller. There were just always others around who would do the cooking.
And of course apartment living did not always make for the best open flame situations so I did get to be quite good at George Foreman Grill cooking.
In the spirit of full disclosure I had cooked over an open flame before with Smores and campfire hot dogs but I am talking about never firing up the grill and having an honest to goodness All American barbecue where it is man versus grill.
Of course as is often the case one needs to be careful what they wish for.
While burgers, steaks and other red meat delights tend to be the go to carnivorous treats for cooking over open flame, my grilling debut experience included jumbo shrimp and fish fillets.
As they say about what to do when in Rome, it seemed more fitting for seafood grilling when overlooking a pool and hearing the sounds of the waves of the Gulf of Mexico.
Knowing that the shrimp were likely so fresh that they were still swimming and doing what shrimp do a day ago was also a bonus to the entree choice.
Through trial and errors, and the right charcoal, fire finally arrived. Photo R. Anderson
Of course, fresh seafood can be way less forgiving on a grill than say a huge hunk of meat.
So I knew that my seafood would require constant supervision and a keen eye to avoid it getting too rubbery or over cooked.
What I did not know was how difficult it would be to get the all-important cooking flame going at the start of the process.
While I had witnessed many a time on the grill this was my first attempt at actually starting the fire making process.
So armed with charcoal and an Aim in Flame I went down to the grill to get the fire started.
Now in my mind I pictured a quick shot of the Aim in Flame followed by glorious full spreading fire that would be the start of the process.
I have never had much luck with using paper matches. Not sure why that is but they always seem to give me fits. So with the Aim in Flame I knew the spark to start the fire would likely not be an issue.
Unfortunately the charcoal I had to work with was the non-presoaked kind so it involved lighter fluid as well as spark.
After numerous attempts to get the full range of charcoal burning and applying copious amounts of lighter fluid I just could not get the full glorious flame that I had seen in my previous observations of grilling.
Fish on the grill waiting for the shrimp to join it. Photo R. Anderson
After switching to presoaked charcoal though I was able to get the flame going and was one step closer to putting the food on the cooking surface.
Once the charcoal turned a lovely shade of gray it was time to foil up the cooking surface and place the Old Bay seasoned food upon it.
Just for the record Old Bay goes great on pretty much everything.
Of course I forgot another crucial step in the cooking delicate seafood on foil approach and that was the use of non-stick cooking spray.
Growing up I did not see a lot of non-stick cooking spray used so it did not really dawn on me that things could stick.
So, some of the seafood stuck to the foil and some of it did not.
Then when it came time to flip the items over for even cooking it became clear to me that I was missing the crucial grilling tongs and other utensils that are often found where grilling is taking place.
So instead of longer tongs with insulated handles I was forced to use regular all metal kitchen tongs which had me closer to the fire than I would have liked.
Editor’s Note: As the first week of hurricane season is upon us we at Triple B have decided to dedicate this week to the three phases of the storm, before it arrives, its arrival, and the aftermath following its departure. While this information is mostly geared to residents of coastal states in the path of storms we encourage all of our readers to learn about the three phases of the storm. Today let us turn our attention to what happens once the storm arrives.
During a hurricane there are two types of residents. Those who are riding the storm out in their homes and those that went elsewhere during the brunt of the storm.
As a rule of thumb I tend to ride out any storm lower than a category 3. Storms larger than that and I will be one of the first ones pointing my car to dry land.
For those who stay behind the roads can be hauntingly quiet with the exception of emergency vehicles and others who have to be out on the roads.
Editor’s Note: As the first week of hurricane season is upon us we at Triple B have decided to dedicate this week to the three phases of the storm, before it arrives, its arrival, and the aftermath following its departure. While this information is mostly geared to residents of coastal states in the path of storms we encourage all of our readers to learn about the three phases of the storm. Today let us turn our attention to what to do before the storm arrives.
As I have mentioned before I would much rather face a hurricane than a tornado any day of the week.
That is not to say that I want to experience either. But given the choice of the two, hurricanes are preferred in that they allow more time to prepare people and property prior to their arrival.
The time to prepare for a hurricane is long before the first rain bands hit. Photo R. Anderson
For the most part residents in the path of a storm will know days in advance of the likelihood of their being impacted by the storm through computer modeling and tracking.
It should be noted that the tracking models from various agencies around the world do not always agree on the path of the storm which leads to models showing a variety of impact zones.
These impact zones are than tabulated to create a cone of uncertainty where the center of the storm is most likely to arrive. Of course depending on the size of the storm, impacts can be felt for hundreds of miles away from that landfall area where the eye touches dry land first.
Once a storm is predicted to hit a certain region the residents spring to action and buy up all of the water and other supplies that they can get their hands on.
Of course, one does not need to wait until a storm is barreling towards them to get their supplies. In fact it is best to get the Hurricane kits made early in the season so that in the event that a storm if approaching time can be used for securing property and planning an evacuation from the path of the storm as needed.
So what should a good hurricane kit include?
While each kit can be tailored to the person making it a general list of items to include in a hurricane kit includes a first aid kit, water, supplies, documents, clothing, and of course food. The general rule is that the kit should allow enough supplies to last three days.
Let’s look a little more into each of the areas, shall we?
The American Red Cross recommends a first aid kit for both home and car ahead of the arrival of a hurricane. Photo R. Anderson
First Aid Kit: A first aid kit for both car and home is a good rule of thumb. The kits should include prescriptions, band-aids, antibiotic ointment, alcohol wipes, bandages, gauze, tape, pain relievers, antihistamines, latex gloves, safety pins, tweezers, aspirin, antacids, a towel, Calamine lotion for insect bites, insect repellent, tissues, and sunscreen. As water is a major component of Hurricanes the kits should be placed in water proof containers to protect them.
Water: The American Red Cross and other agencies recommended having one gallon of water per person per day. Half of the water is used for drinking with the rest being available for hygiene.
Supplies and Tools: A fully charged cell phone and flashlight will be useful in the event of electricity going out. Having a car charger for the cell phone is also worth packing. A battery powered radio with plenty of spare batteries is also a good thing to have in order to hear updates and instructions that may come across the airwaves.
Plenty of flashlights and batteries can shed light on dark days after a storm knocks out power. Photo R. Anderson
Do not assume that there will be power and cable service. It is best to hope for the best but prepare for the worst.
Tis the season when new graduates of all shapes and sizes will enter the world. Some will enter the workforce and start the task of paying off student loans that are in some cases way more than what their incomes of their chosen fields will cover. Others will continue adding to those student loans by going to graduate school or culinary school or any other thing with school in the title to delay the clock on paying off those student loans.
For others this is the time to graduate from high school and start the journey to college and the accumulation of those aforementioned student loans.
Although it is season for commencement addresses for some reason no one asked me to give a a speech to any graduating classes this year.
Of course truth be told that has been the case for many years but that is certainly not for lack of trying on my part.
It is the time of year where students of all ages will be sporting graduation bling like this medal. Photo R. Anderson
Ever since my high school graduation I have thought that it would be nice to help send a graduating class off into uncharted waters armed with my words of wisdom and encouragement.
Commencement speakers hold a special place in the memories of graduates and I have wanted to add my name to that fraternity of memorable speakers.
Why I remember my commencement speaker in college just like it was yesterday. I mean, I remember what he looked like, and some of what he said. I am sure if I dug up my commencement program I could find his name.
So I wanted to be that person that students look back on with fond memories of inspirational words.
During my career working at a college I attended many graduations. I served as the official photographer for several of them. I even attended graduations inside a state prison which I must say is a rather interesting occurrence as one might expect. Still despite my waiting in the bullpen to step up if the speaker had to cancel for illness or inability to fit into their gown my number was never called.
In the event that my number was called I envision a typical conversation of people reflecting on those inspirational words going something like this.
Chad: Boy, that was such a good speech that old what’s his name gave at our graduation.
Tad: We had a speaker at our graduation?
Okay, so the commencement speaker is not remembered by everyone. I think part of that has to do with graduation caps cutting off blood flow to the brain. I have no proof of this, but it is a pretty logical explanation if you ask me.
Once one graduates from college they are often bombarded with requests to “give back” to their alma mater’s annual fundraising campaigns. A small price to pay for a diploma I suppose. Photo R. Anderson
Still, despite the short term memories of graduates, I thought for sure that this would be the year that I would get the call to share my insights with graduating seniors. Speaking at my alma mater’s graduation was ruled out this year when President Bill Clinton accepted the gig but surely there were other colleges that needed a speaker who would work for an honorary degree and sugar cookies.
Alas the phone did not ring and I was left with a speech and no audience to hear it.
No worries though I will just share a version of my remarks dedicated for pomp and circumstance here. Of course, this is the abridged non sugar cookie and honorary degree version. I need to leave something out just in case I get called to the big time.
So without further adieu here goes.
Students you are to be commended for your efforts in reaching this momentous occasion of (high school, college, preschool) graduation.
Looking out at all of your caps and gowns I am reminded how silly people look in caps and gowns. I mean seriously who came up with the idea of dressing up like Supreme Court justices as a way to commemorate graduation?
This day marks the end of one chapter of your life and the beginning of another chapter.
Hopefully the next chapter will not be like the last chapter of a John Grisham book though. I mean is it just me or does he totally lose steam in the closing chapters of all of his books and sort of just phones in the ending?
Enough about John Grisham and his limp final chapters. You have the whole world at your fingertips and it is finger lickin’ good.
Now is the time of your lives where you can have experiences that will last a lifetime.
Don’t be afraid to step out on limbs occasionally and try new things. While the limbs will sometimes break, they will usually just bend.
Never say, “I’ll never go to Graduate School so it doesn’t matter what my GPA is.” Graduate School shows up when you least expect it and yes they do care about grade point average.
So hats off to the graduating class of (insert year and school name).
In conclusion remember that life is a highway and you want to ride it all night long. No wait, those are the lyrics to a really bad song.
Let me try again. Life is like a box of chocolates…no that isn’t quite right either.
Anyway, in conclusion, I guess it is good that no one asked me to give a commencement address this year.
I will be ready next year though so be sure to book my services early.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a speech to write and sugar cookies to eat.
It has been said that when life hands you lemons you should make lemonade.
Of course, there are many kinds of lemonade. There is yellow lemonade, pink lemonade and my personal favorite the Arnold Palmer kind which combines lemonade with one of my drinks of choice iced tea.
As refreshing as an ice cold Arnold Palmer would be right now, this is not a column on summer beverage choices. Instead, this is a column on Space Center Houston getting some gently used aerospace related items that it hopes will prove popular with the locals and tourists alike.
But before we get into the new items coming to town, we need to look at some history that got them in this position.
Space Shuttle Endeavour atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft at Ellington Field Houston on its way to retirement in California. Photo R. Anderson
Once upon a time there was a Space Shuttle that flew missions to low Earth orbit for 30 years.
After flying 135 missions from 1981 to 2011 the Space Shuttle Program ended when “wheels stop” was called in the early morning hours of July 21, 2011.
Upon retirement of the Space Shuttle Program, the surviving orbiters were sent to various museums across the country to inspire future generations on the joys of space travel, etc.
As someone whose own sense of inspiration regarding space travel was emboldened by seeing artifacts of the Apollo Program at the Air and Space Museum and other locations, I am a firm believer in the role that museums play in sparking imagination.
Early on in the process, certain front runners emerged for the final resting places for the vehicles. In the game of shuttle musical chairs there were way more suitors than available Shuttles to go around.
Although five Space Shuttles in total were built, at the time of the Program’s end, only Atlantis, Discovery and Endeavour remained since Challenger and Columbia were lost along with their seven member crews in 1986 and 2003, respectively.
It was a given that the Smithsonian
Observations from the cheap seats, the beach seats and everywhere in between
