Monday 12 October 2009

My first published article!




From the Union Jack News (www.ujnews.com), here is my book review of Stephen Rea's latest book!



By Guest Reviewer/Laurel Meadows

WHEN regular reviewer Karen O’Keefe received Stephen Rea’s book Finn McCool’s Football Club: The Birth, Death and Resurrection of a Pub Soccer Team in the City of the Dead, she immediately judged the book by its cover and assumed it was about football. As Karen has no interest in football, American or The Beautiful Game, she promptly mailed Rea’s book to me, a card-carrying Pompey supporter.

Rea’s book grabbed me from the opening paragraph, with its first-hand accounts of surviving Hurricane Katrina and its terrible aftermath. The book may begin with a hurricane, but the real story does not.

Imagine, if you will, moving to a new home in a new country with your new wife. Now imagine that you have chosen to move to a city that is arguably the most difficult to outgrow being an “outsider.” After freelance writer Stephen Rea had travelled the world a bit, and was ready for a change, he and his wife Julie packed up and moved to New Orleans. That is where the real story begins. Rea and his wife have come to remember those early days as “the good ’ol days” in comparison with what was to follow.

After leaving Rea’s native Northern Ireland, he and his “ever-chilled” (as in “pass me another jumper”) wife Julie, settled in New Orleans, a city they had both visited, but one in which they had never lived. While Julie started a new job, Stephen worked on writing a comedic novel set in The City of the Dead, completing 100,000 words.

But, he realized, something was missing: friends. Getting a bit of cabin fever, he succumbed to the call of his lifelong passion: football. Finding an “over 40s” team was difficult, but eventually Rea succeeded. His new team’s routine was simple: show up to pitch, play game, and leave pitch until next practice. There was none of the good-natured banter and camaraderie he was used to back home.

Although Rea had not wanted to fall back on the ubiquitous Irish Pub, he found himself at Finn McCool’s Irish Pub, a bit of home in New Orleans. Everyone was welcome there, no matter which colours they wore. Even better, Finn’s was starting a football club... for “Over 40s”... an answer to Rea’s prayer.

Time passed, and Finn’s Football Club (FC) was days away from its first real match when Katrina began its rainy approach. Although they watched the news with the rest of us, they, like the rest of us, thought the storm would pass without much fanfare. Obviously they, like the rest of us, were sorely mistaken.

The close-knit mates of Finn McCool’s FC rode out Katrina, some in Houston, some still in New Orleans. Although Rea’s book has football as a continuing thread, it’s not a football book. Although Hurricane Katrina is a strong player, Rea’s book is also not another depressing “I survived the Mother-of-all-Hurricanes” book. It is a book about friends and friendships new, old, and undiscovered. And it’s about what is important in life. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, as will you. And Karen is now sorry she judged this book by its cover.

About the Author: Stephen Rea has been a freelance writer for the past 20 years. He owned a travel agency in Northern Ireland for 12 years, giving him the opportunity to travel to all seven continents, all 50 US states, and many countries around the world. Rea and his wife Julie continue to live in New Orleans.

Until next month...

Please email Laurel at laurelmeadows@gmail.com or visit her website at www.tiggrztravels.blogspot.com or listen to her podcast Boise and Beyond, available on iTunes. You may email Karen at okeefekg@gmail.com or visit her website at www.snark-hunter.com.


Friday 2 October 2009

Breakdancing at the Boise Fry Co

Today was the official grand re-opening of the formerly known as Idaho Fry Co... due to legal issues with the Idaho Potato Commission, they were forced to change their name to Boise Fry Co...



This was taken with a new flip cam... and am trying it out for the first time uploading...

Wednesday 23 September 2009

Another delicious recipe from Eat Better America

Visit the Eat Better America website to find more healthy recipes, tips on eating healthier, and living well.

Here is another great recipe to try out!

"Healthified" Apple Crisp

"Healthified" Apple Crisp
Recipe Tip
What is "Healthified"?
We've replaced ingredients with great-tasting alternatives to create better-for-you recipes that are just as yummy as the original.
Variation
For variety, stir 2 to 4 tablespoons ground flaxseed into the topping mixture before sprinkling over apples.
Did You Know?
Good apples for apple crisp are the same as those that are good in apple pie, such as Braeburn, Jonathan, McIntosh or Northern Spy.
1 rating - Click to rate
50% less fat • 33% more fiber • 29% fewer calories than the original recipe—see the comparison. By using fiber-rich whole-wheat flour and oats, we were able to add a third more fiber to a dessert that's good to the core! Fromeatbetteramerica.
prep time:15 min
start to finish:50 min
makes:8 servings (about 2/3 cup each)

6cups sliced unpeeled cooking apples (6 medium)
1/4cup frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed
1/2teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4cup old-fashioned or quick-cooking oats
1/4cup Gold Medal® whole wheat flour
1/3cup packed brown sugar
1/4cup butter or no-trans-fat 68% vegetable oil spread stick, softened
1/2teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4teaspoon ground ginger
Reduced-fat vanilla ice cream, if desired
1.Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 8-inch square (2-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. In medium bowl, mix apples, apple juice concentrate and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon until well mixed. Spread in baking dish.
2.In same medium bowl, mix remaining ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle over apples.
3.Bake uncovered 25 to 35 minutes or until apples are tender and topping is golden brown. Serve with ice cream.

Nutritional Information
1 Serving: Calories 190 (Calories from Fat 60); Total Fat 6g (Saturated Fat 4g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 15mg;Sodium 45mg; Total Carbohydrate 32g (Dietary Fiber 3g, Sugars 21g); Protein 2g % Daily Value*: Vitamin A 4%;Vitamin C 4%; Calcium 2%; Iron 4% Exchanges: 1 Starch; 1/2 Fruit; 1/2 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Vegetable; 1Fat Carbohydrate Choices: 2 MyPyramid Servings: 2 tsp Fats & Oils, 1/4 c Fruits, 1 oz-equivalents Grains
*% Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.


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Saturday 29 August 2009

My first video podcast


From my trip to San Francisco... it's a bit shaky, but worked. I hope it posts here.

Tuesday 25 August 2009

A Message from Scotland


I post this blog as a Scotsman and I think I speak for the overwhelming majority of the Scottish public.

I have heard today that there are calls in the United States to boycott Scottish goods and I must say this is perfectly understandable in the circumstances. However, I would implore all of my American friends and colleagues not to take this action.

I completely understand your anger at the release of Abdul Baset Ali al-Megrahi and I completely agree with the sentiment that he should never have been released from jail, regardless of illness or suffering. This decision was taken by the Scottish Government and is certainly not compliant with the thoughts or wishes of the Scottish people who are outraged at recent events. EVERY Scottish person I have spoken to about this vehemently objects to his release and fully support the notion that he should not be free and, he should certainly have been returned to a heros welcome in Libya. Everyone I have spoken to agrees that the suffering caused to the families of the victims far outweighs the "suffering" endured by al-Megrahi.

I hope there is a vote of no confidence in the Scottish Parliament and, I hope First Minister Alex Salmond is true to his word and resigns when the vote goes against him. I further hope that Prime Minister Gordon Brown suffers a similar fate, his refusal to comment on the matter is typical of his lack of leadership and buck-passing. The resignation of both would be a very small positive in what is one of the biggest mistakes made by this country in many years.

My thoughts (and that of all my Scottish friends and associates) goes out to the families of the victims of Pan Am Flight 103 and every other victim of acts of terrorism around the World. It's a great pity that the most notable thing our ineffective government has ever done is an act of outright betrayal.

I would ask all American readers of this blog to pass it on to your friends and family, the decent people of Scotland are 100% behind you. I would also ask any Scottish readers to link to the blog or paste it into their blog, it is important that the World knows that, like the bombing of Pan Am 103, this was the action of very few people but will leave a scar on so many.

Tags: abdul baset ali al-megrahialex salmondgordon brownkenny macaskilllibyalockerbiepan am flight 103scotlandscottish parliament

A Message from Scotland

Wednesday 12 August 2009

I love Peach Cobbler




When I was growing up, summers meant going to the beach, fresh strawberries from the roadside stands, and my mothers Peach Cobbler... She always made it with Bisquit mix, and used this for our strawberry shortcake too. I find she was ahead of her time, apparently, as I just got an email from

Eat Better America: Simple Solutions for a Healthier You
Here is their recipe for easy, health(ier) peach cobbler. yummmmmmmmy!!

Classic Peach Cobbler
Cobbler like mom used to make - now healthified and just as tasty!
280 calories
95% less sat fat
57% less fat


39% fewer calories • 57% less fat • 95% less sat fat fat than the original recipe—see the comparison. Cobbler like mom used to make – now healthified for more health-conscious times. You’ll feel just peachy!
prep time:15 min
start to finish:1 hr 30 min
makes:6 servings

1cup Bisquick Heart Smart® mix
1/4teaspoon ground cinnamon
1cup fat-free (skim) milk
3tablespoons canola oil
3/4cup sugar
1can (29 oz) peach slices in light syrup, drained
1teaspoon lemon juice
Vanilla reduced-fat ice cream, if desired
1.Heat oven to 375°F. In ungreased 8-inch square (2-quart) glass baking dish, stir Bisquick mix and cinnamon. Stir in milk and oil with wire whisk or fork until blended.
2.In medium bowl, mix sugar, peaches and lemon juice. Spoon over batter in baking dish.
3.Bake 50 to 55 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand about 20 minutes before serving. Serve warm with ice cream.

Nutritional Information
1 Serving: Calories 280 (Calories from Fat 70); Total Fat 8g (Saturated Fat 1/2g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 0mg;Sodium 190mg; Total Carbohydrate 49g (Dietary Fiber 2g, Sugars 35g); Protein 3g % Daily Value*: Vitamin A 15%;Vitamin C 4%; Calcium 15%; Iron 6% Exchanges: 1 Starch; 1/2 Fruit; 1 1/2 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Vegetable; 1 1/2Fat Carbohydrate Choices: 3 MyPyramid Servings: 2 tsp Fats & Oils, 1/2 c Fruits
*% Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Recipe Tip
What is "Healthified"?
We've replaced ingredients with great-tasting alternatives to create better-for-you recipes that are just as yummy as the original.
Substitution
If fresh peaches are available, use 4 cups sliced peeled peaches instead of the canned peaches. Or, you can use a 16-oz bag of frozen sliced peaches, thawed.
Did You Know?
The lemon juice used in this recipe adds a little sparkle that perks up the peach flavor.

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Thursday 16 July 2009

It's over, done, finis, kaput even


Well, the voting for the Nickelodeon Best of... contest concluded yesterday July 15, 2009. Winners will be announced tomorrow, July 17th.

In advance of any knowledge of results, let me please thank everyone who voted for me. From Twitteratti to Pompey Till I Die forum members; from Sydney, Australia to Portsmouth, England, and many points inbetween, you put up with my many reminders to vote for this blog over the last 70+ days, and for this I'm very grateful, astonished and humbled.

Barring any hanging chads or post-mortem (sp) voting from the Chicago precincts, lol, we should have a pretty good showing.

Again, thanks for your support, and I'll post the results tomorrow after I get them!!

Now, as for the picture...
1. What is this building used for?
2. What installation is it's home?
3. What city/state is it in?
4. Name the famous "busted" peak nearby...

Monday 8 June 2009

GeoChicken searches for his mum

Hello! GeoChicken here again...

When Tiggr took me to Canada last month, I begged her to see if I had any relatives nearby. We went to the Calgary Zoo (a very nice zoo it is, too) to see what we could find.

Below are a few of my potential relatives... Which do you think looks most like me?

First, we have some flamingos. The color is not quite right, but at least they are birds.


I'm not sure a Vietnamese Pot Belly Pig is a relative, but it was very friendly!

The ostrich sort of resembles me, don't you think?


I think this one wins by a.... nose...
What is your favorite zoo? San Diego? Columbus? Bronx? London? 
Why do you like it?

Monday 1 June 2009

NaBloPoMo?

#1
Just a quick post whilst sitting in the USO up on the Mezzanine level of SeaTac (Seattle-Tacoma, WA for you feriners). Just to prove that it's probably a good idea that the fate of the free world is NOT on my shoulders anymore... 

I have a six hour lay-over on my way home from Calgary to Boise. I knew this, and figured I'd be paying for internet while in the airport. I went directly to the USO, as they have the really comfy couches, sandwiches, etc, and I could nap with my carryon bags in a secure closet if needed.

I bought the internet, at $7.95 for 24 hours (not like I'm going to be here that long... I hope...).
Maybe it's because the USO is not near any departure gates, but the wireless PAID internet has a very weak signal up here. Therein lies the rub...

I've been in here for 3 hours, grrrrr, and have just noticed the WEP key for the "USO's" FREE wireless internet... oh, and their internet is full strength too... double grrrrrrr...

I will try to post everyday this month, and it should be quite easy (HA!) as I have at least 30 pics from my vacation to Calgary.

Please enjoy and comment if you wish.

Podcast feed: boiseandbeyond.mevio.com

Wednesday 27 May 2009

Boise to Banff

Hello! I'm the GeoChicken:

My friend, Tiggr, brought me along on her vacation to Canada... see the beautiful Rocky Mountains? I'm up near Banff in the province of Alberta. More about that later...

Follow my adventures getting here, and doing a bit of geocaching along the way!

Monday 18 May 2009

Tiggr is Travelling this weekend!!



This is a clue... do you know where it is?
I'll be posting a podcast from near this Capitol city. Capitol of where? Ahhhh, that's for you to figure out... but, some clues:

It is in the Western Hemisphere.
Although the picture show a very flat horizon, there are very tall mountains within a couple of hours drive from here.

I have driven here twice in the last 10 years.

Any ideas? Post your answers in the comment section and we'll see who answers it correctly.

GOOD LUCK!

Friday 8 May 2009

Quick update

Wow, I got a notice today, that this humble blog is up for an award! NO, really!!

That being said, I thought I'd better update it. 

If you like this blog, and it's contents, please vote for it at http://tinyurl.com/vote4tiggr .

New picture quiz coming this weekend!! 

You can also listen to the very first episode of my new podcast "Boise and Beyond" at BoiseandBeyondpodcast.blogspot.com . There is also a promo for Seth Harwood's print book "The Rookie" and Episode #184 of Erkpod in which Erk from Australia visits Boise, and I take him to see some of the famous, and not so famous, sites around town.

Thanks!

Monday 6 April 2009

The next quiz

The next quiz will be shorter, and will have questions anyone can look up and answer, whether you have been to the location, or not.

You can use google, wikipedia (if correct) or bribe the quizmaster to get your answers.

Questions to be posted soon...

Answers to Picture Quiz #2

#1
Shane Warne
Cricket
Ashes 2006/2007

#2
Train Depot
Boise, Idaho

#3
Old Faithful
Yellowstone National Park
Wyoming

#4
Boise, Idaho
September 18-20 2009

#5
Tori Gate of Itsukashima Shrine
Miyajima
Japan
You can walk out to the shrine

#6
Kyrgystan (Manas AB)

#7
Subway (same colors, eh?)
Washington DC (the hint was: "the capitol of THIS country, lol)

#8
Cairo, Egypt

#9
Indian Ocean
Australia (Western Coast- Cottesloe)

#10
Sydney, Australia
New Years Eve, 2006


Congratulations to @snarkhunting for getting the most questions correct.

I gave a point for the best WAG (not Wives and Girlfriends) for identifying the location of the Pizza hut as Stan Laurel... I'm sorry Ollie, lol

As soon as I get a mailing address for @snarkhunting, I will mail your prize!!

Tuesday 31 March 2009

Geocaching

I started what I hope to be a new hobby yesterday... Geocaching!! Last week, I went to WalMart and bought a handheld GPS receiver (GPSR) and attempted to connect it to the geocaching website so I could download Cachepoints and start the treasure hunting. 

FULL DISCLOSURE: During at least two military training opportunities to learn land navigation, using compasses, I failed miserably, so I, of course, thought this would be easy.

Well, the Magellan wasn't idiot proof enough, so I went back and traded it up for a Garmin Legend HCx model. Lots of bells and whistles, and, thankfully, idiot proof (so far).

I spent Sunday scouring the website for locations near my house, within walking distance (ok under 5 miles), and then looked for some near St Luke's Hospital in Meridian, since my son was going to be in surgery for a short time on Monday. My thinking: Hey, why sit in the waiting room, when there are two locations right there on hospital property, right?

GC locations are rated on a difficulty scale of 1-5 for both terrain and ease of finding. Both the locations at the hospital were rated as a 1/1, meaning they were the easiest. So simple a child could find them, right?? er... sort of.

One lat/long took me out to the front of the hospital, near the bus shelter, and after a bit of walking in circles (and sideways looks from someone waiting for the bus), I decided to abandon that search and try to look for the second one, which should have been near the Life Flight heli-pad.

I parked on a cul-de-sac near the Whirly Bird, and toddled in the direction the arrow was sending me... 500 ft... 400 ft.. 30 ft... 3 ft... 2 ft... 3 ft... huh? 8 ft?? Turn around, back up...

I just knew that the staff in the building not 10 ft away was peeking through their blinds, laughing their fool heads off thinking, "Oh, look! Another one! Watch how she looked right at it... then walked 10 ft away... now she's back... oops, there she goes... "

Well, sheesh, it was so obvious, to anyone who'd done this before, I guess. But I did actually look at, and dismiss the location, till the 2x4 hit me in the head... could it be? Was this it? Without divulging the objects itself, I opened it, found an empty peanut butter jar, signed the log, and left my pen in the jar, as there was only a dull pencil. I hit the "FOUND" button on my GPXR. Weeeeeeeeeeee!!!! 

As I thought I still had a bit of time, I popped inside the hospital, picked up my son's pain pills for post surgery, then went out the front door again to give the first location another shot. I got to 0 ft, and saw something similar to the one I had just found, but it was empty. Abandoned... 

Here is a pic from my parking space of the Life Flight helicopter and the building where I know the staff was laughing at me while I walked right by the cache several times... Good thing they couldn't hear me muttering to myself: "I hate scavenger hunts, I hate scavenger hunts..."

Well, finding it, logging my first find on both my GPSR and online made up for all that frustration.

I picked up my son, who is now down to 9 screws in his ankle (see a previous post with his X-ray) and went home. After dropping my son off at his house, I stopped by the Anne Frank Memorial by the Library! to find a virtual cache.

This one required locating several quotations on one of the panels, and emailing the answers of two specific questions to the person who initiated the cache. I'm just waiting for the ok to log that find.
------------
I can see how this can be addictive. I've already downloaded cachepoints near where I'll be on my vacation up in the Calgary area in May, near my moms house South of Tucson, and looked for CG's at the two port stops during my Cruise in November... 

I also have some near my house which I will take my grandson to help find. He is 6 years old, and probably will figure this out quicker than I did. 

If you've been thinking of taking up this hobby, it can be a great way to get outdoors by yourself, or with others. After the initial outlay for the one piece of equipment that is required, there is no cost except to get to the location where you are going to look.

The iPhone has a $9.99 geocaching application which is all you need. If you don't have an iPhone, you can purchase a handheld, pre-programmed GPSR from about $150. The Magellan was not Mac-able, but the Garmin works with both Macs and PCs.

Happy Hunting!!!

Friday 27 March 2009

Why we LUV @SouthwestAir!!

Besides one of the best on time records in the industry, they have the most entertaining flight crews you will find anywhere in the world.

You can follow Southwest on Twitter, too!

Embedded video from CNN Video

Wednesday 25 March 2009

Picture Quiz @2 (Part 2)

Here is the second set of five pictures. Answer the questions below each.





#6

What country is this Pizza Hut in? (Hint: it ends in "stan").



#7.

What fast food restaurant is this?

What city/country is it in? (Hint: It is in the Capitol of this country)



#8 This is a JW Marriott Hotel...

-What country is it in?



#9

What ocean is this?

What country is this?





#10

What city/country was this in?

For what occasion was this built?


Good Luck!!




Picture Quiz Week 2 (Part 1)

Here is part one of the second Picture Quiz. Answer the questions below each picture and either email, PM, DM or otherwise send your guesses to me (preferably all at the same time).


This may require research, guessing, or fabricating an answer.






#1

1. Who is this person

2. What sport did/does he play

3. During what sporting match did he retire?







#2

This is one of the most photographed building in Idaho (ok, that's a hint).

1. What is it?

2. What city is it in?








#3

1. What is this famous landmark?

2. What National Park is it in?


3. What State is it in?



#4

This was taken at the Hyde Park Stree Faire.

1. What city is it held in?

2. What are the dates of this years event?



#5

This is very recognizable... but...

1. What is it called?

2. What is it nearby? (I'll take the closest train station, or the island it is near)

3. What country is it in?

4. What happens when the tide is out?


Good luck! See Picture Quiz 2 (Part 2) for Pictures 6-10






Monday 23 March 2009

Answers posted...

Right, the answers to the questions have been posted. The contestants answers have been tallied and here are the results...
Official contestants (meaning I got something in writing, either PM, DM or text...):
"NickyMorganWasMy1st"
"@Chatface39"
"@SmiffysBar"
"@snarkhunting"
While it was very close (honestly, I was surprised), and I awarded one point to Chalkface for imagination for his entry that the balcony was home to Statler and Waldorf from the Muppets, lol... only Smiffy got the 5pt bonus question correct, which rocketed him to the lead by one point.

WINNER--- @SmiffysBar 

CONGRATULATIONS... PLEASE SEND DETAILS FOR POSTING YOUR PRIZE!!

I had an unexpected visitor from out of town (who, I might add was with me when I took Picture #10, and still missed both questions, ffs).

Good luck to all who entered!!

As I am a dinlo... I had a question 7.5 by mistake, thus 11 pictures to identify...

Monday 16 March 2009

Rules:

Quiz participants have been invited from my friends on Twitter, PalTalk, Facebook, and PTID

Scroll down to picture #1 and read the rules.
Identify each picture so that you can answer the questions below that particular photo.
Submit your answers as a comment for the photo you wish to identify.
(Comments are moderated and will not be visible to the public until after the winner is declared)

In case of a tie, a tie-breaker photo will be posted, and the first correct answers submitted will be declared the winner.

Answers will be accepted until 1800 GMT (noon my time) Monday, 23 March 2009

Winner will be given a choice of several prizes from which to choose.

Good Luck!!

What is this quiz #10- Edited with answers

1. What National Park is this in? Painted Desert/Petrified Forest
2. Where? (State) Arizona

What is this quiz #9- Edited with anwers

1. What is this a picture of? Presidential box 
2. What landmark is it in? Ford's Theater
3. Where is it? (City/Country) Washington, DC
4. Why is it significant? It is where Lincoln was assassinated. 

What is this quiz #8- Edited with answers

ok, small pic, I know...

1. What is behind me under the flag? B-2 Stealth Bomber
2. Where is it homebased? Whiteman AFB, Missouri
3. What rank was I when this picture was taken? Commander

Bonus 5 pt. question:
Where in the world was I when this picture was taken? Diego Garcia

Quiz- Edited with anwers

1. What does this symbolize? The "convict" settlers sent to Australia
2. Where is it? (City/Country) Portsmouth, England

What is this quiz #7- Edited with answers

Ok, this is an easy one...
1. Where am I? Vatican Museum
2. City/Country? Vatican City, Vatican 

What is this quiz #6- Edited with answers

1. Who's voyage does this commemorate? Christopher Columbus
2. Where is this? (City/Country) Rota, Spain

What is this quiz #5- Edited with answers



1. Who created these "characters". Beatrix Potter
2. Where is this? (City, Country)   Dunkeld, Scotland
3. Name any one of these characters. The Tales of Peter Rabbit

Good Luck!!

What is this quiz #4- Edited with answers

1. What is this structure? Tower Bridge
2. Where is it? (city, country) London, England

.