Monthly Archives: June 2018

So Long Old Friend or: New Beginnings

22 Friday Jun 2018

Posted by in Blogging, Podcasting, The Less Desirables Network

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Salutations™!!

It created a bit of an uproar when I posted on The Less Desirables social media channels that we recorded our last show at Test Pattern Studios, and that we did it as a “roundtable” by ourselves. I guess I wasn’t clear enough and it sounded as if we had recorded our last show. That certainly isn’t the case. I fight too hard for my podcasts to end them right now.

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Test Pattern Studios

No, what I meant was it was the last show – of any of the podcasts – to be recorded at the location, Test Pattern Studios. We had to move out because the building is being repurposed. All was well between B Cole and me, it wasn’t anything anyone did. The former Test Pattern bar is being repurposed into a better bar. And, where the studios were is where they’ll be putting the extra large beer cooler for the long-draw system, at least that’s what I think is happening if I understood what I was told. The details aren’t for public consumption yet, so I’ll leave it at that.

But, our time in the Test Pattern Studios has been great. We had Caitlin, lost Caitlin. That part sucked but our time with her when she was there was great. We got Bethany. Bethany has been really good at taking her best shots at me and I think she’s done it better than most all the other co-hosts. Danielle has been with me the whole time.

From the first podcast recorded in the location, July 20, 2016, until the last one recorded in the location, June 20, 2016, there were exactly 700 days and exactly 100 weeks. That means 100 episodes, too. That’s a lot of time: one year 11 months exactly. Our first show there was with B Cole, Danielle, Caitlin and myself. The last was just Danielle, Bethany and me.

We’ve had politicians, opera singers, app developers, musicians, chefs, breweries, cideries, promotional folks, ballet dancers, acupuncturists and many more guests. We’ve had great conversations and great beer. And, heck! That’s only for The Less Desirables.

Let’s not forget the many episodes of The Man Who Ate the Town, Sipping NC: The Art of Drinking, The Beer Dads, Fan Interference, and Apartment 5B podcast episodes there have been. I’ll make a post about those numbers, maybe, later. Anywhat! I want to thank B Cole for all he and his staff did for us over the past two years. I can’t tell him how much we appreciate it.

I have the keys for the new digs in my hands and I’m going to hold off on telling you about the new space until we are ready to do a show or two. But, I’m sure there will be some invitations to the spot when the time comes. So, keep listening to what we have going on and we’ll be back with you in the next little bit. The Less Desirables will be back on track. The other podcasts will be on a week’s hiatus. So stay tuned!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

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“Coming to you for the last time from Test Pattern Studios…” – Me

That’s Just Golden or: Milestone

21 Thursday Jun 2018

Posted by in Life as We Know It

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Salutations™!!

Today, we celebrate two anniversaries, one more significant than the other. First, it was 32 years ago today that my family and I moved here to WSNC. I still live on the same piece of property that we moved to. Not the same house, as I’ve migrated across the field but I’m still here. I guess you can’t leave momma, right? Eventually, that will change if we are able to sell the “compound” and go find other places to live. But for now, I’m still “on property.”

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Those responsible for all this craziness!

That was the less significant anniversary.

I’ve told the story before so I won’t be going into a lot of detail but it was FIFTY years ago today that Mes ‘Rents got married. The big 5-0! We (as in The BCPF, 3B, my sister, her hubs, her kids, my adopted bro and the parents) are going to Willows Bistro to have their celebration and the beautiful and beautifully talented Ms. Brittany McGee of The Humblebee Shoppe is making a cake of near-epic proportions.

Celebrating 50 years of this couple’s life together is momentous in and of itself but the fact that without them, I wouldn’t be writing this blog. I wouldn’t have the life that I have with the friends that I have with the loves that I have and I wouldn’t be spouting silliness to you all. You can thank them for that, eh? Right on.

Happy anniversary Mom and Dad. I love you both.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

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“A wedding anniversary is the celebration of love, trust, partnership, tolerance and tenacity. The order varies for any given year.” – Paul Sweeney

Golden Boy Blonde or: The Less Desirables Beer of the Week

20 Wednesday Jun 2018

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Salutations™!!

Bull’s Tavern, the Official Beer Sponsor of The Less Desirables, presents Golden Boy Blonde Ale from Triple C Brewing, The Less Desirables Beer of the Week.

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©BottleMixx

We had this beer on TLD back in January of 2015. That’s over three years ago. And in January at that. Why would we have this light summery brew in January? That was what Danielle asked anyway. I have said before that I don’t allow seasons to dictate my eating or drinking habits. That being said, if it is cold outside and I’m outside, I want heartier brews. But, it was air-conditioned in the Test Pattern Studios tonight even though the outside was in the high 80s.

When we had it in 2015, that was with Brian and Eugene, at least Eugene, possibly Caitlin. We had it in cans. This was in a growler from Bull’s Tavern and Danielle explained that they had cleaned the lines, fully, before tapping this brew. When we had it, the taste of this blonde ale was so crisp, so clean, and so darned good. There was a great blonde/hay flavor that had a bit of a bite. It had a grapefruity finish but not in that weird IPA hoppy way.

When we had it the first time it was rated only 3 caps out of 5. This time, however, I rated it 4.75. It was that good! And, it’s only 4.5% ABV so you can have several without being bogged down or getting sloshed.

BeerAdvocate has it at 3.56/5 (Good). Untappd has it at 3.46 caps out of 5. Have you had this brew? What did you think? If you haven’t had it or just have a hankering for more, then you need to head over to Bull’s Tavern and grab a pint. You should also listen to this week’s podcast and hear what Danielle, Bethany and I had to say about it. You can do that by listening HERE. We also recorded our last episode in Test Pattern Studios. I’ll talk more about that on Friday.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

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“A golden colored ale with a toasted malt character and slight Mt Hood hop flavor and aroma. Perfect on a hot summer day.” – Triple C Brewing

Piggybackin’ the Penny Path or: It’s Mystic

19 Tuesday Jun 2018

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So, this week on The Man Who Ate the Town Podcast, Kelly and I talked about Penny Path Café and Crêpes Shop opening, as well as revisiting some listener email as we were able to update some things. I don’t know much about the Penny Path Café but the pictures of the space look really great! There is actually a penny path in there. I’d love to see what Miro and his folks have done to the old Pane e Vino location. I hope they do well.

We are also offering up a new poll that you can answer on TMWATT page, as well.

Last week’s poll had Waffle House being the winner. I think there was confusion as to what we were looking for, but WH is what we picked as the winner.

You can listen to this week’s episode and take this week’s poll HERE.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Wonderful addition to Reynolda Village. Great to have a place for breakfast. I had the kitchen sink crepe and a cappuccino and both were delicious.” – Donna C. about Penny Path Café and Crêpes Shop.

Because You Love Me or: A Friend in Need

18 Monday Jun 2018

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Salutations™!!

If you’ll notice, there’s a menu item at the top of the page called “Because You Love Me…” That goes to a donation page. I want to clarify what this is and what this isn’t.

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How I feel talking about the subject

First of all, what it isn’t. It isn’t the start of a subscription service. I will not charge anyone a subscription to read my posts. I’m not a large newspaper entity that allows only a few reads each month before you have to pay for it. Never. It is not a charity request. It isn’t me on the brink of bankruptcy. It isn’t me on a street corner with a sign saying “will entertain you for food.” Not that there is anything wrong with any of that stuff. I just don’t want to do it on this blog.

What it is, though, may be a little more difficult for me to explain without contradicting myself. It is a donation page. In its simplest form, kind of like a “tip.” That’s all it is. I write this blog every day. Every. Single. Day. I have not missed a day since November 1, 2014. That’s almost four years. Let me tell you, that’s a lot of writing and it’s very often hard to come up with stuff to write but I like to think that even though I’m actually quite boring, I can put on enough “makeup” to make it look interesting. I think I do an okay job. I get subscribers and I get likes.

I figure that I have around 40 people that read at least once a week, especially when I am kind of routine in my posts. I know no one reads it every day, at least I don’t think they do. I also figure that maybe this worth a few bucks. I like to tip servers in restaurants for them doing a good job. Perhaps someone would like to tip me?

I have always hated talking about money. When I do business, I hate talking about the pay. It’s important and I need it, but I hate talking about it. I feel kind of bad about posting this or even offering a button that you can actually donate to. I hate it, but I also have to be fair to myself.

Now, know this, Dear Reader, I will post the same content regardless of whether anyone tips me or not. Again, it’s not about that. This is just a way that my readers can donate or tip if they wish. Only if they wish. It really means nothing else. I know I’ve said that several times but I want it to be clear.

I’m actually looking into doing something for Patreon, as well, not just for me but for a couple of my blogs. Again, this blog will be free as long as I do it. But, with Patreon, I’ll find “incentives” to come up with that will make donations worth my readers’ and listeners’ whiles. I don’t know yet what that may be but I’m going to think on it. If you have any ideas, I’d welcome that.

So, once more… no expectation of any payment for this, it’s just there in case you want to. Thank you for the consideration, whether you do or don’t and thank you for reading this blog and listening to my podcasts.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“So I want to make money. I think it’s an OK goal to have. I always felt like I can’t ask for that. But why not?” – Mary Lambert

Spinning Sunday or: The Haul 6/16/18 (The Father’s Day Edition)

17 Sunday Jun 2018

Posted by in Life as We Know It, Records, Spinning Sunday

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Salutations™!!

First off, I want to say “happy father’s day” to all the dads out there, whether they’re dads, step-dads, furry kids’ dads, father figures, all of you. My life would be nothing like it is without my own Ma Père and I’ll get to see him in a few hours. He made me the man I am today, even if it took a while for me to catch on. Thanks, Dad. 15965375_10154740755025490_3295274378463804499_n

We went to Mary’s Gourmet Diner first and then to Underdog Records. We took a detour and went to Vibes Up Winston-Salem and talked with my friend Carly Sink about crystals and other hippy stuff. I say that with complete love because I love hippies, heck I married one. Back home to hear some of our spoils and then to Willows Bistro. Here’s our very short, but rewarding haul!

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©Matador

  • Pavement – Slanted And Enchanted – #135 on the RS list, which boggles my mind. I’m not saying it’s not deserving of the list but jeez o’pete, this can’t be that high on the list. It could be back in the 300s or something but 135? Nah. It’s The BCPF’s favorite Pavement album which contains her favorite Pavement song, “Summer Babe (Winter Version).” New.
  • Iggy Pop – TV Eye 1977 Live – It’s Iggy, a New Wave/punk icon, and The BCPF loves that stuff, so she wanted this and who am I to say no? VG+.
  • Pink Floyd – Ummagumma – A really rough version of this 2xLP but it’s still a good listen. I really enjoy record 2 best with all the members doing their own compositions. I mean who doesn’t like “Several Species Of Small Furry Animals Gathered Together In A Cave And Grooving With A Pict?” The album is graded as VG-. I think that’s generous, but that’s what I’ll go with.
  • Jethro Tull – War Child – “Bungle in the Jungle” is on this one. I don’t completely get Jethro Tull but I am not against it, either, so I figured why not? VG++.
  • Graham Parker And The Rumour – Squeezing Out Sparks – #334 on the RS list. Why not just switch the two we got this haul and I’d be okay with that. This should have been 135 and the Pavement album 334. I’m just sayin’. But, this was a great record, I enjoyed all of it! It was a $1 bin find but I think that was because the cover was a bit chewed up. The vinyl was VG/VG+, not a skip nor crackle.

That was it. Just five this week. Funds are tight and we have a trip to Boston to save for, so that was the dealio. Jonathan is taking in a lot of used stuff but he’s awaiting final approval on his offers. When that happens a lot of fresh used stuff will be coming in. Keep an eye on Underdog Records’ social media to find out what! Also, they post about new releases as well. And don’t forget to listen to The Less Desirables to hear the TLD/Underdog special of the week!

Discogs recently updated their Android app and I couldn’t be more pleased with it. It’s UI is great and aesthetically pleasing. It does all I want it to do in my collecting and allows me marketplace access and a randomizer to do random grabs. Check it out and start collecting.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Sit by my window and look outside, wonder why the sun don’t shine on me. What’s wrong with you, you stupid child, don’t you think that I’m the one you’re waiting to see? Don’t talk too much ’cause she falls for the suckers, makes her feel everything is secure. Don’t ever leave a footprint on her floor. Don’t bother with the local girls.” – “Local Girls” (Parker)

Read more: Graham Parker – Local Girls Lyrics | MetroLyrics

Sounds Like Saturday or: Radiohead

16 Saturday Jun 2018

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Salutations™!!

Today is the 21st anniversary of Radiohead’s OK Computer album. It’s old enough to drink. I’ll drink to it tonight at Willows Bistro. I was really hoping to find a video from the VSS show of this with my buddy Patrick Ferguson doing the vocals of the entire album. I was really surprised and bummed that there was no official video of this happening because he nailed it (they all did). It’s his favorite album so you know he killed it. So, instead, I have to go with my second choice, the awesome Mike Massé (with Jeff Hall). Enjoy!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Karma police arrest this man. He talks in maths. He buzzes like a fridge. He’s like a detuned radio. Karma police arrest this girl. Her Hitler hairdo is making me feel ill. And we have crashed her party. This is what you’ll get, this is what you’ll get, this is what you’ll get when you mess with us.” – “Karma Police” (Yorke/Greenwood/Selway/O’Brien/ Greenwood)

Wearing Out the Story or: Still Thankful

15 Friday Jun 2018

Posted by in Food, Life as We Know It

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Salutations™!!

In something that I actually hope is a story that gets old (which means it keeps happening), I have yet something else to be thankful for and to be proud of with my son, 3B. He told me last night that I needed to get him up early, when I went to my networking meeting this morning, and he’d do something for me.

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A proud papa with his pride and joy

Well, I woke him up but told him I was going to leave for my meeting. I came back and he was still in bed. I figured he would be, he was up later than I was last night/this morning. I walked in and he was quick to get up and he proceeded to make me a bacon, spinach and tomato sandwich on toasted bread. He even made his own special sauce with mayo, sriracha and Worcestershire. It was quite good.

The fact that he took that initiative is what I was proud of. He wanted to do something for me and it was cooking. However minor, he made it major and I am so proud of that. Much awesomeness in this kid. He’s a good one. I’m glad he’s mine.

That’s all I have to say, now.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“How do you like your bacon?” – 3B

A Second Piggyback or: Old School Style

14 Thursday Jun 2018

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So, I am piggybacking tonight because I wrote an article for the food blog, The Man Who Ate the Town. It’s been a long while since I wrote a “From the Home Kitchen” post, too. I got to revisit, kind of, an old-school pizza, one that I haven’t had since the mid-90s: a Spinach Foggia pizza from Prince’s on the Park. Prince’s closed in the mid-90s and I have missed it. I don’t know why it took me so long to try to make my own.

Anyway, I got to make it with 3B. The post is right HERE.

Enjoy!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“As soon as I could see over the counter, they threw an apron over me.” – Mike Prince to Greensboro News & Record about growing up in a pizza parlor in 1995.

Craft Happiness – Safe or: The Less Desirables Beer of the Week

13 Wednesday Jun 2018

Posted by in Beer, Podcasting

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Salutations™!!

Bull’s Tavern, the Official Beer Sponsor of The Less Desirables, presents Craft Happiness Project IPA – Safe from Foothills Brewing, The Less Desirables Beer of the Week.

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We all know that I am not a fan of IPAs, right? Yeah, I’ve said it before and I’ll continue to say it. But, what I mean is the IPA “genre.” I am not a fan of rap music but I can listen to UTFO or Eminem. I am not a fan of reggae but I love listening to Bob Marley. So, I don’t like IPAs but I like some IPAs. I like this IPA. It has a great body and you get a nice grapefruit aftertaste. This IPA doesn’t leave me with that cottonmouth/dry mouth condition that many IPAs give me. It uses Chinook, Cascade and Apollo hops.

There is no BeerAdvocate rating but Untappd has it rated at 3.77 caps out of 5. I rated it 4.25 out of 5. The ABV is 6.3%. You should listen to the show to hear us discuss it (along with Danielle’s report on Bonnaroo). You can do that HERE.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

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“Safe IPA is brewed to help no-kill animal shelters in their mission to save all healthy and treatable animals. Acidulated malt and flaked oats create unique mouthfeel, with a double dry-hop of Chinook lending spicy, piney notes.” – Foothills Brewing