Tag Archives: 3B

Silent Sunday or: Two of My New Favorite Things

03 Sunday Jan 2021

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Salutations™!!

The Good Stuff indeed!!!

We didn’t go to Underdog Records this week because Jonathan is taking well-deserved time off. But, I decided to show you what I’ve been loving. My friend Jim Young got me a bottle of Templeton Rye Whiskey for my birthday and my son got me Stormtrooper Ice Cube Molds for Christmas. You can’t really tell the Stormtrooper but trust me, it’s there. I love those things. And, man that rye is so smooth. Thanks to both of you. Enjoy your Sunday, everyone.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

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“GOOD WHISKEY GETS BETTER WITH AGE. That’s why, back in 2010, we set aside a few select barrels of The Good Stuff for extra aging. Six long years later, the wait is finally over. Our release of Templeton Rye 6 marks our first new product in over a decade. Aged six years in new American oak barrels, this limited release of Templeton Rye whiskey is 91.5 proof with an unforgettable flavor. Now there’s even more to love about The Good Stuff.” – Templeton Rye

Proud Papa Moment or: It Slices, It Dices

10 Friday Jul 2020

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Salutations™!!

I have to stop and talk, real quick about my boy, 3B. Yeah, he’s technically a man now but he’s always gonna be “my boy.” 2020 hasn’t been what he thought his senior year would be. But, that’s all over and he’s graduated primary school. Next, he moves on to a new life, one that includes, at least for now, culinary training.

In fact, he and my nephew started their 13-week program at Providence Culinary Training. Today, he had Knife-Skills Tier 1 and my friend Chef Antwan Hairston is his instructor for that. Chef Antwan tagged me in a post about it today. I just wanted to share the pic because I’m proud of it.

3B
Nephew

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

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“Having sharp, great knives will enable you to cook very precisely. Knife skills are essential in cooking.” – Eric Ripert

(Not So) Silent Sunday or: The Father’s Day Edition

21 Sunday Jun 2020

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Salutations™!!

The record post will be tomorrow. Today is Father’s Day, my 18th. My son was born in May and I have now had 18 of these things. I love that he let me be one. I had to earn the title “Dad.” As I say on The Beer Dads every week, “any knucklehead can father a child but it takes a real man to be a ‘Dad.’” I believe that, too. I think 3B allows me to be a Dad.

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It may be cliché (and clichés usually are there for a reason), but my dad is my hero and one of the two biggest influences on my life. As I said last year in my post, he taught me to be a man, be my own man. He taught me what I know in business (again as did my mother). My dad taught me to give folks the shirt off my back (although no one wants to see that) who need it. We certainly aren’t rolling in but we aren’t living on the streets, either. So, we give what we can when we can. My dad is no bleeding-heart liberal like The BCPF and I are, but he still has compassion for those in need.

I see that he’s proud of me; he doesn’t have to say it. I’m proud of my son and things he’s becoming and things he’s done even at this young age. He’s made steps for his future and while those may change, this “Dad” is proud as heck to call him “Son” as I think my dad does me. So to my “Pops” and my readers who are “Dads,” “Stepdads” or even “Father Figures.” Happy Father’s Day and I hope it is wonderful for you all.

Not only is it Father’s Day today, it’s also my parents’ 52nd wedding anniversary and the 34th anniversary of me moving to WSNC. I got to see my family and my son and his girlfriend went with The BCPF and I to eat for lunch and it was fantastic!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

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“I have a Father’s Day every day.” – Dennis Banks

The Commencement or: All These Years

15 Monday Jun 2020

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Salutations™!!

Today was the culmination of 13 years of matriculation for my only child, my son, my world, 3B. He started out the brightest in class and hit some snags when it became less than important to him. Over the past couple of years, though, he’s found his direction with the culinary path. Of course, that could change, which is perfectly fine, I just want him happy. But, I do love watching him in his element and doing what makes his heart content. 43462-01

He’s got a great girlfriend that possibly has something to do with getting him back in line, but, again, he’s happy. That’s all that matters.

The class of 2020 has had a long, arduous row to hoe this year alone. All those 13 years building up to it was also a long trek but it certainly seems to have flown by. He’s had great teachers along the way. I have to admit I wasn’t as connected once he entered middle school. But, being PTA president for 5 years wears you out. Having daddy there once you’re out of elementary school is probably too much and embarrassing to a middle and high schooler. I get it.

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But, 2020 has been a bit screwed up. No one saw this coming when we were sitting in a trailer at Diggs Elementary for parent orientation. I knew he was going to grow up to be a swell dude but he’s a really awesome guy. I can say “kid” but he’s a man. He said to me today that he didn’t see why this was such a big deal and he didn’t want to go through the ceremony. I told him that ceremony wasn’t for him. It was for me and his mother and his stepmother and his grandparents. It was good.

I do hope, however, that we have heard the last of the robocalls that we got more than enough of. Sometimes up to six or seven times a day. We’ll see. Anyway, I love that boy of mine. I love you, Trey Beeman.  I am so proud of you. Stephanie is proud of you. Your mom is proud of you. Mamaw, Papaw, and Granny are proud of you. Sissy and Kenneth are proud of you. Here’s to all the great things in your future.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Dad out!

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“The doer alone learneth.” – Friedrich Nietzsche

The Legality of It All or: ‘The Boy’ Who Became a Man

15 Friday May 2020

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Salutations™!!

Today, at 242p, my “itty bitty boy,” 3B, will be 18 years old. Technically, no longer a “boy” and now a man.

Here’s my post from a year ago with some edits to fit the current situation.

I remember getting up at 4am 18 years ago and getting his mother and myself ready to relieve her discomfort and welcome our child into this world. He didn’t want to come out, either. 42370

We were there by 530a and got settled in. The doctor came in and they started the “induction” process. When he did that, her “water” burst and we went through all the towels, sheets and pillowcases in the birthing room. Seriously, it was like someone turned on a water hose and left it laying in the yard. It wouldn’t stop coming.

The baby, however, did stop coming. He didn’t want to leave the comfort of the womb. In fact, he went backward. Instead of coming down toward the birth canal (yeah, I hate that term, too), he went further up in the womb. On top of that, as they had started inducing the birth, contractions had already started. But, the baby’s heart rate started going down each time a contraction happened. We started to get worried. The doctor, Doctor V as we called him, seemed only moderately concerned. He waited around for a bit and then went and did some “rounds.” It was like we had cut off the baby’s jacuzzi and he was mad!

We stared at the heart monitor and sure enough, every time a contraction happened, the heart rate diminished. The nurses came in and checked. My mother and her mother kept us company, but it really didn’t help much. Dr. V called a few times and around noon — remember we had been in this holding pattern since around 6a — he told us that he thinks it would be best to have a Caesarean Section since this heart rate issue was starting to concern him, too. We spent around two minutes weighing the pros and very few cons. We told Dr. V that the C-Section was a go.

We rolled into the operating room around 230p and they had her split open and the doctor and nurse were tugging hard and pulling her apart. I sat down by her head and she was numb but mostly lucid. She was being jostled and wanted to know what was going on. I sat up straight and realized that I was over the curtain divider. I could see everything that was going on. I told her I was going to watch. I have a hard time with blood and entrails and things but this was different. I watched as they pulled my child into the world. I had a camera and was taking pictures of this happening. The first thing I took a picture of? His scrotum. I had a son and dang it! I was excited!

We named him after my father (which is who I’m named after) and set on watching him grow. And grow he has.

He’s a very intelligent kid, almost a genius, but he won’t use and seems to plan to use that power for good. Like many his age, he’s content with putting his nose in a phone or computer and whiling away his life. Well, he finally found something that he’s into and luckily is very good at, cooking. He’s in the culinary program in the local trade school and we have a few plans for him once now that he’s out of school.

He had a job. Before the Covipocalypse happened. It’s not often that our first job is actually in the field we want to pursue, right? He was working in a restaurant and as far as I can tell, he was doing great there. I know the owner, the GM and the chef and they were happy with what he was doing.

The pandemic happened and all but robbed him of his senior year. The first semester was good and he did the state cooking competition (he led his team to a silver medal). But, afterward, he lost his prom, finishing the culinary program, and the graduation ceremony and all other things that seniors do and look forward to.

We believe that the next step will be doing the Providence Culinary Training program at Providence Restaurant and will continue to hone his skills. There are a few restaurants that have shown interest in helping him advance his career. He has told me that he wants to get some experience and then possibly explore other places around the country or world to get more of that knowledge. I support his decision as such.

He has grown into a fine young man and I love this “boy” with all my heart. 18, 5’11”-6′ and into food, video games and his girlfriend. He’s smart, asks a lot of questions, loves football, and is all-around a great kid. I got lucky, really. I had lunch with him yesterday and we had, and have been having good conversations.

So, happy birthday, son. I love you and cannot wait to see the impact you make on the world.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

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“If you can keep your wits about you while all others are losing theirs, and blaming you. The world will be yours and everything in it, what’s more, you’ll be a man, my son.” – Rudyard Kipling

The Now Normal Continued or: How A Decade Goes

26 Thursday Mar 2020

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Salutations™!!0001Trey

At least I still get to see The Boy, aka 3B a few days a week. He cut his hair a little, too. He still has more than I ever had and I’m still jealous as heck, but he did cut a bit of it off. I’d say around 8 inches.

A few days ago, one of those memories came up on Facebook and it was from 10 years ago. It was the picture of 3B holding my guitar, in my bedroom, doing his best rock pose. Today, I got him upstairs to hold the guitar again and in the same pose. Wow, time is fun when you’re having flies. A decade passed. Wow, again. Wow.

Until tomorrow, wash your damn hands…
Scorp out!

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“How did it get so late so soon? Its night before its afternoon. December is here before its June. My goodness, how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?” – Dr. Suess

Proud Papa Moment or: Feel the Burn

08 Saturday Feb 2020

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Salutations™!!

I don’t hold back when I have a “Proud Papa Moment” and this is one of those. So, if you’re not into the doting dad thing, then you may want to skip on this one.

Yesterday morning, at 5am, I took my son, 3B to the Career Center to grab a bus to head to Charlotte to Johnson & Wales University to compete in the state culinary arts competition. When I got to my mother’s house (where he was staying) to pick him up, he had already gotten himself up and was ready to go. That doesn’t happen often. Usually, it’s a fight to get him going. But, not this morning.

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3B wearing his silver medal

He got on the bus and took the trip, competed and came home. He sent me a text at 230pm, on the trip back, and said “silver.” Silver is great! 2nd place, right!? Well, not exactly, but still… He said he would have done better had he not burned his hand. He was basically handicapped the whole second part of the competition. I say not exactly because there were eight teams. Three won silver and five won bronze. So, there was no gold but the team still kicked butt!

He had a kitchen towel over his hand to grab a pan of sweet potatoes but he adjusted his hand and the towel fell off right as he was grabbing the pan. So, yeah, he burned it.

I talked to his teacher, Chef Estep, and as he got off the bus, he pointed at 3B and nodded his head with a big grin. I asked if he did well and he said, oh yeah. Holding up his fingers showing about a half-inch gap said “this close to gold.”

Earlier, I had told Chef Travis Myers how he did and that if he stays on his path he should be really good at what he’s doing. Chef Travis said, “well, we’re building a lab to grow him,” speaking about the newly announced restaurant that he and Ryan Oberle are creating. I told Chef Estep about that and Chef Estep said, “he’s ahead for his age.” I’ve witnessed 3B in the kitchen and he really does know what he’s talking about.

When we got back home, I checked the mailbox and he had gotten a package from the National Society of High School Scholars and he gets to wear a golden cord and has a large diploma-like certificate stating that he has membership in it. He also has a golden medallion to wear, as well.

So, it was a good day for him and a good “daddy day” for me. I love this boy so much and am so proud of him. If he keeps straight, there really is no limit to his opportunities, especially with the contacts in this industry that I have here locally and the network the contacts have. He will go places if that’s what he wants to do. He has dreams and aspirations and I plan to help him get to those however I can but he has to put in the work.

Again, so proud of my boy!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

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“The university offers a wide variety of degrees, including Accounting, Fashion Merchandising & Retail Management, Equine Studies/Equine Business Management & Riding, Management, Marketing, Criminal Justice, Entrepreneurship, Hotel & Lodging Management, and Sports/Entertainment/Event Management. The Providence Downcity campus offers two- and four-year degree programs in areas of technology such as network engineering, electronics & robotics engineering, computer programming, biology, health science, and graphic design.” – Johnson & Wales University

A Decade of Decadence or: The Most Desirables?

03 Monday Feb 2020

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Salutations™!!

Today is the 10th anniversary of The Less Desirables’ first-ever episode, both recording and airing. February 3, 2010, was a Wednesday and I went to the area between Reynolda Road, Silas Creek Parkway and Wake Forest Road and picked up Brian from work as his car was in the shop.

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10 Years Old Today (the podcast, not the logo)

I took him to my house only to realize that I didn’t have the right mic or mic cable in my house for more than one person to talk. So, we had to run over to where the bands that I had been in had practiced and grabbed the right mic and cable and headed back to my house.

We sat in the “media room” (what is now 3B’s room) and looked at each other. “What are we going to talk about?” I asked. “I don’t know,” he said. I replied, “I tell you what… I’ll hit the record button and we’ll just see what happens. If we don’t like it, we can try again.”

The point was to have a 20-minute podcast, this newfangled kind of “radio-on-demand” or recorded audio thingy because 20 minutes is about the length of an average commute here in the Triad. Some are longer, some are shorter, but it’s about average at 20. How we were going to come up with something to talk about for 20 minutes was wracking our brains.

I hit the button. 38 minutes later, the first one was recorded. An hour later it was on a web server and I had half-arsed written an RSS feed, the best I could figure, and was ready for people to listen to. I don’t know that anyone did. I still don’t know if they hear them now. I just know that there are plenty of downloads. That first one was a bit rough and I think neither Brian nor myself would argue that.

It wasn’t fascinating stuff. But, you know what? Few people were doing it. We essentially had our own radio program, a morning-type show, and we were proud of that. And, here we are 10 years later and I am still proud of what we did that first day and all 520 episodes since. I am pretty sure Brian would agree with that.

This Wednesday will be the 10th-anniversary recording, number 521. I know that Eugene, Caitlin, Beer Guru Jay Platt, Danielle and Bethany will be there. There is a slim chance that Brian and Bruce will come but I’m not really sure. I’d love to have all of us in a room at once. Heck, it would be great if Superfan Damien could be here, too. But, he’s all the way out in Super Bowl Champion World (that’s Kansas City). It would be great, though. That first show even predates The BCPF by a few months.

Without that first show, there probably wouldn’t be any Fan Interference, any Camel City Dispatch News Hour, Tart & Tangy Triad, The Beer Dads, The Man Who Ate the Town, Apartment 5B, Sipping NC: The Art of Drinking, or Beeswax Vinyl & More. No The Less Desirables Network. No, Rule 1 Podcast, Owner’s Manual, No Mask No Cape Podcast, Forsyth Mags Podcast, Open the Blue Door Podcast, Wine About Real Estate Podcast, Margaret’s SpeakEasy Podcast, Transformative Conversations Podcast, Lunch Link Podcast, Thrive with Dara and Garth, or any of the ones that I should be starting in the next few weeks.

I’m not saying that none of these last group of podcasts wouldn’t be there, I’m just saying that I wouldn’t be the one making them happen if it weren’t for the first-ever recording of The Less Desirables 10 years ago today. I wouldn’t be called “the Podfather.”

When I started this journey in 2010, no one knew what a podcast was. I had to explain around seven times a day what it was. Now, I only have to explain it once every seven days. Now, almost literally everyone has a podcast and when people around here want to start one, they at least come to me first. That makes me feel good. It makes me feel important. It makes me feel like I truly am the “father” of the podcast culture around this area.

All this because Brian and I sat in a room in my house and made stuff up for about 40 minutes. Since that first day, there is only one thing that has stayed constant since the very first show. Not me, I haven’t been on every show. Not Brian, he left in 2014. Most would think it is the theme song (which I wrote, by the way). Nope to all of that. The only thing constant since the first-ever show (which was recorded on that day) is the disclaimer at the very end. It still has Brian’s voice on it, here, five and a half years since his leaving. So, even though he’s not here, he’s here every week.

If you’d like to hear this (very rough) first episode, you can do so here. Listen to that one and then listen to the one this week and hear the difference.

Well, here’s to another 10 years (at least) of The Less Desirables and The Less Desirables Podcast Network. Thank you for listening and reading…

Until tomorrow, same pod channel at some pod time (your choice)…
Scorp out!

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“The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the contributors and not necessarily those of our distributors or hosting company. This podcast is copyrighted and any use of this product cannot be reproduced without the expressed written consent of Such-N-Such Limited, Inc. So don’t do it…” – The Less Desirables

The Aftermath or: Perfect 2020

01 Wednesday Jan 2020

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Salutations™!!

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No caption needed

The BCPF and I hosted our first New Year’s Eve event at our house last night. It was just a small gathering. The BCPF made a French onion pot roast and brie and fig jam pastries and I made my “breakfast deviled eggs.” It was potluck from there, so Beer Dad Jon and his Pilot brought salad stuff and pie and wine. Beer Dad Paul and his Pilot brought wine, potatoes au gratin, and a corn & green bean casserole. Our Jim Young brought a “hot corn” dish made with jalapenos and spices. It had a kick but was delish. 3B and Nephew CRAJ hung out with us long enough to eat. I even put 3B to work in the kitchen for a few minutes.

I played DJ with an “all request line.” Each guest had their own time to make a request and I told them all, “if I don’t have it, I have something comparable.” The only thing I didn’t have was BD Paul’s initial request for Louis Prima. He was satisfied with a little Dean Martin, though. We talked about music, life, fun, beer, food, it was just good.

Then we pulled out the playing cards. We play a little game we call “shitboots.” Yeah, I don’t usually use curse words on this blog but this is the name of it, so there. It’s a game that my brother-in-law had a hand in making up in his college days. I won’t get into the game right now, but it is a load of fun and Celeste, BD Jon’s Pilot, won both games!

We had the ABC feed on the tele when the ball dropped. But, we all agreed, instead of listening to the trainwreck that is always an NYE program (I am looking at you CNN), we continued with music and the sound “off” on the TV. We had a bubbly that was recommended by our pal Frank at Publix and he was spot on. It wasn’t too sweet and it hit the spot. Good stuff.

Hugs, kisses, smiles, promises of a great year. It was a great way to start.

So, my wish to all my readers and all my listeners of the podcasts that I host/produce, the happiest of new years and let’s have a productive, safe and prosperous year in life, work and everything else. Also, in the words of Bill & Ted, “be excellent to each other!”

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Come, gentlemen, I hope we shall drink down all unkindness.” – William Shakespeare

Christmastide or: Family

25 Wednesday Dec 2019

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Salutations™!!

It’s Christmas Day, which means that The BCPF’s brother and mother come to Ma ‘Rents’ home and we all celebrate together. Then, The BCPF and I head to Chef Travis Myers’ house and along with about 45 other people we have a big family-style dinner. 3B was able to go this year and that was cool. Chef had him chopping and grating. It was cool to watch.

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Chef Travis carving up some prime rib

Anyway, after 24 hours of A Christmas Story, the fam, the food, I need a vacation. I’m taking off until the first of the year. I’ll still be writing the blog, of course, I just won’t be “working” in the studio. I’ll do some stuff from home, though.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and I’ll talk to you tomorrow…

Until then, Merry Christmas…
Scorp out!

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“We prefer booze!” – Chef Travis Myers