tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54511017074489727452024-02-18T23:47:39.564-05:00Chip and Andy's UniverseA peek through the fence...Chip and Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042276130926461420noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451101707448972745.post-22432975007329214052013-06-25T09:15:00.000-04:002013-06-25T09:15:04.585-04:00One of Sour, Two of Sweet.....One of Sour, Two of Sweet, Three of Strong, Four of Weak....<br />
<br />
At least that is the Mnemonic used to figure out the basics to a good cocktail.<br />
<br />
Except....<br />
<br />
There is a bit of poetic rhyming in the above formula but if you actually look at a lot of classic cocktails you will find the first two are switched. To wit, the classic Whiskey Sour:<br />
<br />
1 part gomme (sugar)<br />
2 parts Lemon<br />
3 parts Whiskey<br />
<br />
And presumably you would get your four of weak from the shaker. One of sweet, two of sour....<br />
<br />
No?<br />
<br />
Lets try the classic Daiquiri:<br />
<br />
1 part Sweet<br />
2 parts Lime<br />
3 parts Strong<br />
<br />
And again, the four of weak come from the shaker. One of sweet, two of sour...<br />
<br />
Of course by pointing this out I am sure you are going to notice all the other drinks that have two sweets to one sour, but those drinks always seem too sweet for me.<br />
<br />
I guess that as I become more and more of a bitter old man my cocktails are following me down that same path of bitterness.Chip and Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042276130926461420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451101707448972745.post-76185953991126732882013-05-21T10:39:00.000-04:002013-05-21T10:42:03.290-04:00Why do you hate us el Jimador?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.eljimador.com/uploadedImages/Products/New_Mix_3Cans.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.eljimador.com/uploadedImages/Products/New_Mix_3Cans.gif" /></a></div>
Because nothing says Margarita more than cracking a cold one!<br />
<br />
From their website:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The first line of ready-to-drink tequila cocktails, New Mix is the perfect combination of authentic el Jimador Tequila and refreshing flavors including: Paloma (grapefruit soda), Margarita, Spicy Mango Margarita, Vampiro (kind of Bloody Mary-ish) and Batanga (cola with some zing). These lightly carbonated tequila cocktails are the perfect way to ease into any party occasion.<br />New Mix available only in selected states. Lo siento.</blockquote>
<br />
<br />
First, who came up with the bright idea to lightly carbonate a Margarita? And can we beat them with a bag of limes?<br />
<br />
And what part of a Margarita is so difficult that it needs to be pre-packaged into a six-pack? It is One part triple-sec, two parts lime, three parts good tequila. Shake the hell out of it and pour it in a cocktail glass or over the rocks. I could have made three of them in the time it took to type this paragraph.<br />
<br />
I appreciate the effort,<a href="http://www.eljimador.com/"> el Jimador</a>, but please just focus on making good tequila. Leave the gimmicks to someone else.Chip and Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042276130926461420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451101707448972745.post-50910830816996470652013-05-10T11:53:00.000-04:002013-05-10T11:53:51.685-04:00Kingshead Pub - SunriseWent to the Pub the other night, had a pint with a friend and then had some dinner since it was about that time of day. The particular pub was the <a href="http://www.kingsheadpubsunrise.com/" target="_blank">Kingshead Pub in Sunrise</a>. Nice place, highly recommend it if you are thirsty and in that part of town.<br />
<br />
I bet you'll never guess what I had for dinner?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.boreal.org/drupal/files/images/fish_and_chips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://www.boreal.org/drupal/files/images/fish_and_chips.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Yup!<br />
<br />
Fish and Chips.<br />
<br />
And no, that picture over there to the left is <i>not </i>a picture of my dinner, it is just a nice picture I found on the internet from a Chip joint in Ontario. (Thank you <a href="http://www.queenfishandchips.com/about-us.php" target="_blank">Queen's</a> for the picture, it is very nice and I am borrowing it)<br />
<br />
Why did I not take a picture of my dinner? Because I make fun of people who do that. Come on... its fish and chips. Its some fish, and some chips, on a plate, in a pub. Have you lost all of your imagination?<br />
<br />
Anyway..... Kingshead Pub in Sunrise... Fish and Chips.....<br />
<br />
The fish was wonderfully firm and flaky, the batter was nicely done even if it was a wee bit bland. Maybe if they used a more flavorful beer to make the batter? The chips are good too. Cut from whole potatoes and fried so as to be crispy enough to eat but soft enough to enjoy.<br />
<br />
They include on the dinner plate, and I presume on the lunch size too, a little plastic container of something sort of but not quite like a tartar sauce. It didn't really taste like anything so I switched to the HP Sauce for the chips.<br />
<br />
I have a theory about condiments served in little tiny plastic cups with lids that I am still testing. Maybe someday I'll share it openly.<br />
<br />
Overall?<br />
<br />
I like the Pub, great place to hang out. I like their fish and chips and would give them a big thumbs up overall. I'm not going to recommend you go out of your way for them, but if you find yourself near by you won't be disappointed.<br />
<br />
By the way.... there is another pub with the same name in Dania, but apparently that is owned by someone else so don't get the two confused when you are out and about.Chip and Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042276130926461420noreply@blogger.com02692 North University Drive, Sunrise, FL 33322, USA26.157249 -80.2567780.6352145 -121.565372 51.6792835 -38.948184tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451101707448972745.post-85760460953192673952013-05-07T15:40:00.002-04:002013-05-07T15:40:39.962-04:00Fish and Chips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.roadfood.com/photos/6933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="http://www.roadfood.com/photos/6933.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I loves me some fish and chips. Not quite sure why..... There is no cultural or heritage connection for me and I wasn't fed fried foods overly much as a child. I just loves me a good fish and chips.<br />
<br />
I'm still gonna spend far too much time talking about (and drinking) cocktails, just now I am going to include the occasional bit about fish. Or Chips. Or both.<br />
<br />
And thanks to <a href="http://www.roadfood.com/" target="_blank">Road Food</a> for the nice picture. This looks like it was probably pretty good.Chip and Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042276130926461420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451101707448972745.post-7806351557569084242010-11-24T10:11:00.000-05:002010-11-24T10:11:21.372-05:00F.U. T.S.A.OK, I have gotten my knickers in a twist over the last week or so reading about the TSA's new security measures. Not really sure why, I only fly once or twice a year, and at last check my airport only has one of the passenger-microwaves so the odds are against me finding out what popcorn feels like while being nuked.<br />
<br />
Like I said, I have my hackles up and the TSA can do no right by me in this state of mind. I read an article just now on the ABC website and this is what tipped me over the edge:<br />
<br />
<blockquote>Pistole said. "I just feel bad for the rest of the traveling public that's trying to get home for the holidays to be with their loved ones."</blockquote><br />
Said in response to those choosing to participate in today's "National Opt-Out Day."<br />
<br />
Mr Pistole, you are a douchebag.<br />
<br />
If we would all just line up like good little boys and girls and do what the nice man says we can all get on the big airplane and have some cake and ice cream on our way to grandma's house.<br />
<br />
I wonder if HTML5 is going to finally give us the missing Sarcasm tag so many blogs really need?<br />
<br />
Seriously, Mr Pistole, you are a real douchebag!<br />
<br />
You feel bad because someone who is going to stand up for their Rights and fight back against you over reaching your authority is now going to inconvenience you and the others who are so willing to give up (or take away) our Individual Rights granted by the Constitution of the United States.<br />
<br />
Efff Uuuuu!Chip and Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042276130926461420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451101707448972745.post-469325407466902692010-04-04T21:02:00.003-04:002010-04-04T21:03:25.064-04:00Trader Vic's Island Bar & GrillIt's been a long weekend, I'm tired, I'm going to cheat and just link to another site where I shared my opinion of the new Trader Vic's Island Bar & Grill in Sarasota.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://fraternalorderofmoai.org/huimalu/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=9720">http://fraternalorderofmoai.org/huimalu/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=9720</a><br />
<br />
Or, directly to the company's website at <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; color: #323d4f; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><a class="postlink" href="http://tvislandbarandgrill.com/" style="color: #d46400; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">http://tvislandbarandgrill.com/</a></span>Chip and Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042276130926461420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451101707448972745.post-91190992677430556932010-03-19T22:29:00.000-04:002010-03-19T22:29:00.114-04:00More Cocktail Fail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/usr/1/17470/cosmo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/usr/1/17470/cosmo.gif" width="131" /></a></div>Yes, more pre-packaged Cocktail Fail.....<br />
<br />
Its a Martini.<br />
<br />
How friggn hard is it to stir some Gin and Vermouth together with ice? And if you want to do it right, its only a dash more work with some bitters.<br />
<br />
I know, you don't normally carry Gin and Vermouth around in your pockets, the ice tends to get all melty and run down the side of your pants leg..... That is a hint that you are probably not in a place where it is appropriate to be drinking a Martini.<br />
<br />
Do not get me started on the "Vodka Flavored" version.Chip and Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042276130926461420noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451101707448972745.post-75498711788318686292010-03-16T21:57:00.001-04:002010-03-16T21:57:00.085-04:00Cocktail fail!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.originaliced.co.za/images/original-cocktails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="http://www.originaliced.co.za/images/original-cocktails.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>A Strawberry Daiquiri, a Margarita Margarita, and a Pina Colada Pina Colada.<br />
<br />
Ok, that is not really what they are, it just looks that way because of the graphic and type treatment of the packaging.<br />
<br />
I think this idea is pretty neat. And in Original Ice's defense the page I pulled this image from listed the "Top 5 Things to Do On Your Bachelorette's"<br />
<br />
Side note... my dirty little mind added all kinds of things to the end of that incomplete sentence.<br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong, I am not hating on Original Ice. I like the Brand and the Company, this is a pretty ingenious idea. I haven't, however, tried the product so I will have to go with the reviews of others. I do give Original Ice extra bonus points for not calling these <i>cocktails</i>. They call them "Spirit Coolers."<br />
<br />
The still represent Cocktail Fail..... Lemmesplain....<br />
<br />
First, I do not like pre-packaged cocktails. Period. Horrible idea. Don't do it. Bad.<br />
<br />
Second, the fact that your market (one of them at least) is the Bachelorette's is a pretty big Fail all by itself. It is pretty hard to say "Enjoy Responsibly" and the attach your product to a "Pole Dancing Party" or "Male Dancers Party" with the implied goal of getting stupid drunk so that the next day you can reclaim your innocence by blaming the alcohol from the night before.<br />
<br />
I understand you have to market your product in order to sell your product, I just don't like targeting your product, any alcohol product, to a group of people who seem to have the singular goal of getting stupid and dangerously drunk. Drinking is the goal, not getting drunk. Enjoy the drink, enjoy the buzz, don't waste it by getting so pissed you have to rely on photos to know what you did the night before.<br />
<br />
I guess the real reason I keep harping on these kinds of products is because I can envision the day, quite soon really, when some politician's kid gets into some kind of trouble after taking down too many juice-boxes of booze and deciding that Alcohol is far too easy to lay hands on and should be taxed and legislated and a whole bunch of other horrible things that will make it that much harder me to get good ingredients for my Mai Tais. I already have a hard time getting some quality rums because I am in a Distributor State so if the Distributor doesn't think they can profit they don't carry.<br />
<br />
Anyway, that's all I got for tonight. Thanks for reading.Chip and Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042276130926461420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451101707448972745.post-28721662013786607982010-03-15T22:52:00.001-04:002010-03-15T22:52:00.385-04:00The Olive.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.esquire.com/cm/esquire/images/6-eat-garnish-lg-46108590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.esquire.com/cm/esquire/images/6-eat-garnish-lg-46108590.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>First, thank you to Esquire for the great shot. The article attached to it can be found <a href="http://www.esquire.com/features/recipes-for-men/man-food/how-men-eat-0909">here</a> .<br />
<br />
A nice olive, or three, dropped into a Vodka Martini. Yum.<br />
<br />
When did the Olive take over the Martini as 'The' garnish?<br />
<br />
No, that's not a lead in to a story, its a question..... When did it happen?Chip and Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042276130926461420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451101707448972745.post-70051693303169665812010-03-14T22:44:00.000-04:002010-03-14T22:44:00.763-04:00Airport Hookup<div style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/experiment33/4408007467/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2749/4408007467_452af17aea_m.jpg" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br />
<span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/experiment33/4408007467/">C</a>ocktail Aiport Pickup<br />
Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/experiment33/">Experiment </a>33 </span></div>OK I am a bit of a nutcase.<br />
<br />
Crazy even.<br />
<br />
And most of my friends understand me, at least they say so to my face. I have never figured out why they look so terrified when they say that, but that is fodder for my 'other' blog.<br />
<br />
Anyway, on a lark I decided that I would meet one of our friends at the airport with a cocktail in hand. A Mai Tai (natch!) in case your wondering, fresh mint and a pineapple spear, the whole works. I had the drink in one glass, the ice in another, and when I got close I did a quick shim-sham with the glasses and ta-da! It was fun. It made everyone laugh. It was a nice ender to what was otherwise not a pleasant trip for our traveling friend.<br />
<br />
Then I did it again for two other friends flying into town.<br />
<br />
Then again for the original friend on a return trip.<br />
<br />
It is a lot of fun, good for a giggle, and if you could have seen the looks the Security gives me you would truly appreciate my still being here to post this and not sending letters to you via carrier pigeon from Gitmo.<br />
<br />
I think what makes this idea even more fun is everyone else at the airport.<br />
<br />
I pull into short term parking, get out of the car with a cocktail in hand. And not just a glass of something, a cocktail. Garnish, ice, liquor, the whole nine. People walking whatever direction stop and stare, make comments about what a great idea, and generally get a big smile on. Security looks really confused, like they want to call it in but aren't quite sure what to say to dispatch, so then they just decide to scowl. But they can't because they too want someone to greet them at the airport with a cocktail in hand because it is so apparent that I am bringing this cocktail to someone at the airport and not just walking around looking like Thursten Howell the Third.<br />
<br />
I have to get more of my pictures fixed and posted up on the internets. The picture above is from my friend <a href="http://exp33.blogspot.com/">Experiment 33</a> when they took up my bit of silliness and met some guests at the airport with cocktails in hand. This is not a slight against them, well maybe a little, but they wimped out and went with sippy-style cups that were just slightly less obviously cocktails. In their defense, the couple in the shot was next headed to the Rental Car Counter and having a fully garnished Zombie in hand when checking out a car may not be a good thing.Chip and Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042276130926461420noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451101707448972745.post-82871974231329235912010-03-12T22:30:00.000-05:002010-03-12T22:30:00.469-05:00Drink Presentation<div style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11851382@N06/4399850992/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4028/4399850992_99202d6c96_m.jpg" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br />
<span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11851382@N06/4399850992/">YUMMY Flaming Shots!</a> <br />
Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/11851382@N06/">Princess Pupule</a> </span></div>First, thank you to Princess Pupule! Your camera is so much better than mine.<br />
<br />
And then....<br />
<br />
Can presentation make a bad drink more better?<br />
<br />
This particular presentation is called a Russian Roulette and is not on the regular menu. It is a really fancy presentation for what is basically a Lemon Drop.... A shot of nice white rum topped with a lemon wheel dipped in sugar, then the whole thing is doused with 151 and set a blaze.<br />
<br />
The drink is fine by itself so I am not banging on that particular drink, I am just using it as a great photographic example..... doesn't it just look like it is going to be something spectacular? All flame-ey and people stepping back from its flame-ey spectacularness. In person even more better because of the low-hanging thatch roof over the particular piece of bar that is on fire.<br />
<br />
And all of that sensational fiery and dangerous presentation for what is, once the fire has gone out, a shot of rum with lemon.<br />
<br />
So, what do you think? Can less than spectacular drinks be 'saved' by overly elaborate garnishes or presentations?Chip and Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042276130926461420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451101707448972745.post-30431990049830932592010-03-10T22:27:00.007-05:002010-03-10T22:27:00.346-05:00151?<div style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11851382@N06/4399853370/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4399853370_5f8671b702_m.jpg" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br />
<span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11851382@N06/4399853370/">IMGP1534</a> <br />
Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/11851382@N06/">Princess Pupule</a> </span></div>Hmmm..... <br />
<br />
A drink that is full<br />
<br />
With an overly elaborate garnish<br />
<br />
with bottle inside a coozy<br />
<br />
and a guy just off camera with a box of matches.....<br />
<br />
What could possibly go wrong?<br />
<br />
Well, nothing really. That was just the set up to a new drink a friend of mine is working on. He said it needed some oomph on the garnish and what has more oomph than a float of 151 and a match?<br />
<br />
Oh, and a tip for you..... Some overproof rum labels don't make a very big deal about being overproof, like Lemon Hart. So to keep the burny ones separate from the drinky ones, use a bottle coozy or hang something on the neck of the bottle.<br />
<br />
The only thing worse than trying to light 80 proof rum is an unexpected shot of 151.Chip and Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042276130926461420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451101707448972745.post-87877541709448536102010-03-09T23:09:00.003-05:002010-03-10T07:54:51.183-05:00South Pacific Polynesian Restaurant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlK2ZS2YFvglWIHfrFc5L0-reELaUFJn1E0OKFW0lS1bDETBkBBbWWELqmZ6PU13c17ZOhRhq6jXnlgQxCrm5SUMpV2JIdjfIyaTZYTBBGNl5Ctox1Pkjq4f1AwLR5Eu-drHrIc_vtgc/s320/SouthPacific.JPG" width="320" /></div><br />
First, thank you to arkivatropika for the image.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.arkivatropika.com/cgi-bin/item.cgi?item_id=507">Direct Link to Arkivatropika item</a><br />
<br />
Then, raspberry's to same for beating me on the ebay auction.<br />
<br />
And then....<br />
<br />
This little gem of a restaurant used to sit on US Route 1 just south of Hollywood, Florida. It is long gone, it is now a vacant car dealership lot. Sad, but such is the way of development in South Florida.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I did a bit of research and from what I can find this place was open until about 1965, at least that is the last date it is listed in the phone directory. Do you remember this place? Did you go there as a kid, or hear story from your parents about this place? If you have anything, memories, souvenirs, story, anything at all I would love to hear about it.Chip and Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042276130926461420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451101707448972745.post-77944974727838441152010-03-08T22:21:00.000-05:002010-03-09T22:41:40.874-05:00My Happy Place<div style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11851382@N06/4399011759/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4019/4399011759_7704d78682_m.jpg" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br />
<span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11851382@N06/4399011759/">IMGP0411</a> <br />
Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/11851382@N06/">Princess Pupule</a> </span></div>When I am at a Party, I almost always wind up behind the bar. And that makes me happy.<br />
<br />
Usually, I step behind the bar so the host of the party can go and do host things. <br />
<br />
At least that is what I tell people. <br />
<br />
You, my dear readers (all three of you) know better..... I go behind the bar because that is my Happy Place. I like being behind the bar. I like watching people smile when I hand them something they haven't had before. I like watching them watch me when I am mixing something up. Even more so when they see me looking at the recipe but still don't understand what I am doing until it hits their glass and they get that yummy look all about them.<br />
<br />
Yes, I like being behind the bar. <br />
<br />
I even like being behind other peoples bar, like in this picture. This is me behind Loki's bar pouring a nice Rum the Burr's brought along. And it was yummy.Chip and Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042276130926461420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451101707448972745.post-30965466957959211792010-03-04T12:25:00.000-05:002010-03-04T12:25:08.072-05:00The magical world of sound....I mentioned before that I now have hearing aids. What I didn't mention was how many times I run around the house doing the Bionic Man Nanaanaanaa thing because of it.<br />
<br />
I'm easily amused.<br />
<br />
I am now on month seven with the new ears and I have to say, how did I ever do it without them? I am amazed at how many things I wasn't really hearing, or not hearing well enough to be aware of. Little things like the sound of my cat purring.<br />
<br />
For the most part I have gotten used to the sound of things again, like my own foot steps and the sound of my keyboard, and when I turn off the 'raids (that is what my friend Elizabeth calls them) everything seems so dull and far away. You don't realize how far you've gone until you get back again.<br />
<br />
So, forgive me for sounding like the latest P.S.A., but hearing is important and getting your hearing checked on a regular basis is a really good idea.Chip and Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042276130926461420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451101707448972745.post-66244459347518792292010-03-02T23:02:00.002-05:002010-03-02T23:02:00.144-05:00Ohana 2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.luauatthelake.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/oHANA_LANDING2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.luauatthelake.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/oHANA_LANDING2.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>I think I already mentioned this..... but I am really excited so it bears repeating:<br />
<br />
Ohana, Luau at the Lake is returning in 2010.<br />
<br />
It's in June this year so that means two things....<br />
<br />
First, we won't be blue-balling it under our lavalava's.<br />
<br />
And second, all of Lake George will be open and ready to provide for our entertainment.<br />
<br />
Click on the graphic to check out the website. Tickets go on sale soon.<br />
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We'll see you in Lake George! You can miss us, we'll be the ones with cocktails!Chip and Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042276130926461420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451101707448972745.post-9506550923258638702010-02-28T17:45:00.002-05:002010-02-28T17:45:00.377-05:00The Mai Kai Mystery Bowl<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chipandandy/3625363651/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3417/3625363651_33d3a84397_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br />
<span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chipandandy/3625363651/">Mystery Dance</a> <br />
Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/chipandandy/">chipandandy</a> </span></div>This is the Mai Kai.<br />
<br />
This is the Mystery Drink.<br />
<br />
It is served in the Mystery Bowl.<br />
<br />
It is presented Mysteriously by a Lovely Hula Maiden.<br />
<br />
This drink is being enjoyed tonight in celebration of birthdays. Several of them in fact. And if your birthday is about this time of year, Happy Birthday to you. You should go to the Mai Kai with all of your friends and order a Mystery Drink. <br />
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You will enjoy it. <br />
<br />
I promise!<br clear="all" />Chip and Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042276130926461420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451101707448972745.post-73662145424269163102010-02-25T21:51:00.000-05:002010-02-25T21:51:00.683-05:00Extreme Sports<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chipandandy/3568088664/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2450/3568088664_36ab22efcd_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br />
<span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chipandandy/3568088664/">Extreme Sport</a> <br />
Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/chipandandy/">chipandandy</a> </span></div>I really love spending time in Dollar-Stores! The have the most interesting things that are obviously victims of questionable language translation.<br />
<br />
Take, for example, this blister-packed toy.<br />
<br />
Guy with Helmet, ready for action.<br />
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Car Park Sign.<br />
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Life Preserver.<br />
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Strange Wet-Floor type sign thingy with the image of a swimming stick-man.<br />
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All in all.... WTF?<br />
<br />
Hey, I'm sure parking cars near the water-sport complex is an Extreme Sport in the Country of Origin for this particular toy.<br clear="all" />Chip and Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042276130926461420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451101707448972745.post-48268063087510883132010-02-21T21:37:00.000-05:002010-02-21T21:37:00.194-05:00The Secret of Life.....<div style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chipandandy/4106480551/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2654/4106480551_e70d27e3e3_m.jpg" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br />
<span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chipandandy/4106480551/">Tahitian Punch</a> <br />
Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/chipandandy/">chipandandy</a> </span></div>The Secret of Life as revealed on a 12 pack of Tahitian Treat.<br />
<br />
Yes, it really is that simple.Chip and Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042276130926461420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451101707448972745.post-20644561311590268682010-02-19T22:56:00.002-05:002010-02-19T22:56:00.219-05:00Easter Island Foundation<a href="http://islandheritage.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/EIFColorLogo-Tall.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://islandheritage.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/EIFColorLogo-Tall.png" width="86" /></a> I mentioned in a previous post about the Easter Island Foundation and the fact that their website was not working..... well that's been fixed. The New and Improved website is up and running and I do hope you'll stop by and take a look. <br />
<br />
And, since your there, it would be kind of nice if you consider becoming a Member.<br />
<br />
http://islandheritage.orgChip and Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042276130926461420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451101707448972745.post-85851284576173572682010-02-18T21:34:00.002-05:002010-02-18T21:35:21.169-05:00Health Warning....<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chipandandy/4314416906/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4021/4314416906_aee5e0d63d_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br />
<span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chipandandy/4314416906/">ft5 001</a> <br />
Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/chipandandy/">chipandandy</a> </span></div>Wow! Who Knew? <br />
<br />
So it was the alcohol all the time and not the actual beer or wine or liquor.<br />
<br />
The scariest part is this is a rather large warning plastered on the wall in a Cheesecake Factory. And NOT next to the bar area! It was plastered next to the bathrooms.<br />
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I really don't like the Nanny-State the lawyers are turning this place into.<br clear="all" />Chip and Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042276130926461420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451101707448972745.post-12342707255001619212010-01-12T20:06:00.003-05:002010-01-12T20:10:43.270-05:00Its good to be FOM!I belong to a group called the Fraternal Order of Moai, you might have heard of us....<br />
<br />
We do this thing every year where we all get together, hang out, have some fun, drink a little, have some more fun, its great and I highly recommend it! <br />
<br />
Anyway.... last year we got together on a little bigger scale than usual and turned it into a right proper event with ticket sales and web pages and the works! And we did it in Lake George at the Tiki Resort. This place was amazing, it really is like the Land That Time Forgot. Our event was named Ohana, Luau at the Lake, and part of the proceeds from the event were set aside for charity. We managed, with our small group, to raise $3,000 for the Easter Island Foundation, which is really saying something considering there were only about 300 people in attendance. Check out the link at the top of this post to read a bit more.<br />
<br />
Long story short (too late!), its good to be FOM. Good friends, good drinks, and now with good deeds!<br />
<br />
Check out all the related bits of internet linkage:<br />
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FOM is at <a href="http://fraternalorderofmoai.org/">http://fraternalorderofmoai.org</a><br />
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Ohana, Luau at the Lake is at <a href="http://www.luauatthelake.com/">http://www.luauatthelake.com/</a><br />
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And the Easter Island Foundation (whose website is not working at the moment) is at <a href="http://www.islandheritage.org/">http://www.islandheritage.org/</a><br />
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fraternalorderofmoai.org/news/media/blogs/ipu-ki/ohana-silent-auction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://www.fraternalorderofmoai.org/news/media/blogs/ipu-ki/ohana-silent-auction.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.fraternalorderofmoai.org/news/media/blogs/ipu-ki/moai-ahu-nau-nau.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://www.fraternalorderofmoai.org/news/media/blogs/ipu-ki/moai-ahu-nau-nau.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.luauatthelake.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/oHANA_LANDING.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://www.luauatthelake.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/oHANA_LANDING.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>Chip and Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042276130926461420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451101707448972745.post-37019613891253307702010-01-01T01:16:00.001-05:002010-01-01T01:16:20.859-05:00Happy New Year!<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/danw/3495861484/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3417/3495861484_cdbab7c201_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/danw/3495861484/">Y2K Ready</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/danw/">Mil</a> </span></div>Happy New Year!<br /><br />I still haven't quite figured out why turning the calendar page on this day is any more exciting than any other..... I do appreciate the excuse to throw/attend a party!<br /><br />Thanks to the internets I found this interesting picture from someone named Mil and is a great reminder of how the last decade got started. Remember how everyone was waiting for something to happen, and then it didn't. I want to go on record now and say that in about two more years it will be the same kind of thing.<br /><br />Enough drunken ranting.... Happy New Year! Peace, Love, and Understanding to you and yours.<br clear="all" />Chip and Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042276130926461420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451101707448972745.post-61510794317823702582009-12-25T11:31:00.001-05:002009-12-25T19:38:33.340-05:00Military Grade Rum<a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ8yn6v15KmQvqhmFKpJ1oj0lMRPit8nL56agH3m5GQdoSxKHw71iuUstwOTWxPfnCVI0TAZ2xDL_FbKXmajX7t40j9jgI9XrVwd-iseKVY-Ol47tYDvh57ROOfqYC24gFCJwPRAm2FL8/s1600-h/DSC01601.JPG'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ8yn6v15KmQvqhmFKpJ1oj0lMRPit8nL56agH3m5GQdoSxKHw71iuUstwOTWxPfnCVI0TAZ2xDL_FbKXmajX7t40j9jgI9XrVwd-iseKVY-Ol47tYDvh57ROOfqYC24gFCJwPRAm2FL8/s320/DSC01601.JPG' border='0' alt=''style='clear:both;float:left; margin:0px 10px 10px 0;' /></a> <br />
<br />
I love Christmas Time. I love Rum. This seems like it would make gift giving very easy.... it does!<br />
<br />
My mother-in-law got me one of the coolest rums I have ever seen! Military Grade Rum!<br />
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I'll report back soon and let you nkow how it tastes.<div style='clear:both; text-align:LEFT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Chip and Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042276130926461420noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451101707448972745.post-80809081973348098202009-12-04T14:16:00.001-05:002009-12-04T14:16:35.517-05:00In Ur Photoz....<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chipandandy/4148158861/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2535/4148158861_61800e3edf_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chipandandy/4148158861/">ftt 003</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/chipandandy/">chipandandy</a> </span></div>This is Inigo, the newest addition to the Ealoli household.<br /><br />And in this particular shot Inigo is charging her super powers for a Mega-Death-Blast from her Lazer-Eyes.... Pew-pew-pew!<br /><br />She is the most Dog dog I have ever known. She fears the pool, but loves the hose. Fetching ball for two hours is just a warm up, and there is absolutely NO chance of a pirate successfully burying their treasure in our yard because she will dig it up faster than you say "Hello! My Name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die!"<br clear="all" />Chip and Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10042276130926461420noreply@blogger.com0