Heres a quick little video from that to give you guys a taste of the environment. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsOABB_1UzU
Flash Back:
guitar riffs soar throughout the theatre at madison square garden. Barber the lead guitar player shredded a solo his fingers climbing up the scales of the guitar bleeding sweet notes of satisfaction out into the air, the band regathers and Brownie the bass player drops a smooth 4 note bass line. The goofy bearded smiling jewish bass player stepped up to microphone and recited the lyrics of his childhood “ sitting on a mountain top 15 miles above the city!” the crowd chants along with the band “oh ooooh oh ooohhh sitting on the mountain top 15 miles above the city!”
-Scott Malkinson
Monday, January 13, 2014
Best Thing Ive Ever Bought
The greatest purchase I have ever made was my Enu hammock. I can wook it out anywhere with this beautiful parachute-esk hammock. http://www.rei.com/gear/feature/search/Google/ENOs_kwcid=sPQS8HNOp_dc%7Cpcrid%7C34213293965%7Cpkw%7Ceno%20hammock%7Cpmt%7Ce%7Cgoogle%7Cmain&gclid=CNmI9ee2_LsCFdNrfgodjAgAKQ
I bought my hammock at REI one of the greatest stores around because everything in their store has a lifetime warranty. The great thing about Enu is that all of their hammocks have life time warranty so if you don't make it to REI you can still destroy your hammock and get it replaced. My double nest Enu has gotten me through some fun times the ultimate lounge tool at a music festival. The double nest is perfect for one person to turn into a human cocoon or it can be a perfect love nest for you and your hippy-dippy girlfriend. The Enu is the best 80 dollar bed I've ever invested in and it can hold up to 600 pounds so its also fatty proof the perfect gift for anyone.
-Scott Malkinson
I bought my hammock at REI one of the greatest stores around because everything in their store has a lifetime warranty. The great thing about Enu is that all of their hammocks have life time warranty so if you don't make it to REI you can still destroy your hammock and get it replaced. My double nest Enu has gotten me through some fun times the ultimate lounge tool at a music festival. The double nest is perfect for one person to turn into a human cocoon or it can be a perfect love nest for you and your hippy-dippy girlfriend. The Enu is the best 80 dollar bed I've ever invested in and it can hold up to 600 pounds so its also fatty proof the perfect gift for anyone.
-Scott Malkinson
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Excitement isn't in the Air
Having a six year old little brother always makes Christmas day better. I wake up to him coming in and giving me kisses on my cheek in order to wake me up. The tree is full of presents for everybody in the house and family that is coming over. After unwrapping all the presents, except for one for my brother, we wait for the rest of the family. Since my older brother is a Marine and stationed in California, we wait until 10:00 our time, so it’s 7:00 his time in order to get him on Skype. I have the task of keeping my little brother busy while my parents bring in his big present and wrap it quickly. When that is all done, I bring up my little brother. With the family gathered around, my older brother on Skype, I bring my little brother into the room to see his biggest present. He rips open a little corner, turns and looks at us all. “It’s my quad.” That is all he says without excitement or any joy in his voice. He finishes unwrapping it climbs on. His excitement isn’t very enthusiastic and we all thought he didn’t like it. It wasn’t until later that he finally got excited about his new quad. When Daddy finally started it and he got to ride around the house and show it off to everybody was when he was finally happy.
Mandalee
Mandalee
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Christmas Tradition
For the holidays I usually have the chance to go home and spend some quality time with my family. This an special occasion because we have not seen each other in months, or over the entire year, so we count the days to be finally all together and have a sunny Christmas break (is summer over there).As in many countries of South America we celebrate Christmas in a different way than here in the USA. First on Christmas Eve we go to church and after that the whole family, including uncles, aunts, cousins, etc, have a huge dinner and celebration. When it is midnight we make a toast, hug and congratulate each other, and off course enjoy the breath taking fireworks around the city. Normally after all the celebration the older cousins stay all night talking, laughing, drinking, and having a great time. With my niece and nephew it has become a tradition to bake cupcakes on Christmas Day, and enjoy the day together. They truly enjoy their reward for helping, a cupcake loaded with extra frosting!
Baldiviezo
A Meal to Remember
It was a cold Saturday afternoon on April when a Chef friend invited me to go to an special place for him. Without giving many details he picked me up and in our way to that mysterious place, he explained me that it was a restaurant in Newport. But not any restaurant, this is the place where he learned most of the techniques and things he knows now, which is why it is so special. My friend wanted to introduce me to the Chef of the restaurant because he saw this potential in me to start working there and learn as well.
We arrived to this beautiful hotel boutique, The Chanler, right next to the bay at the end of the cliff walk. I met the Chef Tom Duffy, a very talented person, who showed me the kitchen and the restaurant, an elegant and luxurious place very according to their clients, all rich people.
After a long time talking my friend and I sat in the bar and ordered some drinks, we knew that the food is expensive for our budget. Chef Duffy surprised us sending a five course dinner, starting with some Oysters with a Cucumber and Bloody Mary jelly, and then Pork Belly sous vide with sautéed Scallops and white Polenta. As the main dish, grilled Sea bass with Quinoa Risotto, sous vide micro veggies and shaved Black Truffle. A Lemon Granita to clean the palate and a Chocolate Soufflé with English Cream as dessert.
Definitely one of the best experiences I have ever had. It was a great afternoon, with good company, delicious drinks and of course a meal to remember. Spiced Pear is the name of the restaurant I fell in love with and in which I am going to start working this spring.
BALDIVIEZO
We arrived to this beautiful hotel boutique, The Chanler, right next to the bay at the end of the cliff walk. I met the Chef Tom Duffy, a very talented person, who showed me the kitchen and the restaurant, an elegant and luxurious place very according to their clients, all rich people.
After a long time talking my friend and I sat in the bar and ordered some drinks, we knew that the food is expensive for our budget. Chef Duffy surprised us sending a five course dinner, starting with some Oysters with a Cucumber and Bloody Mary jelly, and then Pork Belly sous vide with sautéed Scallops and white Polenta. As the main dish, grilled Sea bass with Quinoa Risotto, sous vide micro veggies and shaved Black Truffle. A Lemon Granita to clean the palate and a Chocolate Soufflé with English Cream as dessert.
Definitely one of the best experiences I have ever had. It was a great afternoon, with good company, delicious drinks and of course a meal to remember. Spiced Pear is the name of the restaurant I fell in love with and in which I am going to start working this spring.
BALDIVIEZO
NEW YEARS EVE!
Ace of Spades 1428
*Comment*
Thats dope, unfortunately my twenty first wasn't as glorious I actually got screwed over big time mine was on friday the thirteenth that year. My first legal alcohol purchasing experience involved buying a skunked 40 oz corona and breaking the neck of the bottle trying to force a lime in. I know have a fat scar on my thumb and every time I look at it I'm reminded of my twenty first birthday and how crappy coronas can get in those clear bottles.
-Scott Malkinson
A Sad Christmas
Thinkng back on my winter break only one thing sticks out to me. As mmuch as I don't want to talk about it, I can't make my mind focus on anything other then what happen. So with out going into too much detail, I shall tell you all about the awful thing that still keeps me up at night.
Christmas Eve, around 6 in the morning, an extended family memeber of mine died. His death was tragic and highly unexpected. Needless to say my Christmas was not that pleasant. Although, at times through out the day I let the Christmas spirit get to me, and I actually enjoyed myself.
Attending his wake and funeral was one of the hardest things of my life. Hearing his mother, better yet his grandmother mourn his death broke me. As hard as I tried and still try to keep my composure, his death weighs heavy on my heart. I only hope that he forever rests in peace, and that his mother and brother remain strong and get through his death together.
J12
Christmas Eve, around 6 in the morning, an extended family memeber of mine died. His death was tragic and highly unexpected. Needless to say my Christmas was not that pleasant. Although, at times through out the day I let the Christmas spirit get to me, and I actually enjoyed myself.
Attending his wake and funeral was one of the hardest things of my life. Hearing his mother, better yet his grandmother mourn his death broke me. As hard as I tried and still try to keep my composure, his death weighs heavy on my heart. I only hope that he forever rests in peace, and that his mother and brother remain strong and get through his death together.
J12
New Year's Saved!
See that smile on my face? This was my New Year's Eve around 11:45pm. I'm with my boyfriend Josh, and this was our second New Year's Eve together. Originally, however. I was supposed to work New Year's Eve from 7pm until 1am. I was not thrilled. I work at a hotel and our shifts are usually either 7am-3pm or 3pm-11pm, with a night auditor working 11pm-7am. My manager, however thought we would be busy with an overflow of guests from our sister hotel's "New Year's Eve Bash" (woop-dee-do)and asked me the day before NYE to stay an extra two hours. Wanting to be a good employee, I agreed with no complaints. I'm guessing it was good karma that I got swamped from 7-10:30 and had only 2 check ins left at 11pm and was allowed to leave early and watch the ball drop with my boyfriend. It was a great way to end the year.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
5k Color Fun
Have you ever run a 5k? Well, if you're anything like me, you'd probably rather sit on the couch watching a movie and eating pizza. This is until you hear about the Neon Vibe Run. Chances are, you have heard of this or its' similar runs such as the Color Run or the Mud Run. If you have never done any of these, you must get off your lazy butt and sign up! The Neon Vibe run is a 5k that involves getting colored powder shot at you from a tube as you run. Also, there is somewhat of a colored slime that is also squirted onto you throughout the 5k. This event takes place in cities all over the country. Not only are you volunteering to basically be a human paint board, you are also getting in a good exercise. A nice twist to the Neon Vibe Run is that you aren't required to run.. You can walk, skip, or even crawl your way to the finish line. The biggest incentive to this run is that all proceeds go to help children with cancer. What better way to spend your day than to feel like a child again all the while helping out thousands of them? Don't hesitate. Get up, and feel the vibe!
PhillyBlogger
PhillyBlogger
Not So Jolly For Santa
This holiday break was my first that I have spent in Rhode Island in nine years. It lacked a bunch of things especially the feel of December and the new year. My vacation was nothing special. Throughout these two weeks Netflix became my best friend. I was intent on watching a twenty four episoded Korean drama which I did (and was slightly disappointed at that). I watched Sailormoon because I merely felt like it, as well as some television. Like normal I cleaned. Messes really irk me. I underwent a ton of stress amd felt overwhelmed for personal reasons that I would have anxiety and it was very difficult to try to get through for the time being. Christmas came and I went out to eat at the buffet with my sister, niece, sister's boyfriend and his friend and then came back home. I recieved one of two packages from my mom back in Arkansas. The other package however, is still in limbo which makes me very upset. There wasn't any interaction with famiky and all I could think of were the missed holidays my boyfriend and I have had from each other, but it's okay. I did the same thing on New Year's and just wasn't excited or hyped up as most everyone was. Next year I hope will be better.
-shheap
-shheap
SO YOU THINNK YOU GOT TALENT ?
''YOU AINT GOT NO TALENT'' is all i remember my friends saying before my first stage encounter. ''****** ********'' please come to the stage. i looked around nervously and suddenly my hands became sweaty. i literally felt my heart in my stomach and legs felt like noodles walking up towards the stage. Bright lights filled my vision and the reality sunk in. Writing poetry has always been a talent of mine and i was always scared to actually have people hear my writing or better yet critique it. standing up there i put my uneasyness to the side and just do it. The crowd fell silent and all that was heard was the echo's of my voice lingering in the air . As i spoke my last word, the crowd roared with applause, a flushed feeling of relief came over me and it was one of the best feeling i ever felt, so if you have a hidden talent i strongly encourage you to get out there and face your fear, whats theworst that can happen?
-NINJANELLS
-NINJANELLS
Nothing like your own
Families tend to have there little outbreaks with one another which sometimes can lead to worse things but a lot of the times, when family members clash there's always a stronger bond in the end. For the holidays, my family usually does their own thing since many of us can't make it to some of the gatherings, but for New Years it's totally different. this New Years particularly i was very much excited because i was going to finally see my cousins that I haven't see in over five years! Even though I didn't get to spend much time in New Jersey, the time that i was there was great. Got to see some old friends and rekindle our friendship, catch up in life. New Years day all the women in my family decide to wake up extra early and start working on the food, which by the way ended up looking like Thanksgiving all over again. While the house is filled with amazing aromas along with music and some drinks you could hear the kids enjoying themselves as well and all the men gathered in the living room watching sports and drinking beer. It felt good to be surrounded by that once again, being away from the family sucks but moments like these are what i look forward too when visiting them. After a couple of hours, everyone starts to get ready and once we all gathered again it was back to the music and drinks, enjoying the last couple hours of the soon to be old year. Staring off the new year with the people you love and grown up with was just the cherry on top. We ended up partying till sunrise, just a New Years I wont forget.
-jad206
Underwater Adventure
If you never have taken an "underwater adventure", then you must go snorkeling or scuba diving. This is one of the coolest things that I have ever done! During the September of 2007, my family and I took a week long trip to Hawaii. While we were there we went to Maui, Oahu, and the big island of Hawaii. We did many different things like went to a Luau (a huge feast type thing), went to a demonstration of how to climb palm trees to get coconuts and extract the milk out of them, and many other things. The most interesting thing that I did while I was in Hawaii had to have been snorkeling. We went two times. Once at Oahu in this extremely salty beach, so you couldn't see anything at all. Big waste of money, so don't go there! The second time, we went to "Two Step" on the big island and this was an experience that I'll never forget.
We went up to the equipment shop and bought all that we needed: the mask (which could be prescription if you wore glasses), the snorkel with a top so water can't get in, and a pair of fins. Then you would walk down to the beach, go out onto the rocks, and put on your masks. The reason why this place was called "Two Step" was because when you walked to the edge of the rocks, no matter where you were, there was a step down into shallow water, then it dropped off into very deep water easily 50ft plus. When you plunged into the warm, salt water, a whole new world opened up in front of you and it takes over more than your imagination ever could. Fish everywhere of a million different colors. They come so close to you in large groups that you're afraid they might end up pushing you out of their way! Sea turtles. Spiky purple sea urchins. Manta rays. All of these beautiful sea creatures and more, and they are all there living life right in front of your eyes. I suggest that if you have never scuba dived or snorkeled, try it once. It's a blast and you'll never forget the experience!
Compton9
We went up to the equipment shop and bought all that we needed: the mask (which could be prescription if you wore glasses), the snorkel with a top so water can't get in, and a pair of fins. Then you would walk down to the beach, go out onto the rocks, and put on your masks. The reason why this place was called "Two Step" was because when you walked to the edge of the rocks, no matter where you were, there was a step down into shallow water, then it dropped off into very deep water easily 50ft plus. When you plunged into the warm, salt water, a whole new world opened up in front of you and it takes over more than your imagination ever could. Fish everywhere of a million different colors. They come so close to you in large groups that you're afraid they might end up pushing you out of their way! Sea turtles. Spiky purple sea urchins. Manta rays. All of these beautiful sea creatures and more, and they are all there living life right in front of your eyes. I suggest that if you have never scuba dived or snorkeled, try it once. It's a blast and you'll never forget the experience!
Compton9
New Year's Eve Chaos
This past New Year's Eve my boyfriend and I had to watch over my boyfriend's house and his fourteen year old sister while his parents went out. I expected this night of responsibility to be boring and uneventful. However, it turned out to be quite the opposite. What started out as one of my boyfriend's friends coming over to play cards and drink some champagne turned into many, many, people and everyone getting completely smashed, including my boyfriends little sister! All I can remember of the night were people lying face down half nude in the snow, girls peeing in bathtubs, and just absolute chaos. As midnight came and went and the party started to dwindle my boyfriend and I were tasked with cleaning up his house, getting people and their puke buckets off the floor and most importantly getting his sister to bed before his parents came home. Although it was a unexpected and chaotic night it was a New Years Eve I will never forget.
Elektra
Stand in snow and feel happy!
First time that had Christmas in America since I have been here for nearly two years from now. I came here as a freshman last August and I could not believe the time is rather faster than I was expected. Anyway, I had spent Christmas with my family last year when I went back to China after the class was over, and I had a great time during last year's Christmas break with my family. However, this past Christmas was the best Christmas in my life so far.
I had a great time with my friends during the Christmas break. I lived with one of my friend's apartment for the last two weeks and we did manage to do something interesting and meaningful, rather than just stay inside the apartment and not to come out. One of the reasons why I decided to stay in America during the break is because of the snow. Which there was a big snow a couple of days ago and my friend and I decided to go outside and shovel snow just for fun. We got prepared and went outside, and my eyes were nearly blind when I stepped outside the door. It was too bright and I felt every shine of the light were reflected from everywhere. I slowly opened my eyes and WOW, it was more than just beautiful to describe than I ever experienced before.
My friend and I had a great time just clearing the snow from the last step of the door to parking lot. Which it might sounds boring but not for me.
PS: Do ignore my face and whatever that expression was because I had no idea why I did that!
rex1992
I had a great time with my friends during the Christmas break. I lived with one of my friend's apartment for the last two weeks and we did manage to do something interesting and meaningful, rather than just stay inside the apartment and not to come out. One of the reasons why I decided to stay in America during the break is because of the snow. Which there was a big snow a couple of days ago and my friend and I decided to go outside and shovel snow just for fun. We got prepared and went outside, and my eyes were nearly blind when I stepped outside the door. It was too bright and I felt every shine of the light were reflected from everywhere. I slowly opened my eyes and WOW, it was more than just beautiful to describe than I ever experienced before.
My friend and I had a great time just clearing the snow from the last step of the door to parking lot. Which it might sounds boring but not for me.
PS: Do ignore my face and whatever that expression was because I had no idea why I did that!
rex1992
Holiday Snapshot
Being a part of a large family means family gatherings for every major holiday. This past New Year's Eve, my dad's side of the family gathered at my aunt's house down in Virginia to bring in the new year together. But as the clock ticked closer to mid-night, having fourteen people in one room together can bring a lot of chaos. There were people talking over others and the television on with the volume up to hear it. At one point, there was an UNO game playing that had one of the players very loudly yell "UNO." Which cause an adult to tell her to calm down. But with two minutes until the New Year, we were telling each other to get ready with our sparkling cider or champagne. And when mid-night finally arrived, the room filled with people saying "Happy New Year" and people blowing into noise makers. Even though it was full of chaos, it was one of the best New Year's yet.
---JVoltaggio
---JVoltaggio
Mountain Sisters
Over Christmas break I was able to spend time with family and friends, have amazing food, and spend time with the two girls that mean the most to me, my puppies Lucy and Jinny.
My family and I were able to go to our New Hampshire house in the White Mountains for a couple days after break. Since the house is brand new, my dad is trying to keep it looking that way. This isn't a lot to ask from my mom or I, but unfortunately my older sister and our puppies weren't as happy with this request. They caused a mess in the house which pushed my dad to his breaking point.
On our last day at the house, my dad and I went down the mountain to get Dunkin Donuts for breakfast. He even brought Lucy and Jinny back glazed munchkins (there favorite treat). He told my sister to put the dogs on the deck while we ate our breakfast so that they wouldn't beg from the table. She did this, but once she was on the deck with the dogs my dad closed the door and locked it.
He got his holiday revenge, and I couldn't help but laugh at the expressions on these three loves faces.
CrystalVolpe
My family and I were able to go to our New Hampshire house in the White Mountains for a couple days after break. Since the house is brand new, my dad is trying to keep it looking that way. This isn't a lot to ask from my mom or I, but unfortunately my older sister and our puppies weren't as happy with this request. They caused a mess in the house which pushed my dad to his breaking point.
On our last day at the house, my dad and I went down the mountain to get Dunkin Donuts for breakfast. He even brought Lucy and Jinny back glazed munchkins (there favorite treat). He told my sister to put the dogs on the deck while we ate our breakfast so that they wouldn't beg from the table. She did this, but once she was on the deck with the dogs my dad closed the door and locked it.
He got his holiday revenge, and I couldn't help but laugh at the expressions on these three loves faces.
CrystalVolpe
Monday, January 6, 2014
Crazy Family Holiday Photos
Every year, my mom makes my brother, sister, and I take a picture at Christmas time since it is the one time of year that the three of us are together. Unfortunately this year my brother and I were both very sick on Christmas Eve, but of course my mom made us suck it up and smile for her for about forty-five minutes as we took picture after picture until we had the right one. She told my sister and I to try and make my brother look like a reindeer, but as you can see, that didn't work out as well as she may have hoped. Of course, in between each picture the three of us are bickering over who blinked or moved while my mom was taking the picture. Just another crazy Christmas at my house in the cold mountains of Vermont!
K. Plotts
A Moment of Hilarity
While my break was not the happiest that it could have been, I experienced multiple laughs with my family through tough times.
My niece will be 2 years old in July, and she is such a smart little peanut. My boyfriend and I were visiting my sister and her family to celebrate Christmas the day after. We arrived with presents in tow, and were created with tons of smiles. Presents were given and my niece soon decided she was bored of playing with the boxes her new gifts came in.
After wandering around my sister's baby-proofed house, Sammie decided to make a run for my boyfriend's shoes. Sammie being, well, an infant, and Eric being a full grown man with a size 12 shoe, the outcome was quite hilarious. Being the camera hog that she is, she just laid there and let my sister take a picture of her post collapsing from running in the gigantic shoes.
-EmPascoe
My niece will be 2 years old in July, and she is such a smart little peanut. My boyfriend and I were visiting my sister and her family to celebrate Christmas the day after. We arrived with presents in tow, and were created with tons of smiles. Presents were given and my niece soon decided she was bored of playing with the boxes her new gifts came in.
After wandering around my sister's baby-proofed house, Sammie decided to make a run for my boyfriend's shoes. Sammie being, well, an infant, and Eric being a full grown man with a size 12 shoe, the outcome was quite hilarious. Being the camera hog that she is, she just laid there and let my sister take a picture of her post collapsing from running in the gigantic shoes.
-EmPascoe
If you never tried IN N' OUT BURGER then you must
If you never tried In N' Out Burger then you must go to California now and get it! This fast food place is the ultimate stop for a good old fashioned burger. With only a limited menu selection of 3 different styles of how to prepare your burger, this place is definitely number 1 in my book. There special weapon in gaining their customer/fan base is their option of animal style. A combination of cheese, caramelized onions, and thousand island sauce completely makes the whole experience magical. Book a flight and make your first stop at In N' Out Burger.
http://aht.seriouseats.com/archives/2011/03/the-in-n-out-survival-guide-we-ate-every-single-item-on-the-secret-menu.html
Tyler D.
http://aht.seriouseats.com/archives/2011/03/the-in-n-out-survival-guide-we-ate-every-single-item-on-the-secret-menu.html
Tyler D.
Olive Garden review
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