Raleigh Denim

One half of my trip to North Carolina involved a stop through Raleigh. While it included several pub stops and a little exploring the highlight was shopping...wierd. Scott sat outside, I did my thing. I've actually been planning a trip just for the sole purpose of visiting the The Raleigh Denim workshop, and it was everything I hoped. The front door labels it the workshop and curatory. Upon entry you are greeted by a typical storefront. A quick glimpse to the left opens to busy workers creating a wearable labor of art. Incredible quality sourced within the state. It was a great experience to view where the product was made and meet the kind people who make them. John (pictured below) even hemmed them to fit while I nosed around.

Raleigh Denim http://vimeo.com/joshtheorange/ralei... About this video: "Great people. Great Jean."

  

Chapel Hill : Dean Dome

Happy Black Friday!!

Happy Thanksgiving, but let's be real the true holiday is Black Friday. That's why I traveled up the mountain to Asheville to find out what all the fuss is about. My Thanksgiving was typical. Football on the big screen, too much food, and even more booze to wash it down. The difference this year was my active participation in the worst reason for mass human gathering. I knew it was going to be an entertaining event, I was just unsure to what degree. With a wildcard like Haley involved your guess is as good as mine.

Haley's reaction after being told she has to report to work (at the GAP) in 30 minutes...and that she is completely wasted.

   I wish this picture was photoshopped. This is the line at Old Navy. Let me explain. Inside the store was at capacity so these individuals are patiently waiting their turn, in a two in two out fashion, like it was the hottest new nightclub.

Just a glimpse of the shenanigans that took place that night. Not pictured is the line of about 8-10 guys waiting to relieve themselves. 

Shout out to Turk! I haven't seen him in about four or five years and he was so excited to see me he peed himself multiple times and refused to leave my side for the majority of the day. Great little dude.

Have You Seen this 'Pie' Man???

Neighborhood Oyster Roast (in picture)

The best hood downtown held it's annual oyster roast last weekend, and it did not disappoint. The site was Lowdes Grove Plantation. Here are a few pics from an awesome Sunday afternoon.

The parking lot

Yes, that is a jump castle

Oyster tables ready for shuckin'

Crazy amounts of grub

Enjoying the day along the Ashley River

Southern entertainment 

It's Moustache Season!

And Happy Movember to you to! What is Movember you ask? Well..obviously it's the month formerly known as November, with a twist. You see October is a month cluttered with breast cancer awareness and everything pink. Now it's the gentleman's turn to raise awareness for the often ignored issues they face, particularly prostate cancer. What better way to do it than to sprout some unsightly hair on their upper lip, thus becoming walking billboards. This creates conversation and in turn spreads awareness of the issues. Last year I attempted this month long challenge but fell short due to the pure awfulness and really no support. This year though I'm all in. I joined a team with one of the bar "regulars" and we are hosting an event next weekend to promote Movember. I know this Movember phenomenon blew up here last year, so I assume it will be even bigger this year. All funds raised during the month throughout the world are put towards the Prostate Cancer Foundation and LIVESTRONG. What's even better about Movember is the are no stupid 5k's every weekend. It's definitely an alcohol driven fundraiser with events held each weekend at different bars. I will keep you updated on my growth (or lack there of) and let you know how it effects my daily activities. For example.. being within a certain distance of small children. So here's to hoping the cats don't sneak in my room a lick off my moustache while I'm sleeping. Cheers to Movember!    

Pink Fire Truck??

Earlier in the month a Pink Heals National Fire Truck Tour rolled through the area. The purpose of the caravan, consisting of pink fire trucks and supporters, is to raise awareness for women and their fight against cancer. In each city they stop, a dedication is held and those who attend are able to sign the truck or write special notes to those they know who are fighting the horrible disease. Well with October being National Breast Cancer Month.. I suppose the beloved North Chuck was so touched by the concept they decided to create their own pink truck. Once an old rig was wrapped in pink covering, several guys in the department(not me) put in some long hours to get the truck in working order and look as good as it does. Not to take anything away from them or this awesome cause, but this post is more about the man running the city. Although on duty this day, I was not present for this ceremony. Someone though, was kind enough to record it and post it on not only just the internet, but also the City website. No need to watch in its entirety unless you feel so inclined to do. Maybe a minute of your time is all I ask. Here's my thoughts during the video. ----I've never heard him give a speech..wow! quite southern accent.. still not used to those.. He's still fairly rotund.. I thought he had his stomach stapled.. wasn't it on the city's dime.. what a waste of money.. wait a minute I didn't get a raise the past two years.. nice turtle neck.. they're not manning it all month.. only three days.. oh.. he's politicking.. go figure.. he loves his female firefighters..--- AND then at 0:58 -- Holy Shit! He called that lady a BROAD! LOL!! Is that an acceptable term? I wonder if she was offended?---   I thought this to be very humorous. Welcome to the South. 

Footnote: The four females picture rode Engine 3 that entire shift and I almost called out sick. I spent the majority of the day hidden upstairs in my room. I don't think a moment of silence existed in the station the entire shift. The moment they got off the truck someone was always talking. It was like living in some twisted sorority house. Not good. 

Dell'z Deli

A couple days ago I was completely thrown from daily routine. After a stop at the gym my mid day lunch is almost always a phone call away. Dell'z Deli of course, but yesterday no one answered to satisfy my craving for her delicious eats. My 10-15 minute ride back across the Ashley to the peninsula usually is perfect timing to pick up my order. This day I was completely thrown. With hopes that the small wrap shop was too busy to answer I continued my usual route to her storefront. Upon arrival I was once again disappointed to find a hand written note apologizing for the days closure due to unforeseen circumstances. Skimming the news later that evening I was shocked to find out Dell was attacked and stabbed multiple times by an ex-boyfriend. Crazy business! She is recovering well, but is healing nine stab wounds to her arm and hand.  

Just a couple of fans

Two words - Bacon Milkshake

I've heard of this daring combo before and thought I'd try my own attempt at such a creation. It went a little something like this..

-Vanilla bean ice cream

-Vanilla soy milk (because its healthy of course)

-Cinnamon maplewood bacon (possibly the best bacon on the planet. from Ted's butcher block)

-Dulce de leche

Overall impression..I definitely didn't need to fill the entire glass but it looked better for the photo completely full. Crazy good flavor but not something I'd drink regularly. I imagine some pregnant lady out there somewhere would love it. I will for sure make it again and next time I will try not to be as hungover, so my taste buds will accept all that went on in my mouth. 

Lazy Day in Marion Square

Hester Park, What Time is it!

Thanks to a screen printing friend our game jerseys are in. Season tip-off is under a week away!

How close do you keep your enemies?

Well...apparently I allow mine to move into my living room and build f'n sky scrapers. The other day when I arrived home from work this sight welcomed me and stared in my direction the entirety of my breakfast..how lame. This kitty is one of two evil bastards that now lurk my halls, something that may take a little adjusting. Seriously though, who still owns cat furniture? 

A Serious Surf day

Went out to Folly with my friend Patrick to enjoy a glorious day of surf.  We spent the better portion of the day charging 4-6 foot waves kindly produced by the tropical storms in the Atlantic.  Mid-week beach time always proves to be the best and with swells like today I don't think I would prefer to have been anywhere else. 

Labor Day at Folly

The overcast sky didn't deter too many beach goers this weekend. My friend Josh and his fiancé Lauren were in town for the weekend handling wedding details, so we decided take a chance. It ended up being a great beach day with sub par weather. Cold beer and bocce ball entertained us enough to consider the day a success.

Santee's Burial Ground

To the right of this path you can see where he now rests. Looking at the spot in the daylight was quite a surprise. Considering I dug in near pitch darkness with the only light provided from a flashlight app I downloaded on my iPhone. I honestly felt the sense of digging my own grave. Meaghan and Angella provided some encouragement but it was not fun. Good deed of the month, so don't ask for a thing. I stopped by to snap a few photos of the site and dropped a couple seed bombs. Hopefully some pretty growth will pop up foe the fella. 

At least he has good views. Better than the white walls of captivity he was in before. Sadly he may be happier now. Not sure why sunsets are a reoccurring theme on this blog recently.. I'll look into that.

A Stormy Sunset in Park Circle

It may be an interesting weekend..

Street View

Beer + ice cream = Love

City Market

With time to spare before my flight home I spent the last day in Chicago meandering the streets aimlessly. With no goal or destination in particular I was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled upon the Chicago Sister Cities International Festival. Held in front of the Daley Plaza that day's event coincided with the Farmers Market which is regularly held at the same location every Thursday. Your typical Farmers Market vendors could be found featuring jewelry, produce, soaps, flowers, and cheese. What stuck my complete interest was the excess in food vendors. Each City presented its finest fare in a quick grab and eat style. Ukraine, Mexico, Italy, Korea, and Poland come to mind when I think who was represented. I gave each vendor a quick pass and soaked in every menu pushing my way amongst the suits and high heals. I couldn't help but notice the line at the Warsaw, Poland stand and then I caught a glimpse of the plates being handed out. Done exactly in Chicago style hotdog fashion this attraction featured and lovely polish sausage. I waited patiently in line and enjoyed tunes of traditional Dutch music and dancing being showcased on the stage nearby until I was due up. Bravo! Well worth the wait.  I spent the better half of my afternoon talking to different vendors and taking in the live music, great way to end an awesome trip.

The Friendly Confines

FC Portsmouth vs Charleston Battery

Dogs in tow

Riders filled the streets

Great turnout. About 300 Participants.

Pre-ride

RIDEdwin Rally Ride Saturday 7/30 at 9AM – Come Join the Fun!

Cover it. Come. Spread the Word. Ride. Eat. Be Joyful.

Pedal your bike. Have fun. Help continue Edwin Gardner’s Work…

EDWIN GARDNER thought it was cool, fun, and efficient to get around Charleston on his bicycle. Plenty of other Charleston residents feel the same way. They’ll celebrate Edwin and the bicycle, his preferred mode of local transportation at 9am this Saturday (July 30) for the first annual RIDEdwin. The Rally/Ride starts and ends at Cannon Park at the corner of Calhoun and Rutledge.

Edwin died one year ago after being struck on his bike by an auto. But RIDEdwin isn’t a mournful event. “I hope we get a lot of people together to make our city a safe place to ride bikes,” says architect Whitney Powers, Edwin’s widow. (She and their daughter Olive continue pedaling their bicycles all over the Charleston peninsula.)

The pre-ride rally will be brief and the short, safe (police-escorted) ride should be fun for everyone, children included. Organizers are also asking pedicab operators to show up in numbers in case there are participants who would prefer paying to ride instead of pedaling. Food and beverage (provided by local restaurants, markets and bakeries) will be provided after the ride. (Route takes riders south to the Battery and north again to Cannon Park.)

Gardner served his community in many ways. He conducted his life as he believed. He was a skilled kayaker and a boat builder. He founded the Mosquito Fleet in order to teach people — especially underprivileged youth — about our maritime history and about the joys of being on the water. His attention was focused broadly, beyond bicycles and boats or any single issue. But his latest contributions as a member of the new Peninsula Task Force deal directly with alternative forms of transportation, bicycles, pedicabs, CARTA and more.

Organizers hope the RIDEdwin will keep Gardner’s vision for a better community alive and galvanize people to pitch in to make it happen.

I'll take my dinner fried

Our dinner rotation at work is always an interesting affair. A few guys are fairly consistent and sometimes quite impressive with their culinary exploits, while others leave you wondering with queasy anticipation what the dinner hour will bring. Tonight was a gut buster. I find myself using one phrase fairly often and it held true tonight "only in the South". Earlier in the year the FDA replaced the food pyramid with the food plate. They recommend balancing calories and increasing the intake of fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Blah, blah, blah, eat healthy! Some surprisingly enough find this hard to achieve on a meal by meal basis and cook dinners that look...well look like my dinner tonight. Briefly examine my plate and attempt to fill in the food plate. It may be hard to decipher what exactly I had for dinner so I'll translate that heap of fried soul food. Fried catfish, hushpuppies (also fried), grits (whatever grits are?), and tartar sauce. It's almost laughable how uncategorized my meal was except for the fact my belly hurts if I do have a jolly. Michelle Obama would be so disappointed. 

Folly Beach gets rep in GQ

GQ's Guide to the Best Beaches in America Travel Features: GQ.com

In Lieu of..

I usually do not claim nor discuss much of work, but the loss of my helmet was a reminder how sentimental things could mean so much. This photo was taken after a house fire on Fargo St. in North Charleston, SC.  The fact that I know that is a bit much, but I vividly remember every fire I've made entry into. Being on the front line and advancing a hoseline into a burning building is one of the greatest rushes I've ever felt. It makes the restless nights and afternoons of anticipation well worth the extra heart murmur. The only reminder I have of those moments are memories filed in my brain. They sit amongst the happiest and most trying times of life, all while flushed amongst inebriated nights. The only physical reminder of what I've seen and have been through was permanently affixed to my lid. Whether it be the charred leather sides or blacked out tetrahedrons, it was a constant reminder that I was there. Wherever there may may be..you may have to ask Bubba from McClellanville or Jerry from Bamberg. Their fire stories are endless and quite possibly the most exaggerated in the department. What I do know is the sense of pride I felt when I opened my locker every morning. My helmet represented where I've been. Working extra was no longer a burden, other shifts respected you. Station 3-stood for the busiest in the city, Rescue 3- meant you knew your shit, NCFD draws looks amongst surrounding departments because they do not receive our call volume. Im not a songstress for our department by any means, I think we are completely fucked up and southern like the rest of the state but I've learned an incredible amount about the fire service since getting the opportunity to fill a spot on a truck. The fact that some turd is roaming North Charleston's crack filled streets toting my property with absolutely no use for it frustrates me to no end. Dear helmet, come back.

Good Flick - Check it out

I went to the Terrace Theatre(our local indie theatre) the other night and caught this movie. I've been waiting for its arrival at the Terrace and I must say it has was one of the better films I've seen in a while.

Sunset at Colonial Lake

Animals at Work

Fireman Groupie

What started out as a normal morning, getting the days groceries at Bi-Lo soon turned into pure entertainment. This fantastic fella pictured with Capt. Kehoe tore into the store and began hugging us all at the checkout line. Everyone was kind of taken back then realized he wasn't all there. His questions about how the truck was running, where we've been today, and his pretend radio transmission on his toy walkie were endless. If his "uniform" wasn't enough to get a laugh the voice that he projected put everyone over the top. The best part was his fascination with Kehoe. He must have shook his hand twenty-plus times. He even ran circles around us as we strolled to the truck. I suppose it was the highlight of his day, if not week, and a good start to our Sunday. All I kept thinking was Merlin.

Happy Hour on the Rooftop

Bike Porn

I finally pieced together my other bicycle. It rides really well with only a few adjustments to be made before I am completely happy. With the age of the frame and all the brand new components putting this beauty together proved to be more difficult than originally thought. Once I was able to take it for a spin all the frustration washed away. A lot of newer bicycles with the single speed/fixie style are uber-light and speedy, but this original Chicago produced steel Schwinn frame makes it quite a tank. I have bonded with the skeleton of this bike being as I rode it through college, and the fact that Erin Fuglelstad Joanis won it in a spelling bee makes it that much greater. In fact, so much so, the first night I took it out I ran into this dude who runs the co-op in town. He approached as I chained up my ride and before I could even step foot inside the Recovery Room he offered me three hundred dollars for the frame only. Very nice offer, but as flattered as I was, I politely declined. Enjoy the view.

saukvalley.com | Lee ready for a state House run in Dixon IL, Sterling IL and Rock Falls, IL

Behind the Bar

I hired Gay as my bar back last night. Quite an experience we had. Zocalo hosted "Charleston takeover" which is an organization derived of the gay community. Each month they "takeover" a bar to mingle and network. We had over 200 rsvp to the event and an estimated 400 showed up. 

Georgia Wildfires Ruining My View!

Poor Birdie Tumbled out of it's Nest