Bryan's Blog

Santo Gold Infomercial (intro)

2009-12-30T06:22:00.001-08:00

The Movie Federal Reserve (Pt 1 of 5)

2009-12-19T12:12:00.001-08:00

My battery, solar and wind generator setup

2009-12-06T07:59:00.001-08:00

Why Obama has to Redistribute Americans Wealth to Insure His and Our Salvation

2009-03-31T14:25:00.001-07:00

They are going to KILL Pharma in America!

2009-03-05T09:20:00.000-08:00

Senator Asks Pfizer About Harvard Payments
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/04/business/04pfizer.html

Chuck Mangione - Feels So Good (with vocals)

2009-02-05T19:14:00.001-08:00

2009-01-14T05:58:00.000-08:00

I finished the access ladder into the attic. For some reason, all access into the attic of the house had been sealed off long ago. There's a whole other floor up there! We're going to use it for storage so we can get more organized. You can see the rest of the photos here.

New York Botanical Garden

2009-01-11T06:01:00.000-08:00

Danijela and I drove into the Bronx to see the New York Botanical Garden and the Holiday Train Exhibit. We had a great time and plan to go back ASAP so we can see the other exhibits and the garden grounds.

You can see the rest of the photos here.

DEBT...

2009-01-05T09:36:00.000-08:00

This is a scary snapshot of the actual financial (in)secrity of our nation...

http://www.pgpf.org/

South Texas Girl

2008-12-18T15:55:00.001-08:00

I always miss Texas, but sometimes I really miss it...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNmnzwGT4Ic

2008-12-14T18:44:00.000-08:00

I just got back from seeing my family in Texas. We had a great time. I was able to spend some great times with my nephew Andy. Look at him. He's so cute. Future lady's man.

Zinfandel Wines - Croatian Wine: The Toast of the Town

2008-12-06T17:45:00.000-08:00

I just read a great article about American Zinfandel Wines and how they originated in Croatia. The article is from the American Chronicle and is titled, "Croatian Wine: The Toast of the Town". The variety of the grape detailed int he article is Zinfandel-Primitivo-Kaštelanski.

The article details Mike Grgich and his work with zinfandel wines in both the United States and Croatia. Take a look at it and let me know what you think.

http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/73133

http://www.zinfandel.org/
This is the on-line home of ZAP (Zinfandel Advocates and Producers) started by Mike Grgich.

Piljac, Jasenka. Zinfandel: A Croatian-American Wine Story. This book, written by one of the scientific investigators involved in the search for the original Zinfandel is available used at www.amazon.com (for $75!).
http://www.crozinfandel.com/
http://www.croatia.org/crown/articles/4869/1/E-Zinfandel-A-Croatian-American-Wine-Story.html

Texas Trip

2008-12-06T17:36:00.000-08:00

I'm visiting Texas for the next few days to meet up with Mom and Dad and Allison's family. We're having a great time just hanging out and catching up. I'll post some pics ASAP.

Also, I came across this site for the ultimate woodworker. Imagine if you could get to this skill!

http://www.wright-brothers.org/Adventure/Workshop/building1902.htm

2008-12-03T14:26:00.000-08:00

I completed a set of two recycling bins for the house. Take a look and let me know think.

Completion of Basement Shelves

2008-12-01T07:31:00.000-08:00

I just completed some much needed shelves in our basement. Now we will have a place for towels and other clothing. I made them out of white pine and used a system to hide all screws. I left the finish natural and gave everything a nice coat of lacquer. I painted the wall a Valspar Sunburst color to lighten up the basement. I think they turned out great. Please let me know what you think.

One point of interest...there weren't any studs in the wall so I had to build a shelving system that ties into itself for self-support. I "borrowed" most of my ideas from Craftsman style construction I have seen in the past.

New Jersey Thanksgiving 2008

2008-11-29T07:25:00.000-08:00

A few of us got together for Thanksgiving at Danijela and my house in New Jersey. We had all the traditional food like turkey and dressing, potatoes, homemade rolls, and green bean casserole.

Nastasha brought her Mom and family, Andrew and Carmen came, and Robert from NYC was able to make it. Danijela and I were so happy that everyone had such a great time.

Danijela's New Picture

2008-11-07T09:15:00.000-08:00

Danijela's family had a picture painted for her and gave it to her when we visited Croatia and Vela Luka. The picture is a beautiful depition of TriPorte, a small harbor in the western part of the Island of Korcula. This beautiful painting was created by the artist Ella Fles. You can see some of her works at the website below.

The picture now hangs on the main wall of our house.

http://www.ellafles.com/

Why socialism won't work...

2008-10-14T11:56:00.000-07:00

Please read this article...socialism is not the answer.

http://www.fee.org/publications/the-freeman/article.asp?aid=4014

Dallas and Waco

2008-09-28T13:14:00.001-07:00

I just left Dallas and have arrived in Waco to visit with my brother and his family. Soon my parents and little Andy will be driving in. It should be a great time. Andy is growing so fast. I hope all of you have the chance to spend some time with your families this year. Have a great rest of the Summer.

Changing Seasons

2008-09-18T16:57:00.000-07:00

The end of Summer is here. D and I are going to try to squeeze the last bit of sunshine out of the year. We're still getting tomatoes out of our garden and the grapes have been crushed into wine. As we ease into this winter, I wish everyone a wonderful rest of the year. I hope all of you can spend some time with your families.

Please keep checking out the website for new photos.

Two cool timelapse videos

2008-09-17T11:35:00.000-07:00

LA to NYC
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxCUlvEkQDg

Florida to NYC
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H03_utyXhYM&feature=related

Follow up to "Oil Hype" article...more BS...

2008-09-17T08:15:00.000-07:00

Check this out...funny how speculation works. They should curb this practice...

Study links oil prices to investor speculation

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080910/ap_on_go_co/oil_speculation

Blast from the past - Lights of Albuquerque

2008-09-17T06:47:00.000-07:00

Jim Glaser performing "The Lights of Albuquerque". We always used to listen to this in ABQ.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLII8CANpAU

Oil HYPE!

2008-09-11T08:34:00.000-07:00

Don't believe all the hype about oil. I agree we should use solar, wind, nuke, etc., but when they say we shouldn't drill because there's no oil...well it's BS.

http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1911

3 to 4.3 Billion Barrels of Technically Recoverable Oil Assessed in North Dakota and Montana’s Bakken Formation—25 Times More Than 1995 Estimate—Released: 4/10/2008 2:25:36 PM

Saturday Morning Conference Call

2008-09-06T07:11:00.000-07:00

I got roped into an early Saturday morning conference call...horrible.

The High Line

2008-09-05T06:22:00.000-07:00

Check out this great website detailing the building of the High Line park in NYC. I pass under this thing all the time and if you didn't know what you were looking at, you would never imagine that they are going to build a beautiful, one of a kind park here. I look forward to being able to walk along it very soon.

http://www.thehighline.org/

his family tree from Geni.com

2008-09-03T08:59:00.001-07:00

View more of Bryan's tree | Get your own family tree at Geni.com

U.S. Open

2008-08-31T17:00:00.000-07:00

Danijela, Roger, Tania, and I spent the entire day at the US Open this Sunday. The weather was perfect and we had a great time. We watched Federer and Roddick win their matches in the Arthur Ash Stadium. It was blazing hot, but we stayed cool by going down into the commons area for a few beverages. Please click the photo for the Picasa album...

Summer BBQ - NYAMC

2008-08-30T17:00:00.000-07:00

I wanted to thank everyone for coming out to our BBQ and making it so much fun! You can view the pics on my website or through my Picasa account through the links below.

I'm looking forward to the next one. I hope everyone that couldn't make this one will be able to come next time. Have a GREAT rest of the Summer!

Pics

$53,000,000,000,000?!

2008-08-23T21:18:00.000-07:00

This is SCARY!

Backyard Veggies!!!

2008-08-22T12:00:00.000-07:00

Check out a few of the veggies D and I got out of our backyard!

Click the photo for full album...

No Escape from Google Maps!

2008-08-22T06:30:00.000-07:00

Check this out...

Google Maps Link

It's amazing what they've been able to do with these maps. I would never have thought you could see directly into the neighborhoods, let alone my own house!

Nooch the Pooch

2008-08-11T09:31:00.000-07:00

It's with great sadness that I announce that our wonderful dog Nooch passed away a few days ago. Nooch was the best dog that anyone could ask for. He started his life with us in Corpus Christi when he walked up to my parents' house and he was with us ever since. He made the big move to College Station, Texas in 1996 and lived with me during my last year of college. When I went away to Pharmacy School, Nooch stayed with my parents in Corpus Christi and became a loyal companion (especially to my Mom) for many years.

Nooch will be missed. He was unequal as a friend and companion. RIP Nooch.

New Wine Projects

2008-08-07T11:41:00.000-07:00

I've decided that I'm going to try to build all of the wine equipment I use by hand. I want to put some of the woodworking skills I've learned to good use. I'll start with the crusher, move to the press, then finish with a homemade racking stand. I'll put up some pics as soon as I can.

Have a good one!

Texas

2008-07-18T10:54:00.000-07:00

First Blog

2008-06-26T11:52:00.000-07:00

Thanks for checking my blog. I'll be using this site to open up space on my personal website (www.bryanalanhill.com). Please let me know what you think and I hope to hear from all of you soon.

Bryan

Dwight D. Eisenhower Quote

2008-06-23T11:09:00.000-07:00

There is nothing wrong with America that the faith, love of freedom, intelligence and energy of her citizens cannot cure.

Dwight D. Eisenhower

34th president of US 1953-1961 (1890 - 1969)

Laborer, Craftsman, Artist

2008-02-06T11:12:00.000-08:00

He who works with his hands is a Laborer.
He who works with his hands and his head is a Craftsman.
He who works with his hands, his head, and his heart is an Artist.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Politics

2008-01-09T11:14:00.000-08:00

I thought this was a great article pertaining to this year's never-ending election...

The next time you hear a politician use theword 'billion' in a casual manner, think aboutwhether you want the 'politicians' spendingYOUR tax money.
A billion is a difficult number to comprehend, but one advertising agency did a good job ofputting that figure into some perspective in one of its releases.

A. A billion seconds ago it was 1959.

B. A billion minutes ago Jesus was alive.

C. A billion hours ago our ancestors were living in the Stone Age.

D. A billion days ago no-one walked on the earth on two feet.

E. A billion dollars ago was only 8 hours and 20 minutes, at the rate our government is spending it. While this thought is still fresh in our brain, let's take a look at New Orleans It's amazing what you can learn with some simple division . . Louisiana Senator, Mary Landrieu (D), is presently asking the Congress for $250 BILLION to rebuild New Orleans . Interesting number, what does it mean?

Well, if you are one of 484,674 residents of New Orleans (every man, woman, child), you each get $516,528.B. Or, if you have one of the 188,251 homes in New Orleans , your home gets $1,329,787.C. Or, if you are a family of four, your family gets $2,066,012.Washington, D.C .. HELLO!!! ... Are all your calculators broken??

Tax his land
Tax his wage
Tax his bed in which he lays
Tax his tractor
Tax his mule
Teach him taxes is the rule
Tax his cow
Tax his goat
Tax his pants
Tax his coat
Tax his ties
Tax his shirts
Tax his work
Tax his dirt
Tax his tobacco
Tax his drink
Tax him if he tries to think
Tax his booze
Tax his beers
If he cries,Tax his tears
Tax his bills
Tax his gas
Tax his notes
Tax his cash
Tax him good and let him knowThat after taxes, he has no dough
If he hollers,Tax him more
Tax him until he's good and sore
Tax his coffin
Tax his grave
Tax the sod in which he lays
Put these words upon his tomb
'Taxes drove me to my doom!'
And when he's gone,We won't relax
We'll still be after the inheritance TAX!!

Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL License Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Gasoline Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges (tax on top of tax)
IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax
Luxury Tax
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Service charge taxes
Social Security Tax
Road Usage Tax (Truckers)
Sales Taxes
Recreational Vehicle Tax
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone Federal Excise Tax
Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax
Telephone Federal
State and Local Surcharge Tax
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax
Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax
Telephone State and Local Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Utility Tax
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft Registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax

STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY? Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago, and our nation was the most prosperous in the world. We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world, and Mom stayed home to raise the kids. What happened? Can you spell 'politicians!' And I still have to 'press1' for English. I hope this goes around THE USA at least 100 times!

Terracycle

2008-01-02T09:52:00.000-08:00

For those of you who like composting, here is a great website from TerraCycle, Inc.

http://www.terracycle.net/composter.htm

Where have all the great pharmacies gone?

2007-11-18T09:54:00.000-08:00

150 years of American pharmacy: The rise and fall of the pharmacy soda fountain

For more than a century the soda fountain became a mainstay in community pharmacies, before falling on hard times.

In August 1951, Drug Topics published an artist's impression of a drugstore. At the center of it all, surrounded by the "toiletree," cosmetic bar, baby department, and Rx refill station, stood the fountain where customers congregated. For nearly half a century, in fact, the soda fountain seemed to be the center of the drugstore universe, drawing customers in and making it a community social center. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, some pharmacies began to offer carbonated "soda water" for its perceived medicinal value. Although the 1831 edition of U.S. Pharmacopeia no longer included soda water, it nevertheless continued to be served at specially designed fountains in a growing number of pharmacies. "The soda fountain came into its own in the 1880s as a social institution," argued historian Glenn Sonnedecker.

By 1919, Drug Topics featured a story on Pennsylvania Drug Co., a drugstore located in Pennsylvania Station in New York City. According to the story, the pharmacy offered "every drink that's mixed, shaken, frapped, and percolated, hot or cold, that human ingenuity has ever devised." The fountain had close to 9,000 customers a day and brought in $250,000 per year.

Ten years later, Drug Topics reported that 75% of the 61,865 pharmacies nationwide had a soda fountain and that nearly all new stores included fountains. The fountains drew in considerable income as well, with the drinks accounting for 17% of sales. "Every present tendency indicates that the future of the soda fountain will be even more important than the past," the magazine reported in its 1929 Fact Book.

To be sure, by the 1950s soda fountains had become a pharmacy fixture. Drug Topics had a special section on fountain management, which in an Aug. 13, 1951, column touted the cranberry chiffon pie and the advantages of square bays, which "give the fountain of the Albright & Wood Drug Store ... Gulfport, Miss., a neat and smartly attractive appearance."

Within a decade, however, soda fountains began a rapid decline. As fast-food chain restaurants spread and bottled soda became more widely available, pharmacies began to remove their fountains. By the 1970s, fewer than a third of pharmacies had fountains. While a few pharmacies still have fountains, what was once the center of the pharmacy-and many communities-has been relegated to a place of nostalgia for a bygone era.

Hometowns

2007-11-13T09:59:00.000-08:00

I was eight years old and running with a dime in my hand
Into the bus stop to pick up a paper for my old man
I'd sit on his lap in that big old Buick and steer as we drove through town
He'd tousle my hair and say son take a good look around this is your hometown
This is your hometown
This is your hometown
This is your hometown

In '65 tension was running high at my high school
There was a lot of fights between the black and white
There was nothing you could do
Two cars at a light on a Saturday night in the back seat there was a gun
Words were passed in a shotgun blast
Troubled times had come to my hometown
My hometown
My hometown
My hometown

Now Main Street's whitewashed windows and vacant stores
Seems like there ain't nobody wants to come down here no more
They're closing down the textile mill across the railroad tracks
Foreman says these jobs are going boys and they ain't coming back to your hometown
Your hometown
Your hometown
Your hometown

Last night me and Kate we laid in bed
talking about getting out
Packing up our bags maybe heading south
I'm thirty-five we got a boy of our own now
Last night I sat him up behind the wheel and said son take a good look around
This is your hometown

Tesla Motors

2007-11-06T10:02:00.000-08:00

For those of you who hate the fact that we get 70% of our crude oil from foreign markets, this should make you smile.

That 70% is equivalent to $700,000,000,000 leaving our country every year!

Based on the electric motor pioneered by Nikola Tesla, a new car company called Tesla Motors has released a sweet sports car powered entirely by electricity.

The Tesla Roadster is a sign of the future (I hope). Take a look at some pics of the car below.

Westerns

2007-09-10T10:05:00.000-07:00

Westerns are completely awesome. I came across this list of the greatest Westerns in history. Let me know what you think.

My all-time top five are:

The Outlaw Josey Wales
High Plains Drifter
Barbarosa
Open Range
The Missing

http://www.digitaldreamdoor.com/pages/movie-pages/movie_west.html

High Noon - (1952) (Gary Cooper, Grace Kelly, Lloyd Bridges)

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre - (1948) (Humphrey Bogart, Walter Huston)

Shane - (1953) (Alan Ladd, Jean Arthur, Van Heflin)

The Magnificent Seven - (1960) (Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson)

Virginia City - (1940) (Errol Flynn, Randolph Scott, Miriam Hopkins)

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid - (1969) (Paul Newman, Robert Redford)

The Wild Bunch - (1969) (William Holden, Ernest Borgnine)

Stagecoach - (1939) (John Wayne, Claire Trevor, John Carradine)

The Shootist - (1976) (John Wayne, Lauren Bacall, James Stewart)

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly - (1966) (Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef, Eli Wallach)

The Searchers - (1956) (John Wayne, Jeffrey Hunter)

Rio Grande - (1950) (John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara)

A Man Called Horse - (1970 (Richard Harris, Judith Anderson)

The Outlaw Josey Wales - (1976) (Clint Eastwood, Sondra Locke)

Little Big Man - (1970) (Dustin Hoffman, Faye Dunaway, Chief Dan George)

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance - (1962) (John Wayne, James Stewart, Vera Miles)

Unforgiven - (1992) (Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman)

Once Upon a Time in the West - (1969 (Henry Fonda, Charles Bronson)

Dances with Wolves - (1990) (Kevin Costner, Mary McDonnell, Graham Greene)

High Plains Drifter - (1973) (Clint Eastwood, Verna Bloom)

Red River - (1948) (John Wayne, Montgomery Clift , Joanne Dru)

The Ox-Bow Incident - (1943) (Henry Fonda, Dana Andrews, Anthony Quinn)

True Grit - (1969) (John Wayne, Glen Campbell, Kim Darby)

Silverado - (1985) (Kevin Kline, Scott Glenn, Danny Glover, Kevin Costner)

Santa Fe Trail - (1940) (Errol Flynn, Ronald Reagan, Olivia de Havilland)

The Misfits - (1961) (Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe, Montgomery Clift)

Hondo - (1953) (John Wayne, Geraldine Page)

Fort Apache - (1948) (John Wayne, Henry Fonda, Shirley Temple)

How the West Was Won - (1962) (Henry Fonda, James Stewart, John Wayne)

The Sons of Katie Elder - (1965) (John Wayne, Dean Martin, George Kennedy)

Tombstone - (1993) (Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer)

McLintock! - (1963) (John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara)

The Long Riders - (1980) (Stacy Keach, Dennis Quaid)

The Alamo - (1960) (John Wayne, Richard Widmark, Laurence Harvey)

My Darling Clementine - (1946) (Henry Fonda, Linda Darnell, Victor Mature)

The Great Northfield, Minnesota Raid - (1972) (Cliff Robertson, Robert Duvall)

Wyatt Earp - (1994) (Kevin Costner, Dennis Quaid, Gene Hackman)

Destry Rides Again - (1939) (James Stewart, Marlene Dietrich)

The Outlaw - (1943) (Jane Russell, Jack Buetel, Walter Huston)

Ride the High Country - (1962) (Randolph Scott, Joel McCrea, Mariette Hartley)

Duel in the Sun - 1946) (Gregory Peck, Joseph Cotten, Jennifer Jones)

The Professionals - (1966) (Burt Lancaster, Lee Marvin, Robert Ryan)

They Died With Their Boots On - (1941) (Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Anthony Quinn)

Dodge City - (1939) (Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Ann Sheridan)

Johnny Guitar - (1954) (Joan Crawford, Sterling Hayden, Ward Bond)

Rio Lobo - (1970) (John Wayne, Jennifer O'Neill)

The Cowboys - (1972) (John Wayne, Roscoe Lee Browne, Bruce Dern)

McCabe and Mrs. Miller - (1971) (Warren Beatty, Julie Christie)

The Gunfighter - (1950) (Gregory Peck, Helen Westcott)

Gunfight at the O.K. Corral - (1957) (Burt Lancaster, Kirk Douglas)

Will Penny - (1968) (Charlton Heston, Joan Hackett, Donald Pleasence)

Tall in the Saddle - (1944) (John Wayne, Ella Raines, Ward Bond)

The Sacketts - (1979) (Tom Selleck, Sam Elliott)

Vera Cruz - (1954) (Gary Cooper, Burt Lancaster, Charles Bronson)

Hombre - (1967) (Paul Newman, Fredric March, Richard Boone)

The Culpepper Cattle Co. - (1972) (Gary Grimes, Luke Askew)

A Fistful of Dollars - (1964) (Clint Eastwood, Marianne Koch)

Billy the Kid - (1941) (Robert Taylor, Brian Donlevy)

The Big Country - (1958) (Gregory Peck, Jean Simmons, Charlton Heston)

Nevada Smith - (1966) (Steve McQueen, Karl Malden, Brian Keith)

For a Few Dollars More - (1965) (Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef)

Lonely Are the Brave - (1962) (Kirk Douglas, Gena Rowlands, Walter Matthau)

Bad Day at Black Rock - (1955) (Spencer Tracy, Robert Ryan)

Hannie Caulder - (1972) (Raquel Welch, Robert Culp)

The Man From Laramie - (1955) (James Stew, Arthur Kennedy, Donald Crisp)

Broken Arrow - (1950) (James Stewart, Jeff Chandler, Debra Paget)

The Quick and the Dead - (1995) (Gene Hackman, Russell Crowe, Sharon Stone)

My Darling Clementine - (1946) (Henry Fonda, Linda Darnell, Victor Mature)

Major Dundee - (1965) (Charlton Heston, Richard Harris, James Coburn)

Maverick - (1994) (Mel Gibson, James Garner, Jodie Foster)

El Dorado - (1966) (John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, James Caan)

Villa Rides - (1968) (Yul Brynner, Robert Mitchum, Charles Bronson)

Pony Express - (1953) (Charlton Heston, Rhonda Fleming, Jan Sterling)

Barbarosa - (1982) (Willie Nelson, Gary Busey, Isela Vega)

Northwest Passage - (1940) (Spencer Tracy, Robert Young, Walter Brennan)

Jesse James - (1939) (Tyrone Power, Henry Fonda, Randolph Scott)

Rio Bravo - (1959) (John Wayne, Dean Martin, Ricky Nelson)

Ten Wanted Men - (1955) (Randolph Scott, Richard Boone, Jocelyn Brando)

The White Buffalo - (1977) (Charles Bronson, Jack Warden, Will Sampson)

She Wore a Yellow Ribbon - (1949) (John Wayne, Joanne Dru, John Agar)

Young Guns - (1988) (Emilio Estevez, Kiefer Southerland)

The Plainsman - (1936) (Gary Cooper, Jean Arthur, James Ellison)

Open Range - (2003) (Kevin Costner, Robert Duvall, Annette Bening)

Chato's Land - (1972) (Charles Bronson, Jack Palance, Richard Basehart)

The Big Sky - (1952) (Kirk Douglas, Dewey Martin, Elizabeth Threatt)

Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid - (1973) (James Coburn, Kris Kristofferson , Bob Dylan)

Cheyenne Autumn - (1964) (Richard Widmark, Carroll Baker, Karl Malden)

The Glory Guys - (1965) (Tom Tryon, Harve Presnell, James Caan, Senta Berger)

The Far Country - (1954) (James Stewart, Ruth Roman, Harry Morgan)

Death Rides a Horse - (1969) (Lee Van Cleef, John Phillip Law, Anthony Dawson)

Posse - (1993) (Mario Van Peebles, Stephen Baldwin, Billy Zane)

Big Jake - (1971) (John Wayne, Richard Boone, Patrick Wayne)

The Naked Spur - (1953) (James Stewart, Janet Leigh, Robert Ryan)

The Missing - (2003) (Tommy Lee Jones, Cate Blanchett, Val Kilmer)

Diamante Lobo - (1976) (Jack Palance, Lee Van Cleef, Richard Boon)

Cimarron - (1931) (Richard Dix, Irene Dunne, Estelle Taylor)

Annie Oakley - (1935) (Barbara Stanwyck, Preston Foster, Melvyn Douglas)

The Ballad of Little Jo - (1993) (Suzy Amis, Bo Hopkins, Ian McKellen)

Dead Man - (1995) (Johnny Depp, Crispin Glover, John Hurt)

The Great Silence - (1968) (Klaus Kinski, Jean-Louis Trintignant)

A HUGE Zucchini!!!

2007-08-22T10:16:00.000-07:00

This is the first year that I've had a garden in my backyard and everything that I've planted has taken off like crazy. I'll put more photos of my fruits and vegetables on the site as they become available, but you gotta love the pic below!

Abraham Lincoln

2007-07-18T10:30:00.000-07:00

I found this quote about Lincoln and thought it was pertinent for the times. I hope you find it as enlightening as I did...

He failed in Business in 1831 He was defeated for the state legislature in 1832

He tried another business in 1833. It failed. His fiancée died in 1835.

He had a nervous breakdown in 1836.

In 1843 he ran for Congress and was defeated.

He tried again in 1848 and was defeated again.

He tried running for the Senate in 1855. He LOST.

In 1859 he ran for the senate again and was defeated.

In 1860, the man who signed his name, A. Lincoln, was elected the 16th President of the United States. The difference between history's boldest accomplishments and its most staggering failure is often, simply, the diligent will to persevere."

Washington DC Trip

2007-06-12T10:17:00.000-07:00

I spent the last weekend in Washington D.C. this past week. This city has grown so much since I visited as an 11 year old kid. Their are many new memorials in the National Mall. The Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial is impressive and beautiful and the World War II Memorial is excellent. I forgot my camera (booooo!!!), but I got a couple of photos with my camera phone from the Lincoln Memorial and the FDR Memorial. Let me know what you think.

Bryan

Chance

2007-03-24T10:19:00.000-07:00

Coming out of this cold, horrible funk...

Finally! The weather is getting better. I'm hoping this summer is fun and I already have lots of projects ongoing at the house. I've come across a few things that are pretty interesting. First, check out this site. This is a great story I came across called This American Life. They way it's described is that these people look at ordinary Americans who hatched plans in the hopes of making their dreams come true, but were snapped back to reality by unpleasant outcomes.

This first episode is great. It's about a huge Brahman bull named Chance. Chance dies and is reincarnated through cloning at Texas A&M University. The research scientist that performs the cloning is Dr. Mark E. Westhusin at the Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology at Texas A&M University. I used to work for Dr. Westhusin when I was a student at A&M. Crazy to see that he's become a TV star.

Chance

I hope you'll enjoy it...I found it interesting that people can get so wrapped up in something. They get so wrapped up that they are willing to believe anything. I can see how in the future this will be the way parents that lose children or people that can't accept losing loved ones will act. They will hope that this will reincarnate their loved ones. However, what you get back won't be what you lost. It may look the same, but it will be something different. Have a look and let me know what you think.

Austin, Texas Trip...

2007-02-24T10:20:00.000-08:00

Austin, Texas Trip...

I was able to get away from the cold of New Jersey and visit some friends and family in Austin, Texas. I've know this for a long time, but I can truly say that Austin is a great town. Not just a great town, but an incredible town. Everyone so friendly, willing to talk to you. It's easy to get used to the way people act in not so friendly parts of the country. Then you come home and everything rushes back. For me, all roads lead back to Texas...but the same road probably goes through many other places first.

Thanks to Andy for showing me around and taking me to some of the best places in town.

If you make it to Austin anytime soon, you have to try Maudie's, Kirbey Lane, Magnolia's, Stubbs, and many more I just don't have space to list. I ate way too much Tex-Mex and BBQ, but I don't care. This town is friendly and you never have to look far for something fun to do.

Click on the Link for the album and let me know what you think...

Backyard Patio

2007-01-20T10:24:00.000-08:00

During the first week of January 2007, I completed the paver patio in my backyard. It took almost half a year, but it was a great experience and a lot of fun. I will be putting this in my Projects page ASAP.

BEFORE...

AFTER...

I'll keep all of you posted concerning my progress on the backyard. Getting grass to grow back there will be another challenge.

Wings!!!

2007-01-19T10:33:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

I hope the first few weeks of 2007 have been good. The year has started off busy with trips to Florida and Buffalo.

In Buffalo, I had the opportunity to experience the world's greatest Buffalo chicken wings at the Anchor Bar (www.anchorbar.com). If you ever have the chance, you should definitely try these wings...they're ridiculously good. Some other places I've been lately for wings include: Duff's (Buffalo) and Buffalo Wild Wings (Delaware). It's a close race between all three.

Talk to you soon.

I'm Coming Home - REK

2006-12-21T10:27:00.000-08:00

I'm Coming Home - REK

Packed my suitcase and I racked my brain
Bought a ticket on a late night train
Took a taxi through the pourin' rain
I'm comin' home to you

Flew from Boston out to San Jose
Saw our old friends in Monterey Bay
When they asked me if I'd like to stay
I said I'm comin' home to you

CHORUS:
I'm comin' home
Made up my mind that's what I'm gonna do
Can't love nobody on the telephone
I'm comin' home to you

They threw a party there from dusk 'till dawn
Seems like everybody knows old sleepy John
He said next time I better bring you along
I'm comin' home to you

They had fresh caught salmon on the barbeque
There were people jammin' all night to the blues
Life is good out in Santa Cruz but
I'm comin' home to you

CHORUS

I drove forever out to God knows where
Come ten-thirty there was no one there
They couldn't pay me but I didn't care
I'm comin' home to you

I'm feelin' better since I got your card
I read it over and over when the road gets hard
Ain't nothin' better than your own backyard
I'm comin' home to you

CHORUS x 2

Packed my suitcase and I racked my brain
Bought a ticket on the late night train
Took a taxi in the pourin' rain...

Greatest Catchphrases

2006-11-28T10:31:00.000-08:00

http://tv.yahoo.com/news/ap/20061127/116467734000.html

Check out these "greatest catchphrases" as detailed by TV Land...

_"Aaay" (Fonzie, "Happy Days")
_"And that's the way it is"
_"Ask not what your country can do for you ..." (John F. Kennedy)
_"Baby, you're the greatest" (Jackie Gleason as Ralph Kramden, "The Honeymooners")
_"Bam!" (Emeril Lagasse, "Emeril Live")
_"Book 'em, Danno" (Steve McGarrett, "Hawaii Five-O")
_"Come on down!" (Johnny Olson, "The Price is Right")
_"Danger, Will Robinson" (Robot, "Lost in Space")
_"De plane! De plane!" (Tattoo, "Fantasy Island")
_"Denny Crane" (Denny Crane, "Boston Legal")
_"Do you believe in miracles?" (Al Michaels, 1980 Winter Olympics)
_"D'oh!" (Homer Simpson, "The Simpsons")
_"Don't make me angry ..." (David Banner, "The Incredible Hulk")
_"Dyn-o-mite" (J.J., "Good Times")
_"Elizabeth, I'm coming!" (Fred Sanford, "Sanford and Son")
_"Gee, Mrs. Cleaver ..." (Eddie Haskell, "Leave it to Beaver")

Travel!!!

2006-11-07T10:34:00.000-08:00

The last several days have been crazy with travel. Vegas, Chicago, now DC. Too many places in too short of a time. At any rate I'll post some pics so you can see where my travels have taken me. Good luck to everyone in finishing out the year strong.

Las Vegas, Nevada

2006-10-25T10:35:00.000-07:00

Las Vegas, Nevada

American College of Gastroenterology Meeting

This was a great meeting. We stayed at the Venetian, toured the strip, and reconnected with family and friends (new and old).

I even met some nice Canadian docs that were in town for the meeting. Great time. Enjoy the photos. There are some more in the photos section. Talk to everyone soon.

Skidboot

2006-10-07T10:37:00.000-07:00

SKIDBOOT

To see one of the world's most amazing dogs, please click the link above...if this doesn't touch your heart (Grinch), then nothing will.

Chris Thile

2006-09-18T10:39:00.000-07:00

Mr. Adam Debower and I caught an awesome Chris Thile show at the 11th St. Bar. This guy put on an awesome show! Thanks to Adam for setting this up. Grab Chris Thile's new album "How to Grow a Woman from the Ground" and check out his Myspace Page here.

San Antonio, Texas - September 2006

2006-09-16T10:37:00.000-07:00

Spent the weekend in San Antonio and Corpus Christi, Texas visiting family, touring the Texas Hill Country, and catching the Fighting Texas Aggies play the West Point Black Knights.

It was a great game that the Ags should have easily won, but the Black Knights held on until the end. Fortunately, the Ags pulled it out and won 28 to 24. Too close! It was a great time meeting up with the family and seeing so many Ags...

New York City Meeting - August 2006

2006-08-18T10:39:00.000-07:00

New York City Meeting

Check out some photos from NYC in August...we were all there for a National Meeting.

L.A. to New York City in 4 minutes...

2006-07-18T10:52:00.000-07:00

L.A. to New York City in 4 minutes...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxCUlvEkQDg

Texas County Court House Trip - July 1 to 10, 2006

2006-07-10T10:41:00.000-07:00

Texas County Court House Trip

What a great trip! Mom, Dad, and I drove approximately 1,500 miles throughout Texas during the first couple of weeks of July 2006.

The purpose of the trips was to travel to as many Texas Count Courthouses as possible and take a ton of photos. We ate alot of BBQ and we met with relatives that we either hadn't seen in a long time or had never even met.

At any rate, we had a blast. Please see some of the photos that I've included. Texas is truly the greatest state in the Union.

Some classic Napoleon...

2006-06-05T10:44:00.000-07:00

Some classic Napoleon...