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Upon first inspection of Into The Wild, I was enthralled by Chris McCandless - His ideals, his gumption, his reckless abandon for exploration. I can see a lot of myself within Chris; we share some of the same opinions, the thought of adventure is overwhelming and general disregard to what other think resonates in us both. I would dare say that even a few years earlier in my life Chris and I shared even more in common. The world was more black and white back then. Individuals fit into one category or another. Right and wrong was easily defined. As I got older those black and white ideals were filled with grey. Shadows lurked in the darkness and rays of light show through the cracks. I dare to say that Chris McCandless would not have made some of the decisions that were made if he had a few more years under his belt.

Or is that what his path was really about? Holding on to the black and white world, not to be influenced by the surrounding grey matter? Living in "Alexander Supertramp's" reality.

I was taken "Into the WIld" with Chris McCandless' tale. Like most adventures the first leg of the journey was filled with admiration, excitement, longing and bewilderment of the courage Chris exhibited to go at it the way he did. As the path grew longer and longer and the scenery started to blend together, I found myself questioning my original fascination with Chris' tale. Growing worrisome of all of the mishaps along the way I found myself growing a strong dislike for the ignorance that McCandless exhibited. His ignorance turned into my distaste for his ideals and the path he chose to take.

Now as I walked out of the woods and have stepped away from the tale, I see Chris in a whole new light. McCandless arrived at where two roads diverged in a wood, and he, chose neither the one with wanted ware or the one less traveled. He made his own path. And to him, that has made all the difference.

Posted by Andre at 01:26 PM | Permalink

Just wanted to give a quick shout out to Star Music for really coming through in a pinch. They are letting us piggy back on the their WiFi signal for Saturday's CREATE conference. Come to find out they have some great equipment for podcasting needs, mics, mixers, midi to usb all types of stuff.

So make sure you give those guys some love!

Posted by Andre at 10:08 AM | Permalink

What do I do at night? Cook & Chill, that's right cook and chill. While I wish I had $240.00 worth of pudding, I think $10 dollars should suffice for the banana pudding for tomorrows activities. Not sure what the soundtrack is going to be like for this but I do have a little video to get you in the mood.

Posted by Andre at 09:32 AM | Permalink

I am bogged down in chicken. Heidi and I are working on prepping 6lbs of rice, 15lbs of chicken, 6 links of smoked sausage and tons of spices. Tonight's festivities are performed to the soundtrack of Gnarls Barkley "The Odd Couple."

It had been pretty fun the past few nights prepping all the food. Tomorrow we will put it all together to have it all in time for the CREATE Conference. The menu looks a little like this:

- 34lbs of pepper vinegar BBQ
- 25lbs of southern chicken bog
- 2 trays of banana pudding
- 2 trays of baked beans

This sounds like a lot but I am actually afraid that it won't be enough. (I am always afraid of this) We have tried to see how many people are planning on attending and right now we have 56 registered. But who really knows. Some people who have registered won't show up, while others who haven't registered will. I guess on Saturday we will find out.

BTW. I haven't ever cooked for this many people in my life!!!! HAHAHAHA

Posted by Andre at 11:58 PM | Permalink

I have a love for weird things. I can appreciate the small things. So what happens when you combine them all together? Something great... The Grilled Cheese Invitational!

The event started back in 2003 and by the looks of it has gotten bigger and better every year.

The sammich definitions are as follows:

• The Missionary Position: White bread, orange cheese (Cheddar or American) and butter or margarine only.
• Spoons: Any kind of bread, any kind of butter and any kind of cheese (or combination of cheeses) but no additional ingredients.
• The Kama Sutra: Any kind of bread, any kind of butter, and any kind of cheese (or blend of cheeses) plus additional ingredients.
• The Honey Pot: Any kind of bread, any kind of butter, any kind of cheese (or blend of cheeses), and any additional ingredients, but a sandwich that is sweet in flavor, or would best be served as dessert.

So if you are in LA, this weekend go check it out. If not you should be at the CREATE conference.

Posted by Andre at 09:35 AM | Permalink

Funny you should ask.

Right now I am prepping 25 lbs of pork 3 gallons of BBQ sauce, listening to Hot Chip "Made In The Dark," and getting ready for the CREATE conference. I have to go ahead and prep the food for Sat. cause I am going to slow cook the BBQ and the amount I have to do will take forever if I don't do some work before hand. My kitchen right now has 5 slow cookers (aka crock pots) set up at each outlet in the kitchen. Its pretty funny.

Wish me luck. Hope to see you on Sat. that way you can tell me if it is any good.

Posted by Andre at 11:18 PM | Permalink

The other day I came across some old photos form 2003. I thought I would share.

Where or where is Glen, I think he was lost at sea. Maybe a treasure map will pop up one day with his where abouts.

Posted by Andre at 05:14 PM | Permalink

Probably not but it a question worth asking. On MTV Hits this month they are playing old Yo! MTV Raps videos and clips. It has been great checking out all of the stuff I grew up and it makes me miss it. However I have had the opportunity to check out two newer rappers putting out some good stuff.

The first guy only has one song that I know of that is actually good and reminds me of classic hip-hop. Check out the video for Sheek Louch's Good Love.

The second is Lupe Fiasco. He has just released his second album, The Cool, after getting a little play from a hit 2 years ago, Push Kick. A more grown up album it balances hip-hop rap street stylings with soulful groves reminiscent of that of Gnarles Barley. He has good flow, a diverse vocabulary and credentials of playing for/with Tribe at VH1 Hip Hop Honors. Right now he is getting a little radio play so you may have already caught some of the songs.

Posted by Andre at 10:21 PM | Permalink

One of the best games I have seen is on TV right now. 56-51 Memphis with 2:45 left. Exciting!!!! If you are not watching you are missing out.

Go MEMPHIS!

Posted by Andre at 11:22 PM | Permalink