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Our Sad Future Gone In Oil

You know I just had to take a few moments to go on this rant. Tonight while clicking through the news channels I was struck like lightening just how sad our combined futures may be. Think about this friends. In 1969 our nation with limited technology and funds actually landed 3 Americans on the moon, explored the surface and returned home. Then we did it 5 more times. Sadly our nation then became bored and retired the Apollo program. Fast forward almost 45 years and our country is broke and we allow oil companies to drill as deep as they wish under our oceans with no obvious plans of what to do when something goes wrong.

In 1969 we landed on the moon and now we can't even stop an oil leak under the sea. Is it not ironic that just before this disaster our government decided to kill much of the space program? NASA on several occasions sent missions to the Hubble Space Telescope to repair the massive telescope, always with amazing and breathtaking results.

Where has our American spirit gone? Greed has captured and destroyed much of it sadly. We better wake up before it's too late.

A Hoppy Delight without the Bitterness

Today after weeks of prep work and brewing his first beer my very own brother offered me a sneak peak with a couple bottles of his “Buster Brau”. I must say that although this was Ian’s first effort at brewing beer I had confidence going into today’s test tasting. You see Ian had prepared himself studying the art of brewing before heading to the kitchen. I am proud to report that his studies and efforts have paid off in a big way with a special, unique brew.

“Buster Brau” is heavy on the hop. However this brew avoids any bitterness which is normally associated with the hoppier blends and in its place the brew master somehow added some type of cinnamon spicy flavor. Ian’s, “Buster Brau” keeps the beer drinker wanting more and wondering, “How did he do it?”

When an un-named tester who asked to remain anonymous was given a pre-taste he paused stating the following.

“What did he put in it?”
“Geeze, he needs to start a business”.
“Where there should be after-taste it just gets better, the taste actually reveals itself in stages.”
“The color is perfect!”

The future looks bright for this new brew master and I for one hope that this new, first brew by Ian Mann's Lvngded Brewery is around for a long time along with many new exciting brew styles which are surely just around the bend.

Carl Sagan's Pale Blue Dot

Since I have started watching the 13 episode series, "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan I am reminded how amazing Sagan was and how more people like him are needed on our planet right now. Watch this short clip from "Cosmos" for a glimpse into what awaits if if you decide to check it out.

Remembering Carl Sagan's "Cosmos"

In 1980 I was 16 years old when I first watched the PBS Series "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan. Now almost 30 years later I stumbled upon this amazing series once again on Netflix. As I watched the opening scene with Carl Sagan discussing the mysteries of the cosmos a chill ran up my spine. I look forward to watching this still relevant 13 episode series all over again.

In 1990 Carl Sagan filmed this short "update & introduction" to "Cosmos". As you listen to Sagan talk about our universe remember this was almost 20 years ago. Carl Sagan was a genius and one of the most inspiring human souls to ever exist on this blue ball we call Earth.

Carl Sagan tragically died to young at 62 years of age in 1996 after a long battle with cancer.



This series truly impacted me growing up and helped to inspire me to always think beyond myself. Carl Sagan's career was awe inspiring including involvement with NASA's Apollo program (he worked with the astronauts preparing them for what they were about to do) and NASA's Mars missions with the Viking landers.

Kung Fu in Orlando

Kevin and video classmates entered this short film for Henderson High School during a film contest a few months ago in Orlando Florida. The video, although singled out for it's unique and clever film making was disqualified for "violence". Yes that's Evan Reinhardt & Ben Askinas in the starring roles. Kevin is responsible for the filming, camera work and editing. This film was scripted, filmed & edited in under 4 hours!




This film was about 44 seconds too long and did not "advertise" the hosting hotel enough for the "judges". If you ask me dedicated readers the "judges" should have over looked this and instead considered the unique quality of the expert film making and awesome take on all those cool Kung Fu movies we all grew up on.

Kevin's Grad Party

Below is a short video of a pre-party walk through I conducted just prior to guests appearing to celebrate with us. To view a short slideshow click here. Be warned that I failed to get pictures later in the night when most of their friends appeared and hung out until the wee hours of the night, but it's probably better off that way. I would like to thank everyone who stopped by to congratulate Kevin and wish me good luck.

“Too Far From Home” by Chris Jones

On February 1, 2003 ten astronauts were orbiting the earth. Three on the International Space Station and 7 in the Space Shuttle “Columbia”. After Columbia’s tragic break up entering Earth’s atmosphere. Three American astronauts were stranded on the Space Station with no way home  due to the grounding of the shuttle fleet. Chris Jones tells the harrowing story of their survival, alone in space. For many of us on earth watching the news coverage of the shuttle disaster little was covered regarding the fate of the 3 stranded NASA astronauts. This book looks to cover that amazing story which is tragic, hopeful and filled with tension and unknown.

The William Mann River Rages

As if the weather gods were looking down on me and laughing since Kevin left for Senior Week a torrential storm struck the Mann estate while Kathy & I were out for the evening with my parents. As we sat dining at “The Bonefish Grill” rain poured outside in buckets. I wondered to myself, “I hope the stream is ok?” After dinner and a little shopping we arrived home about an hour and a half after the storm had ended. Surprisingly the Mann River was still raging as if it to was angry that Kevin would not be home until next Saturday. Because I am always thinking of you, my dedicated readers I braved the weather conditions in order to capture some video of the raging current running through the Mann River. 

Kevin Graduates High School

Dedicated readers, last night as first reported on facebook Kevin graduated from High School. It was a long time coming and his college days are on the horizon. I was a little nervous but very proud of Kevin as he stood with his class and received his diploma. With Bill Jr finishing up college and Kevin heading there it is no more high school for me as a parent. Where does the time go?

Kevin receives his high school diploma!