In case you missed it Friday night, a soccer match broke out in Nunavut between the USA and Costa Rica. Actually, it was Colorado and I cannot remember ever seeing anything like this. Recall the 1994 World Cup in the States where, in Texas and Florida perhaps, it was so hot, players were running off to the sidelines to get ziplock baggies of water mid-game. I’d expect nothing less from Ma Nature. 

As far as the game was concerned, it was just as fun to watch as I’m sure it was to play. I can only imagine how much fun it was in the stands for this one! Not sure which one mentioned it, but they said at one point early on, it’s not even a game of football anymore, rather, it’s backyard kickball. If that wasn’t the case in the first half, by the 70th minute it sure was. I was glad to see (as it seemed) the refs consulting the players before making the call to play or stop the game. Fairly certain the refs and FIFA folks would’ve liked to end early but the players clearly wanted to play it out, even the Costa Ricans down 1-0. 

I outlined a couple thoughts in my post the other day regarding the Sporting News article. I don’t think I could’ve predicted this result, however, in hindsight I think it’s exactly the kind of game they needed. At least from my armchair coaching position, it looked fun and I couldn’t really highlight any negatives from anyone’s play. I think if there were any bad vibes, having a game like this, and come out with a win, could fare well for attitudes in the immediate future. At least I’m optimistic in any case. With Mexico drawing against Honduras Friday night, US sits in a pretty good position right now. If the US can get a point Tuesday and Panama could do the same vs Honduras, I think they’ll be in a great spot. 

I don’t look at marijuana as a human right, or a civil right, or even in the same venue as gay marriage. This is a public health issue. There are significant health concerns around marijuana from all the science, not ideology. I don’t see the legalization of drugs and making them widely available as a good thing, and I don’t think locking everyone up is a good thing either.
Resident dickhead U.S. drug czar Gil Kerlikowske | Maclean’s | He explains why we will continue to see federal enforcement in Colorado and Washington despite laws passed legalizing marijuana. State’s rights, right!?

Furthermore, I’d like this guy to produce one, just one piece of “science” that backs this statement up. What a complete load of bullshit.

Thoughts on election: People need to relax!

Here’s the thing with many of the people I read here on Tumblr, on Twitter, and elsewhere in the interverse, you were going to be sour regardless. We knew it was going to be one or the other; no surprises. On the other hand, I would like to point out some positives. On the surface, taking away every issue that really matters, it’s a win-win for most folks. Democrats can rejoice as you got your boy for another four. As I said yesterday, you can now resume your mouth-breathing, apathetic complacency efforts. If Republicans can get over the fact that a black family is in the White House for another four years, they should rejoice too. You’ve got a man running plays, carte-blanche, out of the GOP playbook with ZERO pushback! You’re going to have your wars, your corporatism, your fake-me-out tax reforms, your imperialism… what more could you ask for? Well, other than another fat mouth, old fart white guy calling the very same plays. Get over yourselves! Libertarians, c’mon, at least now you’ve only got four more years of misery instead of a probable eight. Perhaps you can disconnect from the GOP for good instead of increasing your futile efforts at changing it, which I completely do not understand, but that’s another topic. And all you other folks, well, you can hang with me somewhere on the outside of it all and look at some other positives from yesterday. 

In two states, marijuana is now legal for recreational use, not medicinal only: Washington and Colorado. As I understand, results for Oregon’s marijuana tax initiative are not available yet. Yes, I know, all of you gloom-and-doomers out there have already pointed out the DEA and fed’s feelings on the matter. Be that as it may, this is an extremely positive step towards full legalization everywhere. Optimistic approach, yes. There were also same-sex marriage bills passed in a couple states: Maryland and Maine I know of… Again, of course I’d like any and all government to have no say in any marriage, but that’s not a viable change right now. Currently, ensuring everyone gets equal treatment under the laws is paramount. Next steps should move towards eliminating that govt/marriage relationship… a proper divorce if you will. Also in Colorado they passed a corporate contributions amendment allowing them to overrule Citizens United and limit corporate contributions. Small as it is, it’s a step in the right direction. Citizens United should’ve never even sniffed passing, but it did and now unfortunately we’re faced with more legislation to cancel out legislation. Ridiculous, yes; now necessary, yes. Read more state-by-state ballot measures [HERE]. These are only a few. Sadly, California did not pass Prop 37. Proof once again that money talks and bullshit walks. Lastly, two independent senators won seats last night. Bernie Sanders won the first independent reelection in Vermont and Angus King won a seat in Maine. Not that I necessarily support their issues and platforms, I do, however, support anyone NOT a republican or democrat winning congressional seats. Again, baby steps in the right direction to making real change.

Either way, we can sulk and bitch and complain, but absolutely NOTHING will come of it. In the meantime, it’s paramount we continue educating ourselves and others and keep the information flowing so long as we have the freedom to do so. Sifting through the bullshit is at most times arduous, but this is a great platform for doing so.

For the past 50 years there’s been a growing awareness about the relationship between the land, agriculture, chemicals, food, health and the environment. Even before Rachel Carson penned The Silent Spring, Albert Howard and J. I. Rodale discovered the virtuous circle of organic and sustainable agriculture and the dynamic relationship between healthy soil, healthy food and healthy people.

Carson’s book, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last month, catalogued the devastating effects of synthetic pesticides, namely DDT, on nature and bird populations and launched the modern environmental movement. Her sharp critique of chemical companies and their spreading of intentional disinformation culminated in the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency, the banning of DDT and launched the modern environmental movement.

What Will You Do for the Revolution? Prop 37, D-Day for the Food Movement | Dave Murphy | Huffington Post Blog

Read the entire article here. 
Keeping consistent with the theme of today, Mr Murphy outlines some of the history as well as the current status with some great links provided. While you’ll be watching for who will be the next Drone King, I’ll be watching California, Washington, Colorado, and Oregon. Proposition 37 for the first and the weed for the remainder. While I don’t have much faith, I am excited nonetheless.

Feds not changing marijuana policy, even if 3 states legalize it | NBC

Do you need more evidence your federal government is out of control. Proof that it matters not what the people want at all. I’m looking forward to Nov 6 for the outcome of these votes in Washington, Oregon, and Colorado, and the Prop 37 vote in California as well. Regardless of what the feds say, these should be landmark decisions.

Beer Wednesday

Yeti sighting in San Antonio! Holy crappoli, Yeti is good. 


Two Yeti actually… or is it Yetis? Plural Yeti?? Anyone?
I made a tofu parm tonight as well. Sorry, no pics. Basically, hard tofu sliced into 1/5 inch or so thick slices. Eggwash, breadcrumbs, hot pan, olive oil. Into a tray, bake with fresh mozzarella on top, tomato sauce on top. Tofu parm.

So Great Divide also makes a Chocolate Oak Aged Yeti. It’s a seasonal I reckon will venture out in the winter. I missed it previously and cannot wait to try it. I highly recommend any Great Divide Brewing Co.’s beers; every one = legit; one of my favorite crafts. The Espresso Oak Aged was like coffee syrup! Very heavy, very tasty!

Beer Tuesday!

Who am I kidding. Beer Tuesday is still on! At least for now. Two good ones today.
Breckenridge Brewery Oatmeal Stout

Ranger Creek Mesquite Smoked Porter. A new San Antonio craft brewery. BBQ in a bottle! This one is legit! Plan to check out the brewery next weekend. They also make a bourbon as well.
 

Food notes

Note 1: Since I’ve, ya know, stopped working I’ve strayed from my proper meal timing. It was easy at a job I hated as it was a means to count away the hours. “Just moving to the next meal.” I had it down pretty well though; small meals every hour or two depending on the day and what the food was. Recently, I’ve started to eat a few times a day, larger meals. This week I’ve reverted to eating every couple hours.

Note 2: I bought a small iron skillet and realizing that I’m cooking things in the skillet that have no business near the skillet. Interesting development. I don’t know why I’ve disrespected the iron skillet in the past. It will likely live longer than I.

Note 3: The Magic Bullet is back! If you haven’t heard the Magic Bullet, I highly recommend you get with the program. It was a gift back in my lifting days, back when I was pumping out 1000 calorie shakes a couple times a day at least. It was the best gift ever! The Bullet is indeed one of those goofy-ass TV promo things but after reading too many reviews and recommendations by many-a-lifter I decided to ask for it. When I stopped making those shakes I boxed it up. I decided, because I really need to increase my peanut butter intake, to break it back out. Figure it will serve me well for a small natty pb + almond milk + Udo’s omega oil shake at night. 

Note 4: I have a collection of these Starbucks mugs, many I’ve picked up over the years from travels. Kinda hacky tchotchke from wherever, right? My fave, of course, is my Mt. Rainier mug. This one was a gift but when I drink my tea I pretend I’m in Colorado. I’ve never been other than a quick out/back through the USAFA. I’m fairly certain I’d fall in love with CO and may never return if I did make the trip!
 

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