Blues legend and Mississippi native B.B. King passed away today and the world couldn't feel heavier. Here was a man who lived the blues and played them in hopes that we, the listeners, wouldn't have to. Whether it was to get us through rough times, to better enjoy our good times, or just to marvel at a man who reinvented the way we play the guitar, B.B. has been a go to for musicians and music lovers for over a half a century. At 89, he continued to perform his whole life with as much soul as any performer could hope to display in his youngest days. In tribute to him, here are three performances that show why B.B. King was a legend among men. Farewell Mr. King. You have left us with a collection that will last us another life time and more. 

Record on Thanksgiving Day in the 1970's. This is filmed inside Sing Sing, New York's maximum security prison, in East Harlem. Take note of B.B.'s showmanship with his dynamic stage presence that drives the members of the crowd. What kind of crazy energy was in this room that day? I can't even imagine what it might have been like to be present there.

 

Until 1971, the Japanese thought the blues was that feeling you get when you sit awake at night, wondering when the next Godzilla attack will come. B.B. King changed all that by showing what a monster he was on guitar in this live performance of "All Over Again". The four and a half minute display of soloing displays all of his signature moves. Powerful, precise bends, clean runs, and tormented facial expressions. The guy put so much sweat into his playing that sometimes you wondered whether he was weeping the blues as he performed. Great number.

Alive with the raw energy only the blues can deliver, B.B. King and his backing band knocked this performance of "The Thrill Is Gone" out of the park, during this three day festival that accompanied the Muhammad Ali vs. George Foremen boxing match that was about to take place. In this video, King shows himself at his most limber, giving great expression and range to his playing. He is also at the top of his game with his vocal delivery in this number. A combination that afforded viewers the opportunity of a life time. 

I hope you've enjoyed this article. On a happy note, I have uploaded podcast #48 with Naomi Page and Brinson Smith, the mysterious couple I photographed last week on the Biloxi Beach as Brinson was proposing to Naomi. The story spread online and we found each other, meeting to talk about their relationship and the story as a whole. You can listen to it on the Coastal Noise Podcast page. 

Thanks for reading

Stefan

I casual decision to bike down the beach yesterday evening, with cyclist trainer and friend, Ride Master Spain, lead to a series of shots that I felt would be worth sharing. I was finding one cool spot after another, with people out and about fishing or walking along the water, and thought the evening couldn't get much better. Then, as I was riding back west, my music player in one ear, I happened to glance up to my nine o'clock to look at the ocean. That's when I saw this guy on his knee proposing to a shocked girlfriend. I came to an immediate stop and looked on in my own shock. I have never stumbled upon a proposal before in which, besides another girl who was there to take pictures of the surprise, I was the only one who witnessed it. Here I am, thinking I've just had a near perfect day and took all of these great shots, and then a random marriage proposal takes place right in front of me on the beach at sunset. What a closer! 

I grabbed a few pics and watched for another minute as the two embraced and laughed together. When they finally came out of their bubble and noticed me up at the road, I threw both hands up and gave a great shout of approval. I really hope someone reading this knows who these two are. I would love to congratulate them and share these pictures with them (see below). As an unsuspecting bystander who just happened to be out taking pictures, I would think that my shots would be something unique to have. Ten years down the road they could look back and say to their kids, "And these were the shots taken by some random guy who did this thing called the Coastal Noise Podcast. We think it has something to do with aliens and eating vegetables." 

I guess the best course of action is to get this post to go viral. Let's shoot for, say, a hundred million shares and a billion likes. That should get somebodies attention that has a connection to them. No but really, if I could get this thing circulated even just a little, there is a good chance they will find it eventually. The coast is a small world! If you want to help me connect these two love birds to this story, the share button is just below. 

Spread the spring love and ride on!

Stefan

PS-If you like the shots, you can check out more on my photography page, or click here to see my newinstagram account. Also, if you haven't listened to the new podcast (CNP #47 with Christopher "Iron Lightning Boy" Hartfield) on Native American Cultures and Primitive Living, I highly recommend it. You can listen to it and any other episode here. 

And of course...The Proposal!

Here is a few other honorable mentions, taken by Ride Master Spain. He helped make a lot of the shots possible yesterday. Thank you sir! 

Thanks for viewing! Come back anytime.

In a weekend of righteous liberation, I was afforded the chance to do a brief run around the coast from Thursday night all through Saturday. The adventures began at the Hard Rock Cafe, where musician and fellow band mate Eddie Dixon, took the stage to open for home town favorite Rosco Bandana. 

Stripped down with only two guitars, Dixon performed a series of songs from his assorted solo albums, including his latest work, Bump Key, where he pulled such tracks as "Swindle Sea" and "Countries Are Here". Dixon is currently producing the debut album for Los Angeles artist Leighann Nelson and is an avid visual artist and photographer. You can check out some of his artwork here. 

Following Dixon shortly after, Rosco Bandana quickly made the finishing touches to their setup and began a two part show that lasted close to two hours. With a more minimalist line-up of six performers, the band showed that nothing has been lost in their ability to deliver a hard rock edge to their Americana folk roots, proving they are still one of the best, most energetic shows to see in the southern region. 

New to the line-up was Zachery Fellman, who has been loaning his skill of the keys to Rosco for several weeks now. He also provided backing vocals and some hypnotic accompaniment on the saxophone. In the several times I have seen Rosco perform, I have always been impressed by the talent of Jackson Weldon, who always seems to be taking the role of a different instrument, depending on the show. I have seen him work the bass, as well as mandolin, for the majority of any given show. Thursday night was the first time I saw him take the primary role of the lead guitarist, where he consistently took every other song to 11 with his furious, impassioned playing that captivated the audience. A particular instrumental number had Jackson and frontman Jason Sanford weaving in and out of beautiful melodies before the entire band decedent into a high powered jam that left bystanders temporarily faceless. 

From the sidelines of the center stage, Robby Amonett, a painter who has made a name for himself in the south capturing live performances as they happen in front of him, diligently replicated the energy from both shows as the night progressed. From the crowd, Johnny Cole of the Southland Music Line (see CNP #44 & 45) sat by watching the group he has loved from day one, as they gave thanks to those special followers, friends and family, who have supported their growth through all the past years. 

After the show, we all came together to pat backs, shack hands, and talk about our plans for the weekend. Johnny Cole, Eddie and I discussed the last showing at The Frog Pond in Mobile, which has become a local iconic venue that operates seasonally in the Fairhope area of Alabama. Their season ends next weekend until the fall. I mentioned a few festivals going on starting that Friday, including the Beachfront Blues event that was set to take place in Pascagoula the following day. 

Friday evening marked the beginning of some questionable weather that looked like it may put a damper on all things music for the weekend. Not one to be deterred, I loaded up my car with all the necessaries to make for a good time down in Pascagoula, where I was counting on hearing some good blues and exploring a new area. After an hour long drive, me and my traveling crew found the park we were looking for...but not a band or music goer in sight! I circled the block once or twice, thinking I was just unfamiliar with the area, but had no luck spotting the blues. A little research online directed us to a nearby bar where the show had been relocated due to weather. Down the narrow street of a quiet downtown area, we found Scranton's.

Making our way through the crowd in the main room, we found the side bar, a narrow room with booths and tables. At the very end of the straight shot was bluegrass performers Fat Man Squeeze. A three piece that welcomed our arrival with tunes that were fast, hard, and fun as hell to sing along to. 

Within five minutes of being there, we were treated to such numbers as "I'll Fly Away" and "Folsom Prison Blues" that had the entire room joining in, with thunderous claps keeping time to the speedier rendition of Johnny Cash's hit song. The crowd was constantly entertained by the antics of the band's frontman, who cracked jokes with his band mates and the audience who sat within arms reach of the group. At eight o' clock, the band closed with a cover of "All Along the Watchtower", and I left out with the feeling that I had seen a personal favorite for the weekend. 

Stepping out of Scranton's, I made a quick call to Johnny Cole to see if the Southland Music Line was planning on making the trip down to Magnolia Springs tomorrow for the seafood festival that was set to take place all day long, rain or shine. We agreed that the weather wasn't promising, but we would both keep an eye out and make a decision in the morning. Loading up the car, me and the road crew went over the train tracks to pay a first time visit to Jack's By The Tracks, a venue that we discussed in the last two episodes of the Coastal Noise Podcast. 

Although I only stayed for a few minutes, it was enough to get a good first time feel for what Jack's By The Tracks was all about. An attentive crowd looked on as The Truitt Williams Band played a lively set (with a sign announcing Fat Man Squeeze to play the following night). The venue is a shotgun style restaurant, which gives a unique sound to the acoustics in the building. Even from the very back, where patrons sat eating an assortment of delicious looking dishes, you could still hear the band playing with clarity. 

The next morning I woke up, made some tea and took to my back porch where I began sorting through the pictures from the last two nights. As it approached ten, I started checking the weather. Despite the nasty images that filled the radar just the night before, everything around Fairhope, Alabama seemed to be clear. It might not be such a bad day for a festival after all. I second phone call to Johnny Cole confirmed it. We agreed to meet at the Shed Blues and BBQ Joint in Ocean Springs and travel together to cover the shows. I loaded up my equipment and an acoustic guitar (in case of an emergency) and took for the interstate. Before long, Johnny and I were on the park grounds where we met up with Pascagoula photographer and Southland Music Line partner, Stephen Anderson, along with Robby Amonett, who was setting up to paint the festivals performers before heading over to Callaghan's Irish Social Club, a well known bar in Mobile that has a reputation of attracting top notch musicians. 

Though the rain no longer seemed an issue, baking heat began to creep over the festival, which was soon replaced by a nice breeze and some not so nice gnats. No one seemed to mind much though, as Johnny, Stephen, Robby, and I stood around with members of the Mulligan Brothers to make small talk before they took to the stage to set up. We grabbed our seats under the tent and settled in as the four piece folk inspired band began their hour and a half long set, filled with beautifully arranged songs that featured dynamic song structure and thoughtful lyrics. Half way through the show, we noticed the band was struggling to keep the bothersome gnats, which seemed to be increasing in numbers, away from their busy performance. I soon earned a reputation with the festival goers as "The Bug Spray Guy" when I handed over my spray bottle of Off to frontman Ross Newell's. Despite their difficulties, they powered through and left the stage to the applause of a delighted crowd. 

The headline performance followed soon after. Willie Sugarcapps, a band that came together from reoccurring collaborations at The Frog Pond just down the road, is the make up of five well respected musicians of the south. 

Grayson Capps, Will Kimbrough, Corky Hughes and the duo Sugarcane Jane featuring Savana Lee and Anthony Crawford, make up this soulful display of powerful songwriting, harmonies, and skilled instrumental talents. Members take turns singing lead, swopping different instruments, and performing songs that he or she wrote, sometimes improvising comical ditties on the spot to the amusement of the crowd. When the band finished its last song, the crowd gave the group a standing ovation and called out for more as the sun was just beginning to go down. The band thanked them again and again and then stepped off to meet and greet with the appreicative festival goers. 

All in all it was a fantastic day in Magnolia Springs, and a great way to wrap up my Music Weekend Roundup. A special thanks to Johnny and Stephen at the Southland Music Line for hanging around, Robby, and all the musicians I saw this week for getting out there and putting on one rockin show after another. Hope to see you all out in the future. Please share and support our local music scene. All comments welcome below. 

Until next time.

Stefan 

Rep. Allen Peake (R-Macon) and Janea Cox watch the medical marijuana vote in the Georgia House of Representatives (Photo: Stephen Boissy, WXIA)

In a huge step for the south, Georgia successfully passed HB1 to allow for medical marijuana in the state. On top of that, state governor Nathan Deal has confirmed that he will indeed sign off on the bill in the next week. The bill's sponsor, Rep. Allen Peake (R-Macon) dubbed the measure "the Haleigh's Hope Act" after five year old Haleigh Cox, who struggles daily with sever seizures. The bill will allow for eight kinds of serious illnesses to be treated with the use of cannabis oils. 

For many of the families, known as "medical refugees", who left Georgia for states like Colorado to find treatment for their loved ones, the passing of HB1 is huge success. "To come home to this is just amazing. It's a huge weight off our shoulders that we don't have to stay in Colorado another year to wait for legislation to pass. So it's giving my husband and I a chance to be a family again," Haleigh's mother Janea Cox stated.

11Alive.com did a two minute interview with Bill champion Allen Peake about the passing of the bill, which you can view by clicking the link below. 

http://www.11alive.com/story/news/politics/2015/03/25/georgia-politics-medical-marijuana/70453736/

Time Magazine reported yesterday on the new agreement that has given The University of Mississippi almost $70 Million dollars to continue growing and analyzing marijuana at the Natural Products Lab. The facility has been the only grower of federally legal marijuana in the country since 1968 and even has a program that supplies a select group of patients with significant amounts of cannabis, usually in the form of pre-rolled joints, every month, and has been doing so for decades. This of course is all taking place at a time when the federal government still classifies marijuana as one of the most dangerous drugs in the world, on par with herion and LSD, with no medical value. What??

The money was awarded Monday by a branch of the National Institutes of Health and is expected to bring production up 30,000 plants, according to the Los Angeles Times. 

From Time: 

The government said it’s interested in developing new methods for growing plants that contain a variety of different levels of tetrahydrocannabinol, the chemical most responsible for pot’s psychological “high” effect, and cannabidiol, a nonpychoactive ingredient claimed in high-profile anecdotes to effectively treat medical disorders like epilepsy.
When the contract solicitation was posted online in August, NIDA spokeswoman Shirley Simson told TIME that the agency was simply starting a new bidding competition since its existing marijuana farm contract was set to expire in 2015.

As it stands now, almost half of all of the states in the U.S. allow for the use of medical marijuana and 4 states that have legalized it out right, with several others expected to follow in the coming years. 

Mississippi may see itself among the ranks with those listed above. Already the state has Mississippi House Bill 1231 or "The Harper Grace Bill" which allows for the extraction of cannabidiol from marijuana for medical purposes. Back in June of 2014, we sat down for a podcast with Senator Josh Harkins who helped create and pass the bill, as well as the mother of the girl whom the bill is named after, Ashley Durval. You can listen to it below which was recorded in the Supreme Court Chamber at the capital in Jackson (Video 1 of 2). 

Now, Mississippi also has a dedicated group who is seeking to legalize marijuana and hemp production, headed by activist Kelly Jacobs, who also agreed to a podcast with Coastal Noise back in January of this year. You can hear that interview below as well (Video 2 of 2). 

CNP #33-Senator Josh Harkins, Ashley Durval 

CNP #43-Kelly Jacobs

Last week, I recorded Coastal Noise Podcast #45 with musician Diggs Darcey, Johnny Cole of The Southland Music Line, and musician and band mate Eddie Dixon. We talked a lot about local music and venues (as we did in CNP #44 as well), but man oh man, do I wish I had thought to bring these guys up. I discovered Maximum The Hormone about a year ago when I watched a music video they did that, by all appearances, seemed to be nothing more than a cheesy, pop tune made for radio, with the band singing a happy-go-lucky ditty in a beautiful park on a sunny day. This went on for about two and a half minutes, making me question why this video was susposedly so "crazy" as commentors had lead me to believe...And that's things got weird. Really Weird. Before I knew it, the guitarist was laying down a crunchy riff that exploded into the entire band playing in front of a sea of millions of raging people, the bass player floating in a meditative stance as the entire group chanted the first verses, an explosive refrain, followed by pregnant women in gas masks dancing to hip-hop infused lyrics. What the hell did I just watch? 

The best part about all this? I freggin loved it. The music was insanely good. Every member (don't be fooled by their chick drummer) was incredibly skilled at their respective role, with all of them rotating lead vocal responsibilities at times. Their music incorporates all kinds of genres, tempo shifts, and emotional pulls...sometimes all happening within one song! Damn near every video I have watched of theirs has been super imaginative, captivating, and, above all, weird as shit. They are like a cross between Tool and System Of A Down, but arguably weirder, if you can believe such a thing. This is what happens when you take a group of talented musicians and put them on a giant island with a culture that dates back thousands of years and focuses on dedication and intense attention to detail. 

These guys are huge in their home country, and have even had success in other places around the world. Who cares if you don't know how to speak Japanese. It has not stopped me from listening to their music (exclusively through music videos, as buying a CD apparently means paying extra to have them imported from Japan) over and over again. Seriously, this group is one of the best bands I've discovered in the past year. They are a relief among all the candy pop radio tunes that have caused me to turn my radio off for the last eight years because everything is so temporary. Hits that people are all about one week become replaced and, shortly after, totally irrelevant as a new, catchier song takes it place. 

That being said, this group will of course not be for everyone. This is metal. It is designed to melt your face and rattle your brain. No, I don't listen to this type of music all the time, but I have mad respect for the genre, as it gives zero fucks and continues to rebel against establishment, money, and all around, dumb ass music. 

Phew, I'm glade I got that off my chest. 

So, without further adieu, here are three videos from Maximum The Hormone. 

"マキシマム ザ ホルモン "え・い・り・あ・ん - ALIEN"

This is the newest video I found last week. It starts off like a seemingly normal, bad ass live performance, but it isn't long before the guitarist is glowing, extra body parts begin projecting from all the band members, multiple heads provide backing vocals and....well, let's just say that if you can guess how this video ends I will buy you a steak dinner. 

"小さな君の手～ - Your Little Hands"

This is the first video I ever saw of Maximum The Hormone. It's basically brilliant. Don't skip ahead to where the "real" video starts. Just enjoy the weirdness and consider the fact that this guys actually when through the trouble of writing an actually good pop song and then directing a music video around it before demolishing it with a way, way heavier track that mocks the very type of music they just made themselves. At over 7 million views and counting, people all around the world are taking notice of their unusual sense of delivery. (Check out the guitarist's Tool shirt)

"Koi No Mega Lover"

This one bounces from catchy rock anthem vibes and classic metal noise. Throw in some dancers that jerk around like a the undead and some house party madness and you've got pretty interesting video. If you made it through all three of these video posts, don't be shy to see what else the group has out there. You won't be disappointed...just a little weirdid out maybe... 

Stefan

Find the Coastal Noise Like button in the right hand column to support Initiative #48 and to stay up to date with new developments. Everything we do here is free, so your support is hugely appreciated!

     I went back out into the parking lot to see the convoy of vehicles heading out. I spoke with Rene once again before loading up my car and making a quick post to social media sites. As I reversed out of my parking space a cop almost hit me after passing me by and then suddenly throwing his vehicle into reverse also. I laid on my horn to avoid us butt bumping each other. And they say the stoned people are dangerous behind the wheel. The same cops would go on to question Renea about what it was her group was trying to do there. After explaining what they were doing was state certified and totally legal the cop could do nothing but say, "Well, the librarian doesn't like what y'all are doing here." 
     Everyone reconvened at Hiller Park where more new faces showed up to listen to one of the women speak and hand out papers. More people were showing up even after I left from taking pictures and listening in for another half hour. A pretty eventful day I'd say over all. I even got off more than a dozen Coastal Noise T-shirts to some of the activists and signers. So if you see someone out in the streets wearing one of those shirts, you can take comfort in knowing they are most likely a super friendly, pro-cannabis supporter. 
   

 Anyway. 
     Hearing the news that they were being moved again, they walked across the parking lot to a small grassy area, still on the property, and continued on with their meeting. I remained at the entrance and took a seat on the ground to snap a few pictures from afar. After a time, the crowd began to disperse and get into their cars. I stood and made my way over to one of the woman in charge. This is how I met Renea Hulett.
     "Where is everyone going?" I asked. 
     She told me the crowd was moving to Hiller Park to continue the meeting so as not to cause further disturbance. She would stay behind to educate people about the petition and direct them to Hiller. I told her who I was and about the podcast I did with Kelly Jacobs. We talked for a few minutes as I asked questions about the event and what her process was like when giving people information about Initiative #48. It was not long before one of the workers from the library came out to inform Renea that they had confirmed her reservation with their boss and we could move inside. She quickly made phone calls and then headed to the entrance. I held back from the small group of activists as they reentered the building. I came back in and logged on to a computer nearby the librarian's desk, to check on some information about Mississippi registration processes in our state and, totally unintentionally, overheard more comments made by the staff. A new woman was complaining about how crack pipes were going to follow soon and there was no way Mississippi would ever legalize marijuana, even when another person commented on its rapid growth throughout the country. "It will never happen," she insisted. 
     I moved to the meeting room which was beginning to fill with people who sat listening to another group leader about how to gather signatures for the petition. I sat at a table by myself in the back of the room and set up a recorder, my camera, and a notepad. After ten minutes, all of the folks from Hiller Park began to pile in, along with other new faces. Signs were quickly put up in the windows telling people about the meeting inside. Another ten minutes later, one of the activists stormed and told us "we basically have to get the fuck out right now." Apparently, the boss figure who had just okay'd them only a half hour ago had suddenly decided they no longer wanted the group meeting in the library because they were not aware they would be "putting up signs". Everyone quickly signed a petition just as the police showed up. Hiller Park was talked about again and then bodies began to file out. Personally, I kind of wanted to be thrown out, but it wasn't my party so I let it be. 

     The marijuana activists continued to roll in, much to the dismay of the innocent librarians who, despite their line of work, seemed very uneducated about the war on drugs and the current cultural shifts in America regarding cannabis. I had hoped to come and simply listen to a meeting, talk to some activists and go home. To my delight, I got way more than I bargained for.
      I entered the building, camera bag over my shoulder, to return some CD's I had checked out (some old delta blues albums and two Mozart compilations) but, despite standing at the front desk for almost a whole minute, the two attendants standing on the other side felt it more worth while to gossip over the meeting that was about to begin. I had planned on speaking with them directly about what was going on but when I heard the older woman negatively commenting on the whole situation, I went ghost instead. I smiled and turned my CD's over to her and then walked to some books nearby the front desk. The head figures of the group entered with signs and petitions in hand.
     "Oh...here they come." The old woman remarked under her breath. 
      After listening to the women converse for a time, while I pretended to read the back cover of some books I could give a shit about, I quickly learned that there was a dispute going on about whether or not the group would be allowed in to do what they had reserved the room for. The group leader tried to persuade the librarian to let them continue and that the reservation was already taken care of. The librarian said she couldn't verify anything and no one could reach her boss. There were talks of the police being called, the rights of the people on public property, and alternative accommodations. The tension was building before anything had even really begun.
     Finally, the group leader walked out to converse with the others. Again, the librarian began whispering to her co-workers about "them trying to legalize weed" and "what about the children?" and "We can't let them do that" and so on. I hung around for a little while longer before making my way outside the front door where several people had began to gather around the activists who were informing them of the current situation, while at the same time explaining how to fill out a petition. Again, I opted out of joining in and instead stood off to the side, making it look like I had no interest in whatever was going on. Someone came out and told them they couldn't stand around there. The parking lot had nearly every space filled up as more people of all ages arrived to sign up. There were teenagers who wanted to know how to get registered to vote, senior citizens with their grandkids, men and women in dress attire, and a few people who looked like they could use a bath. One of the woman who was putting on the event even had her daughter, close to two years old, who ran around under the eye of another adult who followed her about. In fact, I think there were more mothers there than anything else. A pretty diverse group to say the least.
     But real quick, let me say something to the one's that needed a bath. Listen guy, take a bath before you come to the marijuana rally. If you have folks trying to do something that is legitimate and has a good look out in the public eye, don't show up looking like a pot head, you know what I'm saying? You are going to be the one's getting singled out by the nay sayers who are looking for the characters to use as a stereotype for the rest of the group. Skip your next gram and buy some Dove products. 

  On a side note, one of the activist told me after the event that she had put on other events in her previous state of residence where she would rally dozens of people to sit in the town green, light up and wait for the police to show up and arrest them. Then, they would come back and do it all again every other weekend until the police simply gave up. She said she considered trying for it here but would need participants that "weren't afraid". Who out there thinks they have the guts? Check back for more on Iniaitive #48 activities soon. Below, you can check out two other great articles on the subject by clicking the links. One was written by the Sun Herald recently and the other is from a Mississippi judge who believes cannabis will soon be legalized in the state. 

Thanks for reading, and don't forget to follow us where ever you are online. Be sure to Like and Share if you want to help spread the word.

Stefan

Sun Herald-"Supporters Aim to Put Marijuana on 2016 Ballot"


"Mississippi Judge Predicts State Will Legalize Marijuana" 

      I am sick in bed but while I have rested I've been cooking up a highly regarded dish in my crock pot that I learned a few months ago and adapted to make "Honey Lemon Garlic Chicken Stew", which is reminiscent of Indian style dishes. I figured I'm not doing anything else productive, I might as well type up a new food blog. I let several friends try it and they liked it a lot and one asked me to write the recipe, so here it is. As usual I leave flexible room for your preferred taste, so adjust the ingredients (especially the spices and herbs) to your own liking. 

While your here, I hope you'll check out my last podcast with Kelly Jacobs on her initiative #48 measure regarding cannabis regulation in Mississippi. You can hear it here on the Coastal Noise Podcast page. 


INGREDIENTS:


4-6 diced chicken thighs (you can also use beef)

-2 medium sized potatoes 

-2 or 3 large carrots

-1 large onion 

-several cloves of garlic

-Approximately 1/2 cup of ketchup

-Approximately 1/2 cup of soy sauce (I use low sodium)

-1/4 cup of honey

-2 to 3 tablespoons of lemon juice

-2 Tbsp of olive oil (optional)

(Spices)

-Turmeric, cumin, basil, garlic powder (if needed), chile powder, ground ginger, & brown sugar

DIRECTIONS:

Cut your meat with a knife or kitchen scissors and place it into the crock pot

Dice your carrots and add to the mix. Next do the potatoes. Make sure to wash everything first! You can follow with the onion.

Now it's time for the sauce. The ketchup, soy sauce, honey, and lemon juice will morph over the hours into a delcious vineager concoction. Pour in your soy sauce, ketchup and olive oil (if you want it). Squeeze in your lemon juice next. Now slowly pour the honey over all that food. You know you want to. 

Oh yeah. Somebody's been a bad bear. 

Now, let's get funky with the spices and herbs. This part is subjective so if you want more or less of something, go for it. This is just a guideline. 

Add 1 to 2 Tbsp of Turmeric 

Add a couple dashes of Cumin

Add a dash of Ground Ginger 

Add 1 to 2 Tbsp of Chile Powder 

Add 2 Tbsp of Brown Sugar

Add a couple dashes of Garlic Powder (unless you only use real garlic)

And a generous amount of Basil 

Be sure to add salt and pepper if you want some traditional seasoning. I used a little of both. 

Are you kidding me? Just look at how sexy that is. 

Now if you want true respect from the Indians, you can't skip on the real garlic. I used about 5 or 6 cloves, diced and topped over the pot. 

Stay with me Dorothy, we still have to let this thing simmer. Turn it on low and kick back for 6-8 hours. Go on and handle your business. This dish is a strong, independent woman. She will take care of herself while your away, Jack. When you come back, you'll have this on your hands. 

Take the phone off the hook. You'll have to get back with them later.

Stefan

     I'm being served tea in a room by a little girl, age 2. 
     "You make the best tea," I tell her. "I sure did," she says and goes off to make more of the imaginary drink. An idea comes to my mind. 
     "Do you want me to make us some Oakmeal?" 
     "Okay, sure. I love Oakmeal. I can help too. I'm supposed to be an expert." 
     "Well how convenient is that? Cooking in the kitchen is tough stuff. You sure you wanna help?"
     "I can handle it."
    
     Who am I to argue? We both go to the kitchen and get the ingrediants ready. 

     You see, here in lies the problem. How many times have you made oatmeal and felt like this?

      Trust me, I know the feeling. That's why I started getting creative with how I made mine. This is how I made my Oakmeal this time, but you can experiment with your own tastes. I pretty much just grabbed whatever was laying around that I was into at the time. 

 INGREDIENTS: 

- 1 Pack of Brown Sugar Maple Oatmeal and additional oats for a little extra. Add as much as you need for yourself. I was feeding two this time. 

- Dash of brown sugar

- Dash of nutmeg 

- Dash of cinnamon 

- Dash of pumpkin spice

- Almond granola 

- Almond milk

- 1 Tablespoon of honey

- 1 Tablespoon of butter

- 1 Teaspoon of vanilla extract


DIRECTIONS: 

1. Pour your oats in a bowl. I was informed by the little girl I would need help with this part. I guess it's a judgment call you have to make for yourself. Keep your kitchen safe. 

At this point, the girl could not help with adding the milk because of how messy it can get. She became very discouraged at this.
     "I'm not an expert anymore," she said sadly. 
     "Sure you are. In fact, when we are done, I'll make you a certificate for being a Certified Oakmeal Expert." 
     "Okay!"

4. Microwave for about 1 minute and 30 seconds. Stir in your honey and butter.

 I placed the cooled Oakmeal in front of the girl and spooned some into a little bowl for her. 
     "There you go," I said. "Are you ready to try your Oakmeal?"
     "No," she said, "I want to get down and go play."
     And she did. 

     The End

Out and about one day with musician, artist, and all around cool guy Eddie Dixon and we worked on some shots around town. See the results and tell me what you think. Scroll down for Gallery View. Be sure to check out part 1 in the blog section or visit the Photography Gallery to see my other shots.