Migration

We're ripe for change. Perhaps better said, we're ready for change. It's only natural right? Every so often a shift occurs. Sometimes unseen. Sometimes right in your face. Perhaps the best of all, is the quiet revolution. The slow burn of new ideas infecting one soul at a time. This country is built on shift, and why not? You could easily conclude it's a neutral experiment perhaps left to fend for itself. Or something like many of us do, started but not finished. I find in this country's short history change stems from many things, but perhaps nothing more profound than music. Just over a decade ago, online music review sites and blogs were emerging as new sources of music. The smallest one mand band in his garage or on his porch had a voice and in a night could have song recorded, a video and have it online for the world to see. It was refreshing for someone like me, who craves the undiscovered in music land. But it's not as easy as it once was. Our old reliable review sites have grown cold, boring. Expected. I try to follow as manny record labels as I can, through the regular social media channels and there's a pulse. A new wave if you will, unseen but certainly heard. I'd love to coin a fresh hip term for it, like EMO or INDIE, but at the time I feel it's best left to evolve. I don't want to disturb it. I've found over the past year more new bands off the radar, all with a common thread, based in sound. It's very exciting to me. A new "Roots" movement if you will that is germinating and will soon blossom. We see our heroes get complacent. Change their sound and sell records. Tour big and stay lazy. Not all of them. Some redefine themselves with each album. While I can't label this new bend I'm hearing and experiencing, it's gaining steam. All great moments in this country are aligned with music. Maybe that's by design, a sick marketing ploy via a "Wag the Dog" episode. We never know. While I feel overall this is a bit vague, I will continue to let it grow and blossom. Perhaps it will avoid definition - unrefined and natural.

Best of What I Heard in 2010 - Part 2

Here's the Rest of the List, off the beaten path and avoiding the obvious.

Glossary - "Feral Fire"

Save Your Money for the Weekend

The Mynabirds - "What We Lose in the Fire We Gain in the Flood"

Numbers Don't Lie

Futurebirds - "Hampton's Lullaby"

Sessions at American Songwriter

Foals - "Total Life Forever"

Blue Blood
Black Gold

Avi Buffalo - "S/T"

What's it In For?"

Sam Quinn - "The Fake That Sunk A Thousand Ships"

Hello


Worth a Listen
Black Dub "S/T"

Ring the Alarm

Best Albums I Heard in 2010, off the beaten path.

In no Order, bringing light against the grain.

Trampled By Turtles - "Palomino"

Wait So Long

J Roddy Walston and The Business - "S/T"

Pigs & Pearls

Fitz & the Tantrums - "Pickin' Up the Pieces"

MoneyGrabber

Secret Sisters - "S/T"

Tenesse Me

Cotton Jones - "Tall Hours in the Glowstream"

Somehow Keep It Going

The TIns - "S/T" EP

The Green Room

Mountain Man - "Made the Harbor"

Soft Skin

Ty Seagall - "Melted"

Girlfriend

Suckers - "Wild Smile"

Save Your Love For Me

Possibly more later . . .

Prior to Inception, the latest trailer for FIncher's "The Social Network" came on, and that wonderful music/song in the background, a cover of Radiohead's "Creep" but the all female choir - Scala

Panascout App for iPhone

Awesome app and must have for ay filmmaker. If you haven't seen it check it out, it rocks.
www.panascout.com

Can't stop watching this . . .

Every now & then a video captures my mind and I simply can't stop watching it. This one is the latest, enjoy.

The American Astronaut

The American Astronaut is a film by writer/director Cory McAbee and is unlike anything you've ever seen. THat's not entirely true, it immediately summons feelings as far back as 50's sci-fi, elements of David Lynch, deep cinematography and incredible musical numbers. I'm late to the game on Cory's work, but I'm happy to spread the word about this great film. A long time movie fan, I find what appeals to me most these days is the unexpected or new image. This movie is certainly filled with that and reminded me to not take films so seriously sometimes as I often do. That' not to say this is some silly-fest of nothing it's great. Recently Cory created another great web series for Sundance, "Stingray Sam". It continues the unique vein/vision of Astronaut but start here. Again, highly recommended.

Between the Scenes, Rapid Eye Movement

My good friend Owen & I first ventured into filmmaking together some years ago. Ambitious and bold we attempted the "No Man's Land" of short films, by creating kind of a pilot in most regards, that while has it's merits left us without a home for it. Regardless, Rapid Eye Movement was a wonderful learning process and one I cherish. The video's from Austin's
"Between the Scenes" - they were kind enough to come out one night and see what we were up to. This really doesn't do much justice to our finished movie, hopefully more of you see some day.

Food preparation, Diets and other thoughts

Another thought on Diets and what they say about us not only as a country but as a race. In some ways, I feel diets display a de-evolution of us as humans. Having lost touch with the simplicity of growing and cooking our own food.

I know, its a hustle & bustle world today, "on-the-go", gotta grab something quick. I was there. All the time. I live the same life now and somehow avoid needing to grab something quick. So I looked at what I had done and am no currently doing.

Preparation. In the same amount of time I used to sit at a drive-thru, I prep my snacks and lunch for the day in the morning. On Sundays we prep a lot of food to have throughout the week.

And we don't really need half the food we eat anyway.

Yeah I'm off track, but back to diets for a second, it's like waiting for a voice to talk to us fro the sky. We buy books, buy products, exercise equipment and nine times out of ten, all of this ends up covered in dust and useless.

The truth is, we don't need any of this stuff. What we need is fresh food and dedication to preparation. It's rewarding. Inspiring.

I used to not think much of cooking. Oh, it's something mom does. I was completely wrong.

Now, and I'm far from a pro, but I love it. I can't stand not to do it. It's magical. Yeah that reads corny, but it's true. And, it's so simple.

You grasp the basic spices and herbs and really you can do anything with them.

It's kinda amazing to walk through a grocery store. Yeah we run in and get things or hit our certain aisles for weekly shopping but have you ever gone in when you don;t need anything? Just to look at it all. It's quite eye opening. It's all another way we've been bought & sold through marketing and advertising. Come to think of it there's so much we don't need in this country it's scary as hell.

But as far as food is concerned, we gotta take it back. This has certainly rambled on all over the place, but had to share. I'm striving for more clarity.

No Exit

After almost a year now spent in a serious lifestyle change, simply being vegan. People always refer to my new found way of eating as a "diet". I simply explain it's not a diet, but a lifestyle change. I have no plans of returning to what I once was. It didn't work for me. I tried different ways to lose weight and stay slim and found success but, and this is my fault for the most part, resorted to old bad habits. Then found myself fat again.

I've often thought about fad diets and their consequences. I'm comfortable taking a stand, because I have tried some of these diets and know first hand what the real problem with any "diet" is.

In my opinion, there's simply no Exit Strategy from most of these diets. You can begin one, stay on one, but ultimately the biggest fear is "What about when I'm done?". Suddenly you find yourself without the safety net of routine and a guide on how to eat and live.

I'm sure some have had zero problems coming off these diets and staying thin and fit. As with anything in life, there's always an exception.

But for most of us, it's a massive struggle and one we quickly find ourselves slipping away at.

I think the most important thing to focus on while attempting any diet is the lifestyle change. As you grow letting go of the emotional tie with all have with food and unlearning everything we know to this point. Eat to live as some would say. Practice reserve, portion control and of course, moderation.

Sometimes having talked to different people on and off of different diets, it's all about the routine but nothing is being learned. We just do it. Buy the book, hit the grocery store and begin.

What I've learned is food had a strangle hold on me and I still wrestle with that to this day, but I'm doing everything I can to understand and change. Of course it's not easy, we all now what would happen if it were.

I think we all need to re-learn food and it's proper place. Avoid fad diets and start by looking in the mirror. First be accountable. Then make the change. Step by step, day by day. Slow & steady. I'm still learning and know that each day holds something new.

The Friends of Eddie Coyle

Need a great movie to watch? Then look no further. Raw lost 70's gem that I absolutely love. The Friends of Eddie Coyle. I mean it has Robert Mitchum, that should be enough for you right there. They don't make these types of movies anymore, in fact this type of movie would scare the hell out of any studio today. This movie will leave you in the dust if you don't pay attention. For most people I sell it like this, "Think The Departed, but way less obvious". No knock on The Departed, good movie, but I've seen this movie a few times now and am still not convinced I know exactly what happened. Criterion put out a stellar edition on DVD awhile back and this is 70's cinema at it's finest. It's not for everybody, but if you like raw subtle story full of great characters give it a spin. They just don't make movies like this anymore. You have to watch to get it, you can't sleep walk through this picture. It demands you get involved and stay there.

New website . . .

Finally, a website. Something I've always wanted and needed, but with the help of http://flavors.me this has been the easiest thing I've done. If you are in need of a great simple website. Look no further.

I can't recommend it enough.

here's my link for now, my custom domain should be up in 72 hours.

love it. Thank God I'm officially on the internets.

http://flavors.me/whiskeyred#_

Damn Good Vegan Cornbread - My New Recipe

So after a few attempts, I think we are close to master class level for Vegan Cornbread. Here we go

2 TBSP of Ground Flax Seed

1 CUP Whole Wheat Pastry Flour

1 Cup Corn Meal

2 - 2 1/2 TBSP of Organic Maple Syrup

4 TSP Baking Powder

3/4 TSP (or to taste) of Sea Salt

6 TBSP of Water

1 CUP of Soy, Rice, Hemp, Almond Milk (We used half Soy & half Hemp, all we had on hand both unsweetened vanilla)

1/4 to almost but not quite 1/2 cup of Organic Apple Sauce

*we also chopped up a white onion and added in to the mix

Combine Wet ingredients in a bowl

Combine Dry ingredients in a bowl

Pre-Heat to 425 degrees

Combine all ingredients

Try to grease your pan somehow (we went with the Vegan margarine)

Pour mix in pan, and bake for 20 - 25 minutes

It was delicious and I'm convinced you add some veggie broth and whatever else you need in stuffing and you're golden.

It delivered a not too sweet balanced cornbread

Try it out!

Still E2 strong . . .

Glad to report today, that I'm down 37 lbs. Saying I feel great is an understatement, I feel incredible. I've said this before and I'll say it again, it's the best lifestyle change I've ever made. It grow every day with new recipes and new discoveries of foods and combinations of everything I eat. I wish they would teach this in a proper health class in school. We'd all be better for it not to mention a completely different race.

So, if you feel like you need a change in your lifestyle or the way you eat, it couldn't be any more simple. Purchase the E2 book and discover the wealth of knowledge, not to mention support you will find taking this new direction.

I hope to update more now, as I see my goal in at the end of the tunnel. My metabolism is through the roof, and lately I've actually been hungry, where as before I would eat just to eat or out of boredom. SOmedays I can't eat enough. I love it. Eat more, lose weight.

I haven;t strayed once thus far. Not even recently on wife's birthday at Uchi, who do offer some nice alternative to traditional sushi.

Yeah, I'm giddy. I'm here for anyone thinking about taking the plunge or if anyone wee to have questions. So if I can ever help, just ask.

Best.

Engine 2 - Day 22 -28

I made it through my first 28 days with no problem. Yeah I didn't blog as much, but things have been hectic right now and no time to blog. I feel great and overall dropped 15 pounds in those 28 days. I love the lifestyle and as of right now have zero intentions of living it any less than 98 -100%. 

Yes, I will have a drink from time to time, but as far dairy, meat, most oils go - I simply don't need them. Hell, I don;t even prefer them anymore, it's simple, and basically you're just switching your ingredients. And what I've found is, all the new ingredients make me feel and look great. So i can slim down and live healthy and long just by eating right? You bet. So what's the big deal? Do it already.  It was the easiest change I've made and I'm in total love with it. Most people feel it's an impossible task to eat right, quite the contrary. Yeah, you do have to cook and prep alot, but if you can;t make time for that, maybe it's time to re-evaluate your priorities. 

No I don't feel like cooking dinner every night, neither does my wife, doesn't mean we don't still eat something good. You have to make time for your health, almost above all, but once you take a few weeks to do it, you're golden. 

I don't prefer the word vegan, vegetarian, macro-biotic, diet or any of that.  I'm searching for something new, some of these terms come of elitist and pretentious. I prefer knowing it's a healthy life and one I can take pride in, and know that I have a way better chance eating fresh and grown from the earth, not made in a factory somewhere with ingredients made by man. 

I plan to keep posting my progress from time to time documenting my results. I've made it plant strong and changed my life forever. 

Engine 2 - Day 22

Feeling good, starting some basic tennis lessons last week and played again today. Love it. I wish I would have kept playing as I did when I was young, regardless feels good to be back. 

Yesterday was fine. 

The E2 Sloppy Joe was damn tasty. 

I feel lean and mean (Even though I have a lot to go) but nonetheless feeling strong. 

Exercise

E2 workout 

Tennis Lessons/Play 1 hour

Food Log

Breakfast

Big Bowl of Cereal w/ Banana

Snack

Carrot Sticks

Lunch

E2 Wrap in Collard Green with Hummus and tomato

Snack

Pretzels

2 - Fig Newton's Barbara's

Dinner

E2 Sloppy Joe with handful of Tortillas Chips & Homemade Salsa

Engine 2 - Day 18 -21

Yeah, I'm getting lazier posting on this thing, not vause I'm off E2 or eating bad, just been busy. Not that anyone reads this anyway. 

I'm now down almost 12 pounds as I enter my fourth week. Last week was a mess due to lack of a fridge, but Friday we got our new one and have it up and running so all is well. 

We've made some new food recently and have just been having a great time eating so healthy. 

The one craving I can't shake is one of my all time favorite things, an Everything Bagel. 

I'm geeked to say I found a Hemp Nutty Bagel at New Flower here in Austin, and yeah it does have a bit higher fat count, but it's good fat. The Bagel is pure and natural, and sorry I couldn't resist. 

Have a fishing trip this weekend at the coast. Already planning my snacks for on the boat and off. As long as I am armed with my goods, should be piece of cake, although a beer will be tough to resist, maybe just one. 

Anyway, I got a bit ahead of myself feeling so good, tried on a few "skinny" shirts, but still got more to poundage to drop to make them work like they used to, but it's coming. SO I keep working out and eating plant strong!

Engine 2 - Day 17

It's extremely difficult to keep the E2 plan strong without a fridge. Trust me we've done all we can, we are supposed to have it by Friday for sure. We've eaten out alot since My mom went to the hospital last week. So I feel I haven;t as pure as I would like. Not to say I've eaten meat or gone off track, I haven't I constantly question what and where I eat and am sure I've bumped into a oil a few times. 

But not to worry. I'm still down in weight and focused. I hope to get the fridge and get lean and mean with an even stronger commitment to Engine 2 once we are fully operational. 

Yesterday we went to Casa De Luz for lunch. Yeah, they use some oil in some of their foods, i notice it;s healthier oil options at least with a controlled portion. Still wonderful food, and damn close to being pure vegan for a restaurant. 

I find myself not craving meat or alcohol barely at all. Sure, after a hard day's work in the yard, nothing is better than an ice cold beer, but later for that. 

I have a huge mountain to climb, and I'm determined to get there come hell or high water. The difference this time, is that's where I'm gonna stay. For my health, my life and my family. 

People ask me how can I eat vegan, and so on. I simply say, look at where 34 years of the other way has gotten me. No to generalize, but its true. It was a bigger struggle, pure and simple. Now, I feel if I over eat some, it's hell of alot easier to correct. I don't get down or beat myself up. 

My friends and family have all been great, and really supportive.  Others just can't comprehend anything other than what they know. In many ways thats gotten us to where we are as a nation and a world. 

What do we know?  I always think of that line from JFK - "How do you know who your daddy is? Cause your Momma told ya." Kinda of a double edged sword.  In one regard who are we to question our mothers, teachers, government. On the other, seek for yourself and find the truth, know it, touch it, feel it. That's me, completely narcissistic I have to know for myself, and touch it. That's what I did with this lifestyle change. Reached out for change, I tried and enjoy it more everyday. 

Exercise Log

Treadmill 27 minutes, warm-up 10 minute mile (that kills me)

Food Log

Breakfast 

E2 PB & Toast with banana

Lunch at Casa De Luz

Pesto Lentil Soup

Garden Salad

Basmati Rice with mushroom gravy

Enfrijole

Greens mixed with lemon

Snack

Apple

Toasted O's 

Dinner 

Veggie Burger (ordered out I took their bread off)

Fruit Salad

Engine 2 - Day 15 & 16

I'm off to a bad start this week with posts, but I'm doing great and still strong on the Engine 2 plan. 

Not having a refrigerator has really thrown a wrench in my E2 system, so we are struggling with that but still hanging in there. 

Feeling good, feeling clean & light. Trying to workout more this week and push harder. 

Exercise Monday

Engine 2 Routine

Exercise Tuesday

Treadmill 25 minutes, 2.4 miles

Food Log For Monday

Breakfast

PB & Toast

Snack 

Apple

Toasted O's & Handful of cashews

Lunch

Snack

Banana

Natural Fruit Bar

Dinner

Mr. Natural Veggie Burger

Tuesday Food Log

Breakfast

Big Bowl of Cereal with Banana

Snack

Apple

Banana

Lunch

Veggie Sandwich from Panera with an Apple

Snack 

Toasted O's with handful of cashews

Dinner

E2's Pasta Primavera

Dessert

Vegan Cookies Molasses

Engine 2 - Day 11 - 14

Been a very long few days, mostly due to my mother's illness, so I have not been able to update as often as I would have liked. Good news is, she is recovering fine and should leave the hospital today. 

I will catch back up on my daily blog beginning tomorrow, I managed to survive and not go off the E2 plan at all. Yes I had to eat in a few locations I'd prefer to avoid, but was able to find healthy alternatives that kept me right on track. Like the Veggie Sandwich at Panera, had a light Stri-Fry Eggplant at a chinese restaurant, so not perfect items but damn close. 

So, back to regular posts tomorrow. 

I have lost another 2.5 pounds, so right about 8 pounds dropped in two weeks. Which is fine by me.