BenSpark Family Adventures

I am in Baltimore preparing for the LIVE that is happening tonight at 12:00. 2 Hours to go! I've been here since 2:30pm and I am getting antsy for this thing to begin then I can start trouble shooting the issues that arise. If I get to go back to the hotel before 2:30am I will be psyched. We shall see.

Originally posted by Allison Drew asked me to post the recipe from Last Night's Stew. I didn't really follow the recipe, I just started with it and then got creative, but here's my best shot: All-purpose flour Salt and pepper Olive oil 2 lb Beef stew meat; cut into 1-inch cubes 1 lg Onion; cubed A small bag of baby carrots 1 lb New Potatoes, Quartered 3 Garlic cloves; chopped 2 can Stewed tomatoes; (15-to -16-ounce) 1 Can Diced tomatoes with jalepenos 1 c Canned beef broth 1 Bottle Yuengling Lager (or any amber or dark beer) 2 cans Diced green chilies;(4-ounce cans) 1/2 c Sliced pimiento-stuffed green olives; (about 2 1/2-ounces) (I skipped this) 2 tb Dried oregano 1/4 tsp ground Cyanne Pepper 1/2 tsp chili powder 1/3 c Chopped fresh cilantro (I skipped this) Heat oil in frying pan over high heat. Toss beef in a bowl of flour seasoned with salt and pepper to coat lightly. Add to frying pan; saute until brown, about 5 minutes. Remove to Crockpot. Add onion, carrots, and garl...

Anybody who knows me, knows that I like motorcycles and enjoy the Discovery Channel's programs like American Chopper and The Great Biker Build-Off. One of the mechanics/stuntmen/innovator/sculptor of The Great Biker Build-Off was Indian Larry. Indian Larry was known for his old school choppers and crazy stunt riding. According to this article from the Charlotte Observer Indian Larry died while performing one of his trademark stunts on August 30th, 2004.

Today should be my last day in the implementation group. However tomorrow I head off to Baltimore for a LIVE visit. And when I return I'll still be in implementation for a day to process the paperwork from the LIVE visit. The Good: This site has been (mostly) working hard on all aspects of the installation. I may be able to see the Red Sox play at Camden Yards. There will be other specialists here to hang out with. The Bad: The site is so demanding I may never get to the game. I'm anticipating that I will remain at the hospital from the moment I get there tomorrow afternoon till 3 or 4 in the morning, if I am lucky. The Ugly: The Bloodbank at the hospital woke up a week ago and realized that they've done next to nothing to prepare for the transition. EVERYTHING is top priority. So, today I try and clean up the loose ends that I can while I finish packing up my desk to move to my new desk downstairs. Then tomorrow morning I head to the airport and off to a 'fun-filled...

Have you noticed the abundance of dead squirrels all over the roads? Yesterday as I drove home I saw one tear across three lanes of traffic avoiding the cars but then ending up at the Jersey Barrier where he most likely died of a heart attack. The dead squirrels are all over the roads. Why would a squirrel run out of a perfectly good tree and across a highway? It makes no sense to me. Did anyone else see Scrubs last week with the squirrel army that the Janitor had. Funny. My Kieran Ridge Band CD came from CDBaby.com yesterday. No satin pillow, but it did arrive safely. I listened to the CD on then way in to work this morning. Kieran has a sound like Bob Dylan. His songs are very bluesy and American rock influenced, his lyrics are masterful in their storytelling. This CD is one I would recommend that you purchase. I can't wait till Kieran is touring again so I can see the band live. Kieran e-mailed me after I purchased the CD to thank me for buying a CD.  (CDBaby.com sends a message...

Yesterday Allison and I went to Joe and Jen's engagement party in Raymond, New Hampshire. We had a great time hanging with their family and sharing a delicious BBQ of ribs, chicken and the best corn on the cob of the summer. Joe's dad made a homemade salsa that was awesome. Here are some pictures from that evening. Allison and Ned Ned and Sarah

Did you know that the dog sniffing your crotch in an overly friendly manner may in fact be fighting cancer and not just molesting you. It is true. Please read. And did you know that one day if you are trapped in the rubble of an earthquake you may find your salvation at the paws of a cyborg rat. Again it is true. Please Read Another Article and Another and yet Another! I can't tell you how long before some pervert uses this technology to create www.robo-rat-up-skirt.com, but I can tell you how all of those videos will end. "AHHHH! A rat!" Giant foot comes into frame, and [ZZZZKKKRT!] And then there are cats that can perform acupuncture to help clear up acne. True enough... Nah, just messing with you.