At some point today I was inspired for us to make our own homemade pizzas. I’d seen a few Plurks lately by Migly about his own adventures making homemade pizzas.  He even posted pics, so I decided to follow his lead and do the same.  So since Suzette and I had already planned go grocery shopping today, all I had to do was talk her into getting the pizza makings so we could make our pizzas.  I was smart enough to time it right so the pizzas would be ready sometime around the start of the Titans game.  It worked out pretty well.

Our first stop was Publix.  For the most part, we buy our groceries at Wal-Mart simply because it cheaper.  But Wal-Mart doesn’t have the largest selection of items in the store, so sometimes we have to go elsewhere in order to get all the things we want.  That was the case today as I like Newman’s Own popcorn and Wal-Mart doesn’t carry the brand.  While at Publix we also got dessert, which I’ll talk about later.  Since I knew there may be limited supplies for making a pizza at Wal-Mart, we went ahead and took a look at what Publix had to offer.  We picked up a can of Centos Pizza sauce.  Everything else we got at Wal-Mart including cheese, pepperoni, Canadian bacon, and bacon.  I only like my pizza with peperoni.  Suzette like it “Hawaiian” style.  We had pineapple at home, so we were all set, except for one thing.  We had no crust.  Wal-Mart was out fo the only good brand of pizza crust mix they carried (Martha White).  All that was left was their generic brand and “Jiffy” brand. YUK!  So we ended up buying one of the Chef Boy Ardee pizza in a box sets.  We only used the crust from this set.

Now that we had all the ingredients, it was time to mix it up.  We made the dough from the mix and halved it.  I think I actually ended up with a little more than my half, but Suzette was OK with that.  after putting a decent amount of sauce on top of the dough, it was time to add the cheese and the toppings.  Suzette first put plain mozzarella, then her Canadian bacon, bacon (she had fried this put before we even started mixing the dough), and pineapple. On top of all that, she put another layer of mozzarella/cheddar mix.  For mine I put a healthy layer of plain mozzarella with little of the cheddar mix on top of it and as many pepperonis I could get to fit on it.  We actually bought new cake pans while at Wal-Mart, so that’s what we were using for this.  Now they’re ready for the oven.

We were both pretty excited to see how they tuned out.  Me personally, I was upset to find out that the light inside the oven is broken.  There would be no checking them without opening the oven.  After about 20 minutes, we opened the oven to take a peek.  Even though we were both hungry and eager to try our new creations, we decided they weren’t quite done yet, so we shut the oven and waited about five more minutes.  Again we opened the oven and decided they were ready.

All of the sudden, the whole apartment was filled with the wonderful aroma of homemade pizza.  We couldn’t wait to taste them.  At some point while the pizzas were in the oven, the Titans game started  So I wanted to hurry and get them on a plate and get to the game.

Yes, it tastes as good as it looks.  Without being too prideful, I have to say we did a great job.  Not only did we get to eat some wonderful pizza that we had fun making, it was something we did together.  With Suzette spending so much time on her school work and be dividing my time between work and the Church, it’s always nice to do some activity together like that.  It was fun.

Once all my pizza was gone and Suzette felt she had had enough pizza, it was time for dessert. I mentioned we picked up dessert at Publix.  I’m sure glad we did too.  We each got a slice of bakery cheesecake.

The label the bakery put on this was “Monster Cheesecake”. About half of the slice was covered in a chocolate shell, like you sometimes see on ice cream.  I didn’t really like the shell, so I ate the cake out of it.  Suzette did the same.

We finished super about half time in the game.  I think the Titans were waiting for us to finish eating before playing some football.  They were really full of fail in the first half.  But they came back strong in the second half and win the game.

I was really pleased that Suzette stayed in the living room and watched almost the whole game.  Neither one us has ever really been a football fan until this year.  I was sort of pulled in by the amazing Superbowl game last year.  I think it’s starting to grow on both of us, but maybe a little slower for her.  I have to say tough, for a first year football fan, it’s great year to live in Nashville.

We’ve already made plans for a similar supper next week.  What’s on the menu you ask?  We’re leaning towards homemade sliders and onion rings.  If we can’t think of anything better until then, that’s what it’ll be.

Original content Copyright 2007 Marc Smith
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If you know me, you know that my wife Suzette is from the Philippines.  We met online in 2002 and after chating online and on the phone for a few months I decided to go over and meet her in person.  Part of my preparation of the trip was to seek out a blessing form a priest I know for the journey. Now when asked who the patron saint of travelers is, any Catholic is likely to answer with Saint Christopher.  His name is a good answer, so I was a little surprised when father invoked Saint Raphael in the blessing. Saint Raphael is is also a good friendly saint to the traveler who is going on a long journey. While father did not knwo the reason for my trip, he did know where I was going. Since I was traveling so far away, he decided to ask for this Saint’s intercession on my behalf for my long journey to the Philippines.

After wards father and I were casually talking about the Saint as he had to explain to me the why Saint Raphael, instead of the expected Saint Christopher.  He then asked me why I was going to the Phillipines.  I told him it was ot meet a woman I had met on Catholic Singles Online. He looked at me like I was crazy.  When I asked him what was wrong, he simply answered, “Saint Raphael is also the patron of those seeking a spouse”. Of course it would only be a couple of short years later that Suzette and I were married.  So as Paul Harvey would say, “Now you know the rest of the story”.

Original content Copyright 2007 Marc Smith
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So like sheep following the gas tanker to the gas station, I am following the “Me Right Now” meme. This is me right now. I just got back from Mass.

Here’s the meme:
1. Take a picture of yourself right now.
2. Don’t change your clothes, don’t fix your hair…just take a picture.
3. Post that picture with NO editing.
4. Post these instructions with your picture.

If you’re reading this and haven’t done it, do it now.

Original content Copyright 2007 Marc Smith
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on the anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy, wondering if today’s Gospel takes on special meaning

Let’s go ahead and take a look at this scripture.

27 “But I say to you that hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,

28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.

29 To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from him who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt.

30 Give to every one who begs from you; and of him who takes away your goods do not ask them again.

31 And as you wish that men would do to you, do so to them.

32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.

33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.

34 And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again.

35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return;  and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish.

36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.

37 “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;

38 give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”

(Saint Luke 6:27-38 – RSV-CE)

Thank you father for giving me perspective!

Now don’t get me wrong, I do not believe we are to turn our backs on our enemies to make it easier for them to shoot us. We should never forget what happened seven years ago. I do however think we as a nation need to pursue our national security with right intentions that don’t include hatred or revenge. I also feel we as individuals need to be more loving of our enemies.  We always talk about how powerful prayer is.  Let’s apply that to our enemies and see how powerful it can be. Let’s put our prayers where our mouth is. I think we’ll be surprised.  So let’s forgive for our enemies, pray for our enemies. Let’s pray for peace, not only in the world but also in the hearts of anyone that are filled with anger, hatred and revenge.

Original content Copyright 2007 Marc Smith
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Original content Copyright 2007 Marc Smith
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Original content Copyright 2007 Marc Smith
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Original content Copyright 2007 Marc Smith
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Original content Copyright 2007 Marc Smith
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Work seems to be slowing down somewhat for the end of the year. I’ve been really busy for the past seven weeks with trips out to Phoenix and Folsom. Next week I’ll be back in San Francisco for training. After that, I should have a welcome break until the week after Thanksgiving when I go back out to Folsom. I am actually looking forward to the new year and the new project it might bring to me.

Original content Copyright 2007 Marc Smith
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The first happened Sunday. I know, I should be home on the weekends. But initially it sounded like I was going to be very busy. So I decided if I could find a good flight I would fly out Sunday afternoon. Well, I couldn’t find one. Everything seemed to be too expensive, so I decided to just go ahead and fly out on Monday morning. The problem is our travel agency’s new website has the worst user interface I have ever seen. I am not exaggerating there either. So instead of changing the flight search from Sunday afternoon to Monday morning, I ended up changing it to Sunday morning. No hilarity ensued. So here I am getting into Phoenix at 1025 Sunday morning.

UGH!

Anyway, I told you all that to let you know what kind of state of mind I was in when I stopped by a grocery store to pick up some bottled water. It’s the desert, so I figured it would probably be a good idea to keep hydrated. I stopped at a grocery store called “Fry’s Food”. In case you are asking the same question I was, I think they are somehow related to the electronics store. As I was paying for my Aquafina, they of course asked me if I had me “Fry’s Food Club Card”. As I ALWAYS do when I am out of town and am asked for such a card, I replied with “I have my Kroger Card”. Like I said, I always say that. It’s just my way of amusing myself. The really funny thing is that Fry’s Food is owned by Kroger. Yes, they took my Kroger card, swiped it and it worked. Now in my half dazed, “I’ve been up since 3:30am central time and it’s now 2:00pm pacific time” mental state, that was just very surreal.

So I’m sure now you’re wondering if that was both my stories or just one. I hate to break it to you, but I’m not finished.

I noticed on this little listing of local events that Def Leppard is playing here in Phoenix tomorrow night. Big deal right? Well, you see this week I have a shadow. She’s a fresh from college green consultant who I ma supposed to be mentoring. I mentioned the concert to her and guess what she said. “Who?” Now I feel old.

I sudenly regret every time I have said to someone “You mean Paul McCartney was in a band before Wings?”

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Original content Copyright 2007 Marc Smith
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I had been living in Seattle but had to move back to Memphis due to being laid off (ironically from the same company I work for now). I had made that trek across the country just a couple of weeks prior. It was a wonderful drive that made me proud to be an American. Seeing so much of this wonderful country filled me with that pride and a certain sense of awe. Even in my despair at loosing my job, I knew that everything would be OK. On 9/11 I was still so newly returned to Memphis that I was staying with my aunt and uncle. They had gone with their kids and grandkids to San Diego to visit my cousin. They would be over a week late getting home.

I had slept late that morning. It would be another week before I would start a new job. In my groggy half-awake state, I was really confused. Wy was the news on all the channels? Not just the news channels and the network’s morning show, but ALL the channels. Just about then the phone rang. it was my mom asking, “Are you seeing this???” It took a moment for it all to sink in. It took a really long time for to accept that this was deliberate attack on the US. I was shocked and stunned. I attribute my reaction to this tragedy as being one of the two big catalysts for my reversion back to the Christian faith.

On this day six years later, my prayers continue to go out to the victims of this attack. My prayers also go to a conversion of the people who would do this sort of thing. THat the Lord will soften their hearts and make them come to hope for the same peace I do.

Original content Copyright 2007 Marc Smith
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Our first stop after getting to Vegas was the Hilton to go to the Star Trek Experience. They had Klingons and a Borg walking around. Here’s one of the Klingons.

Not long after getting there, Suzette was suddenly attacked by a Gorn!

I was able to fight him off, but I worked up an appetite so we had lunch. MMMM……Iguana burgers!

Exchanging war stories with with a crusty old Klingon warrior.

This was Suzette’s main reason for going to Vegas. She really wanted to ride the Gondolas at the Venetian. She got her wish. Here we are. This is inside BTW. They had a huge indoor shopping area that was made to look like an open air mall.

I managed to meet up with Vegas favorite and the king of rock and roll, Elvis Presley. Here I am showing him some new dance moves. He was standing around at this place that must have been a big hang out for celebs. It was Madam something or other.

Here’s Suzette getting a little too close to her favorite actor at that celeb bar.

Here we are with a nice scene of the strip behind us. I think this one was taken from one of the walkways that go over the street.

We took a lot more pictures. Some of them I’ve posted up on Flickr. Take a look at the whole set!

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Original content Copyright 2007 Marc Smith
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We have been happy with the folks at Vol State. They have been kind and courteous though out the past year and half she’s been attending classes there. The big problem is that the nursing program at Vol State is administered through TSU. The folks at TSU have been nothing but difficult and rude through the process of Suzette trying to apply for the nursing program. Between the stories we have and the stories told by her friends at Vol State who are trying to get into the nursing program, I also wonder if finding out about Columbia State wasn’t a double blessing.

My only fear is that Columbia State is pretty far away. Even the Franklin campus is pretty far. We might have to move again. I really love Gallatin, but if it’s best for Suzette, we will do it.

Original content Copyright 2007 Marc Smith
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I also put that horrible picture of me that I use everywhere up in the upper right hand corner. That way you might recognized me when you visit here, if you’ve seen one of my comments or otherwise noticed my presence somewhere else.

I’m also going to to be working on the “about” page. Don’t expect it soon, but know that I am working on it.

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Original content Copyright 2007 Marc Smith
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Unsafe levels of toxic chlorine pollutants were found in 40 percent of the District of Columbia tap water samples tested during a spring chlorine surge, according to a study released Thursday.

Obviously the folks that compare bottled water to tap water have also never tried the water in Austin. I travel a lot and usually use bottled water on the road. Even if the local water doesn’t upset my stomach, it could have local allergens I might not be able to fight off quickly.

I just found it interesting that there seems to me to have been a recent uproar over bottled water, then this news story came out. Timing is everything….

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Original content Copyright 2007 Marc Smith
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The Catholic Vocations Podcast is a podcast which focuses on the people who answered God’s call to a religious way of life within the Catholic faith.  It includes news and information on vocations, as well as an interview with someone who has answered God’s call to just such a religious vocation.

I’ve got some ideas for some others too, but we’ll have to wait and see how this works out first.

I don’t plan on having this podcast dominate Wild Tangents, it will be on a different domain.  It’s just that I haven’t set that one up fully yet and wanted to test the Podpress plugin.   Let me know what you think of the clip (if I get Podpress working that is).

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The fourth of July is considered the birthday of America. Despite all her troubles over the past 231 years, she’s still the greatest place to live. Let be sure to keep it that way.

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The Antenna Club’s fan page can be found here.

To put the description in basic terms, the Antenna Club was a live alternative music venue. I know I saw many more infamous than this, but the shows for All (which was a band that picked up the pieces after Milo left The Decendents) and Pigface are the ones I remember most. I also remember an all local band show on Halloween of 1987. Sobering Consequences headlined.

To be honest, the place was a dump. The restroom, aside form being alive stunk up the whole place. But it was “our” dump. Plus we had the Piggly Wiggly parking lot next door that we could “hang out in” when there wasn’t a show. There was also a wall on one side of a parking lot down the street that would always get graffitied. It was a cool place. Of all the similar venue clubs I’d been to in my youth in other cities, “home” was the best. Nobody had anything as cool as the Antenna.

The Mall Of Memphis fan page can be found here

Really I started hanging out at the MOM (Mall of Memphis) well before I started high school classes. We moved into a house just around the corner when I was seven or eight. We moved away when I was fourteen. It was close enough to ride our bikes. I spent many weekends and summer times there.

I didn’t really spend much high school time there. I do remember this one time. A group of had ridden up there with my friend Mike Blumenthal in his car. Well, somehow someone lifted his keys from him and drove the car around to the other side of the mall without him noticing. It was so funny because at first he was freaked out, but then he got a little excited at the fact that he might be getting new car. His car was a piece of junk Chevy Caprice. It was in really bad shape. He was actually disappointed when they guided him around to where they had moved the car. I was of course not in on it. I was with Mike the whole time, so they didn’t have a chance to let me in on the joke. So in a way the joke was kind of on me as well. I seem to recall be a little put out by the experience. I had to get up early in the morning or something. Looking back on it though, it as pretty funny.

So if you have memories of the Antenna Club or the Mall of Memphis, leave them in the comments. I’d love to hear from you!

Technorati Tags: 80′s, eighties, malls, Memphis, punk, web

Here’s the first few of the over 800 lines from this prologue:

Whan that Aprill, with his shoures soote
The droghte of March hath perced to the roote
And bathed every veyne in swich licour,
Of which vertu engendred is the flour;
Whan Zephirus eek with his sweete breeth
Inspired hath in every holt and heeth
The tendre croppes, and the yonge sonne
Hath in the Ram his halfe cours yronne,
And smale foweles maken melodye,
That slepen al the nyght with open eye-
(So priketh hem Nature in hir corages);
Thanne longen folk to goon on pilgrimages
And palmeres for to seken straunge strondes
To ferne halwes, kowthe in sondry londes;
And specially from every shires ende
Of Engelond, to Caunterbury they wende,
The hooly blisful martir for to seke
That hem hath holpen, whan that they were seeke.

I don’t remember how much of this Mr. Raney had us recite. What I’ve put above is all I remember. I’m trying to decide if it is unfortunate or exciting that remember that even.

My wife and I saw Mr. Raney a couple of years ago. He had retired and was working on his “second career”. He seemed happy enough, but it also seemed that he might be missing being up in front of a class preparing them for what awaits after graduation. It unfortunate that he’ not teaching anymore as he was a great teacher.

As for the Canterbury Tales, don’t expect to hear me talking about it on iTunes anytime soon. But I suspect my voice may be coming down in a feed near you soon!

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