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    • Aug 28thHamilton, DC Cast and book review

      It’s been a long time since my last post.  I do intend to catch up, but between a new baby, a job, and the building of a house, I haven’t been able to make the blog a priority.  This winter I hope to write some catch up posts and get back on track.

      My sister, who may be more of a renaissance man than I, started telling me about this rap musical about Alexander Hamilton a couple years ago.  I listened to a few of the songs, but I didn’t really get it.  Once Hamilton really started blowing up, I realized I probably hadn’t given it is due.  I think the main problem I had was that despite a love for American history, I didn’t know or remember much about Hamilton.  For Christmas last year, my parents got my wife and me season tickets to The Kennedy Center.  They’ve been habitués of the theater for about thirty years, and generously though we’d appreciate going to shows as much as they have.  They even watch the little ones while we’re out, which is honestly about all we get it, so we greatly appreciate it.

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      I’d only managed to read about 30% of the book before seeing the show.  I highly recommend getting some context before seeing the show.  At a bare minimum, read wikipedia and then listen to the songs in order.  I thought the musical was absolutely incredible.  It was very well done.  I thought the execution of the DC cast was on par with the original, save maybe for Angelica.  However, several members of my family saw the show a few weeks after I did, and they told me that an understudy had filled in for Angelica who was quite good.  I thought that Washington was particular exceptional in the DC cast.  The set was surprisingly simple, but I don’t think that detracted from the show in any way.  I won’t waste any more time of a review as you all know its great and can’t be missed.  I hope to see it again, and hear a filmed performance by the original cast my come out as a movie, which I’d love to see.  The only show I’ve ever seen that had the audience as engaged and as excited is perhaps The Book of Mormon.  However, The Book of Mormon is a pretty pure comedy while Hamilton really has it all.

      I finished the book last night after what felt like an eternity of trying to finish it.  It’s a lot of book.  That’s not to say its not a page turner, but it’s definitely not a light or short read.  I’ve ready 1776, and Founding Brothers.  I’ve watched John Adams on HBO.  Chernow’s Hamilton stands out to me as it really highlights the personalities of the founding fathers and other associates of Hamilton.  I also really think it speaks to the savagery of politics and the cynicism and grim view of the human condition held by many great and influential men.  In school we learn about great leaders and founders of this nation, and they’re presented as exceptional and superhuman.  Chernow’s Hamilton really speaks to the flaws of these men, the failures and shortcomings, which really gives another dimension to their history and a much richer appreciation of their lives and legacies.  Interestingly, only George Washington is portrayed as exceptional in both his accomplishments and integrity.  Chernow makes it clear that Washington owed much of his success to Hamilton, just as Hamilton did to Washington.  Really, they were indispensable to each other.  But Washington stands alone as a man of unwavering character, selflessness, magnanimity, integrity, sacrifice, and optimism.  He saw the good in all people, and saw beyond party politics, all while holding himself to the highest standards.  He was not perfect, but his honestly and exceptionalism is not matched.  Hamilton, Jefferson, Adams, and etc., while exceptional, all fall victim to the human condition.  They are guilty of being petty, dishonest, of infidelities, and many similar shortcomings.  In addition to dirty politics, Hamilton had other mistakes, such as the Alien and Sedition acts.  Particularly remarkable since Hamilton was an immigrant.  Despite these mistakes, most founders are remembered for accomplishments.  Adams and Jefferson included.  We know all along that Burr is the villain, but short of murder, many of the founding fathers are guilty of similar lapses in judgement and/or failings of character.  While their careers and legacies are exceptional, and they weren’t regular people, they were susceptible to many of the same temptations and weaknesses of their inferiors.  This seems particularly relevant in the age of Trump.  While Bill Clinton may best be remembered due to the cause of his impeachment, politics in my lifetime has seemed less scandalous than during Hamilton’s time.  Until now.  While not comforting to me personally, perhaps because I’m too cynical or impatient, its nice to know America has been through a lot and still persevered and thrived.  It makes one think that Trump too shall pass.  Its hard not to draw parallels.  And while the best example of a selfless public servant, especially given his recent passing, is McCain, its difficult to see how or when the reasonable and upstanding republicans like McCain will retake their party.   While the book is truly an all encompassing biography, the musical seems to focus on legacy.  Only a few years ago, most people probably wouldn’t name Hamilton as a founding father.  Jefferson, Washington, Adams, Franklin, etc., could all probably easily be recalled, but Hamilton would probably be as forgettable as John Jay.  In his own time and shortly thereafter, Hamilton may have been most infamous for his infidelity and then his duel.  It’s interesting that such an accomplished man could have his legacy be something other than The Federalist Papers, the Treasury Department, Neutrality, or Abolitionism.  The musical has gone a lone way towards enriching and cementing Hamilton’s legacy.  Especially with current generations.  But despite the book and musical, Hamilton will likely continue to be best known for the duel.  A man of many mistakes, but known for one big one.  It gives one pause that one can go from being remembered as a Vice President, to a murderer, in just a split second.  Or a from perhaps the most accomplished founding father, to a the victim of a duel.


      by rsiv with no comments yet
    • May 5thKentucky Derby ’17

      Drink

      Perfect
      Read

      Bet – I’ve used both.  Twinspires has the best signup bonus right now.

      twinspires_com_4c_WPW_lockup

      https://www.twinspires.com/account-create-get-free-bets?referrer=getfreebets&promo_code=5229035189272319

      OR

      http://www.xpressbet.com/


      by rsiv with no comments yet
    • Apr 19thMyrtle Beach Golf Trip Road Trip

      Its that time again!

       


      by rsiv with no comments yet
    • Mar 27thFishing North, Middle, and Jennings Creek

      Just got back from my trip down to Botetourt.  I was invited on a fraternity brother’s annual fishing trip his dad as been doing since he was 5.  The guys said the water was pretty low this year maybe two feet lower than usual.  North and Middle were stocked the week before, and Jennings was stocked the day we arrived.  The low water and the heavy fishing pressure made for some tough fishing.  I struck out Thursday afternoon and all day Friday.  I got some good advice from TPFR, but the few fish I did find were very spooky (they could see me through 6-12 inches of crystal clear water with clear blue skies and I wasn’t particularly stealthy), and when I did approach without scaring them away, they just watched whatever I cast their way float on by.  I had a few presentations I was proud of but no fish to show for it.  Meanwhile the bait and spin casters were pounding the few deep holes out there and pulling some pretty decent fish out.  Thursday I saw one trout.  Friday I saw four after fishing almost 12 hours.  I stayed busy and challenged though learning to tie the orvis knot faster, and definitely getting experience setting up tandem rigs and adjusting depth.  I was also getting to know the area, and finding the fishier looking spots.  I took solace in the fact that some of the other guys in the group were striking out as well, and that my hammock setup had handled the 25-30 degree lows no problem.  The camping and camaraderie was great, but fishing needed to pick up.

      Saturday I drove back down the mountain toward the bend in Jennings where I had seen the four trout the previous day.  I was surprised to see no cars parked along that bend despite it being about 9am when I got down there.  I walked over to a rock overlooking the stream and saw fifteen trout holding water between two rocks where I had a seen a trout take cover the day before.  I went back to the car and got my rod and threw on a san juan worm and a caddis nymph.  Then later a black and a blue quill nymph, but nothing.  Then I tried some egg patters below a dry fly.  I took out a box with some classic trout nymphs and tried a bunch of common stuff, princes and copper johns, etc, but nothing.  The only good news at this point is that most of the trout had not spooked off, despite my nymphs flowing right by them.  I had been very careful with my casts up to this point.  I thought a streamer would scare the fish off, but I was out of ideas.  I had a worm egg combo fly I’d had some success with previously, so I tied that on as a last resort before the streamers.  I drifted it past/through the group about three times before I finally got a strike.  I landed the fish, took a quick picture, and before I could grab my hemostat, the fish flopped out of the net, broke the line, and swam off.  I was shocked to see about ten of the trout still near the same rock.  Somehow they had not spooked.  I switched to a snowhite damsel, and landed two more.  A wooly landed my fourth and final fish.  By this time, the spin guys had shown up and were waiting on my hot spot.  I’d been fishing it about four hours and had missed breakfast, so I conceded the spot, wished the spin guys luck, and left for some lunch.  I returned after lunch to find a couple trout left.  But they were much more spooky and savvy, and I didn’t land any more.  As tough as the fishing was, I would have been happy to land one.  I was ecstatic with four.

      First fish, lil guy (not a trout) on a dry elk hair caddis
      First fish, lil guy (not a trout) on a dry elk hair caddis
      low water
      low water

      another lil guy
      another lil guy
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      pocket water
      pocket water

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      missed breakfast, but the guys left some eggs and sausage in the cooler
      missed breakfast, but the guys left some eggs and sausage in the cooler

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      this pic sums up the trip
      this pic sums up the trip
      Found some trout holding water
      Found some trout holding water

      First trout!
      First trout!
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      snowhite damsel
      snowhite damsel
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      scratches from my studded boots from fighting the fish
      scratches from my studded boots from fighting the fish

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      the hammock by North Creek
      the hammock by North Creek

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      Dead trout, saw a few of these up near the campsite unfortunately
      Dead trout, saw a few of these up near the campsite unfortunately
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      I fished a little more, but to no avail.  The last day, I fished my fiberglass 3wt some, and it was a lot more enjoyable on the small tight pocket water.  I also really enjoyed my new Korkers Hatchback wading boots.  Still needed some shopping bags to slip in easily, but they were very comfortable.  Even though I struggled some, it was some of the most beautiful fishing I’ve ever enjoyed.  The boulders, canyons, and waterfalls made for an amazing setting.  Saturday evening, I enjoyed some celebratory bourbon with the guys and then made great time getting home the next morning.  Can’t wait for next year.


      by rsiv with no comments yet
    • Feb 8thTurks and Caicos January 17

      LeBeef did not want to be in-country for the inauguration, so we booked a trip to Providenciales, Turks and Caicos.  This was EF’s second trip abroad.  The island was very family friendly, had amazing dining both casual and upscale, and a beautiful golf course and expansive and gorgeous flats to hunt bonefish.  The girls’ snorkling trip got canceled due to weather, so we can’t speak to that, but this island really has it all.  The surf was calm most days, and never as rough as the Outer Banks.  It was also probably the most beautiful beach we’ve visited.  If you’re looking to go to the Caribbean, I’d highly recommend TCI.  If you’re just here for the fly fishing write up, please scroll down.

      Waiting to board at an ungodly hour
      Waiting to board at an ungodly hour
      yep, yep, yep, uh huh
      yep, yep, yep, uh huh

      This lil girl was a saint on these flights.  She watched shows on a phone, wore headphones, and napped and snacked like a champ!
      This lil girl was a saint on these flights. She watched shows on a phone, wore headphones, and napped and snacked like a champ!
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      Another Momma and her bebe
      Another Momma and her bebe
      contraband
      contraband

      entertained and well-behaved
      entertained and well-behaved
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      the hotel was awesome
      the hotel was awesome
      the view even better
      the view even better

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      We planned to have a low key first dinner
      We planned to have a low key first dinner

      the beach bar had karaoke
      the beach bar had karaoke
      so we ended up at Opus
      so we ended up at Opus

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      The beach at Turks and Caicos is just beautiful
      The beach at Turks and Caicos is just beautiful
      Our hotel in the background
      Our hotel in the background

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      This was one brave and adventurous lil girl
      This was one brave and adventurous lil girl
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      Rum punch and amaretto pina coladas
      Rum punch and amaretto pina coladas

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      I ate so much conch
      I ate so much conch
      buying turks head beer from the source
      buying turks head beer from the source

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      our haul, FJ was skeptical, but we polished off all three
      our haul, FJ was skeptical, but we polished off all three

      One of the few options for real Cubans
      One of the few options for real Cubans
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      On the way to the Thursday fish fry
      On the way to the Thursday fish fry
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      Provo fish fry for HB's bday!
      Provo fish fry for HB’s bday!
      The fish fry is every Thursday if you go, and you should
      The fish fry is every Thursday if you go, and you should

      omg this jerk chicken and conch
      omg this jerk chicken and conch
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      more conch
      more conch
      So good
      So good

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      dancing
      dancing

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      jes?
      jes?

      nightcap
      nightcap
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      breakfast of champions
      breakfast of champions
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      snack time
      snack time

      The beach had loaner toys, EF loved them
      The beach had loaner toys, EF loved them
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      EF had a blast in the ocean
      EF had a blast in the ocean

      salty
      salty
      How many carbs does Turks Head have?
      How many carbs does Turks Head have?

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      yo ho ho
      yo ho ho

      Pawpaw and EF
      Pawpaw and EF
      nap time
      nap time

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      Infiniti (definitely the best ambiance of any restaurant we visited)
      Infiniti (definitely the best ambiance of any restaurant we visited)

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      The menus glowed like a kindle
      The menus glowed like a kindle

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      Provo had a ton of great dining options, fine and otherwise
      Provo had a ton of great dining options, fine and otherwise
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      what to order for dessert?
      what to order for dessert?

      too many good choices
      too many good choices
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9q1HSjBVB8Y
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9q1HSjBVB8Y

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      "Apple pie!" (EF for pineapple)
      “Apple pie!” (EF for pineapple)
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      Provo Golf
      Provo Golf

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      I couldn't get anything going, but the course was beautiful
      I couldn’t get anything going, but the course was beautiful
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      couldn't putt to save my life, but had a great time
      couldn’t putt to save my life, but had a great time
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      The girls back at the hotel
      The girls back at the hotel

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      Coyaba served the best food we had all week
      Coyaba served the best food we had all week
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      tandoori mahi
      tandoori mahi

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      Coco Bistro
      Coco Bistro
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      lil fam
      lil fam

      I did a lot of research about the bonefishing options before our trip.  There are two main outfitters down there, and both have decent reviews.  The American-born/non-local guides seem preferred based on tripadvisor reviews, but when you book with a larger company they don’t guarantee you a specific guide.  The reviews were pretty hit and miss overall depending on guide.  I read about an independent guide/one man operation down in Provo named Darin Bain.  A quick googling of his name provided several articles (found here (written by a fellow Virginian), here, and here) from fly fishing publications that spoke to his skills, qualifications, and reliability.  He even guided for Jimmy Buffett.  I decided to take a chance on a local entrepreneur, and emailed Darin Bain.  He quickly responded with his availability, and I put down a deposit.  I only recently got into fly fishing (last couple years), and definitely did not have the casting skills to guarantee bonefishing success.  Before heading down, I watch hours and hours of casting videos.  Read about bonefishing, and practiced.  When I still didn’t feel confident, I booked a casting lesson with Rob Snowhite.  After the lesson, I’d learned a lot, but still wasn’t quite there.  I watched a Lefty Kreh casting video in which he said to haul (double haul) harder, and not try to cast harder to increase distance.  Armed with this information, I took my cast (in moderate wind) from 40 feet max out to 60.  Now that I could cast plenty far enough, I focused my practice on accuracy and speed.  I finally started feeling like I might be good enough to land a fish.  I let Darin know about my experience and casting ability when I contacted him, but he said he had yet to be skunked on a full day trip.  My dad and I woke up early to meet Darin in our lobby, and were cautiously optimistic…

      sunrise
      sunrise
      Darin was right on time
      Darin was right on time

      Heading out of the harbor
      Heading out of the harbor
      I noticed spinning gear in Darin's boat.  I figured that was plan B if our casting was prohibitively poor.
      I noticed spinning gear in Darin’s boat. I figured that was plan B if our casting was prohibitively poor.

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      anxious about my first cast to bones
      anxious about my first cast to bones

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      covered in clothes, buff, hat, and dermatone
      covered in clothes, buff, hat, and dermatone

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      Darin put us on fish pretty quick, but I scared most of them away with bad casting
      Darin put us on fish pretty quick, but I scared most of them away with bad casting

      But I hooked up, had a few runs, and landed one!
      But I hooked up, had a few runs, and landed one!
      strategizing
      strategizing

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      on the hunt
      on the hunt

      Darin liked the spawning gotcha best
      Darin liked the spawning gotcha best
      I like to be over prepared
      I like to be over prepared

      setting the hook
      setting the hook
      fighting
      fighting

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      landed another!
      landed another!

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      eyes peeled
      eyes peeled

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      FJ landed an absolute monster.  4 runs to the backing.  It was incredible.
      FJ landed an absolute monster. 4 runs to the backing. It was incredible.
      headed back
      headed back

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      Celebrating a day we'll never forget
      Celebrating a day we’ll never forget

      As you can see, we both caught fish.  I was ecstatic.  We motored out to a few atolls/small islands and were put on bones pretty quickly.  I fished first and managed a scare a bunch away.  I also quickly realized that my biggest weakness was speed.  Bonefish are predators and constantly on the move.  When Darin called out, “11 o’clock, 30 feet”, it would take me too long to get my fly out there.  By the time I did, the fish had moved, and Darin would be yelling, “more left!”, but it was often too late.  When I did cast in the right direction, my cast would often be too short to be noticed by the fish, or so long that the floating line hit the water above the fish and spooked them.  Finally Darin saw some bones near the shore and for once I was able to see them as well.  I cast about 3 feet short of them, and started stripping immediately.  Darin yelled, “strip faster!”, I picked up the pace and felt a strike.  I strip set just by franticly stripping and was on.  The bone took a second to figure out he was hooked, and then he was off like a bullet.  After a run or two I got him close to the boat, and Darin showed me how to land and safely handle a bonefish.  After a quick picture, I put the fish back in the water and watched him swim away.  I was euphoric, but I knew FJ still needed to land a fish for the day to be a success.  FJ had taken the casting lesson with me, and practiced some, but was still having trouble with the double haul and distance.  He fished a few times before lunch to no reward.  At lunch I could tell he was feeling a little down and frustrated despite the interesting political discussion with Darin.  After lunch, he protested when Darin and I said it was his turn to fish, but quickly capitulated and picked up his Orvis 8wt.  At this point in the day we were about 20 miles from Provo in Middle Caicos.  It was a beautiful spot, and things looked fishy.  Darin called a fish about 30 feet off the port side.  FJ casted out, stripped, and was on.  This fish made the reel sound like a circular saw.  It was immediately clear it was a monster.  I was excited, but also apprehensive as I’d lost three hooked fish earlier.  One to a mangrove which snapped the line, and another to my inexperience when I reeled while the fish was still making a run and snapped the line.  The last lost fish was when I had a tangle in the line at my feet.  Darin ran forward to try to clear it as the fish ran, but it was sucked up into the reel and the line popped before the tangled could be fixed.  A comedy of errors, but a great lesson in what not to do…  FJ let the bonefish take off, reeled it in, and repeated as the fish made run after run.  I started videoing halfway through it was so epic (videos below).  FJ brought it in close, I grabbed the leader, and he grabbed the fish.  WE BOTH LANDED BONEFISH ON OUR FIRST TRIP!!!  FJ’s was a monster, probably twice the weight of the 2-3 pounders I caught.  FJ doesn’t wear his heart on his sleeve, but I could tell he was elated.  I think Darin expected us to be more excited to land such a monster for FJ’s first fish ever, but to be honest, neither of us knew how big this thing was until I got home and saw that there were only a couple pictures of bigger fish on Darin’s website.  Our success had a lot to do with our preparation, and certainly some luck, but there is no way we could have done it without Darin’s expert guiding.  I can’t thank or recommend him enough.  If we caught fish with Darin, you can too.  As inexperienced as we were, it was definitely a risk to pay so much for a day of fishing.  I had tried to prepare myself for a nice sunrise cruise, and a learning experience without fish, before I booked the trip.  My dad and I both landing bones our first time out was definitely the highlight of the trip and an experience I’ll never forget.  I’m definitely hooked on bonefishing.  Next time I’m in TCI, I’m calling Darin Bain for sure.

      Back at the beach
      Back at the beach
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      Celebrating our fishing success at Da Conch Shack
      Celebrating our fishing success at Da Conch Shack
      This is a less expensive option that was very very delicious
      This is a less expensive option that was very very delicious

      I'd definitely check this place out
      I’d definitely check this place out
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      The Perfect Storm
      The Perfect Storm

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      Best cigar of the trip, Trinidad Fundadores
      Best cigar of the trip, Trinidad Fundadores

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      EF in a hole
      EF in a hole

      IMG_1592
      IMG_1595

      IMG_1602
      IMG_1603

      IMG_1613
      built in lighter holder
      built in lighter holder

      IMG_1621
      IMG_1625

      IMG_1629
      IMG_1633

      windy lunch
      windy lunch
      IMG_1610

      my loves
      my loves
      IMG_1645

      Got a little sandy that day
      Got a little sandy that day
      IMG_1648

      IMG_1651
      IMG_1665

      finishing off some rum
      finishing off some rum
      IMG_1668

      IMG_1676
      IMG_1675

      IMG_1681
      IMG_1678

      IMG_1687
      IMG_1683

      IMG_1689
      I told Dave I'd be wearing this and some lil draws on the Seas the Day this summer
      I told Dave I’d be wearing this and some lil draws on the Seas the Day this summer

      IMG_1692
      IMG_1712

      EF and CiCi
      EF and CiCi
      IMG_1721

      IMG_1733
      IMG_1739

      IMG_1705
      IMG_1742

      IMG_1743
      I'll miss this walk
      I’ll miss this walk

      IMG_1749
      IMG_1752

      IMG_1753
      IMG_1761

      IMG_1781
      IMG_1777

      IMG_1780
      Uppy!
      Uppy!

      IMG_1783
      IMG_1788

      IMG_1791
      IMG_1792

      one last swim
      one last swim
      IMG_1800

      finishing off the rum
      finishing off the rum
      packed up
      packed up

      IMG_1809
      IMG_1815

      IMG_1825
      IMG_1818

      IMG_1835
      IMG_1832

      IMG_1837
      IMG_1844

      back in USA, #burgertime
      back in USA, #burgertime
      IMG_1845

      IMG_1857
      IMG_1862

      IMG_1869
      IMG_1872

      IMG_1875
      missing the TCI; we'll be back
      missing the TCI; we’ll be back

      IMG_1878
      "Apple Pie!"
      “Apple Pie!”

      IMG_1881
      #mood
      #mood

      There was something special about the TCI.  I’ve been to a lot of islands, and this one stands out.  I really think we’ll be back soon.

       

       


      by rsiv with no comments yet
    • Jan 5thA reading list for men by men; A manly book shelf. The best books for men.

      The women at my office have a book club, but their selections don’t usually interest me.  I realize that one of the benefits of a book club is to read books you otherwise wouldn’t, but as in all things in life, I have limited time.  I’d prefer to use that precious time to read books that really speak to me.  I’ve tried to start a book club with some friends a few times, but its never worked out.  I have joined a few online book clubs through goodreads, and have come across some great books that way.  I’ve spent a lot of time choosing books based on recommendations of friends, family, my dad, and lists similar to this one put out by esquire, art of manliness, gear patrol, etc.  These aren’t all testosterone-fueled thrillers (some are).  There are a selection of books all men should read, and they just might change the way you think.  Below are some of my all time favorites.

      I mostly read on my Kindle now, but you get the idea
      I mostly read on my Kindle now, but you get the idea
      Bond
      Bond
      Wolfe and Thompson
      Wolfe and Thompson
      Papaw's L'Amour
      Papaw’s L’Amour
      More espionage
      More espionage

      Hall of Fame (highest recommendation):

      The Right Stuff is the best book I’ve ever read.  Its a non-fiction account of the Mercury 7, centering around the space race.  Wolfe illustrates the mens’ incredible risks and spectacular achievements, while also describing a a frat house atmosphere in which the astronauts constantly tried to one up each other, played pranks, pulled cookies (read it to find out), street raced, etc.  I can’t do the book justice in this brief review, but if you want to read about men who are the epitome of the manly American male who made this country the best in the world and beyond, this is a book for you.  Despite being nonfiction, it has the feel of a work of fiction.  Its very readable, and trust me, you’ll love it.

       

      Two Souls Indivisible is about the improbable rise of Colonel Fred Cherry, his plane getting shot down over Vietnam, and the bond between him and another soldier, a southern white forced into the same cell as Cherry, an african american, by the Vietnamese in an attempt to break both men.  Colonel Cherry spent over seven years as a POW in Vietnam.  The book is by James S. Hirsch, author of Hurricane.  One of my favorite parts of the book, and a story I’ve heard several times in person, is when Colonel Cherry helped lock another plane’s landing gear into position with the wing of his fighter in midair.  Thats just a small taste of the amazing things Colonel Cherry has done in his life.  I just recently reread the book, and can’t recommend it enough.  This book teaches you to dream, that goals can be achieved, and that nothing is stronger than strength of will.  Colonel Cherry returned to the United States with honor, the only captive to provide no intelligence whatsoever (not even fake intelligence), under severe torture and duress.  This book will inspire you.

       

      Elmore Leonard is the author behind the TV show Justified.  I’ve read the Raylan books (which are good), but my favorite work of Leonard’s is his collection of western short stories.  You can get through a story in a night or two, and there are a ton of them.  If you’re inbetween books, or want a short read, this is a great go-to.

       

      This book, like the movie, is disturbing.  What is even more disturbing is how you begin to identify with the protagonist, and how the way the book is written draws you into his psychopathic mind.  This book is unique, but I still consider it one of the best books I’ve ever read.  Its themes, though dated, are still very relevant today.

       

      I rowed in high school, but I still thought a book about rowing might not be particularly interesting.  On my father’s recommendation, I read The Boys in the Boat just prior to the Rio Olympics.  This book is not about rowing, though rowers will particularly enjoy it.  This book is about the American experience, coming from nothing, working together, and achieving something great.  Even if my description of this book didn’t entice you, click the link below, read some more about, and at least download a sample.  Its a really spectacular read.

       

      I don’t really know how to describe a Man in Full.  The amazon description also leaves something to be desired.  If you read the Right Stuff and like Tom Wofle, this you’ll probably also like this work of fiction.

       

      I’ll end this category with a true classic.  The writing is beautiful and I’d never read this in school.  Best of all, its free for your kindle on amazon:

       

      Page Turners (You won’t put these down):

      In Cold Blood is a novelization of a murder of a family.  It starts with the backstory of the victims, the killers planning and carrying out the act, and then being on the lam, while the law tries to catch up, eventually resulting in capture, trial, and justice.  If you’re interested in more about the plot, check out the amazon link above, or better yet, wikipedia.  I found In Cold Blood to be an engaging page turner, and an enlightening insight into the psyches of stone cold killers.  From the savagery of the acts, to the lack of remorse on the part of the killers, its a shocking look at what it takes (or perhaps what one must lack) in order to carry out such reprehensible actions.  I highly recommend the book, as it was enjoyable to read, and of a subject matter to which I was not very familiar.  When I was about halfway through the book, a friend of mine told me that a college girlfriend of his had written a thesis on the accuracy (or rather, inaccuracies) of In Cold Blood, which is credited with being the first (or at least the first highly successful) work of novelized non-fiction.

      .
      Hemingway.  Pamplona and bull fighting.  Testing your meddle.  This book belongs on the list and has it all.  However, just about any Hemingway book would fit this list, and I recommend all that I’ve read.  If you go on safari, you have to read The Green Hills of Africa.

      .
      Another iconic author, especially in the context of manly books.  The Rum Diary is Hunter S. Thompson’s first written novel to be published (though it was not published first).  I think its also the most accessible of his novels.  Its about a young man (Thompson wrote the book when he was 22), on a new job, struggling with the prospect of growing up.  Its a great read in your 20s, and its the perfect vacation read for Puerto Rico.

      .
      Doctor No. was Ian Fleming’s 6th book, but it turned into the first movie.  Its classic James Bond.  The books are grittier and you’ll really be able to see how great Sean Connery did portraying Bond, but now, how Daniel Craig is a throwback to the literary Bond.  If you haven’t read the books, you’re in for a treat.

      .
      My papaw (grandfather for the uninitiated) always kept a .357 magnum and a Louis L’Amour paperback on his nightstand.  Hondo is one of my favorites, as is The Quick and the Dead.  If you like L’Amour, you’re in luck, because hes written plenty of novels.

      .
      How about a modern western?  Walt Longmire now has a series on Netflix (pretty good), but I particularly enjoy the books.  I’ve read a few, but so far, the first book was the best.

      .
      If you’re a DMV local like me, here is a book from a local, set in your hometown.  Its a mystery written by a DC street cop.  Dude does not play by the rules.  The protagonist even smokes cigars at Shelly’s, whats not to love.

       

      Things you need to know (#lifetimelearning):

      The history of bourbon, and everything you need to know to enjoy and discuss the finest of brown liquor.  Cowdery is the authority.

      .
      This is the only golf book I believe can help your swing.  But don’t take my word for it, my handicap is awful.

      .
      If you’re interested in the history of Rum, and/or Cuba, this book is for you.  I read it before a trip to Cuba, which if you haven’t been, you should plan a trip now.  While you’re at it, there is another Elmore Leonard book set in Cuba.

       

      This is the perfect Caribbean vacation book.  Its a great read, and easily paired with a cocktail.

      .
      I’m only a cigar smoker, but this was fascinating.  Its been a while, so I may reread it…

      .
      This book is about a very specific subject matter, but is incredibly informative.  I highly recommend it if you like Mint Juleps, but you could also read my comprehensive post here.

      .
      Even if you don’t like soccer, the world is global now, and its time to appreciate it.  This is a great read before the world cup.  Another great one is The Ball is Round.

      .
      A Tale of Two Plantations is a very slow and dense read.  I read it because I wanted to know more about slavery, a topic that is not taught very well in school.  This book is a comparison of American and Caribbean slavery, and is very insightful.  Its not comprehensive, but it will teach you many things you never learned in school.  Particular attention is paid to Virginia and DC, which made it all the more interesting to me personally.

      .

      I have a trip planned to the Turks and Caicos later in January.  In anticipation of the trip, I’ve downloaded the following on my kindle:

      I’ve started Rogue Heroes (25% through), and I already really like it.  Its about the history of the SAS.  The book is about misfits in the British military raiding German air bases in the African desert at night and changing nature of war by inventing modern combat.


      by rsiv with no comments yet
    • Dec 29thBirthdays, Thanksgiving, and Etc.

      We’ve been busy.  I cut a bunch out, but this will still be a long post.

      Fancy rum and Cubans with Dave in Gtown
      Fancy rum and Cubans with Dave in Gtown
      img_9040
      img_9043

      Getting decorations and goody bags ready
      Getting decorations and goody bags ready
      Two!
      Two!
      img_9080

      OMG nom
      OMG nom
      img_9083
      img_7136

      img_9085
      img_9089
      img_9092

      img_9100
      img_9114
      img_9118

      4MR
      4MR
      img_9124
      img_9131

      img_9133
      img_9142
      img_9147

      Sticky Basalmic Rabbit
      Sticky Basalmic Rabbit
      img_9151
      img_9152

      img_9153
      img_9154
      img_9156

      img_9157
      img_9167
      img_9173

      img_9175
      img_9176
      img_9183

      img_9203
      img_9216
      img_9219

      OMG
      OMG
      img_9228
      fam
      fam

      img_9235
      img_9241
      img_9244

      img_9248
      img_9251
      img_9252

      img_9257
      img_9268
      img_9270

      img_9273
      img_9274
      img_9275

      img_9285
      img_9289
      img_9300

      img_9313
      img_9326
      img_9340

      img_9347
      img_9355
      img_7173

      img_9360
      img_7175
      img_7178

      img_9370
      img_9374
      img_9378

      Brisket
      Brisket
      img_9383
      Suffering Bastards at Peking Gourmet Inn
      Suffering Bastards at Peking Gourmet Inn

      FJ's bday
      FJ’s bday
      img_9421
      laid back
      laid back

      Xmas tree shopping
      Xmas tree shopping
      img_9473
      img_9482

      img_9486
      img_9488
      img_9509

      img_9512
      img_9524
      img_9559

      patrons of the theater
      patrons of the theater
      img_7129
      img_9568

      CK's thesis reading
      CK’s thesis reading


      by rsiv with no comments yet
    • Dec 29thUpland ’16

      When my daughter was born, I promised myself I’d do what I could to get the guys out at least once a year on a bird hunt.  The last couple years I had better success with bigger groups and/or multiple hunts, but this year I still could count on Colin and RP.  A great time was had by all.

      Warm up
      Warm up
      these rabbits were too much fun
      these rabbits were too much fun

      Pull!
      Pull!
      img_7109

      img_7110
      img_8863

      img_8867
      Been too long...
      Been too long…

      Rooster!
      Rooster!
      img_8875

      Almost Heaven
      Almost Heaven
      img_7116

      img_7117
      Gettin' birdy
      Gettin’ birdy

      img_8879
      Venison chili
      Venison chili

      img_8891
      img_8898

      img_8909
      img_8918

      img_8916
      img_7115

      img_8913
      img_7120

      Run Boy!
      Run Boy!
      img_7121

      img_8928
      img_8926

      img_8927
      img_8932

      nightvision
      nightvision
      img_8959

      img_8960
      quail on the grill
      quail on the grill

      img_8964
      jes
      jes

      img_8971
      img_8972

      img_8979
      img_8982

      img_8995
      img_8996

      Sad.  Throwing out the last of the Trump beer.
      Sad. Throwing out the last of the Trump beer.
      img_7125

      Video:


      by rsiv with no comments yet
    • Dec 29thOGF ’16

      Our annual pig roast to celebrate the life and times of HWOIV.

      SO EXCITED FOR O'GF
      SO EXCITED FOR O’GF
      we don't mess around
      we don’t mess around

      chillin' in the pool
      chillin’ in the pool
      img_8547

      img_8551
      img_8558

      img_8546
      img_8570

      img_8575
      img_7085

      img_8561
      img_8565

      img_8566
      jes
      jes

      img_8569
      img_8578

      img_8582
      img_8583

      img_8588
      img_8595

      img_8600
      img_8605

      img_8609
      img_8611

      img_8616
      img_8622

      img_8624
      img_8626

      img_8631
      img_8633

      img_8634
      img_8635

      img_8636
      img_8639

      img_8642
      img_8643

      hard.
      hard.
      img_8649

      img_8653
      img_8655

      getting the shotguns ready
      getting the shotguns ready
      Go!
      Go!

      img_8660
      CW...
      CW…

      img_8665
      img_7050

      img_8677
      img_8678

      img_8679
      meat
      meat

      img_8690
      img_8693

      img_8698
      img_8701

      img_8702
      img_8706

      img_8707
      img_8714

      img_8716
      nom
      nom

      img_8719
      img_8722

      img_8724
      img_8725

      img_8727
      img_8730

      Stealing Henry's thunder
      Stealing Henry’s thunder
      gone fishin'
      gone fishin’

      its good to own land
      its good to own land
      img_7057

      img_8556
      img_8754

      still raging
      still raging
      img_8756

      img_8761
      img_7060

      img_8763
      img_8768

      About to go MIA
      About to go MIA
      img_8799

      img_7058


      by rsiv with no comments yet
    • Dec 29thHomecoming ’16

      CW rented us an awesome spot to set up base camp for CNU Homecoming 2016.

      View from the great house CW found
      View from the great house CW found

      #college
      #college

      CW is my big boy
      CW is my big boy

      img_8166

      img_6994

      img_7009

      img_6999

      img_7010

      img_7012

      img_8169

      img_8182

      picnic before raging
      picnic before raging

      ballin'
      ballin’

      img_6991

      img_7027

      Still gods among men
      Still gods among men

      frat house
      frat house

      img_8183

      img_8186

      img_8199

      img_8203

      img_8204

      img_8205

      img_8206

      img_8207

      img_8208

      img_8209

      img_8210

      img_8211

      img_8213

      img_8214

      img_8215

      img_8216

      img_8220

      Lil Butt! (holla holla holla)
      Lil Butt! (holla holla holla)

      img_8229

      img_8231

      img_8242

      img_8243

      img_8245

      img_8258

      img_8262

      img_8271

      img_8275

      Small school, big party
      Small school, big party

      img_8283

      img_8287

      img_7023

      besties
      besties

      img_8331

      ChaddyDaddy
      ChaddyDaddy

      img_8294

      img_8347

      D E D
      D E D

      washing the ded off the whip
      washing the ded off the whip

      The Baron
      The Baron

      The Baron with baron, revealing...
      The Baron with baron, revealing…

      ...The Baron.
      …The Baron.

      img_7022

      img_8362

      img_8367

      oh my...
      oh my…

      img_8369

      al fresco
      al fresco

      img_8379

      Bobby Light and Schliz' for brunch/Premiership/foonon
      Bobby Light and Schliz’ for brunch/Premiership/foonon

      Houseparty
      Houseparty

      Some videos:


      by rsiv with no comments yet
    • ‹ Older Posts

      Good Old Fashioned Hand Written Code by Eric J. Schwarz

        Bon Vivant VAA blog about living the good life in and around the Commonwealth of Virginia

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