It's Time...

... For everyone to accept social media and jump on the bandwagon.

Hello again true believers! As always, thanks for reading this nonsense. Believe it or not, this is fun for me, and not only that, it is semi therapeutic...

Back to my point. Social media is huge, as we all know. I heard that one in 12 people in the world is a facebook user... and I heard that sometime over the summer, so the ratio could be different now. That's only facebook mind you. And that's not just the United States, which I would think would be an even crazier ratio. How many of your parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and other family members are using social media? I have all of the previously mentioned family members on facebook plus some. Co workers, family friends, childhood friends, school yard chums, and you name it, they're using social media. And social media is being used to meet future significant others, potential bosses/co workers, volunteer captains, and future amigos...

So why are the other 11 people in the group of 12 not using facebook, which we'll assume is the most popular? I've heard a number of reasons, some of which I'll address now.

- "I don't want everyone to know everything about me." To me, this is an extremely silly statement. All of these social media sites let you set your security level. You can set up who sees what, whether it's pictures, your thoughts, your location, who you interact with, and so on. Guess what? You can even customize who can see anything by reaching out to others or accepting/declining requests from others. I'll touch on why people should join later, but as you can see, this excuse doesn't hold much water with me.

- "I would never use it/update it." So? No one is asking you to update your social media sites often. Heck, you don't even sign in if you don't want to. I feel that in today's world, being a part of social media is a great way to stay in touch and have a constant point of contact with the world. Have your settings to receive e-mails, then log in when you have a certain number or a notification from certain people, whatever.

- "I'm fine without using it." Yeah, you might be. But to anyone who says this, I never, NEVER want to hear about how you missed out on an event, news, or anything really. The Nuggets recently resigned their biggest free agent, and guess how I found out about it? That's right, social media, actually quite a bit before I read more on ESPN.

Those are only a few of the examples I can think of why I have heard not to use social media... If you hear of more, let me know, I'll argue them too.

So now the fun part: Why should anyone join a social media site... here we go.

- TO STAY IN TOUCH! This is the biggest reason anyone and everyone should be a part of some social networking site. As mentioned earlier, having a social media page is an excellent source to reach out to someone. Let's face it, people move, e-mail addresses change, phones get lost, people change jobs, and names change. By having a social media interest, you can ensure you’re available to stay in the know either through watching or having a central point of contact... plus, you can use social media to log in with other sites, and I personally like the idea of having one less password to remember.

- Use the functions of social media. Facebook, Google Plus, Twitter, and others are constantly updating their platform to be more user friendly. For example, facebook just added the timeline feature, which can be neat to see when some major event happened in someone's life. You can use facebook to set up events, sharing time, location, details, and even pictures for the event with public or just those invited. I'm hoping someday Google Plus integrates Plus with Calendar and events. Twitter keeps it more simple, and I like that (you decide who to follow and if that person wants to follow you, great, but they don't have to). There are some cool ideas in the works too, so it keeps it interesting. I like how businesses are using social media in addition to their other business/marketing plans. Contests, special offers, coupons, company info, and contact options all found in the same place you can find info about your friends... One other feature, you can customize what you see and with whom you are interacting. I like that you can be friends with someone, but block their status updates (among other shared data), because, let's face it, there are some silly things people post online.

- Back up pictures. I had to mention this separately as I feel this is a huge "pro". We’re in the time of digital pictures (no idea what kind of "film" they even produce anymore). And with Camera's being AT LEAST 10 megapixels, e-mailing photos is a thing of the past... so how do we visually share memories, events, and just plain fun? That's right boys and girls, social media. Not only that, but I really like the idea of adding photos to social media sites to back them up because, let's face it, their servers and networking infrastructure are much better equipped for security and back up then our local PC hard drives...

- Niche Sites. I do like that different social networking sites are used different ways. Best example: LinkedIn. This social networking site is to be used strictly for professional networking... and is set up to strictly for that purpose. Yes, you can link it to other sites (like twitter), but you don't have to and only should if it's for professional purposes. Believe it or not, MySpace is still around. With the customization allowed for this site, I feel that this is more pointed toward the younger generations. Let’s not forget about the number of dating sites out there. Whether general, like Match.com, or more specific, like J date, there’s something there for every single it seems. There are even some set up primarily for gaming (sorry I have no examples, I haven't been using these). See? Something for everyone and every interest.

Let me know if you think of more reason to jump on the bandwagon of these social networking sites.

I'm not going to lie, social media isn't perfect. I like playing games, but their interaction with social networking sites doesn't sell me. If fact, I hate knowing how someone's farm in Farmville is doing, or what achievements someone had with Words with Friends. Also not a fan of all the spamming that can occur with fake accounts and virus links (just like instant messaging and e-mail). Additionally, some people do go overboard with it. I don't need to know how you're feeling ALL THE TIME. I don't need to know that you THINK life is constantly hard/a struggle. In fact, don't be surprised if I have a post in 2012 with the tune of "Clint Crockett's Guide to Social Networking". But, with all that said, I'm a HUGE fan of where we are going and think it's time we embrace the change and settle in, because I'm pretty confident that if a popular motion picture about one social networking site's creation is in existence, then social media isn't going anywhere.

As always, thanks for reading everyone. Love to hear back from you, so feel free to leave a comment or two :)

Clint

My Thoughts/Experience With No Shave November or "Movember"

Hello again faithful readers.

Hope this finds you well. Hope your holidays are filled with love and good cheer :)

So I think you all should be aware of, I participated in No Shave November, or "Movember" for the first year ever. An interesting experience to say the least, but worthwhile for sure. Thought I would share some thoughts about the events in the last month.

First, I have to mention how generous people were for their giving with this cause, especially a number of my co workers at Staples. I originally thought I would lucky to raise $100, then $200, then $300, then $500, and ending with aiming for $1,000. I was only $50 short as of this entry (donations still welcomed and appreciated at http://mobro.co/clintcrockett). A big thank you to all of you who have (or will) contribute. I do plan to thank you in a more personal way as well.

Second, my facial hair grows quicker than I thought. I remember growing out my beard my senior year of college and feeling like I barely made a dent... not the case anymore. Long, shaggy, itchy, I'm am truly a man's man now... Not sure how I feel about it. Either way, it is what it is.

Third, there are a lot more people doing this then I thought. And most of them are doing it to be a part of something to raise awareness and rally people together. I'm glad I raised funds in addition to the awareness part, but I am touched by how many others take it among themselves to pay tribute to men and men's health... And I hope next year will be even bigger.

Next, I do believe this is a little bit of a sacrifice. At the beginning, my skin was the works I think it's ever been... As the hair grew out, it got better, but it's tough to shave again (I'm sensitive). I never really had much of a sacrifice in the sense of looking professional, but I could see that being a barrier. The biggest obstacle though was not being able to get as close to Carolyn. She didn't complain, she grinned and "beard" it, but I know there were times when she didn't appreciate it. Heck, towards the end, there would be times I'd go in for a kiss that would be interrupted by my nose neighbor going up her nose or rubbing her the wrong way (puns are fun). Thanks for being so tolerant for the cause care :)

Yes, I will be doing this next year. My goal is already set at $1,000... for my team. That's right, I think we can get some more peeps aboard the "Mo Foos" team and raise some cash for prostate cancer foundation, LiveStrong, and other men's health organizations (don't believe me? Check out the website http://us.movember.com/about/). I also might trim and groom a little more than this past year, maybe just do the mustache, whatever it takes to get attention and sponsorship... who's in?

The Susan G. Komen for the Cure has done amazing things and raised insane amounts of money for breast cancer treatment, research, and awareness, but they've done all of this in the name of women (who are much more strongly affected by breast cancer, though men can get it too. Ask my Grandpa). I really feel like November should be Prostate Cancer awareness month (according to WebMD, "About 80 percent of men who reach age 80 have prostate cancer cells in their prostate"). But we don't need a ribbon, we have our mustaches (AKA Mos) to spread the word and show our support, but that ladies should wear a light blue ribbon, per Wikipedia. Next year, I hope to rally even more support, drum more interest, and really get the ball rolling on this movement, and I hope you'll join me.

There you go, my thoughts on the past month. Hope you agree, but if you don't, that's cool. Regardless on how you feel, I hope you keep your loved ones close and count your blessings over the holiday season... And remember, a new year is right around the corner.

Drop me a line soon amigos!

Clint

P.S. If you have a loved one fighting cancer, make sure to check out FamilyAssets.

Why the Foo Fighters are My Favorite Band of All Time...

Hello again faithful reader (if there are any). Hope this finds you well and enjoying the fall season.

In case you know nothing about me, let me give you the three things people would use to describe me:

1) Clint is very nice
2) Clint might be the funniest guy I know
3) Clint LOVES the Foo Fighters

Okay, so the first two things might not be true, but the third thing is absolutely corrrect. On Sunday, October 9th, I was lucky enough to enjoy two hours and forty five minutes of the greatest (Rock and Roll) band of all time (for the fourth time)... As I was rocking out without my ear plugs, I started to think, "Why do I love these guys so much?" Carolyn was sitting next to me and was wondering "How is this band making him so energized and on the brink of insanity?" After thinking about this for a few days, I have some answers...

First, let's begin with what it all comes down to, the music. Now given, this band has gotten so big, and has been around for long enough, that most of what they played during their show can be found on their greatest hits album (gotta please everyone), but part of what makes them so good is the breathe of their music. Even in the show, they can rock harder than ever yet bring it down with some acoustic numbers (even a few with just Dave and a guitar). Beyond the show, their music is great and you can really understand the themes and meanings after seeing them live. For example, "Home" on the "Echos, Silence, Patience, & Grace" album is an homage to the roots of the band, and you can see they have not forgotten said roots. Some of my favorite Foo songs are songs I've never heard live ("M.I.A." and "End over End" for example) or are not even on their studio album ("A320" from the "Godzilla" soundtrack comes to mind). Oh yeah, and all their music is good, so they can play it in any order (the first time I saw them at the Fillmore, they opened with their most popular song at the time, "All My Life". They also played "Rope" second in Sunday's show. Wanna see the entire set list from last weekend? Check out the Spotify playlist).

If there's one thing I would say about the band... they are performers! They love to be in the spot light and entertaining people. Sharing impromptu stories, interacting with each other and the fans, and just getting jazzed by the stage make them fun to experience (you just don't "watch" a Foo show). The Pepsi Center is a big place, but Dave and company make sure to interact with as many areas of the arena as possible, including "the shitty seats" (by having a walk way right through the middle of the arena to a separate, smaller stage to play to the back of the house).

If anyone ever questions how much the Foo Fighters like their fans, you need to punch them in the shoulder. These guys know how lucky they are to have the large fan base that they have. There was a point in the show on Sunday when I looked at Dave (who was on the "little" stage) while the band performed, and I saw him just chatting with a fan. I dunno how, but Dave knew there was a fan who was attending her 40 somethingth Foo show, and gave her a shout out. He also addressed the "birthday girl" in the crowd who had a sign letting the world know she was a year older. Outside of the concert, I dunno if you've noticed, but the band has a new album out pretty regularly (keep in mind that bands don't make a ton of money off their albums)...

I love the Foo's stage presence... The show last Sunday is a great example. I already mentioned the "little" stage and walk way in the arena, but the stage it self was pretty impressive, creative, and unique. There were no monitors/screens to watch the band, and at first I was troubled by that, but then I realized that their show involves watching the entire band (through different areas of the arena) and having monitors (on one or two musicians) would take away from that. But their stage did have monitors overhead displaying different effects and adjusting heights throughout the show. Of course there were lights of all shapes and sizes, but I think my favorite part of the stage was the floor that lit up like a giant LCD monitor... very cool effect.

Finally, they're just a fun band. They love what they do, and it shows. Amazing how when people have fun, they're entertaining and their enthusiasm is contagious... that's the case at the Foo show. Great fans also help get into a show. The encore really stood out to me with them as an example of this. After leaving the stage for five minutes, the monitors lit up with Dave, Taylor, and Pat discussing how many songs to do for the encore (you couldn't hear, but it was obvious what the discussion was about). They started by saying "one more song" but ended with five (including a song that included a Tom Petty song, so really six), and it was fun to have Taylor and Pat pushing for more while Dave was "upset" about playing more (like he could ever be that upset about it). Sure, the segment was prerecorded I'm sure, but still tons of fun, different than any other encore I've seen, and a great way to keep the fans interested/involved.

Now, it's not just about the show and the music for these guys, or for why I like them. Check out this out: Dave Grohl Kicks Out Fan From Concert: Foo Fighter Singer Boots Fighter... Awesome right? how bout this one: Foo Fighters: Westboro Baptist Church Counter-Protest With 'Keep It Clean (Hot Buns)'... See? It's not just about the music for them. They're laid back, they keep it simple, and they're happy to talk and do interviews, so really, what's not to like?

So there you go, the major reasons why I love the Foo Fighters. I hope after reading this, you either have a new appreciation or enjoy them even more. Feel free to leave a comment about your experience with the band or why you may or may not agree with my opinion... #RockandRoll!

Is it Tebow Time?

Hello football fans! Hope this find you well and excited for another great football season! I know I'm excited. I'll be playing in five (yes five) fantasy football leagues, going to the Jets/Broncos game, and enjoying other games with friends and family... Looking very forward to it all!

Speaking of the Broncos, I figured I would be writing about them and football throughout the season (one of my new year resolutions was to blog more, see my New Year Blog). I probably won't write every week, or even some months, but whenever I get the urge, I'll write... And this is one of those urges.

I'm going to comment on the same thing everyone has commented on lately... Mr. Tim Tebow. Before I do, I'd like to share a couple careers of a couple other quarterbacks...

13 year veteran, his first two years he was behind Brett Farve in Green Bay, and had a total of 29 throwing attempts his first two seaons... This player is Matt Hasselbeck.

My second example was drafted #24 in the 2005 draft, but didn't start in the NFL until 2008, and, coincidentelly, also played behind Brett Farve. That's right, Aaron Rodgers.

So what do these two QBs have to do with Tim Tebow? Well, Tebow has been in the NFL for one full season and one preseason game (with an extremely short training camp due to the NFL lockout). So I guess I don't understand why everyone is so critical of him. Rodgers was actually drafted later in the 2010 draft than Tebow was, and it seemed no one was as critical about him. So my first point, can we really even start judging Tebow until he's done some additional observation and more practice? I don't think so... and people need to calm down...

After watching the first preseason game, you can tell that Tebow has work to do... who'd of thought? But, there was some promise. His pass to Willis to mid field for 40+ yards, in triple coverage, was fantastic. And his scrambles, though not the best, show potential to give it all and do what he can to make something happen. His touchdown run (that was called back) was spot on and perfect for the John Fox offense... But, like any quarterback, especially a rookie or sophomore, he had some issues. His accuracy wasn't the greatest, and he couldn't remembered the rules during his most entertaining scrabble (the one with three Bronco penalties), but all in all, I think he played fine and is doing well in the back up role (for now).

I've heard/read some people say "Quinn looked better than Tebow"... That's true... Then again, in the preseason game, Quinn, also a former first round draft pick, was playing with and against thrid and forth string players, many of which will not be playing in the NFL (this year), so yeah, he looked good. I was hoping that Tebow an Quinn would both play with second and third strings, but I guess you can't win them all... (By the way, check out Brady Quinn's Blog.)

So, in summary, Kyle Orton is the quarterback this year, no question. I still feel Tebow will be great, but not yet. He needs more time to develop and become a great QB in the NFL, which requires different skills than the NCAA, but Tim has lots of potential. Hold your critism, hold your applause, because neither is necessary yet. Be patient and enjoy the ride :)

As a side note, the intial reason I signed up for Twitter was the sports updates... that has not changed. I follow @ClaytonESPN (John Clayton), @mortreport (Chris Mortensen), & @AdamSchefter (Adam Schefter), along with @ESPN and @NFL for general pro football news, and @PostBroncos, @Denver_Broncos, @johnelway, and @MileHighReport for Denver Broncos specific news. Enjoy!

Football season is upon us... Finally! Hope you all get to enjoy it in your own way. Leave me a comment and we can talk football... now or whenever.

Game on!

Clint

Chowder the Wonder Dog

If there is any question about the title "Wonder Dog," well, then you never met Chowder.

Chowder Head Crockett went by many names, including CFD (Crockett Family Dog), Chow Chow, wormdog, and Chuck's better half. We celebrated his birthday on September, 21st, 1997, which would make him 13, going on 14 now. Unfortunately, Chowder passed away on June 30th, 2011 due to old age. In his memory, I would like to share some thoughts and stories about this amazing pup and would encourage you to do the same in the comment section below.

Chowder was very timid, especially when he was first adopted (I remember driving my brown Honda Accord, picking him up from the shelter, and bringing him home). When we first got him, the first day in fact, he spent the night in my parents’ room (because he wouldn't go outside). I came home around midnight that night, opened the door, and heard an "oof" from my parents’ bedroom... Then laughter. Chowder heard the door open and was scared, so he jumped up on the bed and landed right on my mom. From that day on, we knew he was an inside dog...

... Or was he? Also when we first adopted Chowder, we would leave him in the backyard when we all left for the day (work, school, etc). Yet, when we came home, he would be sitting on the front lawn... What the hey? We would end up finding his spots where he literally clawed up the fence (finding claw marks and hair), and we ended up putting up barb wire, but Chowder found a way through that (told ya he was a wonder). Even though this young pup kept escaping, he never really escaped, but rather wanted to sit on the front lawn and watch the world around him... We basically learned that he knew where home is and never really wanted to leave... that makes me smile.

Chowder was uber smart. My mom worked with him a lot on tricks, and boy did Chowder learn some tricks. He gave high fives, shook hands, brought in the paper, walked without a leash (and didn't cross the street until instructed), among other tricks, but one of my favorites was rolling over... He would always get half way, and then roll back the way he started. I always wondered if going the full way hurt his back or that's what he thought he needed to do, but either way, it was adorable. I know my ma use to get him to roll over when going downhill (on the front lawn), but never sure what was going on in his giant doggy brain...

Chowder loved to play when he was younger... with humans I should say. He loved to chase, and loved to "rescue" people, where he would (gently) move your hands from your head by grabbing them with him mouth. Zach developed a game when he taught Chowder to snarl and bite (gently) when Zach put fingers near his mouth... In the game, that would "kill" Zach, and then he would need the "kiss of life" to play again, which Chowder was always happy to provide. Speaking of kisses, Zach also "taught" Chowder to answer yes and no questions with kissing (one lick for no, two for yes I believe)... Of course, these kisses were more Zach holding his face until he got the number of kisses he wanted, but that was still fun.

Chowder was always very gentle. I remember when we got Sable the ferret. She was just a baby, and the instant she saw Chowder, she jumped on him and started attaching him. You would think Chowder would react aggressively (by instinct), but he just sat there and watched. Even when Sable jumped on his face, he didn't really react (rather just tried to softly shake off the little weasel). Chowder's always been gentle and patient, even with other dogs. In fact, I think he's only snapped at another dog once, but this dog (very cute) had been trying to get Chowder to play for months... once Chowder took action, all was well with the world and the doggies were friends and had an understanding. By the way, Chowder and my parents’ current ferret Scratch did play sometimes. Chowder would chase Scratch, but it would mostly be Scratch jumping and attaching Chowder.

Chowder LOVED to walk. Even after his ACL surgery (which is an injury he suffered during a walk), he still loved walking and never wanted to go home. When given the option, he would always turn the other way to continue sniffing and exploring the outside world. I loved hearing about his walks around my place and how he never wanted to go home, rather he wanted to explore new parts around my place.

Chowder was raised to think he was a person. He was always at my parents’ side, especially my Dad's. I think my Dad was disappointed when people wouldn't let Chowder into places he wanted to go (like the grocery store or Barbershop)... But that's okay. They went to a lot of dog friendly places where Chowder could get the attention he deserved (Bass Pro Shop come to mind). One of my favorite conversations ever goes something like this:

Mom: "Do you think Chowder would like dog sledding?"
Dad: "Sure."
Mom: "Where would he be in the pack?"
Dad: "What? No. Chowder would be in the sled."

Just goes to show you how special he was.

Chowder hated kites... With a passion. No idea why, but he did. If he saw one in the air, he went NUTS... Still never figured that out, but I will never look at kites the same again... He also disliked one of my Grandpa's carvings of a Native American’s head on top of my parents’ hot tub... The hot tub was fine, the head anywhere else was just dandy, but you put the two together... watch out now.

My Dad dubbed Chowder "Security" one day, since he was always on the lookout (I guess). He did a pretty good job. Given, he would watch someone break into the house and not do anything, but he would see it all. I did love coming home any time of day, opening the door, and hearing the single "woof" as he came around the corner to see what's going on. As soon as he saw anyone, his tail would wag and he would want petted and attention... which we were all happy to give him... always.

The wormdog nickname came out when Chowder was younger. I'm not sure what caused him to do this, but when he would lay down, he would tuck his front paws under this head, making it look like he had no appendages, and hence look like worm... that was a dog... wormdog, get it?

One of my favorite things Chowder would do was lay on my couch at home. We would hang out at my condo, leave to get dinner, see a show, whatever, but then we would come home, and Chowder would be on the couch! I hope he knew I never wanted him to get off and he was always welcome there (I would even kick other people off for him :)

As Chowder got older, he became more social with other dogs. In fact, my parents left the door to the fence open so Chowder could be social with his buddies that walk by (and vice versa). In fact, one of the more recent times I was home, one of the pups and their master walked by our place without stopping by, and when my Mom called Chowder over to see, he started barking to get their attention (Chowder doesn't bark much). That brought the other pup and her owner over right way. Very cute. And it wasn't just people and dogs that loved Chowder, one of my Mom's box turtles, Shelby, had a crush on Chowder, and would follow him wherever he may go.

These are just some of the thoughts and stories that come to mind with Chowder. As I think about it, it amazes me how many lives he's touched and how many smiles he's created. Just like Ham Bone, our previous family dog (who did a lot of trail blazing for Chowder), and other ferrets, hamsters, turtles, mice, cockroaches, and even a lizard, he and everything about him will always be loved and never forgotten. Rest in Peace Chowder, you will be missed. Hope the smells in heaven are even more interesting than they were here.

30 is the New 22...

Hello amigos! Hope this finds you well. I figured I would share some thoughts now that I’m a whole 30 years old and no longer a "spring chicken"...

.... First of all, I don’t mind turning 30. Really, I didn’t love being a kid, so the first 16 years were "ho-hum" (not that there was anything really wrong with my childhood, growing up is just tough for most everyone). The last couple years of high school were pretty good, but part of that was because I was coming into my own. College was better than high school, sure, but I spent a lot of (and probably too much) time studying (hence I'm still burned out on reading and not going back to school for my master's degree anytime soon). But since then, life has only gotten better. More freedom, more self discovery, more friends, more fun and opportunities, what’s not to like? I have really enjoyed being old enough to make some serious decision, control my own destiny, make some money, see parts of the country (and world, eventually), and just have some fun (concerts, poker, etc.). I'm really keen on growing with some great people, seeing them get married and/or raise a family, and I’m really excited to start that part of my life at somepoint.

Second, I don't really feel that old. I know people our age really fret this age because we're "officially old"... but I don't feel that way. Sure, I'm not 21 anymore, and it takes some (more) time to recover on some things, but at the same time, I can still do things pretty easily. In fact, I can run more/faster, lift more, bend further, and like to think I'm smarter (but I can't shoot a basketball any better than I use to). For those of you who have met my almost 70 year old father (yeah, I'm surprised sometimes too), he's still surprising agile, and I think that I inherited the "good genes" (still don't wear glassed like the rest of the fam, for example), so age doesn't really scare me.

Now, when I say all this, I realize how lucky and blessed I've been. I've been in good health, had an AMAZING support system, embraced my "good fortune", and have a strong work ethic. I know not everyone has this same chances I have had, and I hope to embrace this even more as I get older and time goes on.

Finally, I'm not looking at this as the best years of my life have come and gone, or that a third of my life has passed (if I'm lucky ;), but rather, the "best is yet to come." I am looking forward to getting married and starting a family someday, exploring more of the world, trying new things, and, someday, retirement (it helps me feel young since this is SO FAR AWAY)! The way I see it, I made it through the past 30 years, and things are only going to get better... Shouldn't you look at it this way too?

I’ve enjoyed "growing up," but I’ve enjoyed being a "grown up," even more. And I think I'm going to enjoy "growing old" immensely... To some of you, "growing old" starts today (at age 30)... But to me, I’m still figuring out who I am, what I what to do, and where I want to go (remember that "Wear Sunscreen" song? "Some of the most interesting 40 year olds I know don't know what they want to do with their lives..." That's stuck with me)... and I wouldn't want it any other way...

... And there’s never been a better time to hang out or holla at your boy :)

Cheers!

Clint

Mmmm... Beer...

... And it's actually fun to make.

In case you haven't seen the Facebook pics, or heard me talk about it, we've been making beer ("We" being me and my older brothers Michael and Robert). We just finished the process of our first batch of beer, which are calling "BeerBust" (as in, you know, "Beer bust, Moon tower" from Dazed and Confused... or we were going to make beer or bust, whatever). Wanna hear some thoughts and stories from our experience?

Finding the time with three working (and handsome) young men is tough. Especially when one is also raising two boys and one a) lives in Colorado Springs, and b) has different ways off. Somehow, some way, we figured it out. Basically, we made compromises. Bob and I drove down to Springs, once during the week (when Mike had the day off), again when we both had time off, but Mike had to go to work. I actually think, from this perspective, we might have found a good balance for everyone. Makes me happy.

You know what the most important part of brewing is? It's not the equipment, or the ingredients. It's not even following the directions exactly. It's the sanitation. Think about it. If your equipment isn't clean, the ingredients will not matter, and who cares about instructions. "Dirty" equipment will ruin your beer. I know some of you have heard this before, but it's true. It's also the part that takes the longest and involves the most work. The good news is there are plenty of ways to speed up the process, especially after you know what you're doing. The first time was rough, but now that we have an idea what to do and how to do it, should be a breeze (though it will take some time).

The process of actually making beer is very interesting to me. It’s intriguing to read about and see how all the ingredients go together (and when) to make this delicious beverage. Who was smart enough to figure out that boiling water, malt (extract of the barley grain itself), hops, and other ingredients, then adding to water and yeast, then letting it sit for a while, then add sugar, bottle, and sit for a while longer would have this outcome... and this was figured out multiple times completely independently! Mind blowing... but God bless those people ;) Regardless, when you’re in the early process of making beer, you have to wonder how this wort (the concoction of water, "malted barley", hops, and other flavoring ingredients) is actually going to taste and smell like a beer... but it does. Thank goodness!

I really have come to enjoy the instructions and guidance from "The Complete Joy of Home Brewing", by Charlie Papazian. The book does an excellent job focusing on having fun and enjoying this hobby. "Relax! Don't Worry. Have a Home Brew." is found in basically every major instruction for beginners, and with good cause. If you follow the instructions provided in the book/with the set, you will make beer. Sure, it could be "skunky" (bad sanitation), or it could taste horrible (ingredients), but if you follow the instructions, you will have beer. That’s half the battle right? And you know, those mistakes could be beneficial. We missed a step at the very beginning due to being newbies, but "BeerBust” still turned out better than expected. "BeerBust" is a wheat beer; just missing some of the grains used in the wort...live and learn huh? By the way, think we’re going with a stout next...

It’s funny to me that, we planned to brew five gallons of beer. After some issues, we didn’t end up with a full five gallons, but yet we more than filled the 24 20 ounce bottles we had for the “broject” (a typo I decided to leave because, as Homer Simpson would say, it’s awesome to turn words into dudes). I guess that the loss of some of the beer in various stages is inevitable and to accept it... I’ll just be sad when I’m drinking beer and I run out.

So those are my initial thoughts about homebrewing after creating "BeerBust". I’m uber excited to do more of this with my brothers and excited to share what we make. We are even lucky enough to have some friends who want to help. The "label" on the left was created by my firend Carly and we love it! Another friend has offered to help with printing labels in the future, so watch out, Scott Nasman. More details and thoughts as time goes on... But in the meantime, "Relax, have a homebrew"... Bottoms up!

Cheers!