Sethwerks

Batteries and Chips

2010-06-07T23:30:00.003-05:00

What the hell kind of promotion is this?

Buy a pack of Duracell's, get a free tube of Pringles?

Coordinated Remotes

2010-02-09T22:41:00.005-06:00

I love it when I own more than one audio or visual product from the same manufacturer...

...because the remotes match.

Except for Onkyo...

UPS Delivers to the Past

2009-11-22T21:54:00.009-06:00

Check this out. A few days after ordering a cool new wool jacket online, I received the shipping notice with the UPS tracking number. I clicked on the tracking number only to find it's been delivered, to the past, and to the wrong state...

Here's a closer look at the shipping detail...

Keyboard Fix

2009-10-20T21:04:00.013-05:00

I use a computer keyboard for most of the day at work. Sometimes I really get into the groove, get typing fast, and occasionally miss the ESC key and hit the F1 key. Depending on the application, this will often bring up the annoying and worthless Windows help dialog box and interrupt my, well, groove.

Today I fixed this problem.

I also fixed the similarly annoying problem of hitting the numlock key, which disables the number pad.

And while I was at it, I decided to rearrange my arrow keys. Subtly symbolizing my frequent confusion of where to go in life.

Rooty Tooty Fresh 'n Fruity

2009-10-11T22:48:00.005-05:00

Fans of stand-up comedy may remember Brian Regan's very humerus bit on when an IHOP goes out of business and another business opens up within the same space.

I believe this is one of those places...

Empire and Veterans - Bloomington, IL

Lifetime Product Lifetime Warranty, Prt 2

2009-10-04T23:11:00.013-05:00

Looks like they received my pack...

I received this postcard not a week or so after sending my almost 15 year old backpack in for warranty repair.

Continued from Lifetime Product Lifetime Warranty

Lifetime Product Lifetime Warranty

2009-09-16T20:48:00.012-05:00

With great sentimental value, I recently sent in my Eastpak backpack to have the main zipper repaired under its lifetime warranty. Having for the most part survived college unscathed, the main zipper had failed in one direction.

It's a basic backpack. It's not waterproof by any means. There's no cell phone pocket, no holder for an MP3 player with a rubber grommeted headphone cord hole. There's no designated location for a Camelbak. Now that I think about it, there aren't even a few small sleeves for pens or pencils. Who ever used those anyway?

But this guy was with me through college. I loved it and I want to use it again.

Here it is. You can see the zipper that has failed. The zipper stays open on either side.

I filled out the form, available on line, indicating where the problem zipper exists. There was an option asking me to select in the event that it could not be repaired, would I prefer it back unrepaired or would I prefer a replacement. I asked that it be returned unrepaired.

I mailed it Monday Sept 14th.

I hope it returns to me safely and repaired.

Snack Bonus

2009-09-13T18:55:00.008-05:00

It's the little things in life.

I love to find the stuck bag of chips that failed to deposit in the vending machine at work.

Because after a quick shake of the machine...

They're mine.

A Test of Patience

2009-07-21T21:41:00.009-05:00

I've always enjoyed ordering things through the mail, the excitement and suspense of waiting to receive whatever it may be was always fun for me. Like when you're young counting down the days to Christmas.

Last week I ordered a new LCD monitor for my computer to replace my now antiquated and gigantic 19" CRT montior. (It consumes a whole third of my desk.)

Anyway, I ordered from Amazon and chose the free shipping option which saved me few bucks but would potentially delay shipping by up to a week. Reading my email the next day, I was stunned to learn my montior had shipped and was expected to arrive the next day! I checked the UPS tracking number and sure enough, it had originated only a few towns away and was on schedule for delivery the next day.

So today, which is the next day, or was the next day, no is the next day, because I'm writing this now, today. Ok, so today, I excitedly left work to get home to open my package and have a look at my new monitor. I sadly arrived home to find the familiar yellow, brown, and white UPS InfoNotice.

I don't quite understand painted art. Some people say some paitings move them or speak to them. But these notices are the closest to that I've experienced. They say to me, "We tried to delivery your cool new purchase, but hey sorry you weren't home! Now you're going to have to wait!"

"Damn it!" I said while laughing to myself. I knew it was silly to get frustrated to wait only 24 more hours. Not to mention, I had originally expected it to arrive over a week later.

Although dissapointed, I found it to be a small test of patience and delayed gratification.

Beer Snob Irritations

2009-07-06T23:31:00.006-05:00

I've seen and experienced this before but decided to snap a photo and share. This really irriates me as I really enjoy quality beer.

This was taken in Wisconsin as some might see.

First, Sierra Nevada is listed under the imported bottle section. Sierra Nevada, maker of many quality craft beers, most popular of which is its declicious pale ale, is produced in California.
Second, look at what is listed under "Premium Bottled Beer." Mike's Hard Lemonade? It's alcoholic lemonade, might as well have Zima listed there. Landshark? Landshark is nothing more than a macro brew, brewed by Miller or AB (I can't remember which), with Buffet's name on it. And Spotted Cow? No offense to any Wisconsinites, but this is a bad beer, I tried one yesterday just to make sure.
And going back to Sierra Nevada, not only is Sierra Nevada not imported, it is very much a premium beer.
One last thing, is root beer a non-alcoholic bottled beer? I thought it was a soft drink?

My Second Chance

2009-06-22T20:20:00.012-05:00

On the first night of Brewfest (1,2,3,4) last year, I bought a large quantity of beer tickets expecting to use up any remaining the next night. Later that night when I returned home, I put my remaining tickets in a "safe" spot. You know, the safe spot that's so safe you forget where you put them the next day?

I couldn't find them the next day. And as it usually happens, I located them a few days after Brewfest had ended. Not to sound cheap, but it must have been 12 - 15 bucks worth of useless beer tickets. I decided to keep them and thought of making a piece of artwork out of them to hang near the basement bar.

A year goes by and despite Brewfest's hosting brewpub closing, they put it on for one more year. I excitedly brought my little stack of old beer tickets thinking just maybe they'd use the same ones.

Sure enough, when I brother and I arrived, we saw the same pages of yellow perforated Brewfest beer tickets being sold. We had our first couple of beers on my once thought useless beer tickets.

I love it. Even despite the beer ticket inflation that suddenly occured over the course of 12 months. The price of a beer went up a ticket.

And good thing I never got around to making art out of them!

Turkey Leg, prt 2

2009-06-14T21:13:00.008-05:00

You may recall my earlier post on the turkey leg I enjoyed for lunch a week back. It wasn't as good as it could have been so I wanted to give it a run through my smoker to see if I could do better.

So I located a recipe in my Smoke and Spice book and found some turkey legs at my local grocery store. By the way, I had no idea that turkey legs or turkey drumsticks were a regularly stocked item? But I suppose they would be, since they'd have to sell the other parts to the turkey I purchase as lunch meat!

In any case, they were rediculously cheap, $1.79 per pound, with a package of two ranging from $3.50 to $4.50. And for the person with little patience, smoking them only took about three and a half hours, as opposed to an all day brisket or pork shoulder.

I'm not trying to boast but wow, these turned out fantastic. Check out a few pictures...

So moist, and check out that smoke ring.

Supernaturally Bad

2009-06-13T11:22:00.009-05:00

Here's a look at one of my tables at my garage sale yesterday. Note the CD in the upper left near the N64 above those DVD's.

It's my copy of the Santana album Supernatural recorded back in 1999 where each song featured a different popular vocalist. I no longer enjoy it, as a matter of fact, I think it's quite torturous. Honestly I have no clue why I bought it in the first place. Anyway, I didn't have the heart to sell it, so I gave it away for free.

Check it out...

Took a number of folks to walk through before someone noticed it. A man picked it up and walked over to us laughing, "Is this really free?"

The humor alone is worth the buck I could have gotten for it.

Turkey Leg

2009-06-07T12:17:00.008-05:00

Check out the turkey leg I enjoyed for lunch yesterday.

At 6 bucks it wasn't a bad value and it sure was fun to eat a big turkey leg with your hands. But it wasn't smoked and was really dry.

What's good though is that it's got me wanting to smoke up a few turkey legs myself, and I aim to do much better!

Here it is post consumption. Note the yellow outline illustrating the original size.

Garage Sale

2009-05-31T22:57:00.010-05:00

My friend not so subtly made me realize that I have a lot of crap that I could try to sell at a garage sale.

My first very own garage sale. This is one of those, "You know you're old when..." moments. Not to add to the fire but I find myself excited about it.

Anywho, it's still a few weeks away but I have already begun to prepare. I've made several signs, a clothes rack made from a few old 2x4's, and I've begun sorting though closests and drawers for items to sell. I have quite a bit more to do over the next two weeks but shouldn't be too difficult or costly.

I'm mostly going to enjoy ridding my home of clutter but I certainly look forward to whatever revenues I can generate from my unneeded items. I realize, however, that I must be cautious as I ponder what to do with my potential earnings.

I need avoid purchasing yet more crap.

Sping is here

2009-05-09T13:16:00.003-05:00

Time to prep vegatable garden

Please Wash Hands

2009-04-28T22:54:00.009-05:00

While unintentionally coincidental with today's news (the over hyped flu pandemic), over the past two consecutive days at work, I sat by while two different, well at least two vastly different shoe styles, exited the bathroom after not washing his hands.

Let's just say I didn't hear any water running in the sinks while I remained next door.

Careful who you shake hands with.

Household Games

2009-03-23T22:48:00.005-05:00

I enjoy trying to open my already running dryer to toss in the forgotten sheet of fabric softener or an additional piece of clothing but do it quickly enough that it continues to run once I close the door.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

2009-03-15T23:16:00.002-05:00

The once yearly justification to enjoy beer as early as 11:00am.

Also a reminder to me, on the next day that is, that I'm not as young as I used to be.

Beer Helmet

2009-02-08T19:22:00.001-06:00

I made a beer helmet today.

Cardboard Boxes

2009-02-02T21:49:00.034-06:00

I love cardboard boxes. I find them functional, reusable, and naturally attractive. However there is one kind that I do not like.

Let's start with the one's that I like. I'll show you some examples from around my house.

Here's one that I keep my dog's medications in. I formerly kept them in a cabinet in my kitchen but found it too easy to forget what's all in there. This cardboard box has helped me keep them all organized.

Here's the kind that I especially enjoy, it's one where I had received something in the mail that I ordered. This was particularly special as it was my portable keg tap system for my corny kegs.

Here's one that is old. It was given back to me from my folks as they were cleaning out their house, since all of us kids had finally moved out. This contains a number of interesting things that I had kept from my childhood including an old Jack London book, some Nintendo Power magazines, and my trumpet mouthpiece case. Notice how worn the box is. Regardless, it remains as functional as it was when originally employed.

Now here's an example of cardboard box that I really love. There's no sentimental background here as I'm sure my appeal is obvious.

Here's an excellent example of reuse. Which let us remember is one the of the 3 R's in the reduce - reuse - recycle triangle. This box contained one of the glass carboys I purchased for brewing, I now use it as a carboy cover to shield my fermenting wort from light.

Here's a box that I received as a gift from my kind neighbors. They learned that I brew and bought me a case of easy cap bottles. I had been eyeing these at my local brewshop for a while and was very delighted to receive them. Of course, now I offer a few bottles to my neighbor each time I brew, and they of course return them to be refilled with future brews!

Now let me tell you about the one kind of cardboard box I do not like.

It's a very generic cardboard box, one that you might find all over the world. But for me and my current and former coworkers, this box with its timing and placement, has a special meaning.

These are the boxes my company sets out near the copiers when it plans to layoff employees. We've come to refer to these as the layoff boxes.

They were present last week as we walked into work.

Interesting to think about these boxes. They rest flat, unfolded, not yet met with it's top or bottom. But when they are, their purpose is to contain the personal effects of those folks asked to leave his or her place of work.

These boxes are meant to serve as a bad indication and to perform a sad task.

I hope that their initial purpose is later forgotten and that they can be reused for brighter, more positive things. Things like family momentos, storage for treasured personal items, gifts for one's neighbors, or functional purposes around the house.

I hope that the person handed these brown unformed cardboard boxes can find a positive reuse for them. Maybe even by carrying their former personal office items to a new place of work.

Man Space

2009-02-01T19:37:00.005-06:00

Yesterday I reached that point in a man's life that he dreams of from birth. I'm exaggerating but I think you'll understand...

My basement now features a gorgeous new bar. Designed and handmade by my Dad, with some assistance from me. Includes a space for my 2 tap keg refrigerator, my mini fridge, and 3 shelves in the middle for glasses, liquor, and bar implements. I'm looking forward to enjoying it with friends and family.

Sometimes, I go downstairs just to look at it.

Signs

2008-12-16T23:33:00.001-06:00

"Do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign."

Out Of Place

2008-12-13T13:07:00.002-06:00

Sometimes I feel like that piece of popcorn that has fallen out place in a multi-flavor holiday popcorn tin.

Freedom

2008-12-06T21:30:00.005-06:00

The Middle Piece

2008-11-30T18:57:00.004-06:00

Like the piece of bread a few slices in.
Or the product on a shelf hidden behind a few.
I prefer the middle piece...

Choose an item

2008-11-30T18:13:00.007-06:00

When I see people selecting an item from a vending machine, I imagine they are chimps participating in a psychology experiment.

Crap in my head.

2008-07-30T22:46:00.004-05:00

Why do all thrift stores smell the same?

Don't you just love it when you open your fridge thinking there might still be a beer or two left, but disappointingly you see none thinking that you've drunken them all, but then just as you're about to close the door, you notice a couple bottles resting peacefully in your refrigerator's door shelf? It's like finding $20 in a pair of pants you haven't worn in a while.

I like when I receive a bunch of interesting things in the mail all at once. It's pleasantly overwhelming to my senses.

Doesn't it annoy you when you get into your car with your cell phone in your front pocket and then you get a call or text message? Not only do you have to fish it out of a tight pocket but the seat belt is also in the way.

Sethwerks Wordle

2008-07-21T21:58:00.004-05:00

Check out the Sethwerks Wordle...

Stop Motion Drinking

2008-07-19T12:18:00.005-05:00

My brother is a limitless source of creative ideas. Like this one, stop motion drinking. It's not perfect but it's a start.

Bodega Brew Pub - La Crosse WI

2008-06-23T20:14:00.015-05:00

If you're a beer snob and in La Crosse Wisconsin, swing by Bodega Brew Pub on 4th. It's not a brew pub in that they brew beer, but in that they offer hundreds of different bottled beers and several good ones on tap. I'd go into more detail but I think that's all I really need to say.

On the other hand, don't go to Fayze's to eat. For some dumb reason, more than one resident in La Crosse recommended this place. Was awful.
Speaking of restaurants to avoid, here's another. Benjamin's in Galena Illinois. Menu is terrible, service is bad, and of course, the food is horrible. Been there twice, was a terrible experience on both occasions.
Sign on the window says, "Good food, Good Drink, Good Times." Instead it should read, "Bad Food, Bad Drink, Bad Times."

Pete at Brewfest - Year 1 and Year 6

2008-06-15T21:55:00.004-05:00

Dependable Pete in 2003

Dependable Pete in 2008

Brewfest 2008

2008-06-15T14:53:00.003-05:00

Brewfest 2008, the 6th Brewfest we've attended, was as great as they have always been...

Rain Barrel

2008-05-25T14:41:00.007-05:00

Anyone who's nurtured a garden knows that rain brings life to plants that tap water just can't compete with.

Earlier today I finished assembling my new rain barrel and gutter downspout. Looks pretty cool and should prove helpful with my vegetable garden.

Update: Rained almost 1.5 inches last night and the damn barrel is already full!

Suburban Vegetable Garden

2008-05-18T16:44:00.009-05:00

3 herbs, 4 tomatoes, and 8 peppers...

Garden #1
Brandywine Heirloom tomatoes on the top left, Paprika then Pepperoncini and Poblano peppers to the right
Mint all the way on the left, for mojitos all summer long! Basil and dill to its right, then Banana peppers to their right

Garden #2

Grape tomatoes on the top left, Rutger's in the top middle, Beefsteak on the top right

2 Jalapenos on the bottom left, 3 Tabasco peppers on the bottom right

Pot #1 and Pot #2
Inferno pepper on the top, Habaneros on the bottom

Beef Jerky

2008-05-18T16:41:00.005-05:00

Made beef jerky at home Saturday. Turned out better than any store bought jerky I've every tried.

I bought Cabela's Jerky Kit which includes the oven drying racks pictured here and a jerky pistol for making snack sticks and strips from ground meat.

Based on the jerky episode of Alton Brown's Good Eats, I used flank steak and his recipe for the marinade.

Marinaded the strips for 3 hours in the refrigerator and dried the strips in the oven at 175 for about 3 hours. Turned out excellent!

Update: Big smile to Cabela's Customer Service... The Jerky Kit I bought was missing the seasoning kit. Although it only retails for about $8, I still called. The reason I bought the kit was for the combined value of each item. I called the 800 number on Thursday May 15, heard 2 rings and was connected to a human being. I was instantly confused as I was expecting an automated system. I explained my issue and after about 5 minutes it was resolved. I received the missing seasoning kit 2 business days later, Monday May 19. That's incredible service.

Hop Garden Update May 18, 2008

2008-05-18T16:39:00.000-05:00

Week and a half later and the little guys are doing fairly well...

Hop Garden Update May 8, 2008

2008-05-08T18:27:00.003-05:00

This morning I found four little hop sprouts poking through the dirt. This is exactly 3 weeks after planting. Made my whole day!

Best Award I've Ever Received

2008-04-28T23:55:00.007-05:00

Like most average people, I've acquired a number of awards in my time...

I won first place in the pinewood derby in cub scouts. This was also one of the first times I was old enough to really realize how much I valued my Dad's carpentry skills.

I have a number of office "awards" in my cube buried well below piles of paper I have strewn about my desk for teamwork, leadership, or something or other.

I have my medal from the 2001 Chicago Marathon with my 3:41 time etched into it.

I have diplomas from my undergraduate and graduate universities resting comfortably under plastic sheets in nice diploma folders.

But not a single award I have ever received, matches the value I place on this one...

Received it from the neighbor kids next door this past Sunday. I framed it (I'll soon purchase something better for it) and proudly hung it up in my house.

Comment Box

2008-04-28T23:42:00.004-05:00

During college and even as recently as my sister's wedding, I always enjoyed it when at parties or functions, there was some sort of comment box. So...

Sunday - After painting it gloss black, I mounted a suggestion / comment box in the foyer of my basement. Cost $6 plus $6 paint and new hardware.

Monday - I purchased a small clipboard and counter pen (with the adhesive base and chain) and hung it next to the suggestion box. Cost $5.

I await comments, hopefully from drunk people making fun of me.

I'll frequently post any that I receive here.

Red Wing 980's

2008-04-20T21:19:00.009-05:00

I love spending just a little more money to buy a quality product.

These are my Red Wing motorcycle boots. Model 980. I bought them I believe, the spring of 2004, to wear while riding my motorcycle. But after quickly finding them more comfortable than any shoes I've ever owned, I've worn them almost everyday since purchasing them.

These boots required little to no break-in time, they were comfortable from the start. And since these were intended primarily for riding, I had my local shoe repair shop sew a leather toe (to protect against the shifter peg) on each. However if I were to buy these again, I would forgo this modification as I've found the leather of the boot to very durable.

And not only are these boots a quality product from the start but they are also easy to repair...

My dog ate the tongue out of each boot. Seriously, she literally ate them, not just chewed. And just the tongue part, must have been good. So I had my local shoe repair shop sew on two new very nice tongues.

And after recently realizing that Red Wing sells replacement foot beds, I went to my local Red Wing store and purchased new foot beds. I also bought a new tin of mink oil and some black shoe cream and received a free pair of new shoes laces. And customer service at Red Wing stores has always impressed me, as it did again this time.

So I applied the black shoe cream today and with the new foot beds and laces, I basically have new boots. Fantastic!

I plan to wear these until they're unsafe or just plain impossible to wear!

Hop Garden, prt 1

2008-04-14T21:34:00.016-05:00

Recent accomplishment...

Saturday - purchased a cascade hop rhizome from my local homebrew shop.

Sunday - with assistance from my brother, we constructed a rectangular frame 10 feet long and about 3 feet wide using 2x4 treated lumber and attached a 4x8 foot piece of white plastic lattice.

Monday - borrowed post hole digger (the spiral kind, was awesome) and dug two holes 2 feet deep to fit the bottom of the lattice assembly. As my brother held it in place, I mixed and filled the holes with 120 lbs of quickrete.

Tuesday - attended mug club event at awesome local brewpub.

Wednesday - edged and turned the soil in the bed and dug out an area for the rhizome. I filled it with a layer of mushroom compost and some top soil. I set my rhizome down and topped it off with top soil and generously watered it.

I can't wait to admire and smell those aromatic hops and make that delicious golden nectar with them.

I'll post entries on its progress frequently.

(And by the way, that garden twine and cloth tied around the perimeter is all that it takes to keep a 140 lb. Newfoundland out. Oddly enough.)

Area man seeks recognition as an area man, pt 2

2008-03-26T21:14:00.006-05:00

We'll it's been over a month now since I contacted The Onion about being featured in a photo as an Area Man.

I have not heard back. Despite my qualifications, it looks like this area man won't be featured as an area man any time soon. :-(

Analysis of the Keg Refrigerator

2008-03-23T21:11:00.010-05:00

I've posted before on my keg refrigerator. I knew it'd amount to a good deal, but after owning it for three years, I figure I better do the arithmetic someday.

For simplicity, I'll limit this analysis to my favorite local brewpub...

I can have my five gallon corny kegs filled at the brewpub for $50. There are 40 16 ounce pints in one five gallon keg.

Purchasing beer at the brewpub costs $4.50 per pint. Purchasing beer from the brewpub in kegs amounts to $1.25 per pint. Therefore drinking beer at home saves me $3.25 per pint.

My keg refrigerator cost me $1,500. It's a high quality unit, that included a CO2 tank, 2 corny kegs, and a 2 tap tower.

After running the numbers, I'd have to drink 462 pints at home to equal the savings to cover the cost of the keg refrigerator. That may seem like a lot, but that's only 12 five gallon corny kegs, or approximately 1 1/4 pints a day for a year.

That's a done deal.

Analysis of a Bachelor's Fridge

2008-03-21T21:19:00.011-05:00

Click the image to view full size

Perhaps we'll have a look see at the pantry next

Crayon Physics

2008-03-21T18:40:00.006-05:00

If you're bored...

well even if you're not, play Crayon Physics. It's great fun.

Warning Sign

2008-03-09T20:19:00.001-05:00

Think about how much that picture really makes this warning clear! Just wouldn't have the same kind of influence with text alone.

Pizza Beer

2008-03-02T19:57:00.005-06:00

As a self proclaimed beer snob, I feel it's worthwhile to try any type of beer at least once.

Today I tried Pizza Beer which is brewed under contract by Sprecher Brewing Company in Wisconsin. It was for sale at my local fine liquor store for under $2 per 16oz bottle.

It was interesting, the label claims it is brewed with basil, tomato, and garlic. I was able to taste the basil and garlic, and the flavor was comfortably light. And yes the combination definitely reminded me of pizza. And the beer underneath the flavorings was very light with no bad aftertaste.

Was fun to try. Although honestly, I'd never buy it again.

Sethwerkscam is on

2008-03-02T13:21:00.007-06:00

Behold, the Sethwerkscam. More worthless internet content.

Refreshes every 15 seconds.

Well, assuming I turn it on.

Sethwerkscam

2008-02-25T00:01:00.007-06:00

Sethwerkscam

I bought a Q-see black and white CCD video camera from TigerDirect.com for $20 this weekend. It's so far proven to be great fun. So for $20 bucks, I bought the camera and for another $20 bucks I bought a generic video capture card for my computer. The software, Yawcam, I found online for free. Add one BNC female to Phono adaptor from Radioshack and it's a done deal.

I'll soon determine the best way to host a "live" Sethwerkscam.

Stay tuned.

Area man seeks recognition as an area man

2008-02-19T23:18:00.006-06:00

Earlier tonight, I emailed a letter to The Onion asking to be featured as an Area Man in a future Area Man article. I'm open to the writers selecting the story as I mostly want to be featured in the accompanying photo. But I included a description of myself in case they were interested. Even if I don't get selected, I wanted to gain some recognition of the description I wrote of myself.

Here's a copy of the letter I sent...

-- Begin Email

To: The Onion
Re: Area man seeks recognition as an area man

Been a huge fan of The Onion for years. I especially love the Area Man articles. I was wondering if I could be featured in a photo and article as an area man in a future Area Man article. I'd be happy to submit a digital photograph of myself with any type of setting, attire, or situation as requested.

Here's a quick synopsis of me...

I'm a bachelor, 31 years old, and I live by myself with my 3 year old Newfoundland. I have very thinning blond hair, a full beard (which I'd be happy to shape in any way as needed for a photo.) I have 4 guitars in my computer room, I have a receiver with at least two speakers in my computer room, garage, living room, and basement, I'm listening to Warrant as I write this, I own a motorcycle, my house is always a mess, I drink too much beer, I learned to brew beer a few years ago, there are issues of Playboys strewn all about my house, etc. I'm basically that guy.

(I can provide references to verify to all of the above.)

I also love to be made fun of.

Again, I'd love to be featured as an Area Man. Please don't hesitate to contact me.

-- End Email

I'll post back with any updates.

Stink

2007-12-21T00:25:00.000-06:00

I'm not a smoker. I also wish to not be a second hand smoker.

I sit here at home, after enjoying a few hours at my local pub, reeking of cigarette smoke. My clothes had acted as a cotton filter, absorbing the sulfur and carbon compounds emitted by the smokers in the pub around me. (I'm no chemist, so correct me please on what it is that is emitted by the burning tobacco and smoker's exhale that makes my clothes smell so bad and throat so dry and irritated.)

I digress.

I am reveling in the thought of the smokers in my state soon to be banned from lighting up in public places. In 10 days, it will be illegal to smoke in public places in my state.

I admit I was formerly against legislation that governed its citizen's choices in matters such as choosing to smoke, wearing a motorcycle helmet, etc. But one cannot deny the negative externalities associated with such activities.

Even beyond making others smell like a bowling alley.

Halloween

2007-10-31T22:01:00.000-05:00

Happy Halloween from Sethwerks.

Maynard Ferguson

2007-10-24T20:59:00.001-05:00

Who is that you ask?

The late great Maynard Ferguson was a Canadian jazz trumpet player and bandleader active from the 1950's to his death in 2006. His official page and wikipedia page offer an excellent history of the famous trumpetist so I won't repeat it here.

What is notable is that a company called Wounded Bird Records has released some of his work that was previously only available on vinyl or cassette including, but not limited to: M. F. Horn and M. F. Horn 2. To finally have these great albums available on CD is wonderful and they sound absolutely great.

Most or all of these Wounded Bird Records CD releases of Maynard's albums can be found at Deep Discount.

Dog Sleep

2007-10-16T23:58:00.000-05:00

This is the position that I find my dog chooses to sleep in most often.

Strange yes, but it must be comfortable. I don't know, one can try, but it doesn't really work with human configurations.

I often wonder though, if things are much louder when her ear is flapped over her head exposing her inner ear.

Sprout

2007-10-09T22:33:00.001-05:00

Let's take a moment to recognize everyone's friend Sprout.

Some, certainly not all, of my memories of Sprout...

Learning that he selected the university we attended together because it would not be a challenge for him. Understanding that this is a rather esteemed private school. I realize all sorts graduate from this institution but still, it ain't easy.
Showing up at my parents house the morning after he had attended my college graduation party and a very late night party of one of our peer's and sitting down and enjoying a breakfast with all of us. Hard to describe but he just showed up the next morning. No car or obvious method of arriving there. No real explanation.
While attending our university's homecoming (my 5 year reunion), I learn that Sprout had gone to one of the local bars and claimed he was me (he is younger) to get into the 5 year reunion area they were holding for us with an open bar and complementary appetizers. I promptly made it over there and tore his "Seth" name tag off.

I welcome other stories related to our friend Sprout. Forward any to me and I'll post them here.

Conversely-ness

2007-09-05T22:24:00.000-05:00

I'm fond of the band Aqualung, which is playing at the moment, but I find most of the band's songs to sound the same. Regardless, I still like it.

Conversely, I find all of country music to sound the same but I do not like country music.

Breathing Water

2007-08-20T21:17:00.000-05:00

Define humidity.

Taken at the Casa De Sethwerks
August 20, 2007 9:15pm

Turkey Registration Station

2007-08-11T21:57:00.000-05:00

I came across this sign while traveling along side the Mississippi River on the west side of Wisconsin.

Thought it was funny.

Last Choice Charter Fishing

2007-08-05T21:03:00.000-05:00

A few of us went charter fishing last weekend. Despite waking up at 3:30 in the AM, it was an enjoyable experience netting us a decent catch. And reason to drink Miller High Life at 5 am.

What wasn't enjoyable however, was being yelled at upon boarding the boat. We arrived 10 minutes late and the captain was very upset with us.

To be sure, I realize the phrase "the early bird gets the worm" relates to fishing like nothing else. But we were charter fishing. That means we were paying someone to take us fishing. ($500 plus tip) If we arrive 10 minutes late that's our fault and we understand the consequences (which is probably only 3 or 4 fish, at most.) Even after a 5 hour excursion, we didn't get the captain's name. He was very rude.

The next time we go charter fishing, we'll choose a different outfit. The next time someone asks us who to choose, we'll suggest a different outfit. It's incredible that people in service businesses don't understand this.

It should be noted however, that his first mate Bill, was a fishing powerhouse, a machine. He went out of the way for us which included gutting, filleting, and transporting our stash to the fish market. Bill appropriately received a larger tip.

I saw Jani Lane

2007-07-28T02:05:00.001-05:00

Let's see, must be 17 years now? Damn, how old am I?

Was back in 1990, I was in junior high and Warrant's Cherry Pie album just came out (my very loving and understanding parents bought me the album or CD Longbox as it was, for xmas).

Back to the present, my brother and I see Jani Lane in concert at an awesome small venue. Despite our lowered expectations, after seeing him on recent VH1 reality shows, the concert was awesome! We suspect he's cleaned up.

He even made time for fans like me afterwards for pictures.

The Contented Cow

2007-07-21T11:43:00.000-05:00

I love cool bars.

A few weekends ago my family and I were in Northfield Minnesota for a wedding. We had some time to kill (like most of the afternoon actually) before the ceremony was to begin so we walked around the downtown area.

Nice little town Northfield is.

Anywho, we found a nice little English looking pub down an alley called The Contented Cow.

We sipped a few afternoon pints in the comfortablely dark and cool pub. Was very enjoyable.

Brewfest 2007

2007-06-19T22:09:00.001-05:00

Well we had another fine Brewfest this year. Was held in a big new grassy park, which supported about twice the crowd size with oddly enough, fewer breweries serving beer. Regardless was a good time.

And consistent with the power of Brewfest (each year I run into someone I haven't seen in many years) this year I ran into someone from high school I haven't talked to in, oh I want to say, 10 years? Happens every year. I love it.

Also happening every year, are the people that come out of the woodwork for this thing. We love people watching at this event; always a soul to delight us with his/her choices in style or what have you.

Was hot though. Like 90+ hot. I, believe it or not, had to stop drinking after long due what I attribute to the heat.

Ah well, at least I avoided significant hangover each morning.

It's been a while

2007-01-23T23:59:00.000-06:00

Damn, it's been a while. No not that, it's been a while since I've enjoyed Kraft Macaroni and Cheese.

It's been years since I've enjoyed the creamy goodness of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. And I especially enjoyed it tonight after I enjoyed some delicious microbrewed beer with my bro. And going home with a complementary growler of their delicious pale is always a plus.

I digress.

I'm enjoying my freshly prepared mac and cheese tonight, a week before my 30th birthday. Dehydrated powdered cheese, half stick of butter, and milk, all over noodles, nothing but carbs and fat. So what. It's delicious.

Dartboard

2007-01-21T12:28:00.000-06:00

As part of my effort to fix up my nice finished basement, I purchased a new dartboard from dartboards.com. Over the weekend I constructed a nice little mount for it.

I bought a precut 2' x 2' 3/4" plywood then liquid nailed coark tiles to it, leaving a small space in the middle to mount the board, then framed it out with 1 x 3's. I even made a little homemade chalkboard out of some leftover underlayment and chalkboard paint. Good times.

Milwaukee

2006-11-27T23:02:00.000-06:00

Or as Alice Cooper says, "Mili-wau-ke."

I enjoy the city of Milwaukee. My bro and I saw Death Cab for Cutie at the Eagles Ballroom last Sunday. Was a good show and a pretty cool venue too.

But we always make it a priority to sample a bar or too when we're in town. I've found two that enjoy most, both located on downtown Milwaukee's Water Street...

McGillycuddy's Bar and Restaurant - 3 floors, beer garden, good bar menu and good beers available. The atmosphere is very comfortable. A great place to chill out during the day and party at night.

Milwaukee Ale House - The Milwaukee Ale House, a brewpub, serves what is probably the best microbrewed beer in Wisconsin. Their ales are actually hoppy. (Wisconsin seems to be known for very malty beers, even malty ass IPA's, i.e. Sprecher) But anyway, really cool place, huge and comfortable inside, good menu, etc.

Bro-Post

2006-11-27T22:51:00.000-06:00

My bro posted a blog entry about me. Check it out.

http://dependablepete.blogspot.com/2006/11/success.html

French Onion Soup

2006-11-07T20:59:00.000-06:00

Chalk up another soup for me. I made french onion soup yesterday. Was an easy ass recipie. Basically just onions and beef broth.

Sauteed the onions in butter for like 10 minutes, pour in beef broth and some seasonings and simmer for a while. After the soup was made, I threw a slice of french bread in the soup, layered it with slices of swiss cheese, and tossed it in the broiler.

Bada bing bada boom, delicious french onion soup.

New England Clam Chowder

2006-10-15T15:30:00.000-05:00

Behold, homemade New England Clam Chowder with freshly made and crumbled bacon bits on top.

I stole a cookbook from my parents house, one that has recipies for all the basics. I'm sick of finding cookbooks that include nothing but crazy ass recipies. I don't want to make some fancy ass dish that takes hours to prepare and involves ingredients not commonly found at your local grocery store. I just want to make some good food man, is that too much to ask?

So anywho, it's getting cold outside so I decided to start with a good chowder. The recipe was delightfully simple and quick to make. And it was delicious.

If you're bored...

2006-10-01T23:35:00.000-05:00

Try this. It's hilarious...
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/40255643/

Tired of...

2006-10-01T23:19:00.000-05:00

I'm becoming very tired of a number of things:

Shitty local cover/tribute bands.
People who walk very slowly in a group formation in a hallway, blocking anyone behind who prefers to walk faster from passing.
Similarly, people who ride the elevator down one floor.
People who smoke.
Weddings. Specifically traditional weddings.
Drivers who pull up to a stop on a perpendicular street and pull out so far, way past the "white line stop line" that when you make your left turn around them, you have to drive WAY around them.
People who drink macrobrewed beers like Miller or Budweiser products at good brew pubs. Similarly, people who think Leinenkugel's or Blue Moon is microbrewed beer.
MTV as it is now.
People who lack empathy. Seriously, even Chimps can feel empathy.
Chain sit-down restaurants with totally unauthentic antiques on the walls.
The metal bar that digs into your back as you sleep on a pull out couch.
People who don't know what camping is. More specifically, people who go camping in Michigan and go to bed at 10:00pm and the authorities who repremand you if you make any sort of noice after 10:00pm.
When the self check out lane at the grocery store thinks my empty hand moving pass the sensor is a grocery item and alerts, "Please place item on belt" or "Unexpected item in bagging area."
Similarly, automated systems slower than manual systems.

Piso Nuevo

2006-09-30T18:34:00.000-05:00

This weekend I stood by, watched, and drank beer as my brother single handedly replaced my kitchen floor. I bought him a junior burrito in return.

Just kidding. (except the part about the burrito)

My dad, bro, and I replaced my kitchen floor. Black and white checkerboard! It's nice.

Drunk Bee

2006-09-24T23:02:00.000-05:00

There's a bee in my beer.

Fresh Hops

2006-09-16T18:49:00.000-05:00

A few years ago my brother planted a cascade hop root outside of his house that has since been producing an awesome hop crop. Hop crop. So today he and I brewed a pale ale and used fresh hop cones that he picked just hours before. I used 7 ounces, all for aroma. I'm hoping it'll be good! Hop crop.

Labor Day Weekend (2006)

2006-09-04T20:57:00.000-05:00

I enjoyed a relaxing labor day weekend on the beach. The weather was as cooperative as it could have been. I read some entertaining books, swam in the warm lake, sat near a roaring yet peaceful bon fire, drank some good beers, and ate far too much.

Belle ran on the beach, splashed in shallow water, and swam a little once she became used to the breaking waves.

Biker Bar

2006-08-13T23:20:00.001-05:00

Behold, The Broken Oar. A biker bar I like to frequent.
Thousands of bikers, of all sorts, converge at this location every Sunday.
It's great fun.

Cigar Box Guitars

2006-08-08T22:22:00.002-05:00

Behold, my first two cigar box guitars.

They sound very cool. I still need to cut some sound holes into the tops of the bodies, as you can see, but the pick-ups (made from Radioshack parts for about $6) sound kick ass, like harsh electric guitars, through an amp.

Not including new tools I had to aquire to make these, or general items like glue, nails, or wood stain, I estimate these cost me about $20 to $25 a piece to make. My time spent making these wasn't too bad either, waiting for the stain and polyurethane to dry was the longest part.

So here's the web site I used as a resource to learn to make these: CigarBoxGuitars.com. Just click on the link, "How to build a CBG."

Rock on.

Beard and Moustache, pt 3

2006-08-02T21:10:00.000-05:00

Behold, my new facial hair.

Breakfast

2006-07-30T20:48:00.000-05:00

So I'm finally learning how to poach eggs. Here is my second attempt. Two bagel halves, sliced tomato, poached eggs, and prosciutto topped with hollandaise sauce. Was awesome!

Beard and Moustache, pt 2

2006-07-07T22:05:00.000-05:00

Please observe my awesome beard. Note the red hue most likely attributable to my Norwegian ancestry. Recall notorious Vikings such as Eric the Red.

The great thing is, is that my beard will only get more awesome.

Beard and Moustache

2006-07-06T18:48:00.000-05:00

I sit and comb my beard and moustache, hoping to stimulate the hair folicles for better growth. Having not trimmed it in several weeks, it is getting long. And it shall get longer, as I must prepare it for a moustache party, which as I write, is one month away. I move the comb's bristles through the hairs, separating and straightening them. The hairs, stiff and stubborn, quickly bounce back to their original curl. Sometimes, I'll leave the comb suspended in a segment of my beard to test and enjoy it's growing strength and density.

On the occasional morning I'll shampoo it with a rich lather of V05. I am careful not to wash it too much and risk stripping away valuable skin and hair oils.

I'll keep the full beard until immediately before the party when I'll shave it into a mustachio or nosebeard. (Ex. Paul Teutul, Hulk Hogan)

Brewfest 2006

2006-06-21T23:52:00.001-05:00

Brewfest 2006 pretty much ruled.

We had an awesome group, great weather and great beer as usual. Oh the music? Who knows, I stopped paying attention to the bands minutes after arriving. There is too much else to focus on. The layout this year was excellent, more room for people to hang out. Next year, from what I'm told, Brewfest will be held in Elgin's new Festival Park. Very much looking forward to that.

I brought my dog Saturday night. It's wild how much attention a 130 lb. Newfoundland garners. I must say, I love the attention as much as she does. I met a lot of very nice people, most were just interested in what type of dog she is, but some were former or current Newfoundland owners. Of which seem to have this similar understanding of how sweet the Newfoundand breed is.

June 15, 2006

2006-06-15T23:39:00.000-05:00

It's Thursday night, I just returned home. I had met up with a few friends and friends of friends and my bro earlier tonight. Our usual hangout was especially enjoyable as we all sat outside near the front entrance near the street. We relaxed outside, watched the sparse night life, but frequent traffic, of the overpriced suburban city. I personally found this more entertaining than watching the unattractive, stoic guests and fake staff usually found inside. I wish I had brought my dog.

I have Google Desktop running on my computer and I look over at it frequently. There's a component that cycles through all of the images on your computer, or whichever you select. Thankfully, years ago, I had subscribed to Playboy.com and had downloaded a few playmate images. By a few I mean a lot. There's always something nice to look at.

I brew beer at home. I recently brewed a nice IPA. Earlier today I transferred it into its secondary fermentation carboy and dry hopped it. I measured its gravity (and tasted it). Looks like I'll be getting a 5.5% abv IPA. Not bad. But I would love more. Next time I'll load the boil up with corn sugar to increase the alcohol content.

This weekend, that is, tomorrow, is one to look forward to each year. I particularly wanted to post an entry so as to have a record or a reminder of my thoughts going into the weekend, so that I could look back and see if the feelings I had were accurate. This weekend is the annual brewfest in a nearby town that we all look forward to. Each year seems to get better. I can't wait.

Rock on.

First Drop

2006-06-07T22:53:00.000-05:00

I dropped my bike Sunday. First time. Some jackass pulled out in front of me and didn't see me. I certainly saw him. I slammed on my brakes (the wrong thing to do but hey, was my first reaction) My front tire locked up. I tried letting up on the brakes but the bike had already become seriously unstable. I ultimately stopped within about 6 or so feet of hitting this car and ended up laying the bike down on the left side (the side without the exhaust pipes). So the damage was limited to the front left footpeg mount. I was untouched except for a bruise on my leg.

The proper response would have been to ease instead of to slam on the brakes and be certain to use both the front and rear brakes to prevent the front tire from locking up.

Anyway, bike's ok, I'm ok, and I've learned from it.

I'm still pissed off though.

My Dog

2006-06-05T21:17:00.000-05:00

This is my dog. A 1 year old, 130 lb. female Newfoundland. She's having her way with a jar of peanut butter, much like Winnie the Pooh does to a jar of honey. I wonder if Winnie the Pooh ever got stung by bees? Can bears get stung by bees?

Anyway, despite her size she is very sweet and interesting to watch. She doesn't care about the crazy neighbor dogs barking at her incesently, nor the squirel invading her territory (my yard). No, she just chills, she's very laid back. In our obidence class, gets everything down right away. I quite literally have not had to work at training her. The only thing I could possibly ask more, is for her to learn to fetch me beer from the fridge.

Life with a dog doesn't come easy. Over the past year, I have yet to sleep in. And by sleep in, I mean, sleep uninterrupted past 8am. Even as I sit here typing this entry, she's alternating between resting her wet snout on my arm to barking crazily loud in my right ear. I imagine this is what it's like to sit next to Tom Arnold. I've found that dogs really don't seem to realize that you're just right next to them. "I can hear you," I often say. "I'm right here!"

Anyway, she wants to go outside. No, not to go #1 or #2, but just to go outside. I said before that she's calm, and she is, just not when she REALLY wants something. I have a half-ass fence on one side of my house that she pushes over like a monster truck crushes cars. So I'm a bit cautious of letting her out unattended if ya know what I mean.

Nonetheless, she is my dog, and she rules!

Music

2006-05-27T00:20:00.000-05:00

I love music.

I love music, I really love music. If it weren't for music I'd probably have turned to drugs and alcohol long ago. Wait, bad example. Ok, so, I love music. I really must hear good music everyday, just to get by.

I played music, in various capacities, from 5th grade to junior year of college. That's 12 years.

So now, after graduating college and figuring this whole part of my life out (which I'm not totally sure I have), my interest in music has exploded. One would speculate the relatively musically void years between graduating college and the present, have left me with so much pent up musical energy, I've come to a point where I must let it out.

And so now, my bro and I are taking group guitar lessons together.

And we're getting good.

Brewfest

2006-05-26T22:37:00.001-05:00

Having attended four (maybe five I can't remember) consecutive Brewfests, I have some things I'd like to share.

Brewfest, hosted by the Elgin Prairie Rock, is composed of a few interesting elements, aside from the delicious microbrewed beer servered by the 10 or more brewpubs that attend.

The Crowd:

Taking place in downtown Elgin ensures you have a very interesting crowd, ethnically diverse, socio-economically diverse, etc. It's always fun and very interesting to people-watch at Brewfest. This is one of my favorite things to do there. All types come out of the woodwork to attend.

There’s a huge 6’6” Jamaican looking fellow I’ve seen more than a few times at Brewfest. Interestingly, I’ve also spotted him in a few photographs on the Internet photo gallery of the Martini Room (an Elgin Bar).

The crowd is light early on but picks up quickly as the sky darkens. And this is usually a good thing because you really don’t want to see some of these people in the daylight. On a more personal level, at every Brewfest I've attended, I've run into someone I know and haven't seen in years. That always happens for some reason.

The Bands:

Brewfest is well known for the shitty local bands it hires to perform, particularly the ones scheduled to perform on the main stage at night. The bands are entertaining, but not entertaining in the traditional way a band should be. These bands are entertaining because they're bad. 7th Heaven, for example, on the schedule every year, blows.

But not every band performing sucks. The Wind Gypsy's, inappropriately assigned to the beergarden stage in the back, is a very talented band covering classic rock classics. Classic rock classics? The lead singer/guitarist, Nick, is known for playing his guitar with his mouth, behind his back, and behind is back then in front then back again very quickly, etc.

Also, during the day on Saturday, Brewfest allows local younger bands to perform. This is equally inappropriate, because these bands are often more talented than the those selected to play the main stage at night. I usually mosey on over during the day Saturday to check out these bands and to ease the hangover I may have acquired the night before.

Brewfest takes place the Friday and Saturday of Father's day weekend June just outside the Elgin Prairie Rock in downtown Elgin.

Brewfest rules and I'll see you there.

Perfect Food?

2006-03-05T21:25:00.000-06:00

I live near and frequent a local mexican food resturant. One night, as I was enjoying one of its delicious al pastor burritos, I recalled a conversation I had with my brother not too long ago regarding sandwiches. He had agrued that he felt the sandwich is the perfect food. Although I had agreed at the time, I knew there was more to be considered.

So I thought about it, as I sunk my teeth into this burrito, pork marinade dripping down my chin, bits of lettuce scattered about my coffee table. I thought, could the burrito, rather than the sandwich, be the perfect food?

I thought beyond the sandwich, beyond the burrito.

What is the perfect food? By what criteria would one use to judge the perfect food?

Nutrition? Availability? Cost? Taste?

Perhaps a ratio such as cost per callorie, cost per macronutrient, cost per gram of protein / carbohydrate /fat? Calorie density?

Certainly none of the above criteria could be the sole measurement of the perfect food.

Pub Crawls

2006-02-26T22:13:00.000-06:00

So I participated in a pub crawl this weekend. It was organized by a home brew club so each bar selected as part of the crawl was sure to be one that offers good beer. I like to drink beer, I even consider myself a beer snob. So I found this to be nice opportunity to drink good beer, beers I haven't had before and visit bars I've never been too before.

It turned out to be excellent. My biggest concern was pacing myself, I tend to drink too fast and therefore, get drunk too fast, but I think I did well.

All in all it was good, at one bar I paid $10 for a bottle, a 12oz. bottle, of Goose Island's Bourbon County Stout. I'm not trying to brag about the price of the beer but only wanted to mention it because it was hands down the best bourbon barrel aged stout I've ever had. Probably the best tasting beer I've ever had.

Damn

2006-02-20T12:20:00.000-06:00

Damn, I forgot what I was going to say.

The Beginning

2006-02-12T23:02:00.000-06:00

I want to start a blog, mostly as an outlet for my own thoughts, as I am mostly a quiet person. This is of course, my first post. You'll notice, as you may have already, that I like to use commas.