Saturday, June 30, 2012
Thought of the Week: June 30, 2012
“Drop the wrong
thought and you lose the problem it creates.” ~ Vernon Howard
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Thought of the Week: June 23, 2012
“The few who do are
the envy of the many who only watch.”
~Jim Rohn
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Thought of the Week: June 16, 2012
Daddy’s
Dynamic Dozen x 2:
2. If on occasion I push or prod you, it’s because I think you’re each capable of achieving so much.
3. When I ask you questions, it’s really because I care about you, your life, your goals and your friends. Sorry if you think it’s “annoying.”
4. Read. A lot. Your life will be influenced significantly by the books you read.
5. Make new friends. Your life will be influenced significantly by the people you meet.
6. Ask yourself, “What would I do, if I knew it was impossible to fail?”
7. Know the value of observing and listening. You were given two eyes, and two ears, and only one mouth for a reason.
8. Work hard, at school and at your job. Remember, people are watching you. And, making decisions about you. Is that fair? Don’t matter. That’s how the game is played.
9. Save your money. Invest in yourself.
10. Be kind, to yourself and others.
11. Truth is your friend.
12. Help your Mother.
13. Take action. If you want it…go for it. If you’d like it, ask for it.
14. Realize “rejection” and “no” are part of life. Get over it. Move on.
15. I will always love YOU. Although at times, I might not like your choices or behaviors. But I know you’ll learn from your mistakes. And choices. That’s how you grow. Mature. And become even better and stronger than you are now.
16. You each are remarkable in your own way. Be nice to each other. Avoid name-calling. Never scare each other. Accept that on occasion, family gets angry at family, but find a way to work it out.
17. Never give another person, permission to influence your mood, attitude or outlook on life…those are your choices. Your responsibility.
18. Clean up after yourself. Put your clothes away. Make your bed. Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink. (It gets your Mom angry!)
19. Think BIG. Dream BIG. Place no limits on your life.
20. Find what makes YOU unique, special. Be passionate. Enjoy the adventure.
21. Hug those who are important to you. Tell them, “I love you!”
22. Don’t gossip. Spread rumors. Or say negative things about other people. It often backfires and returns to bite you on the tush.
23. Don’t bake in the sun! But do take great care of your body. Exercise. Eat well! (Remember, “gum” is not a food group!) Laugh. Laugh some more!
24. If any of the preceding is confusing, or causes you to wonder, “Why is my Dad so weird?”...simply go back, repeatedly, and re-read #1!
~ Jeff Blackman
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Dinning with David: The Original Pancake House
The Original Pancake House – Winnipeg, MB – June 14, 2012
www.originalpancakehouse.ca
On the way to the airport, I stopped off for a late breakfast/early lunch. I had seen this place at The Forks when I was there last night and thought about eating there but decided to give it a try for mid-morning. The outside tables were closed due to chance of rain and I sat inside looking out over the waters.
I decided to order their famous Giant Apple Pancake. Instead of the regular super-duper size, I ordered their ‘baby’ version; just the size of a regular plate. This thing was huge (even for a baby) with a tart like crust and covered in seasoned/baked apple slices and their special imported Saigon Cinnamon glaze. Now, once again I am a sauce guy but this thing did not need any syrup. The taste and texture was fabulous without syrup; the fresh whipped butter might have helped too.
Very unusual to describe but really a giant tart with a buttery crisp crust and sides, lite batter in the middle providing just enough to support the large apple slices and cinnamon. I topped it off with a side of smoked bacon and I was in hog heaven (no pun intended). I can only hope their other massive selections of pancakes, waffles and crepes can meet up with this monster. A must try at The Forks in Winnipeg.
Rating: 9.75
www.originalpancakehouse.ca
On the way to the airport, I stopped off for a late breakfast/early lunch. I had seen this place at The Forks when I was there last night and thought about eating there but decided to give it a try for mid-morning. The outside tables were closed due to chance of rain and I sat inside looking out over the waters.
I decided to order their famous Giant Apple Pancake. Instead of the regular super-duper size, I ordered their ‘baby’ version; just the size of a regular plate. This thing was huge (even for a baby) with a tart like crust and covered in seasoned/baked apple slices and their special imported Saigon Cinnamon glaze. Now, once again I am a sauce guy but this thing did not need any syrup. The taste and texture was fabulous without syrup; the fresh whipped butter might have helped too.
Very unusual to describe but really a giant tart with a buttery crisp crust and sides, lite batter in the middle providing just enough to support the large apple slices and cinnamon. I topped it off with a side of smoked bacon and I was in hog heaven (no pun intended). I can only hope their other massive selections of pancakes, waffles and crepes can meet up with this monster. A must try at The Forks in Winnipeg.
Rating: 9.75
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Travels with David: The Forks
The Forks – Winnipeg, MB – June 13, 2012
www.theforks.com
After leaving the Mint, I decided to head over to a local hotspot for a little dinner. Turns out, this place is only 3 blocks from my hotel. They have done a good job in creating a park and shopping area right at the corner/junction of the Assiniboine and Red Rivers. This place has an open amphitheater along with several converted warehouse/manufacturing buildings into open shopping areas. Shops range from fresh seafood, meat and cheese to specialty stores and some typical souvenir shops.
The Forks is designed in an artistic way with many paintings, sculptures, and stage areas for performances. In fact, the short time I was there, noticed three different areas of live play acting and solo singing. To say it verges on eclectic, would be accurate. Only several blocks away is the under-construction new Human Rights Museum; seen in top-right photo.
It was nice to just walk around and stretch after a good dinner (Muddy Waters). Now, in honor of my youngest (Meredith), I just had to go by and get one of her favorites. I had noticed a little booth with that unique metal deep frying machine just for mini-donuts. Yes, I said mini-donuts. I got him to fry up some fresh puppies just for me and then he spins them in brown sugar (unusual but no powdered sugar here). These were just perfect for dessert and I got to eat them sitting right on the river watching the nice, calm waters.
www.theforks.com
After leaving the Mint, I decided to head over to a local hotspot for a little dinner. Turns out, this place is only 3 blocks from my hotel. They have done a good job in creating a park and shopping area right at the corner/junction of the Assiniboine and Red Rivers. This place has an open amphitheater along with several converted warehouse/manufacturing buildings into open shopping areas. Shops range from fresh seafood, meat and cheese to specialty stores and some typical souvenir shops.
The Forks is designed in an artistic way with many paintings, sculptures, and stage areas for performances. In fact, the short time I was there, noticed three different areas of live play acting and solo singing. To say it verges on eclectic, would be accurate. Only several blocks away is the under-construction new Human Rights Museum; seen in top-right photo.
It was nice to just walk around and stretch after a good dinner (Muddy Waters). Now, in honor of my youngest (Meredith), I just had to go by and get one of her favorites. I had noticed a little booth with that unique metal deep frying machine just for mini-donuts. Yes, I said mini-donuts. I got him to fry up some fresh puppies just for me and then he spins them in brown sugar (unusual but no powdered sugar here). These were just perfect for dessert and I got to eat them sitting right on the river watching the nice, calm waters.
Dining with David: Muddy Waters Ribs & Wings
Muddy Waters Ribs & Wings - Winnipeg, MB - June 13, 2012
http://www.wowhospitality.ca/restaurants/muddywaters.html
Located at The Forks, there are several restaurants. I decided to try something different and went to a BBQ place; yes, I went to a BBQ place in Winnipeg. Since it doesn’t even think about getting dark till after 2100, I sat outside (under umbrella) for a nice view of the activities around. Keep in mind that the name just might refer to the nasty, muddy water in the two rivers joined at The Forks.
I jumped on out there and ordered a special, almost hidden item on the menu. This is their Real Deal meal. It is comprised of their long ribs (6) that are deep smoked and then before most people pull out and put on grill with sauce, they pull these puppies and deep fry (yes, fried ribs) for under a minute. They then treat with just sea-salt and pepper with sauce on the side.
Wow, these were one tasty ribs. I am a sauce guy and I loved their sauce. But, I really liked just the dry ribs. The unique taste of the deep smoke flavor (with smoke rings) along with the basic salt/pepper just stood out. In fact, better than most ribs I have had; better than Rendezvous Ribs in Memphis, TN.
As much as I loved the ribs, I also loved their homemade fries. These were thick-cut with crunchy on outside with plenty of skin and soft on the inside. I dipped them in their special BBQ sauce and what a combination. The sauce is your typical ketchup based (Memphis style) with a little kick. In fact, the sauce reminded me of Calhoun’s out of Knoxville, TN.
No doubt, this is another place to recommend in Winnipeg. If I keep finding these, I might start to enjoy Winnipeg (???).
Rating: 9.5
http://www.wowhospitality.ca/restaurants/muddywaters.html
Located at The Forks, there are several restaurants. I decided to try something different and went to a BBQ place; yes, I went to a BBQ place in Winnipeg. Since it doesn’t even think about getting dark till after 2100, I sat outside (under umbrella) for a nice view of the activities around. Keep in mind that the name just might refer to the nasty, muddy water in the two rivers joined at The Forks.
I jumped on out there and ordered a special, almost hidden item on the menu. This is their Real Deal meal. It is comprised of their long ribs (6) that are deep smoked and then before most people pull out and put on grill with sauce, they pull these puppies and deep fry (yes, fried ribs) for under a minute. They then treat with just sea-salt and pepper with sauce on the side.
Wow, these were one tasty ribs. I am a sauce guy and I loved their sauce. But, I really liked just the dry ribs. The unique taste of the deep smoke flavor (with smoke rings) along with the basic salt/pepper just stood out. In fact, better than most ribs I have had; better than Rendezvous Ribs in Memphis, TN.
As much as I loved the ribs, I also loved their homemade fries. These were thick-cut with crunchy on outside with plenty of skin and soft on the inside. I dipped them in their special BBQ sauce and what a combination. The sauce is your typical ketchup based (Memphis style) with a little kick. In fact, the sauce reminded me of Calhoun’s out of Knoxville, TN.
No doubt, this is another place to recommend in Winnipeg. If I keep finding these, I might start to enjoy Winnipeg (???).
Rating: 9.5
Travels with David: Royal Canadian Mint
Royal Canadian Mint – Winnipeg, MB – June 13, 2012
www.mint.ca
After my two business meetings today, I had ~2 hours to kill; what better way than see how Canada makes their coins. I drove 10 minutes from hotel and bam, there is this very unusual building. The Winnipeg mint was built back in 1976 with over 160k sq ft in a glass, almost pyramid style building. As you drive up, a majestic parade of flags of all the countries that work with the Mint surround your vehicle; I almost stopped and saluted ole Glory, the US Flag.
I made it in time for their tour and was pleased to see lots of behind the scenes view of coin minting for several countries (not just Canada). Strange, but all circulation coinage for Canada is produced here in Winnipeg; 20 million a day. Glad to hear Canada is finally killing minting their penny coin; stopped April of this year. Now, if they could just do something with all their other coins; heavy focus/use of coinage up here. Interesting visit.
www.mint.ca
After my two business meetings today, I had ~2 hours to kill; what better way than see how Canada makes their coins. I drove 10 minutes from hotel and bam, there is this very unusual building. The Winnipeg mint was built back in 1976 with over 160k sq ft in a glass, almost pyramid style building. As you drive up, a majestic parade of flags of all the countries that work with the Mint surround your vehicle; I almost stopped and saluted ole Glory, the US Flag.
I made it in time for their tour and was pleased to see lots of behind the scenes view of coin minting for several countries (not just Canada). Strange, but all circulation coinage for Canada is produced here in Winnipeg; 20 million a day. Glad to hear Canada is finally killing minting their penny coin; stopped April of this year. Now, if they could just do something with all their other coins; heavy focus/use of coinage up here. Interesting visit.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Dining with David: Santa Lucia Pizza
Santa Lucia Pizza – Winnipeg, MB – June 12, 2012
www.santaluciapizza.com
Meeting in Winnipeg and the vendor suggested we go get some lunch; who am I to turn that down. They decided to go to a local chain that has been rated the number one pizza for years, Santa Lucia. This place is right outside of downtown and near the famous Forks.
Santa Lucia started back in ’71 in MB and has even moved down into ND. They seem to specialize in Italian food with a strong Greek touch. The menu is broad and can really make you hungry. Since they have won awards for pizza, I just had to go there.
I ordered their lunch, 9”, Meat Lovers pizza. This decadent thing is covered with fresh pepperoni, big chunks of bacon, large slices of salami, and hunks of beef slathered with fresh cheese. Now if the toppings are not enough, the sauce is fresh and has that wonderful, unusual taste that you know this is not your run-of-the-meal pizza. The sauce really emphasizes their Greek touch and it is worth it. The crust is a hand-tossed style, not too thick and not thin; a great combination. I would have to say, this is one of the better pizza’s I have had; almost left that great taste like the old Carnaggio’s (look it up) used to have.
I was shocked and amazed but thrilled to get such a good lunch (enough to cover dinner too) here in Winnipeg. A strong recommendation to try this place if ever just up north of the States in MB.
Rating: 9.5
www.santaluciapizza.com
Meeting in Winnipeg and the vendor suggested we go get some lunch; who am I to turn that down. They decided to go to a local chain that has been rated the number one pizza for years, Santa Lucia. This place is right outside of downtown and near the famous Forks.
Santa Lucia started back in ’71 in MB and has even moved down into ND. They seem to specialize in Italian food with a strong Greek touch. The menu is broad and can really make you hungry. Since they have won awards for pizza, I just had to go there.
I ordered their lunch, 9”, Meat Lovers pizza. This decadent thing is covered with fresh pepperoni, big chunks of bacon, large slices of salami, and hunks of beef slathered with fresh cheese. Now if the toppings are not enough, the sauce is fresh and has that wonderful, unusual taste that you know this is not your run-of-the-meal pizza. The sauce really emphasizes their Greek touch and it is worth it. The crust is a hand-tossed style, not too thick and not thin; a great combination. I would have to say, this is one of the better pizza’s I have had; almost left that great taste like the old Carnaggio’s (look it up) used to have.
I was shocked and amazed but thrilled to get such a good lunch (enough to cover dinner too) here in Winnipeg. A strong recommendation to try this place if ever just up north of the States in MB.
Rating: 9.5
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Thought of the Week: June 9, 2012
“Blessed is the person who sees
the need, recognizes the responsibility, and actively becomes the answer.” ~ William Arthur Ward
Monday, June 4, 2012
Thought of the Week: June 4, 2012
“Every choice carries a consequence.
For better or worse, each choice is the unavoidable consequence of its
predecessor. There are not exceptions. If you can accept that a bad choice carries
the seed of its own punishment, why not accept the fact that a good choice
yields desirable fruit?”
~ Gary Ryan Blair
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