Erie, PA

A snow vista of the Aunt Kitty and Uncle Ron's house.

They were nice (Insane!) enough to house the

Memphis Stephanys over the holidays.

The rest of the holiday was spent with the usual Stephany family traditions. Christmas Eve is spent at Stephany’s Catering. I really can not imagine another way to spend Christmas Eve in Erie. The Catering Place holds so many fold childhood memories. Practically every family gathering, and there were many, was spent there. Significant events like first communions, weddings, wedding anniversaries, and graduation parties. My first job, cutting grass and generally doing whatever my Grandpa said. I remember my first real kiss at a mixer, a dance that my cousins used to host. A mixer is a dance for middle school kids, with a DJ, and lots of music from the 80’s. Octoberfests that my parents used to have where I had my younger cousins, who were about 10 or 11 at the time, grab pitchers of beers for me and my friends. All they had to say if they were confronted with a pitcher was, “We are getting it for Uncle Mike”, and they were in the clear.

AJ and CJ were the most popular Stephanys over the holidays

Jillian working the ice machine behind the bar at the Stephany's Catering

The funerals of Uncle Jack and Grandpa Stephany were also held at the catering place. Ironically enough all of our events have the following constants; eating, drinking, laughing, crying, and family. I knew how to tap a keg well before I even wanted to drink beer (A veeerrry long time ago) My Aunt Sue jokes that when a keg runs out at a family function our clan looks like a NASCAR pit crew when we acquire and hook up another keg.

In this day and age with families so spread out across the country there are not many people lucky enough to grow up in this manner. My first friends were my family. In many ways, my experiences growing up were a bit like a fairy tale.

Grandma Stephany, Jeff, Aunt Patty and Buff share the holiday cheer.

I digress, Christmas Eve was spent talking, eating, drinking, and just basically hanging out. We played a fun gift exchange game that we have done the last few years. Grandpa Stephany gave us all gifts that made us all weepy. Her and the Goat, (Aunt Mary) went through old photo books, closets, and gave us keep sakes. There were old pictures and memorabilia. We all had a great time.

*See note below

*So we all play this "Dirty Santa"or "White Elephant". It usually entails "discussing" the rules until we are confused and then we play. This year Grandma thought the gifts were supposed to be gag gifts so she gave a twin pack of enemas. The funny thing is that is was the only gag gift and cousin Jeff opened it last. Hilarious, only in the Stephany Family does Grandma give the gag gift if enemas!

Erie, PA

We started off the day with the christening of Christopher Boam and AJ Theiss. They are the sons of my cousins Julie and Jeff (sister and brother). They were both adopted last year. The whole story is just great. The neat part of the christening was that in priest’s whole sermonwas about the two boys and their families(Link to sermon) . He made the analogy between the Jesus and Mary, and the stories of the adoptions. It was quite touching. The way I figure it a person usually has only one sermon about them in their lifetime and you’re not alive for it. It was held at the Lutheran Church that Julia and Jeff’s family belong to. It was really nice. I have a link to a photo gallery of the whole trip to Erie right here. (Photo album)

After the church we went with Uncle Ron, Aunt Kitty, Uncle Dave, Big Mike, the Stephany girls to the Greengarden Tavern to watch the Browns/Bengals game. The beer was cold, the food was fried, and the bill was cheap. The Browns ended up in the loss column despite a vallient comeback effort. The loss does not bode well for their playoff aspirations. The rest of the day we all relaxed and I caught up on some much needed sleep.

One of the many taverns in Erie, PA.

Erie, PA

The rest of the week I was free of the responsibilities of teaching and coaching at the “H”. I love my job but the break was much needed and well timed. Not much too specifically report. In general a few of the favorite watering holes were visited with the usual crew including some old favorites who were back in town for the holidays.

On Friday, Buff, Lex, and I hit the road to Erie, we left later in the day in order to avoid traffic, other drivers, and beat an impending snow attack that was heading to Erie. It was a marathon effort. We left around 4pm Central and arrived in Erie around 6 in am on Saturday. A good effort by all in the driving category. This maneuver allowed us to enjoy the Saturday in Erie after a power nap.

We visited with the family most of the day between naps and eating. A successful visit my hometown entails how many of the old eating and drinking establishments are visited while in town. One of the first visits is an Italian sub at Theresa’s Deli. I eat it toasted and with plenty of Italian dressing. The sub is huge and cheap. I have trouble eating the whole thing. Do not be confused here; don’t let “trouble” be associated with “can’t”. Let’s be honest, I knock the whole thing down, but a nap is usually right around the corner.

Theresa's Deli

After some visiting with the “wiser”, read older, members of the family the “cousin crew” went out to some local watering holes. One of my favorites is the Plymouth Tavern. It is a staple of the Erie community and over the holidays it acts a meeting place for running into old friends who either still live in town or are back to visit. We ran into a number of people including one of my old neighbors, classmates from grade school, and teaching colleague of my uncle Ron, Kathy. She was with her husband and we shared some drinks and stories and generally hung out. Seeing old friends and hanging with the Stephany girls (Running five deep) made a fun night. As a small note, an evening of eating and drinking at an Erie bar with over six people, six Stephanys, ran a tab of around $70 bucks. Ridiculously cheap. That is a tab I did not mind covering at all!

The Plymouth Tavern in downtown Erie!

The Cousin Crew running five Stephany girls deep.

After a long night of drinking one usually “requires” a late night snack or “snicket” to tide you over till the morning. We discussed a few spots but when your aunt, “The Goat”, runs a catering place you have an obvious place to go. Besides we would be able to visit and hang out with the family. I laid waste to the cookies my cousin Chrissie made. I ate like a piggy!!!

Late night snacks at Club Goat!

Memphis, TN

I finished out the week of midterms at school. The history mid term was second to last. This makes grading a pain in the arse but it allows me to go first for finals which in turn allows more fun droning BBQ Fest. I wonder how may of my high school teachers brokered deals to allow themselves to party more?

Duke signee, Elliot Williams

I went with R. Barcuch and Big Kat to the St. George’s vs. Harding Academy basketball game. The game had at least three D I players on the floor. From St. George’s; Elliot Williams, signed with Duke (highlights), Bowers signed with Missouri(highlights), and Marlon Brown of Harding, only a junior. It was a fun game to watch. It is enjoyable to watch a game that I had no stake in. Not my friends team, not my current or former players, not my school. I need to do that more often. St. George’s had too much for Harding to handle. They will face each other again, a game I must see. On a side note, the Williams kid is just as good of a student(Over 30 ACT) as he is a basketball player, unfortunately very rare to see. Here is a nice article about his recruitment before he committed to Duke.

The triva talisman of Evil Petting Zoo

On Tuesday the members of Evil Petting Zoo, my trivia team in semi retirement, dusted off the pens and paper and threw itself in the mix at the P & H for some trivia. Unfortunately we could not shake off the rust and finished out of the top three and therefore out of the money. That being said we enjoyed the socializing, eats, and libations. For one of the rounds, ridiculously impossible, the lights needed had to be turned on in the P&H, rarely done, so I snapped some photos of the artwork of local Memphis characters circa @1980. Enjoy!

The "art" of the P&H

Pete and Kath ponders the trivial things of life.

Evil Petting Zoo, out answers, and out of beer!

Nashville, TN

It has been a long time since I last posted. The end of a semester is chaos at best and the holidays although quite fun, were ridiculously busy. Here are a few highlights from the latter parts of December.

The Sommet Center (It will always be the GEC to me)

I got a road trip in to catch the Memphis Tigers play in Nashville. The Sun Belt conference had two game showcase at the Sommet Center (Formerly the Gaylord Entertainment Center) in Nashville. Memphis played MTSU in the first game and Western Kentucky played the Volunteers of Tennessee in the nightcap. There were tons of Tigers fans from Memphis in town which gave the crowd a sort of NCAA tournament feel to it. The games were pretty good. Coach Calapari, in his pure marketing mode, seemed to enjoy the atmosphere also. The Tigers looked rusty after taking about 8 days off during finals. The Vols looked great, particularly J.P. Prince, a Memphis high school phenom, who played his first game in over a year after transferring Arizona after nearly dying. Check this article for more about that.

The crowd fills the stands

"Big Red" performs at a TV time out

I went up with Tusky, Big Kat, Steph, Marvin, and Christy. We went straight to the game after driving from Memphis. We hit a few of the music row establishments after the game for some food and some adult libations. We spent most of the time at Robert’s Western World. While in the bar we ran into Whitney E., a friend of mine from college who lives and teaches in Nashville.

O

Robert's Western World

A rainy view of Music Row in downtown Nashville

Once we got home form Nashville, I went over to Mr. Coach Eric Wells’ house to watch the Browns game which was played in blizzard conditions off the shores of Lake Erie. It was awesome to watch.

Memphis, TN

This week teachers and students alike were hunkering down for mid-terms. Both teams played on Monday and swept the games. The 8th grade almost snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. They played well but got sloppy breaking the press towards the end of the game. The 7th grade played well from tap to buzzer to pick up their first win of the year. After Monday’s game we shut down basketball until after mid-terms are over.

I met up with Buff and Matt for dinner at Fino’s. They were both finishing up finals. I know both had difficult semesters so I treated them to some Italian comfort food. All three of us are looking forward to getting back to Erie and the family for the holidays. Later on I met up with Baruch for a couple of beers at the Bayou in midtown.

Thursday Mom, Dad, and I celebrated Big Mike’s birthday at Pearl’s Oyster House down on South Main. The gumbo served there is some of the best I have ever had. It was nice to celebrate with the folks. Big Mike is still really enjoying his return to education as a career, so there was much to celebrate this year!

Memphis, TN

On the Lord’s day I woke and went to Otherland’s Coffee Shop to get some grading done while sipping some much needed caffeine. Otherland's is always a place I can get some work done and run into to some friends. It is quite ironic that as my friend base ages I see them less in the bars and more in the coffee shops. My angry friends Tusky and Baruch hate coffee shops! Tusky describes them as place for cowards, who are, “… too afraid to go to bar at noon.” Baruch describes them as a place for pseudo-intellectuals. Here is my opinion. For every “Ron Paul is God” and legalize marijuana conversation I overhear at a coffee shop I hear morons who know nothing about sports at bars. In the end people are people, who cares.

The Canadian Duck Man met me for breakfast at Barksdale’s. We walked from the coffee shop because despite being December 9th it was 70 degrees outside, and humid! Barksdale’s is a great breakfast spot right off of Cooper in Midtown, Memphis. Great cup of coffee, good service, and a great biscuit, the true mark of any breakfast joint in the south.

Brutally good movie

After watching some football games I met McGoogle at the movies to watch, “No Country For Old Men” by the Coen Brothers. Wow! What a movie! The end was a bit abrupt but the stark brutality and the acting was fantastic. The movie is based on the Cormac McCarthy book of the same name. One of the interesting things I read about the movie adaptation is that the dialogue is word for word from the book. The order of events is also exactly the same. I am not a film expert but I’m pretty sure these things are very rare.

Memphis, TN

I did have much free time this week. The teams I coach had three games this week. We struggled mightily. The 8th grade team finally put it together for a big win against their archrival the Turkey’s. Yes, you read that right. The Turkeys hail from one of the other all-girls’ schools in town. Despite the losses the 7th grade team is making progress and continues to get better with each game they play.

On Wednesday the gang from the BBQ I belong to, Magically Piglicious, assembled for our initial organizational Memphis in May meeting at Old Zinnie’s. This meeting actually had more than just two members present, so as a result more beer was consumed and business actually got done. It is a good crew and since it is our fourth year it runs quite well. After the meeting I met up JC and my sis, who was in town for a couple of days to baby-sit for friends. I good time was had by all!

The pre-fab Irish bar in East Jesus, Memphis

Saturday, I met up with Tusky and Baruch, the rock n’ roll accountant for a few drinks at the East Jesus location of Dan McGuiness. The Stephany cousins met us there. It was good to blow off some steam fro the busy preceding week.

West Memphis, AR and Memphis, TN

I went over to the Big Kat’s house to watch some the conference championship games with him and Steph. It is always a good time at their place. Steph spoiled us with what Big Kat calls his proletariat meal a.k.a. “Meal of the People”. That meal consists of mini corn dogs and tater tots. It was his favorite meal while he was at the “H”. I had gone on a beer run to the Walgreens in West Memphis, AR for one of my favorite breweries, New Belgium Brewery out of Fort Collins, Colorado. I picked up a six pack of their winter ale, called “2 Below”. I had about three but had to stop because it really packed a wallop. My favorite brand they brew is another one of their seasonal brews, “Skinny Dip”.

Winter Seasonal beer.

Why West Memphis you ask? Two reasons main reasons. One, New Belgium Brewery does not distribute to east of the Mississippi. They are not the only brewery to follow this policy. Coors has a similar story back in the 80’s. Since West Memphis is across the Mississippi River it is technically a western region so it has these harder to get beer brands. Secondly, the Walgreens, off the Missouri street exit of I-40, is a sort of bonanza for beer, wine, and liquor. The prices are cheep and the stock pretty complete. In the end the Walgreens is great for a specialty buy or buying bulk for parties. I make the run about once a month. While I’m over there I load up on groceries and fill up the car with gas. All of which is cheaper due to Arkansas’ tax set up. Hey some people shop for clothes I shop for beer. If you read this blog at all regularly this should come as no big surprise. As a side bonus the transportation of beer across state line is technically illegal. This law is not really enforced, but the thrill of “breaking the law” makes the endeavor that more fun!

My favorite beer out of the New Belgium stable, Skinny Dip

Memphis, TN
Normally I write about my goings on and various activities but I thought I might highlight something that I think is great…,

Memphis finally has a decent Hostel!

I have traveled over the world and have stayed at many different Hostels. The clientele and decor always interesting. The ones in German are strict and have minimum and maximum ages. Others in Amsterdam cater to party people. Most hostels are for any age. They operate on the premise that you as a traveler want to spend your money on sites and experiences rather than a luxury place to sleep. If you think about it this way it makes sense. Why spend a ton of money on a place that you only sleep in. There has even been a few times that only my luggage spent the night at the hostel! Hostels, because of their communal nature, are also great places to meet people and get recommendations on sights to see and places to go. My hostel experiences, both good and bad, are some of the greatest memories of my travels around the world.

Well I saw in the Lamplighter, a Cooper-Young neighborhood monthly that a church/community resource center called First Congo (First Congregational Church) opened at hostel called Pilgrim House Hostel and Retreat Center. First off for anyone wary of religious types do not worry the folks at First Congo are certainly spiritual but just a certainly one of the most laid back group’s you will ever run across. For instance they run a program called the Community Bicycle Initiative with neighborhood kids where if the kid learns how to repair bicycles and put a set amount of volunteer hours working on bicycles then the kid gets one. They also have the MeDiA Co-op which gives work shops on using and utilizing digital media. Like I said the place is cool.

For those who do not know Memphis the Cooper-Young area is a neighborhood located in the heart of Midtown Memphis that has tons of dining, bars, book stores, coffee shops, and just cool places. I am biased because I used to live there but trust you will have fun. To those who come across this don’t worry about distance from downtown. The cab ride is about ten bucks and there is bus (#2) that runs right downtown (Medical Center Loop) with access to the bus station, train station, and of course Beale Street. The bus also runs to the airport. In other words the location is ideal.

The Cooper Young trestle welcomes visitors

The rates are very reasonable and only out of towners (both foreign and domestic) can stay there. The Pilgrim House Hostel also has laundry facilities, a group kitchen, internet access, and off street parking. My good friend Mocha Dave and I would often speculate, scheme, and conjecture about how to do good hostel in Memphis. These folks seem to have pulled it off.

Kitchen

Hallway to private and community rooms

Top Five Personal Hostel Memories

1. Breaking into our hostel in Munich through a window because we were out way too late at the Hofbrau House.
2. JW's “natural” sleep attire in community bedroom at Jatzek’s Hostel in Amsterdam.
3. Eating curry chips (french fires) from a late night chipper watching two drunken fools make out through the window of my Belfast Hostel.
4. Camping out in a tent in the backyard of a Dingle Peninsula hostel for one pound and waking up to a spectacular sunrise of over the Dingle Bay.
5. An untold “incident” at the hostel in Krakow, Poland. Nuff’ said.
   
   

Memphis, TN

If you work in downtown Memphis you certainly noticed well over 200 middle school students in business attire wandering around various government offices. Unfortunately this was not a coup by the young people. The students were there for Model United Nations sponsored by the YMCA of the Mid South. The conference introduces middle school students the basics of the United Nations General Assembly. The students do research, draft, and debate resolutions. (Here is link to some the resolution)

The girls from the “H”, under the guidance and tutelage of the 7th grade geography teacher and me garnered many honors. There were eight schools and eighty-eight total resolutions. Sixteen of the resolutions make it to the General Assembly. Our girls had seven of them. We had two of the three outstanding resolutions, and two of the five outstanding delegates. Great work!!!

The Gibson Lounge off of Beale Street

Amel Larrieux

Later on that night I joined the Canadian Duck, Kath, Truk, Mocha Dave, and Christina for a performance by Amel Larrieux at the Gibson Lounge off of Beale Street. She had a very soulful jazzy sound that was quite enjoyable. She was without her usual keyboard player, due to the impending birth of his child, and one of her back-up singers. Amazingly her thirteen year old daughter filled in. You could tell she was nervous at first. However with each song she gained more and more confidence. It was neat to see the mother daughter interaction. If want a listen to her music here is her Myspace page which has some of her music.

The Green Beetle from the outside

A stained glass of the interior of the Green Beetle with... Green Beetles.

Notice the tacky X-Mas sweaters. Great theme for a party!

A bar with lots of wood panneling and a reference to "Memphis State" is my type of bar.

Memphis, TN

To those of you who do not follow sports in general or NFL in particular were probably not aware of crisis involving the NFL Network and Time Warner. The crisis reached fever pitch with the Cowboys/Packers game on Thursday. If you can’t get aboard the whole sports theme here is a theme I KNOW you can get behind; HATING the cable companies!!! I would explain to the non sports people but you will have a much better chance of understanding by simply reading this article from ESPN.

Brett Farve before being knocked out of the game

Aaron Rodgers proved a very capable replacement for Farve

Normally I would go to Buffalo Wild Wings to watch this great game but it would be packed with a bunch of idiots who think they like the Cowboys or Packers. Since I had recently been to Alex’s, Baruch and I decided to go watch it there. Great Decision!!! The place was less packed but still had a great crowd. The wings, although more pricey, were wonderful. We were joined by the Big Mike, Cheryl, the Canadian Duck, and the Music Man. The game lived up to its billing. Much to Baruch’s delight the Cowboys pulled away at the end for a victory.

Here is a help guide from the Packers Website for those who had questions of how to be able to watch the game.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding wacthing the Packers game against the Cowboys

Memphis, TN

After Turkey day things were pretty quiet. Everyone was still recovering from what I believe to be the American of holidays. What better way to celebrate America than conspicuous consumption of large amounts of food and drink!!! God bless the USA!!!

I went out to Well’s place to watch the Brown’s with Uncle Dave. Another good win for the Brownies. They now have definitive playoff aspirations. I have feeling that the Browns will see the Steelers again in the playoffs, and it will not be good for the “Stillers”. Just a gut feeling.

Wednesday
I met with McGoogle for at Alex’s for a BBQ meeting. Unbeknownst to us, we did not check our e-mail, the meeting had been canceled. We continued the meeting none the less and decided the following things;

1. Pork will be served.
2. More beer is good.
3. A second Port O’ John is needed. (A third “manly” man Port O’ John was discussed. It would have no seat and only be used for urination, vomiting, and of course holding “Smiling Chuck” during judging)

All votes were unanimous (2 to 0)

Memphis, TN

Ruminations of Thanksgiving

The Speakeasy

Not sure whose idea it was but the garage was set up to accommodate people for Thanksgiving. It was furnished with a TV and a few tables and chairs for eating, drinking, hanging out. Most of the rapscallions congregated for simple reasons.

1. There desserts and cold libations were stored there.
2. There was a TV for football.
3. You were less likely to get favor/questions from Team Cheryl.

Shame Sticks

I am not sure the line when fact ends, myths begin, and legends are made. Somewhere in the ephemeral mist lives Mikey Boam. Famous too many, infamous to others, and a hero to me! Boam married into the clan through my cousin Julie. To take a football analogy way too far; Boam was a mid season acquisition to an already powerful team with simple championship ambitions. Since that moment, the goals have changed. Phrases like “best ever” have now been tossed around. I as usual digress. Boam has an affinity for butter, not as an ingredient but as a main course. Boam has “taken it to another level” or “given 110%” or fill in an overused line of your own. Boam has created Shame Sticks. They are sticks of butter rolled in sugar and then lovingly dipped in chocolate. Take a moment to envision that creation. Pure bypass laden brilliance. Boam isn’t even from the south. If he was he would surely deep fry it!!!

Three potential "SHAME STICKS"

Memphis, TN

My mom, as usual out did herself with the Thanksgiving meal. On this day her cooking and organizational skills are at their best. She was feeding twenty and all of the food came out at once. We gorged ourselves and some of the Thanksgiving favorites. The two dishes that I love the most are the homemade bread dressing (stuffing) and brussel sprouts in rich sauce with bacon. We had a great crew. They were old and new friends. Food was ate, naps were took, drinks were drank, and conversation had. I was stuffed and ready for bed around 8pm. It was great Thanksgiving.

Frank and Truk discuss stategy for turkey consumption

Only the young can resist the tryptophan of Turkey

Kath and Marj enjoy a post meal conversation.

Matt, Dylan, and Christa enjoy the spoils of Mom's cooking

Notice that the energy levels of the young ones

Members of "Team Cheryl" get the pre-meal game plan and instructions

Stephanys charing a laugh

The pork butt appetizer that was consumed "cave man" style

Aunt Sue with family, sans Buffy, wearing an old timey helmet

Caroline enjoying the meal

One of four areas that a eater can load up on food

Big Mike gives the meal a thumbs up

This was someone's dessert plate. I promised I would not mention Buff's name...whoops!

Big Mike, the music man, Scoots, and Southside Mike enjoy the meal

These grazing males methodically finished off the appetizer pork butt with their bare hands. Notice the look of manly satisfaction.