Tuesday Top Five: Birthday Goodness

This is a continuation of what I hope is a continuing tradition here on The Stained Tartan.  Again, I give all credit to Cory's The Bruin Brew Blog for this idea. Cory, we should coordinate! Sam, you are more than welcome to this action as well.

This week's Top Five:

"Scott's Top 5 Birthday Things"

I was going to do memories, but that is too specific, these are the top five things I enjoy about all of my birthdays. These span from when I remember getting Abu when I was younger to now (by rough estimates 18-20 years).

1) Wiener Schnitzel
I turned 13 in the lovely country of Germany while visiting relatives, this coincided with my discovery of my absolute favorite meal: Wiener Schnitzel with Spätzle. Really this can be any type of Schnitzel, it is not tied to just veal. On that birthday, Erica arranged a wonderful outing with family and younger neighbors in their area in to the forest near her house. I remember being told that there was going to be a surprise, and that there was a timing requirement. I don't really remember what we were doing before hand, but I do remember walking out of Erica's house to see a huge horse drawn party carriage, with long bench seats, and a stripped red covering. I am guessing this was smaller than I am remembering, but 12 or so people climbed on, and we took off in to the forest. It was amazing. Once we made it out of the city, Erica pulled out containers full of food, most notably little, bite sized Schnitzels! With my mother being super mom, she figured out how to make Spatzle (which she has taught me, and it is not very easy...), and every birthday I have been home, she has made this very special meal for me.

2) LazerQuest
For those of you who live in Spokane (especially if you were a boy between the ages of 10 and 20, or if you were a parent of a bot between those ages), this seems like a given. For those of you who have not had the pleasure, LazerQuest is one of the greatest things ever. They say 'Laser Tag at its finest,' but that is an undersell. LQ exists inside of the old Spokane Armory. You strap on a vest and gun and you find yourself in a multistory, huge maze with mirrors, smoke, crow's nests and ambush spots. You fight it out against such villains as The Baroness (my mother), Admiral (my father), Mocha (Chelsea), Drake (Russ), MastaPoo (Drew)... and one of my favorites that I remember Dr. Evil (Eric Peterson). LaserQuest was (and should still be) a birthday staple for me and my friends (including my first Lock-in for Russ' birthday). First LQ, then Pizza. What more could you want. Anyone want to go in August when I am home?

3) Mom's Cake
Like a lot of people, your mother tends to be a driving force for birthday traditions. When we were little (I assume she did this for Chelsea as well) she would ask us what we wanted on our cake. We would have some sort of theme, and we could pick anything we wanted for her to decorate. Just one rule: No Faces. My Mom would make the coolest decorated cakes ever. Some of them that I remember (these are a little fuzzy, I think I may remember more pictures of these cakes than the actual cakes) a Genie cake (for an Aldin party), a Ninja Turtle cake and many other greats. She was a pro. Then as we got older, she started changing up the substance of the cake. As was mentioned earlier this week her Super Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Awesome Cake is up there in notoriety, but that was more for Chelsea and Penny. For me, she mastered the Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cheese Cake, amazing.

4) Summer Birthday
I don't really know how to explain this one. As my Birthday is at an awkward time for a 'September to June' understanding of the year, it is often over looked (much like late December and early January Birthdays get overshadowed by Christmas, I know Dad...). So I don't really expect all that much when it comes to my b-day. I expect most people to not remember it, or not be around. This does not bother me, and it actually makes the well wishes and festivities all the more meaningful. It makes me really happy whenever someone goes out of their way to mark the day.

5) My 20th birthday, specifically the day before. I cannot really go in to detail about this, but for those who were there know what I am talking about.

Come back next week, same time, for more top 5 picks from yours truly. If you want to contribute, let me know what top 5 things you want to know!

Ohio is the place for Grilled Cheese

Last week I was able to get the old video camera out, dust it of and shoot some video. Mr. Rohrer is taking a class from a seminary about the sacraments of the Anglican church, and was in need of a video of him performing a mock (dry, whatever you want to call it) Communion. I met up with him on Friday morning at St. Andrew's church to film him. Afterwards, he took me out to lunch at Pamela's. It was great. He is a very interesting guy, with lots of fun stories. A large topic of conversation was the practices and culture of the Saudi people (he has spent some time over there working).

I have a healthy respect for the culture of the Middle East (and in some ways I think they are far more sophisticated than us 'westerners') but I have little to no interest in visiting. Just throwing it out there.

Saturday was a day of food for me. I spent the day with Gwyn, and I don't know if she necessarily sees it the same way... but for me, it was all about food. Gwyn was house sitting for Jackie. Jackie lives in Highland Park, right next to a place called 'Food, Glorious Food!' And with a name like that, how can you not want to check it out. This place fits a rather unique niche, during the week they use their space for cooking parties and cooking classes (I think), then on Saturday (only Saturday) starting at 10 they open up as a high end bakery and delicatessen shop, selling more or less what they made during the week. It was a rush. We were 6th or 7th in line (out of 30 by the time the shop opened up. The people in front of us were buying hundreds of dollars worth of cakes and pastries. We just wanted to try something.  They had so many things, I really wanted to just stand there and ask questions about everything, but there was a huge line... Ugh! We ended up getting a slice of Black Orchid Cake (dark chocolate cake with a mouse on top), some Stratta (Croissants with egg, mushrooms, sausage, and peppers, similar to breakfast casserole, but fancy) and a Pumpkin Roll. All of the above was great.

From there we hit the road for Akron Ohio. There Rachel (who is Cory's sister, Cory being one of Gwyn's friends from College) was having a graduation party. I was the 'Hey, I am here with her' guy. There was some amazing BBQ pulled pork and great wings. It was fun to relax, play some CornHoling (something that is huge over here... I didn't even know) and enjoy the summer. From there we headed up to Melt in Cleavland. I have talked about this glorious place before, and it was just as good the second time.

We are that cool.

In honor of you, Mother, Birch Beer (left). Gwyn also got 'Griffin Cider' (on the right)

On the Left: The Parmagedon, The Right: The Winter Chicken

I got The Parmageddon, a sandwich with Grilled Onions, A Vodka Kraut, 2 Pierogies and Sharp Cheddar Cheese (I also added some Bacon). Gwyn got the spicy Winter Chicken, Grilled Chicken smothered in a chipotle sauce, melted with Pepper Jack. Both were amazing. I love that establishment.

In other news: Last night the YadGrad study was held at Jackie's house (she had returned from her trip by then) and in honor of my birthday she made me a cake! I was super excited, seeing as I love cake, and that someone made it for me. Then I got my piece, and something stirred up inside of me. It was the same cake that my mother makes for some birthdays, Super Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Awesome Cake (The one with the pudding in the batter.. made in a bunt pan). I got super excited! It was just like home!

My "Not-Cousins"

I recognize that I may have my facts off a bit in this story. Ages my be off. I don't remember Names very well. Timing may vary from other accounts. If you spot a correction, please let me know (but be gentle) and I will fix the mistake. Bear with me...

Let me tell you all a story, turn down the lights, take a sip of your hot beverage, and close your eyes...

I hope you did not actually do those last two things. You are reading this silly, you need your eyes. And don't be ridiculous, this is summer, hot beverages are absurd.

Anyway, long ago, the family of one H. J. Hogle moved from the beautiful and sunny state of California to Poughkeepsie, New York (I had to look up how to spell that). The honorably H.J. in this story is my dearest Gramps who was being moved by IBM to New York to work with their, correct me if I am wrong, Education department there. The rest of the family included my lovely Grandmother, my Aunt Donna, and my mother. My mother was middle school-ish aged and my aunt was in elementary school (see my note above, as I am sure I am wrong). Upon moving to New York, they were blessed with some great Neighbors, some they still are in contact with to this day.

Karen was one of these neighbors, along with her sister, long ago living next to my mother's family. Karen is a fan of culture and large music venues, and is the mother of 3 (... I hesitate to put a number here, I could be wrong) younger children who don't fully appreciate such things yet. But, good news, she has three awesome nieces who love Taylor Swift (and are more appropriately aged). Karen decided that an outing was necessary, and when looking for places Miss Swift would be playing, found that Pittsburgh was going to be the closest to Poughkeepsie. This is where I come in. From talking to Mom, and I am guessing my Grandma and Aunt over the years, learned that I was living in Pittsburgh. A few months ago, I received a very energetic email detailing their plans for Pittsburgh, and was asked if I could meet them for some lunch/dinner before the show. Of course my response was: 'Heck Yes!'

First up on the afternoon tour of Pittsburgh: the Incline! This is a must of course, and I believe everyone enjoyed the ride (well maybe...) and the view was great.

Yeah Pittsburgh!

From here, we headed in to Downtown for an early dinner at... you guessed it: PRIMANTI'S! When talking about where we could eat I was informed that the girls 'are very picky.' But after mentioning that you get fries on your sandwich, that all were sold on such an awesome idea.

Those are the faces of joy...

I know it is super impolite to take pictures of people eating... but it is Primanti's!

And a great surprise, Gwyn also joined us for dinner. And interestingly enough, it was Gwyn's first time at the establishment as well. She has lived here her entire life, and has never enjoyed the greatness.

This may be my all time favorite picture of Gwyn.

For those of you who are seeing these pictures, savor them. I recognize that I just posted 3 pictures of women eating gigantic sandwiches. And some do not like this, so I may take them down if asked. I am just saying, savor them....


From dinner we walked around downtown for a bit and then headed over the Heinz where the show was going to be. There were a ton of cowboy boots and plaid 'farm shirts' and plenty of bedazzled cowboy hats.

Crossing the Clemente Bridge. Gramps, this would be over the Allegheny river.

As you can see the weather is not optimal, but it did not rain all that much. There was some sprinkling early on, but it ended fairly quickly (I think). After making it to the entry gates, we parted ways, and the girls headed in to the show. I was informed the next day that it was: "AMAZING!"


The whole afternoon was filled with lots of story telling and chatting about New York, both now and back in the day. It was very fun to share the city with Karen and the girls. There may have to be a trip up to New York in the near future!

Now that I have tried to avoid misinformation, and have realized that I have a bad memory for detail, I apologize greatly if anyone feels as though something was misreported.

If I get more pictures from Karen, I will be sure to post them. Oh! And a word about the 'Not-Cousin' title: when later asking me about the afternoon, Gwyn referred to them endearingly as my 'not-cousins.' I like that idea.

Pearl and the Beard

So you all may have noticed that on my top 5 media picks for this summer, a band called Pearl and the Beard received an honorable mention. Well, I think they need to highlighted, they are getting their own post.

First off, click this, and put it in the back ground to listen while reading the rest.

Pearl and the Beard are a Trio of great and accomplished musicians who deliver what I will call modern urban folk. Their line-up: a guitarist, a cellist (someone who plays the cello) and a percussionist, all with beautifully unique, yet harmonic voices. Their music is something else. I highly suggest to anyone who likes solid vocals with equal amounts of acoustic drive and a passion and humor for what is played.

Gwyn first informed me for this band back in September, and I have been listening to them since. Tonight they put on a great show at the Garfield Artworks. Gwyn was literally giddy with excitement, it was great to see. She even got a song dedicated to her.

I know you are all thinking about this, so I will dispel any rumors, I did get a shirt and it is great. Pictures will come soon as all were taken on cell phones.

I would also like to give space for Brad Yoder. He opened. And he was also great. I think that I heard of him from Jessie or Drew... but anyways, I am looking forward to hearing more of him.

For more information: Pearl and the Beard and Brad Yoder 

Found it. Finally

Last night was another Monday night movie. This week was 'Hangover Part II.' I would say it is right on par with the previous movie. In fact, the story line was more or less 'ctrl+c' then 'ctrl+v' in to a new script. It was funny. I cannot deny it that, but not something that I would watch with my mother (sorry mom).

Anyway... that is not all that important. What is important is that I finally found a suitable Mexican place in Pittsburgh. I know! Let the jubilation begin! As many of you know, I really enjoy Mexican food. Really really enjoy it. And I was spoiled living in the Tri Cities with places like La Fama and Hacienda Del Sol. I have been looking... nay, longing for a place that could fill the void in my life after coming here to this town far away from Mexico. Where people think Mad Mex is amazing and great Mexican food (it is not either of those things, at best it is an attempt at a weird derivation of Tex-Mex)

I met up with Gwyn to help her with a load of stuff for Goodwill (she has now filled 8-10 trash bags with stuff to toss (and as she put it:  'Not trash, but stuff that she is getting rid of') and 2 full car loads of stuff for Goodwill, it is impressive how much stuff she collected in her room), then we set out to find food before the movie. We were a little crunched on time, so we headed towards the theater to streamline the process. As we were rounding the corner on to Carson Street she asked if I wanted to go to Emilianos. I said heck yes.

First off, the number one thing that gets me excited about a place: chips and salsa. (previous to this experience, I had not been served chips and salsa at a restaurant since El Sombrero in Spokane right before I left for PGH). Second thing that raised my excitement: I didn't know what some of the menu items were. As in they were actually Mexican derived things! Not just a whole bunch of derivative 'Burritos' and 'Quesadillas.' Third, and I don't mean to hold this against anyone or any place, I like all people of all races and creeds, but the staff were Hispanic. Fourth: the food was great, and filling, and cheap. I told Gwyn: "We are coming back here. Often." To be honest, this place would never make it in the Tri, but for Pittsburgh, it will work.

I know you were all worried. But you can relax, I found a decent place for Mexican, you can sleep at night now.

Tuesday Top Five: This American Daisy is going the Speed of Jericho

First a side note: I am starting something new, as a way to keep up the blogging over the summer, and to provide place for new content. I give all credit to Cory's The Bruin Brew Blog for this idea. As soon as he gets back to me, we can start having a cross blog event. I may even be able to get Sam in on this.

This week's Top Five: 

"Scott's Top 5 Media Pics for The Summer"

1) This American Life (Radio)
Gwyn introduced me to this wonderful program. This is a weekly radio show that is produced out of Chicago's WBEZ station and aired all over the place on NPR. The format of the show is a little loose, but a topic is chosen, then the rest of the show centers around that topic. At the moment I am listening to 'Georgia Rambler' where 9 people went to small towns in Georgia to find 'The Most Interesting Person in Town,' and is a series of interview and small town stories. Other episodes have covered criminal cases, they dive in to political situation, economic situations... Really anything they find interesting, and that is the cool thing, they ask questions that most people are also asking in their heads. And they present it in a fair, clear, yet light manner. For those of you who don't like finding radio shows (other than Click and Clack's Car Talk) you can listen to the program online here or get the podcast! It is great. I have been going through the archives, one by one.

2) Pushing Daisies (TV, originally on ABC 2 seasons, now Cancelled)
I think best described as a humorous CSI - Law and Order mix, set in Wonderland, with a bit of a twist. The show follows the story of a Pie maker, Ned, who can bring people back to life by touching them, but then when he touches them again, they return to being dead. This may seem morbid, but they are very tasteful about it. And the visuals are simply stunning and magical, the 'world' is very imaginative and colorful. The dialogue is witty and fast. The characters are great. One of my new favorites. If you have Netflix (Mom, Dad... nudge nudge...) I highly suggest checking it out via streaming.

3) Jericho (TV, originally on CBS 2 seasons, now cancelled)
Joe, one of Larry's old roommates, suggested that I watch this, turned out to be a great suggestion. Story of a small mid-west town that is trying to survive after the majority of the large cities in the US were destroyed in a nuclear attack. Lots of diverse characters, lots of back story, lots of drama and action. Not as bloody and dreary as most post-apocalyptic narratives, very realistic and conceivable. I don't think everyone would enjoy it (most likely why it was cancelled), but worth checking out.

4) Speed of Darkness - Flogging Molly
Yes, it is true, Flogging Molly released a new album. I was alerted to this from a e-mail from Chris, where he said he didn't quite know what to think of it, and asked if I had heard it. We came to the conclusion that while it did not rise to the standard of Drunken Lullabies, it was still a decent album. From my own raiting, I would say that it is not as good as their first 3 albums, but it is great compared to Float.  One thing that I really enjoy about the album is how it centers around Detroit, and seems to be sung to the unemployed working class. It gives the album a feeling of depression era disparity, that works really well. A little more folk-y then punk-y, certainly something for music fans. The video for 'Don't Shut them Down' is beautifully done.

5) X-Men First Class
I don't know what number this is in the line up, possibly 5th or 6th of X-men movies, but it might be my favorite out of all of them. Covering the origins of Xavier and Magneto and the start of the X-men, this film was both action packed and emotion packed. I thought for a comic book movie it had great acting, and of course great visual effects and action. I don't really have much more to say then, go see it.


Honorable Mentions:
Going out in Style - Dropkick Murphy's (new album)
Endgame - Rise Against (new album)
Pearl and the Beard (band)
Sucker Punch (movie)
127 Hours (movie)
Insidious (movie)
The Other Guys (movie)
The Sorcerer's Apprentice (movie, surprisingly good)
The Academy Is... (band)

Come back next week, same time, for more top 5 picks from yours truly. If you want to contribute, let me know what top 5 things you want to know!

Album Graecum

Long ago I was invited to be part of the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. I was ejected from the competition when I recieved the word that I previously thought was 'Albumgreekum.' Today, after searching for it and seeing three links (two of them to my very own blog post about the event) I was able to finally resolve this long curiosity.

The word is actually 'Album Graecum.' Which is a little silly looking back, as this is actually two words... I was tricked out of the competition. If you want to know more about this lovely thing, I direct you to the Wiki page for it, here.