It's the Culture Stupid

Does it baffle anyone else why 1) politicians can't / won't address the underlying cause for mass shootings in this country and 2) why it takes numerous mass killings to even have this discussion in the first place?

I don't typically get into politics, but I'm not seeing anything posted or reported referring to the underlying problem.

While folks are concerned about the size of their clips (all guns kill people), a lovely smokescreen is being cast on the fact that without cultural change, no change will be accomplished. What causes the phenomenon that breeds people like this? Answer: It has nothing to do with guns - and this is coming from me, and I consider myself quite the liberal. Any culture that uses violence as a means to an end instead of negotiation and cool headedness has horrors like we saw in recent days. Nothing has changed much since we white Americans began colonizing. Granted, we have not always been the aggressor. However, we are still the only country that has dropped not one.. But two atomic bombs. We have gone to war to protect oil interests. We have become the next empire of the world without the land rights. Other countries who's leadership and laws promote agreesion breed homegrown terrorists, suicide bombers, and pussies in general who could stoop to the lows we saw late last week. As most countries demonstrate, when a position of being civil is created at the top through both foreign and domestic policies, the Culture follows. Mahatma's goal was to teach the culture to be strong in the face of opposition without violence. Where has the progress been all these years later? Love, tolerance, forgiveness.. Using our strongest muscle in our entire body, our minds.

Change must start at the top as any quality change management and Six Sigma approach teaches us. It will take generations to change provided we stick to this vision.

My heart goes out to all the kids that lost their lives due to cowardess violence especially at this time of year. All violence is cowardess. It is my hope that our voice will be heard that violence, war, agreesiveness, is never an acceptable answer from anyone within our country. I hope that each reader will always remember, vote, act, teach, and live seeking non-violent intelligent solutions.

Joe's Simple Balsamic Vinaigrette

Would you end buying non-fresh, sugar filled salad dressing already? I can drink Balsamic Vinegar straight. It is so good. I think between this dressing or a Caesar salad, who needs anything else? I hear the debates rumbling already. You'll literally need six ingredients. You can make this on demand. You can make in large quantities. What's not to like about homemade? And once you see how quick it is, you'll be kicking yourself in the ass for ever spending hard earned money for poison in a bottle. Here it is.. (I had to fill in a little of the white space in an effort to keep your attention)

What you'll need:

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar (quality balsamic vinegar makes a difference folks)

1 garlic clove chopped fine and pressed to make a paste

1 tsp dry mustard powder (I use Coleman's)

Salt and pepper to taste

In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, garlic and mustard powder. Adjust the flavor with salt and pepper (tri -blend pepper is my favorite in this). Refrigerate until you're ready to serve. Make less or more depending upon the amount of people you're serving. 

Garlic, Chile & Lemon Grilled Shrimp

It's never too late in the year to make grilled shrimp! You'll marinate for two or three hours, so prepare in advance. I serve this with a simple spring mix and spinach salad with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette (recipe to follow) drizzled over the top. Other great ideas at the end.

What you'll need:
15 - 20 large raw shrimp, shelled and deveined (tail left on)
2 cloves garlic, peeled
2 red chiles or other pepper (I've used serrano peppers) seeded and chopped fine
1/2 tsp sweet authentic Hungarian Paprika
1/4 tsp lemon juice
1-inch piece of fresh gingerroot, peeled
4 - 6 tbsp olive oil
Sea salt and pepper

Pound the garlic, chiles, paprika, lemon juice and ginger together using a mortar and pestle, or if you're like me, I use a blender. Gradually add the oil until you get a thin paste. Season with salt and pepper.

Line a baking tray with wax paper and put the shrimp in the center. Pour the above paste onto the shrimp and work in with your hands to fully coat. Toss the tray into the refrigerator for about two to three hours to let all of that flavor get sucked in.

Fire up a hot grill - using an electric grill is ok. The key is to cook for 4-6 minutes (time based on the temp of your fire) , turning half way through or so. Do not overcook the shrimp. Depending on how hot your grill is, they may cook quicker. Shrimp turn pink and feel slightly firm to the touch when they're done.

Serve these bad boys immediately - we hate cold shrimp here at Caffeine. Serve with a flavored vinaigrette, sour cream or tomato salsa.. Or just by themselves.. They are so good, a touch of salt is all I need with a nice salad.

Best Restaurant Representing Charlotte

The time has come to select your favorite restaurant in the QC area! If you had someone in town the has never been here before, where would you take them? The only requirements are that the restaurant can't be a huge chain present in many cities, and it must be open for lunch and dinner services. Voting will be tabulated based on comments here. We will feature the restaurant here and post a review to our friends at Yelp, along with other social media publicity. Good luck and happy eating!

Late Night Mumble

Sitting in the dark at this late hour. Can't sleep. There's nothing wrong except that impending career change. Do I remain in a current role, or move inside? Either way, I'm certain the income will be better. What is there to lose? With as much knowledge that I have, even if it were to all end, and there was a cut in my near future, I can hold my head up and say, "Joe, you've done alright." Such a positive feeling.

Ernest Hemingway wrote in For Whom the Bell Tolls, "Today is only one day in all the days that will ever be. But what will happen in all the other days that ever come can depend on what you do today." This thought and living motto creed I have lived. Some of which extremely satisfying and others painful like a roaring fire to the skin. How does one teach this or learn it for that matter? Answer: it cannot be taught to another orally - merely lived and observed, while paying constant attention to the cause and effects of being. Experience. Learning. Willing to walk through changes to grow better. 

What have I done today through actions to grow? 

The day is over - it no longer counts. Tomorrow it begins again while striving towards progress and excellence.

Basil Pesto Chicken Panini

I came up with this a few years back for an outdoor Spring lunch. It's so good, make it year round or whenever fresh basil is available. Never buy jarred pesto. I don't know what it is but it could be the most vile thing known to culinary cuisine.

Basil Pesto:
1 cup basil leaves chopped
2 tbs grated parm
1 tbs pine nuts
1 clove garlic
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

Put all ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. Drizzle more oil as you're blending to get the consistency you want. See how easy that was? Set this aside in a medium metal bowl in the fridge for now.

Sandwich:
1.5 lbs chicken tenders cut into bite size pieces
1 orange bell pepper cut julienne
1 yellow pepper cut julienne
3 tbs extra virgin olive oil
6 slices provolone cheese.
2 cups loosely packed organic baby spinach
Fresh baked French bread divided into 3 equal sub like lengths & sliced in half to make a sandwich
Salt and pepper

Heat 2 tbs oil in large pan on medium high heat. Add the chicken and season with salt and pepper. Brown the chicken pieces. Once done, and please don't overcook (no pink inside but not dry as a bone), remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. Add 1 tbs oil and the peppers to the same pan you used for the chicken. Roast on medium high heat until tender and the skin slightly roasted.

Assembly: add the chicken and peppers to the pesto. Stir to coat well. Spoon out a nice layer of the chicken mixture onto the bottom half of one of your sub rolls. Layer baby spinach on top of the chicken. Add 2 slices of cheese. Put the top of the bun on. Throw the sandwich into a heated panini press. Press the sandwich flat and heat for 3 minutes or so until the bread is piping hot and toasted. Remove with a spatula onto a plate and cut in half. Repeat the process for the remaining 2 sandwiches.

Enjoy!

No Coincidence

For many years, I've been of the firm belief that there really aren't too many coincidences. The girl that left, the change of jobs, a move, the people I interact with... On one hand I'd like to think that I listen to that gut reaction. On the other hand, things are chosen for me - they are almost forced upon me. Take that one instance of having to leave a relationship. That one I thought would never end. It involved a move away and then back again within two miles of where I left off. Different person - different circumstances.

At the time I could say it was the worst thing ever. Now, as I drive by the old place, I am reminded that I am exactly where I'm supposed to be. It wasn't an easy travel either. As a matter of fact, this blog originated (under a different name) back at that previous location. When I flip through the thoughts penned out throughout that time, I am reminded that while things got crazy, I am happy and enthralled with the new life - a new life reinvented around love, passion, compassion and living life being real and true to whom we are. Nothing can be more satisfying than that - that feeling of knowing I made the right decisions, working my ass off, walking through the fire yet again, and remained true to myself. To me, there is nothing more important than that.

Joe's Whiskey Barbecue Sauce

This is so easy! Just remember that if you reuse the same sauce used to baste raw meat, I will stab you with my grilling fork unless it is boiled off to eliminate cross contamination... You'll only need about 2-4 tablespoons of bourbon. How much you buy and drink while making the sauce is up to you. I am not responsible if you stumble into the grill on a drunken stupor. :) Enjoy!

Whisk together 2 tablespoons of ketchup with 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar in a saucepan over low heat. Next, add 1/4 cup molasses and two tablespoons of deli style mustard. Add 1 tablespoon pure chili powder. Add 1 teaspoon each ground cumin, dried oregano, and fresh ground pepper. Add 2-4 tablespoons of bourbon.

Simmer this for about 20-30 minutes, stirring often. Add salt and hot sauce to taste. If you really want to sweat, find a nice habanero hot sauce instead. Feel free to adjust the other ingredients as you see fit. I will often cut back on the vinegar, add more bourbon... you know the drill.

Chicken on the Grill

Let's top the summer off with a kicking good piece of chicken!
What you need:
1tbs paprika
1tbs garlic powder
1tbs dried oregano
1tsp dried rosemary
1.5tsp salt
1tsp ground pepper
barbecue sauce (homemade or Sweet Baby Rays)
8 bone-in chicken thighs

Your favorite wood chips soaked for 30 minutes and drained - I will also use pellets in a tin foil pouch with a small hole punched in the top center

Mix together the first six ingredients and rub the thighs with these mixed herbs. Let them stand for 1 hour at room temperature.

Get your grill going and set on medium-high heat (set it up for indirect cooking)

Sprinkle the chips on the charcoal or add your pouch to the grill. Grill the chicken over the direct heat areas for 3-5 minutes per side. Don't allow flare ups. Transfer the pieces to the unheated portion of the grill and cover the grill. Cook for 5 minutes. Brush both sides of the chicken pieces with barbecue sauce and cook for 5 more minutes.

Check to see if they're done closest to the bone. No pink should be visible. Temperature should be 160 F. Continue cooking as needed. Cover done pieces with aluminum foil until ready to serve.

Do not re-use the barbecue sauce if you used for brushing unless it is boiled off to eliminate cross contamination.

The Lawn Tracker - Page Two

What a Tim Allen moment! Future father-in-law pulls in, looks at my enormous pile of supplies and says, "Wow!" Oh yeah! See the picture on the left. This portion of the tracker is the continuation of the last. The first post started off at the Fall. I have made some adjustments based on what I saw over the year. Most notable was changing the type of seed to straight Kentucky 31. I used a Carolina blend the last time. I got some weird flowering weeds in the Carolina blend.

I started September 1. The summer temps backed off early. The rains were good timing too. This is earlier in the season than the last time. I used four bags of Kentucky 31, six bags of lime and three bags of 10-10-10. I used no lime this time last year. This is the second time I've added lime. On a hunch, my soil/clay isn't suited for fescue.

I cut the grass low one week before. This allowed the grass cuttings time to mulch in. My spreader was set at half way for the lime and the fertilizer. My spreader number is 15. I wanted to go heavy seed this time. I went up to 20 on my spreader for the seed. I went over the areas that looked like it needed more help with a secord or third pass with the spreader.

When it was all done, I got lucky. It started raining moderately for an hour or more. For a good yard, I'm coming to the belief that I have to be a weather person to a degree. My company has one on staff that predicted a cooler end of summer. It hasn't been anywhere close to the century mark. It was 93 on the day I seeded, but the temps have dropped to upper 80s to 90° with rain. I downloaded the weather underground app. It's a huge help.

Based on these results, my goal is to take care of weeds early Spring and lime again. I have considered using a weed and feed instead. In every article/blog/online source, it sounds like crab grass takes about 7 years to control thanks to the germination cycle. Once I see how the new seed takes off in those areas, I'll make a better judgement on the product.

How's your lawn? Are my pains in the yard helping? What do you do? Comment below :-)

The Chef's Lesson

There are times when we look back and say that we wish we had one more opportunity to do something. If we could have just had that moment of clarity to have a made a different decision. You know.. That general sense of regret. I had such a moment. As many know, I'm a wiz in the kitchen. Experience. Learning. Tasting. Burning bacon and other acts of culinary treason. As with so many other greats, they got there by mirroring those they admire the most. This is my story. The one I admired the most in the kitchen? Mom.

What the hell drew me to standing in the kitchen with her night after night I have no idea. Turn the calendar to present day, I would be given the opportunity to be standing together with her while cooking yet again. Frail, I proceed to cook alone a meal similar to those of my childhood. Cane in hand, an offering to play sous chef brought mixed emotions. I'm thinking: Let her relax while I take care of for a change. In reality, it was a call back to the old days - mother and son side-by-side one more time. It was her need to feel useful and our joy of creating the emotion that comes from eating and making an amazing meal together. I pray it won't be the last.

Avoid regret - embrace the present moment.

The Lawn Tracker - Year One

One of my favorite things to do is sit outside with my Java and admire the birds, the trees, my craptastic lawn.. An acre and a half of a mix of every weed known to man with some beautiful patches in between. This lawn hasn't seen an aerator or fertilizer in at least eight years. I decided to create the lawn tracker for myself based on a twice a year program. I'm no guru on the subject - this is merely a way to look back and say this worked and that didn't. I also realize that I'm not alone. Perhaps through comments we can track our successes together and enjoy that perfect cup of Joe to the fullest.

Fall 2011
• Rented aerator from Mt. Holly Farm Supply (MHFS)
• Purchased 3 huge sacks of Fescue, 3 bags of Green Charger
• Two weeks into October (warm winter ahead) aerated and spread the above
• Settings for the pull behind spreader was half way open for both

Spring 2012
• Purchased six bags of pre-emergent and six bags of lime from MHFS
• Spreader set half way last week of February
• Cut the grass two weeks later
• Normal cutting - mower deck set one setting lower than half (Bolens)
• Hand spread Pennington advanced seed to fix Mr. 704's pee spots

Year One Results
• Pennington seed worked so-so.
• Crab grass has a long way to go to get rid of
• Different species of grass causing different shades of green
• Opt to weed and feed after pre-emergent next Spring?
• Lime twice a year with Green Charger due to high acidity in the soil?

I welcome your comments below to adjust Fall 2012's prescriptive program!

Exposed

A young couple was riding down the road. First road trip together. Happy as could be. Along with them was the husband's trusty dog. Its a package deal of course. She puts up with the dog for her love of him. Windows down. Life couldn't be better except the wind blown hair plastered across her face. The look at him through held back bangs - his guilt for wanting to have a good time. A/C on and the windows go up. The first deal breaker to be exposed comes through the vents. How could he have withheld this vital piece of information?!

An enclosed and extremely small environment emits the first accusation. He had smelly feet! Did her friends know this? How could her parents not say anything? In horror, he deflects the question. No one had told him this either in all of his 27 years. All she could think about was the betrayal, what her friends were thinking of her new beau, the last time he might have washed his feet based on the rating his smell had on the obnoxious scale, and the fortune it would cost at a pediatrist if she did not want to be embarrassed. All he can think about was, "What the hell is she talking about!" Unspoken words - clear emotional discomfort. Until, that is, the dog put his comforting paw on her shoulder.

The smell clearly coming from whatever it was he stepped in prior to hopping into the car. Something dead apparently.

It was the last time an accusation was raised by her in their relationship. A dog paw of a misunderstanding you might say. The lesson for her was to question before accusation. The lesson for him? Wash his dog's goddamn feet.

Mine That Bird

In 2009, a relatively unknown horse by the name of "Mine That Bird," a 50:1 long shot, came from dead last in the pack to win the Kentucky Derby. Even the announcers were stunned and can't form their words correctly to describe what is unfolding before their eyes. Relive the race:

The lesson was taught into me over years of trial and failure that I always need to remain optimistic. I'm the first to admit to you that after denial and failure perceived and/or real for a long period of time, it is so easy to slip into a fatalistic mindset. This isn't depression - this is normal. After years of no hope and failure to achieve my dreams, I became numb with the idea that life was always going to be worthless. This had the potential to cause reckless behavior. It was only until I had someone ask me, "Why can't you go back to college?" did that revitalizing emotion come back that I should envision success. It was only until I became a life long learner willing to ask others for help and direction did my life improve. Most importantly, I took every suggestion that was given to me. I was worth it. I moved out of Florida to North Carolina. This is huge to someone willing to simply be content with nothing. I achieved my mini goals. Above all else - Courage, courage and more courage. Never give up. Take action. I became most convinced that I needed no one for my emotional happiness except for my love affair of dogs. That is one connection I may never break my emotional dependence on. I would have never arrived at this state without going through all of that and my darkest day, hour and moment. Even today I look for the next success. It's a life long journey. If it all ended today, I could say, "You know what? I did pretty damn good."

A Walk in the Dark

Have you ever had that moment when you realize you have absolutely no clue where you're headed, and your scared shitless? How about in life? I did. But I never realized that I had one of the most important of life's lessons or directions the whole time - I would live in North Carolina. Hey, at least I had a direction. Its not a major life goal. I know this. However, subconsciously, it went hand-in-hand with a major one to overcome fear.

The story goes back to when I was a wee boy. Imagine traveling up to your folks second place in the mountains. I hated sleeping in the pitch black room by myself. I wasn't supposed to sleep in my brother's room because I was scared. I'm a city boy for crying out loud. The city lights of South Florida never allowed the stars to shine too brightly. When the bear came running up the side of the house, grunting and knocking over the trash cans right outside my window I would never be the same again emotionally or spiritually. I would always be reliant on someone else for my emotional security.

This point was cemented in stone later on in life. One early morning while hunting, I walked out to my spot in the dark. I didn't want to go into the hammock alone for fear of an animal attacking. Wouldn't you know it.. a boar hog ran right passed me in the dark. I thought it was the bear. I thought I needed to buy new underwear.

What I didn't realize I was thinking was that I needed to return to North Carolina and stand on my own to face the "bear". Not relying on anyone to give me my own emotional security. I did one foot out in front of the other. But it took a lot of life lessons prior to this to get to that point. The lessons were far from over.

In the beginning..

I'm not sure when I felt that I was just a little off or a tad bit different than most kids my age. Perhaps it was those stupid tortoise framed glasses my parents put me in. Or the simple fact that I was antisocial for as long as I can remember. I had one friend growing up. No one else wanted to hang around him except for me. From a well to do family, it kind of surprised me. Then again his breath did smell like dog shit every day. I don't know. I didn't care. He accepted me and I him. I'm sure he went off to law school or medical and has more money than God. Hell. He could have even turned out to be a male prostitute pimping himself out on South Beach. I have no clue as is the case with most of the people I knew growing up. I lost touch with him after Elementary. I saw him again years later while in High School. He had two girls on each arm. Honestly, I felt unsuccessful and pathetic. Girlfriendless of course. Such was the story of my life. Chasing others' dreams instead of finding value in self. Jealousy and envy. Who was I? It was the beginning of an adventure that would ultimately paint the collage that is my life today. Ironically, geeky tortoise glasses are back in fad. Thank goodness because I have come full circle wearing them again to paint my collage for you.

Make It Right!

Everyday, I come across projects, processes and programs that need help. I am asked to come in and help build or rebuild programs that the firm relies on for millions in  revenue. I bring my arsenal of tools of experience in many sectors to find those solutions. In many cases, I bring sides of the business that are collaborating for the first time - to me, this isn't rocket science.

The next step is to sell it. Imagine marketing on steroids. We don't just use social media, but we also use all other channels.

How and why is a fixer like me necessary in the first place, and what kind of mindset does one need in terms of business? First, it takes a full knowledge of the rules, regulations and the best practices in the industry to bring a company the competitive advantage. Just as this is important, I find that being a customer advocate is just as important - if not more so. Program disconnects come as a result of not putting in the effort in the beginning to build that level of quality.

Make It Right! It takes so little effort to slow the process down just a little bit to build in the quality into every aspect of a product or service. Think of the thousands of dollars wasted by not doing this! Think of the quality of the end result when building/rebuilding the job and leave absolutely no stone unturned. No excuse.

I take that quality to my home life too. No excuse. I don't believe in one sided relationships or out of convenience. It drives me nuts that a DBE can continually torture mentally my adopted daughter. If there is no quality, it is better to shut the door tight and tell them to go take a hike. In business we are responsible. As members of our families, even more so. When we don't, do not expect for it to last.

Intolerance Hurts

While we haven't brewed awesome Java in awhile, we are still alive and well. We would like to say that the intolerant behavior North Carolina and other states have demonstrated by adding in "Constitutional" amendments segregating any group of people is wrong. There is nothing Christian about hatred. We believe that any group of people has the right to experience the freedoms we all share. We have grown away from one of the greatest sins man has ever known - slavery. And here we find ourselves still debating the common gifts that all people are afforded in this country. This law also imposes the ability for one religion to claim stake on the government's laws of the land. What about the rest of the religions in this country? Separation of church and state was imposed by our founders for a reason. This is why. Our forefathers wanted to get away from religious and taxation tyranny. It also means that the government can't tax religion.

We are thankful to many Charlotte businesses that have taken the stand against discrimination by ensuring that all individuals shall receive equal benefits regardless of status.

If religion wishes to make it's own rules, then do so behind the closed doors of the chapel. More people were killed in the name of Jesus than for any other cause throughout history. As a global nation, we have grown beyond this to realize that persecution is unacceptable by anyone. Isn't that the true message of what He taught? Tolerance, acceptance, love, compassion, selfless service. These ideals are the cornerstone of true spiritualism.

I encourage each of you to draw a line in the sand and take a stand in your personal lives to encourage equality for all people. What one action will you do to show compassion to all people?

- Joe
Proprietor | Caffeine Central