Blog

St. Bede’s Family Service

t 9:08 in St. Bede’s Chapel we wonder if anyone other than the core team of worship leaders will show up for the 9:15 Family Service. Then, in a matter of minutes, we have a crowd of probably 75. Babies being babies,...

read more

Playing for Pizza

PLAYING FOR PIZZA   I just finished reading John Grisham's "Playing for Pizza," a story about an NFL quarterback who takes a five-month contract to play minor league football in Italy.

read more

Vote Suppression

"Over the past several years Republican lawmakers, citing concerns of voter fraud and of electoral calculations, have introduced voting restrictions in dozens of states, limiting polling hours, requiring difficult-to-acquire forms of identification, closing polling...

read more

Why photo IDs?

Coors: The better question is, ''Why require a photo ID for voting when the old IDs worked just fine?'' No one can come up with an answer that will stand up to logical scrutiny. Paleriderdosset ''stricter'' means what? 4918   PM:  ...

read more

Government Tyranny

If we allow the govt to FORCE women to have babies, what's next?The govt forcing us to become Muslims? The govt forcing us to become libertarians?The govt forcing us to observe Lent? The govt forcing us into homosexual marriage?Forcing us to learn Spanish?No, thank...

read more

The Biden Rule

Editing out what Biden said doesn't erase it from the public record. No matter HOW MANY TIMES you guys take his earlier statements out of context, we will remind you of the greater context. He WELCOMED BUSH's nomination should a vacancy happen. You can't make it...

read more

Part D Penalty

Kaslin: If it's wrong for people to be fined under Obamacare, why is it okay for seniors on fixed incomes to be fined under Bush's Part D ?Kaslin is NOT going to say; nor will any other right winger.

read more

Rules or No Rules?

Reminds me of once when some of the older boys broke up a fight I was in and said, ''Let's settle it in the ring.'' So, they made us put on boxing gloves and we began to fight.....the older boys acted as referee; breaking us up when we got in a clutch, etc..... Then,...

read more

Doss Isn’t Afraid of Questions

Veritas:  Did you think for a second that Richweb was going to post about his political views and invite us to scrutinize those views critically?BTW -- I support unions, Democrats, teachers, voting rights, civil rights, marriage equality, environmental...

read more

Go Union!

You know that when even a brain dead wing nut sees the benefit of unions, the unions must be doing SOMETHING right.   5099   PM:   Mrsdeluxe   [Quote]     -- 7:46am -- Sat, Mar 5, 16 pstMaryI'm a member of the...

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How Is the Obama Economy?

How Is the Obama Economy? Let's ask some right wingers! <B>5084 PM: Dwightvol [Quote] -- 7:43am -- Sat, Mar 5, 16 pst Dwightvol Here's a shocker for you. My family business as you call it just about doubled it's income in 3 yrs.. 5609 PM: Dino [Quote] --...

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Dog-Salute

 The Daily Show with Jon StewartGet More: Daily Show Full Episodes,The Daily Show on Facebook,Daily Show Video Archive Bush Salute with Dog in Hand

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Absence of What?

2623 PM: Christians [Quote] -- 2:08pm -- Sat, Feb 27, 16 pst Christians are Good Absence of evidence does not mean evidence of absence

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Reagan and Fantasy

''One of his favorite stories, one that he told over and over again to different audiences, concerned a pilot in World War II who told his crew to bail out of their crippled B-17 bomber. When the tail gunner said he could not move because he was badly wounded, the...

read more

Bring in Some New Chains!

Imagine you're watching the Super Bowl. They're slogging it out. Then, one of the teams inserts a female quarterback. The refs stop the game in bring in a new set of chains -- when the female QB is on the field, it takes 25 yards to get a first down. You'd scratch...

read more

Sam’s Houston Press Articles – 2016

  Sam Byrd is a freelance contributor to the Houston Press who loves to take in all of Houston’s sights, sounds, food and fun. He also loves helping others to discover Houston’s rich culture. PS - Sam also contributes to Outsmart December 26, 2017 – Sounds of the...

read more

Final Exam for Sunday School

Final Exam for Sunday School 1) We hear what Jesus has to say in the : Old Testament, New Testament, or Apocrypha 2) Moses led his people out of Egypt in which part of the Bible? Old Testament, New Testament, or Apocrypha 3) Every Sunday, our priest (or our Deacon)...

read more

God Overrules USSC Verdict!

Going through some old files, I came across this bit from my mother's former priest, Sherod Mallow. He sent this to us in an email shortly after the 2000 Florida debacle. God Speaks out on Election Theft Bush to be smitten later today In a rare public appearance God...

read more

My Sweet Emily

I had a GREAT day at church yesterday. A 2nd grader I'm TOTALLY in love with all of the sudden began paying attention to me. She has always been timid around me; but yesterday, she started talking to me, smiling, etc..... And after the service, when I played a...

read more

Macaroni & Cheese

I saw this recipe on a package of cheese from Walmart. I haven't tried it yet, but thought it was worth saving to do later. Ingredients 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked) 3 eggs beaten 10 ounces grated Cheddar cheese 2 1/4 cups milk 1 cup bread crumbs salt and pepper...

read more

Chinese "Stir Fry" Casserole

I started out with a casserole in mind; but I didn't want to put in any sort of starch binder like rice or pasta. But I DID want some cheese. And PLENTY of mushrooms. What resulted turned out tasting like a Chinese stir-fry with cheese. It was delicious. And it was...

read more

Mushroom and Shallot Bake

I threw this together because I had mushrooms; I had shallots; and I was hungry. Ingredients   1/2 pound white mushrooms (or your favorite) sliced 2-3-4 Shallots, chopped 1 or 2 T raspberry or other jam or preserves 1 T hot sauce salt pepper butter for the pan...

read more

Instructed Eucharist by The Reverend Sam Todd

Several years ago, The Rev. Sam Todd conducted an "instructed Eucharist" at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church in Houston, Texas. Fr. Sam graciously shared his notes with me and granted me permission to use them in teaching Youth Confirmation/Sunday school, and to...

read more

Tommy Moore Sightings

Thanks to my brother, Dwayne, for tipping me off to these two sightings of the Tommy Moore picture. One on the local Fox News affiliate in Memphis, and the other on CNN. The Fox News segment apparently lifts verbiage straight from this blog post. For over forty years...

read more

REVEALING HEAVEN

Our good friend, the Rev. John W. Price, has written about his conversations with over 200 people who've had a "near death experience." His book, REVEALING HEAVEN - The Christian Case for Near Death Experiences, is available online and in bookstores now....

read more

Girls at Work

These are some of our students at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church. They are SO much fun. Note the mural in the background. We have some fabulous artists at Palmer. Here are links to two of them who did the mural. Jackie Campbell and Katee Esser.  (Kelley Bourgeois is...

read more

Seafood and Guacamole Enchiladas

I make up a seafood salad from mock crab meat. It's great for sandwiches or in a tortilla wrap. I served Sherry a wrap, and she suggested I heat it up next time. So I decided to try this combination. Ingredients 2 cups seafood salad 2 cups guacamole colby-jack cheese,...

read more

It’s Going Well,

Sherry's just about recovered from the many injuries she sustained back on October 21. Her eye, face, cheek, etc., seem to be healing perfectly. Her arm, shoulder, and elbow are healed too, but in need of lots of therapy.She continues to see her therapist for the time...

read more

More Visits to Our Doctors

Two doctor visits today. First --- Dr. Taylor says Sherry's doing great --- bite works -- jaw works --- looks good. I LIKE this guy! And I like his wife too. (More on that later.)Dr. Gabel, though, has concerns. She has way too much scarring and swelling still going...

read more

Second Eye Surgery Done

We took Sherry in to see Dr. Soparkar today, and he did the work on her eyelid. They deadened her eye area with a salve much like a dentist would do your gum before bringing in the needle.I watched the whole thing, but not too closely. He put in several stitches...

read more

Second Eye Surgery

Sherry visited Dr. Soparkar this morning, and he's decided that she needs another round of surgery. He says it's a minor correction that will be done in the office under local anesthesia. She's set to have this done a week from today. Sherry and I appreciate your...

read more

St. Bede’s Family Service

t 9:08 in St. Bede’s Chapel we wonder if anyone other than the core team of worship leaders will show up for the 9:15 Family Service. Then, in a matter of minutes, we have a crowd of probably 75. Babies being babies,...

read more

Playing for Pizza

PLAYING FOR PIZZA   I just finished reading John Grisham's "Playing for Pizza," a story about an NFL quarterback who takes a five-month contract to play minor league football in Italy.

read more

Vote Suppression

"Over the past several years Republican lawmakers, citing concerns of voter fraud and of electoral calculations, have introduced voting restrictions in dozens of states, limiting polling hours, requiring difficult-to-acquire forms of identification, closing polling...

read more

Why photo IDs?

Coors: The better question is, ''Why require a photo ID for voting when the old IDs worked just fine?'' No one can come up with an answer that will stand up to logical scrutiny. Paleriderdosset ''stricter'' means what? 4918   PM:  ...

read more

Government Tyranny

If we allow the govt to FORCE women to have babies, what's next?The govt forcing us to become Muslims? The govt forcing us to become libertarians?The govt forcing us to observe Lent? The govt forcing us into homosexual marriage?Forcing us to learn Spanish?No, thank...

read more

The Biden Rule

Editing out what Biden said doesn't erase it from the public record. No matter HOW MANY TIMES you guys take his earlier statements out of context, we will remind you of the greater context. He WELCOMED BUSH's nomination should a vacancy happen. You can't make it...

read more

Part D Penalty

Kaslin: If it's wrong for people to be fined under Obamacare, why is it okay for seniors on fixed incomes to be fined under Bush's Part D ?Kaslin is NOT going to say; nor will any other right winger.

read more

Rules or No Rules?

Reminds me of once when some of the older boys broke up a fight I was in and said, ''Let's settle it in the ring.'' So, they made us put on boxing gloves and we began to fight.....the older boys acted as referee; breaking us up when we got in a clutch, etc..... Then,...

read more

Doss Isn’t Afraid of Questions

Veritas:  Did you think for a second that Richweb was going to post about his political views and invite us to scrutinize those views critically?BTW -- I support unions, Democrats, teachers, voting rights, civil rights, marriage equality, environmental...

read more

Go Union!

You know that when even a brain dead wing nut sees the benefit of unions, the unions must be doing SOMETHING right.   5099   PM:   Mrsdeluxe   [Quote]     -- 7:46am -- Sat, Mar 5, 16 pstMaryI'm a member of the...

read more

How Is the Obama Economy?

How Is the Obama Economy? Let's ask some right wingers! <B>5084 PM: Dwightvol [Quote] -- 7:43am -- Sat, Mar 5, 16 pst Dwightvol Here's a shocker for you. My family business as you call it just about doubled it's income in 3 yrs.. 5609 PM: Dino [Quote] --...

read more

Dog-Salute

 The Daily Show with Jon StewartGet More: Daily Show Full Episodes,The Daily Show on Facebook,Daily Show Video Archive Bush Salute with Dog in Hand

read more

Absence of What?

2623 PM: Christians [Quote] -- 2:08pm -- Sat, Feb 27, 16 pst Christians are Good Absence of evidence does not mean evidence of absence

read more

Reagan and Fantasy

''One of his favorite stories, one that he told over and over again to different audiences, concerned a pilot in World War II who told his crew to bail out of their crippled B-17 bomber. When the tail gunner said he could not move because he was badly wounded, the...

read more

Bring in Some New Chains!

Imagine you're watching the Super Bowl. They're slogging it out. Then, one of the teams inserts a female quarterback. The refs stop the game in bring in a new set of chains -- when the female QB is on the field, it takes 25 yards to get a first down. You'd scratch...

read more

Sam’s Houston Press Articles – 2016

  Sam Byrd is a freelance contributor to the Houston Press who loves to take in all of Houston’s sights, sounds, food and fun. He also loves helping others to discover Houston’s rich culture. PS - Sam also contributes to Outsmart December 26, 2017 – Sounds of the...

read more

Final Exam for Sunday School

Final Exam for Sunday School 1) We hear what Jesus has to say in the : Old Testament, New Testament, or Apocrypha 2) Moses led his people out of Egypt in which part of the Bible? Old Testament, New Testament, or Apocrypha 3) Every Sunday, our priest (or our Deacon)...

read more

God Overrules USSC Verdict!

Going through some old files, I came across this bit from my mother's former priest, Sherod Mallow. He sent this to us in an email shortly after the 2000 Florida debacle. God Speaks out on Election Theft Bush to be smitten later today In a rare public appearance God...

read more

My Sweet Emily

I had a GREAT day at church yesterday. A 2nd grader I'm TOTALLY in love with all of the sudden began paying attention to me. She has always been timid around me; but yesterday, she started talking to me, smiling, etc..... And after the service, when I played a...

read more

Macaroni & Cheese

I saw this recipe on a package of cheese from Walmart. I haven't tried it yet, but thought it was worth saving to do later. Ingredients 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked) 3 eggs beaten 10 ounces grated Cheddar cheese 2 1/4 cups milk 1 cup bread crumbs salt and pepper...

read more

Chinese "Stir Fry" Casserole

I started out with a casserole in mind; but I didn't want to put in any sort of starch binder like rice or pasta. But I DID want some cheese. And PLENTY of mushrooms. What resulted turned out tasting like a Chinese stir-fry with cheese. It was delicious. And it was...

read more

Mushroom and Shallot Bake

I threw this together because I had mushrooms; I had shallots; and I was hungry. Ingredients   1/2 pound white mushrooms (or your favorite) sliced 2-3-4 Shallots, chopped 1 or 2 T raspberry or other jam or preserves 1 T hot sauce salt pepper butter for the pan...

read more

Instructed Eucharist by The Reverend Sam Todd

Several years ago, The Rev. Sam Todd conducted an "instructed Eucharist" at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church in Houston, Texas. Fr. Sam graciously shared his notes with me and granted me permission to use them in teaching Youth Confirmation/Sunday school, and to...

read more

Tommy Moore Sightings

Thanks to my brother, Dwayne, for tipping me off to these two sightings of the Tommy Moore picture. One on the local Fox News affiliate in Memphis, and the other on CNN. The Fox News segment apparently lifts verbiage straight from this blog post. For over forty years...

read more

REVEALING HEAVEN

Our good friend, the Rev. John W. Price, has written about his conversations with over 200 people who've had a "near death experience." His book, REVEALING HEAVEN - The Christian Case for Near Death Experiences, is available online and in bookstores now....

read more

Girls at Work

These are some of our students at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church. They are SO much fun. Note the mural in the background. We have some fabulous artists at Palmer. Here are links to two of them who did the mural. Jackie Campbell and Katee Esser.  (Kelley Bourgeois is...

read more

Seafood and Guacamole Enchiladas

I make up a seafood salad from mock crab meat. It's great for sandwiches or in a tortilla wrap. I served Sherry a wrap, and she suggested I heat it up next time. So I decided to try this combination. Ingredients 2 cups seafood salad 2 cups guacamole colby-jack cheese,...

read more

It’s Going Well,

Sherry's just about recovered from the many injuries she sustained back on October 21. Her eye, face, cheek, etc., seem to be healing perfectly. Her arm, shoulder, and elbow are healed too, but in need of lots of therapy.She continues to see her therapist for the time...

read more

More Visits to Our Doctors

Two doctor visits today. First --- Dr. Taylor says Sherry's doing great --- bite works -- jaw works --- looks good. I LIKE this guy! And I like his wife too. (More on that later.)Dr. Gabel, though, has concerns. She has way too much scarring and swelling still going...

read more

Second Eye Surgery Done

We took Sherry in to see Dr. Soparkar today, and he did the work on her eyelid. They deadened her eye area with a salve much like a dentist would do your gum before bringing in the needle.I watched the whole thing, but not too closely. He put in several stitches...

read more

Second Eye Surgery

Sherry visited Dr. Soparkar this morning, and he's decided that she needs another round of surgery. He says it's a minor correction that will be done in the office under local anesthesia. She's set to have this done a week from today. Sherry and I appreciate your...

read more

Potato and Sausage Casserole

Ingredients 6 medium red potatoes; sliced1 lb breakfast sausage; crumbled1 medium yellow onion; diced1/2 pound mushrooms; cleaned and sliced1/2 pound cream cheese; softened2-3 cups grated cheddar cheese1 lb frozen green peas; thawedWorcestershire Saucegarlic...

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Cooking Links

  amazing ribs aluminum foil faq Thanks to Reynolds asparagus recipes – California Asparagus Commission apple cider vinegar by bragg apple-cider brochure from bragg AARP uses of ripe bananas Barbeque Bible beer can chicken debunked caramelized onions carrie...

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Skillet Pork Chops

I used rib end pork chops. They were about 1/2" thick. Adjust cooking times if using thicker chops. These turned out delicious! Reminded me of my Grand Byrd's cooking! Ingredients2 pork chops (I've used rib end, and center cut which were about 1/2" thick)bacon...

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Potato and Mushroom Frittata

Randal Byrd | December 25, 2016 | Story-tellingEasy to do especially if you already have on hand the prepared mushrooms and onions.Ingredients8 eggs; whisked until well blended1 - 1 1/2 cup prepared Mushrooms and Onions (Click Here!)1 - 2 small red potatoes; diced1 -...

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Crustless Quiche

  Ingredients1 tbsp. butter8 oz. cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced1 shallot, minced2 c. loosely packed spinachKosher saltFreshly ground black pepper8 large eggs1/4 c. whole milk1/4 c. oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped1/4 c. freshly grated...

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Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Ingredients 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil2 tbsp. sweet chili sauce1 tbsp. SrirachaJuice of 1 lime3 cloves garlic, minced2 lb. Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved (quartered if large)Kosher saltFreshly ground black pepper   Directions Preheat oven to...

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Dal

Randal Byrd | December 25, 2016 | Story-tellingI adapted this recipe from one I found in the New York Times. Sherry loves this! The original recipe calls for double the amount of coriander, cumin, turmeric and ginger. Add more than the 1 teaspoon of each, if you...

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Cauliflower Snack Chips

IngredientsCooking spray2 c. riced cauliflower1 1/2 c. grated ParmesanFreshly ground black pepperDirectionsPreheat oven to 375°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Apply cooking spray lightly.Microwave the cauliflower in covered bowl on high for 1 minute. Stir...

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Chili Pie

I did a version of this for our Canterbury Students. Sherry loved the cornbread crust. I used mushrooms and spinach because I had them on hand and I wanted to "stretch" the results. For a more "Mexican" feel, you may omit these. I'm not a fan of ground beef, so I use...

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Patrick Hall Moves on to Epiphany

ews from your Missioner This is the letter Patrick Hall sent to Autry House congregants - announcing his answering the call from Church of the Epiphany.________________________________________ Dear Autry House, It has been...

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Volkswagen Bug

One of my favorite memories of driving a "Bug." Running out of gas, but then coasting into the next gas station. One of my WORST memories of driving a "Bug." Stepping on the brake only to find the entire pedal assembly falling over like a line of dominoes......  ...

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Pizza Recipes

Pizza #1   For years, I made my pizza dough with corn meal as in the recipe pictured here. Have fun with it, and don’t be afraid to experiment.             Pizza #2   Ingredients 1 package dry yeast3 tablespoon butter; softened1 1/2...

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Mushrooms and Onions

Ingredients1 pound mushrooms; cleaned and sliced1 large yellow onion; diced2- 4 T soy saucegarlic powdersalt and pepper1 tsp, plus toasted sesame oilDirectionsIn wide skillet (with a lid) saute the onions in the olive oil for a few minutes; add the sliced mushrooms....

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Sam’s Houston Press Articles – 2019

  Sam Byrd is a freelance contributor to the Houston Press who loves to take in all of Houston’s sights, sounds, food and fun. He also loves helping others to discover Houston’s rich culture. PS - Sam also contributes to Outsmart December 31, 2019 – Tony DeSare...

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Oatmeal Muffins

Ingredients:  1 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats1/2 cup flour1 tsp baking powder1/2 tsp baking soda1/4 tsp ground cinnamon1/4 tsp ground nutmeg1/4 tsp salt1 Large Egg, beaten3/4 cup yogurt1/4 cup milk1/4 cup honey or pure maple syrup1 tsp pure vanilla extract1 cup...

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Sweet Potato Tots

You can make these ahead of time (before baking). Place frozen tots in oven and bake until done. Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 20 mins Ingredients 1 3/4 cup mashed sweet potatoes (3 medium sweet potatoes) 1 egg yolk 1/2 cup grated cheese 1 small brown onion finely...

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We Both Went Shopping!

 I fired up the smoker and cooked two family packs of chicken wings. I got them on sale for $1.49/lb at Foodarama. Also cooked up a huge batch of green chili sauce. Why a huge batch? Because Sherry and I both picked up the same items at the grocery. A...

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The Magician’s Assistant

Once, at a Gridiron Show cast party, the magician’s assistant made a play for me. I wasn’t interested and tried to dodge her. She persisted.One of the other acts was a lady barbershop quartet. They saw what was going on. They liked me too; but weren’t at all...

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Hindman’s Ferry Road

Hindman’s Ferry Road

  My brother, Dwayne, my Nephew, Jeff, and I have been having a discussion about Hindman's Ferry Road. We're not sure which of today's roads (if any) was Hindman's Ferry. Jeff decided to ask Vance Lauderdale, Contributing Editor of Memphis Magazine, about it....

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Hot Water Cornbread

I used to help my mother make this back in our Frayser days. Ingredients 2 cups Cornmeal (Yellow or White) 1 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons sugar 1/4 cup grated onion or chopped 1-2 tablespoons melted butter 1 cup ( or more ) boiling water Instructions In a large bowl,...

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Shrimp Etouffee by Paula Deen

Ingredients 1/2 cup oil 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, plus extra flour, optional 1 cup chopped yellow onion 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper 1 cup chopped celery 3 cloves garlic, finely minced 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon white pepper 1/2 teaspoon cayenne...

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Reaper Bookmarks

Some bookmarks I've collected. Most have to do with Reaper (Digital Audio Work Station).     Recording from Scratch Getting Started Drum Loops Bass Guitar Acoustic & Electric Guitars Virtual Instruments Vocals Mixing from Scratch The Static Mix Mix Buss...

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Nice Recording

I like this sound; recorded on the TASCAM DP008EX.   https://youtu.be/GIjUTMyAWeo?t=1m30s ________________________________________   "Southern Nights"   I use an 8 track digital recorder that is no larger than a cigar box. While it has 8 separate tracks...

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$350 Studio?

https://youtu.be/XLXSqan3Jcs?t=49s Not sure about this; and I know the items are pricier now than when this guy recorded this; but for what it's worth, here it is. Audio interface: Focusrite Scarlett Solo:  $99 (Has 1 Mic Preamp. and 2nd Input for guitar, keyboard,...

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Spaghetti Squash with Peppers and Onions

We will definitely do this one again. Prepare Peppers and Onions, but without the cheese topping and without baking. That is, just do the stove-top part and use that to top your spaghetti squash "noodles" when serving.   Ingredients 1 large spaghetti squash 1/2...

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Bacon, Sausage, and Shrimp Tetrazinni

This makes up enough to fill two half-trays (9" x 13"). Ingredients: 1 lb breakfast sausage 1 lb bacon 24 ounces small shrimp 2 large sweet yellow onions, chopped 1 orange or red (or green) bell pepper, chopped 1 pound rotini pasta 1/2 pound grated cheddar cheese (or...

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Sam’s Houston Press Articles – 2018

  Sam Byrd is a freelance contributor to the Houston Press who loves to take in all of Houston’s sights, sounds, food and fun. He also loves helping others to discover Houston’s rich culture. PS - Sam also contributes to Outsmart December 20, 2018 – Decorations...

read more

Instructions for the Smokenator

     (Instruction Booklet PDF - 2017)  www.smokenator.com (Phone 888.205.1931)  ________________________________________________________   LONG Cook Times - Set Up and Temperature Management A loaded Smokenator box will fuel a cook of about 6 hours. To...

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