Abersoch, Wales, 2011

Nathalie on Porth Ceriad

Beach Huts on Abersoch Beach

Sunny Evening

View Down To Porth Ceriad

Nathalie And Her Seagull Friend

Sunset On Our Train Ride Home

Stop That START THAT

So it's been a while since I updated this Blog. Mainly due to the 6 exams and a shed load of coursework that I had to cram into the month of May. Thats all a distant memory now, and far greater experiences are on the horizon.

Im setting off to do my second 12 month stint at the Old Toad pub in Rochester, New York, which can only be described as a 'truly American' city. So its back to the late nights, the ridiculously hungover mornings, and as much good beer you would ever want, or need, in your life. There are a few differences from when I went over for the first time around 20 months ago, mainly the fact that I am not entering 'the unknown' where everything, and everyone is new. I know my way around, I know who I like, and I know where I like. This leaves me feeling slightly bittersweet, half the fun of moving to America is the adventure of the unknown, the meeting of the new, the discovery of a world I had no prior knowledge or opinion of.

Although I will miss this feeling, I know I have new experiences to enjoy, and I'm going to keep this blog updated so everyone can enjoy these experiences with me.

Mike Giant Documentary

Nice short on artist Mike Giant. The man has some killer tattoo's and a interesting outlook on life. Take some time out and check this guys' skills.


Neighbors: Mike Giant (Full Length) from Agency Charlie on Vimeo.

BIG love for this present!

My girlfriend has designed the perfect meal for my birthday. This is why she is the best:

Rob’s Birthday Dinner

First Course:

Smoked Salmon Pinwheels

paired with Hitachino Belgian White

Second Course:

Beef tenderloin with bordelaise sauce, caramelized carrots and shallots and mashed potatoes paired with Skunk Black IPA

                 

Third Course:

Chocolate bread pudding paired with Ommegang Abbey Ale

Fourth Course:

Cheese plate:

Provolone Piccante and Royal Blue Stilton paired with DFH 90 Minute IPA

Triple Cream Brie and Smoked Havarti paired with Old Chub Scottish Ale

Charlie Sheen Soundboard

Ever wondered what its like to be in Charlie Sheen's head? Me neither...

Home Brew #1

So yesterday I started my first home brew. After designing a Saison, loosely based on the amazing Brooklyn Sorachi Ace (I say loosely as we used Citra/Amarillo hops as we couldn't get hold of any Sorachi Ace hops) the brewing began. Aiming for around 35 IBU's and 6% abv (gravity was 1.058 so should be meeting the 6%) came out slightly darker than I hoped but maybe that will change as fermentation takes place.

There was more science involved that I originally thought, but found Brewers Friend IBU Calculator very helpful amongst others. I look forward to getting more comfortable with the process, and getting used to the different tastes I can get through differing hop addition times and malt basis.

It also goes without saying I am looking forward to trying this beer and to sharing it with my friends (if they are willing)

Here are some photo's from the day;

Splitting up the Citra and Amarillo (From right to Left: 60min, 30min, 15min, 2min) 

Draining the Wort (after 90 mins at 145F)

Hops boiling up nicely 

Run Away.

Full stream of Jamie XX's remixed Gil-Scott Heron album. Released on the 21st February, going to be one of the albums of the year for sure. Gil-Scott Heron is an inspiring artists in his own right, combine his mesmerizing voice with the unique producing style from Jamie XX and you have a recipe for success.

Check it:

Capital Punishment

Nice art from Dave Kinsey

Boardwalk Empire CGI

Awesome example of CGI. Cool to see how such a brilliant show is put together. Only caught the first two episodes after putting it off for a while due to prior commitments to The Wire Season 3. Awesome casting, especially Stephen Graham playing Al Capone, quality stuff!

Boardwalk Empire VFX Breakdowns of Season 1 from Brainstorm Digital on Vimeo.

First venture into home-brewing

So the ingredients are ordered and the date is set, Monday 14th February, Valentines Day. A day where chemistry is rife and temperatures rise. Fellow collaborator and veteran Toadie, Will Inman, and I, have decided on a Saison (Belgian Farmhouse Ale) with an American hop kick.

We have Maris Otter Malts and Pilsner Malts representing 'Team Malt', a vial of WLP550  Belgian Ale Yeast to look after the yeast side of things and Amarillo and Citra hops to give us what we expect to be a citrus/clove spiciness along with some huge hop character of the Amarillo.

As my first attempt at home-brewing I don't really know what to expect. I know I can't wait start brewing though and I will keep you updated every step of the way.

America vs. Sweden

Two meals. One from Sweden, one from America. I know I'd prefer the bacon nachos and Patron Guac, although the hygiene in the Swedish video is superior.





I guess we just have to put this one down to cultural differences and move on.

This is why I made this Blog

This is what I should be doing with my life. A re-edit of Shaun Pettit in 'The Way I See It' can be found here. This guy is absolutely ridiculous. There is nothing more to really say about it apart from ENJOY.


Go to skimovie.bnqt.com for more videos.