Halting School

With only two classes left in my final semester this spring, it seems incredulous to suggest putting an end to my academic career. Not necessarily for the sake of the degree, but for the want of additional time of coasting through life on another person’s dime with some, but very little, real responsibility.

Supposing the hypothetical scenario that I would no longer attend college (without earning the degree) is a rather tough experiment because, for the moment, there is no other place I’d rather be.

It is difficult to foresee at any point after college that I will constantly be surrounded by friends, people my age, exciting adventures, constant activities while maintaining fairly low expectations and living an ultra-fast paced lifestyle.

So what would I do?

I would move back home to save money as I take the appropriate steps to open a microbrewery.

Microbreweries have been expanding in popularity and profitability within the past decade, but more than that, it would be turning a hobby I thoroughly enjoy into a business.

Unfortunately I would have to move back in with the parents in the East Bay to gain a steady financial footing, but that would allow me the time to complete the necessary work of creating a business plan, finding capital, and the fun part- developing recipes for quality beers that are marketable.

By opening my own brewery, I would face many challenges and risks as well as criticism from my parents, family and close friends who will tell me not to do it for a million and one reasons. Although they are well intended, starting my own business does not fit into the ordinary career choice- especially when it’s a brewery.

However, if the fear of failure and hard work were valid reasons to not pursue an enterprise, then no new innovation, business or idea would ever take place. There will also always be people who try to say “you can’t” but by believing so before an effort is even made is simply a self-fulfilling prophecy.

The biggest pleasure I can imagine in opening a microbrewery is sharing what I enjoy with others. The complexities of producing quality brew are a challenging and rewarding process that leads to a sense of success and accomplishment. I would be proud to share something of quality that I had made myself that my family, friends and community could enjoy.

Couch-Surfing

From dirty European hostels, a stream of Motel Sixes and makeshift campsites to the more luxurious establishments such as a Sheraton or an Embassy Suites- I’ve had my fair share of lodging experiences in my travels.

Nothing, however, can quite top the mixture of adventure, intrigue and awkwardness that comes with couch-surfing.

Couch surfing is simply enjoying the hospitality of individuals who live across the globe that open up their homes for international travelers for an arranged period of time, typically from one to three nights. Websites such as www.couchsurfing.org provides the forum where prospective travelers and hosts can “meet” online and communicate with each other.

There is also no expectation of payment as individuals who host do so in order to meet new people and accompany travelers for fresh experiences- although it would not be inappropriate to buy them a round of beer or bring a bottle of wine.

Although hesitant at the concept at first, my brother and I had found ourselves in the situation where couch surfing became a more preferable lodging option than a bench at a Belgium train station mid-winter (side note- plan ahead when traveling around New Years, even hostels become booked).

When explaining the concept of couch-surfing, the immediate reaction is always an inquiry into the safety aspect of meeting strangers online for the purpose of spending a night or two at their home. Both standing over 6ft tall, fully confident in our capacity to protect ourselves and free of the concerns of women sporting the looks of Natalie Portman or Mila Kunis- my brother and I very rarely hesitate for safety’s sake.

However, for those who do not share the same indifference to such concerns, those who utilize sites such as couchsurfing.org create profiles, similar to a facebook or myspace page, but do so to gain and maintain a positive online reputation while gaining references and vouches from other users to add to your credibility. The site also obviously advises to use strong discretion and has a constantly updated list of safety tips for travelers.

The overall experience of couch-surfing was pleasant enough. After contacting a gentleman in Brussels through the site we arranged to meet at a public place before heading to his studio. After an initial awkward greeting of meeting a stranger we were quick to commence the night’s outings.

The hospitality was not lacking. He offered his own food for dinner and took us to the local hot spots for strong Belgium brew.

The only true oddity was that his apartment was devoid of any décor and there was a strange absence of any personal items (such as photographs) at his home which gave the impression that he was lonely and utilized the site for company.

Grateful for a free place to spend the night, especially during the holiday season- this was of no real concern. True to its name, we literally slept on couches although it is rumored there are hosts who have extra beds for guests.

For those who are adventurous in foreign places with a willingness to meet new people and don't mind sleeping on a couch, couch-surfing should be viable option when making your travel arrangements.

Saigon Bay

For those commuters stuck on campus, faculty that needs a hot meal or a visitor of Sacramento State University, there is an on-campus restaurant that offers a Vietnamese specialty soup called Pho.

Saigon Bay, located on the south side of campus west of the library, serves traditional Vietnamese dishes, namely their delicious Pho soup but also sandwiches and spring rolls.

Although a fourth year student, it was my first experience at Saigon Bay- and eating Pho as well. It is a beef broth based soup served with a unique type of rice noodles, a variety of greens such as basil, bean sprouts and mint leaves. It also typically includes a variation of slim cuts of boiled beef or chicken.

As a newcomer to the Pho experience, I naturally wanted a taste of every flavor and ordered the Saigon Special- which included a mixture of well-done flank and beef balls in the soup.

Although a deliciously hot meal for a cool fall or winter day, the service and price is where Saigon Bay loses the most points in comparison to other restaurants around.

Despite walking into what I felt was a cafeteria, the staff was surprisingly very welcoming to our group of four that entered in the restaurant. After watching the other members of the group order, all of whom had been there before, I stepped up to the register.

Purposely wearing a confused look and asking about the menu, I was hoping to hear the staff explain the different variations of Pho and items on their menu. I did not- rather, I was merely responded by curt answers and an expectant look that had ruined a positive first-impression which read ‘have you made up your mind yet?’

The serving size was quite large, but cost about $7.00. This is not typically too steep of a cost to pay for an meal but considering this was a soup, with not a whole lot of meat, and no sides or drinks – it could have easily been more economically friendly, especially on a college campus.

With that being said- I doubt that there is a better spot for soup on campus. Although typically a burger, fries and beer type of guy, the tastes and texture of the meats, noodles and various greens blended together made this Vietnamese dish a pleasantly surprising worthwhile experience.

Workaholics

For those who have fulfilled their appetite for scripted reality TV shows, an endless supply of Law and Order and is currently suffering the painful reality of having The Office on life support- a refreshingly energetic comedy is out there that is a genius blend of the one liner, booze, drugs, sex and bodily function oriented humor.

The ironically titled show Workaholics follows three young recent graduates stuck in the unglamorous career of telemarketing continuing their beer-drinking prank-pulling lifestyle by shirking away from all work responsibilities and pulling the same type of mischievous shenanigans they had done together as college roommates.

The show stars Blake Anderson, an ambitious idiot filled with wild plans; Adam Devine, a long haired goofball hanging around for the ride and Anders Holm, a semi-responsible (but just as dim) narcissist. After having been discovered for their comedic sketches via youtube by Comedy Central, the stars of Workaholics were picked up by the station last year and is already gearing up for its third season.

If your searching for a sophisticated comedy that is boasting of wit and intelligence or a situational comedy that will make you feel as awkward as The Office once did- keep on looking. Workaholics comedic nature revolves around human's most basic instincts. Primarily of sex, drugs and drinking, although genitalia related punchlines are frequent visitors as well.

Season one is worth watching to find out why Blake Anderson's boss puts the fear God in his boner and to discover the hilarity of a poop-dollar for those reasons alone.

There will be those critiques that say their humor is too immature, their language pointlessly obscene and frankly, just too vulgar. On the contrary, its a very honest exposition of pure humor by poking fun at societies barriers and norms while giving hope to the fraternity graduates that the party doesn't have to end at graduation. It does not hide behind clever wit, remain masked behind social norms or mask itself with fancy Mad Men suits.

Want to laugh?

Look at the Adam Devine in a Bear suit, and watch Workaholics.

Lets face the reality- decent comedies that are reliable for a good laugh are difficult to come by. Although a brief 20 minutes (without commercials), this show will provide the much needed laugh during the day and provide quotable one liners you can share on facebook.

The Simpsons has run too long, The Office has tragically lost Steve Carrell and other comedies such as It's Always Sunny in Philedelphia and Family Guy, where once brilliant, is simply not reliable to make you laugh out loud with each new episode.

This show will not be the next great craze that everyone will follow- it has too many boner jokes for that. But for those that don't mind a bit of raunchiness while watching idiots comparable in intelligence to Dumb and Dumber's Llyod Christmas and Harry Dunn avoid drug tests, pull pranks, pursue women and maintain a job- you're welcome for the introduction.

Calvin's Kahlua

Trying new things can be messy.

The mess in my kitchen that I have been cleaning (to the surprise of the roommates) is a testament to that fact as I have left quite the disaster behind creating my latest concoction- Calvin's homemade Kahlua.

For those unaware, Kahlua is a coffee-flavored liqueur from Mexico that is made with coffee, sugar, corn syrup and vanilla bean. It's also a blast to make, despite the eventual cleanup.

Beginning a new venture, whether experimenting in the kitchen or starting a business, starts with an idea. This idea can originate from anywhere: within yourself, inspired by others or simply lifted off of the internet.

Admittedly, the idea to make Kahlua was not my own but suggested by friend. Despite my first reaction of doubting its plausibility, as this particular person is prone to using hyperbole and tall tales, the idea to make my first liqueur based drink was planted.

Curiosity drove me to the next step- researching and judging the feasibility of the idea. After determining through research that it can be done reasonably in one's own kitchen, the major aspect I looked into was the cost. As a college student, it is a survival skill to learn how to cut down one's expenses.

The cost of 1 Liter of Kahlua at club price at BevMo is $21.99. The cost for all the ingredients to make Kahlua which includes water, instant coffee, sugar, vanilla bean and vodka came out to $28.50, but makes 2 quarts. It roughly equates to $14.00 per Liter to make at home, seven dollars less than buying it at a discount price at BevMo.

Once a plan is made to carry out an idea, there is little left to do but execute it. Fortunately for me, the various actions and steps that are needed to make Kahlua are not difficult at all. It took no more than 30 minutes to complete and was primarily adding new ingredients together at specific times to avoid burning off the alcohol.

However, not every plan is as trivial or as easy as making Kahlua in life. Nor goes as smoothly.

Trying to execute an idea can cause anxiety because external factors can effect your results. A four year plan to graduate college can turn into five due to budget cuts, a business entrepreneur effected negatively by the economy or attempting a new sports trick ending in injury area are examples of beneficial ideas being subject to change because reality does not always align itself with our plans.

The Kahlua tastes great and I had planned on bringing my new concoction to this weekend's Halloween party; I had not planned on mopping most of it up because it was accidentally spilled on the kitchen floor.

“Well that was sort of pointless,” commented my roommate.

No, it was not pointless.

While cleaning up the mess my thoughts turned to other plans and ideas of mine that involve more risk. Although I highly doubt every idea will pan out, or plan be successful, it should not deter the very attempt to do so. Success can not be accomplished by fearing failure to the point of inaction.

Despite the majority of the Kahlua being wasted, the little bit in my coffee this morning tastes great and I look forward to another successful-tasting batch in the future.

A New Experiment

You can't always drink beer. I know, it almost sounds like blasphemy but tell the jogger that runs past my window every morning right around 6:04am to hydrate herself with a Guinness and guaranteed, you're going to get a disdainful look.

I took a break this week from my handcrafted beer production and focused on two different homemade recipes for a sports drink. Sports drinks can often be more beneficial than plain water during extended physical activity because of the particular additives.

Most common sport drinks are based on what is called in the science community as oral rehydration therapy. It is a simple solution of salts and sugars for the primary use of treating dehydration by allowing the body to absorb and maintain more water.

Gatorade, the official sports drink of the NFL, is the most famous of sports drinks and uses these exact ingredients plus flavoring and dye. The sports fans out there would be interested in knowing that Gatorade derived its name from the University of Florida because it was developed to maintain hydration for their football team, the Florida Gators.

The two different recipes I tried both utilize sugar and salt to mimic the oral rehydration therapy benefits but differs from one another (and Gatorade styled drinks) by adding different flavoring ingredients.

The first recipe called for sugar, sea salt, water and one package of unsweetened Koolade. Oh, did I forget to mention how simple and easy this is? With four simple ingredients you have replicated a fairly comparable drink to commercial sports drinks.

The second recipe calls for the same ingredients, only replacing the Koolade with one half-cup of orange juice. Despite the obvious benefits of drinking vitamin pumped orange juice over the processed artificial flavoring of Koolade, the latter easily remains a better choice in regards to taste.

Perhaps it has been the years of drinking nothing but artificial flavored sodas, sweetened tea's and sugar pumped latte's as an adolescent, but there is an appreciable taste of processed flavoring that makes the homemade Koolade based concoction a bit more pleasing to the taste buds than the orange juiced based solution. I know the words 'processed' and 'Koolade' have bad stigmas, so you can begin throwing your judgments now.

However, unless you are constantly engaging in extended durations of physical activity, bored, or curious about making your own drinks, you may want to stick with buying a Powerade or Gatorade at your local Seven-Eleven.

There is a potential for savings by making it yourself but it would be nominal unless you made large quantities and bought ingredients in bulk. Unless your a football team or a soccer-mom, chances are you won't be needing that much.

My advice- give it a whirl and see if it works for you, but don't have huge expectations.

Homemade or not- sometimes its just necessary to put down the beer on a Sunday afternoon, namely because the 49ers are on a bi-week, get outdoors and give your body an excuse to enjoy a refreshing sports drink.

Lets Occupy! But for what?

Just as one would expect a legislator to know the contents of a bill before passing it, I would expect a protester to know what they want before protesting. Or am I asking too much?

Prior to the passing of Obamacare, former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi had infamously claimed that Congress must “pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it.” Do the protestors occupying Wall Street know what they want, or has positively-intended actions without first exercising rationale thought become a trademark of those who fall left of center?

From New York City to Sacramento, hundreds of protestors are occupying public parks or places against what seems to be an underlying theme of corporate greed in a movement coined OccupyNow. It is clear what this leaderless, peaceful occupation is against; but it is downright confusing about what should be the main ingredient- what they stand for.

A younger cousin of mine, in eighth grade, has recently learned what it is to be a critic. Any movie, music, food, or object possible he can find a million problems with it. I asked him the other day what he likes.

 “I don't know,” he said.

It is much easier to voice harsh criticism than to take a stand for something. Understandably, times are tough, but if you insist on tearing down the current establishment, is too much to ask for a plan on how to rebuild it?

With no shortage of communicative mediums, or media coverage, there should be no excuse to have a lack of clear goals or specific reason articulated in either the media or by the protestors themselves- unless you don't have one. Rather than being a group that represents 99% of Americans that are not high income earners, OccupyNow is a byproduct of a harsh economic reality.

OccupyNow is made up mostly of an ad hoc group of unemployed college-graduates, laid off workers, labor unions, the homeless and poor. Unfortunately the percentage of this group has grown and although they believe they are acting in the interest of the commons, there are other groups such as the Tea Party that would vehemently disagree with the root of America's problem and on how to fix them.

Just because you genuinely believe you are acting in the best interests of the majority, does not mean you are nor does it mean that everyone feels the same way you do.

Occupy Wall-street are not the protests of the civil rights movement that they are being compared to. Corporations, nor the government, are restricting the individual rights or wrongly discriminating against any group of individuals that are a part of the movement.

It has been asserted by protestors that corporations unfairly disregards the interests of the American people, but rather act in selfishness to expand profits and answer only to their shareholders. I would ask, however, is it not unfair to ask corporations to act like what they are not?

If a corporation can make money better somewhere else- then it had better do it. It has to worry about making bottom lines, investing in the future for its survival and yes, answering to its owners. If we chain and limit corporations based in America by strict regulatory measures or high tax rates, then we slowly suffocate them by giving their competitors distinct advantages.

Instead of trying to change the nature of corporations to act contrary to its interests, why not promote an environment that gives corporations incentives to manufacture and keep jobs in America?