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Choosing a bottle of wine is not always an easy task. Whether you are shopping at your local grocery store, or spend some time in a more focused wine shop, you will be forced to answer a lot of questions while deciding. Do you want a young wine or one that has some age to it already? Perhaps you are trying to match your wine with the meal you are going to enjoy it with. Then you have to decide what is for dinner before you can even begin to match the wine. Maybe your wife said, “I only want a wine from California and please dear, only a red will do.” Well, that in itself will give you a bunch of choices on what to purchase.

But there are certain places around town that make it their duty to help you learn what wines are best fit for your palate. One of those liquor stores is Vine and Table located in Carmel, Indiana. The folks at Vine and Table are always hosting events to help you choose that next bottle. I had the chance to attend a wine tasting not too long ago that was not just a wine tasting but one that was being hosted by the wine maker herself. I had the opportunity to sample a handful of wines poured by Gail Rogers from Shasta View Vineyards.

The tasting was held at Vine and Table in their tasting area right behind their wine cave. The wine cave itself is a cool room to shop around in. Once inside the wine cave you will experience cellar like temperatures as all of the wines in this room demand that sort of attention. Granted, most of the wines in this room are a little more expensive, but still worth checking out while browsing their aisles.

When I first arrived at Vine and Table that night I was confused why there were not more people there. It was the warmest day of the year that day, reaching temperatures near seventy degrees and not a cloud in the sky. But that did not stop a handful of other folks and myself from enjoying some wines poured by Gail herself. She even took the time to speak on her wines and answered a handful of questions of mine. (Think of the artist interviews that I write here on rickyleepotts.com only this time with a winery owner!)

Gail began the tasting by pouring a glass of their chardonnay. This wine, served chilled, was light and refreshing and had an almost oak barrel aftertaste. She would later state that these wines are in fact fermented in oak barrels giving it that smoky finish. She also made mention to the clusters that these grapes come from. The clusters are much smaller than your average grape cluster providing a much more fruity flavor from each grape. The wine did start on the tip of the tongue with a set of fruity flavors.

By the time she was finished pouring the first round of samples, I noticed that each bottle on the counter, which were marked down in price for this tasting in an effort to sell more bottles based on your tasting experience, were all hand numbered. She commented on this saying that each and every bottle is numbered by hand to help the wine hold it’s value, if bought to save, and makes each bottle a limited edition. I thought this was a nice touch.

If you are curious where Shasta View Vineyards is located, look just south of Oregon about fifteen miles and you will find this quaint little winery. Here you will find prime real estate for growing grapes. However, Gail stated that there is little to no competition as they are pretty much the only winery in that area. That is one thing that makes these wines that more sought after.

She also talked about their operation. Shasta View is a self-run family owned and operated winery. Gail and her husband do everything from planting the grapes, picking the vines, and even bottling and shipping this wine. Because of this, and the few bottles of wine they produce each and every year, this wine is hard to get off the bat. But, because of a relationship that Gail has formed with Vine and Table, you can buy any of these wines right here in Indianapolis. It also helps that two of Gail’s daughters live and work in the Indianapolis area.

As I stood there sampling these wines one caught my attention more than the others. I am a huge fan of red wines, but when she poured the 2004 Zinfandel, which is actually a 100% zinfandel, I was immediately impressed with the nose on this glass of vino. It was a strong nose, but not a dirty one and started on the tongue strong but quite balanced and smooth. The finish on the wine was quite dense and left a short, almost non existent after taste. However, the finish that it did leave was that of an older wine, a more oaken barrel sort of finish.

When talking with Gail I asked her a few questions about the winery itself and how her and her husband got started. She told a story about her husband and his association with champagne. Apparently her husband used to work for the company that helped to develop the plastic cork that you find in pretty much all modern-day bottles of champagne. (Did you know that for champagne to be considered that it actually has to come from Champagne? Hence the name I suppose!)

The Shasta View Vineyard is located, like I said earlier, in northern California just south of the Oregon border. The winery actually sites in Siskiyou County in the city of Montague, California. If you want a closer look as to what their view is from the winery just grab any bottle of Shasta View. The label on the entire bottle is actually the view looking out at their vineyards. (The preview picture on this blog post is also a view from their winery. Quite impressive, don’t you think?) Once you see the view that Gail and her husband get to see each and everyday they are working to produce these fabulous wines, you might think about a career change to the wine making business.

Speaking of delicious wines, Shasta View has actually won some awards for their wines. They have won awards in California all the way to Florida, and pretty much everywhere in between. They have even had their wines poured and featured at various county fairs and at international wine competitions all over the world. Their most recent award came in 2009 when Shasta View Vineyards won the Harry and David Invitational Wine Competition.

I said earlier that Gail and her husband are the brains behind this winery, but they have also enlisted a winemaker from New Zealand to put some of his skills into their bottles as well. David Hook is a younger but wise winemaker that comes to Shasta View with a proven eye for what it takes to make a good wine. He started his wine making career actually in New Zealand working for much larger wineries but seems to have found a fit for himself out in California. Gail stated that David has actually been able to produce California wines with a hint of his New Zealand wine making in every bottle.

Another wine that I sampled and absolutely adored was the Armonia Rossa. I am also a big fan of blends and this is a blend featuring four wines from the Shasta View vines. Gail made mention to the size of vineyards they actually have that can produce each one of these styles of wine and claims that they would rather produce a larger amount of blends than to produce smaller amounts of a straight Merlot or Cabernet. This blend includes 34% mixture of Cabernet, 21% Merlot, 21% Syrah, and a 24% Zinfandel.

All of the wines that you will get from Shasta View Vineyards are going to be ready to drink. However, take note to the year on each of the labels. Most of these wines come from 2004 or 2005. However, the reason they have a later date on them is because of the small batches they produce and the desire to drink them as soon as you buy them. So, according to Gail, if you buy a bottle of Shasta View this evening you can pop the cork when you get home. Keep in mind that the winery only has about fifteen total acres of land to produce grapes on so this wine is made in extremely small batches.

I asked Gail if she had a hard time drinking wines that were not from her own vineyard. She said, “I love to drink other wines. We have so many partial bottles laying around and rather than letting them sit and go bad there is always an open bottle sitting around somewhere. It is truly a treat when you get to try a different wine.”

The prices on these wines are actually not too bad. The Armonia Rossa Red comes in at $25.99, as does the chardonnay. The Cabernet runs you $29.99 and the zinfandel is only $27.99. Also, considering that all of their fruit is state grown, each bottle is hand numbered and each bottle of their chardonnay has a hand sealed wax top, the prices are not that outrageous. Of course, keep in mind that there is only one place to get this wine here in Indianapolis and that is at Vine and Table. So unless you are making a trip out west then your options are pretty limited.

Events like this make sampling new wines and purchasing wines that much more enjoyable. If you can taste a handful of wines, like I did during this Shasta View tasting, you can make mental notes on what you like, what blends make sense, and what fits your palate. Vine and Table is always holding events like this and when you can sample these wines being poured by the family that owns the winery, it is a real treat. I encourage you to visit one of these tastings and sample a wine that just might surprise you. If nothing else, the conversation is priceless and a good time is bound to be had. So bottoms up you winos, and until their next event I would like to thank the folks at Vine and Table for putting this together, and for Gail Rogers for coming all this way to pour your delicious wines for us.

Allow me to start by saying that I am by no means ready to get married. I am only twenty-six years old, and while a lot of you out there think that getting married is a matter of maturity over age, I disagree. I feel that there has to be a certain readiness in everyone before he or she decides to take the plunge into a lifelong journey with someone else. I think that the reason why so many people get divorced after their first marriage is because they are not ready to take that next step in their lives and have rushed something that we assume is required. The divorce rate for first time married couples if over 58%. So for every marriage that takes place more than half of them are going to end in divorce. Those are simply not great odds.

But, I did come across a list the other day that inspired this blog post. It was the “Ten Ways You Know That the Person You Are With is the One You Should Be With”. You will see as I go through each and every one of these reasons, that I’ll  provide examples from my current relationship. Perhaps I could even consider this an homage to the girl that I love, a one Sheryl Hugill. She is truly my best friend in every sense of the word. From the way she looks at me to the way she treats me is a true sign that she is a friend first. I do love her, with all of my heart, and she means the world to me. Is she the “one” for me? I have no idea. I am not ready to make that decision. But I know, that right now, she is truly the best thing that has ever happened to me.

What follows is perhaps one of the most positive blog posts that I have written to date. The idea behind this blog is not to brag about the relationship that Sheryl and I have, but rather show you ten ways you can tell if you are in a relationship that has the foundation to last. I have had my fair share of relationships. Some have been good, some not as much, but all have led me to where I am today. If I had had a list like this while going through some of these relationships, I might be in a different place than I am now. Take my advice when I say that you should be lucky enough to find a girl that fits any one of these traits. To find a girl that fits all ten and you should think about putting a ring on it.

Your Friends Approve

From the time you were born to the time you read this blog post, you have been making friends. You have friends in grade school, different friends in high school, and even different friends in college. You have best friends, fights with friends, and even fall in love with some of your friends. It is a part of life and one that most take for granted. As you grow older you tend to have fewer friends but better friends. What I mean by better friends are the ones that you can call at three in the morning and they’re not upset with you for waking them. Friends that will be by your side through thick and thin. I have a few of those friends. When trying to decide if your girlfriend is the right one for you, if those friends approve, then you know you are in business.

Now, what if your friends do not approve of your significant other? Should you break up immediately so that you can find someone to your friends’ liking? Perhaps. But maybe you should consider taking a step back, talking with them, and trying to better understand why they feel that way. I have actually lost friends over their significant others and one day, when their relationships crash and burn or they realize what they have sacrificed for their lovers, I will still be there. I am an example of one of those good friends I was talking about. But regardless, your friends approving of your next date is a great way to know you are off on the right foot.

All in the Family

This can be one of the scariest moments in a relationship. When you first meet your new found love, it takes a while for them to want to introduce you to their folks. For some, this happens faster than others, there is no time table that explains how long it should take. But, after a few months, chances are you are going to have to meet the parents. My only advice here is to be nice, be yourself, and not try to say anything (at least the first time you are introduced) that could make you out to be the bad guy. Just remember that this is their daughter (or son) you are dealing with here and that you need to treat them with respect from the first handshake to the final goodbye.  Getting the parents approval is like getting the girl to smile. Once you have that you can do anything. (OK, maybe not anything.)

Listen Up Mister

Getting your significant other to listen to you is next to impossible most of the time. He is either playing video games, sending a tweet, talking on the phone; the number of things that he is doing rather than paying attention to you is endless. But if you can find someone that truly listens to you, and I do not mean hugs you and says everything will be okay, but someone that understands you when you have had a bad day. Someone who lets you vent whenever you want about nothing at all. Someone who doesn’t just hear you but actually listens to you.

Sheryl listens to me when I talk. She hears what I say but she always knows the right thing to say when I am finished. I also feel that I listen to her as well. She has a lot of stressful days, whether it be the passing of her father (he died much too young) or the classes she is taking at the IU Kelley School of Business, she gets stressed. There are days she comes home and doesn’t want to do anything but sleep. I understand that. I might not be able to relate, but I can sympathize and give her what she wants. When she talks I listen. Sometimes saying nothing is the only way I know how to handle her situation.

Connecting with More Than Materials

Values mean a lot to a person. Church, for instance, is a value that a lot of people take seriously. Depending on your religion bases the number of times you might go to church in a week. It could also depict how you spend holidays, what after work activities you take part in, and if you are allowed to drink alcohol or not. Another value to someone might be the way their lover treats the homeless, or how he or she views abortion. The list of values a person can have goes on forever, but if you can find someone who can relate to you, someone who has the same beliefs as you, it makes things a lot easier. It also makes for less fighting and friendlier conversation. (I am a Republican, if anything, and Sheryl is a Democrat. We can hardly ever agree on anything out of the White House so we try to avoid it all costs. But going back to being able to listen to the other person, we are the first to hear each other’s thoughts and try to argue them in a more educated  fashion.)

Why Don’t We Be Friends?

This is exactly what I am talking about! If you cannot be friends with the person you are dating, how do you expect to ever fall in love? You cannot have love, not true unbiased meaningful love, without being able to be that person’s friend first. Sheryl and I met in December of 2008, late December at that, and managed to become friends over the first couple of months first. We were going places together, going on dates if you will, but were not defined as being together as a couple. Eventually we had “the talk” and decided that we might as well give it a shot. We have been together ever since. That is because Sheryl is my best friend.

(I actually tell this story about how I have been on a search for my best friend. When asked what I want in a best friend I say, “I want someone that I can drink beer with. I want someone who I can watch sports with. I want someone who understands the difference between Star Trek and Star Wars. I want someone who gets me for me.” That person is Sheryl.)

Can I Trust You?

Trust is a vital part of any relationship, whether it is a business or pleasure, you have to be able to trust the person you are with. For instance, if you are trying to sell someone a widget, and they give you a verbal agreement to buy said widget, you have to trust that you have made that sale. The same thing goes for a guy and a girl in a relationship. If you tell the person that you are the only one, then by God you better be the only one. Trust is something that is very hard to earn if lost, so do not make the mistake of defying that trust once it has been built. (Just think of the trust that was lost when Elin found out about Tiger’s sexual past. He has a long road and a big hill to climb to ever regain her trust.)

Make Me Feel Special

The other person in your relationship better know that he or she is one lucky individual. They better not just know that they are lucky, but they better show it too. You need to treat your significant other with respect, obviously, but you also need to make that person feel special. You need to go above and beyond. For instance, let us say that your boyfriend has had a hard day at work and all he wants to do is come home, drink a beer, and watch TV. Let him. Now, before you guys out there get all excited about the lady of the house always taking care of you, the same goes for the girls. If she has had a bad day, nothing beats a bouquet of flowers, some candy, and perhaps a card to make her feel special.

Know that you do not have to break the bank on flowers and candy to make her feel special. Things as simple as holding the door open for her, letting her enter a room first, or picking up the check at dinner are things that can make her feel like she matters. Trust me guys, if you don’t make the girl feel loved, she wont give you the time of day. If she feels special, then you have done your part.

I Can See Into the Future

No one wants to waste his or her time in a relationship that isn’t going anywhere. My first piece of advice would be then leaving if you fall victim to this. If you wake up one day and no longer see that person as being a part of your future, then you need to reevaluate and make some big decisions about what you want to do. But if you can both look into each other’s eyes and see yourselves growing old together, then you have something special.

Now, if the relationship is new, don’t freak out by me saying that. I have been with Sheryl for over a year and when I think of the future I think of where we will be tomorrow, the day after, and the day after that. I am not thinking five, ten or twenty years ahead. There are a lot of things that will happen between now and then. But what I do know is that there is no one else on this planet that I would rather be with at the moment. That is enough of a future for me.

Providing Each Other Security

You have to feel secure in your relationship. I am not talking about trust in saying this, I am speaking on the security that you feel the other person has towards you. Can you hold him or her in your arms and know that they feel the same thing you do? Can you kiss them, look into their eyes, and know that you are in the right place at the right time? If you have security with your mate, then you are moving in the right direction. Do not take that security for granted. You will not know how much that means to you until you lose it.

I Am Who I Am

You can say, “I love you,” and not truly mean it. You can say a lot of things and not truly mean them. But in my eyes, the most important thing you can have in a relationship is where the person you are with, takes you for who you are. If you are skinny, fat, hairy, or otherwise, you know that you are still loved. If you can wake up next to someone and they are as pretty as they were the first time you met them, then you know that you have found something special.

In my relationship or better yet in my daily life, I am always worried about how people perceive me. I hate my voice when I hear it recorded, I hate what I see when I look in the mirror, and I hate myself every time I try to get dressed as I feel fat in whatever I put on. But I know that someone loves me. I know that Sheryl looks at me and sees something special. She even says that from time to time she feels fat. But she isn’t. Not to me. I love her for who she is, not who she thinks she should be.

No matter who you are with, I encourage you to run through this list and see how many of them apply to your relationship. I am lucky enough to have met a girl that fits every single one of these. For the first time in my life I don’t have to worry if she will be there when I wake up in the morning. She is mine, I am hers, and we love each other. Do you have someone special in your life? If so, hold onto him or her tight and don’t let go. Relationships are hard work, but with time and dedication to make them last, it will all be worthwhile. This is for you Sheryl. I love you.

*The original list (not the content) is from a blog written on Shine from Yahoo!

In today’s age there are very few bands that actually classify as true rock bands. Sure, there are a lot of bands that try to be rock bands, but a lot of them fall victim to the bubble gum pop sound that we are all so used to hearing on MTV. A long time ago I was introduced to a band that stood the test of time when it came to holding that rock and roll title. But then they disappeared. I have no idea where they went but have waited for their return ever since. With the hit song Breakdown filling my eardrums for weeks and even months at a time, I never forgot the words to that one hit wonder track that made these guys famous. It is needless to say that it was an absolute pleasure for me to sit down with the guys from a long time favorite band of mine, Tantric.

Where did you guys come up with that name?

After recording our first record a, studio secretary gave me the idea in a very creative way. (hint hint) Then after that we saw many omens that enforced the idea. It stuck and now I have Tantric tattoos all over so the name isnt’ going anywhere. (Laughs)

How long have you been together?

We have been performing together for ten years.

You guys seem to have had several lineup changes. Why is that?

After the third record was shelved, back when Maverick Records folded, the band members got frustrated and quit the industry. I never give up!

Who are some of your biggest influences?

All of us have different ones from classical to total metal. That what gives us our sound. I’m a fan of good song writing.

Tell me about this new album.

I love it! It’s a heavier side of Tantric and is packed with great songs. Just give it a listen.

Where are you guys originally from?

The band was founded in Louisville, Kentucky but the members are from everywhere. Boston, Jersey, Florida and Louisville.

You guys are playing 8 Seconds Saloon here in Indianapolis. Are you going to ride their mechanical bull?

Trust me you don’t want to see that.

How did you guys get hooked up with Jagermeister?

Our buddy from JVC hooked us up with them and they are great to us! Thanks to Chad and Jager!

Are you guys on Twitter?

We are on MySpace and Facebook. That seems to be the most we can handle. We run our own pages and that a lot of work.

Where can I get some of your merchandise?

You can get in online on our MySpace or at our shows.

Describe your genre in one word.

Underrated. (Laughs)

What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?

So many…I’m a clutz and I trip all the time and fall on or off the stage.

Tell me a little bit more about Silent Majority Group.

They are a small label out of Florida.

Why did you change your name from C-14?

Self explanatory. That name just sucked. (Laughs)

Am I allowed to say that you will never write a song better than Breakdown?

I think we already have, but everone has a favorite.

Speaking of writing song, who writes all of the lyrics?

Hugo Ferreira writes all of our stuff.

Where do you guys practice?

Normally in New Jersey at Erik’s place. We also rehearse at sound check a lot when we are touring.

What are you drinking on stage?

Jager, beer, vodka and water in that order. (Laughs)

If you could be any cartoon character whom would you choose and why?

Stewie from Family Guy because he is bent on taking over the world.

If you could only play one song for the rest of your career what song would you pick?

“Bird is the Word”.

Where do you guys see yourself in five years?

God willing we will be bigger and better.

What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?

As a part of rock and roll history

I always let the artist get the last word. Go

We can not live without our fans

I recently returned from a trip to Hawaii with my girlfriend Sheryl. Her and I traveled there for her spring break and spent seven nights and eight days traveling around the islands, seeing LOST filming locations, visiting as many beaches as we could, and simply enjoying the simple life that is Hawaii. We had a great trip, took tons of pictures, and even managed to meet some of the actors from our favorite television show LOST. The trip was perfect, as was the weather, and we will be returning there very soon for more sightseeing and sun bathing.

But, while we were there, I had the chance to experience the Hawaiian culture and to see how they use social media tools like Twitter, foursquare, and Gowalla. In the months leading to our trip, Sheryl and I became friends with, Ryan Ozawa, the guy who runs the Twitter account @hawaii. We found him just searching through Twitter trying to learn more about the islands and the culture to expect there. It did not take long before we came across Ryan’s account. Funny thing about Ryan is that he is a huge LOST fan like us. He actually runs a website called LOST Locations and a podcast with his wife called Transmission. Ryan is a geek when it comes to social media services like foursquare and Gowalla and actually invited us to a gathering of Gowalla users while we were on the island.

When we first got to our hotel, being addicted to these location based services like I am, I checked into our hotel on both foursquare and Gowalla. We stayed at the Aqua Palms Resort and Spa right across the street from the Hilton Hawaiian Village. We were within walking distance from the beach and not far from all of the shops and restaurants that make Waikiki famous. During the week I used foursquare and Gowalla religiously checking in everywhere we went. I even managed to make some online friends while I was there through these services. But, before I get too far into this I want to explain to you what foursquare is and how it works. (Gowalla is very similar to foursquare but the point of this blog post revolves around an incentive provided through foursquare.)

The location-based service foursquare is a service that allows you to check in when you go places. The service starts with you creating an account online and then utilizes the global positioning system on your smart phone (iPhone, Blackberry, Droid, etc.) to locate where you are and the locations around you. Then, once you arrive at your destination, you can check in to that location. You can link it to your Twitter and Facebook pages as well letting all of your friends know where you are.

Once you check in to that location the service will show you present until you check in somewhere else. Now, this is where the fun stuff begins. Once you have checked in, the service will tell you not only who else is there off of your friend’s list, but also will show you tweets from around the area, provide you with more detailed information about that actual location, and even show you a Google map of where you are. But what if the location you are trying to check into does not exist? You can add that location right from your phone! When you add a new location you enter the name of the location, the address (if applicable) and the category in which that location falls under. If you do not have the actual address with you note that you can go back, online, and add it at a later date and time. So, if you go to Chili’s Restaurant for example, you will want to put that into the food category under American food.

Once you add a new location you are rewarded five bonus points for adding the new location. What are these points good for? Glad you asked! Points are used to tally weekly and monthly leader boards between you and your friends as well as the service all-together. All of this is location based and you can see your current standings in the city that you are in. So when Sheryl and I checked into places in Honolulu, we were able to see where we stood compared to other Hawaiians using this service.  Foursquare also has a game that unlocks badges for accomplishing certain things while checking into multiple locations.

For instance, if you check in with a location that is tagged (you can add unique descriptor tags on the website such as, “food and beverage”, “alcohol”, “bar”, “restaurant”, etc.) with a certain keyword, you can unlock a badge pertaining to that location. We, while visiting Pearl Harbor and traveling to the USS Arizona, checking into the boat that we were on. That boat had been tagged with the keyword; “boat” and when we checked in we unlocked the, “I’m on a Boat” badge. Other badges include the “Swarm” badge (checking in with fifty other people at the same place at the same time) or the “Super Mayor” badge (where you hold ten or more mayor ships at the same time.)

Becoming the mayor of a location is simple. The first step is to check in to that location once. Then, after twenty-four hours and you have revisited the same location, and check in again. If you have now checked in more than anyone else at that exact location you will become the mayor. So, for instance, I am the mayor of my office building. I have checked in there over fifty times in the last few months and no one else in my office has checked in as many times. This is fun to see how many mayor ships that you can rack up, but at the same time this is a key element to the businesses that are on these services.

I am the mayor of Scotty’s Brewhouse here in Indianapolis. I am the mayor of the 96^th street location and every time I go there, check in, and can prove that I am the mayor, I am rewarded with a 10% discount for being the mayor. Scotty’s Brewhouse runs an incentive by giving the mayor that discount. It forces me to want to return to Scotty’s to maintain my mayor ship but at the same time it gives users a reason to use this service.

Another place that gives us a reason to use this service was the hotel that I stayed at while on vacation. When I first arrived to the hotel and checked in I saw that Amanda S. was the mayor of the Aqua Palms Resort and Spa. I figured that she was just someone like me who had checked in every time she came and went from her hotel. So, all week I was checking in and managed to check in some fifteen or twenty times before I realized she must work for the hotel to still be the mayor! I would soon find out that she did in fact work for the hotel.

I found out when I finally did become the mayor of the hotel. I got a direct message on Twitter, as my foursquare check ins are linked to my Twitter feed, saying congratulations and that I could stop by the front desk to receive a free gift for becoming the mayor of the hotel. I thanked her for the attention to detail, her speed in which she replied to my check in, and acknowledged the fact that they are actually using this service the way it was intended. They gave me an incentive to check in every time I arrived back to the hotel.

We actually began chatting a little bit on Twitter as the rest of the week went on. I was going to wait until I checked out to pick up my gift and had no idea what to expect. I assumed it was a box of chocolates or some macadamia nuts or something native to the island. So I thought nothing of it past that and waited until the trip wound down and it was time to check out.

Our flight left at midnight that Saturday so we decided to check out early and walk around Waikiki one last time before we left. When I got to the desk and checked out, the gentleman helping me asked for me to wait one second while he grabbed something for me. When he returned he congratulated me on becoming the mayor of the hotel, thanked me for using the service, and handed me a very nice robe that had the Aqua Palms Resort and Spa logo embroidered on the side. There was also a hand written thank you card attached that thanked me for staying at the Aqua Palms and for using foursquare during my stay.

What this does is not only prove that people are using this service for the way that it was meant to be used, but that using a social service like this is benefiting more than just the businesses. I was so impressed by this, as well as what Scotty’s Brewhouse is doing, that I decided to not only thank them time and time again for paying so close attention to the service but decided to share this story with you.

There are a lot of people out there that doubt these location-based services. There is fear of people knowing where you are, or the fear of sharing too much personal information with the World Wide Web. But to those who doubt these services, I respect your decision, and understand that you will not be able to benefit as I have from these incentives. I am not the first to have said it, but location based search and services like this are the wave of the future. Scotty’s Brewhouse gets it. The Aqua Palms Resort and Spa gets it.

If you are not using these services it is time to reconsider and accept the benefits that come from simply being a social being. So to the folks at the Aqua Palms Resort and Spa, thank you for making our trip not only a memorable one from the quality of the room and the service that was provided, but thank you for being a thought leader in the tools that are available to you.

We are all dirty. Whether you are a child or an adult or something in between you are simply covered in germs. Now, before you freak out and run to the nearest shower note that not all germs are bad germs. In fact, less than 1% of all germs are considered to be harmful to the human body. On top of that your body’s immune system does a great job at keeping you healthy. Did you know that if you get the common cold that you would never get that same cold strain again? You can actually be given these cold strains on purpose and treated in an effort to assist in not being sick in the future. There are actually over two hundred strains of the common cold.

So, remember when I said that not all germs are bad? Well, let me rephrase that. Germs are smart. Now, I am not saying they are smarter than us by any means, but germs have the ability to mold themselves into all different shapes and sizes in an effort to attack your body. Again, our immune system has the ability to combat most of these, but not all strains are the same.

These germs live everywhere. Think about some of the things that you touch every single day that might carry these little guys. Doorknobs have germs all over them. When was the last time you saw someone clean a doorknob? Your keyboard is swimming with germs. Toilet seats, cell phones, and refrigerator handles are just covered in germs. (Did you know that a public toilet seat actually has fewer germs than your keyboard?) So how can you stay safe from these little guys? Well, you will never be able to rid yourself of germs all together, but below is a list of ways you can help assist in staying clean and better yet staying healthy.

Wash Your Hands

This is about as obvious as you can get. Wash your hands. Wash them after you go to the restroom. Wash them before you eat. Better yet wash them every couple of hours. And when I say wash your hands, I do not mean run them under cold water and carry on with your day. To actually be able to get the germs from your paws you need to use hot water (the hotter the better) and hand soap that has antibacterial ingredients. Now, how long do you need to wash your hands? When you begin sing happy birthday to yourself. Then, when you are finished singing repeats the ever-popular song again. Then, rinse, dry, and now know that 99.98% of the germs that were on your hands just a few seconds ago are now gone.

Use Bleach in your Laundry

When I first moved away to college I refused to learn how to do my own laundry. I am lucky enough to have a collection of clothes that allows me to go a couple of months (yes, a couple of months) without having to do laundry. I would send it home to my mom. Actually, my step-dad would do the laundry as he plays that role around my house. It is OK though, because he really knows how to not only make the clothes smell incredible but he can fold a pair of pants better than anyone I have ever met.

But, last year I decided that I would learn how to do it myself. I had my step-dad actually drive two hours to give me a lesson on how to wash, dry, and fold my clothes. And while they might not smell as good as they used to, I felt like I got one step closer to being able to survive on my own. So, how can you kill germs when doing your laundry? Use bleach. Bleach not only leaves your clothes smelling delicious but also kills any germs the laundry detergent missed out on.

Avoid Touching your Eyes, Nose, and Mouth

These places just so happen to be located on your face, and prove to be very difficult not to touch. I always have an itch in my eye, snot running out of my nose, or a piece of food stuck in the back of my mouth. But, it is advised that you try to avoid touching these places on your body, as they are stacked with germs. So what do you do if you catch yourself digging sleep out of your eyes, reaching for a booger that has been hanging out for the entire afternoon, or brushing your teeth with your middle finger? Wash your hands. Don’t forget to sing happy birthday twice when doing so.

Get Plenty of Sleep

Who does not like to sleep? We all like to sleep and it is suggested that you get a minimum of eight hours every night to be able to live a healthy and steady life. So, are you getting your eight hours a night? I know I am not. There are nights that I am lucky to get three or four. However, there are some nights where I head to bed at nine or ten and wake up the next day around noon. So I figure I am making up for it somewhere along the way. However, sleeping a true eight hours a night will actually help your body regulate and gives your immune system ample time to refresh itself for the next day. So, get to bed early tonight and see if you don’t feel better tomorrow morning.

Drink Lots of Water

I drink a gallon of this stuff a day, Actually, I have been drinking my fair share of diet soda, but I still try to drink a gallon of water a day. It is suggested by experts that you drink eight glasses of water each and every day. This might seem like a lot but if you drink a glass when you get up, one with breakfast, another in the afternoon, one with lunch, a couple in the evening and one before you go to bed then you have done this throughout the day and it does not seem like a daunting task.  Drinking this much water actually helps you not only stay hydrated, but also helps keep your system clean.

If You are Sick, Stay Home

This bothers me more than anything. I hate walking around the mall or the grocery store to hear and see people hacking and coughing into their arm. If you are sick, stay home for goodness sake. This will not only help the spread of germs but also will give you time to rest. Most doctors will say that if you are sick, especially with a common cold or the flu, the best medicine is to rest. Plus, you get the chance to lie around and do nothing all day. So enjoy it and help keep the rest of us healthy.

I could continue to go on and on about ways to keep you healthy. The list truly is endless. But these are some basic steps, and ones that most people ignore, that can help keep you in tiptop shape this season. So take some notes if you must, but if you follow these simple rules you will not only be healthier but you will feel better and you will have more energy to live an even more active life. All of that sounds pretty good to me. And remember, sing happy birthday to yourself twice when washing your hands!

The guy I am sitting with today should need no introduction. But because he is new to Indianapolis and because people are scared to experience something new and fresh when it comes to live music I feel obligated to tell you about this kid. Imagine you took the smooth grooves of Jack Johnson and tossed them into a blender with Jason Mraz’s skilled songwriting, out would come this kid. He has been pushing his name and tracks all over the Circle City and has been getting a lot of buzz surrounding his talents. I first met this guy at Birdy’s on a total whim and after numerous emails and banter I decided to get to know him on a more personal level. So, sit back, relax, and try to understand where this guy comes from. I am proud to introduce you to the soothing and smooth grooves that are produced on the guitars of Russ Baum.

How do you pronounce your last name exactly?

Baum sounds like “Bomb”.

How long have you been playing the guitar?

Going on nine years now.

What is your first memory of the guitar?

My father’s old acoustic; he had it before me.  He only played about five songs and I don’t even know the brand it was.  I mostly enjoyed the scent of the wood when you opened the case.

Do you write all of your own lyrics?

Yes I do.

Describe your genre in one word.

Roots-and-rocks.

Tell me about the new album.

“Goodfish” is my first studio album.  It is an acoustic based/full band stroll on love, lessons, and life. It is my first publication and it is meant to be innocent.

Do you prefer playing full band or solo?

Full band definitely! For the comfort of sharing the load and having friends close to laugh off the mistakes.

Tell me a little bit about the other guys in the band.

The group is simple to describe.  They are talented, driven, and loyal. It consists of John Alexander on drums and Shawn Bryant on bass.  John Alexander is a self taught percussionist that brings his own unique style of 80′s pop and modern rock beats.  He is an eager learner, a showman and an artist.  On the other hand you have Shawn Bryant who is a smooth musician and performer with a vast musical background.  He carries his own through funk, blues, rock or any other genre you can throw his direction.  He has traveled throughout the U.S. as part of the Max Allen Band and a short European tour recently with the Travis Fiester Band. Shawn is the real deal.

Who designed your MySpace page?

Nick Mills of NM design.

Speaking of MySpace, what are your thoughts on the service?

I am comfortable with using MySpace. You just have to remember that you get what you pay for.

Are you on Twitter?

No, not currently.  It is on the list of to-do’s though.

Do you have a job outside of music?

Nope.  But I read electric meters for ten years up to March of 2009.  That’s when I dedicated my time to music.

I see you are friends with Landon Keller. How do you know him?

I’ve have only spoken to Landon a hand full of times.  He is another artist on Stormy Tuesday Records.  I am a fan of his music and I also believe in supporting the family at Stormy Tuesday Records.  I imagine I will get the chance to make better friends with him in the future.

So who is Stormy Tuesday Records?

The record label is out of Clayton, Indiana. It consist of a well equipped studio, video recording capabilities, and in house graphics and design.  Mike Perry is the sound engineer, he is a solid teacher and a good soul.

What in the is world is in Gosport, Indiana?

Not much.  We have a Casey’s General Store and a Dollar General.  Other than that, no corporate business.  Mom and Pop shops own every other business in town.  It’s been that way since the 1800′s.  It’s a self operating/friendly community.  The best thing in Gosport is the peace and quiet, which I find priceless.

As a matter of fact, where in the world is Gosport, Indiana?

It is forty minutes southwest of Indianapolis.  Straight down SR 67.

Does being from a small town help or hurt your ability to write songs?

It helps me stick to the simple life morals that I feel are important, but I can’t help being a bit nervous about how the music will be taken by the larger populated areas.  Time will tell.

Do you ever play outside of Indianapolis?

Yes.  A long list of small towns, plus Bloomington, and a couple of original sets in Tempe, Arizona.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would you go?

I believe in strong roots, give me the Indiana countryside!  If it had to be outside of Indiana then I would say Australia.  It is a very unique continent.

What is the biggest crowd you have played for?

Packed house at the Bluebird in Bloomington about three hundred people.  Sadly it wasn’t at all for me.  I was opening for Zoso, the Led Zeppelin tribute. It was a great night.

The smallest?

Me and the bartender at the Mooresville Grille.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

Green Day, Towns VanZant, and Jack Johnson.  Many more, but these are the most predominant.

Do you ever take off that hat?

I have been wearing the Beanie for over three years straight.  It has become a staple in the wardrobe and I’ve been trying lately to break ties with it.  Right now I have to wear it on stage to keep my hair from going in my mouth when I sing.  Maybe I’ll have a public unveiling someday and it’ll be fun!

Sporting any tattoos?

Yep.  I have two of them.  A symbol of free spirit with a bird silhouette on the back of my neck and a collage of stars with a Scorpio symbol on my fore-arm and wrist that represents my freedom in love with my wife.

What are you drinking on stage?

Just one Bud light Lime if I’m in a bar. But I prefer a few bottles of water.

Do you have a favorite venue to play?

The Bluebird in Bloomington has always sounded great and I have a new found/good sound at Birdy’s Bar & Grille lately.  Solid stages with solid sound.  Hats off to the sound guys!

Let’s say that you are about to headline a show out at Verizon Wireless Music Center. Who is your opening act?

My first thought would be Micheal Franti with Spearhead as they would produce an energetic and message driven show that would compliment our production nicely.

If you could be any cartoon character which one would you choose and why?

Shaggy!  Because I love to munch and I would rather chill with my buddies than go lookin for trouble.

Where can I get some of your merchandise?

Indy CD and Vinyl on Broadripple Avenue., Six Strings Down in Plainfield, and Vibe Music Store or Champlins Music in Martinsville, Indiana.  Our online store will be up soon and you can always get your gear at the shows.

If you could only play one song for the rest of your career what song would you choose?

If You Go.  It’s one of mine.  I feel the message is strong.  Here’s a piece of it:

“Don’t forget where you came from,
and don’t rely on anyone,
In your life you will find,
that most people lie,
but they do what they do as a means to survive
It’s not right, and I know it’s all wrong,
but we can change the way that this world has turned for so long.”

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I see myself having a well structured fan base in the Midwest.  At least three more album releases.  Pushing my way and using my friends and connections to grow into what I will eventually become.

What do you want to be remembered for when this is said and done?

For being a lover and bringing smiles, because sometimes all I have is a smile to give. I am Russ Baum, a master of acceptance.

I always let the artist get the last word. Go.

To my fans, I love you and I thank you!  I am looking forward to spending time with you!

Flying might be one of the most fun parts of travel. The whole idea of getting up early, making sure you have all your bags packed, heading to the airport to wait in line, grabbing a cup of coffee at Starbucks, and waiting to board is such a rush. Then, once you are on the plane, it starts to hit you that you are well on your way to your vacation destination. Granted, not every time you fly is it for vacation, but that tends to be the reason why I fly.

Then comes the take off, the view from 30,000 feet, and the landing. No one enjoys turbulence, but I figure with everything else I enjoy about this journey I should expect something negative to happen.  There’s also the so-called food and drinks. They are mediocre, of course, unless you are sitting in first class. And trust me, there is a difference between the service between the front and the back of the plane.

But did you know there are secret ways to get a better seat on your next flight? Outside of paying the extra fees for first class there are a few spots on that flight that are superior to the average cramped seat in coach . But how do you get one of these coveted locations? Your answer has arrived. I have had the chance to fly all over the world and I have used most of these excuses and techniques to get a better seat, and sometimes even manage to weasel my way into first class.

Booking the Emergency Row

Most of us are now booking our flights online. It is easy, you can do it from home, even your phone, and it saves the hassle of being on hold and having to write down all sorts of information along the way. If you are using the Internet to book your flight, you will be prompted somewhere along the way to choose your seat. This list will show all of the seats currently available and is usually pretty up to date.

The best seats in coach, and I say best loosely by speaking solely on legroom here, are the emergency exit aisles. Most planes will have two rows with emergency exits and those seats have a lot more legroom than the others. But when booking your flight, almost every time you try to do that you will see that these seats are always taken. Why is that? Well, that is because these seats usually do not come available until twenty-four hours before the flight is schedule to depart. So, if you did book your seat online, the night before the flight head back to that website and see if you cant grab one of those extra leg room chairs.

Upgrading to First Class

Upgrading to first class is the best way to guarantee that extra leg room and great service. You are the first one on the flight, you are the first one off the flight, and you receive a much higher grade of service. Your booze is complementary, your bathroom is bigger, and you have extended offers such as hot towels and eye masks for those extra long flights.  But how do you upgrade? Well, you have a few options actually. Initially the option of paying more for your ticket guarantees that you get a first class seat. Or, once you get to the airport and you check in you can ask the lady at the front desk if there are upgrade options available. These are usually much cheaper but also more difficult to get. However, smile when you approach the desk, ask nicely, and see if you are not offered the upgrade.

Another option, if you are flying on a flight that is not full, is to ask for the upgrade right before take off. There have been many of times I have been flying somewhere and I see seats up front that are unoccupied. If this is the case ask if you can move forward. Chances are your wish will be granted. Of course, this is another opportunity where you must smile and be as nice as you can be.

Fly Those Friendly Skies

The more you fly the more you can earn. So, if you are flying for business or just like to travel, make sure you stock up on those frequent flier miles. When you collect these flier miles you have the opportunity to redeem them for future flights. Airlines like the frequent fliers. You get access to private pre-flight areas that offer complimentary drinks, your bathrooms are less crowded, bigger and cleaner, and you are given the best treatment possible once aboard. Why? Because you are spending money on that airline. To be able to redeem these points, especially for first class tickets, you are spending a hefty amount of cash to earn those miles. The airlines know that, they want you to continue to fly with them, and they appreciate your business.

Flying While Staying Solo

A great way to increase your chances of flying first class is to be single. Now, you might be asking yourself how can being single have any effect on me flying first class? A few months ago, I was returning home from the 2010 PGA Merchandise Show in Florida. My flight was scheduled to leave at 2:30 PM. I get to the airport, head to my gate, and am told that I need to ask the front desk for a seat number. Once I arrived at the desk I was informed that my flight had been overbooked. I was offered a later flight, a mere three hours later, and asked if I would be willing to accept. I told them of course, but only if I was given a round trip flight to anywhere they flew and I was upgraded to first class on all of my flights. They accepted, provided me with a travel voucher, and I waited it out. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday evening.

Why did I say that you need to be single to do this? You don’t, of course, but it helps. If you are traveling with your spouse or family, or they are waiting for you at home, a few extra hours in the airport can be a world of difference. Being single helps s you can be worry free while waiting for your fight. However, improving your travel experience is no reason to break up with your sweetheart!

These are just a few tips on how to increase your leg room when you are in the air. There are other ways you can get the better seats, sure, but these are proven and ways that I have seen first hand on how you can make your way to the front of the plane. Once you sit first class you will have a hard time going back to coach, trust me. So I advise on your net flight you heed my advice and fly in the lap of luxury. All things aside, Dewar’s on the rocks never tasted so good as it does in first class.

For most of us, listening to music is something we simply cannot live without. You remember the days of the portable cassette player and then moving to a new generation of portable CD players. Just in the last few years we have gone from carrying around CD players to carrying around iPods, iPhones, and a variety of other media players that will allow us to listen to our collection of albums and in most cases even the radio. But is AM/FM radio all that great anyway with all of those ads and off air time? Plus most of these stations play the same songs over and over again and it gets to the point that you cannot even drive to work without hearing the same song two or three times.

Thus enter the world of Internet radio. Now, through services like iTunes and Pandora, you can listen to radio stations from all over the world. iTunes offers stations from every corner of the planet while Pandora pulls tracks from an ever growing collection of songs. Pandora, coined the music genome project, can not only provide you with a list of stations to fit your specific genre, but based on a rating and skip system can tell you what you like and suggest tracks that you will also enjoy. And if a song appears that you do not like, simply clicking the thumbs down option (next to the album cover) and Pandora will not play that track anymore, nor songs like it. Pandora is truly a smart way to listen to the radio. (Funny how they consider themselves Internet radio when in reality it is not radio at all but rather a collection of predetermined tracks.)

Pandora is also convenient. With the website allowing you access anywhere that you have a browser as well as iPhone and Blackberry application options you can carry your Pandora account with you wherever you go. But Pandora is not the perfect solution to your music listening needs. There are advertisements every few songs that do nothing but annoy. There are even ads on the side of the window that take up half the screen when all you want to do is skip to the next tune. But be careful as you are only allowed six skips a day. So be cautious if you are tired of hearing Lady Gaga as you can only hope around a limited number of times.

There are some other issues like not being able to rate songs outside of your genre even. When you create your account you can select a genre from a predetermined list or even input an artist that you like the sound of. So, when I started, I put in Armin van Buuren. He is a high-energy techno DJ and I love listening to dance, trance, and house music. So, once I entered that Pandora made the House station “my” station. If I, for example, want to venture out and listen to some Top 40 music and want to like a song I am not able to since House is considered to be my default station. But, all of those things aside Pandora truly does put services like iTunes Radio and Slacker Radio to shame. The selection is just unbeatable.

But what if I want to have unlimited skips? What if I want to listen to more than forty hours a month? What if I want to turn on Pandora while having a dinner party and not be overwhelmed with advertisements? You are in luck as Pandora offers a paid subscription service. The rate is $36 a year (yeah, that is a value in my option) and you are welcomed with a handful of incredible options. I wanted to take an opportunity to share some of those with you here. Below is a list of some the more interesting and personally beneficial options when you actually pay for your Pandora service. This offer comes to you with a slightly different name, more for branding I would assume, and is known as Pandora One. You be the judge but if you are looking to have full control over your radio the only way to do it, through Pandora anyway, is to pony up the dough.

Bringing Pandora to your Desktop

One cool thing that the Pandora subscription offers is a desktop application that allows you to run your Pandora radio station outside of a web browser. If you are anything like me you are using four or five tabs at any given time, so why waste one on Pandora? This handy application allows you the view the album cover, rate the song as a like or dislike, and even skip to the next track and pause if you are wanting to take a break from the music for a little while. This application takes up a lot less space too. If you do not want to see the application just hide the sucker in your task bar and move on with your day.

Making Pandora Your Very Own

With your paid subscription get ready to get creative. With the default Pandora website you have no control over the look of your page. You get the default look and feel and the most excitement that will come from this is the ads that pop up non-stop every few tracks. So if you are dishing out the cash for the subscription you can have pretty much total control over your design. There are skins that you can download that allow you to personalize your media player. This is where Pandora gets personal.

Listing without Limits

With the way Pandora is currently setup, if you are not paying then you are limited to so many hours a month. Forty to be exact. So if you have a full time job and are allowed to listen to music while in the office (like I can) you will use that time in a couple of weeks, tops. Plus, I have Pandora on my iPhone. Because of that my account is linked to my phone and the hours are the same. So if I use the website for twenty hours and my phone for twenty then I have, according to Pandora, used my forty hours. They are linked and this proves to be a big issue when I am in the mood to listen to some radio. The paid subscription, however, has no time limits and you can listen all day every day for the entire month. For the entire year for that matter. Pay for the enjoyment of unlimited listening with Pandora.

Higher Quality Streaming

The audio quality coming from Pandora is pretty solid. You get what I consider almost CD quality sound from the service when you are taking the free route. But, if you decide to pay for your service, expect a much higher quality of sound to pierce your eardrums. With the paid subscription you will begin receiving 192k bits per second audio. To the normal individual that might not prove to be that big of a selling point, but to ears like mine I need to hear what the person producing this track heard. The better the sound quality the more enjoyment I can get out of a song.

No Advertising

The single best feature about the paid subscription to Pandora is that you get no ads. No more commercials every few tracks that fan inhibit your mood. No more huge banners popping out all over the screen. No more being bothered to rent your next DVD from Netflix or to watch the latest and greatest late night TV sow on NBC. Ads are a thing of the past when you pay for your service. This, to most, should be worth the $36. Please remember that this is $36 a year, not a month. You get 365 days of ad free listening power for a small price to pay.

Longer Timeout Periods

If you are using Pandora right now, for free, then you are well aware that you are to interact with the service every handful of tracks before it will ask you if you are still listening. You can be ten minutes into your day and then the music stops. You wonder why, open the tab, and see a message from Pandora asking you if you are still listening. You hit yes, and carry on with your day only to have to do the same thing in another half an hour or so. It gets annoying fast with the free service. But, if you pay for your service, you will not have up to five hours of idle time before you are required to interact with Pandora. So, enjoy your time sitting back with ad free unlimited skips music. It truly will make your listening experience that much better.

These are only a few things that make Pandora One that much better than the free version of the service. If you listen to the radio at work, and you favorite the stations on Pandora, it might be time to seriously consider some investment into their subscription services. The experience will be better just from the features that you will be able to take advantage of. So pull out your credit card, follow the on screen directions to activating your account, and get to dancing as you are on your way to higher quality unlimited skipping ad free music.

It is rare to find a band who brings light to the meaning of talent. But the band that I am sitting with today does that and then some. Not only do they look and sound like they need to be on center stage at Warped Tour, but they also sound like they belong on the radio and on your iPod. These guys are from Indianapolis, Indiana and I cannot believe that it took me this long to find out about them. They scream here and there, which I usually do not like, but it is so well done that it is hard not to fall in love with it. Their lyrics are very educated and as far as I can tell come from real life situations. Sit back, relax, and get to know the guys in Ironsides.

Where did you guys all meet?

Guitar Center, Facebook, and theft of a guitar player from another band.

How long have you been playing together?

Oh…almost two years.

I am digging the MySpace page. Who designed that?

Mister Lawrence Rosinko.

Speaking of MySpace, what are your thoughts on the service?

Yes?  We love our fans, and love that they can love us via MySpace.

Are you guys on Twitter?

Josh and Robby are both on Twitter and would love to be followed, @josh9288 and @veryelaborate, respectively.  Nic has one as well but Josh and I are the only ones with the password. (Laughs)

Where did you come up with that band name?

The name of the band before was The Last Word and then Robby joined, we wrote all new music and decided that we needed a new band name.  Things were tossed around for a while and then Robby chimes in with “Hey guess what, we are called Ironsides now.”

Who is the ringleader of the band?

Well that is a bit complicated; we split it up.  Nic handles the money, Josh handles the MySpace and all that, and Robby is just…kinda…weird.

Describe your genre in one word.

Ambibrutal.

Where do you guys practice?

Casa De Ironsides, up in Carmel.  Want to hang out later?

Do you have a favorite venue?

We love any venue full of people.

Do you guys have jobs outside of music?

Indeed we do.  Nic is your friendly neighborhood Jimmy John’s driver, Josh is getting pretty good at getting fired, Robby is on welfare, Butters is in high school, and Zek cleans windows.

Who is doing all of that screaming?

That would be Josh.

Who has the most tattoos?

Robby, with four…we need more tattoos.

Tell me about White Horse Entertainment.

White Horse Entertainment is run by our good buddy Joshua “Lego” Lohrman.  He is everywhere, at every show, and sometimes he is on our couch when we come home eating Cheetos.

What are you drinking on stage?

Water, Gatorade, Monster Energy Drinks, and sometimes coffee.

What is the biggest crowd you have ever played for?

Cornerstone for sure.

The smallest?

Here is a story for you:  Josh and Robby were commissioned a while back to do a one off acoustic show at a café in Illinois.  No one showed up and we played to the guy that owned the place and his wife.  Until she left, and then he got a phone call.  We ended up playing to a 100% empty room.

If you could tour with anyone in the market right now who would you guys pick?

Oh Sleeper.  Love those guys.  Cool dudes.

You have a very Warped Tour style of sound. Have you ever thought about trying to get on any of those dates?

We have tossed the idea around; maybe next year.

Do you guys play outside of Indianapolis a lot?

As much as possible.  We hit Illinois a lot.  They seem to like us there.

If you could live anywhere else in the world where would you go?

Canada! They give bands government money!

How did you guys react to the passing of the King of Pop?

Consequently we received news of his passing while we were on our way to the acoustic show mentioned in a previous question.  We like to think that his spirit filled the empty room as we dedicated that show to him.

Where can I get some of your merchandise?

Come to a show! We want to see your faces.

Who does all the songwriting?

Most of that falls on Josh.  He brings a song idea, everyone plays around, with it, bada bing bada boom, Ironsides.

PC or a Mac?

Mac.

Who are some of your biggest inspirations?

Willie Nelson, Our Army of K-9s, and Hannah Montana.

If you could only play one song for the rest of your life, which song would you choose?

The Finisher by Oh Sleeper.  We are listening to it right now.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

On the road,  assuming Robby lives that long.  He does foolish things like picking fights with bears and jungle cats.

What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?

That we made good music.

I always let the artist get the last word. Go.

Pewp.

I play video games.  I play video games a lot actually.  I play sports games, first person shooter games, racing games, and even role-playing games if the mood strikes me.  I am not into games like World of War Craft, but I probably spend as much time playing games like Tiger Woods PGA Tour Golf as some of you do playing WOW.  I take the game very serious and have purchased every copy of the game on the day of release since the 1999 version when it came to PC.  I recently have been going to Walmart at midnight the day of the release as that allows for immediate satisfaction of the updated graphics and the new game play.

I would venture to say that I play my Microsoft Xbox 360 about 95% of the time.  I am a console collector, as I have all three of the next generation consoles, but the 360 has a special place in my heart.  Perhaps it is the fact that I waited in line at Walmart for over twenty hours to guarantee that I got one the day it came out.  Or maybe it is because this is the first time that Tiger Woods was a launch title.  Actually, I think the real reason is because of the achievement points.  These points are a way for you track your progress as you play and beat games.  You get points for doing things like completing a season in Madden or for running a lap in Project Gotham Racing without hitting a wall.  Some of the points are easier to get than others, but with that comes smaller point totals.  I currently have just over 14,000 gamer points and from what I can tell that is a lot.  But again, I do play a lot.  Think of gamer points as bragging rights for the rest of the gamers out there.

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2010 has been giving me some problems lately.  I have not beat the game, I have not completed the tournament challenge, and I have only received about half of the gamer points that this game has available.  However, with that being said, I do know what all of these achievements are.  And not only do I know what these achievements are but I also have researched them a little deeper to know not only how to accomplish these achievements but also some of the little innuendos that go along with each task.  Below you will see a complete list of the Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2010 achievements and a little more information on each one.  (These will go from the easiest achievements to obtain to the hardest and highest point valued ones.)

Team Work – Watch the Credits – 10 Points

This is a pretty simple task to complete.  All you have to do is head to the main menu, choose the My Tiger Woods -10 option, then select Extras, and then Credits.  Once you have watched the credits for the game you will unlock this achivement.  This is an easy way to jump start your list and to learn a little bit more about the number of people that went into making this game possible.

Blammo! – Earn the Bingo, Bango & Bongo point on a single shot in the Bingo Bango Bongo Traditional game mode. – 10 Points

This is another pretty simple task to complete.  Bingo Bango Bongo is a pretty fun style of play.  The concept here is that you and your opponent(s) tee off.  You earn a Bingo for the first person to hit the green.  Then, you win the Bango for being the closest to the pin once everyone is on the green.  The Bongo then comes as the lowest score on that hole.  So, for instance, if you hit in the middle of the fairway, stick it to three inches, and your opponent misses his putt and is a foot away from the hole, you would in theory win all three.  There are multiples ways in this game to achieve this task, but the easiest is to play you with two controllers.  Set up the game to be you versus yourself.  Hit the shots that you know will allow the first, or the second, player to win all three.  Is it cheating?  Sure it is but it beats trying to figure out a way to do this while playing in the exhibition mode.

Weather Report – Complete an online 18-hole round in the rain using the Live Weather feed. – 10 Points

Live Weather is new to the Tiger Woods franchise.  This is a feature that based on GPS and the constant connection to the web that your console has (assuming you invested in an Xbox Live account) to pull the actual weather conditions as they are in the city of where the course you are playing exists.  So, if you head over to St. Andrews to play a quick round before bed, have Live Weather set, and it is raining in Scotland you better believe that it is raining on the game.  This feature is cool because it gives you an accurate sense of what these guys truly have to deal with from week to week out there on tour.

The Comeback Kid – Come back from a +5 or worse to finish Even or better, in any Traditional or Online game mode round. – 15 Points

This is a very easy task to complete.  The idea of this is that you have to come back from being at least five strokes over par and finish the round even or under par.  This is not hard as most of these courses have the potential to shoot in the low 50s once you have figured out the putting.  The easiest way I know how to tell you to beat this challenge is to knock a few balls out of bounds on the first hole and start your next seventeen holes already at your target of five shots over par.  Then, once you have hit that magic number just play the way you would normally play.  Chances you finish even or under par are pretty good.

Tough at the Top – Compete in Play-The-Pros mode and submit your score online. – 15 Points

This is also another easy task to complete.  All you have to do is log on, play 18 holes in this particular category, and post your score online.  It does not matter if you shoot twenty under par or twenty over par, as long as you submit the score online you will unlock this achievement.

Play with the Big Boys – Drive the ball 400 or more yards in the fairway in any Traditional or Online game modes. – 15 Points

This is a task that takes a little bit of planning.  First, your player (you could use Tiger Woods for this if you want to) needs to have a high distance rating.  Once you are near a full rating on your distance category, head out to any given golf course and let the big dog eat, as they say. Some things that might help are finding a downhill down wind par four or five.  If the wind is at your back it will be much easier for the ball to carry.  If you do get a big down wind open the club face a little to let the ball get that extra airtime after you hit it.  You will probably get this achievement on accident by just playing the game.

Maximum Power – Complete an 18-Hole round using a max stats costume in any Traditional or Online game modes. – 25 Points

There are a couple of ways to complete this task.  You can purchase the bunny costume with 300 Microsoft points and get this challenge right out of the gate.  But, if you are like me and find yourself on a budget, you just simply have to unlock the bunny suit to break this challenge.  You can unlock this costume by making your way through the Tournament Challenge.  You have to play this to be able to unlock all of the achievements anyway, so it just comes with time.  But once you have unlocked the bunny suit all you have to do is play 178 holes.  Easy enough.

Raindancer – Play in the rain and score an Eagle or better in any Stroke based Traditional or Online game modes. – 25 Points

This is simple.  Set the weather to rain, play a round, and score an eagle or better.  Once you sink that eagle you will get an easy 25 points.

Riding Spinnaz – Sink an approach shot using backspin covering a distance of 5ft or greater in any game mode. – 25 Points

You will get this just by playing the game.  As you make your way through the PGA Tour season or the Tournament Challenge.  Most wedges wil spin this much by default so do not worry about the distance of your spin.  So just go out and play and eventually you will sink a field shot.

Taking Flight – Total 50 birdies with a created player. – 25 Points

This is a pretty simple one to break.  Just go out and play and you will break this in no time.  I currently have over 1,000 birdies and I am not even at 100% game completion.  A harder challenge might have been 50 eagles with a created player. But make sure that you are using your created player as these do not count with the players that are already in the game.

Eye of the Hurricane – Shoot under Par through a Gale Force wind in a Traditional or Online game mode 18-hole round. – 25 Points

Gale force winds are insane on this game. You will be starring at 25+ mile an hour winds going in any given direction.  Sometimes with winds this crazy rain is also thrown into the mix.  Regardless, just play smart, make sure you sink a few birdies early, and you will break this achievement.

It’s All in the Hips – Use Precision Putter to sink a 30ft putt without Putt Preview, in a Traditional or Online game mode. – 30 points

For this challenge you must sink a 30 foot putt without using the putt preview.  The putt preview is your one and only chance at seeing where, if you hit the ball at 100%, your putt will travel.  It can be difficult not using this as the new putting is something very hard to grasp for most average to mid level players.  But, there is luck!  In the tournament challenge you will be matched with Tiger and are required to match him shot for shot.  One of these is a putt that is 30 foot long.  The first time you have this putt, line it up, and use the putt preview.  Understand where the putt will break but then miss the putt on purpose.  The challenge will restart leaving your putt exactly where you had it before. Adjust accordingly and sink the putt.

Bare Minimum – Play a round under Par in a Traditional or Online game mode with a Driver, SW, 5 Iron and Putter. – 30 Points

This is a fun one to break.  I suggest that you use a curse like St. Andrews.  The course is not that long, from the white tees, and has pretty flat greens.  Also, while playing use the three click style of play.  This way if you have a 5 iron going into a 130 yard shot you can guarantee you will not miss the green by very much.  But the easiest thing you can do is just go out and have fun!

Big Money – Win 5 Million Dollars in Live Tournaments. – 30 Points

Good luck on this one.  This is the hardest challenge in the game, in my opinion.  This will take you not only time but patience as you have to play a lot, and for a long time to unlock this one.  There are various styles of online tournaments ranging from daily, weekly, and play the pros.  Each one requires you to play four rounds and the top 350 places generally pay out.  The play the pros one pay fewer spots.  This is not hard; it is just time consuming and a lot of golf.  So get out there and start making some birdies!

Piece of Cake – Post a Top 50 score in a Live Tournament. – 30 Points

This is not s hard as it sounds.  All you have to do is go out to live tournaments and finish one round in the top 50.  Find a tournament that has just started, play your heart out, shoot a decent score, and you will place in the top 50.

Migration – Total 100 Birdies using a created golfer. – 35 Points

Just like the 50 birdies that you must collect this is just a continued effort.  Keep playing and keep making those birdies and this one will eventually find its way into you trophy case.

Birds of Prey – Total 25 Eagles using a created golfer. – 35 Points

Exactly like the two birdie challenges, this is based on eagles.  So, head out there, play some par fives, and rack up the eagles.

Big Tuna – Play an 18-hole Traditional or Online game mode round in FIR and GIR using only tuned clubs. – 50 Points

This one is quite difficult for multiple reasons.  First, every club that you have in your bag must have been tuned out on the driving range.  The putter is the only club that you cannot tune.  This can be done by changing the loft, the lie, or anything else that you think will benefit your swing in the club-tuning mode.  I changed my clubs by one degree of loft.  Now comes the hard part.  You have to play 18 holes and not miss a single fairway.  You also cannot miss a single green.  You must literally play a perfect round from tee to green to break this with those tuned clubs.  Mine happened by accident but with a little patience you can break this in a hurry.

Aces High – Ace a Par 4 or a Par 5 hole in any Traditional or Online game mode. – 50 Points

This one is a lot more difficult than you might think.  You might pull this off by accident during normal game play but if you want to focus on this challenge and guarantee that you complete it then you need to head back to St. Andrews.  And rather than using your created player take Luke Donald.  On hole #9 at St. Andrews Luke will hit a 99-100% driver pin high.  Then, just play with the spin until you knock it in.  Also, use the mulligan feature in case you miss it to save from having to go back and set up the hole again.

Well-Seasoned – Complete a PGA TOUR® Season with at least 10 Million Dollars in career earnings. – 50 Points

This is a pretty simple task.  Just play through a season, win as many tournaments as you can, and finish the PGA Tour season with over $10 million in earnings.  The first time you do this it will actually unlock not only this achievement but also the Tracking Tiger Trophy Ball for making more than $10 million in a single reason.  Think of it as killing two birds with one stone.

Circle of Life – Score an Ace, an Eagle, a Birdie, a Par and a Bogey in a single round of a PGA TOUR® Event. – 55 Points

This, as hard as it seems, will again just happen on accident.  You can play a round and get any number of eagles, birdies, and bogies.  But the hole in one is the issue.  Play a course like Wentworth where you have a lot of chances.  Play the white tees, as well, giving you a better chance at scoring that ace.  With a little luck this will happen during the course of play.

Eagle Eye – Total 100 Eagles using a created golfer. – 55 Points

Remember when I said they should focus on the eagles rather than the birdies?  Well, your wish is my command.  Score 100 of these and you will unlock another achievement.

Ten Thousand Ways – Earn 10,000 Player Points in EA SPORTS™ GamerNet. – 75 Points

This is something that just comes with time.  You can either win these through the course of normal play by knocking it close to the pin or by out driving some of the other players on Xbox Live, or you can do it online in their menu.  You can search for and find these set challenges and if you beat them this route it will earn you double points.  This track will allow you a much easier road and can be accomplished in a few hours if that. (I am doing it the old school route and earning them as I go through the PGA Tour Season.

Challenge the World – Complete the Tournament Challenge mode. – 75 Points

It does not get any easier than this. Just play through and complete the tournament challenge.

Sharkies – Play 18 holes online against an EA Tiburon team member or against a player who has this Achievement. – 80 Points

You can either head online and setup a match with this as a requirement or just risk it and play as many people online as you can until you unlock this.  You must, however, complete all 18 holes for this to unlock.

From Bad to Worse – Hit the ball from any bunker into a different hazard, such as a Water Hazard or Out of Bounds. – 10 Points

This is easy.  Hit the ball into a bunker then hit it out of bounds or into a water hazard.  It really is that simple.

Mulligans Island – Use 20 or more mulligans during an 18-hole round, in any Traditional or Online game modes. – 15 points

Just start a round with mulligans activated and go to town.  You can do this all on the first shot of the round if you want.  Once you have used twenty of these finish the round and you will unlock this achievement.

No Known Survivors – Equip the CEC Mining Hazard Suit – 35 Points

All you have to do is play through the Tournament Challenge.  Once you have completed the four rounds at the TPC of Boston you will unlock this in the pro shop.  Equip it and then you will unlock this achievement.

Levinator25 – Complete the first Bonus Challenge in Tournament Challenge. – 55 Points

This is a fun little secret achievement that you will have to complete.  Once you have made your way through what you think is 100% of the Tournament Challenge you will be given one more set of tasks to complete.  You will be given incredible shots from recent history on the PGA Tour.  The first, and the one that you need to complete to win this task, is knock it in from a lily pad.  Remember that Tiger Woods commercial where he hits the ball from a lily pad standing in the middle of the lake?  Well, now you get to experience this first hand.

These are the achievements in the 2010 Tiger Woods PGA Tour Xbox 360 game.  The game is the best graphics you have seen in this series to date and the game play is incredible.  The putting, as always, changes this year but you get used to it.  If you are like me and obsess over achievement points hopefully this will help you get a healthy chunk.