Discovery Lifts Off

The space shuttle Discovery has successfully lifted off this morning for the first time in two and a half years and is on it's way into orbit.

Discovery (search) blasted off Tuesday morning to send seven astronauts into partly cloudy skies above Florida on the first space shuttle flight since the Columbia disaster 2 1/2 years ago.

The shuttle lifted off from the launch pad at Cape Canaveral promptly at 10:39 a.m. EDT to begin a 12-day supply and repair mission.

All Star BBQ Showdown on OLN

OLN (that's Outdoor Life Network, not The Old Lady's Network) is featuring the All Star BBQ Showdown.

The best, most outrageous BBQ chefs in America face off against each other in the ultimate showdown to crown the best BBQ chef in the US. Also competing will be local amateurs who think they have what it takes to win the crown. Local competitions take place around the country at real events, with thousands of people in attendance, leading to the grand finale in New York City.

Check here for the schedule

Independence Day Barbecue

I am finaly getting the pictures posted from 4th of July weekend. We cooked four briskets, several pounds of link sausage and 10lbs of chicken quaters for 4th of July weekend. The cooking started on Saturday July 2nd and we ate yummy barbecue on Sunday. View the slide show for larger images.

Two briskets, just placed on the smoker.


The briskets have cooked for about 10 hours and will now be wrapped and cooked for aother 6-8 hours.


Three briskets are wrapped after about 10 hours of smoking and ready to cook for another 6-8 hours.

Thanks to East Side Speed Shop and Detroit Muscle!

After sending a link to my friends at East Side Speed Shop informing them of my entry into the No Adult Supervision barbecue competition, Lou replied with an offer of support. I will now be proudly displaying the Detroit Muscle banner at the Uncle Carnies Sograte BBQ camp. We will be wearing Detroit Muscle t-shirts and promoting their brand. Thanks East Side Speed / Detroit Muscle for your support!

It Is official

I will be competing in my first competition on the weekend of July 30th. The No Adult Supervision event is sanctioned by the Lone Star Barbecue Society and will be held in Tahoka Texas, about 30 miles from me in Lubbock, .

I am entered under the team name of Uncle Carnie's Sograte BBQ and will be entering all three meat categories (brisket, half chicken and pork spare ribs). I will be entering the beans competition as well, I mean, what is barbecue without beans?

NASA - Return to flight

NASA is ready to return to flight

Liftoff of Space Shuttle Discovery on NASA's Return to Flight Mission is scheduled for 3:51 p.m. EDT July 13.

As a resident of Lubbock, TX we were saddened by the loss of Willie McCool in the space shuttle Columbia disater. Coronado High School was my alma mater just as it was for as Willie, except I was 12 behind him.

Texas Tribute Honors Astronaut Hero Willie McCool

Anway, I am confident in NASA and proud to be an American - the leaders in space exploration.


UPDATE: 07/13/2005 3:24pm

Flight Scrubbed
Today's Return to Flight launch of Space Shuttle Discovery has been postponed due to an issue with a low-level fuel cutoff sensor onboard the vehicle.

The Spice is Right!

I always seem to get stuck in a rut, using the same spice combination on everything I cook. I know that different spices really compliment particular types of food. A mix that works wonderfully with chicken may not work so well with a ribeye steak. The question is, how do you know what spices will do justice to the food at hand. Spice Barn has a A Simple Diagram to Understand "What With What". Never again will I question the seasoning of my meat.