Cajun Cafe Spring Beerfest 2012

They say a picture is worth a thousand words and I didn’t feel like typing that much, so here’s what you missed summed up in a few pictures.

There were lots of ales…

…Lots of brewing companies….

…Plenty of cold ones….

…Tons of new brews to try…

…Many you’ll never forget….

…Lots of water bottles…

…Way too much bread pudding…

…And not enough restrooms.

What’s All This Moaning Over College Loaning?

Uncle Bob endearingly looks down at little Timmy, pinches his cheeks and asks, “Now Timmy, what do you want to be when you grow up?” No, that’s not the opening scene to a play, but this very scene (or something eerily similar) takes place in just about every American home. It would be fair to say that for most children, one of the most common responses they manage to conjure up sounds something like this, “When I grow up I want to be a <insert highly paid profession here.>” Dreams, hopes and aspirations are cultivated at an early age where children are encouraged to reach for the stars. Discussions around the dinner table typically consist of parents negotiating play time for homework time. Later in life, parents offer their guidance and life experiences regarding the topic of choosing a college or university. A future aspiring professional is being modeled from the cast of hard work, persistence, and well, “the stuff dreams are made of”. College is no longer only for the wealthy, but for those who through merit, have been granted the opportunity to change the world one degree at a time. Well, that last part may be a bit of a stretch.

As many recall, back in 2007 a bill was signed slashing interest rates for Stafford loans in half. The then 6.8 percent rate was made an affordable 3.4 percent, allowing many students to realize their dreams of making something of their lives. Unfortunately, like all good things or refrigerated items, this grace period had an expiration date. On July 1, 2012 rates are scheduled to return to their exorbitant norm of 6.8 percent. The end of this bill during a time of economic turbulence and uncertainty leaves many concerned about the repercussions of defaulting on a loan they simply can’t afford the monthly payments for, instead of focusing their energy on getting a higher education.

In the wake of all the discussion revolving around this rate hike, there are, of course, two sides to the story. Late September 2008 marked one of the worst market crashes the U.S. had seen in a while; most likely the only crash college bound students had ever seen in their relatively short life time. Ever since the 777 points lost that day, much time and effort has gone into the science of deciphering what precipitated the event as well as what after shocks were sure to follow. Unemployment rates sky rocketed, home foreclosures reached an all time high, and many college bound adults worked menial jobs just to support themselves and families. According to US Census Bureau data, in October 2008 39.6 percent of 18-24 year olds were enrolled in a two- or four-year college, a .9 percent increase since 2007. After a catastrophic event like the market crash, this spike in college enrollment affirmed that earning a college degree was deemed as vital as an early morning java fix, and student loans were the cream and sugar.

However, since developments on genetic engineering to produce a money tree have been retired along with NASA, the question that begs to be asked is, “How will taxpayers be able to afford the $6 billion needed to extend this bill?” For Democrats, the clear answer is the S corp loophole which has many business owners trembling in their boots. Here’s a brief lesson on tax law: The owners of S corps get taxed solely on their reported salaries, not their earnings. The Republican solution sounds something like this: cut Obamacare.

Student loans are often times the only way students can pay for their education. Tuition continues to rise and not everyone is eligible to receive grants. In Florida, students are feeling the pangs of tuition hikes at a steady 15 percent rate. Ralph Wilcox, provost at the University of South Florida, commented at a recent board meeting that, “There appears to be no interest in meaningful investment in higher education in the state of Florida.” Well Mr. Wilcox, at this rate there will be plenty of interest, another 3.4 percent to be exact. Parents and students are questioning whether universities such as USF should even be considered state universities, when students are assuming 50 percent of costs – as much as the state – to attend. The burden that’s strapped to the backs of students and their families to pay for the acquisition of a higher education, continues to be fastened tighter.

While the caldron is boiling over with mixed feelings, this stew is easily reduced to two schools of thought: support those who have already made it in life, or support those just getting started. Students are no less affected by this economic crisis than the small businesses and employees already in the work force pinching pennies to make ends meet. Should this country continue to facilitate the affordability of higher education or close the door on many in need of subsidized student loans? Remember little Timmy, with his ambitions and conviction. Unable to attend the college of his dreams because he can’t afford to go. Working his obsequious job, 60 hours a week living hand to mouth. How could he afford not to go?

Thank you, Forbes, for this thought of the day:

Truth lies (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“ There is no worse lie than a truth misunderstood by those who hear it. ”

— William James

Look! No hands!

Remember when riding your bike sans hands was the ultimate declaration of control, balance and determination? No? Maybe it was just me. I remember my bicycle, laden with sparkly pink tassles billowing from the handlebars and bright white tires. The neighborhood cul-de-sac was my hamster wheel. If only I could master the suitable speed, the accurate angle and the required rhythm; I could let go of the bars. I eventually conquered that cul-de-sac. Although, ever since, I feel like I’ve been trying to conquer the cul-de-sac in every neighborhood my life has brought me to, however brief the stay. At times I’ve had great success. At times my gears got stuck, my tires went flat or my seat needed to be readjusted. I’m still on the same bike, we all are. It’s not the same pink one I had as a child, or the same neighborhood I grew to know like the back of my hand, but in some shape or form, that bike becomes your life. How you maneuver it, maintain it and manage it determines everything. At times I’ve tried to let go of the handlebars when I thought I was ready, only to find out that I needed more time. At times when going down hill I’ve forgotten how to apply the brakes. At times a slight moment of indecisiveness caused an accident. The truth is, I’m still learning how to ride that thing and I don’t think we ever stop learning; and yes, training wheels aren’t so bad after all.

Daylight Savings

Mine.

I recently witnessed the thought process of one of my cats and was privileged enough to capture each moment with my iPhone. Please excuse the poor image quality, but click here if you’d like to behold the organization, paranoia and ownership felt by one feline in the course of 10 minutes.

I was gonna buy icecream, but got beer instead.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, I have been recently blessed with the gift of day time hours to do with what I please. It’s somewhere along the lines of, “Be careful what you wish for—” because you’ll get it, and it won’t be nearly as glorious as you imagined it would be.

After six cups of raspberry kisses coffee, half a loaf of banana nut bread and a dollop of Cool Whip, any simple civilian non warrior princess would feel like they could conquer the world…so that’s what I set out to do–probably tomorrow.

For today though, a run to the bank, quick session of retail therapy and a thorough meander through the beer isle will soon quell this poignant desire to plunge myself into the pursuit of productivity.

I shan’t wish for anything more since, well, I’ll probably get it. Then the simplicity of a quiet day pondering the innards of my thoughts will escape me and I’ll be left with nothing but the distant memory of another week vamoosed from my grasp and nestled  neatly  into the calendar squares of days past.

Pushed off the plane.

Sometimes, it seems that we all need a little extra coaxing. Even when we’re properly trained, resolved and strapped with a parachute, we just can’t bring ourselves to make that jump. Conquering our fears of the unknown, the uncertainty about what awaits us in our landing, or (if you’re a statistician) the probability that our second parachute will malfunction much like the first one. What’s the worst that could happen (aside from certain death)? Well, every now and again it feels like I’m the hesitant jumper and life is the S.O.B. that said, “Look over there!” and then gave a very spirited shove when it was least expected. It must happen to even the most seasoned jumpers, right? The excitement, the anticipation, the dainty arthropods fluttering about our insides–it’s what makes us feel alive, and quite frankly, keeps up coming back for more. It’s these perceived adversities that shape us. As we fine tune our reactions to the unforeseen and polish our most innate instinct of perseverance, we evolve into professionals. No, I don’t mean the big cheese that strokes your pay check, I mean professional survivors. Cunning and competent enough to survive with minor cuts and scrapes even when our equipment fails us or the first aid kit is empty…

Trip to CVS Begets a Modern Day Survival Kit?

As our avant-garde civilization gravitates toward communication at 4G speeds, travel at light speeds, and 30 minute lunch “hours” (if you’re lucky) one may find themselves trekking to the local drug store just to indulge their wants and satisfy their needs. On a recent excursion of mine, I managed to bypass the cosmetics without incident and B-line to the oral hygiene aisle, frozen food section, miscellaneous sand pit and impulse quagmire (unavoidable.) What I learned during my travels is a treasure trove of priceless information that I will gladly pass along to fellow survivalists.

According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, the most fundamental level is the one where necessities such as food, water, sleep and sex (in no particular order) must be met before an individual can graduate to subsequent levels, eventually achieving “Self-actualization.” This apex is when a person realizes and achieves their full potential.

*Author’s note: If anyone has reached this level, please send me a step-by-step guide with illustrations and foot notes*

Now, there are five levels to this pyramid of needs and I only returned with 4 items, so clearly Self-actualization will need to be purchased at a later date.

In order to satisfy level one (physiological needs), a Lean Cuisine spaghetti with meatballs and mushrooms was procured for later consumption. What was gained from this? Vitamins, calories, protein and a level of contentment that only a lioness feels after she feasts upon the prey she stalked from across the pharmacy and cornered in the freezer section.

Moving up the pyramid we find safety needs: family, health, resources, employment, blah blah blah. This is where Crest Pro-Health Complete with “6 in 1″ benefits comes in. I just simply swish 10mL of this enchanted formula and instantly I get: family, health, resources, employment, property and morality.

Just kidding.

Well, it did say 6 benefits, but I’m guessing it refers to the reconstruction of enamel, prevention of cavities and an assortment of other mundane dental terminology.

Continue up the pyramid, we’re now at Love/belonging. I did manage to acquire a bag of Kettle Brand natural sea salt potato chips– and according to the back of this bag, and I quote, “simply great tasting, all natural potato chips made by a company that cares.” Bingo. I now instantly feel loved by this company that cares. Next.

Esteem; now this one is a little bit tricky (no pun intended, you’ll see.) In order to achieve a feeling of self-esteem, confidence and respect, there’s no telling how long it may take and whether I have the patience to wait that long. So instead, I picked up a deck of Bicycle playing cards (trusted since 1885) and accomplished esteem by diligently shuffling and bridging my crisp, virginal deck of cards before the eyes of my peers while they ooh-ed and ahh-ed at my sprightly and nimble fingers. Well, there really was no illusory feat here, but impressive none the less.

If you haven’t been keeping count, there’s only one level left: Self-actualization. Within the confines of this triangular concept of true potential we find the words: creativity, spontaneity, lack of prejudice and acceptance of facts. Lacking in all of the above, I will concede that I have yet to reach the attainment of all these truths, but I will accept the fact that I could learn a thing or two from others.

Any of you feel you have achieved the ultimate Self-actualization? If you have, please refer to my author’s note.

The Art of Concealment

After a day of obliterating paper entrails, downing black and tans and pondering the creative works of others- It was time to sit down and summarize what this day was truly about: the art of concealment. The military may or may not be the first to tell you that concealment is not a science, but an art; adapted from artists’ mastery of structure, perspective and a keen ability to manipulate the two into a separate dimension of deception. Camouflage grants us the ability to hide in plain sight. Used by the earliest inhabitants of this planet as the simple application of mud, its remained forever ingrained in human chromosomes to retain a semblance of dissimulation. A guise, or smokescreen that hides true ambitions and blurs the lines between chicanery and actuality. A tactic for survival. Like the stripes on a zebra that impede the lioness’ ability to determine which end is neck and which end is butt– In war, it’s the same. In love, no different.