Art Eddy III
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Anthony Becht Interview
Anthony Becht played 12 years in the NFL at the tight end position. In his career he has played for the New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, St. Louis Rams, Arizona Cardinals, and Kansas City Chiefs. Since retiring Becht is still involved with football. He works for ESPN and is the Buccaneers Pre and Post Game Host for 620 WDAE.
Recently he has teamed up with Mohan’s Custom Tailors and the Doe Fund to help those in need this holiday season. Mohan’s is looking for people to donate suits or overcoats that they don’t use anymore. This charity event kicks-off a holiday season of giving at Mohan’s. When people come in and donate their suits they will receive a $100 credit toward a new custom tailored overcoat. Then those donations will be cleaned and donated to charity.
I was able to chat with Anthony about his playing days in the NFL, fatherhood, the work he is doing with Mohan’s and the Doe Fund, and this current season in the NFL.
Art Eddy: Let’s talk about the great work that you are doing with Mohan’s Custom Tailors and the Doe Fund to help those in need this holiday season.
Anthony Becht: I really think it is outstanding. I have teamed up with Mohan’s Custom Tailors after my career. Just for the fact that they have some great suits. They wanted to team up and work together to work with a charity each and every month of 2014. To kick off the year they are going to work with the Doe Fund.
Basically Mohan’s are going to donate suit jackets and suits that customers bring in. They will clean them up and give them to the Doe Fund. We see a lot of charities that supply the homeless with shelter and food. I think the Doe Fund really does a great job. What they do is actually get those in need in the workforce. They find them jobs, get them educated, and get them back on their feet so their long term success is greater than the short term.
Those people can’t afford suits or jackets. For Mohan’s to provide jackets and reach out to this charity and work with them is bar none an outstanding idea in the long term for these people in need.
AE: How can people help you guys out?
AB: They can go to Mohan Tailors dot com. They can reach out to Mohan’s if they have a suit or anything they have that they are no longer using. They can go to Mohan’s and receive a $100 discount towards the purchase of a new suit, custom suit, or overcoat. Basically the goal is to get these coats and overcoats to those people in need.
Hopefully we will be able to get over a thousand of these jackets back to the people in need. I just think it is a great idea. Just reach out to Mohan’s. Go to their website. You can call them at 212-697-0050 to get more information.
AE: Moving to sports, you played for 12 years in the NFL as a tight end for the Jets, Bucs, Rams, Cardinals, and Chiefs. Looking back at your career what do you take away the most from your days in the league?
AB: One thing Art is that it goes fast. You don’t realize how the years pile up. All of a sudden bam it kind of hits you and your career is over. I have been very fortunate. The average in the NFL is three and a half years. I definitely surpassed that playing 12 seasons.
I got to play in New York, one of the greatest cities in the world. I came down to Tampa, where I live now, and I got to go to a few places at the end of my career. I really got to see the country and see the fans, and play with different coaches and teammates.
The fact that I got to play such a long time and the longevity to stay somewhat healthy throughout my career and not miss many games was great. Being that blue collar type of tight end playing in the NFL opened up many opportunities when I was playing and now with my post football career in the media world.
AE: You played for a few different quarterbacks in your career. How long did it take you to build a chemistry with a quarterback when you started playing for a new team?
AB: As a tight end that was the first thing I did. When I came to New York I had Chad Pennington and Vinnie Testaverde sitting right next to me at my locker. Immediately you try to build those bonds. That is important. I think any wide receiver, tight end, running back in this league the first person you are trying to make friends with is the quarterback.
Anything you can do to build that extra work or continuity and getting on the same page is huge. As I grew into my career and went to different teams I was kind of a guy that got gravitated to as a leader. I would be with those quarterbacks from just an experience standpoint.
For any young guy coming into the league build a relationship with the quarterback, the coordinators, and just everybody to get on the same page and put that extra work in. It can really help you develop yourself as a better player and extend your career.
AE: Did you have a few guys on opposing teams that you enjoyed matching up against?
AB: Yeah, there had been some opponents obviously playing against different teams especially in the AFC East. You look at the Miami Dolphins. They were always a big rival. You are playing against Jason Taylor twice a year. He was one of the more phenomenal defensive players to play during my time.
You look at the Patriots. Guys like Willie McGinest and Tedy Bruschi, these guys were just hard-nosed defensive players that accentuated what the NFL was really all about. There were challenges for me. When I was a young guy with the Jets going against these high caliber players was tough early, but made me a better player as I went on in my career. It helped me extend my career and play a long time in the NFL.
AE: Switching to this year, who is your pick to win the Super Bowl?
AB: When I look at the NFC I really see teams that are in the bottom tier of the playoff situation are really trying to fight for their position. Originally I thought the Saints were going to be a team that could really make some noise moving forward. They had an outstanding season. We see them have their struggles with the Rams recently.
I think the big thing for me is the consistency. The Seattle Seahawks have been the most consistent team. When you look at the quarterback play in Russell Wilson everyone is picking them, but that is really the main factor. Every single week they have had the ability to go out and play hard, play good, and win each and every game. They could easily be undefeated.
On the AFC side you think that it will be the Denver Broncos, but you are starting to see some flaws with this team. They struggle on defense. I feel that no matter how many stats Peyton Manning puts up they need every single yard and every touchdown. That could be a problem moving forward.
Look at the Patriots and the Ravens. I think it is going to be one of those cold weather teams that if they can just get into the playoffs, they can make some noise. Look at the Ravens. They are a team that understands the situation. They can play hard-nosed defense. They have an experienced quarterback that can make some noise. Overall though if the Broncos get hot and they can do anything with their defense then they would be the favorite going in to the playoffs.
AE: Any team surprise you this year either in a positive or negative way?
AB: I think in a positive way the Carolina Panthers have done an outstanding job this year. You talk about the head coach, Ron Rivera. Everyone wanted to fire him last season, but all of a sudden they stuck with him. Cam Newton became a better player. They get a few defensive players like Luke Kuechly and other defensive linemen that come in and really help build that team.
Now they are really a complete football team. They can run the football. They can play defense. To me they have been the surprise. I thought that they would be better, but I didn’t think that they would be in the mix to potentially with the division.
Dec 18th
Tamika Catchings Interview
Tamika Catchings is a household name for many basketball fans. The former NCAA champion and WNBA legend has even won gold in the Olympics. Catchings doesn’t just excel on the court. She is a leader in her community and has her own charity called Catch the Stars.
She also assists with the Allstate WBCA Good Works Team program. This campaign nominates 10 college basketball players from all divisions of the sport who participates in community service activities is a well-rounded student-athlete. There were 84 nominations submitted by athletic departments from colleges and universities. Catchings, along with other select voters, will name the final award recipients in February.
Tamika was kind enough to take time from her busy schedule and chat with me about basketball, the Good Works Team, and what she looks to do after the WNBA.
Art Eddy: Recently, you partnered with Allstate and the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association to be part of the WBCA Good Works Team. What has this experience been like for you?
Tameka Catchings: This has been a great partnership. It’s a combination of the things that I believe in with young ladies playing basketball, but most importantly realizing the impact they have off the court in their respective communities and abroad.
AE: The WBCA Good Works Team recognizes student-athletes for their commitment to serving others. What is the process like for these finalists and when will a winner be announced?
TC: These young ladies are selected by their Athletic Directors who send a form talking about the players and a list of all of their charity work. From there, there’s a selection group that goes through each of the nominations.
We eventually have to get the Allstate WBCA Good Works Team down to a total of 10 female student-athletes. Five of the ladies come from a D1 school, and the other five come from D2, D3 and NAIA schools.
AE: Speaking of community service you have your own charity called “Catch the Stars.” Tell me a bit about that program and what inspired you to start that up.
TC: My Catch the Stars Foundation empowers youth to achieve their dreams by providing goal setting programs that promote literacy, fitness and mentoring. We serve boys and girls ages 7 to 16 and offer about 12 different programs throughout the year that tie to our three buckets: literacy, fitness and mentoring.
I was inspired to start it up because of all of the people that came into my life throughout my journey of being a professional basketball player. Everyone played a little or big role in my life, and my goal is to turn around and help these kids realize their dreams and passions as well.
AE: Moving onto the court. You played at the University of Tennessee and won a NCAA National Title there. You played for legendary head coach Pat Summitt. What did you take away the most from Coach Summitt?
TC: One of the main things I took away from being under Coach Summitt was just about being great women overall. She didn’t just focus on one aspect, she focused on what we did on the court, what we did off the court, and what we did in our community to help others. That’s another reason why I’m so passionate in helping our youth.
AE: You also won an Olympic Gold medal. What was it like to play for your country and come out on top?
TC: It’s a true blessing and honor to be able to represent the USA. Every time I have an opportunity to play for my country, I think about playing on the highest level and with the best players in the world.
AE: Your success didn’t just end there. In the WNBA you made a name for yourself as a WNBA Champion as well as a WNBA MVP. With all these accolades what keeps the fire burning for you to compete at the pro level? 
TC: The thing that keeps me burning is that I can be better. When I’m done playing I want to know that I gave everything that I had every time I stepped on the court. As long as I’m playing, I will continue to strive to be better today than I was yesterday.
AE: Reading up on everything you do it seems that you are always on the go. When you do have free time what are you doing to relax?
TC: Free time? What is that? (Laughs) Just kidding. I love being with my family so every day that I’m here in Indianapolis I try to end my day spending time with my little nephews before coming home and hanging with my oldest nephew, he lives with me.
AE: After your pro career is done have you thought about your next goal you want to accomplish? Would you get into coaching?
TC: When I’m finished playing I ultimately want to be a General Manager for a WNBA or NBA Team. I don’t want to coach because I don’t know if I have the patience to do that, but I love the thought of being a GM. I also would love to get married to the man of my dreams and have kids and a family.
Dec 18th
MANjr’s Gift Guide Part 3
We are back for quite possibly our last gift guide for 2013. We all have someone on our list that we forgot or they just got us a gift and need to reciprocate. Here are few ideas that might come in handy.
Eggnog Time – Southern Comfort Style 
With the holidays quickly approaching, parties will be in full swing and it wouldn’t be a true holiday party without eggnog! Southern Comfort releases a limited-time holiday eggnog available across the country in most grocery stores. (It was just voted best holiday eggnog by the folks over at Thrillist) It’s alcohol free, but all you need to do is add 1-2 oz of regular Southern Comfort to your glass of eggnog and sprinkle some nutmeg on top and you’re ready to go. Below is the basic recipe along with a twist on the recipe to class it up a little.
Southern Eggnog
1 cup Southern Comfort
4 cups Southern Comfort Eggnog
Nutmeg
Combine Southern Comfort and Southern Comfort Eggnog in a punch bowl and stir. Dust with nutmeg.
Southern Eggnog Martini
1 oz. Southern Comfort
3 oz. eggnog
Ground nutmeg
Combine chilled ingredients in a shaker (no ice). Shake. Strain into a chilled martini glass rimmed with nutmeg.
T
he American Soap and Hatchet Set – Duke Cannon
Duke Cannon is committed to a life of working hard, living well and taking pride in what he builds. That’s why he only creates and uses products made in the USA. Just in time for Christmas you can pick up the Duke Cannon’s American Soap and Hatchet set. It can be used by workers, explores, and craftsmen. Each item serves a purpose.
The Duke Cannon hatchet is made of razor sharp U.S. Steel forged with genuine hickory. Each hatchet is hand crafted and no two are exactly the same. The sheath is custom made by saddle makers in Montana and is made with superior grade leather and is dressed with a nice finish and brass stud fastener durability.
To keep you noggin warm the Carhartt cold weather skull cap protects against all the elements. Duke strictly forbids anyone named Skyler to wear this cap.
Lastly you can enjoy all five big ass bricks of Duke Cannon soap:
- SMELLS LIKE VICTORY
- SMELLS LIKE ACCOMPLISHMENT
- SMELLS LIKE PRODUCTIVITY
- SMELLS LIKE NAVAL SUPREMACY
- HEAVY DUTY HAND SOAP
Brenthaven 13 inch BX2 sleeve
Brenthaven’s MacBook cases for the 13″ MacBook Air are created with your MacBook’s safety in mind. We combine the highest quality materials with expertly designed protection systems to create the perfect MacBook Air case. Our custom fit 13″ MacBook Air sleeves snugly wrap your MacBook in high density foam to provide edge and impact protection. A soft faux-fur liner keeps the screen scratch free while inside the MacBook Air sleeve.
We have created an environmentally friendly 13″ MacBook Air case with our Ecco-prene Sleeves. This slim sleeve come in a range of colors and is made from a neoprene alternative that is 100% toulene-free, PVC-free, and recyclable.
Our ProStyle Sleeves and couriers for the 13″ MacBook Air are made from Micro-Ballistic Nylon that is built to last, we stand behind our products, confident in their quality and durability. Like all Brenthaven products our MacBook Air cases come with a no-questions-asked warranty and Lifetime Guarantee.
Hobie Polarized Sunglasses
Hobie Polarized sunglasses are the best sunglasses on the market today. Exceeding the standards of world champion watersport athletes, the Heritage Series features our highest quality, thin, lightweight and durable Borosilicate Glass polarized lenses with Hydroclean Plus™ Polarized lens technology, set in carefully crafted frames of Grilamid TR-90. The Heritage Series also features precision flex hinges for a custom fit and extra durability on some models. Megol nose pads and Megol temple tips are available on some models as well. Each style has been carefully rated by size, with measurements, in an effort to assist you in making informed purchasing decisions. Hobie Polarized frames are all backed by our Friendly Lifetime Warranty.
Brenthaven Messenger Bag
Brenthaven Messenger bags designed for both PC and Macs offer a stylish and comfortable laptop protection system. With the non-detachable ergonomic strap our Messenger Bags are ideal for students, professionals, and bikers. All messenger bags feature our High Density Foam protection system and are backed by our 100% lifetime guarantee.
The Pacific Messenger Bag is our newest addition to the line. The rugged ballistic nylon exterior keeps this bag looks new for years to come while unique reflective accents provide night protection. Carry both your iPad and MacBook in one with two ultra-padded custom fit device compartments.
We’re also very excited to present our Project 2 Messenger Bag, inspired by Kona Bicycles, created by Brenthaven. This spacious bag secures snugly with an adjustable strap that features an easy-access iPhone pocket. Perfect for bikers the bag features a flashing safety light, and internal waterproof dry bag to keep your laptop safe while biking.
Dec 17th
Heineken Carol Karaoke
Heineken debuted their latest test to inspire people in a “will you or won’t you” moment, with a challenge fit for the holiday season – Carol Karaoke. People who thought they were enjoying an evening of karaoke with a small group of friends were suddenly surprised with a challenge to sing a holiday carol to an audience of thousands way beyond the karaoke room, the results of which are captured in a video.
Heineken invited unsuspecting New Yorkers for an evening of Carol Karaoke at Karaoke Boho in the NYC’s West Village– as long as they promised to sing one carol. People were asked to choose a carol from “Jingle Bells,” “Deck the Halls” and “The 12 Days of Christmas,” and then in a surprise twist, were challenged to sing to thousands of strangers. Those who decided in a matter of seconds to keep singing were broadcasted in well-known public places, including a Jumbotron at an NBA game, on the TV of every NYC taxi for a week and on a famed Times Square billboard.
If you want to rock the mike and be a crowd pleaser at this year’s holiday party, Heineken’s Carol Karaoke survey found you may want to keep it classic – Americans list their favorite holiday tune to sing as “Jingle Bell Rock” (31%), followed by “Winter Wonderland” (20%). For those who want to flex their vocal cords, a little Mariah Carey will go a long way – the third most favorite song to sing is “All I Want for Christmas is You” (13%).
Dec 16th
BACARDÍ – UNTAMEABLE SINCE 1862
Discover how the Bacardí family had the irrepressible spirit to overcome fire, earthquakes, prohibition, revolution and exile — none of which could defeat their spirit, because True Passion Can’t Be Tamed. Find out more about the Bacardí family story at www.bacardi.com.
Dec 16th
The Family Blu-ray Giveaway
In the dark action comedy “The Family”, a Mafia boss and his family are relocated to a sleepy town in France under the Witness Protection Program after snitching on the mob. Despite Agent Stansfield’s (Tommy Lee Jones) best efforts to keep them in line, Fred Blake (Robert De Niro), his wife Maggie (Michelle Pfeiffer) and their children, Belle (Dianna Agron) and Warren (John D’Leo), can’t help resorting to old habits by handling their problems the “family” way. Chaos ensues as their former Mafia cronies try to track them down and scores are settled in the unlikeliest of settings, in this subversively funny film by Luc Besson.
The chemistry between De Niro’s character and Tommy Lee Jones character is great. Jones and De Niro have this dry sense of humor that you come to love with these two great actors. This is something you come to expect when you see their names attached to the film.
De Niro’s family also take part of the spotlight as well. Of course just like De Niro and Jones, Michelle Pfeiffer has this dry sense of humor that goes along with a family that is tired of moving around the globe. Their kids Belle (Dianna Agron) and Warren (John D’Leo) best scenes take place when they are learning the in and outs of their new high school.
This is very funny comedy and you will enjoy the acting, dialogue and yes action in this dark comedy,
The film sees Robert De Niro’s character make a list of 10 reasons he’s a ‘good guy’ – despite being a violent mobster. We thought it could be fun if you use the comment section to tell us why you are a good guy,
To enter, just like us on Facebook and tell us why you are a good guy!
Dec 16th
Kurt Warner Interview
Kurt Warner had a brilliant career in the NFL. Whether it was him leading the St. Louis Rams to a Super Bowl victory in 1999 or taking the Arizona Cardinals to their first ever Super Bowl berth in 2008, Warner left his mark in the NFL. Kurt has been named MVP in the league as well as in Super Bowl XXXIV.
Besides excelling on the field Kurt does even more off the field with the work he does with his foundation, First Things First. The foundation is devoted to impacting the lives of others using Christian values, providing aid and supporting those in need. The foundation supports children’s hospitals, people with developmental disabilities, and single parents to name a few.
Kurt Warner is now an analyst for the NFL Network. Check him out every Sunday on NFL GameDay Morning at 9:00 AM ET.
Kurt was able to chat with me about who he thinks has the best shot at winning this year’s Super Bowl, his playing days, and his foundation.
Art Eddy: You do an excellent job breaking down games for the NFL Network. You are a few years retired from the league. What are some of the major changes to the game since you retired?
Kurt Warner: I think the biggest thing is passing aspect of the game due to the new rule changes. Also the nature of the talent that has come into the league like the tight end positions. The athletes that are coming into those positions now has really driven it to become a pass first league more so than any other time in the history of the game. I think that has been the biggest change. It has become difficult to play really good defense.
AE: Which teams are fun to watch for you and the crew at the NFL Network?
KW: I appreciate the game having played it. I enjoy watching a lot of different things. Of course I enjoy watching passing teams, their passing concepts, and a good quarterback on how they read and decipher defenses.
I also like watching good defenses. To see how teams like Seattle are able to week in and week out just come up with schemes and have the talent and the ability to stop teams. Like when they played the Saints. It is rare because of the changes and the athleticisms of offenses. It is rare for defenses to come out and shut down really good offenses like that. You have to appreciate what they are doing and how they are able to do that week in and week out.
AE: Who is your pick to win the Super Bowl?
KW: Right now I think that it is still between Denver and Seattle. I think that those are the two best teams from an all-around team standpoint. What a great battle it would be to see a Seattle defense up against Peyton Manning and the crew that he has.
I think it would be a great matchup. I think it would be fun. There would be a lot of great storylines. I think that those are the two best teams right now. I think what you are going to see is what will happen on the other side of the ball. Denver’s defense, can they step up and be able to make the plays needed to win a championship.
It is the same with Seattle’s offense. Russell Wilson is playing great right now. You want to see that offense continue to do that. If so I would give them a slight edge because they are better on both sides of the ball. I think it would be a great matchup.
AE: What is your take on having the Super Bowl at MetLife Stadium this year where it could snow or rain?
KW: I am not a big fan of it. I don’t want the history of our game to be determined by weather. I understand why you have home field advantage and why you play the games during the regular season, but if you are a team that plays in a dome it is not your fault.
The problem is that it is hard to really prepare to go out into the elements. I think we get to see that a lot. Teams get a week to prepare and spend some time in the city, but it is very difficult to acclimate yourself with the weather. These teams that are dome teams or warm weather teams I think it is an unfair advantage if you are putting them into a poor weather situation with a team that is used to it.
I understand all about football and how it has been built. It is a game that is played outdoors and in the elements. I want there to be a situation where both teams have an equal opportunity to play their best football. So with that, may the best team win. I am not a big fan of that. I know other people really like that and think that it is part of the game.
I think that certain teams would have a disadvantage by going out in the elements, especially in that kind of game.
AE: Speaking of Super Bowls, you and the St. Louis Rams beat the Tennessee Titans in Super Bowl XXXIV. To me that was one of the best Super Bowls in the history of the NFL. You won the MVP award and that game is known to many as the “One Yard Short” game. What did you take away from that game?
KW: Anytime you win the Super Bowl and get to the pinnacle of your job, your career in the business that you are in is phenomenal. To win such a great football game, I have been fortunate. I played in three unbelievable Super Bowls. Two Super Bowls that could have gone either way came down to final plays.
It was great to be able to get that win in my first Super Bowl. It was great to see how the team had to step up. The offense had to make a big play to get us ahead and then the defense had to make a big stop. That is what football for me is really all about. You win championships as a team. All sides have to come together. I definitely saw that in my first Super Bowl and that was one that I will never forget.
AE: You have played with some great guys like Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce, Marshall Faulk, Larry Fitzgerald, and Anquan Boldin. As a quarterback it must have been a dream to have those players as teammates. 
KW: No great quarterback is ever great without having great players around him. You can go down the list. To have those kind of guys to count on, guys who were big time players in big time moments was so much fun. It made my job so much easier to know that those guys were on the other side and know what they could do and trust them in any situation.
I was really, really fortunate to play with some really great players. It was a huge reason of why I had the success that I did.
AE: How tough was it to step away from the game?
KW: It really wasn’t that hard to step away. The reason was that the last few years were extremely rewarding. No one really gave us a chance. We didn’t necessarily have a great team, but we were able to overcome a lot. We were able to come together at the right time to do some really special things. It was rewarding, but at the same time it took a lot out of me.
I was asked to do a lot. The mental stress and the pressure to live up to certain expectations was really hard. It had an effect on me both mentally and physically. Understanding that and knowing how much I had to give, you understand the reward, but also the cost of it. When I weighed all of those things it was actually an easy decision to walk away.
The game had been tremendous to me. I accomplished more than many people expected me to. I was very proud of what I was able to do in my career. It became much easier for me to say that I am not willing and able to give what my team and teammates deserve that I have to step away. As hard of a decision that it was just because it is never easy to say goodbye, at the same time it was the right decision. I knew I didn’t have what it takes to give what I always had.
AE: Tell me about the outstanding work you do for your foundation First Things First.
KW: It something that we started about 12 years ago. We started it because we didn’t want to limit God in his reach with our lives. We didn’t design to say hey we are going to focus on this group or that group. We have been varied in the programs that we have run.
From working with Make-A-Wish and taking families down to Disney with us every year to doing homeownership programs like Habitat for Humanity and working with children’s homes and orphanages. We just have a variety of things.
We just are now working to help with supportive living for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our son was injured when he was young and deals with these challenges on day to day basis. We have come to understand that when he gets passed high school all the challenges that are out there to really allow them to thrive and have a purpose and derive in live.
That is our next endeavor is to build what we call Treasure House for these individuals and these families to have a next step and have dreams in life. Our foundation encompasses a lot of different things, but wherever God directs us or takes us in life He usually seems to open up a door to allow us to help in that area. That is how we designed our foundation from day one. We will be where God takes us and if a door opens up we will go through it and see how we can help.
Dec 16th
Whisky and Rum Holiday Recipes
It can be stressful when you are making preparations for your Christmas party. You want to make sure your guests enjoy the food and drinks you have prepared. You might think that you should just use your old standby recipes, but this year why not try something new?
Below are some drink and food recipes that will be a huge hit at your party. From cocktails to appetizers to the main dish, your friends and family will have a Christmas dinner to remember.
Dickel Rye Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
1 1/3 oz George Dickel Rye
1 maraschino cherry
¼ oz bitters
1 sugar cube
1 splash water
1 orange twist
1 lemon twist
Directions: In an old-fashioned or rocks glass, muddle sugar, bitters and water. Add ice cubes and George Dickel Rye. Garnish with lemon twist, orange slice and cherry.
Bulleit Perfect Manhattan
Ingredients:
¾ oz Bulleit Rye
¼ oz Dry Vermouth
½ oz Sweet Vermouth
Dash of Stirrings Blood Orange Bitters
Directions: In a shaker, combine Bulleit Rye, Dry Vermouth and Sweet Vermouth. Shake and pour over an ice-filled mixing glass. Add dash of bitters and garnish with a Maraschino cherry.
In a shaker, combine Bulleit Rye, Dry Vermouth and Sweet Vermouth. Shake and pour over an ice-filled mixing glass. Add dash of bitters and garnish with a Maraschino cherry.
Maple Bacon Apple Scallop Stacks
Makes 1 dozen
Active time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
6 strips bacon
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
12 dry-packed sea scallops, tough muscles removed
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup Crown Royal Maple
2 teaspoons packed dark brown sugar
1 medium tart apple, such as Granny Smith, halved, cored, and cut into 12 thin slices
1/2 small red onion, very thinly sliced
Directions: In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat, turning occasionally, until browned and crisp, about 8 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
While the bacon cooks, pat the scallops dry and sprinkle with the salt and cayenne. To the bacon fat in the pan, add the butter and turn the heat to high. When the butter foam subsides, add the scallops in a single layer. Cook, turning once, until nicely browned and just opaque throughout, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
Drain any remaining fat from the skillet. Add the Crown Royal Maple and boil, stirring and scraping the browned bits from the pan, until reduced to 1/4 cup, about 5 minutes. Stir in the sugar until the mixture becomes syrupy and thick, about 1 minute, then turn the heat to low. Break each strip of bacon into half and add to the syrup. Cook, turning, until well coated and caramelized.
On each apple slice, stack a scallop and a piece of bacon. Garnish with red onion slices and serve.
Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Captain Morgan Rum and Cider Glaze
Ingredients:
¼ cup Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum
1 lemon, juiced
½ cup apple cider
1 pound pork tenderloins, brined at least 12 hours (recipe to follow)
1 tablespoon peanut oil
3/4 pounds Brussels sprouts, picked, cored and leaved (see note below)
1 sweet potato, peeled and diced
2 apples, peeled and diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 sprig of rosemary
1 tablespoon Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum apple butter, per serving (recipe to follow)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Directions: Preheat the oven to 450°F degrees. Combine the Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, the lemon juice and the apple cider and reduce to 3/4 its original volume. Set aside. Heat a cast iron pan over medium-high heat and add 2 teaspoons of peanut oil when the pan is hot. Once the oil is hot, remove the pork from the brine, pat dry and add to the pan, for a total of 3 minutes, rolling the pork to sear all sides every minute or so. Place the pan in the hot oven to cook for four more minutes, or for an internal temperature of 140°F.
Let the pork rest while the vegetables cook. Once the pork hits the oven, toss the sweet potato, apple and Brussels in individual bowls, dressing evenly with olive oil and salt (evenly divided among the three). Place the sweet potatoes on a sheet pan and roast in the preheated oven for ten minutes, and then add the sweet potatoes and apples on top of the sweet potatoes. Roast for five more minutes. When they are done, remove them from the oven and set aside. When the pork tenderloin is done, remove from pan and rest for 5 minutes on a cutting board.
Present by spooning the apple butter on the bottom of a platter and placing the vegetables over the butter, and then slicing the pork and draping it over the vegetables. Warm the glaze base and whisk in the butter to finish. Pour the prepared glaze over the pork tenderloin.
Pork Brine (Makes 2 cups)
1 cup apple cider
1 teaspoon peppercorns
1 garlic clove
2 tablespoons salt
1 teaspoon coriander seed
1/2 teaspoon chili flake
1 cinnamon stick
1 cup of ice
Combine all ingredients except the ice in a pot and heat over high heat. Once the liquid reaches a boil, remove from heat and add the ice to chill quickly. Once cold, pour the brine over the pork and place in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours and up to 48 hours.
Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum Apple Butter (Makes 9 pint jars)
9 pounds local apples
1 teaspoon ascorbic acid powder
2 ½ cups organic granulated white sugar
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ tablespoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground allspice
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup apple cider (NA)
2 cup Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum
Directions: Peel and core the apples and cut them into eighths. After coring and peeling, you will end up with about 2/3s of your starting weight. Place the apple pieces in a large bowl of cold water with the ascorbic acid. When the apples are all peeled, drain them and discard the water and then place the apples in the slow cooker.
Combine apples with sugar and all other ingredients and toss well. Turn your slow cooker on high and cook for one hour and then turn on low and cook for about 8 hours, or until jammy in consistency. You will need to be stirring a lot throughout the process but be a careful, as nothing smarts quite like hot jam. Transfer to jars of your choice, just make sure they are sanitized and in good shape. Fill to 1 inch from top and seal with the lids and bands.
Dec 12th
Reebok Paydirt Pump Review
In 1992 Reebok came out with their Paydirt Pump sneaker. For those who don’t follow football, the term “pay dirt” refers to the end zone. So Reebok designed these kicks for NFL players to help these athletes reach the end zone. Two guys from the NFL that rocked these sneakers did just that.
The NFL’s all-time rushing leader Emmitt Smith was one of those players. Smith was the face for Reebok NFL footwear in the 1990s. Emmitt along with his Dallas Cowboys teammates won the Super Bowl three times that decade and he was the NFL MVP in 1993.
The other famous player that rocked the Paydirt Pumps was Buffalo Bills running back Thurman Thomas. The Bills electric running back was a dominant force in the NFL. He helped lead the Buffalo Bills to four straight Super Bowls. Just like Smith, Thomas would often find pay dirt on game day.
Both Smith and Thomas played on artificial turf in their home stadiums and the Paydirt Pump sneaker was built for that type of surface. Other players, mostly at the running back and wide receiver positions, wore these sneakers on the field as well.
Reebok struck their own “pay dirt” when the re-released these sneakers. One colorway that got my attention was the one decked out in the red, gold, and white colors of the San Francisco 49ers. A few months back Reebok released these kicks that originated from the 1990s and it created a buzz in the sneakerhead world.
The “49ers” Paydirt edition has a metallic gold leather upper with hints of red on the midfoot section. The classic strap that made this sneaker popular is also red while the Reebok logo was done in white. I really appreciated the love that Reebok put into this sneaker. On the midsole they added gold accents all around the shoe and the use of solid black coloring on the midsole made the shoe really standout.
They even used red, gold, and white colors for the perforated midfoot panels. Keeping with their attention to detail the word “preseason” is embroidered on this sneaker. On the heel the background is painted gold and the word “Reebok” stands out brilliantly in red with a white outline.
Last, but not least I have to mention the part that made the Reebok Pumps series iconic. It is the “Pump” bubble on the tongue of the shoe. The bubble is white and the words “the” and “Pump” are in gold. I found nothing wrong with this sneaker.
For me Reebok did an outstanding job of combining the past with the present in the Paydirt Pump. For those sneakerheads that love the retro look, make sure you pick up a pair of these football inspired kicks.
Dec 12th
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Takes a Spin in the “Cardboard Rodeo”
Dale Earnhardt Jr., who just received NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver Award for a record-breaking 11th consecutive year, recently teamed up with Mountain Dew and thrill-seeking YouTube star Devin Graham, aka Devin Super Tramp, to create a badass new video. Dubbed “Cardboard Rodeo,” the video was filmed at Dale Jr.’s Dirty Mo Acres in North Carolina, and is the next installation in the #DEWRoadTrip video series. Check out the video below, as well as behind the scenes footage. Trust me – you won’t want to miss Dale Jr. on a hot pink power wheel!
Earlier this year, Mountain Dew began working with Devin Super Tramp, who has over 1.2 million subscribers and over 230 million YouTube video views to date. He created the following videos as a result of his partnership with Mountain Dew and both have been viral sensations.
Dec 12th
