Latest batch of beer almost complete

I planned on having this batch finished when I finished finals but I got a bit lazy and had to bottle it Thursday. Now I have some Christmas gifts for my family and friends! Happy holidays everyone!

Draft Kit, New Beer Kit, Birthday Party

As a present to myself I finally bought the draft system so instead of bottling my beer after fermenting I can now put it directly into my keg and force carbonate it. I'M EXCITED! This has been one of my brewing goals for awhile and everything is finally falling into place. This next beer I will be brewing will be a Plain American Ale, this should be a light, crisp, refreshing beer and something that can be enjoyed during anytime of the year. I kinda wanted this to take place a month ago so it would be ready for my birthday party but oh well. Anyway I plan on documenting my entire process and helping anyone who's interesting in getting into this hobby!

Birthday in a couple weeks, present for myself

Well my birthday is coming up and I've come up with what I think is a great present to myself. As of yesterday, I will workout every single day until the day of my party. No bad food, no alcohol, nothing that will limit my goal of feeling great for my party. Hopefully it pays off and it will also help me get into a normal workout routine. Obviously I plan to continue working out after but I'm hoping this gets me going! So instead of buying yourself something you prolly don't need, like I usually do, give yourself something good!

The Black Crowes: Shake Your Money Maker

If you're from the country and you enjoy rock n' roll there's a very good chance you've heard of The Black Crowes. This has to be one of my all time favorite albums mostly because of its twangy southern rock sound. It's unlike anything I've ever heard.

Take a listen to a few of their songs from this album and you might just fall in love.

Motorcycle ride to Bloomington, IL

This weekend my friend and I had a nice 200 mile round trip ride to Bloomington and we averaged 49mpg. Here's some pictures.

My friend firing my Ruger SR40c, 9 Rounds

The first time my friend fired a handgun.

Ruger SR40c Video

Here's a video of the first rounds being fired through my Ruger SR40c.

I fired a couple quick little burst and for right out of the box it was pretty accurate and felt great. It should be a bit more accurate after I get some more rounds through it.

Ruger sr40c review and video

I picked up a Ruger scr40c a little while ago and decided to make a video of the first rounds being fired. I'll have the video up soon and write a review of my first impressions.

Coming Soon: Bike project pictures and converting to single speed

The popular trend going on in the biking community is converting a 10 speed bike into a single geared bike and the problem is that a lot of people don't know how to do it themselves and end up paying money for something they can easily do themselves. I plan on doing a complete write up on how to do it and even a possible video.

Found an old bike, brought it back to life.

Last weekend I received an old 10 speed from a friend that was in rough condition to say the least. I tore it down completely, degreased, then regreased all bearings, repainted the frame and polished all the chrome. I even trued the rims which I originally I thought to be unusable. Broke the chain and converted to a single speed. Pictures coming soon.

I've been slacking

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile but that will change, just give me a week.

Jake's Album of the Week: 311 - Grassroots

311 is one of my all time favorite bands. Their second major album Grassroots was released in 1994 and even though it's almost 20 years old, these songs are still being played and "discovered" by the younger generations today.

Check out this chill band and have a nice day.

Haven't posted in awhile, trying to stay cool

So Chicago as been horribly hot this week and I've been sweating non stop. Instead staying cool I've been running to my summer courses and walking in with sweat drenched shirts.  I know I haven't posted in awhile but hopefully I'll find the time to write some more. Stay cool America and happy belated birthday!!

Done with finals

This week I had four finals in two days and it was exhausting. Now that this year is over I can start my summer plans, mostly just start doing video blogs on my motorcycle. I think I've decided on going with the Drift Innovation HD170 Stealth because of its thin profile and external microphone. The GoPro's are a bit bulky and mounting on a helmet doesn't look very appealing. So those are my plans, hopefully you all get to do yours this summer.

Jake's Album Choice of the Week#7: Nirvana - Nevermind

This album by Nirvana was release almost 1 year after my birth and I've been listening to this band since I was very young. Nevermind is one of, if not, Nirvana's most popular and influential albums still to this day. Even though this is Nirvana's best overall album, my all time favorite song would have to be "Dumb". Most people have heard of Nirvana because of Kurt Cobain, who was an incredibly talented musician and songwriter. Unfortunately, Kurt Cobain took his own life in 1994. If you haven't heard of Nirvana I definitely suggest you check them out.

Jake's Album Choice of the Week#6: Led Zeppelin - IV

If you are a fan of rock n' roll I'm almost 100% certain you've heard for Led Zeppelin. Even if you don't like rock there is a very strong chance you've heard of this band at least once in your life. Led Zeppelin in arguable the best band to have ever been formed and after listening to them for many years it's easy to see why. Of all their albums, IV is definitely at the top of the list. This album contains the famous "stairway to heaven" which is one of the greatest songs ever in my opinion. So go check this album out if you haven't already and if you like what you hear, go check out their movie called "The song remains the same" if you want an awesome visual/trippy concert experience.

Making Music/Beats/Rhythms

So I've been playing guitar and other various instruments for a long time and I'm finally giving into the recording/song making craze.  One of my good friends introduced me to a nice editing software and I plan on getting familiar with it and we'll see what happens! If anyone produces tracks let me know and I'll take a listen to what you've made!

Jake's Album Choice of the Week#5: Metallica - The Black Album

The first album I purchased as a youth was Metallica's self titled album, as known as "The Black Album". Metallica is one of the greatest heavy metal bands ever and I haven't met a single person who hasn't heard of this killer band. I am a Metallica fan through and through and this album is definitely in my top ten all time favorite albums. Check this incredible album out and you won't be disappointed.

Jake's Album Choice of the Week#4: Jack Johnson - on and on

I have been listening to Jack Johnson for many years now and whenever I want to get into a very chill/relaxed mood this is the man I turn to. He is a talented guitarist as well as a creative lyricist/singer. More of his albums will definately make my list but this just so happens to be the album I've been listening to recently. Check him out you won't be disappointed!

Jake's Album Choice of the Week#3: Say Anything - ...Is A Real Boy

I love Say Anything... That is all I can say about them... The first Say Anything song I heard was in an episode of Scrubs and I couldn't control myself. Check out the video below and tell me what you think. This album is incredible.

Man, It's Hot in Chicago

I can't stand this hot weather. That is all, first world problems

Jake's Album Choice of the Week#2: Big D and the Kids Table - Strictly Rule

If you like Ska then you're going to love this feel good album by Big D and the Kids Table. My two favorite songs are "She Knows Her Way" and "The One" but the rest of the songs are quite good. Whenever I want to relax or get in a better mood this is the album I turn to. Check it out and you won't be disappointed!

Jake's Album Choice of the Week#1: Pink Floyd - The Dark Side of the Moon

As most of you don't know music is a huge part of my life. I've been playing guitar for over ten years, drums the last few years and I fool around with piano and singing. I found it very interesting that almost every week I find an album and play it not stop for the week then move onto something else and I thought it would make a fun blog topic. Therefore, every Friday I will post the album I've been listing to and you can tell me what you think and what you've been listing to recently! Hopefully this will introduce everyone to the new, old and the in between music that you've never heard of. Anyway, we'll see how it goes!

So even though this is one of the greatest albums of all time and is known worldwide, I've been listened to this album everyday this week. It kind of seem mandatory I start of with my personal favorite album as well as a hugely known album, so if you've never heard of Pink Floyd or The Dark Side of the Moon, LISTEN TO IT RIGHT THIS MOMENT! I would tell you more about the album but I'm going to assume that most of you know a bit about it and if you don't I hope you do a little research about this incredible album. My favorite song definitely has to be Us and Them because I find it to be very relaxing with its lyrical meaning and chill melody. So finally, check this album out and tell me what you think!

First motorcycle ride of 2012!

This weekend I went home to spend some much needed time with my family and I was able to sneak in a wonderful motorcycle ride today! I felt quite lucky to be able to go on an hour long ride in late February and not freeze to death so here are some pictures to keep you entertained, enjoy!

Hey everybody

So I've really been slacking when it comes to updating my blog but school has been extremely busy so I've been quite limited but I promise I'll have some quality posts within the next couple weeks! Please bare with me! Hopefully everyone is having a good year so far!

Busy with school and the weather in Chicago!

So another semester of college has started and my time to blog has been very limited unfortunately, but here are some pictures from my daily walk to campus (during the snowstorms). Enjoy!

First day of Junior year second semester done!

So college resumed for me today and was quite successful. I know a lot of people in my classes so hopefully they'll be a brew! Hopefully everyone has a nice return to school!