Friday, October 25, 2013

Dear Baltimore

? Dear Baltimore, Thank you for fixing the initial on ramp to 83 North. Sincerely, LaChaBenn

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Vanessa Carlton reschedules remainder of October 2013 dates

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Just got this (see below) in the 'ole e-mail

Due to a medical issue Vanessa Carlton is canceling the remainder of her October shows..which so happen to be the entire Mid-Atlantic/Southern leg of her tour. Starting with the Birchmere (MDCVA show tomorrow October 17 (I knew I should of gone to philly...)

and includes

Charlotte at Visulite Theatre on October 18

Nashville  @ 3rd & Lindley October 19

and Atlanta @ Terminal West on October 20

:-(

Her next concert will be on November 17 @ the Tom Lee Music Hall in Vancouver, BC Eh





"









* Important Information Regarding October Tour Dates
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Unfortunately due to a medical emergency, we are terribly sorry to have to reschedule the last four dates for Vanessa's Oct run starting with the Birchmere show tomorrow, October 17th and including the Charlotte, Nashville and Atlanta shows. The November tour is unchanged. Please be assured that Vanessa is fine but the nature of the issue is such that it needs to be tended to immediately.

Changing show dates is an incredibly big deal to us and we want to apologize sincerely for any inconvenience. Tickets will be honored at the new dates (once we re-schedule them) but if you feel you would prefer a refund, please seek that at the ticket point of purchase.

-Management


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Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Ozymandias vs Ozymandias

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Did you catch the title of Sunday's (9/15/13) Breaking Bad episode? I didn't either, but Pearcey did, Ozymandias. Ozy-man-di-as.


So lets refresh: What is this title? Who is this king?

The LaChaBenn dictionary defines Ozymandias as the following:

Ozymandias
 noun

1.  The title of season five, episode 14 of Breaking Bad.  Rated 10 out of 10 by 22,477 IMBD users;

2. A known poem written in 1818 by Percy Bysshe Shelly;

3. A lesser known poem written in 1818 by Horse Smith in competition to Shelly's poem. 




Shelly's Ozymandias

 I met a traveller from an antique land
Who said: Two vast and trunkless legs of stone
Stand in the desert. Near them, on the sand,
Half sunk, a shattered visage lies, whose frown,
And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command,
Tell that its sculptor well those passions read
Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things,
The hand that mocked them and the heart that fed:
And on the pedestal these words appear:
"My name is Ozymandias, king of kings:
Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!"
Nothing beside remains. Round the decay
Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare
The lone and level sands stretch far away





vs

Smith's Ozymandias

IN Egypt's sandy silence, all alone,
      Stands a gigantic Leg, which far off throws
      The only shadow that the Desert knows:—
    "I am great OZYMANDIAS," saith the stone,
      "The King of Kings; this mighty City shows
    "The wonders of my hand."— The City's gone,—
      Nought but the Leg remaining to disclose
    The site of this forgotten Babylon.

    We wonder,—and some Hunter may express
    Wonder like ours, when thro' the wilderness
      Where London stood, holding the Wolf in chace,
    He meets some fragment huge, and stops to guess
      What powerful but unrecorded race
      Once dwelt in that annihilated place.






Which poem you like the most is up to you. ...and for the first time since 1818 people want to know what will come of the King of Kings.








 

Can't wait!

Monday, September 9, 2013

Anthony Weiner is Winning

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Howdy


This morning on NBC's Today Anthony Weiner was interviewed by Savannah Guthrie. Today, the day not the show, is the last day of campaigning in New York as the Mayoral election is set to begin tomorrow morning at 7 am.  Anthony Weiner is currently forth in the polls which no doubt is linked to his controversial  sexting acts. Weiner was caught sexting once while holding office as US Congressman (he resigned in June 2011). Once in February 2013, though allegations did not surface until during his recent mayoral campaign. 

So the interview...Weiner's interview with Savannah has caught him a lot of heat...but Weiner can handle heat. Weiner shoots back at Savannah's constant questioning about his wife, Huma Abedin, former Deputy Chief of Staff to Hilary Clinton during her 2008 campaign. Critics are saying that Weiner was to aggressive with Savannah, and to dismissive of his wife's role in his life and the campaign...watch

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and LaChaBenn.comy



Okay..so I am a scholar of Political Science and that, will always be the lens in which I view all things political. With that out there, I'm clapping it out to Anthony Weiner. A. Its never easy to take the obvious shame of being caught in the act...but imagine having that blasted EVERYWHERE! every time you turn on the TV, every time you open your laptop or check your newsfeed on your phone, every time you walk by the newsstand, or you get the point. B. As a politician Anthony said everything right. His mind is on tomorrow, he is focused on his constituents. He wants to talk about the issues. He is doing his best, being on the spot and his best is pretty damn good. C. I don't care who its, a man, or woman has the right to defend their wife. Yesterday, Sunday, September 9, on Meet the Press Savannah asked Anthony seven (7) questions about Huma. Today on Today, she asked three (3)   Really. I would get pissed to. Move on Savannah. I think your work is great, but you beat a dead horse.
In the devil's defense, Huma Abedin wouldn't have a Wikipedia page had it not been for the negative attention Anthony has brought to her. And that sucks...but hey look at Hilary.







Tuesday, August 27, 2013

So What is Going on in Syria?

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Quick Video, lots going on so I only did one take.
Stay Informed 

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Road Trip Adventures: South Carolina Botanical Garden

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Clemson Clay Nest
Clemson Clay Nest by Nils-Udo 2007

LaChaBenn is expanding territories and for the next few months I'll be posting on cool happenings and random sweet finds throughout the country. First up, a trip down south to Clemson, South Carolina, home of the ACC Tigers, Fort Hill and South Carolina Botanical Gardens (SCBG).

What began in 1958 as a small garden, South Carolina Botanical Gardens has grown to  300 acres of natural landscapes, display gardens, and miles of streams and nature trails. Recently, SCBG was severally damaged due to heavy flooding. As a result, the Natural Heritage Garden trail is closed until spring 2014.However the remainder of this gorgeous Garden and trails remains open.

SCBG, open from dusk til dawn, is free to the public. Perhaps the best part of this is how SCBG combines nature, art and culture. The collection of Nature-Based Sculptures here is amongst the largest in the country.  What is most unique about nature-based sculptures is that they are forever evolving. Some structure stay for years, but some are naturally shaped back into the surrounding landscape. For example, my favorite piece, the Steam Path, was installed in 1998 by Gilles Bruni & Marc Babarit (B/B).

Constructing Stream Path
Stream Path's Insulation


here are picture of the final project!
Stream PathStream Path

here is a picture of Steam Path in 2001

Stream Path in 2001


Also Sittin' Pretty installed by Patrick Dougherty in 1996
Sittin' Pretty

and Sitting Pretty in 2007

Sittin' Pretty in 2007 


However some structures remain intact over the years for example the Crucible by Herb Parker installed in 1995
Crucible and in 2004Crucible 2004



Also, Natural Dialogue by Alfio Bonanno installed in 1997

Natural DialogueNatural Dialogue inside


and again 10 years later
Natural Dialogue in 2007 Natural Dialogue in 2006












If you are anywhere near Clemson (i.e.Greenville :-) take the short drive to this beautiful Garden.
You can find more information about the sculptures and the artist by visiting this page.
To learn more about SCBG directions and hours please visit its homepage.
And if you have deep pockets, SCBG is working very hard to raise money to repair the damage it sustained earlier this year.  The picture below is a link to the donation page.
south Carolina botanical garden flooding, july 2013



possible tattoo

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Thursday, August 15, 2013

PATC Glass House Cabin

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Glass House's Snapshot

Location:101 miles southwest of Washington D.C. via 66W and Skyline Drive or 81S
Type: Modern, Private (NOT Open to Non-PATC Members)
Max Capacity: 12
Hike in: none, but super steep driveway. 
Hike to AT: none
Cost: $35/$50 
Pets Allowed:Yes
Closest town: Front Royal, VA


Nestled outside of Front Royal in-between 81 and is  Glass House. Built in 1950 by Ms. Jewell Jennette House as a Washington getaway, Glass House was donated to the PATC in 1968.  This one story, one bedroom home is in pristine condition. The kitchen is complete with fridge and an electric oven.  There is plenty of natural light though out the dinning area and the lounge/bunkbed area. The wood burning stove is an excellent source for heat. There is one bedroom (not pictured) with two beds and plenty of mattress pads.




Outside is a partially covered wrap around porch that faces west, perfect for sunset. Underneath the porch is a utility room, with a desk, and tools for gathering wood. On the land is a garden installed by Ms. House, a Mineralogist and amateur botanist and an area to hike north east up the adjacent mountain.


20 minutes south on 81 is Luray Caverns, North on 81 is Strasburg, 15 minutes east on 55 is Front Royal.


Please note, the driveway of this house is steep, Very steep, if is snowing or icey, and you do not have a 4x4 vehicle, don't even try it. If you do have a 4x4 vehicle, still be very careful.


As always, leave the cabin cleaner than you found it, leave more fire wood than you burn, never leave food, Be Safe; Have Fun.  

PATC Rosser Lamb Cabin

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Rosser Lamb's Snapshot


Location:101 miles southwest of Washington D.C. via 66W and Skyline Drive or 81S
Type: Primitive, Private (NOT Open to Non-PATC Members)
Max Capacity: 12
Hike in: 0.34 mile but if you have a narrow 4x4 vehicle you can drive to the cabin
Hike to AT: 3.0 miles
Cost: $35/$50 
Pets Allowed:Yes
Closest town: Standardsville, VA



Back in the woods of the just outside of the Central Region of the Shenandoah National Park on the eastern side of the Blue Ridge mountains is the massive Rosser Lamb cabin (but really a house).

Rosser Lamb is a great spot for a large group of campers. It has THREE porches including a covered porch that is great for sleeping, eating and chilling.

Inside there is a large kitchen area, with ample counter space and a wood burning stove. However if you have a lot of people in your party I recommend bring a gas stove to this cabin. Also downstairs is a room that works as a bedroom or a living room.
Upstairs there is a "master bedroom" with one large bed. Also upstairs is a large loft like room. There are several bed frames, and mattress pads.

Entry Run trail runs just pass Rosser Lamb. A quick drive will take you to Old Rag and White Oak Canyon hike.  Both are moderate to intense day hikes, 7+ miles that require you to bring in plenty of water. Old Rag, is especially intense because at its peak is a half mile rock scramble.

Sprout for water and creek


As always, leave the cabin cleaner than you found it, leave more fire wood than you burn, never leave food, Be Safe; Have Fun.  


PATC Olive Green Cabin

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Visit Dear Baltimore or follow @DearBmore

Olive Green's Snapshot

Location: 68 miles north of Washington D.C. via 270N and 15W
Type: Primitive, Public (Open to Non-PATC Members)
Max Capacity: 4
Hike in: None, there is a driveway and a pull off area for one 4x4 vehicle just past the cabin and fire ring.
Hike to AT: None
Cost: $20/$30
Pets Allowed: No
Closest town: Thurmont, MD 



Tucked away just pass the William Houck Camp Area in Maryland's Cunningham Falls State Park is the Potomac Appalachians Trail Club's Olive Green Cabin. The cabin, built in 1871, was donated to the PATC in 1986.


Downstairs is a wood burning stove, picnic table, chairs as well as basic cookware: pots, pans and silverware. The one window lets plenty of light in during the morning hours.


Upstairs there is ample floor space, as well as four mattress pads and two bed frames. PATC says maximum capacity is 4 but really this cabin is ideal for three close friends, a couple, or a couple with two kids. There are two windows upstairs. I recommend opening these windows upon arrival as it gets stuffy upstairs, especially when using the stove. 




Directly outside of the cabin you will find a deck and another picnic table. Inside the "User" shed is a lawnmower and bow saws. (the PATC no longer leaves axes). Next to the parking area is a fire ring and further along the way is a place to do your business.

Behind the cabin and past the driveway you'll find a trail to a stream. Perfect area to rinse dishes and yourself. You can follow the stream for a little hike. Also, down the road from the cabin (in walking distance) is an AWESOME lake with a dock.

For some it is important to note that this cabin is IN a state park and off of a main road. Rangers and Maryland NRP will not come to the cabin unless they have a reason to.



Another note..my first night there I heard a crazy sound, it happened throughout the night..it kinda sounded like a high pitch scream or screech but not of the human sort..I searched around the "interweb" and seems a few people around Catoctin Mountain have heard the sounds. (Update 8/22/13 they are screech owls! Duh)

As always, leave the cabin cleaner than you found it, leave more fire wood than you burn, never leave food, Be Safe; Have Fun

Dozens of Tiger Swallowtails 

There is a lawn mower, feel free to trim the yard













PATC Pocosin Cabin

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Pocosin's Snapshot

Location:114 miles southwest of Washington D.C. via 66W and Skyline Drive or 81S
Type: Primitive, Public (Open to Non-PATC Members)
Max Capacity: 8 (24)
Hike in: 0.2 mile IF Skyline drive is open,  close to 3.5 if Skyline Drive is closed
Hike to AT: 0.1 mile
Cost: $30/$45
Pets Allowed:Yes
Closest town: Elkton, VA


Built in 1937 by the Civilian Conservation Corp, Pocosin is an awesome cabin for any camper, or Appalachian trail hiker. As long as Skyline Drive is open (and you pay the fee to access it) you can park as many as six cars 0.2 miles away from the cabin. However if Skyline is closed or you don't want to pay the fee, then you will have to hike in appx 3.5 miles. I could be wrong about this distance..but I know from it definitely took 3 hours in the snow.  If you are hiking the Appalachian trail you will love this cabin because of its location to the trail.









Inside there are three large bunk beds. Really each bed can sleep two. There are no rails on the top bunk so mobile sleepers beware. There is a little area for kitchen supplies, as well as a wood burning stove.









Outside is an Awesomely large fireplace and a picnic table. The front area overlooks the Shenandoah Valley. Down from the cabin is the latrine as well as a stream.







Other information:
Video about Pocosin



As always, leave the cabin cleaner than you found it, leave more fire wood than you burn, never leave food, Be Safe; Have Fun.

PATC Catoctin Cabin

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Catoctin Cottage's Snapshot


Location: 65 miles north of Washington D.C. via 270N and 15W
Type: Modern, Public (Open to Non-PATC Members)
Max Capacity: 8
Hike in: None, there is a driveway big enough for one car or three motorcycles
Hike to AT: None
Cost: $45/$75
Pets Allowed: No
Closest town: Thurmont, MD


driveway side of Catoctin















Directly off of Thurmont's route 806 is PATC's Catoctin cabin. It is not as much a camper cabin as it is a modern home and a quick getaway.

There are two rooms upstairs, a large full kitchen with a Picnic table big enough for everyone. In the other room there are two couches and several areas to sit including a dinning room table. Inside the cabin is a large fire place and tons of games and cards to keep people busy.

Upstairs is a huge loft with 6(?) beds and mattress pads.


Outside..well directly out front is 806. There is a picnic table in the back of the house and a small patio. The backyard is wide open and goes back 50 yards before its the treeline, (and someone else's property).






There is no place to hike, on the land, but If you want to get out, downtown Thurmont is a mile north on 806. There is a Zoo near by.. but I don't support it. And there is Catoctin Furnace down the street. Catoctin Furnace is is cool because it offers a touch of hands on history, an area to explore through and around. You can go inside the shell of the old iron furnace, and ascend its old stair way up and out.






As always, leave the cabin cleaner than you found it, leave more fire wood than you burn, never leave food, Be Safe; Have Fun.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

And the Florida boycott begins

.. Other news sources have reported that the following artist have cancelled any up coming show in the state of Florida.  

STEVIE WONDER
MARY - MARY
ROD STEWART
EDDIE LEVERT
MAZE/FRANKIE BEVERLY
PATTI LABELLE
PARLIAMENT/FUNKADELIC
THE ROLLING STONES
MADONNA
ALISHIA KEYS
USHER, WILL.I.AM
R. KELLY
TREY SONGZ
RIHANA
ERYKAH BADU
MARY J. BLIGE
JAY-Z
KANYE WEST
WALE
YOUNG JEEZY
CHARLIE WILSON,
JOE, 
JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE
CIARA
KELLY ROWLAND
KEYSHIA COLE


JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE 20/20 VISION TOUR WAS DUE TO KICK OFF IN MIAMI - HE CANCELED AND HE QUOTED:

"I REFUSE TO ENTERTAIN A STATE WHO'S GOVERNMENT ALLOWS PEOPLE TO SHOOT-N-KILL UN-ARMED TEENAGERS!"

 
... We must never forget

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Disgust - Westboro Baptist "Church" does it again

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Few things make me sick to my stomach...Christians that use their abridged version of the bible to judge and hate on others ( DOMA what? ) is one of those things.  Unless you've never sinned you have no right to judge. But this goes beyond judgement. This is hate, plain and simple.

I wish I was in Arizona to help protect the honor of these brave Wildland firefighters.

'If DeFord and these others really are "in hell's fire" I guarantee they almost have it out' - Jesse Gillespie

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Westboro Baptist Church are planning on attending the funerals of the 19 firefighters in Arizona. This is a call for the brotherhood across the country. If you are planning on attending the Funeral to honor our heroes, please coordinate the usual sea of blue in front of all picketers. Remain peaceful & simply block the families from having to see the ignorant people occupying space on this planet. This is a time for mourning the Supreme Sacrifice our brotherhood has made. http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/valleyfever/2013/07/yarnell_fire_arizona_westboro_baptist_church_firefighter_funerals.php

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Game of Thrones Characters on Dating Profiles

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I'm not sure whose phone numbers are at the bottom of each page buut whatever-


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Help Dani find some boats: 1-(404)-647-0590

Sandor Clegane
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Text Sandor (but don't call him "The Hound," he hates that): 1-(202)-436-9413

Loras Tyrell
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Grow Strong and text Loras: 1-(702)-830-9643

The Wall
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The Wall knows how to party: 1-(952)-314-6695

Jaime Lannister
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Are you Jaime's type? 1-(202)-350-3809

Hodor
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Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Ding Dong DOMA is Dead!

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The irony of our government...they backed slavery, they ended Slavery. They stopped abortion, then allowed abortion, stopped blacks from voting, then allowed blacks to vote, stopped women from voting, then allowed women to vote...they defined marriage..and now marriage has been redefined!

Marriage no longer requires "defense" from my gay love!

In a close, hair line vote, the Supreme Court struck down DOMA!! (the defense of marriage act). The federal courts see that DOMA is an unauthorized reach of Government Control.
From now on, those who are married in states that legally recognize gay marriage will receive federal benefits including social security and tax cuts.


In his opinion Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote:

"The federal statute is invalid, for no legitimate purpose overcomes the purpose and effect to disparage and to injure those whom the State, by its marriage laws, sought to protect in personhood and dignity... By seeking to displace this protection and treating those persons as living in marriages less respected than others, the federal statute is in violation of the Fifth Amendment."

Justice Kennedy, was joined by Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan.
Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito all filed dissenting opinion (are you surprised? Bush, Reagan, Bush, Bush- naaaah)

Supreme Court DOMA

HuffingtonPost live Feed

As a socially labeled "Gay," i gotta say, for 30 years, i have been told that i am not worthy of true love. Nor am i capable of determing what true love is without the presence of a strong man (like Clarence Thomas?). For 30 years, I've been 100% comfortable with who I am. IF you still have issues with gay, or interracial marriage I urge you to strongly seek the source of your low self-esteem cause I ain't it!

Love over all!