Best Chinese and Sushi in Town?

Best place for Chinese food and sushi in town? Hands down, the best would be Wok In Motion. Wok is located in the West Glen Shopping Center in West Des Moines. The inside is pretty plain and small, just a small dining area and a little sushi bar area, but what is lacks in size and grandeur, Wok makes up for in the quality of their food. My recommendations would be as follows:

Sushi: Lots to choose from, my favorite is the Avocado Rolls
Appetizer: Pot Stickers
Entree: Jack Daniels Infused Steak
To Drink: Go for the Hot Rice Tea

My wife and I usually get the above and split it for only $23.00, which is reasonable for some great food and wonderful service. So the next time you are out in the West Glen area give it a try, or make a special trip to find out what you've been missing. Wok In Motion - Website

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New Star Trek Movie - Lens Flares

So I purchased the new Star Trek Movie Blu Ray and finally got to watch it last night. During the movie I started noticing a lot of shiny glares on the screen. At first I thought something was going on with my TV or blu ray player. There were lots of scenes when the crew in on the enterprise where these glares were actually starting to annoy me. It must be the blu ray disc right? I didn't notice this in the movie theater? No, it's a brand new disc, there has got to be more to this. So after some searching I found out that these glares (called lens flares in the movie business) I was seeing were intentionally put in there by director J.J. Abrams. When asked about it Abrams said "I know what you’re saying with the lens flares. It was one of those things… I wanted a visual system that felt unique. I know there are certain shots where even I watch and think, “Oh that’s ridiculous, that was too many.” But I love the idea that the future was so bright it couldn't’t be contained in the frame."

So I guess the good news is that I'm not going crazy, but for the next Star Trek movie..... please less lens flares! To read the article about Abrams use of lens flares click here.

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Black Friday..... Right Around the Corner

Black Friday is only a matter of days away. Want to know the best deals before the ads come out? Check out bfads.net. Sign up for their email list and you will get the deals sent to you everyday! I can't wait.

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My Favorite 2 Turkey Facts

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I thought I would share my favorite 2 facts about the tasty creatures we call Turkeys:

1.)Turkeys have heart attacks. When the Air Force was conducting test runs and breaking the sound barrier, fields of turkeys would drop dead.

2.)Turkeys can drown if they look up when it is raining.

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The Orange - Where's the Creativity?

Who was the uncreative person who thought up of the name for the fruit called orange? Why just name it after the color it is? You don't call an apple, red or a banana, yellow. So why call an orange, orange. Which came first the color or the fruit? Hmmm. Maybe that's what I really need to find out? I have a lot of questions about this. Maybe I will just come up with a new name for the fruit they call orange. From now on I officially make it know that the fruit formally know as Orange, shall be called Calabupan. I will call it Cala for short. So join in my movement and call your local senator and let them know you want the name of the orange officially changed to Calabupan.
Well, that's one more problem I've solved. What's next you ask. I think I will take on Health care. Look out world....... Brogan is on the case.

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Becoming Addicted to Chipotle

Hi, my name is Tom and I'm addicted to Chipotle. That's what I'll be saying hear pretty soon if I keep getting the cravings for the wonderful food at Chipolte. If your not familiar, Chipolte is a "Mexican Grill" restaurant located inside Valley West Mall that serves burritos, tacos and fajitas. And you certainly can't overlook the fact that they have some tasty chips and guacamole as well. Plus, you are definitely getting pretty good value for your money. My wife and I usually split the burrito (thing is huge) and chips and guacamole, plus 2 sodas for right around $13.00. Not bad for a great fast meal. I would recommend going with the Braised Carnitas for your meat choice and definitely add some sour cream! So next time your are at the mall or just want some excellent Mexican grub, stop by Chipolte.

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Shredded Lettuce on Hamburgers?

I guess I just don't understand why you would ruin a perfectly good hamburger with shredded lettuce? First of all the idea of warm lettuce just doesn't sound that good and second, you can't taste the real flavor of the burger. Maybe they are trying to cover up the taste of the burger? Maybe they are serving crappy half beef/half mystery meat burger patties? I've even seen some restaurants call hamburgers with lettuce and tomato "California Burgers" and try to make them sound healthy. Believe me, that white chopped up iceberg lettuce isn't gonna give you anything that great.
So what's the point of my rant? Next time you are at a restaurant and see that shredded lettuce is on the burger...... just say no. Find yourself a good restaurant that knows how to do burgers right. I will say there is maybe one exception to this rule. B-Bops has pretty good burgers, just make sure to say hold the lettuce!

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The Easiest Office Tailgate Party Dish

So your office is having a potluck for Football season, but you don't have the time or the knowhow to create a delicious dish. What do you do? You turn to the easiest tailgate dish around...... Little Smokies! These little treats will both impress and won't be too bad on the wallet. So here's what you need:

- 2 packs Beef Little Smokies (make sure to get beef!)
- 1 bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce (I prefer Famous Daves, Rich and Sassy)
- 1 crock pot (Come on, everyone has one laying around somewhere)

Yep, that's it 3 things you need. Next step, open up the packs of little smokies dump in the crock pot and then pour in the bottle of sauce. Turn your crock pot on low and let it simmer 2-3 hours (stirring occasionally) for best taste(If you get really hungry and can't wait the full 2 hours the little smokies are precooked so you don't have to worry about eating raw food).

So there you go. So easy a cave man could do it! Enjoy!

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Smelly Carpet? Try Baking Soda

Now that I have an 8 month year old roaming around the house, the spills that cause odor on the carpet seem to be adding up. But what's a safe non-toxic way to get those odors out of the carpet.... that actually works? The answer is BAKING SODA. Just sprinkle liberally over the "stinky" areas and let sit overnight. The baking soda will absorb the odor and then all you have to do is vacuum it up. So you get rid of the odor and not have to worry about the baby crawling all over harsh chemicals. Problem Solved.

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The Dirty Dozen - Fruits and Veggies You Need to Buy Organic

Why buy organic fruit and vegetables? The U.S. Department of Agriculture found that even after washing, some fruits and vegetables consistently carry much higher levels of pesticide residue than others. Based on an analysis of more than 100,000 U.S. government pesticide test results, researchers at the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a research and advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C., have developed the “dirty dozen” fruits and vegetables. These are ones you should definitely buy organic:
Apples
Cherries
Grapes, imported (Chili)
Nectarines
Peaches
Pears
Raspberries
Strawberries
Bell peppers
Celery
Potatoes
Spinach

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Do Lobsters Really Scream When You Boil Them?

I have heard many people make the statement that they don't want to cook lobster at home because the horrific sound of the lobster screaming. What are they talking about? Do they really think that a live animal would scream when put into a tub of scalding hot water?... Well I guess I see a little bit of their point. But the truth of the matter is that lobsters don't scream when boiled. In fact that's impossible because lobsters don't have vocal chords or any other means of vocalization. So what is that weird high pitch sound that sometimes is heard when a lobster is boiling? It is simply the sound of a lobster's exoskeleton and musculature tightening up and releasing gases under the heat of the boiling water. Makes sense, I guess.... Anyways, All I really know is that some lobster dipped in butter is one of life's great pleasures. :)

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Do Not Follow Into Construction Zone

What is it about the "Construction vehicle do not follow" sign on the back of Dump trucks that make me want to follow them? I guess it's that wild side of mine calling :)

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What's really in a flu shot?

It's really not funny what's in a flu shot, but I found this funny video that makes light of all the crap in the vaccine. Check it out.

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Organic Valley Coupons

I have been trying to incorporate more and more organic foods in my daily life over the past year. The biggest reason for this would be the birth of my daughter. When I started looking at different foods for her and doing more and more research, I came to the conclusion that organic foods would be the only choice for her and that I needed to start moving in that direction as well. So after 6 and half months, litle Katelyn (my daughter) has only eaten organic food and I would say that 60 percent of the food I eat is organic. The one problem with eating organic is that it's expensive! So, being a bargain shopper, I am always looking for deals and coupons. Once place I found that you can get organic coupons is at the Organic Valley website. Organic Valley has a whole line of products to choose from. Here is a link to the site. You can print off coupons directly from their site and you can also sign up for their program called "Farm Friends", and receive lots of coupons in the mail. So hopefully this helps out some of my fellow organic eaters out there. Remember, "You are what you eat".

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I Didn't Know I was Pregnant?

So there is a show on TLC network called "I didn't know I was pregnant" and I happened to catch a portion of it the other night. My initial thought was how do you not know you are pregnant? Are these women crazy or just ignorant? After watching a few stories it became clear that the women in the show are a little bit of both. I mean they are getting morning sickness and just think it's the flu..... getting a little chubby around the tummy and they think they are just eating too much. I think the highlight of the show was when one lady thought she was having stomach cramps and went to sit down on the toilet and instead of poop coming out, a little baby fell down into the toilet. Now, that would have to be a shocker! :)

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Faster Fridge Water

I personally don't own a fridge with an ice and water dispenser on the outside of the door, but I have used quite a few in my lifetime and the flow rate of the water coming out of it drives me crazy! Can't they make these any slower? It's ridiculous. If I am going to wait that long for a drink of water I expect it to be the best damn water I have ever tasted. I'm talking crystal clear, organic, tastes like heaven wonderful water. But, no...... it's just normal old water. And have you ever tried to fill a pitcher full of water from one of these? You might as well get a chair and sit there because your legs will start aching from waiting around for it. So in short, this is a plea to all you refrigerator makers out there, speed it up!..... or I guess I can just use the water out of the faucet?

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HDVision - A Must Have

Okay, so they aren't the coolest looking pair of sunglasses...... but I'm not the coolest guy in the world either. So if you look at it like that, my HDVision sunglasses and I are a perfect pair. The "As seen on TV" pair is well worth the $19.95 for 2 pairs that you pay. It brightens up the world around you and really does cut down on glare while driving. I recommend them to everyone!

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Not 2 Die 4

I checked out the new BBQ joint over in West Glen Shopping Center in West Des Moines called 2 Die 4 the other day and was not too impressed. Definitely would not die for that. They have a very limited menu, meat was a little dry and BBQ sauce was served cold?

Still the best in town...... that title belongs to Woody's Smoke Shack on Cottage Grove. That brisket is awesome!

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Bear vs Will Ferrell

Tuesday June 2nd on Discovery channel, check out Will Ferrell on Man vs. Wild. You can see Bear Grylls take Ferrell on an outdoor adventure in Sweden. This should be hilarious!

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Be Green and Save Money

Here are two interesting facts for you:

-Did you know that a reusable beverage bottle can eliminate 365 disposable water bottles / year (based on avg. use of 1 disposable bottle per day)
-American’s use 3.3 million plastic bottles every hour but recycle only one in five.

I use to take 2 plastic water bottles a day to work with me. But not any more. I have found a better solution, the Rubbermaid reusable water bottle. I purchased 6 of them for $18.00 total for my wife and I to use. We stopped buying the disposable plastic bottles and have never looked back. Doing this has saved money and helped us to go green a bit. I figured that we purchased a 24 pack of water every two weeks for $5.00. That's $10.00 a month and $120.00 a year. So over a years time that is a savings of $102.00! Not bad at all. I recommend everyone pick up their own reusable bottle today.

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Long Time No Blog

It has been forever since I have blogged about anything. Don't worry, over the last 2 months I've had many new thoughts to share with you. Being a new dad has really taken away my time at the computer, but now that I have figured out a schedule, I will be a writing fool. Stay tuned.......

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Easy Dips to Make for your Superbowl Party

Here are 2 really easy dips you can make at your upcoming Superbowl party. Yes, even you guys can put this together.

Pickle Roll Up Dip
What you need: Sour Cream 8oz container, Whipped Cream Cheese 8oz, 2 packages Carlbuddig Corned Beef, 1/2 Jar Dill Pickle Relish, 1/4 teaspoon Salt

Cut up Corned beef into small pieces, mix all ingredients together stirring well in medium sized bowl. Serve with crackers (wheat thins taste great). Tastes just like eating a pickle roll up without the mess!

Ultimate Cheese Dip
What you need: 1 can Hormel Chili (with our without beans), 2 lb. box of Velveeta Cheese, Crock pot

Throw the hunk of Velveeta cheese in crock pot along with chili. Set on medium and let the cheese meltdown. Make sure to stir it every 10 minutes or so until ready to eat. Takes about an hour until it's nice and hot. Tastes great and is way too easy!

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Asian Hamburger Helper?

I was walking down the aisle in my local supermarket and something new caught my eye. I almost did a double take when I saw that Hamburger Helper now has two new varieties of Asian Helper. There is a Beef Fried Rice and a Mongolian Beef flavor to choose from. Generally speaking, I'm not usually a huge fan of Hamburger Helper (aka shit in a box), but even I couldn't resist trying out the Beef Fried Rice. It was pretty easy to make, just cook up some hamburger add seasoning and rice. When it gets done, you add 2 scrambled eggs to give it that classic fried rice feel. Overall, it was okay. It definitely needed a little salt and pepper to help it out. I probably wouldn't buy it again, but it does make me wonder....... What's next? Irish Helper perhaps? Maybe a corn beef and cabbage flavor? Only time will tell.

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Great Deal on SDHC Memory Card

I just bought a new camcorder that uses an SDHC card for memory and I was in search of the best deal out there. After about an hour of shopping around I was able to find an 8gb SDHC card by Transcend on Newegg.com for only $12.99. Plus you get free shipping and there is no tax. I know what you might be saying... To good to be true? I read all the reviews for this product and everything I saw was good. So if you are looking at a memory upgrade for your camcorder or digital camcorder it's worth checking out. Here is a link to the product page: Click here.

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Glenn is Coming Back

Glenn Beck is finally going to be back on the air Monday, January 19th. Yep, Beck, who was previously on CNN has made the jump to Fox News, which seems to be a better fit. The first guest on the new network will be our favorite Alaskan Governor, Sarah Palin, who I think Glenn may have a bit of a crush on? Anyways, tune in for some great television and straight talk about government, the economy and more. Monday at 4pm Central on Fox News.

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Baby Stories

With the due date fastly approaching for my first born child, one thing has become more clear.... Crystal clear...People love to tell you about their birthing experiences. I have heard many different stories from people that I barely even talk to. It's amazing the kind of information people offer up to me.... and I'm not even the one who is technically giving birth.
It seems to me that people either have a great experience and say it was a beautiful wonderful time or they hated it. There doesn't seem to be a middle road. So what can I expect? Well rest assured that I have a few more weeks of hearing story after story so maybe I will have a feeling for what I am getting into it. Trust me, I won't be blogging about the details. That would be under the category of TMI (too much information). :)

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