Equipment Crew- Part III

[matrix563]

[twodog]

There's a new meanining to "rock and roll" when firing a weapon, lol.

[Cleveland33]

Tim - in regards to the cruise.

I have been on two and going on a third in January. one was Alaska the other was Caribbean as will the one in January.

All have been on Norwegian so I do not have a comparison either.

Two things about Norwegian that I really like, but again I don't know how they compare. Norwegian either prices the younger crowd out or just doesn't allow them, so you don't see a bunch of 20-somethings getting wrecked like it's spring break. In fact, I don't think I've ever seen anyone that I would qualify as overserved on one. That said, there are a lot of kids it seems. And because of the narrow hallways, it can be annoying when they run around like little spazs, but not so much that it really bothered me.

The other aspect is that Norwegian calls themselves the "free cruising" line. I guess other lines have set meal times, like dinner is at 5:00 or whatever. Whereas, they have several restaurant options that have hours they are open and you are free to go to which ever you prefer. There are two sit down type restaurants that are free (included in your trip); the nice thing about it being included, at dinner one night, all four of us commented that we wanted to try the duck but no one ordered it, the waiter just brought a duck out for the table so we could all try it. There is also a cafeteria style option that is super convenient - salad bar, Asian cuisine, Americana, sushi, etc. Then there are more "upscale" options that you have to pay for, but I haven't tried them.

Another thing, at least with Norwegian, is that you pay for booze but there is an option you can buy up front (I never have) and I know they jack the booze prices up. Also, when you go to port for a day, booze is dirt cheap but you are supposed to check it when you reboard the ship. And they have security like the airport, you pass through a metal detector and your bags are scanned. This caught me off guard, but I suppose they don't want a terrorist taking over a cruise ship. That said, we would sneak booze through - the small bottles of scotch fit in cargo shorts pockets (and good scotch doesn't have a metal bottle cap) and then we would buy large bottle of water that we would fill with gin or vodka to smuggle back on board.

[dumb.bell]

There are two sit down type restaurants that are free (included in your trip); the nice thing about it being included, at dinner one night, all four of us commented that we wanted to try the duck but no one ordered it, the waiter just brought a duck out for the table so we could all try it. There is also a cafeteria style option that is super convenient - salad bar, Asian cuisine, Americana, sushi, etc. Then there are more "upscale" options that you have to pay for, but I haven't tried them.

Another thing, at least with Norwegian, is that you pay for booze but there is an option you can buy up front (I never have) and I know they jack the booze prices up. Also, when you go to port for a day, booze is dirt cheap but you are supposed to check it when you reboard the ship. And they have security like the airport, you pass through a metal detector and your bags are scanned. This caught me off guard, but I suppose they don't want a terrorist taking over a cruise ship. That said, we would sneak booze through - the small bottles of scotch fit in cargo shorts pockets (and good scotch doesn't have a metal bottle cap) and then we would buy large bottle of water that we would fill with gin or vodka to smuggle back on board.

This discussion could apply equally to Royal. They have the cafeteria that is open most of the time (shuts maybe 30 minutes to an hour between meals for changeovers) until around 11:00 I think. Then there is the large dining room (generally several floors in size) where they are very generous regarding the number of entrees and deserts (I sometimes have two different entrees or two of the same one and almost always have two deserts). Finally there is the steak house and the Italian restaurant where you pay a flat fee for the meals (something like $15 or $20 per person).

At dinner we have heard quite a few interesting stories of how people have slipped alcohol onto the boat as well as strategies such as finding one bartender and tipping him well as to only get charged for a portion of the alcohol they received. One couple was explaining how they got caught bringing alcohol on board and some but not all of their alcohol was confiscated. It was as if the person felt sorry for them and let them keep some of it.

[BloodType3R]

I would gladly patrol that ass.. I mean police that brass.

[Keetman]

LOL. I'm not going to give out my secrets for getting booze on the boat in a public forum (superstitious about them learning and adapting ). However, i have some secrets and I've been successful. On our last trip we made friends with another couple at our formal dining table and ended up doing a lot of stuff with them. The dude kept offering me vodka and we finally got into how he was doing it and he was very creative. I knew i was in the presence of good people!

I just can't understand why the cruise ships won't charge reasonable prices for alcohol....its a hassle to smuggle it on board. I'd be happy paying normal prices....but I'll be damned if I'm dropping a grand on a few cases of beer. By the amount of smuggling stories that i hear....I'm not alone.

[trimble006]

I washed out a 1.15 litre shampoo bottle for days before filling it up with booze to take on my cruise. It still tasted like soap. Another guy I was with carefully cut the wrapper off of a mouthwash bottle and put a brown liquor in and carefully taped the plastic back on. It looked real legit and he didn't complain about the taste at all.

In all honesty though, they turn the ships over in about 5 hours and have to check 1+ bags for each of the 2000+ people getting on. I don't think you'd have a problem just putting a bottle in your bag if you were concerned about it.

[AttyGuy]

Checking in with liquour in your bags is the most likely route to success. Trimble is right about the amount of work that the cruise ship crew has to do before departure. It's the dive knives that are going to get the attention of the Nepalese security crews!

[KBKB]

I need some help. I have a friend who wants to start lifting and I remember Wildtim and maybe IronWill posting a link to a really good beginner workout program that is on this site. Would someone post that link here for me so I can pass it on.

Is this it?

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...hp?t=147447933

[KBKB]

I hiked out at Deer Creek yesterday.

The photo below shows the south fork of Deer Creek just above the confluence with the main fork. The creek is dry right now, it but does run heavily at times. The Mazatzal mountain range can be seen in the distance.



Fall colors along Deer Creek:



A small cactus near sunset:

[yankeemarko1]

Is this it?

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...hp?t=147447933

Not the one. But, I think I found it. This is the one I was looking for. The page looks different than I remember but this one has the exercises & diet etc...

Thanks for the effort!!

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/go-f...n-one-year.htm

[ProtienandIron]

Bourbon, whisky, whiskey, scotch.... all you need to know right here fellas. http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/121172

I had to check the difference myself

[rlundregan]

Bourbon, whisky, whiskey, scotch.... all you need to know right here fellas. http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/121172

I had to check the difference myself

THat's a great article.....and timely, between the discussion here and the discussion that was starting to develop in the New Trap Bar thread!

Personally, I prefer Bourbon over just about anything else......

[ProtienandIron]

I always used to but my drink of choice these days has turned to Rum, especially when I'm out camping in minus temperatures. Since this is the equipment forum, this is the hip flask I use.

[

Nothing special, but it sure holds a lot!

[ProtienandIron]

Question for you homeowners. What would YOU consider a fair hourly rate for you to pay a handyman to clear your 'to do list' (UK) or 'honey do' list(US)?

When I say fair, I mean to both parties.

[rlundregan]

Question for you homeowners. What would YOU consider a fair hourly rate for you to pay a handyman to clear your 'to do list' (UK) or 'honey do' list(US)?

When I say fair, I mean to both parties.

I had a guy who installed replacement windows for me a few years ago for $20 per hour (plus the cost of materials). I should mention that he did this as a side job. He didn't work for someone else, he wasn't licensed/bonded, etc.

[rlundregan]

By the way, that is a VERY impressive flask! I ended up buying some off-brand whiskey or something just to get the free flask that came with it some time back. I think that flask holds like 8 oz....not quite big enough for an overnight hiking trip with a couple of buddies......

[BloodType3R]

You guise like my flask?

[trimble006]

You guise like my flask?

[BloodType3R]

Hands-off, trimble!

[Wildtim]

Not the one. But, I think I found it. This is the one I was looking for. The page looks different than I remember but this one has the exercises & diet etc...

Thanks for the effort!!

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/go-f...n-one-year.htm

I actually like the Routine your quote better though that is a pretty good article.

[Wildtim]

Question for you homeowners. What would YOU consider a fair hourly rate for you to pay a handyman to clear your 'to do list' (UK) or 'honey do' list(US)?

When I say fair, I mean to both parties.

A skilled tradesman would expect $20-30 per hour

Unskilled would get around $10 per hour

Labor gets minimum wage.

[daniel327]

A skilled tradesman would expect $20-30 per hour

Wow! Really? In Australia a tradie will cost at least $80/hr but $100/hr is generally more common.

Then don't forget to add your 10% GST

[twodog]

I hiked out at Deer Creek yesterday.

The photo below shows the south fork of Deer Creek just above the confluence with the main fork. The creek is dry right now, it but does run heavily at times. The Mazatzal mountain range can be seen in the distance.



Fall colors along Deer Creek:



A small cactus near sunset:

KBKB,

Great pictures...again . I really like the way that you captured the sunlight on the yellow tree/bush in the middle photo and the close up of the cactus.

[twodog]

Bourbon, whisky, whiskey, scotch.... all you need to know right here fellas. http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/121172

I had to check the difference myself

All you really need to know is the differences between scotches, because they are all that really matter . Nice post P&I.

[AttyGuy]

All you really need to know is the differences between scotches, because they are all that really matter . Nice post P&I.

W00T!

Unless you're in the Great White North and you have no choice but to drink Rye. . . . ("Rye?" you say? Think "American Pie", by Don McLean. Not the movie with Stiffler's mom.)

[Hishiad]

I can't do leg presses....but I like the upper/lower split yankee linked. Will leg extensions be a good alternative?

[BloodType3R]

I can't do leg presses....but I like the upper/lower split yankee linked. Will leg extensions be a good alternative?

Barbell hack squats.. pull from a few inches of defecit for more awesomeosity.

[4MEandThem]

I think it is carnival that is offering all you can drink cruises now. It was just in the news. I have not been on a cruise yet but probably not my thing either.
Dat Ass on the shooting girl is probably tighter than her pattern but appreciated alot more.

I got sick for about 3 weeks and it is taking about that long to get back to where I was strength wise. I almost hit a triple PR the night before I got sick. 2 weeks later I am within 7kg but nothing feels right
lifting. It is like starting over in a way.I can only imagine what a serious down time feels like.

Here's a couple of recent photos i took. I will post a couple more after I shrink them down. I am getting about 100 hits a day on my Flickr stuff right now.

[animalfan]

http://www.christiansfitnessfactory....s+of+christmas

CFF is having a decent sale. 25% off on a couple bars and some other stuff.