Butterknife Estates

Laurence Tureaud Lecture Series

2012-01-17T19:16:00.002-07:00

Butterknife Estates has begun the new year by hosting a fantastic new portal into knowledge called the Laurence Tureaud lecture series, an opportunity for community members to share stuff they know and spark questions and discussions. Every month we'll feature two new presenters on fresh and interesting topics. The event is free and open to the public (there is a suggested donation of any amount to the projectoritis fund).

Episode 1 featured:

Thad Gillespie's presentation, The Science of Keeping Warm: A Brief History of Thermodynamics

and

Harrison Chelak's presentation, It's a Wonder I Can Think At All: Education In the Modern World

We had 16 attendees, great questions, awesome discussion on deep topics, and cake! Thanks to everyone who contributed who made it such a success!

We are in the midst of planning for our next month: save the evening of February 10th on your calendar!

Butterknife Estates Driveways, Inc.

2011-05-11T15:32:00.000-06:00

We poured cement last Friday. Friday. Fun fun fun fun.

Snowboarding Revisited

2011-02-18T19:02:00.000-07:00

So I decided to expand a little bit more on my previous post and explain in detail what actually happened that fated day and the results.

I am currently enrolled in a snowboarding class on Tuesdays at Beaver Mountain through USU. It is a ton of fun and I love every second of it. I also convinced Clint to enroll with me. We ride up together every week and, for the most part, have a blast.

On January 25, we headed up Logan Canyon for fun times at Beaver. Upon arriving there and through the process of putting on our gear (which is quite the process), I discovered that I forgot to bring my jacket. I had worn a hoodie that kept me pretty warm, but when I put my helmet on the hood would not stay up. I decided not to wear my helmet that day. What could really happen, right? I'm a pretty decent snowboarded and decided that I could handle not wearing the helmet for one day.

Doesn't look very imposing, does it?

After class ended Clint and I met up (we are in different classes) and headed up Harry's Dream lift to the top. (I should also mention that it had not snowed in a few weeks and the snow was packed hard and icy.) We decided to take a run through the terrain park and I tried hitting a small kicker just to the side of a box for fun. I felt pretty confident when I hit the jump and I landed it! But I couldn't ride it out. I caught my back edge and fell backwards and hit the ground hard. My head bounced against it like a bobble head toy. Clint, who was behind me, immediately stopped and asked if I was alright. I brushed it off and said I was fine, but was seeing stars and feeling a little dizzy. I got up and started moving forward, when all of a sudden, the trees started spinning around me and I felt sick to my stomach. I had to sit down for five minutes or so before I began to feel better again. I made it down the mountain and we decided to call it a day.

That week I felt extremely nauseous and sick, but I thought that I had caught the flu. I had fallen snowboarding many times before and it never occurred to me that I might have a concussion.

...Fast forward to Tuesday, February 1st...

We headed up to Beaver for class again. I felt great and hadn't had any headache or nausea for three days or so. Clint and I got there early and decided to get a few runs in before class. So we headed up Harry's Dream again. (I was wearing my helmet and jacket this time!)

Side view of the fateful kicker

I decided that jump wasn't gonna conquer me and tried to hit it again. I landed it but once again could not ride it out and fell. The next four or so hours of my life are completely blanked out, but from what I've been told, this is what happened:

I attended class, snowboarded just fine, and even participated and gave comments. When Clint met me at the end of class we rode the lift up and I kept asking him the same questions over and over: What time is it? Where are we? Are you in my class? He knew something was wrong and so told me that we were going straight down the mountain and that I wasn't allowed to do any tricks or jump at all. So we went down, but every once in awhile I would stop and stare off into the distance for no reason. Then he would stop and to see what I was doing and I would ask one of the questions. Freaky.....

We made it down to the bottom and they had the ski patrol look me over. This is where I start to remember things. I remember being in a building and seeing Clint and my teacher, Jake. Also Debbie was there, who is in charge of the ski and snowboarding classes at USU. Finally, there was a ski patrol guy shining a light in my eyes and asking if I knew who the president was. I answered, "Obama?". They said I probably had a concussion and should be taken to the doctor immediately.

Trying to add some comedy to an otherwise scary day

Clint drove home and gave me three words to remember and quizzed me on them constantly. For the most part, I couldn't remember them. We got home and waited for Thad then went to InstaCare. They determined that I had a concussion, but sent me to the hospital for a CT scan just to make sure it wasn't severe. While we were waiting, we passed the time with some pics.

Did all this really just happen to me?

The CT scan revealed no serious problems and finally I was free to go! The doctor told me I was not allowed to take ibuprofen because it thins your blood and that could cause complications. I also could not return to snowboarding until I was free of concussion symptoms for seven days. Yikes!!!! Seven days is too long.... But in the long run I'm sure it served me well.

So, how does it all end? It was a long time waiting but finally after two weeks I was able to return. This past Tuesday, Clint and I went up to Beaver Mountain. I remembered my jacket and wore my helmet! We went up and through the terrain park again and I really wanted to prove myself this time. No more screw ups. You may think I am crazy for trying it again, but I had to prove to myself that I could properly land that jump without falling.

I was a little nervous. Could I conquer my nemesis? This little mound of snow that had conquered my will for almost the last month. Could I defeat it? I lined myself up for the jump and went in as controlled as I could. As I hit the kicker, I thought, this is a piece of cake! I landed, and rode it out! I was so happy, I conquered the jump! It was one of the most satisfying feelings I have had. I went to class after that feeling like I could conquer the world, and in my mind, I had. Sure, it was painful, and I had to miss out on snowboarding for a week, but I appreciated it even more when I was finally able to go again. And after conquering that jump, I took on an even bigger challenge: My first grab trick. Over the weekend Beaver had a snowboardcross competition, so for class on Tuesday, we ran the course a couple of times. I got pretty comfortable with and after a few tries (and with my trusty camera), I was able to jump over a tabletop, grab my board, land and ride it out all without falling.

I am not going to stop snowboarding. If anything, I am going to continue to learn and to get better, to go faster, to jump higher; that is where I find the most enjoyment. And if I get a few bumps and bruises on the way, it's just a part of the experience. And I love it.

My memories of snowboarding

2011-02-13T23:48:00.000-07:00

On February 1st I got a concussion while snowboarding and this is what I remember.....

Happy last night of Hanukkah

2010-12-08T18:07:00.001-07:00

From all of us at Butterknife Estates.

Baptism!

2010-12-02T09:26:00.001-07:00

Butterknife Estates hero Clint Chelak was baptized on Sunday.

Muscva

2010-11-10T00:15:00.001-07:00

LeBron is dead. Long live LeBron.

(Clint tried to get us to make the mouse a pet and he named it LeBron.)

Playing dolly

2010-10-30T18:46:00.001-06:00

Jared came up to film a movie that later got canceled in production. This is Sam doing some of the prop design. The doll need a haircut to play the part of "newborn."

Flood!

2010-09-08T01:22:00.001-06:00

I woke up to the sight of flooded basements. Just missed us at butterknife estates.

BkE Jeopardy!

2010-06-09T20:24:00.001-06:00

Category: Words that start with the letter "O"

Answer: To play a repeated rhythmic bass accompaniment.

Garden 2.0

2010-05-20T18:26:00.004-06:00

This season, Butterknife Estates is trying something new. Or rather, it's trying the same thing, just better. This years garden is much improved over last years model. This year sports a variety of fruit bearing plants as well as vegetable and tuberific plants. The tally comes to 3 rows of walla-walla onions, 3 early girl, 3 cherry, and 3 roma tomato plants, 6 bell peppers, 3 anaheim, 3 jalapeno, 4 cantaloupe, 3 cucumber, 2 rows of carrots, 2-3 rows of lettuce, a slew of potatoes and a raspberry bush. This represents a few returning champions from last year and some new faces. At the very least, it is packed in there better, with more land being used.

Significant improvements were made this year with planning ahead, knowing what we now know from last year. First, the plants were all started from seed over a month ago. Last year, I don't think we got anything into the ground before June came around. Second, the dripping pipe system is now glued together and won't spontaneously burst. That means I can't pack it into the garage over the winter, but hey, I'm moving out in August. Third, the tomatoes have cages this year. Last year, they got all bushy until we tied them up. Not so good. Fourth, and this is the most important: WE DIDN'T PLANT A SINGLE SQUASH RELATED PLANT. Thank goodness. I, myself, subsisted off of steamed, baked, and microwaved zucchini for the better part of two months and all the spagetti squash spoiled in the garage.

To update all on BkE news, the final Lost party will be held next week, May 27, 2010. All are invited, Lost fans or no, to enjoy cake(s), confectionary, treats, and whatever else we can whip up. And 2 1/2 hours of Lost. Can't forget that.

Also, the BkE has two new heroes: Jake and J.J. They moved in 3 weeks ago. It is anticipated that hero Harrison and his brother, Clint, will also be taking up residence in July.

Thad's projectoritis finally came back in full force, causing him to stop working for a cure. We rearranged the basement theater to look like this.

Sweepstakes!

2010-04-22T09:58:00.005-06:00

Do you LOVE Butterknife Estates?
Are you FULLY SATISFIED with your present home entertainment technologies?
Do you want IMMORTALITY?

If you answered "yes" to many of these questions, then we invite you to participate in the following contest:

Butterknife Estates Home Theater Naming Sweepstakes!

Prize: The new BkE theater named after YOU!

We will hold a banquet in your honor, a christening ceremony, and present a plaque with your name on it to be prominently displayed in the theater. You will also be given privileged status in deciding what to watch WHENEVER you are here!

Forever be immortalized in these hallowed halls!

How to enter:

Go to this website
Fill out the information
Come back here and comment that you did it.

If you are selected by Epson, you win! Simply donate the Epson projector to Butterknife Estates, and the sweepstakes will be yours!

*No purchase necessary. Sweepstakes may be won by any functioning home theater projector donation. Must be a resident of the United States and at least 18 years old. Void where prohibited.

Butterknife Estates Fine Arts Gallery

2010-04-02T11:26:00.011-06:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, we are pleased to bring you a recap of Butterknife Estates Fine Arts Gallery's successful living-room display:

The desserts proved to be culinary masterpieces worthy of their own show.
"Vase"

Ben Francisco

Ceramic - Carbon Trap Shiro, Reduction fired
"Thinking Cap #4"

Samuel J. Cook

Sculpture
"Contemplation"

Samuel J. Cook

Clay
"Cutting Board"

Nick Christensen, Little Sapling Toys

Maple, cherry, and purpleheart wood
"To the Third Degree"

Bret Spencer

Acrylic
"Art Lesson"

Jennie R. Seely

Acrylic
"Thermostat"

Thad D. Gillespie

Mixed media

"Throne #4"

Jethro Gillespie

Mixed media
"Ketchup & Mustard"

Anna Gaines

Finger Paints $50.00
"Venetian Waterways"

Anna Gaines

Finger paints $25.00
"Usually"

Thad D. Gillespie

Acrylic
"Deer"

Kendra Hall - age 8

Oil
"Desert Scene"

Kendra Hall - age 9

Oil
"Sea of Insanity"

Amanda E. Hall

Acrylic
"Glamification"

Michelle Banks

Acrylic
"Bug Picture"

Bugs

Bugs
"Titled"

Thad D. Gillespie

Colored pencil
"I am a Chicken"

Jethro Gillespie

Acrylic
"Garden Pleasures"

Kendra Hall

Video
"Metric Clock"

Bret Spencer

Wood sculpture
"The Grand Tetons"

Laurie Goulding

Photo
"Norman Mailer"

Thad D. Gillespie

Pencil
"Not Quite Christmas"

Toni Gaines

Mixed cotton
"Eva's Turkey"

Jan and Eva Francisco

Acrylic
"Clark's Turkey"

Jan and Clark Francisco

Acrylic
"Washington D.C. Temple"

Norma Jean Gile

Pencil sketch
"108 in Bird Series"

Ashley Mae Christensen

Watercolor
"Untitled"

Norma Jean Gile

Calligraphy
"West End Sunset"

Norma Jean Gile

Photo
"Sunburned Mormon"

Jethro Gillespie

Oil
"Landscape"

Thad D. Gillespie

Oil
"Burning instead of Beauty" or "Stay Away from the Pretty Girls"

Jan Francisco

Mixed media
"Fish Hook"

Thad D. Gillespie

Pencil

"Stupid Fog"
Jennie Seely
Photo

"Tutankhamen Expands His Empire"
Julie Johns
Acrylic

"Rocking Horse"

Pam Hall

Bobbin Lace

Split-Second

2010-03-05T15:55:00.004-07:00

I recently discovered Split-Second, a game show from the 1970s in which three competitors vie for a chance to answer three questions related to one another. The first player to buzz-in chooses any of the three questions to answer, the second player gets next choice, and the slowest buzzer has to answer the last one. If all three answer correctly, they each get $5, two correct answers nets them each $10 and if only one answers right, he or she earns $25.

Let's play a round, so you can get the feel for the game.

Take a look at the board:

Each of these things is a civil right ensured by the Bill of Rights amended to the U.S. Constitution. Tell me what number amendment guarantees each right.

Remember: answer only one of the questions, and don't look it up. Your chance to buzz in is now.

BkE - Fine Arts Gallery

2009-09-10T22:13:00.002-06:00

We will be displaying works of visual arts in the living area of our home. We're sending out early warning so you can begin creating one or two things to display.

Get creative!

You must submit your artwork by November 4th, 2009.

Then, come for the opening on November 6th from 6 to 9pm.

We will keep the exhibit up the entire following week (in the evenings) for those who cannot make the opening party. Artists may put their works up for sale if desired.

If you are too far away to come, we'd still love to represent you via your artwork. Please send it to Butterknife Estates.

A New Hero

2009-08-26T15:43:00.010-06:00

Please give a warm welcome to the newest addition to Butterknife Estates denizens, Ben Spicer!

When Ben came to look at the house, we interviewed him, specifically looking for his qualifications as a hero. When we discovered that he hadn't actually beaten Contra, red flags popped up in our minds. Still, with his high recommendations from Sam, we gave him a chance and invited him to move into the room formerly occupied by Harrison / Matt / Michael / Thad / Toni.

On the appointed day, he pulled his car up, walked resolutely to the front door, his suitcase and golfclubs in tow. His proud first words were, "I stayed up late last night playing Contra. I beat the game."

We know that Ben Spicer, a qualified hero, will be a welcome asset to Butterknife Estates.

BkE Heroes in the News

2009-07-08T15:19:00.005-06:00

Butterknife Estates denizen Bret made great strides in his academic career Tuesday when he took the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). Taking the test is a vital step toward being accepted into the concurrent master's program at Utah State University, his current medium-term goal.

He finished the exam with an impressive 800 on the quantitative section, a perfect score. He also scored higher than average on the verbal exam. "I studied my vocabulary flashcards about 1.1 times," said the elated BkE hero.

Ostensibly, this accomplishment represents only the beginning of a healthy life and vibrant career for Bret. And it's one more example of the caliber of acheivement that Butterknife Estates has come to be notorious for.

Happenings and Goings On

2009-06-29T11:05:00.006-06:00

There has been much ablaze about at the BkE these past months and I feel that all friends of the BkE that cannot visit regularly should be in the know concerning the life and times of the current heroes here. Or, more specifically, what they have been doing to the residence.

As Harrison wrote some time ago, we have a garden. What wasn't reported was the result of that decision to have a garden. Housemaster Bus came up to Logan a few times to orchestrate and help the tearing down of a fence and tearing out of grass followed by a rototilling of dirt and building up of a new fence. The new fence is smart looking, and not rotting away as the old one. The newly uncovered earth has proved to be a great garden. So far, our garden holds radishes (harvested already), zucchinis, bell peppers, squash, watermelon, pumpkin, tomatoes, beans, corn and potatoes.

In the interior, the BkE wall of fame is coming along rather nicely, only lacking a few several pictures. In the exquisite BkE theater, another couch tier has been added, increasing comfort and visibility (although that claim has been contested). Sanora Adele, our media center computer, is also trying the Windows 7 beta on for size and so far, likes it muchly as it allows much improved use of the DVR capabilities which haven't been used for months. Old Molly, Sanora's predecessor, was dragged out of storage for potential use as a BkE Internet server. Her progress has been slow as of yet.

Last in the news, we have been sorrowful to lose so many heroes from the BkE. But where there is loss, there is room for growth and we are now accepting applications to join our ranks.

And now, one more item of business. Butterknife Estates is in need of a logo and we need your help in making one. Whether you know a graphic designer, are one, or fancy yourself as proficient in the field at the very least, then we submit this petition to you: help us create a sign for ourselves! Who knows, maybe we could put BkE on the maps with this endeavor. Send your logo design to mrmcplad@gmail.com.

Wall of Fame Part 3

2009-06-15T22:21:00.013-06:00

Dear diary,

You should say dear blog. Thad and Amanda held me up by my feet, not upside-down, but that would have been cool too. Check out ALL the pictures on the wall, you too could have your place on the wall; real estate is going quickly, however. Get your stake-out-your-place on. Is it hot yet?

That's enough group collaboration. Harrison will type whatever anyone says. Sheesh!

This is an opportunity for all former Butterknife Estates residents to submit an 8x10 inch black and white photo. Please follow the examples of those who have gone before. We have four photographs out of a possible twelve. Space is limited, so ACT NOW!

Here is our layout.And here is a closeup. Widdershins from top: Willie Gillespie, Matt Gillespie, Steve Gillespie...those Gillespies (except one).This is Coach's picture and his witticism: "There's no can't in TEAM!"And this is how we nailed them all up.For a virtual tour of our stairwell, open this link in Internet Explorer. Also, see Part 1 and Part 2.

Who is Nancy?

2009-06-09T14:45:00.002-06:00

BkE Jeopardy!

Category: Rhymes

Answer:

Little Nancy Etticoat

in a white petticoat

and a red nose.

The longer she stands,

the shorter she grows.

Jennie answered it after a glance. Nobody else figured it out. See if you can guess. Remember to phrase it in the form of a question. Don't respond if you resort to Googling.

We Will Be Self Sustaining

2009-05-17T13:32:00.005-06:00

I have been destroying the back yard for two days now. Why? Because I'm starting what I hope will be one of the better things to happen to this house: a garden! Thanks to lack of maintenance in the past, these "garden beds" have proven to be quite some adversaries. However, it's hot, so I'm taking a break now, and I've managed to whip up this fancy little picture of what should be expected from now on. It's...mostly to scale. I also have planting boxes with parsley and oregano growing. Let's hope everything turns out decently.

Losing Members

2009-05-04T22:19:00.002-06:00

This past weekend the BKE has just lost one of it's recent members, and will probably be replaced soon after this post
we will now have a moment of silence..... thank you for that moment.

Hall of Fame Part 2

2009-04-23T11:53:00.003-06:00

According to plan, Butterknife Estates alumni will soon be immortalized on the BkE stairwell wall-of-fame! Twelve matching frames were just purchased at the DI and now we are only awaiting photograph submissions from our loyal alums.

If you once lived here, please send us an 8x10 inch black and white print, signed by you. Feel free to write a short personal message (something like "Nothing's finer than eating in your diner," only good).

Here is an example:

Also, please stake out a spot for your picture. We have taken the liberty of creating a virtual tour of our stairwell walls. You can access it HERE!

It only works (for me) in internet explorer. Allow ActiveX to run and install the little program it needs and then let your minds be dazzled! Comment below on which frame you would like your picture to hang in.

No More Butterknife Squalor!

2009-03-31T09:57:00.006-06:00

History in the hygiene of BkE friends and residents was made today with the arrival of an all-new robotic vacuum. That is correct, BkE now sports a Roomba! For those who are not familiar with the concept of Roomba, it is a near-sentient, self-charging, automated vacuum. It slips under couchs and into tight places with ease. With its sweeping and dust collection abilities, BkE will be cleaner than ever before. That's right, choose Roomba for all your vacuuming needs! Well, in any case, we have, and we shall soon reap the benefits of having a cleaner, happier BkE. Not just because of the direct vacuuming effects of the Roomba, but also because we'll have to keep the house uncluttered from now on to use it.

As of my knowledge right now, this particular Roomba remains unnamed. In order for it to not be picked on by Sanora, Amelie, Charlestonbury and Molly, it needs a name. A name that speaks for its amazing abilities and profound importance at BkE.

On a more unfortunate note, Thad's projectoritis has been acting up recently. It seems that our donations only helped send it into remission. Let us strive together to rid Thad of this unseemly disease once and for all!

No-Go-Zone

2009-03-02T16:14:00.002-07:00

Not to be outdone by Gaza in the press today, Butterknife Estates leaders today declared its borders off-limits to foreign journalists.

In contrast to the safety reasons and rampant abductions cited for closing Gaza to the outside press, BkE officials only emphasized their disgust for a nearly continuous barrage of requests for interviews, mostly from the island of Guam. When BkE spokesman, Thad Gillespie, was informed that Guam is a territory of the United States and will not be affected by the ban, he refused to comment and ended the press conference early.

In accordance with the new policies, all commenters on the official Butterknife Estates blog must make their nationalities known up front.

Estates Upgrade: HD Cable with DVR

2009-01-05T07:20:00.002-07:00

Over the past few months, residents and guests to the BkE have enjoyed the use of a DVR system. This system much enhanced Lost parties and lowered tolerances for commercials. That DVR, however, was lost after a time and once again, TV watchers were forced to endure commercials and watching programs on the hour which they started. How primitive! That all came to an end once woot carried, for one day only, a Pinnacle PCTV HD card, hailing the beginning of the end. To utilize such a card, requires a desktop computer of stout proportions. That computer was found to be available within the family and thus, the hardware was acrued.

We're still getting the hang of it all and there seems to be better software out there as well. The HD channels look very good and the hard drive allows for about 16 hours of HD recording. With the extra monitor that is suspiciously labelled, 'Budge,' the computer behind the projector is a full blown control console. And now, we wait.
Lost: Jan 21
The Office: Jan 15
Heroes: Feb 2
Pushing Daisies: TBA

BkE Heroes in the News

2008-11-28T23:49:00.003-07:00

This video, starring former bottom-dweller, Jared, was created by friend to Butterknife Estates, Kendra. Most of the filming was done on location at BkE, with help from Matt and Thad.

Remember to stay for the credits.

Staples? Yeah, we got that.

2008-11-21T21:30:00.000-07:00

The lights dimmed.

The curtain raised.
Shaolin Soccer made its debut on the BkE silverscreen to the response of howling laughter. In imitation of Kung Fu master Iron Leg, Bret flew down from the top of the sofa in a flying kick. With hands raise, poised for a fight, he looked each of us in the eye. We were not laughing any more.

We waited.

He made the first move, back-tracking the way he came. In a single bound he reached the sofa's zenith and in another moment WHACK! he was on the floor. The laughter resumed.

We laugh because we love. Bret usually has comical misfortunes. He often rushes into the house exclaiming, "Thad, I fell off my bike again today!"

He hit his head pretty hard on the load-bearing beam (which has recently been dubbed "Coach's Beam") in the ceiling downstairs, and we got him up and made sure he was all right. It wasn't until minutes later that he noticed the blood.

The debate ensued: was this injury bad enough to warrant a (potentially expensive) trip to the ER? Could it wait until morning? Were his pupils always different sizes?

Did we want to go hang out in a public waiting room late into the night?
Yes we did.

Bret's bloody, stupid head.

The damage done.

Jared was worried sick. And we played Trivial Pursuit!

Coach lightens the ER waiting room atmosphere with his witty Michael Jackson impersonation.

Six staples. Count them. I dare you.

Hall of Fame

2008-11-20T21:30:00.001-07:00

Many heroes have passed through the trials at BkE and we, the current residents of the Butterknife Estates, want to honor those privileged few who have passed through fire, flame and slum-lordships. After all, a house isn't a home until there are some family pictures, and we are all family!(and not just in the literal sense for some of us)

So calling all heroes, from the legend days of the BkE up to the present, we need your picture! It will be placed on the wall in the bare space above the stairs where all visitors can look in awe to those who were once among us. You have already passed past your residency here but your memory will always linger when your Kodachrome, Photogravure or Daguerreotype graces our space above the stairs.

Pies and Pumpkins...and wassail!

2008-11-02T11:31:00.004-07:00

In an excellent move for the good of all friends of Butterknife Estates, the residents moved quickly to host a new annual tradition. And that was a Halloween party. With so many activities, foods, sweets and good times, how could anyone say no?A game of curses broke out. Nothing like seeing Jared swat at flies while Matt barks and scratches himself.

Thad was inspired by "Pushing Daisies" and made one apple pie and one cherry pie. Jared put together a number of homemade pizzas, Bret made cake and Kendra brewed wassail.
A tournament of Smash Bros. was also hosted and then a MarioKart bonanza.

Deep Fat Fried Friday Anyday!

2008-10-24T17:00:00.004-06:00

Legend has it that the heroes of Butterknife Estates once acquired a deep fat fryer and spent evenings frying up whatever could be put into hot oil. That regular tradition has since fallen into ruin, but occasionally, that oil is heated once again to prepare such wonderful dishes as fried onions, potatoes, cheese, snickers and Twinkies.

While I have never prepared a Twinkie quite at good looking as the one pictured, they are quite tasty and rich. You too can participate in a deep fat fried Friday. Bring your random food items and we'll see to it they become a deep fried delicacy any day!

BkE Heroes in the News

2008-10-07T15:39:00.006-06:00

Former Butterknife Estates bottom-dweller, Brandon "Coach" Forster recently made news in the Statesman for his ice-resurfacing skills.
Previous to this late-breaking scoop by the intrepid staff of the university publication, Forster had already been spotted at a hockey game driving the Zamboni by his former slum-lord, Thad Gillespie. "When he passed by the first time, I tried to yell at him to get his attention," Gillespie explained, "but I guess he didn't hear me, since the rest of the crowd was doing the same thing."

It was then that Gillespie was struck with the idea to place a phone call to Forster in hopes that he could explain the situation across cellular telephone. "I could tell it was working, because he reached into his pocket and pulled something out. I expected him to answer it, but he just put it back in in his pocket." Gillespie said, "but he did look up to the student section right away with a smile and a wave."

Forster was not worried that his secret Zamboni job has gone public. "It might mess up my driving a little if fans start chanting my name now, but I'll get used to it," Forster reported.

Cupolas Away!

2008-10-03T21:02:00.004-06:00

The residents of Butterknife Estates, being Aggies, engineers and having a cupola on top of the garage, decided it was best to light it up with an A much like Old Main. Well, that's the plan anyway. It has been mentioned for a least a year now and it is high time, now that we have this blog, that we did something about it! Rope lights seem the way to go but we just need to find some, preferably in the not-online shopping area. That way we don't pay for shipping. The best deals are the 150 foot rolls but that seems a bit excessive. Only 11 feet is needed for one side of the cupola.

So help out today and save Thad from the raging disease, normalicy, the horror of living in a house with no peculiar landmark! We appreciate all donations toward the surround-sound-systemia research fund and the wiirryhea cure foundation (a condition wherein one suffers from poor hand-eye coordination and spoons inevitably end up in eyes). Your help can free Thad from these crippling disorders and so many others at Butterknife Estates.

Wii tu, Bruté

2008-09-28T17:47:00.008-06:00

A battle brews within the walls of Butterknife Estates. A war of words that stretches from BkE alumni to current residents threatens to tear asunder the foundation of this infamous House of Heroes. The spears and arrows of heated debate tear through the air like...well...really...big...pointy...spears and arrows.

Okay here's the gist: Thad really wants a Wii but has no money, Coach (former BkE resident) wants access to a Wii and has no money, Bret vehemetly does not want a Wii, Jared (myself) has money (well...some) and moments where he wants a Wii terribly but others when he doesn't want it at all, Matt hasn't - as of yet - associated himself with either side of the debate, and Ben's getting married so his opinion doesn't matter. What's an off-and-on gamer to do?!?

The Nintendo Wii follows the controversial gaming formula that gamers today don't want cutting edge graphics and complex control schemes...it instead tries to focus on a fun/interactive experience. Well..."controversial" as it may be, it seems to be paying off for Nintendo; as of June 2008 the Wii had sold approximately 10 million more units worldwide than the XBox360 and 15 million more than the Playstation 3.

Is it just hype? Does the system have any long-term value? Would it be a fun purchase for 2 weeks then become a dust collector? Plus every little periferal and game is that much more $$.

I have it on good authority that our local Best Buy is getting in a shipment of Wii's this coming Tuesday...pipe up before then to (possibly) influence the decision making process!!

BkE Jeopardy!

2008-09-27T17:13:00.001-06:00

Category: Snack Foods

Answer: This friendly, imported shortbread treat comes with vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, or peanut butter filling.

Latest Upgrade (Besides the Blog)

2008-09-23T17:09:00.004-06:00

Welcome to Butterknife Estates Blog (that's BkEB)! Seeing as I wanted to write about the new surround sound system in my blog, I realized we were overdue on having a blog about the house and its goings-on. So sit down, relax and feel at home just as you would at Butterknife Estates.

Many severals know by now about the upgraded sound system as it exists now in our basement along with the projector, stadium seating and theater lighting. On Saturday, our trip to DI brought with it a receiver, three speakers and a subwoofer. Oh yeah, and lamps from Shopko for the upstairs. But the surround sound is pretty great. There was a kick-off showing on Saturday of Serenity (or I watched it at least) and Beetlejuice. Our house is now THX certified! We ought to get a plaque to prove it.

A House of Heroes

2008-09-23T17:09:00.002-06:00

Butterknife Estates may sound impressive and posh, and you would be right!

Only the most qualified of individuals are invited to reside in this palace of apartments. Many candidates are turned down and many more never apply at all, presumably for fear they will not cut the mustard.

One of the most difficult tests is to become a hero. How does one do this? Simply beat Contra, with or without the extra-lives cheat code. At the end, as you copter away from the island you are given the assuring words of narration:

"Congratulations! You've destroyed the vile Red Falcon and saved the universe. Consider yourself a hero."