Italy trip coverage

The Institute of Packaging Professionals, who partly sponsored my Italy trip, has published some coverage of our trip, as well as the papers we wrote to win the competition. So if you like packaging, check it out!

http://www.iopp.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1742

Winner! Winner!

Its time to announce the winner of the Happy Birthday Hokieville beer cozy competition. I had three entrants, so I asked the random number generator (found at random.org) to please give me a random number and it told me...

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 1

(I copied and pasted this, the max box read 3, now it reads 100, I don't know why, but I really did have it generate a random number from 1 to 3.)

That means our winner is entry number 1...Susie/Mom! How exciting. I will send you your new beer cozy ASAP!

And to all those who entered but didn't win, don't worry. Since I only had three entries, I can afford to make a beer cozy for each of you. We are all winners here at Hokieville! So check you mailboxes in a week or so (I still have to make them). Thanks for playing, this was fun.

Happy Birthday Hokieville!

You may recall that Sept 14 is my birthday, but you may not have realized that it is also Hokieville's birthday too! That's right, one year ago this website was created. Thanks to all my faithful followers who check the site on a regular basis. As a reward to you, and also to promote some usage of the "comment" feature on this website, I want to give you something. Here it is...


A beer cozy!!! Hand made by me, for you. Here is how you win it. Leave a comment on this post. Say anything. Hi. Happy birthday hokieville. Anything. If you leave a comment, it will enter you in the contest. If more people post than just 'the dude', I'll have a random number generator pick the winner. This should be exciting, you guys, you can finally learn how to leave a comment and get rewarded for your adventurous behavior. I'll let the contest go on until Wednesday and then announce the winner. So start commenting!!

Hokie football game!

Ian and I scored an extra pair of tickets to the Hokie football game this weekend. It was pretty fun, especially since they were good seats, it was a beautiful day, and the Hokies won big. We tailgated before the game, and the set up went like this: We had a parking pass for an excellent spot very near the stadium, we all wanted to ride together, and the most appropriate vehicle we could think of to accomidate our needs was...the 86' Volvo. It was hilarious when we pulled into our assigned spot, which was right inbetween an Escalade and an H2 Hummer. I think we fit right in.

Judge for yourself. The Volvo looks GREAT next to the Hummer, yes?

Inside Hokie Stadium. Must be a time out or something.

Another view from in the stadium. No clouds in the sky. Sunburns for everyone!

Hokies in the Smokies!

Ian talked me into getting back on the motorcycle for a weekend of riding. We met up with Mom and Dad and Andy and Diane in the very southwest Virginia/Tennessee area for scenic rides through the Smokey Mountains. We stayed at a campground/resort that is tailored for motorcycle riders. We mostly rode all day and enjoyed the campgrounds at night. It was a good getaway, although its not easy on your butt to ride all day. Unfortunately Dad's bike had a little issue and he was done riding for the weekend, but he and Mom got a solid day in before it happened. Other than that, perfect weekend, might do again.

Iron Horse at night

Andy about ready to ride.

Dad, ready to ride.

Riding

Went through Deal's Gap without any bites from the dragon

Tree of Shame at Deal's Gap. Glad not to be a part of that.

Riding

Beginning of Dad's bike troubles. At least it happened in a pretty spot.

The Smokies!