Craven On....

Derweze

In the middle of the Karakum Desert, located in Turkmenistan, lies the peaceful sleepy village of Derweze. Home to some 350 semi-nomadic members of the Teke tribe, Derweze sits around 290 kilometers north of Ashgabat, which as we all know is the capital of Turkmenistan.

Because who HASN'T heard of the City of Love and their giant enclosed Ferris wheel?
Because who HASN’T heard of the City of Love and their giant enclosed Ferris wheel?

If you’re unfamiliar with the village of Derweze, don’t worry. Truth be told, you likely aren’t aware of the towns in your own state with 350 residents, much less on the other side of the world. Simply put, there’s nothing outstanding about Darweze.

Except for, you know, the Door to Hell.

OH NO
OH NO

Continue reading “Derweze”

Lazy Post

Bearded Finish/New Favorite Websites

It’s crazy to think that just a month ago, I looked like this:

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But now, after a month of hard work, I have finally regained that rugged look I so desperately need. Just one month. That’s all it took to regain my charm:

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So what has this month been all about, ultimately? It’s November, which means we focus on Thankfulness for all we’ve been given, right? Which is why I’ve also been blessed with an opportunity to encourage people to give back some of what they have.

The Bearded Bloggers campaign was created to raise money for Charity: Water, giving clean, good drinking water to those who desperately need it. Thanks to YOU, we have OFFICIALLY REACHED OUR GOAL! 30 donations, one for each day of the month, brought in 1,001 dollars (and counting!), all for a wonderful cause.

THANK YOU. Sincerely. From the bottom of the hearts of all those involved. Continue reading “Bearded Finish/New Favorite Websites”

Real Talk

So All Must Be Well

My own selfishness sneaks up on me. It strikes me in ways I’m totally unaware of. It hits me in brand new ways that I’ve never seen before. It hits me in my own bitterness. My lack of care. My cynicism. Places I think are products of anger turn out to be nothing more than selfishness.

These days, I find myself watching television and being shocked by the selfishness of the characters. I feel like the characters represented in pop culture are in return representing our own culture, and the things they value are the things we tend to value. And I’m disgusted by it.

Maybe it’s just because I’m not in the shoes of these people, so I wouldn’t know how I would actually react. Often, I’m thankful that I’m not that selfish, because I’m clearly better than all of these people are. Because I have taken the time to fight against my selfishness, and to live outside myself. So I must be doing something right. Right? Continue reading “So All Must Be Well”

Real Talk, Sportz

Living Like Nick

Nick Bell was supposed to play his final collegiate football game this past Saturday. Sadly, Nick’s last game was two years ago.

In late September, 2010, Nick was a sophomore defensive end at Mississippi State University. He had recently started his second game, against the Georgia Bulldogs, and recorded seven tackles, two of them for loss. He was showing a tremendous amount of promise on a defense that boasted at least two future NFL players. However, Nick’s future would take a sudden turn very soon after. Continue reading “Living Like Nick”

Sportz, Useless Observation

A Breakup Letter To College Football

Dear College Football,

It’s not me. It’s oh so definitely you.

I’ve loved you for my whole life. I’ve always been there for you, through BCS nonsense and even the occasional coach on a motorcycle with his 20 year old mistress problem. But I feel like it might be time for us to see less of each other.

I really, honestly have tried to defend you for the nonsense you pull, but I can’t do it anymore. I’ve said the right things: “It’s a unique experience!” and “It’s the purest form of the sport!” but truth be told, it is far, far from that. Sure, it’s definitely an experience, but these days, the experience means nothing if there aren’t instant results. There is less and less loyalty and pride every year. If you aren’t winning, it’s “What have you done for me lately?” and coaches getting fired after one year. And thanks to modern broadcasting, there are a LOT more Oregon fans popping up in the South. Continue reading “A Breakup Letter To College Football”