Jason Jason

one ton pig. @onetonpig #honkytonk #country #bluegrass #music #americana

I've been good friends with Michael Batdorf, One Ton Pig (OTP) primary singer/songwriter, for quite some time.  Having first met in Morgantown, WV nearly 13 years ago, we've been friends ever since.  We've featured a lot of Mike's work in our work thus far and Episode 4 featured three OTP songs.

"It’s hard to believe a band that’s released three acclaimed records, played hundreds of shows, appeared at festivals, and topped regional polls began as an accident.  But eight years ago, Americana visionaries OTP was just two guys with no band contracted to play a bluegrass night at a local watering hole.

'We started with no expectations,' says Michael Batdorf, 'we made a pact for it to be a fun project, and to stop when we weren’t having fun.'"

OTP primary singer/songwriter, Michael Batdorf

Every year my wife and I head back to Teton County, ID for a week of snow and escape.  Mike's typically at our side for the entire visit and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Mike is just a piece of this band; each of the band members bring talent and a unique vision.  The bands unmatched sound brings people to Jackson, WY every year so they can catch the band at the Wort Hotel on Tuesday nights.

"'Songwriting is first and foremost,' Batdorf explains of the band’s chemistry. 'The guys all come from different backgrounds musically and geographically, but they know how to support a song and tie into a cohesive sound.'"

To learn more about the OTP's musicians, check out their website. To hear some OTP, check out "Episode 4 - overland appalachia" or tune in to OTP on iTunes.

Referenced from One Ton Pig and BHP Imaging.

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Jason Jason

Paddle meets water bliss @sanborncanoe

Living along the banks of the Greenbrier River here in Southeast, WV has always afforded us opportunities to gently slide our mad river canoe into water and paddle its pristine waters.  I prefer a big bladed paddle that just as gently slips into water and produces movement.  I stumbled upon the Sanborn Canoe Companies sticks and was instantly intrigued at their beauty and craftsmanship. 


The paddles they produce are a perfect blend of elegance and function.  I can almost feel the rounded wood T grip in my hand as i quietly move through the water with each paddle stroke.  

Sourced from Sanborn Canoe Company

 

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Jason Jason

new appalachian radio. @wvgazette @NewAppRadio #internetradio #appalachia

There's nothing better than sitting on your deck after work and listening to some good local music. That might be tough to do unless you know a local band personally or you and your friends are able strum a few chords.

Enter New Appalachian Radio, “For years, West Virginia has exported its natural resources. We’ve exported our coal, our gas...we’ve also exported our artists, our songwriters and musicians, who’ve left for Nashville or New York.” The aim of this project is to give local talent a place they can be heard as well as to spread that music further out.

"New Appalachian Radio aims to share West Virginia’s music with the world." I think this is a great idea, it is a way for us to share our culture and heritage with the rest of Appalachia. I know I plan on tuning in and listening to who's playing.

 

Referenced from The Charleston Gazette


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Jason Jason

ecool beer cooler. @ubergizmo #colddrinks #underground

After a hard days work there is nothing more refreshing to me than a cold beverage to reward myself for a job well done.

This is one of the most interesting inventions I have seen to date. It combines a couple of my favorite things too. It is both environmentally friendly and you can put beer in it. Now I know what you are thinking, will my beer be cold enough to drink it when I pull one out of the ground.

"The temperature of the beers will depend on your surroundings, so if you live in a cold country, then chances are you will get nice, cold beers. If you’re living in a country where there are extremely hot summers, then there is a good chance you won’t achieve the same temperatures. In any case if this sounds like a good idea, you will be able to pick up an eCool beer cooler for yourself for $300."

I will admit it is a bit pricy for a cooler. That being said if your power goes out and there is no ice to be found I bet you would be thrilled to have this in your back yard.

Referenced by Ubergizmo

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