Texts with Artem

My good buddy Artem and I text quite a bit and we end up having some interesting conversations from time to time, to say the least. Earlier today we were talking about which was better; coffee or tea. Artem was rooting strongly for tea, and I was the in the opposite corner defending my dear black friend coffee. I asked Artem to write me up a thesis and present his argument and I must say, he did a mighty fine job and all in under ten minutes. Check it out:

"Tea is a wonderful beverage. It has been scientifically proven to have many health benefits to the human race. Throughout the years, it has been used both for medicinal purposes or simply enjoyed in a recreational setting. It contains no harmful substances, aside from a minute amount of caffeine, and does not cause physiological addiction.

Coffee, on the other hand, is largely responsible for the largest drug addiction in the world. Many caffeine junkies absolutely need their morning jolt and can't function regularly without it. Demand for coffee also fuels harsh labor practices and unfair working conditions for third world countries. Moreover, coffee snobs tend to be pretentious elitists, while connoiseurs of tea tend to be refined and polite individuals. Coffee also tastes like boiled sewage without the addition of cream or sugar."

Well done sir, (slow clap) well done...

Cellular Telephone Photography

So my friend Kae inspired me to browse through all of the pictures I've been taking on my phone by doing an awesome post on her blog. I've selected a handful of the ones I found to post on here to give a brief glimpse of the last eights months or so of my life (a very brief glimpse). These are in no particular order because... I didn't feel like taking the extra time to organize them.

My friends Katya, Alesya, and Diana when we were hiking the Old Salmon River Trail.

The view from the spot where we camped for Mary's birthday.

My good friend Artem being a boss, chowing down on some sunflower seeds.

 One of the waterfalls along the Eagle Creek Trail.

 Some cool street art in SE Portland.

Artem and Joey being cheesy when we hiked the Angel's Rest Trail.

My buddies Nik and Mark when we hiked the Saddle Mountain Trail.

Old Salmon River.

Sitting on a rooftop in SE Portland, checking out the awesome sunset.

Artem and George being tough guys on the Saddle Mountain Trail.

 Awesome beard on some street art in SE Portland.

Beautiful day while hiking the Saddle Mountain Trail with my fellowship group.

Really cool old school Porsche I saw when I was in Los Angeles for the Shepherd's Conference.

 My sweet little niece, Versavia.

Hanging out by the Willamette River on the East side of Portland.