Jerry Hingle Cheers for the Hunger Games

Howdy Folks!
Alright, so there's been a lot of buzz lately around this movie called the Hunger Games. In case you haven't heard, it grossed more money on opening weekend than any of the Harry Potter movies, excluding the last one. What's the big deal?

If you've been living under a rock, I'm here to give you the scoop. Hunger Games is a young adult, dystopian book series about a girl named Katniss Everdeen who is simply trying to survive and feed her family. She lives in a society where people are lucky to eat one meal a day, and the Capitol (aka the governing authority) commands them with a firm hand, controlling what they do and how much freedom they have.

A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away (North America)...

The people of this society led a revolution against the Capitol and lost. Now as punishment, the Capitol arranges an annual tournament in which a child from each district is chosen at random to fight to the death until there is one victor. Guess who is chosen?

Not Katniss, her younger sister, Primrose. But Primrose is sweet, innocent, and nothing but skin and bones, and Katniss won't let her go. She volunteers to take her place in The Hunger Games, and suddenly she is faced with this task of both surviving and defending herself against any big scary kids who try to kill her.

If that sounds like your cup of tea, go see the movie! It's a great adaptation of the book. If you're a fan of young adult novels written for girls, read the books too, but I will say that the movies are more gender neutral than the books.

Peace out, people! I'm off to read the 3rd Hunger Games book, Mockingjay, and make Peanut act it out.

Jerry Hingle's SXSW Tips (For Next Year)

Good afternoon folks, 

I had myself a great week at South-by-Southwest (SXSW). However, I am still dead tired from it. Anyone who does south-by correctly will know that by the end of the week, your liver and feet will be exhausted. If you don't know about this gigantic festival/convention, I am here to give you the scoop. 

SXSW for FREE 

Sure, it sounds glamorous and exciting at first, but know that if you're not willing to spend money for your south-by experience, you will be spending time. Lots and lots of time...waiting in line. Jerry Hingle doesn't have too much money in the bank, so there I was, waiting in line for all the freebies I could get. I waited in line for the bus, I waited in line for wristbands and free badges, I waited in line for free food, free t-shirts, and I waited in line for free booze. Sure it's worth it once all is said and done. 

Now, most of the free shows require you to RSVP for admittance. Every once in a while you will might get lucky and rsvp for a venue with an awesome lineup, but it's hit or miss. And remember, south-by is about discovering new music and new talent, so don't be so quick to dismiss what could be a good band just because they're unheard of. Here are all the events I RSVPed to, and I'm more than positive they will be hosting again, so keep this saved if you're planning to do south-by next year. 

Pure Volume Lounge 

Pandora Discovery Den 

RSVP for it all! (This is a nice little site that will RSVP you to tons of events in case you're not sure where to start)  

So there you have it. Oh and there's always free shows at Auditorium Shores across the bridge. This year the Shins, Counting Crows, and the Cult played. Who knows who will be there next year?! :-D 

Later folks, Jerry Hingle is gonna nap for about 3 days straight now.  

Don't Rain on Jerry Hingle's Parade!

Woe is me....


To my discontent, it is raining once again in Austin. There go my plans! My heart goes out to all the SXSW attendees who are starting their festivities this weekend. Better have a poncho in hand! As for me, I will have to rewrite my weekend schedule. 


But I won't let the rain dampen my spirits! Sure, it's 45 degrees Fahrenheit and raining in March, but after all, it's still winter! This is an opportunity to sip hot cocoa and snuggle with Peanut while watching a movie. Maybe even make cookies. "But what cocoa recipe are you going to use, Jerry Hingle?" Glad you asked! 


This is my favorite hot chocolate recipe of all time, provided by the lovely Ina Garten. I adore her. Her voice is so sexy, and her food always looks delicious--oh, how I envy Jeffrey. Anyway, this recipe is from the Postcards from Paris episode in which fans email Ina with their questions about Parisian food and she answers them. This chocolate emulates the hot chocolate from a Parisian bistro. 

Double Hot Chocolate by Ina Garten

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 8 ounces milk chocolate, chopped
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon instant espresso or coffee powder
• 4 to 5 vanilla beans or cinnamon sticks

Directions

Heat the milk and half-and-half in a saucepan on medium heat to just below the simmering point. Remove the pan from the heat and add both chocolates. When the chocolates are melted, add the sugar, vanilla extract, and espresso and whisk vigorously. Reheat gently and serve immediately. Use a vanilla bean or cinnamon stick to garnish each serving.   


Alright, folks, I've got some hot chocolate I must attend to. Jerry's out! 

Jerry Hingle's Summer Vacation Idea

Good morning, gentle people!
I was surfing Pinterest just yesterday and my eyes were met with vacation destination pictures galore. The seas of Greece, mountains of Colorado, Pyramids of Giza...it got my heart pumping and yearning for a good summer vacation. I can't travel internationally, because I don't quite have my passport just yet. :( However, there are loads of beautiful places I can visit in the U.S! Maybe Jerry Hingle will just pack up all his things and set out for a good long road trip!

Or, maybe not...

As I ponder over places that are worth my time and money, the Grand Canyon immediately comes to mind. I've seen it when I was small, but I don't quite think I appreciated its beauty. Now that I am older and a working artist, perhaps this is just what I need to get inspiration.

Yes...an idea is now forming in my mind...I shall take a month long road trip and drive through the Southwest United States. There are so many destinations that are perfect painting spots! The painted desert, Santa Fe, Carlsbad Caverns, the mountains, and of course the majestic Grand Canyon.

I'm so excited just thinking about it. Peanut and I, cruising along the southwest with the windows rolled down, and the taste of freedom (and some bugs) in our mouths...its perfect! No one will be there to bother me or tell me that we need to press on. If I want to stop and paint, I shall!

Guys, Jerry Hingle has some planning to do. Gotta buy a tent and all that.
Stay fresh!