Hello all. I'm James, originally from Raeford, North Carolina and currently residing in Southern California. I'm in the military and have been for my entire adult life, but I grew up, like every Carolina boy should, with a deep love and appreciation for good barbecue. I wouldn't call myself a PRO, but I make my own sauces, marinades, rubs, etc. I haven't entered any major competitions, but I have placed in or won every amateur cook-off or contest I have ever participated in. I have recently switched over to the dark side, and am using a 30" MES, which I have found to be very easy to use. I have traditionally used a horizontal drum style combination smoker/grill, but grew up using stacked block pits doing whole hogs. I just received my Amaze-n Pellet smoker in the mail yesterday, and plan on smoking the turkey that's brining in my cooler at home tonight. I look forward to exchanging tips, tricks, recipes etc. with whomever would like to share.