What I Carry While Travelling

As some of you know I travel a lot for business. As in, I am on a airplane pretty much every week. My briefcase is almost always overflowing, due in large part to my electronics. As an example, here's what I have with me currently in Chicago. Note I'm here for less than 48 hours, total:

 - Macbook Air and charger
- Kindle and charger
- iPod Nano
- Morphie case and charger
- iPhone charger
- Bluetooth headset and charger
- Network adapters
- not pictured: iPhone and iPhone headset (seemingly lost).

 All I can say is that someone is going to make a fortune helping business travellers like myself streamline. I'm not sure exactly as to the "how", but I'm willing to bet that it's the next big market.

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Pop quiz - Part 2

If you could swap places with anyone else for 48 hours, who would it be? I think the Little Boy (being that he is in fifth grade he probably needs a new moniker) and I share the same person. Derek Jeter is the vote here. The reason should be fairly obvious.
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 In other news we had a lovely weekend. We had our cousins Sue, Saul and Matt up to the house and had a great Friday night. Saturday my friend Mark and I paddled about four miles to the beach in Sausalito. We hung out for a good portion of the day. I think the kids spent five of the six hours in the water. Good dinner with friends last night, a nine mile trail run this morning and an afternoon flight to Chicago, which is where I'll bd the next two days. By the way - Chicago is about one hour too far from San Francisco.

Posted via email from Howard Solomon

First Day of School

Well, today was the first day of school. The Wife was so stoked I thought she was going to camp out in front of school last night. It was a great summer - for them at least -but I also think there is such thing as too much summer. That being said, the first day of school is always a special day. Hard to believe that I'm the father of a fifth grader and second grader. Man how time flies.

 These pictures are all great (in my humble opinion) but my favorite one features the head of my cousin Matt who is visiting from New Jersey, along with his parents. See if you can find Matt's head.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from Howard Solomon

Pop Quiz

Ok, here is question for you all. If you could drop what you are doing and have your dream job, practically speaking, what would it be? Not necessarily looking for "professional triathlete" or "billygoat farmer" (I'm talking to you Payro). I'm asking in semi-realistic terms.

I think I'd take my skillset, which is in the communications realm and apply it within the world of cancer. Not at all lobbying for a job here, but I think my answer might be head of communications for Livestrong. Interesting, too: a few years ago I most certainly would have said something pertaining to financial rewards, i.e. investment baking, hedge funds, venture capital. If I have learned anything these past few years, though, it's that money is nice, but it is far from everything in this world.

Anyway, enough of me; let's hear yours.

Introducing Techdork.com

Ok, as promised, the new blog is ready to be unveiled

For all my fellow tech dorks out there, I present to you: www.techdork.com.

It is still a bit of a work in progress but tif you have the time, please take a minute and stop on by. We'd love to hear your feedback. Always open to editorial suggestions as well.

On the Road Again

Greetings from lovely LA. Been a long day, coming off a very long (but fun) weekend, so I am going to keep this short tonight. Nothing too major to report other than:

-- the end of Sumer is upon us -- finally. Love my Kids, but it's high time they go back to where they belong: school
-- been spending a decent amount of time working on the new blog, in conjunction with my co-author. We have about eight posts or so up, we added analytics today and I think we will be ready to take the lid off it mid week or so. Again, this one isn't for all of you. I think interest will be limited to my fellow tech dorks.
-- Been listening to some pretty cool new music of late including Lee Fields (great R&B/soul with a contemporary twist), XX, Bad Veins (Coldplay meets The Killers), Cobra Starship (bubblegum pop -- but very listenable)

Last but not least: my Yankees Rule. Starting to get ready for playoff season but still trying not to get too ahead of myself.

Costanoa

This place is pretty darn cool. It's definitely camping, but camping lite with enough amenities you feel comfortable. It's in a beautiful area too: right on the ocean, about 20 miles south of Half Moon Bay. Astonishingly beautiful, actually. It comes highly recommended; more later when we return.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from Howard Solomon

Costanoa

Posted via web from Howard Solomon

Costonoa

We're headed to Costonoa tomorrow, which is located somewhere between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz. We are going upscale camping. I'm not sure exactly what that means either but I am told it's pretty cool. We're headed there with friends from Palo Alto and we're all pretty stoked. Anyway, I will be sure to send some pictures tomorrow; I am told it's a pretty cool (and popular) spot.

Lagunitas Maximus

This is another fine beer, especially if you're a fan of IPA's. It's a bit on the heavier side - note the dark reddish body - but very drinkeable. It's breed locally here in Petaluma and the Lagunitas family of beers is fast growing in terms of popularity. Later this weekend I'll profile a few other NorCal beers that are based out of Sonoma which is quicky gaining renown as much for its beer as its wine.

Posted via email from Howard Solomon

Hung

My boy Diamond Bill asked for a review for HBO's new show Hung and he's right; I am far overdue with this one, especially since it's pretty much the only new show on TV these days.

So, I want to like this show. I've watched every episode thus far. Conceptually, I love the premise. And I think that it does have some degree of promise. But thus far it has kind of sucked. I'm waiting for something cool to happen and it never does. Simply put, it has not yet taken off -- and I recognize that this sometimes takes time (see: True Blood) but we're at the point now where it better happen soon. The other problem is that the characters lack dimension and really aren't that interesting. All that being said, I am holding out hope that it starts to come together.

Anyone have a different take on it?

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Thanks for the feedback re: the new blog. And thank you in particular Finkel for pointing out those other gadget sites. Amazing that I am in PR and didn't know they existed. Engadget in particular looks interesting; I will have to check that one out (for the record: I am being sarcastic).

Anyway, the new site is underway. I will take the lid off it soon; it just needs a tad more content. Yeah, other sites cover gadgets. I'm not looking to turn it into an enterprise. It's simply my take on cool things tech-related. And Todd, you are absolutely correct: if people want to give me free stuff, they are absolutely welcomed to do so!!!

Breaking News

After much thought and deliberation, I am starting a new blog. It will be focused almost exclusively around technology, with a special emphasis on gadgets of different sorts.

I don't have a name for it yet. I have yet to select a blogging platform, though I am oriented towards Posterous (it's safe to assume that my recent posts to this site that our short on words and long on photos comes via Posterous). I have no idea where I am going to find the time for this. And I realize it will probably be of minimal interest to most of you, which is a key reason why I am moving it to its own site.

I hope to get this rolling shortly because I have a few ideas and am looking forward to employing some new technology, including video and podcasts. I think it will be cool but I don't have it completely formulated in my head yet.

So anyway, that's my big announcement. If you have any suggestions relating to name, blogging platform, or anything else, I am all ears. Other than that, stay tuned for more.

Let's Go Yankees

The Yankees were in town playing the A's so I had to take the family; it's our once a year chance to see our favorite team play on California. And I have to see that it was fun as heck. Going to see a game with The Boy in certain respects is like going with an adult as his knowledge of the game is approaching encyclopedic. But the Girl was a real hoot. She spent the entire game booing everyone. She booed the Yankees, the A's, her brother, me, even the freaking hot dog vendor. She was so funny that I think despite her pink Yankees shirt and cap even the A's fans liked her.

 Anyway a fun time was had by all plus as an added bonus the Yankees won.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from Howard Solomon

Homecoming

The Wife and Kids are finally home. Hard to believe it but the Boy has been gone since June 21. Almost two freaking months. Not sure if he's even a Californian anymore. So, with that, my three week bachelorhood has drawn go a conclusion. Per usual I really didn't do too much (other than train) and towards the end, frankly, I was growing a tad bit bored. So, I'm happy they are all home. But let's see if I feel that way in 24 hours.

 In other news yesterday marked the four year anniversary of our move to California. My how time flies when you're having fun.

Posted via email from Howard Solomon

Dipsea Run

Earlier today I ran from my house to the Dipsea to our friend's house in Stinson beach. It was only about nine miles butbthe elevation gain was pretty significant. I don't know what it is about this particular trail but it just kicks my ass every single time. At the same time, it's magnificently pretty. What makes it special is that it offers a little bit o everything: you have woods, downhills, climbs, sun drenched singletrack, Redwoods, and more. It never gets boring and it's challenging as hell. How I'm going to run four loops of this during the Quad Dipsea is beyond me. More on that later. Anyway, attached are a few pictures for your viewing pleasure.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from Howard Solomon

La Fin Du Monde

That last post engendered some measure of success so I'll stick to the same topic.

 Next up in the beer deparment is one of my favorites: La Fin Du Monde (the End of the World). Triple fermentation Belgian style golden ale. Nine percent alcohol, which most definitely packs a punch. Rated an "A" b the Beer Advocate. Honestly, one of the greatest beers i've ever tasted. A bit hard to find though. If you ever see this bad boy on the shelf, don't pass it by.

Posted via email from Howard Solomon

Beer

Living in Northern California you'd think I am a wine guy but I'm really not. I know enough about wine to be dangerous and I know what I like but what I REALLY like, more so than wine, is beer. In fact, thanks in good part to my beer mentor, Coach Phil, I'd go so far as to say I'm turning into a beer snob. So much so that I think I'll add the occasional beer review to these here pages.

 Anyway, the beer I am about to drink which is pictured here is a Dogfish Head 90 Minute Imperial IPA. I don't know what to say except that it is award-winning for good reason: it's one of the best beers I've ever tasted.

 Dogfish Head has national distribution and if you like good beer, I suggest you seek this one out. It's a tad expensive but worth the price.

Posted via email from Howard Solomon

Random Stuff

I am reading a fantastic book: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. My brother Neil was right; it is virtually impossible to put down. I can't wait to finish it and pick up the new one that came out last month. An excellent summer read for any of you about to embark on vacation.

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The family has been gone for three weeks. I have appreciated the peace and quiet and have grown somewhat used to the quiet. Pretty cool to do what I want, whenever I want, too. But that being said, I'm on record: I miss them and can't wait for them to get home. I will regret these words five minutes after they step off the plane but that's how I feel right now.

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Plus, we are soon going to have a pennant race, and I need my Little Boy to enjoy it with. What about my Yankees this past weekend? They downright destroyed the Red Sox. It does not get much better than that series. We seem to have two teams moving in vastly different directions. I hasten to add though that there id a lot more baseball to be played.

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Talked to my boy Todd today and he and I agreed that we are going to run an ultra next May in Long Island. I am stoked; it will be his first ultra (50k). We ran our first marathons together too: New York, back in 1996. I started running that year, and haven't stopped. Hard to believe it's 13 year already.

I decided the rest of my year while I was at it: The Quad Dipsea (28 miles and 10,000 feet of climbing), the Marin Triathlon (just to keep it real) and Rodeo Beach 50k in December. Might make a few adjustments here or there but I am thinking Western States might become the Big Objective (presuming I get in via lottery). That's a 100 miler for all you unfamiliar with that race.

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Band of the week: YACHT. Their new album is terrific. Got a few others as well, but I'll save that for another post.

Recap of My Weekend

My brother emailed me earlier today asking how I was holding up as a bachelor. My response is below. I miss the Wife and Kids -- I really, really do -- but let me pose this question: any of you (particularly you married folks) have a weekend that could match up with the following?

I present to you, my weekend. One thing missing here btw -- the weather was a consistent 74 degrees all the way through.
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What have I been doing? Here was my day on Saturday:

 Woke up at 9

 Breakfast at Starbucks; NY Times

 2 hour bike ride finished at pool and swam for 45 minutes

 Nap

 Yankee Game

 Dinner at Sol Food (great Puerto Rican place)

 Went to see The Hurt Locker

 Had 2 beers; called it a night


And here was my Sunday:

 Woke up at 9

 Breakfast

 10 mile Run

 Lunch at Fish

 Nap

 2.5 hours at Muir Beach where I read my book; hung out in nude beach area amidst a sea of Penis’ but three very hot chicks as well (note: I was clothed)

 Dinner at Phil’s

 True Blood/Hung/Entourage

 Sleep


A rough life, I know, but someone has to do it.

The Hurt Locker

Just got back from seeing the Hurt Locker; by far the best movie I have seen this year. It is absolutely riveting and am sure it will get multiple Oscar nominations, including Best Movie. If you haven't seen it, I suggest you do, pronto.

In other news, had pretty much the perfect day today. I slept ten hours; went on a two hour bike ride; swam for 45 minutes; took a nap; watched the Yankees beat the Red Sox; read a little (I am really getting into the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - I have a feeling this is going to merit its own post); has a great steak dinner at my favorite restaurant; and went to the movies. Oh and it was 72 degrees and beautiful all day.

If anyone can top the above, I am all ears.

RIP, Susan

I have a pretty good attitude for the most part and generally roll with the flow. Life and work stress used to really get me going but I have learned for the most part to take it all in stride and have gotten pretty good at maintaining a healthy degree of perspective. That said, it's hard to avoid tough weeks and this has been a tough week Nothing too bad and nothing even worth citing, but I came home from work a tad bit stressed tonight. And then when I got back from my trail run (which helped) I read that Susan had passed.

Rest in peace, Susan (and peace to you, Elden) and thank you for helping put things in a proper perspective for not just myself, but the hundreds, if not thousands of people whose life you have touched.

I could go on but I think that's all I have to say tonight.

Grades

I'm tired and have a super long day tomorrow, so a relatively short and random post. Tonight I am going to give out some arbitrary grades, all of which are apropos of nothing. Here goes:

-- My New York Yankees. Gotta give them an A- thus far, this weekend's debacle in Chicago notwithstanding. The Yanks are looking pretty good on all front; the offense is formidable, the pitchers are doing just fine, Phil Hughes iis playing a key role in middle relief and Mariano is Mariano. September/October has the potential to be interesting.

-- Season Four of Weeds: B-. I just wrapped this one up tonight. Still quite an enjoyable show but it's getting a tad bit tired. Will be interesting to see what next season brings. Could be make or break for Ms. Botwin and company. And speaking of tired....

-- Entourage. C+. I dunno; it's still entertaining as hell and makes my Sunday nights, but three episodes in and it's not doing much for me. The characters play a tad bit too close to form. I will say this though: it's way better to see Vince on the ascent versus decline. Also, E is starting to get on my nerves, though I can't put a handle as to precisely why.

-- My biking skills: C-. Hope to get this grade back up to at least a B by end of the Season.

-- True Blood: A. Things are now starting to get "really" interesting (and weird). It took nearly a season and a half, but now we have some richly developed characters and a weirdly interesting storyline. I think it will on;y get better, to. HBO definitely has a hit on its hands.

FLorence and the Machine: A-. I had never even heard of this band until recently but holy cow is this listenable. Not even sure if they are on itunes but if they are, purchase the song "Howl" for starters. Guarantee you will buy the album shortly thereafter.

Hung: Inc.. This new HBO show shows promise, but has yet to deliver on it. Typically new HBO shows need a season to get moving (see; True Blood) so I will hold off on judgement for the time being, but it really needs to get moving soon.

Anyway, that's that for tonight. Over and out.

A Day Without Talking

Save for two brief conversations with the Wife, I didn't talk today. Allow me to explain why.

With the Wife and Kids on the East Coast, today was my first day of peace and solitude; a day where I could do anything I wanted. And so I did. Here's what I did:

-- woke up at 9 am (!) after staying out late last night and waking p a tad bit, uhh, under the weather. Aaw a Grateful Dead cover band and the opening band featured two children of Phil Lesh of the Dead. I turned around just after the band started (for two college kids, they were awesome) and standing next to me was Phil Lesh and Bobby Weir, who apparently came to the venue to check them out. I thought that was super cool. Only in NorCal.

-- Went to the Dispea for breakfast with the New York Times.

-- Went for a five mile run

-- Went food shopping at Whole Foods and bought a ton of stuff, none of which I probably needed.

-- After lunch, went to Muir Beach and hung out and read more of the Times

-- Came home and took a nap

-- Woke up, went to the surf shop to check out paddleboards, got my car washed and went to the bookstore

-- Cooked a mean steak dinner

-- Blogging, then Entourage, then True Blood, then bed.

Again, aside from talking to the Wife, I didn't utter one word. Despite that, I think it might have been the perfect day. If anyone can one up that, I am all ears.

Marin County Century

I just got back from the Marin County Century ride. Considering this was only my first outdoors ride of the year I opted for the metric century, which was 62 miles. Add to that another five miles due to a wrong turn and you have the makings of a long day. It's a prettty difficult course and features five pretty gnarly climbs.

 Back on the East Coast I am proud to say that the kids ran their first ever 5k. The Boy ran it in 31 minutes which is a fairly decent time considering how little he's ran. The Girl ran it with her mom in 35 minutes. Not terrible fo a seven year old. So, even though we are separated by thousands of miles, it was a pretty active day for the Solomon household.

 Attached are a few pictures from the ride. Note the heaping ate of food I ate at the end.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from Howard Solomon