Wednesday, June 30, 2010

New Music

I've been listening to a ton of new music lately. More than I can handle to be honest - it comes at me in a flurry. Much of it is pretty good; a few anew lbums in particular that I recommend include The Roots, CEO, Nas and Damian Marley, Drake, Ariel Pink (this one is great), Wolf Parade and Gaslight Anthem. Also love the new Bird and Bee album that covers - get ready for it - the best of Hall & Oates. And lastly, the remastered Exile on Main Street. Its taken me a long while to really understand the Rolling Stones but I am getting there.

Two albums that have kind of disappointed are the new MIA and Eminem but I need to give them more time.

Anyone out there have anything to add? Anything new that I might be missing?

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

iPhone 4

I try to keep my obsessive love for technology products away from these pages and limited to www.techdork.com, but sometimes I can't resist, especially around the introduction of a product as significant (significant in my world, anyway) as the new iPhone.

I've had this bad boy since Sunday night (actually, in keeping with tradition I actually had it on Thursday, it's debut date, but I was out of town on the boy's weekend) and haven't had time to really kick the tires. But I can already say with confidence is that this is a very highly impressive piece of technology on front. It looks good, feels good and functions near perfectly, the death grip issue aside (and by the way, my position on that; get the Apple Bumper people, and stop freaking complaining). The biggest issue for me personally, given how much I travel, is actually battery life, and so far so good on that front. As well, the screen looks amazing, and the camera and video camera functionality are simply awesome. Even reception seems improved, though I hesitate to give AT&T any benefit of the doubt there.

Anyway, for more, check out Techdork. If you are on the fence and can afford it, it's a near no brainer.

Monday, June 28, 2010

And We Are Back

Just back from our annual whirlwind of a boy's trip this past weekend in Michigan. It's a pain in the ass to get to and it leaves me wrecked in more ways than one, but it is also arguably my favorite 3.5 days of the year and I would not miss it for the world. Nothing like just sitting around a beautiful lake in the early days of Summer and hanging out with seven of my best friends in the world. Nothing.

So, what do we do on boy's weekend? Really, nothing. We barely move - literally - except when a few of us go for a run or swim. Mostly, we hang out, argue about what to play on the iPod, goof on each other, catch up individually in small side conversations, drink beer, play our annual high stakes monopoly game (high stakes in terms of reputation; not money), drink copious amount of beer, watch a movie or two and consume enough beef products to necessitate group testing for mad cow disease. Oh - and this year we did something new. We shaved one of the dude's head. That was a riot. If I get permission, I just might have to post a photo or two.

As I said; best weekend ever. Can't wait until next year.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Summer Fun

I love these pictures of the Kids. Apologies for going dark - been that kind of week. More from the road later this evening.

Sent from my iPhone

Posted via email from Howard Solomon

Gone Fishing

So, I am headed on my annual Boy's trip to Michigan. So, I might be going dark for a few days. That is, if I make it there. Some weird weather must be going down in the Midwest because my 10:40 pm flight was just pushed back to -- wait for it -- 3:15 am. So we will see. Man. 3:15 am. Not sure why they don't just cancel the flight. Regardless, I am about to start what I think is going to be an exceptionally long evening.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Happy Father's Day

I had just about the most perfect Father's Day ever. Kicked off the day with a 3600 yard master's swim at the local pool. Then joined the family and some friends for breakfast. After that we went to the local beach and paddle boarded for a few hours. Paddle boarding in the ocean might be the most cathartic sport ever but I'll save that for another post. We then had some great friends over for a terrific BBQ. And I haven't even mentioned that Nana has been here the past week, which is always fantastic as she is not just fun, but an amazing grandmother.

But I digress. After the BBQ I took the kids on a hike. Then we ate cupcakes and I got a great present. But the best part of Father's Day? Hands down, this amazing card from my terrific son. I'm happy to be a father, of course, but I'm beyond grateful for such an amazing family.

Sent from my iPhone

Posted via email from Howard Solomon

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

All Star Swim Meet

Tonight was the all star County swim meet. I'm so proud of the little girl. She finished fifth in backstroke in a best time and four in butterfly in an amazing best time. She was a little off her best time in I'M but still did great. She's amazing, particularly for a 7 year old and I could not be prouder of her. Swimming is a fantastic thing for her on so many different levels.

Posted via email from Howard Solomon

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Graduation Day

Sorry I have been so dark this week; I have been in LA the past two days and it has ben an absolute whirlwind. Also, all my technology has completely and totally fallen apart (more on this another day), making it near impossible to post.

ANyway, I am back and I hope the next few days are better than the past. They have to be, actually, because the Little Boy graduates tomorrow from elementary school. Hard to believe that I am the father of a soon-to-be middle schooler, but that is where I'm at in life right now.

Man. I think I am an inch away from a mid life crisis.

I will send some picture out in the am from the graduation ceremony but in the interim, if you would, please leave the Little Boy a "happy graduation" comment. I think he'd really like that and I know I sure would.

Thanks in advance, y'all.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Giants Stadium 5k

Ran a 5k with the Little Boy and Coach Phil today (actually Coach Phil ran a half marathon). It was super fun - finished at home plate inside Giants Stadium. Suffice to say the Little Boy was stoked. He ran pretty well too for a little fellow - 25:40. Think that nets out to around 8:15 miles which isn't too bad at all. It was a blast. I love running with that kid more than anything.

Sent from my iPhone

Posted via email from Howard Solomon

Friday, June 11, 2010

Push Up Guy

My boy Payro sent me a link the other day about the Push Up Guy; some dude who is doing push ups, one at a time, all across Marin County. If you have a few minutes be sure to check out the story here. Anyway, this is just about the nuttiest thing ever, but it stokes me all the same.

Anyway, I was running early this morning and lo and behold, there he was, doing his thing. I stopped to cheer him on and we had a brief but good chat. His name is Joel and he's doing this in an effort to encourage kids to get out and exercise. Nothing wrong with that message.

Anyway, he's a few short weeks from his goal of crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. Indeed, many more pushups to go. Good luck, Push Up Guy and keep on keeping on.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Where Does the Time Go?

I think a mi life crisis might be upon me; my son is getting set to graduate from elementary school; my little girl is three weeks from turning eight and both kids are getting set to head to camp soon. On top of everything else, I am having a sciatica issue.

There is no denying the obvious; I am officially middle aged. Is there any technology out there for helping stop time? Well, as they say, there's no fighting gravity --I guess I have to roll with it. But man, it sure isn't easy.

And in the spirit of my mid life crisis I am pining for a car. But alas, it isn't a porsche, corvette or any similar sports car. Instead, I am becoming increasingly obsessed with getting a VW bus. In fact, it very well might happen if I can find one in decent shape at a decent price. Everyone has an opinion on them, but bottom line is that they are just as cool as hell. Right?

Monday, June 7, 2010

Cy Young

I was at a meeting last week with a guy who had an extraordinary amount of baseball memorabilia on his office including approximately 100 balls autographed by hall of famers. Of them all, this one impressed me the most, followed by a Ruth and Gehric ball. Definitely not every day you see a Cy Young autograph.

Posted via email from Howard Solomon

New iPhone 4

For those of you who have waiting anxiously for it (said tongue in cheek, for the record)- my initial thoughts about the new iPhone 4 can be found at www.techdork.com. Check it out.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Deadspin

Check it out; my knee made Deadspin!

http://deadspin.com/5553082/blood-writes-this-knee-has-a-mouth-warning-pus

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

New Vibram Five Fingers

I picked up a new pair of Five Fingers thnks weekend; the Bikila's, which are designed for running. I took them out for a five mile spin this am and all the weird looks they garnered aside - and man, do people look at you cross-eyed when you wear these things - they felt very comfortable. More so than my previous pair, the KSO's. Any other Five Finger enthusiasts out there and if so, what do you think?

Posted via email from Howard Solomon