I am so addicted to these damn Olympics it isn't funny. I don't expect to go to bed any time before midnight for the next three months, which is just fine by me. The best thing is that this week has been great, but in certain respects it is similar to the first week of the tour de France: it's but the prelude, and you know things are only going to get better in weeks two and three.
Right now I am watching volleyball and have only two words to say: Misty May. Good lord is that woman hot (said with respect, Wife. But you gotta admit it's true). In my next life I think I want to come back as the volleyball.
In other sports, there's nothing I can say about Michael Phelps that y'all haven't read in the press. Full on respect to MP, the greatest Olympian our generation has ever seen. Someone at work today asked me who my favorite Olympian of all time is/was. The answer to this one might be surprising but it's Apolo Ohno. I enjoyed his speed skating matches more than I can express and that dude was one bad ass competitor. If you don't know what I am talking about, I suggest you check out some of his past races on YouTube.
On a separate note, this week marks by third year of living in the Bay Area. I will probably write a post on this topic, along with what I have learned and what I've learned to love about the Bay Area, but in the interim my main man Michael Beno indicated he'd like to write a guest blog on this subject, so stay tuned for that. You are officially on the hook, MB.
Lastly, I am getting set to do some travel and want to rent another series. I am thinking of Bad Brad, an AMC show which seems to have received good reviews. Anyone have thoughts?
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
Ice Snobs
I read the most ridiculous article yesterday in the history of journalism: The New York Times Style Section (aka the Jewish Sports section) actually published a full article on ice connoisseurs. You read that right: people who are ice snobs. People who bring their own ice to parties because they don't like what the host has to offer. People who delineate between shaved, dimpled and fragmented. People who, and I quote: "post recipes for making ice with a level of internal clarity greater than that of a D-flawless diamond."
This is the single most asinine thing I have read/heard about in my life. Seriously, y'all are welcome to bring your own ice to my house the next time you come visit. Just don't hold your breath for a return invitation.
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For all of you who haven't had a chance yet to watch the replay of last nights 4 x 100 relay, WATCH IT RIGHT FREAKING NOW. Because I honestly believe, at the risk of hyperbole, that that race is going to go down in history as one of the greatest moments in American sporting history. Without question, it will be the poster child for the adage "never give up." That was one for the ages. And to beat the smack talking French makes it only sweeter. I suspect France isn't going to get over that one for a long, long time to come.
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I am officially week three into my little bachelor party. I confess to having had a great time and it was awesome to have so many visitors. That said, I really miss the Wife and Kids and cannot wait to see them this coming weekend.
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Lastly, I went to see Pineapple Express this past weekend with Payro. He was freaking out the night before his race (understandably so) so to calm his nerves I took him to what I had hoped would be a funny movie. I gotta say I was disappointed. It certainly had its moments, but it fell down compared to Super Bad and Knocked Up.
If I haven't already stated this, I am totally and completely stoked on the Olympics. I can watch it all freaking day (and I just might; we get new cable installed in our offices tomorrow). Swimming has thus far been fantastic, but I really cannot wait for track and field. That's my sport. the only bummer for me thus far is boxing. I am a huge boxing fan but this scoring system is a bit too complex for my simple brain.
This is the single most asinine thing I have read/heard about in my life. Seriously, y'all are welcome to bring your own ice to my house the next time you come visit. Just don't hold your breath for a return invitation.
_____________________________
For all of you who haven't had a chance yet to watch the replay of last nights 4 x 100 relay, WATCH IT RIGHT FREAKING NOW. Because I honestly believe, at the risk of hyperbole, that that race is going to go down in history as one of the greatest moments in American sporting history. Without question, it will be the poster child for the adage "never give up." That was one for the ages. And to beat the smack talking French makes it only sweeter. I suspect France isn't going to get over that one for a long, long time to come.
_____________________________
I am officially week three into my little bachelor party. I confess to having had a great time and it was awesome to have so many visitors. That said, I really miss the Wife and Kids and cannot wait to see them this coming weekend.
____________________________
Lastly, I went to see Pineapple Express this past weekend with Payro. He was freaking out the night before his race (understandably so) so to calm his nerves I took him to what I had hoped would be a funny movie. I gotta say I was disappointed. It certainly had its moments, but it fell down compared to Super Bad and Knocked Up.
If I haven't already stated this, I am totally and completely stoked on the Olympics. I can watch it all freaking day (and I just might; we get new cable installed in our offices tomorrow). Swimming has thus far been fantastic, but I really cannot wait for track and field. That's my sport. the only bummer for me thus far is boxing. I am a huge boxing fan but this scoring system is a bit too complex for my simple brain.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Crewing
My buddy Payro -- my running/training partner in arms -- has been in town the past two weeks and yesterday he ran a 50 mile race through a good portion of Marin County (Sausalito to Bolinas and back through the broadside of Mount Tam). We generally do these epic sorts of races together and it was a bit weird for him to be out there without me. That being said, I wasn't nearly fit enough to be running at that distance/difficulty level.
So, for the first time ever I was reduced to being a crew member and yet I have to say I enjoyed it immensely. I was out there for about 11 hours in total driving from spot to spot, setting up mini camp, filling water bottles, and getting in my own run(s) when I could (12 plus miles in total) but all in all it was super good fun and it was very rewarding to be out there helping a friend. Definitely an enjoyable way to spend a day.
Payro absolutely killed this course and finished in 10 hours, 26 minutes; nearly 45 minutes ahead of what he predicted. Some of this was attributable to Coach Phil (who we share as coach), but most of the credit goes to good, hard training on Payro's part. Anyway, all in all it was a super fun day all around.
Today, we woke up late (actually, he woke up late. I woke up and went biking), had some breakfast and in celebration of the 10,000 calories that he burned yesterday, we cruised out to Bolinas for beers and Oysters.
I was thinking about this today; if I had to pick a place, today, to retire, I'd without question pick Bolinas. In my opinion, it's close to Utopia. The residents evidently agree, which is probably a good reason why you will never find a road sign directing you to Bolinas. You kind of have to know where you are going. Payro and I were talking and family, etc. etc aside I really need four things in life to be content: my trail shoes, mountain bike, road bike and a surf board.
So, for the first time ever I was reduced to being a crew member and yet I have to say I enjoyed it immensely. I was out there for about 11 hours in total driving from spot to spot, setting up mini camp, filling water bottles, and getting in my own run(s) when I could (12 plus miles in total) but all in all it was super good fun and it was very rewarding to be out there helping a friend. Definitely an enjoyable way to spend a day.
Payro absolutely killed this course and finished in 10 hours, 26 minutes; nearly 45 minutes ahead of what he predicted. Some of this was attributable to Coach Phil (who we share as coach), but most of the credit goes to good, hard training on Payro's part. Anyway, all in all it was a super fun day all around.
Today, we woke up late (actually, he woke up late. I woke up and went biking), had some breakfast and in celebration of the 10,000 calories that he burned yesterday, we cruised out to Bolinas for beers and Oysters.
I was thinking about this today; if I had to pick a place, today, to retire, I'd without question pick Bolinas. In my opinion, it's close to Utopia. The residents evidently agree, which is probably a good reason why you will never find a road sign directing you to Bolinas. You kind of have to know where you are going. Payro and I were talking and family, etc. etc aside I really need four things in life to be content: my trail shoes, mountain bike, road bike and a surf board.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
50 Miler
This certainly was the week that was; I worked pretty darn hard this week, to put it mildly. ad two consecutive all-day meetings Tuesday and Wednesday and then headed direct to Seattle for meetings with a certain software company. Just back now and I am t-i-r-e-d.
On top fo that all, I've had the three clowns in all week (Dave M Dave G and Payro) all week, which has also been fun. Work aside, I kind of feel like I am back in college again.
I plan to take tomorrow off (though working from home in the am) and then take Dave to the airport and then help Payro get prepped for his 50 miler on Saturday. Generally I'd be his partner in crime for a run of that ilk, but not this time; I simply was unable to put in the training, given my crazy work/life schedule. So be it. SHould be pretty darn fun though rewing for him all day. I will take pictures form various points on the trail.
In other news, Brett Favre is a Jet. Not sure how I feel about that to be honest. Finkel, you still out there? You are about the biggest Jets fan I know -- your thoughts? I think it's kind of cool but it's important to note the dude is 38 with lots of mileage; not exactly the QB of the future.
Lastly, I am completely and totally addicted to Californication. Might be the best show I have seen in a long, long while. Very strongly recommended for all of you that haven't seen it. Another thing I am addicted to: the new Dennis Wilson album, and as previously mentioned, Girl Talk. Anyone else out there ever make that purchase?
On top fo that all, I've had the three clowns in all week (Dave M Dave G and Payro) all week, which has also been fun. Work aside, I kind of feel like I am back in college again.
I plan to take tomorrow off (though working from home in the am) and then take Dave to the airport and then help Payro get prepped for his 50 miler on Saturday. Generally I'd be his partner in crime for a run of that ilk, but not this time; I simply was unable to put in the training, given my crazy work/life schedule. So be it. SHould be pretty darn fun though rewing for him all day. I will take pictures form various points on the trail.
In other news, Brett Favre is a Jet. Not sure how I feel about that to be honest. Finkel, you still out there? You are about the biggest Jets fan I know -- your thoughts? I think it's kind of cool but it's important to note the dude is 38 with lots of mileage; not exactly the QB of the future.
Lastly, I am completely and totally addicted to Californication. Might be the best show I have seen in a long, long while. Very strongly recommended for all of you that haven't seen it. Another thing I am addicted to: the new Dennis Wilson album, and as previously mentioned, Girl Talk. Anyone else out there ever make that purchase?
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Questions
1. Does anyone *really* give a crap about the whole Brett Favre saga
2. Is Lindsay Lohan *really* a lebian?
3. Are the Tampa Bay Rays for real?
4. Who got the better end of the bargain: Dodgers (Manny) or Red Sox (Jason Bay)?
5. What was the more enjoyable movie, Ironman or Batman?
6. How much damage will the three clowns do to my house tomorrow while I am away?
7. Do the Kids miss their dad as much as he misses them?
8. Ditto the wife.
9. Will Michael Phelps win eight gold medals?
10. Will Pineapple Express be the funniest movie or the year?
Inquiring minds want to know; feel free to post your answers below.
2. Is Lindsay Lohan *really* a lebian?
3. Are the Tampa Bay Rays for real?
4. Who got the better end of the bargain: Dodgers (Manny) or Red Sox (Jason Bay)?
5. What was the more enjoyable movie, Ironman or Batman?
6. How much damage will the three clowns do to my house tomorrow while I am away?
7. Do the Kids miss their dad as much as he misses them?
8. Ditto the wife.
9. Will Michael Phelps win eight gold medals?
10. Will Pineapple Express be the funniest movie or the year?
Inquiring minds want to know; feel free to post your answers below.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Californication
My buddy Dave from Chicago is visiting town for the week (this is the week of visitors; later in the week we'll have three friends at Chez Solomon) and convinced me to purchase the Showtime show, Californication.
All I can say is: THAT'S what I'm talking about. This show is off-the-hook good. David Duchovony is terrific, the plot line moves along at a great clip and it's absolutely hilarious to boot. I've watched five episodes i two days and think it is orders of magnitude more entertaining than Mad Men.
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Finished the half marathon yesterday and actually ran pretty well; probably my best race of the year thus far. It was nice and hilly but overall I was very pleased.
_____________________________
Four days and counting to the start of the Olympics; I am stoked. Can't wait for: track and field; swimming, triathlon and boxing in that particular order. But I could watch virtually any Olympic sport/competition and be completely entertained.
_______________________________
All I can say is: THAT'S what I'm talking about. This show is off-the-hook good. David Duchovony is terrific, the plot line moves along at a great clip and it's absolutely hilarious to boot. I've watched five episodes i two days and think it is orders of magnitude more entertaining than Mad Men.
_____________________________
Finished the half marathon yesterday and actually ran pretty well; probably my best race of the year thus far. It was nice and hilly but overall I was very pleased.
_____________________________
Four days and counting to the start of the Olympics; I am stoked. Can't wait for: track and field; swimming, triathlon and boxing in that particular order. But I could watch virtually any Olympic sport/competition and be completely entertained.
_______________________________
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Half Marathon
Woke up late today, went or a very easy run, bought a breakfast burito, looked at my clock, realized it was 10:20 and I had no idea what in the world to do with my myself. So, I did what any reasonable Californian would, given the high 80 degree temperatures: I packed myself some lunch, magazines, a bit of sunscreen and a folding chair and I headed to the beach. And I must say: it was a perfectly civilized day. Those who know me know I relish in running around like a nut, and it was really nice to decompress for a day. Not to mention the weather could not be any more accomodating.
Now I am going to meet my main man Payro for a little bbq at his bro's house and it's early to bed as I have a half marathon in the morning. My ambition for this one is modest: I am hoping to average around 7:45-8:00 minute pace. Nxt weekend I am crewing for Payro as he tackles one very gnarly-ass 50 miler. It will likely be a 12 hour endevour for the two of us but I am looking forward to it very much.
In other news, the Family has headed to enemy territory today; that's right, Boston. The Little Boy and his grandfather are going to a Sox game and he has very explicit instructions as to who too root for (The A's), albeit quietly, as those Boston fans are nuts.
Now I am going to meet my main man Payro for a little bbq at his bro's house and it's early to bed as I have a half marathon in the morning. My ambition for this one is modest: I am hoping to average around 7:45-8:00 minute pace. Nxt weekend I am crewing for Payro as he tackles one very gnarly-ass 50 miler. It will likely be a 12 hour endevour for the two of us but I am looking forward to it very much.
In other news, the Family has headed to enemy territory today; that's right, Boston. The Little Boy and his grandfather are going to a Sox game and he has very explicit instructions as to who too root for (The A's), albeit quietly, as those Boston fans are nuts.
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