81trucolors

The annual Christmas list

2011-11-26T18:20:00.002-07:00

What'd I'd really like is for our dog to stop eating the couch. Not sure they had any Black Friday specials on that...So I'm 30 now and honestly I have everything I need. I have just enough sweaters to fit into an awesome new (for us) armoire that Amanda and I refinished. That said, several people have asked me for a christmas list. Here are a few things that make me drool.

Matching fitted dress shirts (button down collar please) and ties or just ties to match the shirts I already own. I'm a size 15.5 34/35

A six to eight inch chopping knife.

This cell phone case

A tie tack such as this

A sandcast turquoise Belt Buckle such as this

Rolling carry-on Luggage (22 x 16 x 9). Please not black (or at least let it be patterned).

Massages

T-Shirts like this or this or this

Your favorite cds or any of these: The Gossip Music For Men, Muse The Resistance Ceremonials by Florence & The Machine
Striped or argyle socks (I'm a size 10)

Oh yeah, I remember nights like this

2011-10-28T21:02:00.000-07:00

Stay tuned for a post about this badass artist

The past 18 months have absolutely flown by. I moved to Denver (with my girlfriend!), jumped into a startup business in Colorado's most ridiculous industry, turned the bottom line from red to black, finished my MBA, and adopted an insane dog. Amanda finished law school and then took and passed the heinous bar exam. Since then we've crammed as much fun into the summer and fall as possible. It's been fun but recently I've been feeling worn out.

For the past two nights, Amanda's been gone and I've taken the opportunity to be lazy. Tonight I put game 7 of the World Series on, listened to new music, and trolled the interwebs, just as I used to do before grad school. God it feels good to do nothing sometimes.

Tonight I discovered the song 1 by Joy Zipper while listening to some commercial. Honestly it makes a better ad ditty than a stand alone song but right now it's serving as the perfect soundtrack to a nice laid back evening with Lance Berkman and the puppies.

Review of A Dance With Dragons

2011-10-09T09:01:00.000-07:00

Posted also on Goodreads.

Many will not like A Dance With Dragons. I and others are still bitter that books 4 and 5 were split based on worlds--at this point clearly a failure that jars the reader. Obviously Dragons continues along these longitudinal lines.

More importantly though, in Dragons George R.R. Martin departs from a number of themes established in past Ice & Fire books. But did you really want to read another tome detailing yet another war party raid along the trident? Past books had shown a tendency toward devolving into rape, murder, and heads on stakes, which is all well and good but we are over 3000 pages into the series. Mindless violence groweth stale.

Enter Dragons, set in a largely new land for us readers. For the first time in the series, Martin introduces quest themes. He also spends more time letting us read our heroes' thoughts, and not just watching their actions. At this point we have seen them defined by actions and we want more: More depth and more character development. Dragons delivers. Here too, are just enough new characters to bolster the favorites we longed for in A Feast for Crows. There are also underpinnings of romance, something alluded to but rarely explored in books 1-4. As for specific stories, Jon Snow's is great and Arya's is one of the best yet. You'll still get plenty of the violence, intrigue, and insane plot twists that you've come to expect. Just as you didn't like the outcome of every confrontation in Book 1, you may not like what you read here. Isn't that what drew you in though?

The book is flawed, as are most of this length. Daenerys's tale wallows, as it has now for some time. Dorne is still relegated to a bench warming position, and the book spends almost too much time in the distant past. But make no mistake this book is great. It is a rambling epic that brings us into a world increasingly different from reality in ways that delight the mind. The magic is inventive, the twists epic, and the writing is quite nice too.

Dragons injects life into a series that frankly needed it. To be a success, book six will have to put the pressure cooker on, leading to the epic climax in the final book that we've all been waiting for. Although as any fan of the series knows, at George's age and pace, it might just be a success if book six gets written. I for one will enjoy reading Dragons half a hundred times more while I wait.

Dog

2011-07-28T22:23:00.000-07:00

A while ago, Amanda and I adopted what turned out to be a neurotic rescue dog from the German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue in Penrose, CO.

For the first time since getting Emmy the dog, Amanda and i are going to leave her as we embark on a five day four night vacation tour of Colorado. Our friend Fernando has quixotically agreed to housesit. This may go horribly.

Weekend Odds:
Fernando says never again: 33%
Emmy pees inside: 60%
Olivia bites Fernando: 70%
Fernando teaches Emmy to stay: 15%
Fernando can figure out Roxy's cat feeder: 66%
Olivia eats anything in the first 36 hours we are gone: 25%

It's 3:30am and omg the interwebs are awesome.

2011-07-17T02:32:00.000-07:00

I really am serious that I would not choose another time period to be born in than this. Humanity has jumped the shark. Thanks Awkardfamilypetphotos.

(Slow) Dancing with Dragons

2011-07-13T22:25:00.000-07:00

After a 5 year hiatus George R.R. Martin finally finished writing A Dance With Dragons, book five of seven in the Fire and Ice series. The interwebs are all a-twitter with fantasy lovers shelling out $19 for advance hardback copies. I have been anxiously awaiting this book since a friend turned me on to the series about four years ago.

I've actually decided to wait a bit longer on the book.

I'm rereading the series (again) and still have Feast For Crows remaining.
I often read in bed and hardback books are cumbersome and uncomfortable to rest on my chest.
I'm cheap and would rather pay $7-$10 for a used copy than the $18 for a new one.
I quixotically believe that I can keep the spoiler blinders on for another three months.

Amanda is an awesome person

2011-03-24T20:27:00.000-07:00

I am frequently inspired by Amanda. Here's one example:

Amanda is extremely busy preparing for finals for her last semester in law school. She is working part time, volunteering with multiple orgs, helping my business, and interviewing for other jobs. She rarely gets enough sleep and I know that her workload has been immense.

Even with all that, she decided to organize a dinner for the cleaning staff at the law school. These fifteen or so people come every evening and work till around midnight vacuuming, sweeping, etc. Most law students don't even acknowledge their existence. Tonight Amanda honored their work by providing a tasty tamale dinner.

banana response

2011-03-04T09:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I posted an open letter regarding Del Monte's packaged bananas but apparently I emailed the wrong Del Monte. Here is the response:

Dear Truman,

Thank you for your e-mail about packaged bananas.

The story you are referring to involves Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc, not Del Monte Foods. Del Monte Foods is one of the USA's largest producers, distributors and marketers of premium quality branded consumer foods and pet products. Our line of processed fruit products includes canned fruits, as well as premium processed chilled fruit sold in the produce section of your store. For a full list of our chilled fruit products, visit http://www.delmontechilledfruit.com/fruit-products/

Del Monte Foods is not affiliated with Fresh Delmonte, a company that markets fresh fruits, fresh vegetables and fresh produce under the Del Monte brand. The product you contacted us about is not made by our company, but instead is a product of Fresh Del Monte. Their website is www.freshdelmonte.com, and their contact information is:

Del Monte Fresh Produce Co.
P.O. Box 14922 2
Coral Gables, FL 33114-9222

email: Contact-US-Executive-Office@freshdelmonte.com
Consumer toll free number: 1-800-950-3683

I appreciate the opportunity to respond and hope this information is helpful.

Cathy, Del Monte Foods Consumer Affairs

Open Letter to Del Monte: Why you are no longer top banana

2011-03-03T18:39:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Adventures in Denver (aka Amanda) for this bit of news regarding Del Monte's plan to sell packaged individual bananas. Oh and did you know that this move is being touted by the company as green? You can read blatant attempt at doublespeak in an article posted by Daily Mail. The only thing green about this bogus new plan is the banana itself. Ahem,

I'm writing in response to the unveiling, or should I say the repackaging of your flagship product, the banana. I won't bore you by stating facts that you already know, that the banana comes off the tree clad in a perfect wrapper already, etc.

What is upsetting is that you are touting this wrapper as green. It's not green, it's wasteful and unnecessary. Telling us, your consumers that it's green is simply insulting because it implies that we're stupid.

Selling bananas at gyms and gas stations is a great idea. But please don't waste this planet. Please consider a return to naked fruit.

When you do, I'll consider buying your brand of products again.

No Shortcuts to the Top

2011-02-23T06:24:00.001-07:00

I recently finished reading the aforementioned book by Ed Viesturs, the first American to summit all fourteen 8,000 meter peaks. His feat is even more impressive when you consider that he did so without using supplemental oxygen. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in motivation, climbing, and patience. Since I'm very interested in two out of three, this proved to be a great read. What struck me most was the measured and careful way in which Ed climbed. Upon discovering that conditions were simply too dangerous to continue climbing, Ed repeatedly turned around to await a safer opportunity, often doing so less than 400 feet from the summit. Unlike so many climbers who have pushed themselves way too far, allowed themselves to get started late, or failed to put in the hard work training, Ed time and again refuses to make these completely avoidable missteps. Everyone loves a good adventure story and climbers such as Reinhold Messner, Maurice Herzog, and Herman Buhl deliver exactly these but these are climbers who have pushed themselves well beyond any acceptable risk threshold and as a result, it's hard for me to relate. As Viesturs penned frequently in 'No Shortcuts,' "Getting to the top is optional; getting down is mandatory." In my next post I'll be compiling a list of Climbing dos and don'ts but for now, suffice to say that I have a new hero.

Putting the Meh in Melo

2011-02-22T12:03:00.000-07:00

February is a very boring month for sports. Football is over, it's not yet time for March Madness, and the NBA is in the middle of yet another interminably long, meaningless regular season. Honestly February is probably why the SI Swimsuit Edition was created.

So former Nuggets Forward Carmelo Anthony is headed to New York City. In return, Denver gets about 37 role players and some draft picks. I'm having trouble caring. Carmelo seems like a nice guy and he certainly put in his time here but he's not a leader. Over the past few years, The Nuggets have acted like children, being selfish with the ball, squabbling, tweeting inappropriate things, not playing defense, and generally playing the game the way they want to play it, not the way teams need to play to win championships.

When I watch sports I want to be inspired. I want to see people face adversity and triumph. I want to see players excel because they put in hard work. Carmelo Anthony never put in hard work and he rarely excelled. Sure he's had plenty of nice games. But when was the last time you saw Melo dive on the floor for a loose ball?

Melo doesn't inspire. He's got a pretty shot and it can be fun to watch him take people off the dribble and make them look slow but he's not much of a team player and he didn't really make anyone around him better. Have fun in New York, Melo. Or should I say Meh lo.

RIP Sam Taylor

2011-02-18T17:34:00.002-07:00

Sam Taylor (farthest from left) flexing some muscle 2009

I was saddened to read this afternoon in the Boulder Daily Camera of Samantha Taylor's passing. I met Sam when she joined the Colorado swing dance scene about three years ago. We spent a season at the University of Colorado preparing for the 2009 Intercollegiate Swing Battle, in which the team ended up taking 2nd Place. Vivacious and talented, Sam was a quick study and a natural at aerials. I didn't know her well but in the short time I spent dancing alongside her, she brightened my life. Sam, you'll be missed.

Open Letter to Groupon.com

2011-02-13T15:24:00.000-07:00

Dear Groupon.com,

I love your company and have purchased several awesome deals. My girlfriend has purchased even more of them. I was appalled however, after viewing your Super Bowl ad mocking the situation in Tibet. I was then outraged several days later when I saw another of your ads, this one poking fun at endangered whales. Neither of these things are funny in any way. "Oh... the situation in Tibet is horrible! But don't worry, Groupon let's me get tasty curry?" That's textbook offensive.

Your company does well because people like my girlfriend and I read your emails and then buy those products or services. I can't speak for her but I promise I will not be opening your emails or buying any groupons for as many months as I see offensive ads. So far we're at two. I will however be checking out your competitors. See you in mid April, unless you prefer to promote your company by making fun of AIDS or something equally "funny."

Truman Bradley

A Sharpe Bust in Canton

2011-02-05T20:00:00.001-07:00

The only time the name Shannon Sharpe and the word bust will be uttered in the same sentence is in reference to his place today and forevermore in the National Football League's Hall of Fame.* Sharpe is probably best known for his trash talking but it should be noted that this three time Super Bowl winner revolutionized the tight end position. Players such as Dallas Clark and Antonio Gates have a lot to thank Shannon for. Congratulations Shannon; I can't wait to hear your speech.

Readers of this blog may remember that I was upset that Sharpe was not elected at his first opportunity in 2009.

Sunrise Sunset

2011-01-31T12:03:00.003-07:00

"Sunrise, sunset

Sunrise, sunset

Swiftly fly the years

One season following another

Laden with happiness and tears"

--Sunrise, Sunset --Fiddler On The Roof

My Grandpa is dying. Alzheimer's Disease has him moseying down a very long gradual slide back into mental infancy. After my Grandma died in 2005, Grandpa lived on his own in a little Florida community full of old people until he couldn't take care of himself. Then he (was) moved to my parents' house in Boulder. Over the next few years, my family struggled as it became clear that the man we were caring for now bore increasingly less resemblance to the Grandpa we'd known before. About two years ago he moved into a "retirement community" ironically called Sunrise. With Amanda's gentle persuading, she and I visit him once a week or so. At Sunrise his meals are fixed and his every need is attended to. He is lucky to be able to afford something like this. He is pretty out of it but appears to be happy.

Now his descent is steepening. For me, it's gotten very hard to watch. On the best of days, my Grandpa has the faculties of a three year old. On Friday when Amanda and I went to see him, he could only communicate certain needs by pointing. When he was able to speak, dinner "conversation" consisted of him telling me repeatedly that "food is good" and that the female employees at Sunrise are all his girlfriends. He needs help performing all life functions and I worry about his dignity, even though that's a concept he can't comprehend anymore.

I don't begrudge my Grandpa his death. He's eighty-eight and he's lived a wonderful life. At 17, he walked away from the coal mines of Ohio to build a better life. He served in the Pacific Ocean Theater in WWII and then moved to his family including my mother to Tennessee to open a factory. Decades later, when the factory closed he found jobs for over 1,000 of his employees. Together he and my Grandma bootstrapped this family into the middle class. They traveled all over the world and once square danced on the Great Wall of China.

I am lucky that I made it nearly three decades before experiencing the (imminent) death of anyone close to me. I'm finally discovering that, to state the obvious, death is really hard. My mother has helped her Dad take every step down this path and she reminds me that easing a loved one's passing is a "joyful obligation:" a task that helps everyone. Although it's really difficult to watch him decline, I know that she is right. Seeing him slowly lose the ability to remember, walk, and even talk provides a visceral reminder: We are all going to die someday.

I didn't learn much from Grandpa before he began dying but he's taught me a great deal since then. When I leave Sunset each week, I do so in tears. But seeing Grandpa also leaves me hungry for life, resolved to do a lot of the things that I've let slip to the back burner. I'm not going to fall into the daily morass of work, tv, shitty food, and low expectations. I'm going to treat people well, play hard, love passionately, and appreciate what I've been taking for granted.

If he could understand the question, I think he'd say that looking back he has no regrets. I'm resolved to be able to say the same thing when it's my turn.

What would Tyrion gift?

2010-12-25T12:42:00.000-07:00

Amanda is wonderful for thousands of reasons. Reason 8,075 is that she is an incredibly thoughtful gift giver. Today we celebrated (the 2nd of three celebrations) Christmas with her nuclear family. She had mentioned beforehand that she "got me something small." I took this as, something insignificant.

What a devious clue. By small she meant miniature. This miniature of Tyrion Lannister, to be precise. By the way, these things don't come painted. She contracted with a local artist who just happens to be a total badass at painting miniatures to custom paint mine.

Tyrion Lannister is a devious dwarf with a mind like a steel trap. He has often served as a source of inspiration when I've found myself in difficult spots. I think, "What would Tyrion do?" and often I solve the problem. I had wanted this figurine before it had even been created but I didn't buy it for myself because I knew how hard the little man would be to paint.

Amanda not only figured out who Tyrion was. She then ordered him, and had him exquisitely painted. Awesome, awesome gift! A move of which the dwarf himself would have approved.

thoughts from the bedroom

2010-12-03T01:58:00.000-07:00

I really dislike it when people pronounce mature ma-toor.

Online advertisers have finally gotten smarter (ie more brief).

I bought a heated throw for the cat who has abandoned it and moved into my bed.

Christmas List

2010-12-02T13:14:00.000-07:00

This is more the "What I'll buy myself when I get some money list" but here goes.

MicroSpikes for size 10 shoes/boots

Decent trekking poles

Nice n soft graphic t-shirts (medium)

These jeans in a 31x32
Satellite radio for my car
Massages
Hiking/Climbing partners for my birthday trip to some place high and hard (Prolly won't buy any folks)
Used books including:
Acacia: The War with the Mein, Acacia: The Other Lands, The Rational Optimist,

What's up Precinct #315?

2010-11-01T11:59:00.000-07:00

I recently moved to Denver and will be voting tomorrow at my local precinct. Are you voting tomorrow? Do you know when and where to go? Find your Denver precinct here!

If you don't vote, you are an idiot.

The cure for the Broncos red zone woes

2010-09-26T22:31:00.000-07:00

Whoops

Good News Bad News

2010-09-18T12:05:00.000-07:00

Good News: Amanda and I are closer to being unpacked than ever before.

Bad News: While cleaning we discovered not one but two (juvenile) black widows.

Home

2010-09-01T23:53:00.000-07:00

Today Amanda and I moved in together. We are renting a cute 1930's bungalow here, .5 miles from Wash Park, and exactly one mile from Amanda's law building. As for my work, it's 2.7 miles away. Tonight, with help from our friends, we painted the living room, hallway, the bedroom, and threw two coats of paint on the fireplace. I'm excited to be moving back to Denver and I'm very excited to be living with Amanda. As we painted around each other, Amanda snapped a few pictures. I'm glad because I think we'll be here for a while. It's already beginning to feel like home.

T-20 days

2010-08-20T14:33:00.000-07:00

till impact. Good thing I've got my Football Outsiders Almanac to and two weeks off from school to study.

How to fix a dislocated shoulder in the field

2010-08-12T07:52:00.000-07:00

Mildly hard to watch.

http://www.operationalmedicine.org/Videos/shoulder.mpg

Rescue on Blanca Peak/Ellingwood Point

2010-08-09T18:45:00.004-07:00

This past weekend, Reid Lustig, Jeremy Lauffenburger, gnightmoon, and I were involved with this rescue, although not to the extent that the writer was. More details coming soon.

There is a fascinating thread here on 14ers.com with the victim, "thruhiker," weighing in around page 4.

The Summit of Longs Peak

2010-08-01T00:52:00.000-07:00

All to ourselves thanks to Amanda who photshopped a random dude out of this one.

Lofty Goals

2010-07-28T18:04:00.002-07:00

On Friday night, Jeremy, Walker, my dad Jeff, and I went to bed around 10pm. We awoke at 12:50 and drove to Longs Peak Trailhead. At 2am, we hit the trail.

We hiked above the trees and then the clouds, looking for a trail that would take us to the Loft Couloir. We entered the couloir shortly before dawn.

As day broke around us, we made our way up steep slopes lit by Alpenglow.

Although over 200 people would summit Longs Peak today, only about 15 attempted this route.

The couloir exit involved a small amount of exposure but no tricky moves. You can see the trail into the couloir far below.

This hike is incredibly dramatic. It is easily one of my top three favorite climbs.

After reaching the loft, we began traversing along the backside of Longs Peak (behind the Beaver and The Notch). This involved downclimbing a scary section in order to reach Keplinger's Couloir.

There are definitely some class 4 moves on this trip.

After ascending Keplinger's, we joined the final stage of the Keyhole Route (at The Homestretch) and made the final push to the top. This is Walker and Jeff summitting Long's Peak together.

Unbeknownst to us, Walker had packed a nice bottle of champagne and 3lbs of dry ice to celebrate. Best champagne I've ever had!

After our champagne brunch and a nap, we headed down via the Keyhole Route.

15 hours after we'd begun, we reached the cars.

South and North Arapaho Peaks

2010-07-28T16:47:00.001-07:00

The day after climbing Navajo, I met Tom, Ryan, and Jeremy to attempt the traverse between South and North Arapaho Peaks.

Navajo Peak

2010-07-28T16:22:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I think it takes me longer to post about peaks than it does to climb them. As always, the photos do the talking.

Walker, my dad, and I set out to climb Navajo Peak, the pointy, beehive-like one to the left of center.

After a quick three mile cruise past two lakes, we arrived at this lake and the vertical part of the climb. As Gerry Roach often says, "the introduction was over."

We climbed up a few snow fields, and across this long boulder strewn basin before entering Airplane Gully, named for a plane that crashed high on the mountain in 1948.

Walker by the part of the wreckage

Nearing the top

Jeff and Walker climbing out of Airplane Gully

Dad atop Navajo peak.

SummitMonster

After a short nap, we headed back down. A nice warmup for the Longs Peak climb in 6 days.

Coming Soon: Class 3s in the Front Range

2010-07-26T18:30:00.000-07:00

Why I spend so much time outside in the summer

2010-07-25T12:11:00.001-07:00

My "sports' options are NASCAR, ~~steroids~~ cycling, or the most riveting of all...stadium food?

Thoughts from class

2010-07-19T19:43:00.000-07:00

I spent most of the weekend hiking with friends and family instead of studying for tonight's econ exam. This was a great decision.

Three-year olds appear to be an insane amount of work.

I am now responsible for running a business with about 10 employees. It's much easier to get on my sh!t list than it is to get off of it.

~~Local~~ government is both meddlesome and ignorant.

Scrambling ahead

2010-07-14T15:57:00.002-07:00

photo by Greenhouseguy

This Sunday I am hoping to attempt North and South Arapaho Peaks with Walker, Jeremy, and possibly Bad Moon Rising. This is the ridge between the two.

Fools on the Hill

2010-07-10T14:54:00.000-07:00

To celebrate the Fourth of July, Walker, Jeremy, and I attempted to summit Fools Peak, one of the mountains listed in Dave Coopers (now self-published?) book Colorado Scrambles. We chose Fools for three reasons:

"Towering" at not even 13,000', Fools is not well known. We hoped to avoid crowds.
This peak offers some of the best class 3 scrambling in the state; a perfect warm up for potential assents on Longs and Capital Peaks, The Maroon Bells and/or Ice Mountain
Brooks and Natalie happened to be camping about ninety minutes from the trailhead.

Hiking trips are better seen than described.

We met up with Brooks and Natalie at a camp site on the Colorado River. Walker fixed a wonderful dutch oven stew. Brooks snagged Jeremy's machete and the best image of the trip. At 5:30 a.m., Jeremy, Walker, and I left the other two snoozing and headed to the trailhead.

The trail begins at Fulford Cave Campground, and proceeds quickly up through 4 easy miles of lush woodland. I decided to tell REI that yes, it's still legal to hike in cotton.

Our first destination was Lake Charles, a wonderful camp spot set below Fools Peak (to Walker's left).

After circling to the far side of the lake, we headed up a grassy, boulder strewn gully to reach the rocky base of Fools Peak.

After reaching treeline, we crossed a small basin and headed up the North ridge of the peak (straight up the middle of the mountain in this photo)

This is what it looked like up close.

The mountain is actually split by a large gully, which tops out at this steep notch. The route suggested reaching the gully by finding a downward sloping ramp, which can be clearly seen in the middle of this photo, (which I took from a thousand feet away after we'd descended). Up close, however, the ramp proved very difficult to find. We first tried the lower ramp, but balked at the steepness of the gully at the ramp's end. We then retraced our steps all the way to the left and climbed to the top of the spire, only to find ourselves peering off that poky point at the top, a sight that left Walker and I with goosebumps. Finally Jeremy worked his way down and found the correct ramp which soon brought us to the gully.

Although it's not visible in this photo, the suggested route involved climbing directly up 600 vertical feet of rock slicked by melting ice and snow. This seemed like a terrible idea so we angled our way from left to right between these snowfields and then scrambled up 400 feet of scree to gain the soft ridge on the right. From there it was only 20 minutes or so to the top!

Rarely have I encountered such perfect weather on a Colorado climb. After a sparse lunch, the three of us found flat-ish spots and fell asleep.

Too quickly, it was time to head down. During lunch, my IT bands had stiffened, which made for a rather painful descent. I popped some Ibuprofen and at Walker's suggestion, rolled back and forth on top of a waterbottle. Painful but effective.

To save my knees, we slid down some gentile snowfields. On one of these, I accidentally almost peed on Jeremy. I limped down the remaining scree field and the gully, returning to Lake Charles. By the time we reached the lake, my body had warmed up. 2 hours later, we were at the cars. 12 miles in 10 hours. Not too shabby when you factor in that we lost the route, amended the route, and napped at the top. Can't wait for Longs in two weeks!

It might be time to reevaluate your life

2010-07-07T22:46:00.001-07:00

if you are the one who wrote 6 pages on how to hard boil an egg. This, by the way is the third google hit. I'll let you know how they turn out.

**Update: The eggs had a slight green ring but tasted great.

Zhong Biao

2010-07-07T20:38:00.001-07:00

Copied from Luxury City

During the last (and free) day at the Denver Art Museum's Embrace! exhibition, Amanda and I stumbled upon a piece by Zhong Biao. As an informative pdf from the exhibit states, "Zhong Biao has captured the pulse of China's social reform through visual symbols familiar in contemporary Chinese culture." I don't know anything about that but what I do know is that this piece was incredible. Using sharply colored images overlaid atop grayscale-like drawings, Biao made me feel excited, angry, and that something was not quite right--and I was glad to have it pointed out. Biao is who I'd commission if I wanted a Chinese version of Dick and Jane at the Power Plant.

Other pieces that I'm afraid to post for fear of getting into copyright trouble:
1
2
3

Really amazing stuff.

Toy soldiers

2010-06-04T13:53:00.001-07:00

(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Dear Josh McDaniels,

When you draft players and then cut them one year later there's a problem. This isn't fantasy.

Diagnosis

2010-06-04T08:21:00.000-07:00

"Impingement, possible small labrum tear."(Impingement meaning pressure, encroachment, infringement.)

So after x-rays, an MRI arthrogram (large needle, dye), and several "does it hurt when I shove your shoulder this way?" sessions, that's the diagnosis.

As you'll see from the link above, impingement usually occurs at the top of the shoulder, directly underneath the clavicle at its highest point. Since high school I've had difficulty and some pain there but the sharp pain I felt 3 months ago and the subsequent weakness I've had has been in a much deeper and more central place (to find the location, put your left finger at the top of the armpit and then come straight up about 2 inches).

Dr. Eric McCarty has recommended physical therapy as a first course of action. If the pain doesn't subside or if the shoulder doesn't improve, then I can always elect to have surgery later.

For the most part, this is great news. Shoulder surgery is no small repair. Also, unlike knee injuries, shoulders often don't return fully. I'm a little disheartened because I don't know if there will be a real fix though. In my eyes, "use it less" is unacceptable.

One of the positives has been that I've begun strengthening and using my left arm for over the head motions. Although I hope to rehab my right arm, I still plan to continue throwing a football, softball, and swinging (volleyball) left handed.

Dyeing to avoid surgery?

2010-05-24T23:24:00.000-07:00

About 2.5 months ago, I felt a very sharp pain in my shoulder when I attempted to hit (spike) a volleyball. For three weeks, I experienced deep shoulder pain when shampooing my hair, putting on a t-shirt, or making any arm motion over my head. I still cannot do pushups, throw a baseball, or pick up my laptop without immediate pain.

Tomorrow at 7:45a I go for an MRI with contrast of my shoulder. This means that specialists will inject a dye of some sort into my shoulder that should help in diagnosing any soft tissue damage. My classmate Todd described this procedure as getting stuck with a needle "fit for a horse." I am nervous for the horse needle, the damage to my wallet, and most of all, for the results.

Update

2010-05-14T08:23:00.000-07:00

The Good: I'm enjoying management accounting, my first class this summer. Naomi Soderstrom is one of the smartest profs I've had in Business School. She is an uber nerd. Her lectures are fast paced, fun, and come with all the chocolate covered espresso beans I can eat (scary). Last night after class, I sat down with a Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale and Bartle Bull's The White Rhino Hotel, a prequel to one of my favorite books, A Cafe on the Nile. Also, Amanda and I recently went camping in Moab. This trip was hugely sucessful (more on this trip soon).

The Bad: I hate to be that guy but there's been some bad. It's not really fit for the blogosphere though.

The Ugly: Dr. Eric McCarty at the CU Sports Medicine clinic thinks I may have a torn labrum and has recommended I get an MRI. I'm no hypochondriac but after reading up on labrum tears, this sounds very much like what I feel. I'll keep you posted.

Is Your Mother a Prostitute?

2010-05-06T10:05:00.001-07:00

No this isn't the latest Cosmo test. It was actually a question posed to potential NFL first round draft pick Dez Bryant by the Miami Dolphins General Manager Jeff Ireland in a pre-draft interview. After Bryant reported the question, public outcry reached incredibly high levels. Ireland has since apologized to Bryant but his query still may end up costing him his job. Question is, was Ireland in the wrong to ask this admittedly very insensitive question?

From Ireland's perspective:
Now this is obviously an insulting question and probably was even intended to be so. General Managers are under intense pressure to draft young men who will perform well on and off the field. This potential draft pick has a history of off-field issues. The NFL punishes players and teams for morality issues even if no criminal charges get filed. Ireland must be able to accurately assess the risk that Bryant is going to get in trouble down the road. As the Dolphins enter a window of playoff contention they can't afford to squander their first round pick. It's important to know how Bryant responds to adversity and unpleasant situations. Also, for the record there's a pretty good chance she is a prostitute.

Let's get one thing clear. This is not your standard job interview. This is the NFL draft, wherein players submit to all sorts of physical and psychological pokes, prods, tests, and measurements. Why? Because the 32 people drafted in the first round this year will be given somewhere between $6 Million and $42 Million guaranteed. Standard job interview rules don't apply.

From Bryant's perspective:
Bryant is in an impossible situation here. If he calmly fields this incredibly offensive question he may be labeled as soft, or a pansy--a kiss of death in the human meat-grinder of an industry that is the NFL. If he tells this @$$hat where to shove it he may fall out the first round for "having issues", thereby losing his big payday and his ability to immediately get his mom (prostitute or not) off the streets where she was selling cocaine last year to survive.

Furthermore, this question is simply irrelevant to determining Bryant's potential. He, like many football players came from a very difficult background but whether or not Bryant's mom is a prostitute has no baring on his ability to play football.

Finally, would a white draft prospect be asked this question? Would a middle-aged white man from Texas who holds all the power in this dynamic dare ask a white student this? Unlikely. Must Bryant, who will almost certainly endure numerous injuries and ultimately shorten his life expectancy be expected to break himself for a racist jerk like this?

From my perspective:
Ireland shouldn't have asked the question. Period. It's offensive and really, is this going to help him make a decision? Ireland works for one of the few NFL teams who have (minority) owners of color. Furthermore, the league is clearly trying to expand viewership in non-white markets. Questions like this set the Dolphins and the league back. It's just not worth it. Also, if Ireland really needs to know the answer, couldn't he just ask Bryant to expand on his childhood?

With its measuring, testing, and guesswork regarding the likely productivity individual humans, 65% of whom are black, the NFL draft bears an uncomfortable resemblence to slave auctions. Teams all but ask players to show them how nice their teeth are. Is there a more dehumanizing interview process in America? (Check Chris Rock for a very NSFW piece on the NFL)

The difference is, electing to play football at the highest level is a legitimate choice. No one is forcing Bryant or any of the other thousands of players who declare themselves draft-eligible to do this. While Ireland's question is insensitive, unnecessary, and probably racist, he should have the right to ask whatever he wants. This isn't a Kumbayya session, it's football. His job rests on him being able to assess talent and risk.

Personally, if you are interviewing me for that kind of cash you can ask ask, intimate, or outright accuse me, my family, or anyone else. I may not like it and I'll never respect you as a person but it'll be worth it in the end. No one will make YouTube highlight reels about Jeff Ireland. They've already made 800 about Bryant.

Thoughts?

Fruit

2010-05-06T08:21:00.000-07:00

photo from AndysOrchard.com

One of my favorite parts of summer is the abundance of fresh fruit. Every year I eagerly await the coming of Costco's 2lb box of Ranier Cherries. Yellow cherries are no gimmick friends. They tend to be 130% to 200% of the cost of red cherries but when you bite down through a really sweet meaty cherry, you'll know where that money went. I have put down the entire 2lbs box in one setting. This is not recommended.

Currently King Soopers (dumbest name for a grocery store ever) is selling whole pineapples for $3 (Sooper Card required). I don't want to know what insidious deals one has to strike with other countries in order to get $3 pineapples but damn these things are good.

Know before you go: http://www.wikihow.com/Tell-if-a-Pineapple-Is-Ripe

Quick Update in No Particular Order

2010-04-19T21:25:00.000-07:00

School: One year and one final to go. I can't wait to rediscover happy hours when I graduate. Interestingly, because of programatic budget changes at the Leeds School of Business, I have the option to graduate one semester early. However, the program cost doesn't change. I learned in business school that it's unwise to pay $5,500 for air. I'll be getting final two class's worth, thanks.

Love: Amanda and I got back together in March and celebrated our one year anniversary in April. I planned to write a long epic post detailing how we got back together but it would have necessitated chronicling most of the last year, something that is hard to do. Since we reunited things have been great. We have already made summer plans for Rockies games, concerts galore, and camping.

Work: I never really blog about work but I will say that 2010 is going better than 2009, which went better than 2008. One of the projects I'm working on is helping Paul write a poker book.

Fitness: A nagging shoulder injury has sidelined me for the week. Currently I'm having trouble lifting this laptop. In the meantime I've been running a fair amount, albeit sporadically.

Other: As I'm sure you noticed from the previous picture, I have a big bushy beard! Also, blogger decided to get with the 21st Century and update itself. Now we have strikethrough.

A Happy Birthday

2010-03-31T10:38:00.000-07:00

Today I turn 29 years old, an age The Big Bopper, Kitty Genovese, and Heath Ledger failed to reach. My birthday began last night with a party at Jump Street in Thornton, where friends and family assembled for intense battles of trampoline dodgeball (pictures coming soon!). I had a wonderful time and have the ~black eye to prove it. Amanda baked delicious cherry almond cupcakes.

After dodgeball we went to the Castaways Lounge, a dive bar that appears to have been inspired in equal parts by Jimmy Buffet and Dale Earnhardt Jr. This nautical theme is consistent with Westminster's dolphin fountain so I felt right at home.

I have received awesome presents this year: tasty looking wine, a sweet backpacking thermos for cold climbs, a very fancy kite, deluxe Eddie Bauer ladder golf, and best of all... tickets to Green Day in August!

The best part of my birthday has been spending time with my friends and family. Thank you thank you.

Caucus?

2010-03-13T10:38:00.000-07:00

My mom is desperately trying to get me to attend the democratic caucus on Tuesday night. I find politics so depressing that in the past, I have just buried my head in the sands of ignorance and let others make the decisions affecting virtually every aspect of my civic life. I realize that logically I either must not care what happens or should fight to change it. It's just hard to feel that I'll be making a difference. Nevertheless, I guess I'll go and see what this "politics" thing is all about. :)

Breakupdate

2010-03-12T13:13:00.002-07:00

Since Amanda and I broke up, I've been eating better, and running a lot. I know that these are completely predictable and perfectly cliche but they feel good. Instead of getting a haircut, AKA the most cliche move of all time, I've begun growing a beard.

I've also been playing online poker.

Instead of trying to consciously choose how to feel, I've just been doing whatever feels right. Sometimes this involves listening to sad music, sometimes it involves midnight trips to King Soopers for broccoli. Mostly I've been spending more time with various friends.

I also signed up for a library card and have been devouring mountaineering books. These books really fall into two categories:

I survived a disaster and here are pictures (e.g. Into Thin Air, Annapurna, In the Hall of the Mountain King)
I can't explain why I climb but I will try (Mixed Emotions, Above the Clouds, In the Shadow of Denali, Climb)

The best books combine the two. Walker has declared that he will climb Longs Peak this summer. I definitely plan to accompany him. My goal is to use the Bolder Boulder and possibly the Garden of the Gods half marathon as tune ups for 14er season.

I went dancing at the Mercury Cafe last Tuesday and had a wonderful time. If felt as if it my soul had let its hair down. I have at times described the swing scene as petty (and I even helped cause it to be so) but since the 23 Skidoo implosion of 2008, the scene has become more friendly and more supportive. Dancing on Tuesday, enveloped by great music (somewhat of a Merc rarity these days), I felt a wonderful combination of nostalgic, comforted, and Sasha Fierce.

The chief beneficiary of the breakup has been Roxy the cat. She never suffered for lack of affection but now I'm home every night and it's pretty easy to read with one hand and give Roxy love with the other. She has reclaimed her spot at the top of the bed.

As for dating, I know I'm not ready but online profiles are siren songs. I set up a minimal profile and have been lurking. Even down the road, I don't know if I'll muster the energy to meet random people and hope for sparks. Perhaps in a few months...

Life is good. I am about to turn 29. I miss blogging but have struggled with how much to share.

Awkward Poker Media

2010-02-27T22:37:00.000-07:00

These off the cuff interviews happen all the time in poker and they're almost always painful to watch.

Extra points for uncomfortable hair flip followed by lecherous boob ogle.

Truman Bradley is single

2010-02-26T17:54:00.002-07:00

Since most of you read facebook before you see this, you probably already know.

I honestly don't really know what to say. We got off to a rocky start, patched things up, and then fell apart over the last four days. For the record, I do believe that online dating is possible and that there are amazing people out there because I met one. In the end, I don't think it was a good fit though.

Unlike a few past relationships, I didn't blog much about Amanda's and mine. I'm not sure whether that was good or bad.

I had a lot to do with this breakup. I was pretty self-centered during the relationship and although I didn't know it at the time, I made trying new things very scary and ugly. I was frequently unclear about communicating care and concern and I fought tooth and nail sometimes. I had difficulty showing empathy. These are all things I will work on. I also learned a lot of things and experienced a great deal of emotional growth, if you will. Perhaps a post on that later.

I believe Amanda and I will both be better off down the road but today I am sad.

Meadow Mountain 11,632'

2010-02-21T22:31:00.000-07:00

(Please send me photos if you have them!)

On Saturday, Walker and I met up with Jeremy, Ryan and Mike Wanger, and two of Jeremy's friends: CJ and (it might have been) Robin. Originally Jeremy and I had planned on doing Mt. Audubon or Toll but with the added length of the Brainard Lake Rd being closed and a high avalanche warning for most of the front range, we decided to attempt Meadow Mountain, a much easier peak further north.

Apparently Meadow Mtn affords fantastic views of Longs Peak. As predicted however, it snowed for most of the day Saturday. We never had much visibility so seeing Longs wasn't going to be an option. We got a somewhat late start but moved quickly up the road to the Saint Vrain Trailhead. The trail heads west for quite some way before crossing a valley and then climbing up a "small" mountain in front of Saint Vrain Mtn. The trail was visible for the most part, but only just so because wind and heavy snowfall had filled much of it in.

We discussed board games, poker, and work. During one of the steeper sections, Robin and CJ called it a day. The five of us hiked up out of the trees and grabbed a 10 minute lunch before losing the trail shortly before gaining the ridge between Meadow and St Vrain Mtns. It didn't matter though because the route was obvious. Upon gaining the ridge, we left our snowshoes and began the final .3 mile push to the unimpressive summit. Here it began snowing in earnest, big fat flakes. The terrain consisted of slick snow covered rocks interspersed among deep pockets of wind blown powder. Those with poles excelled.

Shortly thereafter, we sat on the leeward side of a snowy windblock atop the summit and shared a piping hot cup of lapsong suchong tea, pored into Walker's thermos 6 hours earlier. It hit the spot. Knowing the falling snow was obscuring our tracks, we retraced our steps, descended back to treeline, and fairly flew down the now well-packed trail.

This is the perfect introduction to winter climbing. The route is very safe, and short enough that many have a good chance to summit.

Congrats to Mike, who had never before donned snowshoes. He broke trail longer than anyone else.

Happy Birthday Paul!

2010-02-17T11:17:00.001-07:00

I became friends with Paul when he invited me to his birthday party in 7th grade. Paul was extremely excited because his mom was taking us to a video arcade (obviously). I am terrible at video games but had a wonderful time playing side by side with Paul, slaying all the demons that we encountered. That night we went on the first of many tp-ing raids. The perfect start to a wonderful friendship.

Happy Birthday buddy!

My family and friends love me

2010-02-17T10:54:00.000-07:00

I know this because they constantly give me health suggestions, and I appreciate that. It feels good that people care about me.

Several months ago, my mom suggested that dark beer might be causing me to have migraines. I tested this by forgoing all beer for two weeks and then drinking three stouts. I didn't get a migraine but I did get very bloated and quite tipsy.

The current suggestion (from Amber) is that I may be blowing my nose too hard. In the past, my nose blow has been likened to moose mating calls. *To me this is normal* To test this theory: For one week I will practice little pathetic wussy blows that don't get the snot out. Then I will attempt the mother of all nose blows and see what happens. Pictures?

Indian peaks Winter

2010-02-14T15:22:00.000-07:00

Audubon

Jeremy and I are planning a winter hike in the Indian Peaks Wilderness area nearby. Potential destinations include Mt. Toll or Mt. Audubon.

Scouting!

2010-02-10T14:17:00.002-07:00

Part of my job entails scouting opponents for Paul Wasicka whenever he's at the poker table. I have never played with anyone who sits at Paul's tables. Last night, as per usual, a poker media outlet (HendonMob) posted Paul's table draw for the WSOP Circuit Championship event in Tunica MS. Here are a few nuggets from my scouting report, followed by tweets from a reporter at today's final table.

Seat 3: Jerry Saucier Helena AL USA 77,000 chips

Total nut. Capable of a big blow up! Has a history of shipping uber light at final tables.

Tweet from @WorldSeriesOfPoker: Jerry Saucier all-in for remaining 60k on 2d-kd-8d flop with A-J. Carter Phillips snaps calls with pocket kings- #wsop

Seat 8: Dwyte Pilgrim Brooklyn NY USA 322,000 chips
If he gets short he will move all-in with anything decent (Q7s).

Tweet from @WorldSeriesOfPoker: Pilgrim devistated after getting rivered, moves last 50k all-in with Q-9. Richard Robb re-raises all-in, shows pocket aces... #wsop

Dear potential renters

2010-02-03T22:11:00.001-07:00

When you call the number on the sign in my yard, don't tell me that you let yourself through the gate, went in the back yard, tried the door to the garage, found it unlocked, and thought it would be a good idea to let yourself into my house so you could check the place out unsupervised. Glad you liked it enough to call and start negotiating, you creeps.

Dear former renters,

WTF YFI!!!!

MBA Prom

2010-02-03T13:38:00.001-07:00

Recently Amanda and I attended the "Leeds School of Business MBA Winter Formal," or as I like to call it, "BizProm." I began the night trying to stave off a migraine but determined to have fun.

Amanda and I looked sharp. She in simple cream colored sexy dress with shoes probably stolen from Lady Gaga, I in my "any color you like as long as it's charcoal" suit.

Comprised almost exclusively of daytime students who make up for their lack of real world work experience with enthusiasm and binge drinking (I love you guys but you know it's true), Prom was held at the Hotel Boulderado, Boulder's oldest, sweetest, and ridiculously expensive hotel. I'm down for conference room ambiance but rumor had it that the keg cost over $300. Clearly, aspiring MBA students should consider the hotel catering business.

The top three best aspects of the night:

An afro sporting cameraman. Pics of random people clowning here.
A small cohort of evening students with which to mingle.
My former marketing professor who TORE UP THE DANCE FLOOR and then friended me facebook. I accepted, of course.

The music was handled by one of the students who wielded his iPod dominated by late 90's hip hop songs with Nazi-like control. Unfortunately for me, I felt the lyrics such as Big Pun's "I'm not a playa I just crush a lot" mostly crushing my temple and behind my right eye. It might have been the four glasses of wine but my usually staunch migraine meds had no effect. I knew how badly I felt but didn't realize it showed until I saw photos like this one. I call it: Mask of Pain and Marketing Professor.

Following Prom, Amanda and I resolved to "get dressed up more." I resolved to stretch daily and to hide from all cameras during future migraines.

Fill in the blank

2010-01-31T19:16:00.000-07:00

And with the x pick of the third round, the _____________ select Tim Tebow, Quarterback, Florida.

Tim Tebow wants to play quarterback in the NFL. After the senior bowl awkwardness, everyone except for Tim Tebow knows that just isn't going to happen. But this kid is a gamer, a born leader, and he will make an impact-- but where?

I've heard that Jacksonville is so desperate to boost ticket sales that they might take the hometown boy. This would be consistent with the Jaguars' paying good money for bad "skill position players" but it seems like a stretch to me. They need to fill other holes.

Some people have pointed toward New England because the Patriots incorporate elements of the Florida Gators' offense and they also like utility players. Possible, but the Pats don't have a third rounder this year. Would they really trade up to get Tebow? Not likely.

You know who should take Tebow?

Wait for it....

The Miami Dolphins! Tebow is perfect for them. After the Fins' season went down when Ronnie Brown did, they realized that their offense requires two things, either RBs who can throw or QBs who can run. Tebow fits this perfectly. Deep down, even Tebow might agree this is the best fin.

Automatic cat feeder

2010-01-26T14:28:00.000-07:00

Starting about an hour before her scheduled feeding times, my 10 year old cat Roxy would begin whining, following me around the house, and generally making herself a nuisance. Also, if I was gone at work, school, or Amanda's house, someone else would have to feed Roxy and deal with the whining. At Amanda's suggestion, I began looking into automatic feeders.

Did you know you can spend over $250 on an automatic pet feeder? Pretty ridiculous.

At a price of $34, this Lentek 6-day feeder works great! It's not something that makes immediate sense when you open it and I have concerns about durability over the long term but it holds six "feedings-worth" and will cycle every 6, 12, or 24 hours. It's relatively cat proof and could be made much moreso with duct tape if necessary.

At precisely 6am and 6pm Roxy gets her dinner. Since I never let her see me stocking the feeder, she has come to accept that the machine is now in charge of distributing food. After one week of use, the amount of whining has dropped considerably. Also, now I can leave for a night or two without having to worry about whether she'll get her two meals a day or whether she'll con the innocent into giving her more. Now if only I could get an automatic poop scooper for $34.

Why poker is still profitable

2010-01-04T10:23:00.008-07:00

Since poker is a negative sum game, online poker sites must constantly advertise in order to get new blood. (Why haven't brick and mortar casinos figured this out?).

One form of marketing includes paying the buy-ins for random players and "celebrities" in order to increase media coverage of an event for which one has a large presence. At the $10,000 + $300 main event in Wednesday's PokerStars Caribbean Adventure, 8 lucky schmucks will find themselves across the table from these poker badasses.

1. Joseph Kahn

Joseph Kahn is a big shot music video director best known for directing Britney Spears' "Toxic," Lady Gaga's "Love Game," and Muse's "Knights of Cydonia." He has not, however, directed any runs at tournament titles. Total earnings: $0

2. Orel Hershiser

This Golden Glover, CY Young Award winner, and World Series MVP winning pitcher has infinitely more poker experience than Joseph Kahn. A regular at the $2-$5 live tables in Vegas, Hershiser is still vastly weaker than most players at a big buy-in event. A home run off this former sinkerball master could get 2010 off to an amazing start.

3. Sautron Ralph

Sautron Ralph is listed on the pokerstars website as one of several players who managed to parlay a freeroll tournament into another tournament into a few other tournaments to get into the main event. These players inevitably suck. Really badly. Those with actual poker skill rarely invest time on these types of freerolls. A Google search for "Sautron Ralph" and poker netted zero results. Zero! Who the hell is Sautron Ralph you ask? He is no one. He is not Chris Moneymaker. He is dead money.

Also playing: Boris "Bankroll Buster Becker, Fatima "The other Melo" De Melo, Mats "I check harder" Sundin, Teddy "Footballin" Sheringham, and about 10 no-name freeroll winners.

SYTYCD Music

2009-12-28T15:03:00.005-07:00

I came late to the So You Think You Can Dance party but now that I'm here, I have no plans to leave. This show is flawed but amazing. The incredibly obnoxious female judge needs to be replaced and they could cut down on the amount of fluff time. There's also some racist undertones (hip hop artists in caveman outfits? The latin girl getting "on the tamale train?")

Now for the good parts. This show delivers ridiculously good dancing to authentic music. What I mean by that is: unlike Dancing With the Stars which is too cheap to pay the music rights for original songs and "features" D-rate celebrities butchering cookie cutter forms of dance, SYTYCD features incredible dancers performing custom routines to a diverse collection of great music.

Here are a few of my favorite songs from the most recent season. Unfortunately fox has tried to remove all video clips of SYTYCD. They're out there though. Happy hunting. :)

Madcon - Beggin' - SYTYCD routine here (2:20 on the video)

Immediately reminiscent of "El Tango de Roxanne" from Moulin Rouge, Beggin' is a song to rock out to, clean house to, just generally get down to. The Franki Valli version is good too, but I like this one a little better. Oh and Gnarls Barkely called. They want their sound back.

George Baker Selection - Little Green Bag

Made famous by the opening scene in Quentin Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs, "Little Green Bag" is a bad m________n song.

Imogen Heap - Aha!

Like a demented Christmas Carol, Aha! is weird weird weird. Imogen Heap sounds like no one else. This song works as the soundtrack to a wide array of imagined acts. I could see a dark love scene, a midnight jewel caper at high speed, a chase down alleys through Chinatown, really anything. The more I listen to this song, the more I love it.

My favorite piece is actually the last song/routine of the season but this blog doesn't support artists who think it's cool to beat women.

Will the real Trucolors, please stand up?

2009-12-28T10:27:00.006-07:00

Since entering grad school 18 months ago, I've toned this blog down a lot. I wanted to make sure that I fit into the corporate culture. So I stopped airing dirty laundry and instead, began publishing tasteless, colorless, odorless posts about things other than my life (football, art, music). These posts are all well and good and there will be more like them, but there's something about the business school culture that's incredibly stifling. I feel like I have to dress up for class and talk just like everyone else.

I know now that I will not work in an environment that discourages individuality. Currently my work situation is ideal. Paul encourages me to be myself. This is so wonderful and I'm grateful.

The old 81trucolors had much more character, more reality, in short: more me. I'll probably not put everything on blast but here's hoping this blog will be a little less sterile and a little more real.

I take a lot of inspiration from I Hate My Job, the poorly titled blog by a guy I *secretly* consider to be smarter, better looking, and more successful than me. Want dirty laundry, quirky posts, snarky comments, and general awesomeness? He serves it up "in spades."

I may not put as much $#-- on blast as he does but you should notice a few changes going forward. And yes, I just embedded a 3 Doors Down video on this blog. You all are so proud right now.

Incidentally, this video features a very hairy person who doesn't fit into the prevailing culture. I resent and also like this idea.

Nogain Moreno?

2009-12-23T16:33:00.004-07:00

Interesting article here from The Philadelphia Enquirer chronicling Denver first round Running Back Knowshon Moreno's lack of impact. For the record, I never would have taken a running back in the first but gun to my head, would have taken Beanie Wells.

Players I liked instead of Moreno before the draft:

Brian Cushing

Brian Orakpo

Chris "Beanie" Wells

Clay Matthews

Louis Delmas

James Laurinitis

Larry English

Players taken after Moreno I like in hindsight:

Percy Harvin

Kenny Britt

Vontae Davis

Ray Maualuga

Jairus Bird

Need a house in Westminster?

2009-12-22T10:41:00.004-07:00

Starting Feb 01, Walker and I are renting our awesome 5 BR house in Westminster. It is huge and comes with a ping pong table. Not sure whether you'll end up working in Boulder or Denver? Westminster is close to both! Here's the Craigslist ad.

The Hillis

2009-12-22T09:39:00.006-07:00

Since Corell Buckhalter's injury early in the Indy game, Denver--a run first team-- is averaging 3.0 yards per carry. But this doesn't tell the full story. Denver is horrible in red zone efficiency and equally bad on power runs (situations in which the offense needs 1-2 yards). This tells me that when the team needs to run the ball, it can't.

The Broncos have a completely healthy 240 lb running back named Peyton Hillis, a guy who has great hands, incredible toughness, and a bruising running style perfect for short yardage situations. Most importantly, over his nearly two year professional career, Peyton Hillis is averaging 4.92 yards per carry (sample ~ 80 carries).

I am not the first nor the last but let me add my voice to the din clamoring for him to see more playing time. He is a clutch player and the Broncos desperately need clutch plays. It's time to see more highlights like the ones above.

Things on my mind, now 21 hours before my finance final

2009-12-14T20:54:00.002-07:00

10. Squeezing in workouts without squeezing in stretching time is the same as begging for a migraine. I don't deserve pity, I deserve derision (or a personal trainer to whip me).

9. Betting on anything is fun if you win. Paul and I have won $$ on 9 of the last 10 UFC fights.

8. Betting on NFL is not fun. See # 9.

7. Thanks to Amanda I catch things that are racist/sexist all the time. "Ethnic" is not a style.

6. Christmas + finals = stressful. Why don't people post wish lists anymore?

5. If someone had told me, "Be good at math, you can make a lot of money," I'd have applied myself more in high school.

4. Amanda and I recently went on a date. It was a sine curve on the classy scale.

3. The UFC will soon be showcasing a fighter who has been disqualified for "eye gouging, face raking, ear biting, and punching and kicking a referee." This is less classy than my date with A.

2. If my professor makes the final hard, I'll get a D.

1. If my professor makes the final easy, I'll get a B.

Barrel Man to the Stadium in the Sky

2009-12-09T11:15:00.005-07:00

I read on the Denver Examiner that Tim McKernan died last Friday. Better known as "The Barrel Man," McKernan was a staple at Broncos games throughout my adolescence. He wore *only???* the barrel at every Bronco home game, rain, snow, or shine.

McKernan captured much of what I love about living in Colorado. He was passionate, creative, weird, a little bit country, and he loved the outdoors.

According to the article, as McKernan's health declined, he was forced to sell his Super Bowl XXXII barrel (for $30,000), which had been autographed by 49 Denver Broncos players. Although he needed the money for health issues, he still donated 10% to a battered women's shelter.

If there is a heaven for the Barrel Man, I know the sunsets there are orange and blue.

Observation

2009-12-01T20:43:00.001-07:00

The women never speak in my Finance class.

Conversations

2009-11-30T00:48:00.001-07:00

Tru: "Look at my cat, she's cute."

Amanda: "Your cat is like a baby, only cute when sleeping."

Checking it twice?

2009-11-29T22:46:00.005-07:00

I've been very nice this year.

I know it's ridiculous for 28 year olds to post a Christmas list but I can't help it. Lists can be efficient. I want stuff. Some of the readers of this blog will get me stuff. Last year, among other awesome gifts, I received Patchouli soap and cutting boards. I am excited about all gifts but if you are looking for suggestions...

Good fiction. I've come to accept that no matter how much schoolwork I have, I still read for pleasure throughout the semester. Here are a few of my favorite books (A Cafe on the Nile, A Game of Thrones, Ender's Game, Atlas Shrugged, The Monkey Wrench Gang).
Pseudo Intellectual Non-fiction. I haven't read much of what's trendy this past year. I enjoyed Guns Germs and Steel, The Tipping Point, Fooled By Randomness.
Books by thinkers on the meaning of life. I have been wrestling a lot recently with questions concerning happiness, the meaning of life, and humanity's obligation to one another.
Warm (non turtleneck) sweaters that look old school. I love sweaters made of wool and/or cashmere. The fatter the waistline the better (size medium)
A subscription to Communication Arts, Spin, or Paste magazines.
Black bomb-proof gaiters like these.
Your favorite cds or either of these: The Gossip Music For Men, Muse The Resistance
A balaclava

As they say on Ebay, thanks for looking!

Standard

2009-11-19T13:56:00.003-07:00

Went to bed with a tight back.

Woke up with a migraine, 3 out of 10 but threatening.

Took hot shower, stretched till the water ran cold.

Rolled on the back roller, stretched till my morning tamale was warm.

Took two Exedrin Migraine (generics) and headed to work.

Felt 100% better when I picked up a football and went outside.

No bets tonight. Corp has moved to the fake $$ realm.

I am moving

2009-11-10T00:21:00.001-07:00

My lease ends in January. I am looking for a new place to rent in south boulder. This has potential:

$230 Dining Room in Sunny 2bd Apt (util. incl) (Table Mesa & Foothills)

Date: 2009-11-07, 10:11PM MST
Reply to: hous-ghhte-1456361667@craigslist.org ^{[Errors when replying to ads?]}

I'm looking for a 25-35 yr old male or female to go in on a six month commitment to a really nice, spacious, spik and span clean, sunny south facing 2 bedroom apartment off baseline near Foothills. Your space would be in the dining room area which is as big as the bedrooms in the place. We would set up curtains around it and make some house rules about when the nearby kitchen area was off limits, so you could have quiet/private times. This is not for everyone, but if you're not too fussy and need to save some money, it would work. I am a 31 year old female teacher/dancer/poet, have lived all over the world and am new to the area. The other roommate is a 29 year old male massage student. Neither of us have any furnishings, so if you have a ton of stuff, all the better, and if not, then we will enjoy a perfect minimalism. We both have regular part-time jobs, and then do other stuff on the side. We're not going to rent the place until we have all the roommates lined up, so if you're interested - jump in! Thanks for reading!

Accountability

2009-11-08T22:34:00.002-07:00

Today I got (nicely) called out on a few things at work. It felt great. I like to be challenged and I like structure. I do best with clear goals and clear deadlines. This helps me know when I've accomplished them and when I can feel good about getting things done.

I am very excited to go to work tomorrow.

A minor in finance?

2009-10-28T20:45:00.005-07:00

Now, six weeks away from the half way point of my MBA, I find myself more more and more interested in marketing. Welcome to the marketing tag, where I'll be posting little advertising and marketing tidbits that strike my fancy.

Below is an ad for MyFinanceLab.com, a site (marketed to both teachers and students) making it easy for teachers to grade and hard for students to cheat. That's all well and good but....

Wow, what a boobtastic "college student!" Hands on? This is not subtle and not appropriate. I don't want to sound like an old man but this girl looks 15. Yes, sexy women sell lots of things, usually beer. But this is a bit much for an academic site. I'll stick to the hands-off part, thanks.

Bloody Parachute

2009-10-26T11:00:00.002-07:00

Yesterday Jets speedster RB Leon Washington suffered a season ending compound fracture to his right fibula. In the last year of his rookie contract, Washington had a lot to lose from an injury like this. Good thing he bought insurance from Lloyds of London.

Well played, and best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Wells Fargo, for once you rock

2009-10-24T16:47:00.004-07:00

I bank at Wells Fargo (among others). For the most part this bank has run under expectation and has caused me to dislike them.

Example 1: When someone bounces a check that I deposit, Wells Fargo charges me $5. WTF? This is not my fault. I have no control over someone else bouncing a check. Not cool, Wells Fargo.

Example 2: Their cards have failed to work in small Croatian cities. This is a problem for me.

HOWEVER, today the nice people at WF Fraud Protection Services called me up and told me that someone had hacked my debit card. (Ha ha to the haxors, I'm a broke grad student. They got $20.) Anyway, WF noticed the dastardly deed, is refunding my $20, and will be issuing me a new debit card. Well done, people.

B-56, O-MyGod

2009-10-23T09:37:00.004-07:00

So the Washington Redskins, perennial bottom dwellers in the NFC East have stripped Head Coach Jim Zorn of his play calling duties. For Monday night's game against division rival Philadelphia Eagles, 'Skins owner Daniel Snyder has turned now to a man with a great deal of experience making calls:

Last week, newly minted Offensive Coordinator Sherman Lewis was calling Bingo at a senior center in Novi, Michigan. Volunteering is perhaps the coolest thing one can do with one's time and I don't want to disrespect it here.

That said, this man has been out of professional football since 2004. The game has changed a great deal since then. When Sherm retired, the offensive scheme he is familiar with (West Coast Offense) was in a state of decline and offenses like the pistol, the wildcat, and the matchup based schemes that Josh McDaniels runs were in their infancy. More importantly, defensive schemes are more complex now too.

I admire Sherm for giving this a try on short notice but I don't envy him. The West Coast Offense calls for quick decision making and accurate passes, something Skins QB Jason Cambell has struggled with. What the Redskins really struggle with though is an overactive owner, one who has no business evaluating talent for the sidelines or between them. Rather than hire offensive masterminds like Josh McDaniels, Cam Cameron, or Dan Henning, the owner has put his offense in the hands of a very nice, very old, very retired Sherm Lewis. I'm rooting for you, Sherm, but there is no free space in the NFL, old man.

Walk It Out

2009-10-21T01:22:00.003-07:00

This is one of my all-time favorite YouTubes. Pretty impressive.

Kind of a gold mine for solo jazz. Anyone wanting to learn boogie forwards need look no further than 0:19.

Plant43

2009-10-21T00:05:00.005-07:00

I finished my Finance midterm and spent the rest of the evening in repose.

Step 1: Laphroaig with GNightMoon

Step 2: Discovering new music (more soon) and new art:

I've stumbled upon Emile Facey, aka Plant43. A freelance graphic designer, Plant43 designs book and cd covers. Scars and sepia: the dark arts. I call the top piece Lightning Beard with Pot Leaves and Cello Parts. The lower one: Orbital Fissures.

(Trade) Deadlines

2009-10-19T23:50:00.006-07:00

I am hours away from my Finance midterm but my eyes have glazed over. Quick blog then off to sleep.

The NFL trade deadline is today (Tuesday). Traditionally most teams stand pat but here are some moves I'd like to see teams make:

Redskins: Your season is over. Your players are old and bad. Trade CB DeAngelo Hall for whatever you can get.

Raiders: They should have traded CB Nnamdi Asomugha before he got hurt on Sunday. But he got poked in the eye. He'll be fine.

Something tells me the Ravens would still be interested.

Rams: Totally out of it. Trade RB Steven Jackson now to the Falcons for a number 1 or a 2 and a 3.

Broncos: Trade with the Lions for LB Clint Avril. This guy can replace MarioHaggan who just went down. Lions could get Brandon Lloyd and a 3rd rounder.

Vikings: Trade Head Coach Brad Childress for some green bean casserole.

His prevent defense is trying to sabotage a damn good season.

Bills: Trade "Old Popcorn" Terrell Owens to the Bears for an O-linemen.

Panthers: Trade DE Julius Peppers to the Bengals for WR Andre Caldwell and a 1st rounder.

Jets: Trade (again) with the Browns to get NT Shaun Rogers. Give them anything they want.

McDomination

2009-10-14T11:15:00.002-07:00

Two people I have been publicly down on: Josh McDaniels and Kyle Orton.

Is there still room on the bandwagon?

Shawndell Oliver

2009-10-05T16:10:00.002-07:00

Welcome to the latest artist featured on Art That Doesn't Suck.

I love Denver. Here you find an artist as fascinated with the old west as she is with the far east.

This image doesn't do the painting justice but you'll have to take my word for it, these Western paintings are some of the most colorful ones I've seen. There is another image not listed on her website of two bulls staring the viewer down. It's quite powerful. If bulls and Buddha are your thing, Shawndell Oliver is your girl.

Allow myself to introduce... myself.

2009-10-03T14:06:00.004-07:00

For the weekend of October 16-18, the Master of Ceremonies for the Lindy Diversion Weekend will be yours truly.

Things I will do

Have a drink for courage
Wear a bow tie or ten.
Make fun of other swing dance MCs (Wolfman, Nick Peterson, odd guy who does Camp Hollywood nights)
Make fun of myself
Hype the band.

Things I will NOT do

Mention the words "iPod of Destiny"

Read from the script

Take part in any Beyonce tribute dances.

The real Chris Lee?

Word through the grapevine is that my competition for MC was a man I have not met, someone named Chris Lee. A quick google search for Chris and Lee and Dance tells me that this man may be:

A NY congressman
"Da Nuevo King Salmon" (horrible myspace page, not really worth your time)
A man who wears boxing gloves and tweets under the handle "Trojantraining"
Someone who advocates "Non-violent Eco-Warriorship."

One thing he is not, is the Master of Ceremonies for Lindy Diversion. Owned.

Reposting from Bronco Talk: The Awesomeness that is Brandon Stokley

2009-10-03T13:49:00.003-07:00

Very cool piece about a very cool guy. Get well soon Stoke.

Original post here.

Josh here is one lucky kid, and probably Brandon Stokley's biggest fan.

Brandon Stokley is an awesome example of everything that is good in the NFL. He’s a big team-player, a hard worker and great role model for the younger generation.

This email from Matt in Pittsburgh hit our inbox the other day and has stuck with us since, for two reasons — first, Matt’s son is one lucky kid! Second, Brandon Stokley “gets it.” After the Immaculate Deflection, being on top of the world, and probably making the biggest play of his career, Stokley took the time to meet and greet fans with an impromptu “thank you.” Sometimes it’s the little things… We pass Matt and Josh’s story along to you, joining them in saying “Thanks, Stokes!”

My name is Matt and I am a long time Broncos fan who lives in Pittsburgh – Imagine that!

My son’s name is Josh and he is 8 years old. And if I could I’d like to give thanks where I believe it is due.

Last year I took my son to the Browns vs. Broncos game – a nail biter that the Broncos pulled out in the end. After the game Brandon Stokley made his way over to the fans and handed Josh a pair of his game worn gloves. You’ll never know what that meant to a young football fanatic or to his dad.

What is even more amazing is, we were at the game yesterday (at Cincinnati Week 1). During warm ups, Brandon Stokley again came over to the sideline and again made a big impression on my son. He tossed a football up to him and smiled at him. It was huge. It’s so amazing to me that he took the time on 2 separate occasions, in 2 separate cities, to make an effort to interact with the fans.

In a society that tends to shine light mainly on the negative things that athletes do, I would like to shine some light on the positive influence that one athlete had when he took the time to do the right thing. In world of whiny wide receivers who don’t have time for the fans, and always want more money, as a parent, I think more attention needs to be given to guys like Brandon Stokley – not only did he make the game winning play, but he touched my son’s life in a unique way and will be my son’s hero for years.

I would love to give Stokley some attention for doing something awesome – is this possible?

Thanks,
Matt

The option to defer

2009-09-29T13:55:00.005-07:00

When teams win the coin toss in the NFL, they have the option to receive the opening kick off or to kick to the other team first (i.e. defer until the second half).

Who should elect to receive the opening kick:

Ball control offenses like Miami, Jacksonville. These teams do not play well from behind. They prefer to grind out long drives keep the other team off the field. Best for them to play with a lead.
Teams with good defenses. Who cares if the other team gets the ball first to start the second half. Let's score now and let our defense takeover the game.
Bad teams like the Chiefs. They need to score and keep the game close. They need to get something going. These teams might be out of the game by halftime. Their best shot is to strike early.

Who should defer:

Teams who are matched against a similar opponent. One more possession in the second half might make the difference.
Teams with strong passing attacks. Even if they are down a little after the first half, teams with strong passing games are generally built to comeback. They can afford to see how the first half shakes out.
The Dallas Cowboys. The 'Boys drafted a kickoff specialist who can boot the ball into tomorrow. They should use this weapon immediately and force the other team to start on the 20. Game on.

Thoughts?

Owning Up

2009-09-25T12:58:00.003-07:00

The Dolphins blew the 2 minute drill in last Monday night's nail-biter against the Colts. Forced to burn a crucial timeout, the Dolphins dug themselves a deep hole from which they didn't escape. What's fascinating to me is how people react when their every move is scrutinized and broadcast worldwide in Jerry Jones nose-picking HD.

Dolphins O Coordinator Dan Henning has stepped up and publicly acknowledged that he made a mistake by sending in the wrong play. This may seem small but I believe that honesty and accountability are vital components to creating good organizations, whether they be football teams, corporations, or even families.

Henning did not point out that his offense kept Peyton Manning off the field for a record breaking 45:07 minutes or that Dolphins receiver Ted Ginn Jr. could have won the game if he'd squeezed his hands together at the right time in the end zone.

The Dolphins are doing the right things. They are creative, disciplined, and hard working. Moral victories will become real ones soon.

Thanks GQ

2009-09-23T09:22:00.003-07:00

Time fore the annual GQ rant. According to them, "Cardigans aren't just for your grandpa anymore."

Really? That's fresh. What a trend.

Motivation

2009-09-16T19:44:00.002-07:00

Brian Dawkins following Denver's Week 1 win:

“I am a blessed man. I am an anointed man. I do what I do and I don’t take it for granted. I love what I do. It is an opportunity for me to go out and have a great time. Just this game of football, people who are going to watch this interview would love to do what I do for a living. People come to the game to have a great time. I go to the games to have a great time. I am not going to allow anything to deter me from that. My preparation is key, my conditioning is key and my belief in the abilities I’ve been blessed with to get the job done is key.”

Oak Town Controversial

2009-09-12T18:51:00.002-07:00

If I had a lot of money, I would buy cool clothing. Cars are fun and eating out is nice, but I love wearable graphic art.

Welcome to Fiftyseven-thirtythree, a liberal clothing label featuring images of S.E. Asia, chimps in riot gear, peaceful schoolgirls, and boys kissing boys.

I don't know if this label is socialist, communist, angry, or something else. I don't love all of their work of course, but some of these shirts are sweet. It probably doesn't hurt that their models are gorgeous.

Preseason Brutality

2009-09-04T10:08:00.002-07:00

One of the more painful realizations in preseason is that there are guys on the team who will survive roster cuts only to be cut the following day when coaches begin plucking from the waiver wire. Guys on the bubble: You aren't just competing against your teammates, you're also competing against the 750 people about to be cut from all the other teams.

Coming Soon: Gunsight Pass!

2009-09-02T14:47:00.004-07:00

I recently went backpacking in Glacier National Park with Jeremy and Zack Lauffenburger. Details and photos coming soon. And thank you, yes those jean shorts ARE sweet. :)

Doom and Gloom: The 2009 Denver Broncos

2009-09-02T12:10:00.004-07:00

For the Denver Broncos, 2008 proved to be a season of tantalizing highs and crushing lows. In the offseason, they put together a very solid draft, signing Eddie Royal, Ryan Clady, Ryan Torain, and Peyton Hillis, prompting Head Coach Mike Shanahan to guarantee a playoff berth. For a few weeks, it looked as though Mike would be right. The Broncos steamrolled Oakland, stole a game from San Diego, and out-dueled the Saints. Fans masked concern for the defense by pointing to the absolutely explosive offense captained by gunslinging QB Jay Cutler. But as the season progressed, the Broncos began to show holes. The offense suffered a rash of injuries at running back and the defense turned out to be one of the worst of all times. Even with all this, the Broncos needed only to win one of their last three games to make the playoffs. They of course failed miserably, getting crushed by the San Diego Chargers on national T.V.

This recent offseason has been both drama filled and distressing for Bronco fans. It began with the firing of Head Coach Mike Shanahan and the hiring of young Bill Belichek disciple Josh McDaniels, the man responsible for leading career benchwarming QB Matt Cassell to 11 wins and a lucrative contract. However, that contract was not with the Broncos. This led to the Cutlergate scandal and the unprecedented departure of one of the league’s brightest if most immature star young QBs to the Chicago Bears.

Not content with dismantling the Broncos 2008 offense, in April, McDaniels and company turned in one of the most controversial drafts in team history, eschewing popular first round defensive backs for Georgia RB Knowshon Moreno. This after signing not one, not two, but three running backs before the draft. This first round pick was so unconventional that the Washington Redskins, who drafted immediately after Denver, took literally about 30 seconds to draft Brian Orakpo, the man everyone thought Denver should have taken. I broke down the Broncos draft here, but in short, McDaniels and company picked six out of 10 guys for the offense and failed to address the obvious weakness at defensive line.

This team is imploding. Brandon Marshall’s recent antics coupled with injuries to the first and second string quarterbacks have caused oddsmakers to remove the first Broncos game from their books because no one will bet on the Broncos. Why such skepticism? There is a chance that for week one, this man will be throwing the ball.

So here is my prediction: What’s in store for the 2009 Denver Broncos.

Denver Broncos 2009 Schedule (home games in bold) 

1	Sep 13	DEN @ CIN
2	Sep 20	CLE @ DEN
3	Sep 27	DEN @ OAK
4	Oct 04	DAL @ DEN
5	Oct 11	NE @ DEN
6	Oct 19	DEN @ SD
7	Bye
8	Nov 01	DEN @ BAL
9	Nov 09	PIT @ DEN
10	Nov 15	DEN @ WAS
11	Nov 22	SD @ DEN
12	Nov 26	NYG @ DEN
13	Dec 06	DEN @ KC
14	Dec 13	DEN @ IND
15	Dec 20	OAK @ DEN
16	Dec 27	DEN @ PHI
17	Jan 03	KC @ DEN

In a word: pain.

Week 1 - Denver @ Cincinnati – L. A very average team, Cincinnati will be a good litmus test for the boys in blue and orange. The Bengals don’t do anything well but they don’t do anything poorly. I don’t expect the Bengals running attack to get anything going so we’ll find out how much Chad Ocho Cinco and Laveranues Coles have left in the tank. Even if Orton starts, I think he’ll have a difficult time.

Week 2 - Cleveland @ Denver – W. On paper this should be Denver’s easiest game of the season—which is why I think they’ll have their hands full. Historically the Broncos have played way down to their competition. The Browns currently lack a starting QB, any running game, and their 2^nd best receiver just got suspended for drunkenly running over a man. Denver pulls away in the fourth quarter.

Week 3 - Denver @ Oakland – L. The Broncos should beat the Raiders handily. They always should. Yet year in, year out, the two teams end up splitting. With the murderers row of teams upcoming, this has all the makings for a trap game.

Week 4 - Dallas @ Denver – L. The Cowboys are not who we think they are, they’re worse. But Denver’s defensive line will make Tony Romo look like the rockstar Jessica thought he was. Marion Barber seals the deal with 60 yards in the fourth quarter.

Week 5 - New England @ Denver – L. I know Josh McDaniels is already scheming for this game but so is Bill Belichick. The master shows the student a few new tricks and shows the rest of the world just what happens when Tom Brady gets to set up shop in the pocket.

Week 6 - Denver @ San Diego – L. Are there must win games in October? If you’re 1-4 and playing the eventual division winner, there are. Unfortunately, San Diego is better on offense, defense, and special teams. Even Norv Turner won’t give this one away.

Week 8 - Denver @ Baltimore – W. I know people will think I’m crazy for this but Baltimore overperformed last year and Denver has a history of winning at least one game as an underdog. The Ravens receiving core is bad. Their QB is green and their defense is getting long in the tooth. With Brian Dawkins as the 8^th man in the box, Ravens QB Joe Flacco will have to air it out. But if there’s one thing Denver has, it’s a good secondary. Broncos seal it with an interception.

Week 9 - Pittsburgh @ Denver – L. Really what is there to say? The Broncos failed to address their needs in this year’s draft while the Steelers are already drafting with an eye toward 2011. Steelers in a blowout.

Week 10 - Denver @ Washington – L. After the teams Denver has played recently, the Redskins will seem like a college team. Too bad the Broncos aren’t even built to beat a college team. Clinton Portis wears the belt again.

Week 11 - San Diego @ Denver – L. The Chargers know their window to win a Super Bowl is closing. They won’t leave the door open for an upset here.

Week 12 - New York Giants @ Denver – L. As we sit here in August, I actually give the Broncos a fighting chance to keep this one close. Both teams have great offensive lines that are one man deep. A few key injuries can make either Kyle Orton or Eli Manning look very mortal. I expect the Broncos to drop a heartbreaker here.

Week 13 - Denver @ Kansas City – W. Even Elway feared Kansas City, and never more so than in December. These two teams have experienced so much turnover that it’s hard to say how it will go. Kansas City is building for the long term but I’m not sure it shows up just yet. A late field goal wins one for the Broncos.

Week 14 - Denver @ Indianapolis – L. Orton will put up points here but Peyton Manning and Donald Brown show why the Colts always make the playoffs. Indy delivers an absolute beatdown.

Week 15 - Oakland @ Denver – W. There’s a good chance Jeff Garcia starts in Denver for the Raiders, which is bad for the Broncos.

Week 16 - Denver @ Philadelphia – L. Philly has this circled already as a win which means the Broncos have a chance. But McNabb is a surgeon with a bag of new tools. Ruthless efficient Philly football for 60 minutes.

Week 17 - Kansas City @ Denver – W. This should be a game where both teams want to lose in order to get a higher draft pick. However, the Broncos traded this pick away so they’ll actually try to win. Yahoo.

You heard it here: 5-11.

Glacier National Park!

2009-08-26T11:46:00.002-07:00

Tomorrow morning I'm headed to Glacier National Park for a 3-day backpacking trip. A few notes from the Glacier Park Service:

An increasing number of backcountry hikers carry pepper spray as a possible deterrent against aggressive bears.
You should have a tent with a waterproof floor, rain-fly, and a no-see-um netting, and this tent should be designed to withstand strong winds. Bring plenty of extra stakes and strong cord.
Insect repellent is highly recommended.
You can count on your feet getting wet regardless of your boot type, so durability and support should be a prime concern. Many pair of socks are essential.
Plan to be self sufficient in any emergency. The land is vast and remote, and you cannot count on early help if you have difficulties.

Excerpts from the Glacier Park Bear Guide
Postures
Stationary frontal orientation - If a bear is standing and facing you, it is certainly not being submissive. This is an aggressive position and may signal a charge. It is likely waiting for you to withdraw.
Vocalizations
Huffing - When a bear is tense, it may forcibly exhale a series of several sharp, rasping huffs. A mother may also huff in order to gain the attention of her young.
Woof - A startled bear may emit a single sharp exhale that lakes the harsh quality of a huff. If her cubs woof, a mother will immediately become alert to the situation.
Jaw-Popping - Females with young often emit a throaty popping sound, apparently to beckon their cubs when danger is sensed. A mother vocalizing in this manner should be considered nervous and extremely stressed. Bears other than sows also jaw-pop.
Growl, snarl, roar - Clear indication of intolerance.
Other Indicators
Yawning - Indicates tension. This behavior may results from the close proximity of another bear or human presence.
Excessive Salivation - A clear sign of tension, salivation may appear as white foam around the bear's mouth.
Charge - The vast majority of charges are ones in which the bear stops before making contact. The intensity of the charge or associated vocalizations may vary, but it is distinct in that it is an aggressive or defensive act clearly directed at another bear or human. Bears may charge immediately, as a sow fearing for her cubs, or may emit stressed or erratic behavior before charging.
There is no guaranteed lifesaving method of reacting to an aggressive bear. Some behavior patterns have proven more successful in close encounters than others. Take a calm assured posture. A firm voice and gradual departure are better than a retreat in panic. Include the nature of your surroundings in your reaction.
As a last resort, lie face down, protect your neck with your hands and arms, and don't move. This requires considerable courage, but resistance would be futile. Numerous incidents exist where a bear has sniffed and departed without serious injury.

My life is a Grey's Anatomy Soundtrack

2009-08-24T22:07:00.002-07:00

What's to say? These songs are perfect for a rainy summer night. Really any summer night.

The Delgados - I Fought the Angels

Marion Black - Who Knows

Blue-Eyed Son - Step Away From the Cliff

of ghosts and other mythical figures

2009-08-24T21:04:00.006-07:00

Recently someone showed me an image of Sisyphus and I recalled identifying so much with this figure that, a few years ago, it was almost he who ended up spending eternity rolling his rock up my ribs rather than the Icarus Changed who flies there now.

Early Sunday morning, I found myself in a relatively vivid dream. I was wandering down narrow, brick-lined campus corridors, showing Walker some school. But I was lost. I'd poke my head into a classroom and see people absorbed in their lives and their studies. In one small gymnasium, my friend Nappy was strenuously working out (he actually does this) in preparation for an upcoming wrestling tournament (he doesn't actually do this). In another room, my old college roommate Tom O'Brien was now student teaching en route to a tenured spot. As for me, I had no clue where I was. I eventually apologized to Walker and told him he'd be better off finding his own way.

I don't feel lost here in the real world but it feels like I'm chafing under familiar yokes--entering old feedback loops. I've felt more mortal, less in control, and more dazed than I'd like to be. I find myself looking for role models and then justifying failures that they would have overcome. The Icarus tattoo didn't make me stronger, just more aware of when I stumble. Perhaps even they are steps.

I'm the ghost of summer present. I'm looking in on everyone but I'm never there. Recently I flipped through my friend's camera. On it were various friends goofing around and hanging out at various parties. I counted the occasions and realized that through five separate nights I hadn't been to any of them. It made me question my priorities. It made me wonder what I've been doing.

Preseason Thursday picks

2009-08-19T21:54:00.002-07:00

Eagles -3 at Colts.

Colts don't care at all about preseason (3-16), they care about protecting Manning.

I also like under 36.5 but I like that less.

Opportunities Siezed and lost

2009-08-19T12:06:00.004-07:00

I really shouldn't be writing this now because the list of people who want something from me today is lengthening at a disturbing rate. Quickly, shall we?

So Brett Favre will start for the Vikings. Goody. That leaves only two spots for three arms: Tarvaris Jackson, Sage Rosenfels, and John David Booty.

So who is the odd man out? JDB is cheap, and has never had a chance to show his stuff. The Vikings are likely to keep him and let him develop. Sage just signed for $3 Million guaranteed so I'm guessing the Vikes would like him to earn a little of that cash. Tarvaris on the other hand, had and lost the starting job twice for the Vikings. He at times is the goat of the NFL. But here's what really matters:

Before all this Brett business began, Tarvaris and Sage were supposedly neck and neck in the race for starter. Coach Childress decided that Sage would start the first preseason game and that Tarvaris would start the second. Then they'd both be appraised. Sage played extremely well in game 1 but the coach stuck to his word that he'd decide after game 2.

Then Brett crashed the party (late as always) and must now start preseason game 2. So... Sage looked amazing and thanks to Brett, Tarvaris won't ge his shot. It's possible that T will get some reps in Friday's game but they won't be with the first team offense so he'll never get to show what might have been. My guess is he'll be traded or cut within the week.

If Brett had decided to play for the Vikings before they signed Sage to a fatty contract, Tarvaris would still have a job. Then again, if he hadn't blown it against the Eagles last year he'd probably still have a job too. Sports: the original and still the best reality TV.

Brett Favre is not insane

2009-08-18T08:45:00.004-07:00

I have shied away from most of the Michael Vick and Brett Favre media frenzies because the sporting world is so saturated with all of that. I was literally doubting Favre's sanity after he voluntarily went through arm surgery and then walked away from millions of dollars and a juicy job with the playoff contending Minnesota Vikings. Now NFL.com is reporting that Favre has inked a one year deal with the Vikings to play for them this season. Ok this proves he's not insane.

But at some point, Farve's habitual decision to wait until the midnight hour has to come under scrutiny. The phrase "Give our team the best chance to win" is as hackneyed as any in sports but it's extremely appropriate in this conversation. Is Favre the best QB the Vikings have? Technically yes but with such little time to prepare, he is hurting this team.

Brett, people always talk about you as a warrior, but the enlistment period started a long time ago. Get thee to camp, on the double!

2009-08-14T09:58:00.001-07:00

Todays picks:

Broncos/Niners over 34

Preseason Thursday picks

2009-08-13T12:44:00.000-07:00

Skins +3 over Ravens

Pats +3 over Eagles

Cards/Steelers under 33

Raiders -2 over Cowboys

under 34

Torain Train Leaves Denver

2009-08-13T07:46:00.005-07:00

NFL.com is reporting that the Denver Broncos have cut oft-injured 2nd year running back Ryan Torain. With so many RB signings this off-season, he appeared to be a long shot to make the team. A sprained knee last week in practice derailed "The Train" yet again and appears to have sealed his fate.

This is a huge blow for Torain and bronco fans. When he was on the field, this kid ran extremely hard. I know he has a future in the league somewhere. I also think the Broncos staff is making a mistake here. Torain should be moved to the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List, which would allow him to come back after week 6. This is what Torain did last year and he single handedly won us a game in Cleveland. As the Broncos discovered last year, you never know when you will desperately need a good running back. My hope is that he clears waivers and somehow ends up on the Broncos practice squad. Pretty unlikely though.

Talent is a dirty dirty word. Production is what's needed on the gridiron and elsewhere.

Angelinos

2009-08-11T12:11:00.006-07:00

Amanda and I flew to Los Angeles to surprise her dad for his 50th birthday. Here is what we did in 2.5 days. All my photos here.

Friday:
11:30a: Land at LAX.
1-ish: Lunch at Cowbows and Turbans, amazing Mexican/Indian street food

3:30p: Visit overwhelmingly large and awesome Amoeba Record store. By crappy discount cds.
5:30-7p: Happy Hour with Liz and Jeff "I'm a paralegal" at cool Edison Bar. I weigh the pros and cons of binge drinking in front of Amanda's boring friends.

8:00p: Dinner with Amanda's blunt but really cool friend in "the Gayborhood."

10:30p: Go to PopStarz nightclub.

11:30p: Go to Fiesta Bar. Meet small gay friend and large woman with recent boob job.

1:00a: Back to PopStarz. "Meet me at the Hotel" now permanently stuck in my head.

2:00a: Grudgingly drive 20 minutes to a taco truck, eat yummy tacos. Avoid food meltdown.

2:45: Drive to Jenn's house. So happy to sleep.

Sat:
Awkward breakfast w/Jenn and "I'm too sexy for my job" waiter. I contemplate LA and exploitation of would be actors.

Drive to Murrieta, surprise family. Prepare for birthday party.

I meet Amanda's large and diverse family. Highlights include bonding with Amanda's brother over UFC fight, taking tequila shots with Dad, learning of the existence of "Doggles," and most importantly, getting to meet all of the people who helped raise Amanda and influence the awesome person she is today.

9:30p: Escape party. Drinks/dessert in Temecula

11:30p: Work on school project.
Sleep in Murrieta

Sun:
Drive back to LA

11:30 Lunch with fun, dorky academic couple at Porto's a busy Cuban bakery.

From City of Angels

2:30: Getty Museum. We stretch.

5:00p: Drive to 3rd St. Promenade and Santa Monica Pier

From City of Angels

6:30p:Walk to Venice Beach. Play on the rings. Fall off said rings. Stumble upon crazy bohemian drum circle.

10:00p: Ice cream cookie sandwiches at Diddy Riese in Westwood.

11:00p: Drive to Aunt Margie's. Watch Weeds. Sleep.

If this trip were a poetry slam the words great, exhausting, diverse, and caloric would fit in there somewhere. :)

81trucolors

The annual Christmas list

Oh yeah, I remember nights like this

Review of A Dance With Dragons

Dog

It's 3:30am and omg the interwebs are awesome.

(Slow) Dancing with Dragons

Amanda is an awesome person

banana response

Open Letter to Del Monte: Why you are no longer top banana

No Shortcuts to the Top

Putting the Meh in Melo

RIP Sam Taylor

Open Letter to Groupon.com

A Sharpe Bust in Canton

Sunrise Sunset

What would Tyrion gift?

thoughts from the bedroom

Christmas List

What's up Precinct #315?

The cure for the Broncos red zone woes

Good News Bad News

Home

T-20 days

How to fix a dislocated shoulder in the field

Rescue on Blanca Peak/Ellingwood Point

The Summit of Longs Peak

Lofty Goals

South and North Arapaho Peaks

Navajo Peak

Coming Soon: Class 3s in the Front Range

Why I spend so much time outside in the summer

Thoughts from class

Scrambling ahead

Fools on the Hill

It might be time to reevaluate your life

Zhong Biao

Toy soldiers

Diagnosis

Dyeing to avoid surgery?

Update

Is Your Mother a Prostitute?

Fruit

Quick Update in No Particular Order

A Happy Birthday

Caucus?

Breakupdate

Awkward Poker Media

Truman Bradley is single

Meadow Mountain 11,632'

Happy Birthday Paul!

My family and friends love me

Indian *peaks* Winter

Scouting!

Dear potential renters

MBA Prom

Fill in the blank

Automatic cat feeder

Why poker is *still* profitable

SYTYCD Music

Will the real Trucolors, please stand up?

Nogain Moreno?

Need a house in Westminster?

The Hillis

Things on my mind, now 21 hours before my finance final

Barrel Man to the Stadium in the Sky

Observation

Conversations

Checking it twice?

Standard

I am moving

$230 Dining Room in Sunny 2bd Apt (util. incl) (Table Mesa & Foothills)

Accountability

A minor in finance?

Bloody Parachute

Wells Fargo, for once you rock

B-56, O-MyGod

Walk It Out

Plant43

(Trade) Deadlines

Indian peaks Winter

Why poker is still profitable