Lately I've been intrigued by the idea of a Renaissance Man, which has taken the form of learning new talents. Which has taken the form of reading up on Agriculture and taking Kite Boarding lessons. Not so much Renaissance but give me a break. Thus, this past Friday I put on my best plaid shirt and cleaned up my oft-used axe and visited Arts and Architecture for an Axe Restoration Workshop put on by Nick Zdon of Best Made Co. It was just hot enough inside to activate a brow sweat but considering the topic I found it quite appropriate. Nick went through axe history, various types, qualities and restoration techniques. The group of ten or so even brought in some hand tools of their own. Even better was the respect and passion Nick had for the craftsmanship and art of such a utilitarian hand tool. But thanks to him and BMC I'll be restoring my own axe this summer and hopefully paying a little homage to ye olde lumberjacks while doing so. Alas, if you haven't heard of BMC they've made axes an art form and the outdoors the escape. Everything is impeccably designed from the website to axe handles and blocks. Go buy something. Because when I do buy those 10 acres in southern MN I'm sure I'll need some help clearing the trees.

I may not have finished all my New Year's Resolutions for 2010 but at least I finished a big one, a Marathon. I can't say it's for everyone but with enough determination and time almost anyone can do it, just ask the grandma that passed me or the man with a sign on his back that alerted me "80 year-old Marathoner."

I'm not sure when I'll be doing another, although I do see a few half-marathons/10-milers in my future. The alone time was introspective on the the long weekend runs—over 3 hours of running at times—but I'd definitely need a partner to motivate and join me in the future.

The pyschological reward of completing a challenge that, at the begining, seemed impossible made the journey all the worthwile. I guess that's why I'm on the verge of tears when I watch The Biggest Loser, nothing can compare to seeing the results of a commitment to fitness. What really pulls on the heart is that the individuals are changing emotionally. You can almost see the pity in their eyes change to zeal/passion after every hurdle, physical or mental. And just like running a marathon after a while it's all mental and the conflict becomes internal.

Let's just hope your lucky enough to have friends and family surrounding you with energy when you have none. That's how I did it.

Since training for the halfie and in the past for the 10 miler I've spent some time with my own thoughts. Because I know the amount of running in the next few months I presume it will be a ridiculous amount of time, a number that would drive me crazy. Luckily, there are a few tools that have helped my sanity, training and pleasure while on the run. If you ever starting training for a long distance race or find running a bore then I have a few recommendations. A few of them are listed below:

1. Nike+ - Keep track of pace, time and calories. I upload info to a website and track any improvement. Setup challenges, get training plans or track progress. I'm using the plan they had for the Half & Full Marathons. The best part. It's simplicity: the sensor ($20) fits is in my shoe and connects to my 3GS iPhone and tracks my run. Not too happy that I have to by Nike shoes but it could be worse.
2. iPhone 4 - Not only can I track my runs and record my training but I can also listen to music or gets phone calls. Yes, it's a little more bulky than an iPod nano or a Garmin Forerunner but I own it already and I don't have to spend any more money. Done and done.
3. Motorola S9 - Nothing makes a 70 minute run shorter than having your attention directed toward something else (not fully mind you). My favorite distraction is audio, because I can keep the volume level low enough to hear cars or bikers but in a second revert my attention back to what I'm listening to. With these I can control volume or pause without taking out my iPhone and not have to worry about a wire geting tangled up or slapping me constantly like a mini form or torture. Did I mention it is wireless?
4. Music/Podcasts - While running I listen to one of two things: music or podcasts. If it's not music it's This American Life or The Uncanny X-Cast while running. Not only only are the podcasts free but they are 1-2 hours and completely engaging. If your not a geek I apologize, for me though they seem to make the miles melt away.
5. Minneapolis' Trails - Minnesota may be the best biking city in the US according to Bicycling Magazine but I think the trails also make it one of the best for running. Though running on pavement may not be ideal but running along side it eases the stress on the shins. If not for two trails to the north and south of my abode I'd have had a lot harder time keeping up with the training. The fact I can walk a half mile in either direction and find a trail that goes miles and miles in either direction is perfect. I'd proudly pay more in taxes!

It hard realizing the same outcome that happened only 3 months ago will happen again—out-living a pet. Saying goodbye to Earl was one of the hardest things I've ever done. But I know there was a reason we adopted him. And just like him we want to give another past racer a home to retire in.

Every week I volunteering at Animal Humane Society. You'd think visiting with all the adoptable dogs would have pushed me to take one home after one of my shifts, which it almost did. But all along, I knew that from the time we adopted our first greyhound that the breed was unique and perfectly suited to Angela and I. That isn't to say, I didn't develop a soft spot on a few occasions for an Italian Greyhound, a Chihuahua, a Collie, a few Terriers and on old Husky. Just like the potential adoptees that visit AHS, we needed to find a dog we fit not a dog that fit us (very important).

We only hope to find a companion that we can give a good life to. Because I know if I was born, bred and trained to run since the day I was two I'd be ready to retire!

Disclaimer: Any and all drinking should be done responsibly, respectfully and moderately.

A good friend of mine is part of a Scotch tasting club that meets often enough to make me wish I was a fan of the Scottish Whiskey. Since Rett's revelation, aficionadoes and libations involving the spirit have sprung up out of the woodwork. Which makes me wonder when my drink of choice is going to become stylish, rum. Not the Captain 'n' Coke, college-drink du jour. Specifically, Black Rum, a liqour that any respectable bartendar knows is a solid ingredient for a 'Dark 'n' Stormy.

Since embarking on a tasting club of mine own I've come across a few that I feel are worth mentioning. In addition, if you've never had a Dark 'n' Stormy and enjoy rum you've got to try this cocktail. Why? Because it's smooth enough to be enjoyed by all but can have such a wide range of distinct flavors depending on if you want a smokey feel or a hint of cherry.

Among my favorites, for various reasons, are:

1. The Kraken

2. Gosling's Black Seal

3. Kilo Kai

 As a 4th grader, I remember a day in class where we had to write about what we wanted to be when we were older. The answers were as one imagined: a firefighter, a doctor, a pilot, a zookeeper, a teacher, an author – among other semi-altruistic professions. I wrote down veterinarian, though I'm sure it may have been "Veteranairen." I'm not sure why but from a young age I felt I had a connection with animals, specifically, dogs. Had my taste for design not been as strong I may have found myself going to school a few extra years using my hands in a much different way.

Which may be the reason why every other week I spent a few hours at the Animal Humane Society of Golden Valley. I volunteer in the canine adoption area helping dogs find the families and people that fit them best. Drool, hair, kisses and scratches are part of the territory. It never fails that I get asked if it's hard not to come home with a new dog every week. It would be, but as cliche as this sounds, it's much more satisfying finding that dog a home with a loving family. 

The experience I find most rewarding is also slightly melancholic. It's that moment when I first walk through the kennels at the start of my shift — seeing the various sizes, breeds and ages of the dogs up for adoption. After looking at each kennel card and dog I usually realize I don't recognize the majority of them, I don't know anything about them and after today may never see them again. But or course, that same thought reminds me why I'm there.

I could go on but this post isn't just about volunteering. It's about putting time, money, energy and love into that thing you hold close and tight. It's about PASSION. Find your passion, whether it be books, cooking, hockey, World of Warcraft, Japanese flower arrangement or macaroni art. It doesn't matter what it is or what other people think.

I'll try to keep my next few post about the things I'm quite fanatic about. Hopefully, in the process I'll find others just as zealous.

This past Tuesday, February 16th, Angela and I had to go through one of the most tragic and heartbreaking experiences of our lives. In an all too fast set of events we lost Earl Grey, our much-loved greyhound – a true member of the family. Within the span of a week we found out he had a Mast Cell Tumor in his cranial abdomen that was releasing histamines into his body and causing ulcers in his stomach. Most likely the cancer was affecting the spleen, pancreas and liver, or all. He went from being just a little sick to not very well at all very fast.

I didn't realize at the beginning that he wouldn't survive. The whole time I kept telling myself, "We'll just pay for it, whatever it is, we'll do it and he'll be fine and he'll have the rest of his life, we've only had him for 18 months, he's not even 6 years old, we'll have him for 8 more. Nothing to worry about, we can do this."

Things didn't get better. Tests didn't go well and after seeing him in the shape he was in and talking with the doctor, we lost it and bawled. In a small room a few blocks from home we said goodbye. We cried, hugged and told him we'd see him in heaven.

We adopted PB's Simple Earl (his racing name) from NLGA. He was the last Greyhound in the group that came that spring to be adopted. He was meant for us and us for him. In the span of a couple months he became a huge piece of our lives. Without even trying Earl became part of the family. He introduced us to neighbors, greeted us when we got home and slept in with us on the weekends. We even represented NLGA at the MN Pet Expo and attended the NLGA Annual Picnic with him.

Coming home is hard, I expect him to be at the door or take him to the dog park on the weekends. It's getting easier. Easier because I start to think of the past 18 months instead of the last week. I know we can't replace him but when the time comes Angela and I will adopt another greyhound. And just like Earl we'll give another dog a happy and loving life for as long as we can.

We love you Earl.

I'm an Apple Fanboy. I'm not getting one of these. (I got one 6 months later, can you say, "sucker.") At least not anytime soon. Though, all in all, today was an epic event nonetheless. But as I look closer at the new Apple iPad I notice a few shortcomings that could have easy been added to this first version instead of future releases.

The basic things missing:

• USB ports (come on Apple)
• front camera (iPad 2 has it)
• video-out (possible with adapter)
• multi-tasking (added a few months later)
• stand-alone capability (iTunes/computer needed).

But it does fill a gap, even if that gap is very thin. If you have a laptop and love carrying it from room to room, cracking it open on the bus, having it heating up your crotch, attempt to read books in bed and otherwise haul around a full-laptop that's fine. That's what I do. If so, this won't interest you.

If you have a netbook, this really won't interest you. I can't think of much an iPad does that can't be done on a netbook. But full-disclosure, I'd rather carry this around or pop it open over lunch, during class or on a plane than a netbook.

Is it necessary for you to play touch games, read e-books, watch movies, carry textbooks, adopt tech early, while traveling constantly and find it difficult to email, read and get your media on a smartphone screen? Then this is perfect for you. It does all that. Is it necessary though? Not sold.

Was the iPod underrated, sure. Did people think the iPhone was going to be God's gift to the world, yes. Is this somewhere in the middle? Probably. Is the name unfortunate? of course.

Certain businesses will flock like sheep to this. Traditional media companies have been losing money hand over fist for years... years. Newspapers, networks, magazines, comic books, etc. This has the opportunity to save them. Companies want a way to deliver their content the way they want – DRM-ed up the wazoo! What better way than to produce an App and sell it at the store and have absolute control of that app. Hackers can jailbreak the iPhone but not the apps.

In the end, this is not a game changer. It's a start.

Also, If you have the time I suggest checking out Pitchfork, an all-things music site. I was partly inspired by their Pitchfork P2K top 500 Tracks of the 2000s. Though I only made it through about 250 songs I was able to find some stand-outs that I had yet to hear and many I hadn't realized came out this decade. As a side note I'm happy to say that female and male vocalists are both well represented, as well as two from Minnesota.

10 Outstanding Songs of 2009:

Bonus Outstanding song of Angela's 2009