Man-Made Fly Geyser in Nevada

Ran across this article today, decided to add it to the bucket list!!

http://whenonearth.net/odd-man-made-fly-geyser-nevada/

Who am I standing up for?

I read this quote today:

“In Germany they first came for the Communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me-and by that time no one was left to speak up.”    Reverend Martin Niemoller

I just got me thinking about who am I standing up for?  Who are you standing up for?  It seems to me that in our culture, we are intensely self-protective and looks first at our own situation.  Maybe we need to be looking around for people who need someone 'to stand up for them'.....

Bucket List: GLEN CANYON NATIONAL RECREATION AREA: OAK CANYON (Utah)

I ran across this today from Backpacker Magazine.  Worth adding to the bucket list!!

Oak Canyon

Who You Are: A Message To All Women

Ran across this video today - saving for my daughters....

Struggle For Smarts? How Eastern And Western Cultures Tackle Learning

I heard this article from NPR on the way into work today and thought it was worth posting about.  The idea that really caught me was around the idea that in the US if a student does well, it is typically thought that it is because they are smart, or at least that is what we tell them.  In Asia, if a student does well, they are told it is because of their hard work and 'struggle'.  Anyway, listen to it, it may change some of your vocabulary with your kids...

Click Here

Exercising around the World

A while back I posted about the 'Where in the Hell is Matt?' video's.  Ran across this video today and found it mildly interesting.  Probably more jealous than anything...

Crossfit

OK - it has been a while since I posted out here. Not that I haven't thought of posting, it is that I haven't taken the time to do so. For the last few months I have been trying to get into better shape. Since last November, I have been attending spinning classes at my local gym and doing some sporadic weight lifting etc. I really don't enjoy going to the gym that much so I started thinking about a new fitness regimen for myself. Keep in mind that I also have three kids that I think could benefit from it as well. I have decided to give Crossfit a try. If you haven't heard of it, here is some more information. Basically, every day they post a workout, called the WOD (Workout of the Day). The goal is to complete it as fast as possible. There are different levels of the workout and I am starting with the 'Puppies' version (which is what they recommend). They also would like everyone to post their times on a daily basis, a unique accountability/competition method to help keep you motivated. I love the idea of having a different workout every day!! Eventually I want to turn part of my garage into a gym so that the whole family can join in the fun. For now, I will try it at work.

Today was my first day and here is the workout:

• 15 Burpees (I did 6)
• Run 400 meters with a 10 pound medicine ball (I don't have a ten pound ball so I did it without)
• 15 Pull ups (beginner or assisted okay) (Heavily Assisted)
• Run 400 meters with a 10 pound medicine ball
• 15 Push-ups
• Run 400 meters with a 10 pound medicine ball
• 15 Pull ups (beginner or assisted okay)
• Run 400 meters with a 10 pound medicine ball
• 15 Burpees (I did 10)

My total time was 21:59.

Not sure if that is good or bad, but I bet I have a lot of room for improvement. The burpees at the end about killed me!! I think I may have maxed out my heart rate too.

Anyway, thats all for now....

Saving this one for my daughters!!

Talk about Recycling!!

Ran across this today and thought it was worth posting to the rant. Enjoy!!

Pump Track

Happened to come across this earlier today and thought I would post it to the blog. I have a piece of land on the side of my property that would be the perfect spot for this. Maybe a little bit of a modified pump track as mine wouldn't be flat, but even better for training!!

http://www.leelikesbikes.com/build-your-own-pump-track.html

Check it out!!

Tugboat Graveyard, New York

Another spot for the bucket list.

Tugboat Graveyard

RAGBRAI

Another one for the 'Bucket List'. This one looks to be pretty cool even though it is a longer ride. Maybe with my kids someday.

RAGBRAI

Ironhorse Bicycle Classic

I came across this ride today and decided to add it to my 'Bucket List'. Maybe Nate and Mike will do it with me???

Iron Horse Bicycle Classic

RSA Animate

Thanks to a friend of mine on FB - I ran across this video from an organization called 'RSA' Animate'. Interesting thoughts on our educational system.




Enjoy!

Bucket List

So - it has been a while since I last posted, but I thought I would start back up again with a post about my bucket list. I am going to start putting all the things I want to do before I die on my blog with a tag called 'Bucket List'. That way I can always refer back to it in the event that I have time, money and nothing else to do. Here is the start:

• Go visit Centralia, PA (home of the Centralia fire)
• Walk 'The Knife's Edge' in Maine
• Visit Italy with CJ
• Go back to China with CJ and Sam
• Go to New Zealand and do the 'Adventure Day' (whitewater rafting, jetboating and Bungee jumping)
• Go to Boundary Waters or Watersmeet or Borwon Lake Circuit for a week long canoe trip
• Do an extended trip on the AT

Well, that is it for now - more to come!!

OK - too funny not to post. Enjoy!!

Making Strides

My wife and daughter are going to be walking in the 'Making Strides Against Breast Cancer' walk on October 10. This is an awesome fundraiser for a really good cause. If you can support them in their endeavor, please do so!

Here is her link:

The American Cancer Society:

Literal Video Versions!

OK - had to post this one. They take a song and put words that match what they are seeing in the video. Really funny. Totally cracked me up!! Enjoy!

Magic Show

Found this one a long time ago and never put it on the rant. Enjoy!!

Fluteboxing

Thanks to a friend from church for this one.  It is 18 minutes long, and if you don't feel like watching the whole thing, make sure you skip to the middle and start watching where 'Beardyman' comes on. Enjoy!!