The Grinch, a sleigh, and a barefoot 5K
Ah the holidays. Christmas trees, lighted houses, and the annual Reindeer Romp 5K. Each year hundreds of people gather in Jamestown, NC to freeze their aces off while running 3.1 miles. It’s a welcome event. Not only for the camaraderie, but for the costumes as well.
Two years ago I braved sub-freezing temperatures, and ran the race dressed as a present. This year, I wanted to run in the cold as a cold-hearted character—the Grinch. In order to do so I was gonna need a sled, an antler, and a costume.
iOS Podcasting: 5 easy steps
A podcast is a series of digital audio or video files that are usually themed, released episodically, and often downloaded through web syndication (like Ask a Ninja) to a computer or portable device. That’s the easy part. The real work is coming up with the material and finding the time to create the podcast.
If you’re a podcaster looking to cut down the production time, and you have an iOS device, then follow these steps to getting your podcasts recorded and out the door with little effort.
Top 10 WordPress Plugins for 2011
I find it somewhat fitting that I’m writing about WordPress plugins for my 400th post. Though I started out on Blogger, I switched to the self-hosted version of WordPress to take advantage of the thousands of available plugins. If you visit the WordPress plugin directory you’ll see what I mean. Go ahead, think of a feature you’d like to add to you site, and search for it. More than likely, you’ll find a plugin that does what you’re looking to do.
Over the years I’ve done plenty of similar searches and tried out tons of plugins. Very few have stuck around. In fact, my list of active plugins is a mere 31. Do I use all of them all of the time? No. But the ones below get plenty of mileage.
Chicago Bears App Now Available
The Chicago Bears just launched their official (and free) mobile app. No more switching back and forth between Tweetbot, and ESPN ScoreCenter on game day. No more fumbling through ChicagoBears.com mobile site. Just one app with all a Bears fan could need on Sunday (or Thursday or Monday or Saturday if it’s preseason).
I’m actually quite surprised by how well the app was designed. And really impressed by its features: game center with real-time scoring and player stats, play-by-play updates, drive charts and a fantasy tracker to keep tabs on your fantasy team (from any team). I can only think of two things the app is lacking: Ditka and the Superbowl Shuffle.
Run at the Rock: 7 Miles of Trails
What started out as a simple 5K in May 2005 turned into 10Ks, half marathons, and trail races by the fall. I ran a local trail series. Ran a couple 10Ks. And when I heard about the Run at the Rock 7mi/14mi race at Cedarock Park in Burlington, NC, I cleared my calendar. After all, I’d been getting in the miles and figured I only needed to throw in some mud and hills for good measure. Right? Right.
In ’05, I crossed the finish line at 53:20 (7:47 pace) coming in 20 out of 186. The following year, after recovering from a calf injury, I finished 35 out of 254 in a time of 56:09. Five years later, sporting Vibram KomodoSports, a few extra pounds, and a bit of facial hair, I decided it was time to give the race another go.
Turkey Croquettes with Velouté Sauce
Growing up, I looked forward to Thanksgiving every year for one reason alone, turkey croquettes. After my Brady Bunch of a family had our fill of turkey, my mother would take the leftovers and turn it into pure unadulterated awesomeness. This year I decided that I would take the leftovers from my own Thanksgiving and continue the delectable tradition.
After poking and prodding my mother (‘s memory) I got my hands on her secret recipe. And before she could remember my name I was out the door and back in my kitchen. Which is where you should be.
