Gear Review

It was at a small, relatively spartan ski resort in Colorado that I spent my spring break. No fully-enclosed gondolas or mid-mountain lodges to pamper me. It was mountain versus man and into battle I could only bring my gear. It would be an understatement to say I survived the week; irresponsible to say I deserve all the credit. I had good gear. So, bravely, I'll share with you my secrets in case you're planning to battle a mountain in wintertime.

Lange World Cup 130 Ski Boot

Purchased online, I was nervous how they would fit. Luckily they stayed true to Mondo sizing and they fit my feet well. The notoriously difficult entry/exit is acceptable considering the extreme comfort my foot enjoyed all day. Good ankle angle for all-mountain shredding and roomy toe-box for warmth made me forget I was wearing ski-boots. I have narrow (but manly) feet, and this kick was just right, so if you've got Frodo feet, bind 'em then buy these boots. They're fantastic. Plus you look macho.

Marker M 11.0 TC Free Binding

Park binding for park skiing, race binding for race skiing. Bindings should purchased for function. I didn't do that. I purchased for price. Luckily they fit my style of skiing (epic) and I can only give these a glowing review. In the one real instance when I needed them to breakaway (sixth gear into waist-deep powder, avoiding trees (I think razor-oaks)), they were flawless. Otherwise, they gave lots of response on the groomers, and stayed tight when the temperatures spiked and made stuff messy.

Rossignol S3 Pommier Ski

Classified as a twin-tip, and called an all-mountain sled with park capability, the S3 can hold it's own anywhere. My 170s had a toe/waist/heel of 122/92/115, making them ultra versatile. They're the SUVs of skis. With less chance of moral judgements being thrown at the owner. While I did spend some time in the park, let's say my quest to see if the skis could handle a triple-Salchow-magnum-pipe-tanker-twist is yet unanswered. There are certainly skis out there that handle speed better, or handle the park better, or handle the trees better, but there are probably few that do all three better. The S3 is like a German Shepherd.

Rossignol Phantom 7000 Ski Poles

They're ski poles. They're all the same. Like men. (WHAT'S UP LADIES!!! Look how funny and self-aware I can be.)

In conclusion, I only gave praise; no critique. If I watched the show, I would make a hilarious American Idol reference here.

Yes, that's an udder:

For the Ladies

This post is for any female Blahglievers (...so, mom), or any of my high school friends out there whose prisons allow them web access.

Remember that sewer-rat of a dog we had back in Boulder? Willow Dane Reeves? (Sidenote. I love my brother Josh, who came up with that name. In fact he's my tallest brother. But if there's a name that will basically turn a dog gay, it's "Willow Dane") Remember how we thought he was a mix between a mop and a tumbleweed? It's taken 7 years, but I figured out half of his genetics. He was mostly Bichon Havanese. Have a look:


Now a true Havanese (above) is in the toy group, which Will wasn't. But if Will had a pygmy brother, wouldn't it look just like that?!

Transition

My brother the Sing Song Host helped organize a 68 hour volleyball game this weekend to raise funds for OIF. If you're in Abilene, stop by Moody Colosseum any time to see some action. The game starts today (Friday, April 11) and ends Monday at 11:00am, where Ben will lead singing in Chapel. Bring your camera and a nose plug as Moody will probably smell horrible after 60 guys spend 68 hours inside.

Adios.

Two Parts Television

I'm sure you've heard by now, but Uno the 15" Beagle won Best-In-Show at Westminster. Another fantastic use of time I'm all on is Unbeatable Banzuke. This crap is unreal, check it out.

Current Listening
The Heat
by Needtobreathe

This is the best (in) show

I watched day 1 of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show yesterday. They covered the hound, terrier, non-sporting, and herding groups. Fascinating. Today I look forward to watching the sporting, working, and toy groups. The trainers, the handlers, the dogs...the fan clubs. Yes fan clubs. Click here for video highlights, and tune in tonight for live coverage and the coveted Best-in-Show decision 8:00-11:00pm ET on USA Network.