Gadgetry

Folks, I have to be honest, aside from the TSA screening and the vinyl waiting lounge chairs, one of my absolute favourite parts about air travel has to be the Sky Mall catalog.

You know, I spend a lot of time thinking about what it means to be persuasive, and thinking about how best to persuade certain people to think certain things. But truly, the Sky Mall catalog is a work of utter genius. I've been reading that thing cover to cover on every flight I've taken since I was a kid, and I never fail to leave the plane convinced that hidden camera spy sunglasses are absolutely necessary to my next trip. Or maybe that inflatable wedge that you put on your tray table to sleep on. Perhaps The Original Turkish Bathrobe from Hammacher Schlemmer?

I'm convinced that any item the modern cosmopolitan could ever desire is contained within the pages of Sky Mall. Honestly, just give me every damn thing in the catalog.

It's always so shocking to me, to realize that I am somehow surviving without having all these wondrous gadgets and devices, since it truly is a wonder that mankind survived so long without a joint hot dog cooker/bun toaster. Somehow, somehow though I eke by, scratching out a meager existence on the Mr. Coffeemaker I won at my high school class party (and when company is afoot, my French press and/or moka pot). I even lasted many many years grinding my coffee in the Procter-Silex grinder generously donated from my good friend's grandpa for my 22nd birthday.

However, even those who have survived without a Jimmy Buffet Margaritaville iced beverage machine can only endure so much. Which is why I used my trusty Christmas Kohl's card, and purchased this...



Readers, don't be misled. People who attempt to say that the wheel is the greatest human invention are lying to you. Rather, the above pictured Cuisanart Supreme Grind Automatic Coffee Mill is, in fact, the greatest thing ever produced. 16 customizable grind settings - can you believe that! It even turns off by itself!

There are a couple reasons for this modest claim.

1. You use this device to make coffee. Coffee is the lifeblood of America, the greatest country in the world, and the lifeblood any decent person. Coffee also helps stave off Alzheimer's. Coffee is possibly the most delicious thing ever discovered. Need I elaborate further?

2. More importantly, you use this device to make good coffee. Good coffee makes people feel better about themselves, which in turn makes them feel better about others, which in turn contributes to the Salvation Army meeting its Christmas fundraising goal. Ergo, this device helps homeless folks.

In all seriousness folks, this is a great machine, and I take much joy and satisfaction in customizing my grind to my mode of coffee preparation. If I could express my excitement in dumping a coarsely grinded mass of Starbucks Café Verona into my French press, you would be leaping with happiness right along with me (yes manboys, you may start your anticipation).

Now, if only I had a porch to enjoy this coffee on, along with friendly neighbors and a quaint city street. Unfortunately, Kohl's doesn't sell porches (or quaint city streets for that matter), so I might have to hold up a bit.

But I bet Sky Mall has both.

Defining Moments, or Why "CLOSED-ARRET" Signs Don't Matter

Friends, hello again from Colorado. Amazingly, my woefully out of practice legs have brought me through yet another full day of skiing, relatively unscathed. Just like riding a bike. A really cold bike. That's a lie, I'm lying - I'm from Minnesota. Just a bike.

We skied Snowmass today, and at the very top of the mountain, right at the crest where the ski area ends and the wild takes over, were the most shocking views of mountain backcountry I've seen in quite a few years. Actually, I know exactly when the last time I saw such a scene - coincidentally, the last time I went alpine skiing...

(flashback)

It was December of 2006, and the very first day that the lifs at Les Grands Montets were open. I remember it being somewhat cold, but nothing that a good Minnesota boy couldn't handle with some self-assurance and a pair of mittens his mom had so graciously sent "par avion." I had left my friends from Notts in the condo we had rented, and had taken a bus through the Chamonix valley, up to the ski resorts. While they munched baguettes and lazed about the quaint village, I, I had resolved to ski the Alps, just like my dad had done years earlier.

The bus was full of those sort of stereotypical "Europeans-on-a-ski-vacation" type, replete with tight, neon, Descente jackets and jambon beurre sandwiches. I, of course, looked like who I was - a bright eyed college student truly out on his own for the first time. Of course, I told myself it was all fine, but in reality, I was scared shitless.

So I rented my skis, and some English punk ski-bum fitted my boots. The gondola ride, if I recall correctly, was quiet - for me. I couldn't say the same for the Italian trio that shared the cabin with me.

Of course, the skiing was amazing - indescribable views, great powder, and the like. I did as the Europeans sans jambon beurre would do, and paid entirely too much for a brie and turkey baguette. Quietly eating, drinking a cup of coffee, I remembered that at the top of the lift to the top, I had noticed a few skiers cross a "CLOSED - ARRET" sign, and disappear across a ridge. Maybe it was a moment of self-realization, maybe it was divine intervention, most likely it was sheer stupidity; but I resolved to go under that rope too. I wanted to see what they were doing, because let's face it, I so desperately wanted to be like them.

So I did. I drank my coffee, took the lift to the summit, and while perplexed vacationers gave me that "look at the asshole American" look, I crossed under the rope and skied into the unknown.

You know, I'm almost glad I forgot my camera that day, because not only would I be living my life through a lens, but I think I would have missed the transcendental nature of that run. Taking a picture would have missed the point, it's better I can just look back and remember what I want to remember. Suffice to say, I came out on a huge bowl, not a single human being within eyesight, the faint wisps of just a few tracks through the fresh snow, and across the valley, the most stunning panorama of the Alps spread out before me. And although it was steep, and there were rocks and trees jutting out from the snow, I remember thinking to myself, "well, I can do this."

And I could - I did. I skied down that mountain by myself in an incredibly foreign place, and looking back on it after these years, it was probably one of the most existential things I've ever done. Foolish as it sounds today, I think I grew up a lot on that closed mountain in France. I didn't need to be like the people that crossed the rope before me, because I could be myself, and do whatever that needed to be doing just as well.

Which brings me to my point. A very lame movie (of course, one that I would like) once had a line, that life is about defining moments - either you define the moment, or it defines you. That afternoon in France was a defining moment, and I'm sure there have been many since then, and before then. I wondered a bit last week about what 2011 would bring, and already, I think there are some moments waiting to be defined.

As I expressed in my New Year's recap, I think everything we do is a matter of choice; of how we, as people living in relation to another, decide to do certain things. It's hard for me to believe that a moment can truly "define" someone. It's probably more accurate to say that people allow themselves to be defined by moments either via action or inaction. I chose to go down that closed trail, and I could have just as easily chosen not to. Maybe it's a distinction without a difference, but I prefer to think of such things as matters of volition.

But, in any event, here's to skiing, both in Colorado and in France. Here's to defining moments. And here's to all 2011 will bring.

Here also, is to the chicken pad thai at Taipei Tokyo in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Easily the best pad thai I've ever had.

The Mountains

Friends, hello from Colorado - home to many fine craft beers, many medical marijuana dispensaries, and of course, many ski resorts! I've indulged in two of the three above listed activities thus far in my travels - I'll let you guess which two. Needless to say, I'm tired right now.

I always forget, how utterly Terrifying mountain terrain is, and I mean "Terrifying" in the classical sense. I'm absolutely amazed that human being survived in this type of environment 150 years ago or whenever. I'm absolutely amazed one can build a double decker freeway through a twisting canyon. Maybe I'm easily amazed, but it's still impressive.

You know what else is impressive? Skiing in Terrifying mountains. Last time I went skiing for realsies, in the mountains, was 2006 in Chamonix. Needless to say, it took a little getting used to today. Of course, given that fact, I had planned to take it a bit easier today. Funny how plans change, especially when you find yourself on the lip of black/double black diamond bowl with 30 mph wind gusts whipping snow at your face. Well, I suppose the best plans are doomed to fail anyways...

I'm sure I'll regret it tomorrow when my legs give way and I fall out of bed.

Anyways, Copper Mountain has been duly conquered; now the challenge is Aspen. Hopefully, in between sipping Dom Perignon and munching organic foie gras (does that exist?), I'll find time to do some skiing. It is Aspen, after all...

Bobby Farrell, RIP

Only a man of his stature could make Russian History this interesting. Truly a titan of the historical-music arts. If this video doesn't make you want to dance around Red Square in fur, I don't know what's wrong with you.



My favourite lyrics? "He could preach the Bible like a preacher." Absolutely brilliant.

2010 - Recap

It's the end of the year, and the end of the year means a couple of things. First, we're subjected to a litany of "end of the year lists." Now, I'm generally a fan of lists, but having a list for every conceivable category seems a bit unnecessary. Which of course, is what we inevitably have. Second... well, I don't know what is second. There's just a lot of stuff.

But I think I'd like to recap what has been an eventful year - not necessarily because I feel a need to project anything but because personally, I find value in looking back. This is an exercise for myself, and if the Internet and my readership wants to be witness to it, I hope they find it insightful as well.

Personal

I always thought that 2010 sounded so futuristic, representative of the sleek future I used to see in cartoons and movies. And to some extent, it is. I don't have a flying car or a robot maid, but for better or for worse, I do carry a computer in my pocket. Honestly, I find it, and all that it represents, a source of constant tension. I think that increasing technology does correspond, to a certain extent, with a loss of humanity. Maybe I'm being paranoid, maybe I just don't know how to utilize the smartphone to the pinnacle of functioning that I read about so often, but maybe I'm also on to something. Maybe the future, with all its promise, shouldn't move too quickly. We won't know what to do with ourselves.



There's a romanticism in simple things, which even amongst the progress, I think I've enjoyed most this past year. One thing that sticks out is having Twins season tickets in their first year outside at Target Field. Sure, the ballpark is a marvel, replete with the latest technology, but at it's heart, it's just a place to watch nine people play an old, old game outside. I appreciate that, and I think I can say that there are few things I'd rather be doing on a warm summer night. Especially when accompanied by good friends and a Twins win. I'll especially enjoy those especial things when sitting in section 125 with a Grain Belt next season...

I can't keep up with all the things I think of, but I hope I've put out some interesting content on this blog. I think I'm good at it, I like writing for everyone, and I love it when my writing inspires people to write a comment or express interest in my topic du jour. Another simple pleasure. I'm happy to say that I've recently gotten a ton of new music to listen to and review, so I hope to get working on that. And commensurate with my behind the times persona, I've been getting my mind blown away recently by Radiohead. Cool.

I suppose mention has to be made of my burgeoning career as a craft brewer. No kidding aside, I really think the past few brews have been plenty worthy of resale, and I'm hoping that we can evolve that process in the next year. I know, I know, the MN Brew Blog has been on a bit of a hiatus, but I promise, that will go on the list for 2011. Maybe some beer reviews? Even with the subpar blogging, it's fun to say you've been able to make something good, to make something with your hands. There's a certain type of primordial swelling that comes from enjoying something tangible, borne from one's own toil.

Although not simple, I had the good fortune this year to fall in love this year, with a woman who was very, very dear to me. I think that required a level of honesty, both with myself and with her, that was akin to being naked in the middle of downtown Minneapolis. In terms of self-awareness, that moment of realization has to go down as a personal watershed. It was liberating to tell her, I don't regret a single bit of it, and have since concluded after much reflection, that it was real, and not the result of thoughtless passion.

Of course, I should probably mention that I also had the bad fortune of falling in love with a woman who was unable, or unwilling, to reciprocate those feelings in the way that I needed. I've thought quite a bit about that cruel twist, and tried my best to decipher its cosmic significance - but of course, unlike the Jones Act or the CISG, no amount of analysis can make anything clearer. It will never make any sense to me.

But then again, maybe it shouldn't, which is a difficult realization to accept. I suppose the importance of that whole episode comes from the trial, the tribulation of being scorned. Foolishly, I often find myself hoping that she will evolve to a point where she wants what I do. It makes no sense to dwell on that which you cannot control, but that's much easier said than done. Oddly enough, if anything, 2010 told me that life is a result of decisions that we choose to make, the risks we choose to take. Be it personal or academic, matters of the head or heart, there's always a choice. Myself, in most instances, I think I'll choose to jump.

I was discussing with a friend recently how oftentimes, personal success is engaged in a tripartite balancing act (in my case), with professional and academic success. Personally, this year has been positive in terms of self-awareness, but negative in terms of results. And of course, results is what counts to the outside observer, and most times, to oneself. When the calendar flipped to The Future last year, I was convinced that that personal aspect would be high on results, mainly because I do have a bit of an egoist streak. I felt as though I was on the cusp of real adulthood, with a cushy internship, stellar grades, and on the brink of dating a wonderful girl. The last part didn't happen, and I regret that, but at some point, I won't.

Professional and Academic

Professionally, 2010 has been a watershed. I had the good fortune to have an internship with the United States Attorney, which forced me to really open my eyes to a new career path; that being a government attorney. It was refreshing to be given real responsibility, and rewarding to have working relationships. I also was fortunate enough to work out in Glencoe for the summer with a fine judge, as well as be able to work in other rural and suburban courthouses. Although the commute seemed rough at times, it gave me a lot of time to think, which is a good thing. Folks in Glencoe are not impressed with your iPhone or your Blu-Ray - they're impressed by being honest, and working hard. It was refreshing.



And of course, I'm extremely grateful to have gotten a job working for the county attorney. I appreciate (a) getting paid; (b) being relied upon; (c) enjoying my job, and; (d) getting put on the path to becoming a real attorney. There's a lot to learn, but nowhere to go but up.

School is as school goes, as I think most people can relate to. I think law school is unique in that, as a third year student, it is mostly pointless. Truly, I could take the bar in February and be ready to practice. There's not much more to learn anymore, but things to do. However pissed one can get at Hamline and its shitty reputation though, I do have to be happy for my legal friends, and the general quality of my education. I feel fortunate that I'm successful academically, and feel fortunate that I enjoy what I do.

Actually, come to think of it, I shouldn't hate on law school so much. Without law school, I wouldn't be jetting to Hong Kong in April for the Vis international commercial arbitration competition. I must say, I enjoy the whole concept of a free trip to Hong Kong, so forthwith, I think I'll try to put myself in situations that feature such a perk. This whole experience has been shocking to the conscience in terms of workload and commitment, but it has been rewarding to an immeasurable degree. Even a calendar week featuring 45 hours spent in tiny library rooms can't deter my general sense that this is fun, exciting stuff. It has opened doors for me to meet with some very important people, and I'm sure that will continue to occur. Truly though, I think the best part is the friends that have come out of it; and if not friends, then colleagues. Generally, when you're going to spend 45 hours with 3 other people, it's good to get along, and I think our team has exceeded that bottom-line.

Conclusion

A lot of things have happened, and there is much to be thankful on, and much to improve upon. I suppose my boyish concern for 2010 as the Future hasn't quite come to fruition, but maybe it's on its way. Perhaps its my nature, perhaps I'm not as progressive as I thought, but as the years extend onwards, the valuable things in my life tend to get more simplistic. Often times more expensive, but simple in principle. I want to do well at the things I do, enjoy the things I enjoy, and do all those things with family, friendships and relationships that are meaningful and provocative. At times, I wish it was easier to get all those things, but that would be unrealistic.

The Land of the Ice and Snow

Well, at least my building is still standing...

Poor Metrodome. Place just can't catch a break.

Snowed In

Rumor has it, Minnesota is known for being a forbidding place, replete with arctic wind, yetis, and good Lutherans making meatballs whilst wearing parkas. In Fact, I rode a penguin to work this morning.

And with good reason, because the heavens have opened themselves tonight, and spilt upon this land quite the wintry blanket. I, my penguin, and my Volkswagen had a fantastic time during rush hour getting from the mall back down across the river to the confines of suburbia this afternoon. Not wanting to mess with the entire population, who has seemingly forgotten what it means to drive in snow, I've spent my night in the company of Arthur Guinness and a snoring dog, lazily listening to Beatles albums and whatever else comes to my mind. Now, it's Vince Guaraldi.

Quite literally, there's a blizzard out. I know this, because prior to snoring, the aforementioned dog was quite adamant about having his daily Fun Activity. Of course, before I knew it, since I'm really just the dog's puppet (a leash is a kind of string of sorts...), I was outside in the bluster, bounding great leaps over the wake of the snowplow, skittering across hidden ice, trying to decipher just what the hell is so interesting about a tree, etc. And an appropriate experience it was, not only for the frosty communion with Nature, but also as a metaphorical event. Alas, it is that time of the year again, every law student's bane. Yes, tis' finals.

Of course, I probably shouldn't complain. I feel as if I've cut the Gordian knot that is the law school exam: I fear it no longer. They're now more now an exercise... just not the fun kind of exercise, like speed skating or jai alai, or some such frivolity. Rather, finals are akin to the inverse dumbell curl up, or whatever that abominable event was that always left me on the brink of throwing up. They're a test of endurance, more than anything. Not much to endure though, when you have but two two-hour, open book exams... Like I said, I have little to complain about.

My minor brush with doom for the week came yesterday, as my trusty laptop, which hasn't heretofore failed me, finally exacted its vengeance for all these pointless blog posts. Either that, or it was as angry as I was about the United States losing the 2022 World Cup bid (Qatar?! Seriously?!). But anyways, it decided to suck, and after many an hour spent in mall Apple stores, it is now well again... although with none of my files on it. Luckily, I had the foresight to back everything up on Monday, so in 24 hours, hopefully all be right again in the world. I can once again download Bill Bryson podcasts with reckless abandon. Or more accurately, keep writing about international commercial arbitration.

However, as a consequence of my computer's meltdown, I was probably unplugged (at least in the tangible keyboard sense), for the longest period in quite a while last night, which actually, was a shocking realization. As someone who likes to pride himself on his lack of digital obsession, it was a sobering wake up call, a necessary moment of self-awareness. I had been speaking with a Hamline alum at a networking event last night, and he specialized in digital forensics - he could basically get any information you can imagine from a smartphone. And he said something to me, he said that "people keep their lives in their pocket, in these devices." And I chuckled, and gladhanded, and took another sip of my beer - but that phrase kept me thinking as I sat without the use of my computer. It made me realize how I fidgeted with my phone, treating it like some sort of lifeline to the rest of humanity. My protestations to the contrary, the lawyer was right. I do keep my life in my pocket.

Whether that's good or bad, is for another post, another set of thoughts. It makes me want to be increasingly vigilant though. It seems to me, that even in an age where there are any number of digital distractions, and social media, there are an awful lot of opportunities to be incredibly lonely. I was amused the other day when I learned that there is apparently upwards of a $1 billion dollar industry for online gifts. Not like, I buy you a blender on Amazon and ship it to you - no, it's like I buy you a digital blender for your digital self on facebook, or some shit like that. Absolutely incredible.

In any event, it's still snowing, and the dog is still snoring. The jazz is still on, and the plastic deciduous tree has its Christmas lights on. For so much insanity, at least some things are right.