blog #10

As it has been two years since I updated my snowboard boots, I recently have been doing some casual research on the all the changes that have happened since my last purchase. I wanted to do this soon since the year-end clearance sales will be here at the end of the month. The boots serve as the essential contact of body to board and transfer all your energy into making the board move across the snow. So with this in mind, fit of the boot makes all the difference in the world as to your performance on the snow. Snowboard boots have come a long way and the new models boots boast a supportive yet comfortable fit that have rapid lacing options that allow you to get on and off the hill in less time. If now you add all the different styles and looks for boots to your selection process, well you can become very confused with all the options. Price range of boots varies from approximately $150 to $400 depending on the brand and options. I always try to time my purchase to the end of the season as often you can find boots 30 to 40 percent off original price. Now with all my research and knowledge in mind, I'm off to start the hunt for the best boot for my needs as well as the best savings of the season.
-transworld

blog #9

Being an avid car enthusist, I recently was reading about Ferrari's new baby grand tourer. The car is name the California and will be first revealed in October at the Paris Auto Show. The California is powered by a 4.3 liter V-8, making it the first fron-engine Ferrari road car to use a V-8 rather than a V-12. It has 454 Hp and Ferrari's first dual-clutch automatic. It will be offered only in open-topped frm, with a retractable metal hard top. The cost of the car has not yet been revealed, but is expected to be over $200,000. Ferrari claims the car will go from 0 to 62 mph in less thn 4.0 seconds. It certainly is not a crime for a guy to dream...
-motortrend

blog #8

One thing I've had to learn after snowboarding now for seven years is to repair gouges in my board. This is especially true when you ride in trick parks. After riding an snowboard on rails and over rough terain you eventually get gouges on the base of the board. If left unrepaired they will start to slow you down and at a certain point will ruin the core of the board. I have read articles on home repair and have found that with a little time and effort I can repair most gouges, which helps me maintain the integrity of the board and saves me cash in my pocket.

Shop repairs can be costly and also can put you out of action as you wait for them to get to your board. Basically you can repair by melting down plastic and dripping it into the gouge. You then have to wait until is cool and has hardened before you can shave the excess plastic off with a razor blade. Then after I repair the nicks and gouges I like to put a fresh coat of wax on my board. Now I am ready to hit the hill and have a good time.
Serpick, Evan. "Chips." Transworld Snowboarding. Volume 26, January 2009: 56-57.

Blog #7

Last week i was reading my snowboard magazine and I came across this interesting article on Big Sky Mountain in Montana. The article talked about what Big Sky Mountain has to offer snowboarders. Over the years they continue to offer some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the northwest. They have also expanded their hill size by making more trails and by installing hill lights for nighttime boarding and skiing. They offer a variety of runs for boarders of all levels and experience. This particular year they have had an abundance of snow which only adds to fun. Big Sky is also withing driving distance of the Minneapolis area, which makes it convienent as well as affordable. I think that after reading this article I should look into making a trip there to check it out.
Sherowski, Jennifer. "Jeff Grell, Inventor of the Highback." Transworld Snowboarding. Volume 22, September 2008: 74-75.

Outside Reading #6

Minneapolis Officials Question Obama's Choice of Warren
President elect Barack Obama has choseen the well-known author (of "The Purpose Driven Life" ) and religious leader Rick Warren to give the invocation at his inauguration ceremony on January 20, 2009. Many of the elected officials of Minneapolis are disappointed by his decision to include Pastor Warren in the inauguration ceremony due to his controversial views on topics such as homosexuality. About two dozen Minneapolis officials have joined forces with the Minnesota Democratic State Senators Dibble and Clark to write a letter to Obama explaining their opposition to his appoinment of Rick Warren for the invocation. They stated in their letter to Obama that Warren's highly honored role in the inauguration will lead to division amongst Obama's supporters, rather than unity. They explained that since many people disagree with Pastor Warrens' views, particularly on homosexuality, he is a controversial figure that defeats the purpose and idea of bringing the nation together. Apparently Obama responded to the letter from the Minneapolis elected officials stating that his decision to nominate Rick Warren for the job of performing the invocation was based on his stance that diverse viewpoints must be heard.
Needless to say, the Minneapolis officials and State Senators are not pleased. It will be interesting to watch the whole inauguration ceremony and then see the reactions different communities throughout the nation will have.
Traudes, Cristof. "Minneapolis Officials Question Obama's Choice of Warren." Southwest Journal. 12 January 2009: A5.

Outside Reading #5

"Hopes & Dreams for the Next Four Years"
An article in the Minneapolis Southwest Journal featured interviews with local residents in which they were asked about their hopes and dreams for Obama's new 4 year term in office. They interviewed men and women, young and old, people in business, students, stay-at-home parents and professionals. In general, all of the people interviewed felt optimistic about the presidential election results of 2008 and were all looking forward to a new future with Obama as our nation's leader. At the same time, all people interviewed were worried about the economy and the steady loss of jobs throughout the nation. They believed that most likely things would get worse before they start to get better. They feared more economic hardship and more unemployment in 2009. Some residents mentioned their hopes for the USA to regain respect from other countries around the world after the eight years of bad foreign policy and all the damage caused by Bush and his administration. They were hopeful that Obama represents a true change for US world relations. Many people are 'teful that the war will finally wind down and our troops will be coming home. I wasn't surprised to hear that the fears people have mostly involve economic issues, the war and job loss. It didn't surprise either me to read that most people are hopeful about Obama and his next four years in office. I agreed with most of the people interviewed and I think that right now a large majority of citizens are on the same page in terms of what they are worried about and what they are hoping for in the near future.
Weyer, Jake. "Hopes and Fears for the Next Four Years." Southwest Journal. 12 January 2009: A13-15.

Blog #4 Reading Minute

As winter begins to set into Minnesota Climatologists already are already saying it is going to be a cool one. As of December 17 the Twin Cities has already received 11 inches of snow, 1 inch more that average for the whole month! I am really excited about this because now I can do donuts in parking lots before school! This also means there is a greater chance for a snow day, but I don't think that is going to happen. Anyways this has also been the coldest December since 2000 and that is not all we have also have had a record number of days that is has snowed. I know a lot of people do not like winter, but I do so I am glade it is cold and snowy. The only thing I don't like about winter is when I have to shovel my driveway so its not so bad.
http://www.kare11.com/includes/tools/print.aspx?storyid=532594#