TobyK - Live in Low Def

Scattering Ashes at Peak 8 (Breckenridge)

2012-02-06T18:53:00.000-08:00

I love crosses and found this one after a hike to summit of Peak 8 in Breckenridge.
There was guy zipping up a backpack nearby and asked him if he minded some company while I kneeled to take a pic.
He told me he just scattered his 50 yr old brothers ashes there. I asked a few questions about his brother and said God bless you and your family. He said thx, patted me on the back and made his way down down one of the bowls.
Cool moment :-)

Superbowl Commercial Follow Up

2012-02-06T18:27:00.000-08:00

Here is one more (in addition to other 2 I posted before the game). Another great Nike spot with good sound track. No clue what Fuel Band is.......

Superbowl Commercial Previews

2012-01-31T17:55:00.000-08:00

This year those commercials will include one of my favorite movies and sitcoms.....
These are greatness!

Danny Wuerffel

2012-01-20T16:32:00.001-08:00

Danny is one of my few heros! Most of my friends already know this. I used to wear his jersey to all alum functions.
My friend Caren took this pic in Gainesville recently.
My prayers are with him and his family as he battles Guillain-Barré Syndrome.

Inspiration and Dry Heaves

2012-01-19T15:49:00.000-08:00

Thanks for sending Nado!

Tebowie!!!!! Love Fallon's Songs!

2012-01-13T16:25:00.000-08:00

College Engineering Projects are Greatness!

2011-12-19T19:37:00.000-08:00

Art of FLIGHT

2011-09-26T18:26:00.001-07:00

Wow! Watch this trailer. Can't wait to see in Boulder this week.

MoneyBall Trailer

2011-09-05T15:13:00.000-07:00

This trailer looks really good!

ASU's Pat Tillman Veteran's Center Opens

2011-08-17T19:24:00.000-07:00

ASU's Pat Tillman Veteran's Center Opens

60 Minutes on Lance

2011-05-25T19:54:00.001-07:00

Physics of the Ride

2011-04-21T09:50:00.001-07:00

Very Rare Tidal Surfing on Seven Ghosts River

2011-04-21T09:35:00.000-07:00

Conquerors of the Useless

2011-02-12T16:51:00.000-08:00

This movie tag line describes my life!
I know nothing about this movie, but I love the trailer (and the sound track)!
Think I'm gonna watch it......
180deg South

Texas A&M Timelapse Video

2011-01-10T18:05:00.000-08:00

Musat's timelapse video of College Station, TX:

Tamlapse from Brent Musat on Vimeo.

Extreme Sports Interview on Conan

2010-12-08T07:20:00.000-08:00

Wow! I am a big fan of extreme sports, but Roberta takes it to a whole new level. Listen to the end for her future plans ('dreams').

Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge

2010-10-09T08:39:00.000-07:00

This bridge engineering is greatness and an awesome tribute to one of my favorite American heros!
Hoover Dam bypass bridge dedication planned next week

Ben Mezrich Interview

2010-10-04T12:40:00.000-07:00

Mezrich is one of my favorite authors. He has written 'Bring'n Down The House', 'The Accidental Billionaires' and 'Rigged'.
This is an interview on Dennis Miller Radio Show:
Ben Mezrich Interview on Huffduffer

X-Alps Paraglide Race

2010-09-30T12:00:00.000-07:00

Not for me, but this is one extreme event.
No stages and no rest days. Just paragliding, mountaineering and hiking the distance of the Alps.

SXSW on CBS Sunday Morning

2010-09-05T09:47:00.000-07:00

RMGC

2010-09-03T10:44:00.001-07:00

Pat Tillman Documentary

2010-08-27T17:15:00.000-07:00

Looking forward to this documentary, The Tillman Story. The book was awesome, Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman.

Rocky Mountains a Perfect Backdrop for UF Supporters

2010-08-24T13:43:00.000-07:00

The author of this article, Pat Dooley (Gainesville Sun), attended an UF Alumni happy hour in Denver recently:
Rocky Mountains a perfect backdrop for UF supporters
Many of those quoted are friends from Rocky Mountain Gator Club.
Always good to see our local alumni club getting press outside the state.

Time to Collect! - Fantasy Football Commercial

2010-08-17T14:43:00.000-07:00

With Gary Busey, Adrian Peterson and Shaq.
This is a must watch before your draft.

Two Beers and Jump…..The Ballad of Steven Slater.

2010-08-13T10:43:00.000-07:00

This is the good time song of this summer.
Slater has become a pop culture icon for the way he handled airline customer service and the way he quit his job. Fallon sums up the story with this tune.
(new business idea mental note: inflatable slide rentals for disgruntled employees/spouses/tech support)

Tech Support - Top Secret Flow Chart

2010-08-13T10:36:00.000-07:00

If I have ever helped you with an IT issue, I would like to pull back the curtain and take you behind the scenes.
And sadly there is no special sauce to assist with your computer problems.....just the following flow chart:

BP Coffee Spill at Headquarters

2010-06-11T11:41:00.000-07:00

Awesome video!

Time-lapse Kayak Adventures at Point State Park, PA

2010-06-10T10:29:00.000-07:00

This video was taken at Paddle at the Point event in Pittsburgh, PA. May have been to set some type of record.
Watch for a couple things.....the mass formation and kayakers scattering when the rain rolls in.

"Anyone here a marine biologist?"

2010-06-10T10:16:00.000-07:00

Whale Washes Up At Jones Beach, NY this morning.......
Sad, but every time I see a beached whale my first thought is.....has anyone called George Costanza, Marine Biologist?
Of course my next thought is to look for a golfer hitting balls into the ocean.

MLB Game of the Year

2010-06-03T06:33:00.000-07:00

I'm not much of a baseball fan at all, but I really wanted to rant (in a good way) about last nights Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Indians game.
First off, in my mind, Armando Gallaraga did pitch a perfect game.
And did I mention that Armanda was only recently promoted from AAA.
But it was also perfect how Gallaraga and Ump, Jim Joyce handled the error on the field and off.
I hope little league coaches around the country use this as teachable moment on how to handle adversity. Better then that, I hope pro sports athletes also take notice.
I'll close with one thought on the most backwards arse professional sports leagues ever.....its time for instant reply!

B-Cycle: One Month Review

2010-06-01T13:20:00.000-07:00

Good news article from 9 News: Borrowing a bike to get around town
And video contains many good usage stats. I have not had the need to ride yet, but that day will come.

Ride The Divide

2010-05-29T11:18:00.000-07:00

Here is another documentary that I will be watching in the near future: Ride The Divide
Watch the trailer:

My Mug on ESPN.com

2010-05-27T10:23:00.000-07:00

Picture taken at a community volunteer event for Denver - UF alumni group a couple weeks ago.
(I am seated on ground in orange shirt on left side)
A good read on ESPN Page2 about Tebow and local Gators:
Tim Tebow's arrival excites Gator

Colorado Balloon Boy Sighting

2010-05-26T10:34:00.000-07:00

I'm sure most of y'all remember this story of a loser family trying to make it in reality TV by pulling this balloon stunt (a couple yrs ago). Well I was reminded of the media circus the from the following web site that was discussed at a Drupal User Group mtg last night:
Colorado Drupal Camp
The floating balloon image is in the header and it had no meaning to me until the site designer joked about it.
And yes, I am attending that Open Source CMS conference at the end of June :-)

Sadness.....Runaway Bride, Jennifer Wilbanks No Longer on the Market

2010-05-26T10:11:00.000-07:00

I was fixated with Jennifer Wilbanks ever since her cross county adventures created a media blitz back in 2005, but I guess it was not meant to be for her and I :-(
News outlets have reported her getting married a couple yrs ago. Bummer!
Runaway Bride Case
And yes, I liked her eyes (unlike the rest of America).

60 Mins - Deepwater Horizon Blowout Causes

2010-05-18T12:59:00.001-07:00

These two 60 Mins videos are very enlightening and shed much light on the cause of the BP disaster. This tragedy will be the focus of project management and critical decision making (Sway) case studies for years to come......

Watch CBS News Videos Online

Happy Mothers Day!!!

2010-05-09T08:54:00.000-07:00

I'm not a big fan of Hallmark Holidays, but I love this one!

The Adventure Run is Back!

2010-05-08T14:27:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning and no run plan. So, I took off like Forest Gump with my Slacker half-marathon shirt.
Run incl busy two-lane 55mph road, hike/bike paths, city parks, power line easements and a decent sense of direction :-) Ya see great variety of terrain when ya live on the edge of Kansas plains.......
Unlike Tom Hank's character I was only good for 11 miles and it felt good to good to get home. Hope to build on that distance in the future.

View Buckley AFB - Run, May 2010 in a larger map

UF and LSU Neighbors in Colorado.....

2010-05-03T16:22:00.000-07:00

And you get an awesome crawfish boil (thx for invite Jim!):

Check Off Another - Colorado Bucket List Item

2010-05-03T15:37:00.000-07:00

Ride to Golden and grab a beer. Done!
Good afternoon with ride partner Janel.
20 mi out, 20 mi back and mercifully no Lookout Mtn climb :-)

View Golden - Bike, May 2010 in a larger map

Gatorade Commercial with Great Sound Track

2010-04-27T13:55:00.000-07:00

Evolve!
No clue on the artist. Here is the best that I can research on adtunes.com

Last Ride of the Season......Over I-70

2010-04-25T10:37:00.000-07:00

Most resorts are now closed, but Loveland is still open. If ya look close at GPS terrain map below, you can see that I was carving up the mtn over I-70 at the Continental Divide just above the Eisenhower Tunnel.

View Loveland - Ski, Apr 2010 in a larger map

Lookout Mtn Happy Hour Ride

2010-04-12T09:54:00.000-07:00

with Kevin and Mark.
The 20 mi loop includes a 2K climb (great views of Golden/Denver) and a stop at Buffalo Bill's Grave and Museum

View Lookout Mtn Loop - Ride, Apr 2010 in a larger map

Two Reservoirs in One Day

2010-04-04T20:35:00.000-07:00

I GPSd my adventures around the perimeter of both. Aurora was a run (8 mi) and Quincy was a kayak (3 mi).
GPS maps attached below:

View Aurora Reservoir - Run, Apr 2010 in a larger map

View Quincy Reservoir - Kayak, Apr 2010 in a larger map

Face Plant while Snow Shoeing

2010-03-27T17:53:00.001-07:00

No, it wasn't me, but good guess :-)
So, I discovered yet another great snow shoe adventure with a trail head on I-70. This TH was first exit (No Name #218) east of the divide. That makes four total this year! It wasn't so much of a discovery as a recommendation from a friend in Summit CO. Point of reference for I-70 travelers to/from ski country.....there are restrooms at his exit :-)
Half way into my snowy hike I encountered a telemark skier coming in opposite direction across a snow field about 50 yds above my position on the trail. This dude looked hardcore with helmet, goggles, backpack, snow shovel, etc. Everything required for some serious back country trekking. We waved at each other thru the flurries and continued on in opposite directions. I looked back to check his progress just in time to see him eat a face full of snow.
GPS map and slid show incl below, but sadly no pics of the tele skiier.

Brothers of the Red Pantaloons (and Ugly Jackets)

2010-03-27T17:52:00.000-07:00

Riding up the lift at Blue Sky Basin a couple days ago, my friend Jose tells me to turn around. I looked over my shoulder and oh my! See pic below.
A little background.....
My red 'ski' pantaloons are really sailing (fowl weather) pants (West Marine) from my crewing days in Houston.
And the funky jacket is from a silent auction (benefiting books for south American elementary schools) in Vail. I was the first and only bidder at $30 (retailed for $175 and was tax deductible :-)

Gator Skins

2010-03-14T09:21:00.000-07:00

You probably noticed by this blog's color scheme that I am a Florida Alum.
With that.....I got Gator skinned this weekend!
Until today, I didn't even know the you could change your browsers theme.
So, don't delay and get yours today:
Chrome
FireFox

Evan Williams (Twitter) Interview with BBC

2010-03-14T06:13:00.000-07:00

This is one of the better tech podcasts that I have listened to in a while!
But first, a very bizarre story of how I cam across this interview.
Every morning I wake to Denver's NPR station. I woke up to this podcast, but was still in twilight. In that state, my brain warped the moment and my mom was conducting the interview outside on a random porch deck (with my Dad in background working on Food for the Poor sermon notes). I wanted to ask Evan questions, but my mom would not let me get a word in edgewise. And now I know why......
Anyway, Williams gave great insight into the founding of Twitter, Blogger and his roots in Nebraska. His attitude toward the business model reminds me somewhat of Craig's List founder, Craig Newmark.
This is also my first embedded Huffduffer play button.
Evan Williams Interview with BBC on Huffduffer

The Donald on Morning Joe

2010-03-12T09:55:00.000-08:00

It was greatness how the crew hailed Trump on his generosity to the woman of Miss America Pageant. He is a true giver :-)

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Johnnie Walker Commercial

2010-03-12T09:51:00.000-08:00

This four minute commercial was filmed without editing!
Although I heard it took over 20 takes to get it right.

New Douglas County Trail Run

2010-03-11T15:58:00.000-08:00

My first trail run at Hidden Mesa Open Space Park. It snowed most of the 7 mi run, but only minor accumulation. Very scenic run, but views were limited with the flurries. And my head lamp beam provided interesting reflections on the blowing snow on the return leg after dark.

View Hidden Mesa - Run, Mar 2010 in a larger map

Treasure Island Ride

2010-03-11T15:51:00.000-08:00

On Dad's old Schwinn Continental:

View Treasure Island - Bike, Feb 2010 in a larger map

Tom Hanks on Morning Joe

2010-03-11T14:54:00.000-08:00

Tom Hanks is awesome!
This clip from the MSNBC control room just before his interview:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Pinellas Trail

2010-03-11T12:38:00.000-08:00

Pinellas Trail is another Rails to Trails project. A nice ride, but cheated on the return trip. Met a nice young lady at the Pier just before sunset. She volunteered to take me and my Dad's old Schwinn Continental back to my parents place.

View Pinellas Trail - Bike, Feb 2010 in a larger map

Channeling Pat Tillman

2010-03-05T12:51:00.000-08:00

I am almost done reading one of the better books I have come across in years:
Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman
I am also a big fan and have read other books from the author, Jon Krakauer.
Most of us already know that Tillman sacrificed his life for his country (as an Army Ranger in Afghanistan) and passed up a comfortable life with NFL pay. By itself, that is incredible! But the book reveals so much more. He was a marathoner, a triathelete and was lifetime student of global history.
The book also offers a great history lesson in Afghanistan and why we are involved there. Every politician should read this before addressing that war.
On future runs and outdoor adventures, I will be channeling Pat. He is a true inspiration.

Goggles + GPS = Zeal Optics - Transcend

2010-02-17T22:23:00.000-08:00

I dig this new technology! Probably not for me. Too much info while I am enjoying the outdoors and I bang into tress way too often :-)
Transcend GPS
Cool video although a little abstract:

20-20 on Tuesday

2010-02-17T09:46:00.000-08:00

Rode a 20 mile out and back on the Clear Creek Bikeway and the starting temp was......20F. Mental note: Bring ski boat toe warmers on next ride at that temp.
Thanks to Janel for the ride company!

View Clear Creek Bikeway - Bike, Feb 10 in a larger map

iTunes Rant

2010-02-15T08:46:00.000-08:00

For the love of God, why can't I buy music from iTunes without installing the iTunes app?!?!? I have 2 songs that are only available via their service. Two of several hundred that I have downloaded to date. So, I'm not real bitter even though it may sound that way :-)
I have nothing against Apple. I think it is a brilliant company, but I am not an iPod user and I dont want to install their bloat software. Great product, but I am anti-monopoly and a huge anti-DRM supporter (they have massive market share on MP3 players and they were one of the last to cave on DRM).
I'm sure there is a good reason, but I can't understand a business model that is OK boxing out crusty old consumers like myself :-)

Golden Gate Canyon State Park - Trail Run

2010-02-07T11:16:00.000-08:00

Great trail run this past Saturday at Golden Gate Canyon State Park. It was my first visit there. Did not have a run plan when I arrived, but had a topo map :-) Saw only 2 people on this 8 mile run. Sweetness! Snow covered most of the trails, but no more than ankle deep. Oh, and the views were spectacular! Also came across many good back country camp sites (for future summertime ref). Here wa my GPS route:

View Golden Gate Canyon - Run, Feb 10 in a larger map

Congressional Hearing of Toyota

2010-02-07T10:59:00.000-08:00

This is a really, really a bad idea. There is a serious conflict of interest. Are you kidding.....the US gov't is now the proud owner of TWO major automobile manufactures. Our gov't lost its chance for objectivity when it purchased a majority stake in GM and Chrysler. Seriously, this is like Apple investigating Dell PC defects in a public forum. I appreciate the fact that they are concerned about public safety, but that objectivity ship has sailed.
And it looks even worse now that govt regulators ignored repeated warnings of the same brake failures. Oh yeah and GM just announced a mult-million recall that probably will not be brought before Congress.
Maybe this is a good time for silence and let the free market sort out who makes safe autos.

Super Athletes of Sierra Madre

2010-02-04T12:58:00.000-08:00

Great video about the Raramuri Indians and The Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon. The film is by Sterling Noren and narrated by Caballo Blanco.
Very good book on the same subject: Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen Friends Kate and Ken gave me the book after I helped crew the Leadville 100 Trail Race. Caballo Blanco is a regular at that event.

Snow Boarding Accessory by Home Depot

2010-02-02T12:50:00.000-08:00

Replaced my existing board leash with a chain at beginning of season. That's right, winter sports accessories by Home Depot :-)

Breckenridge Snow Sculpture Festival

2010-02-02T11:04:00.000-08:00

At the recommendation of my brother, I dropped by Breckenridge Snow Sculpture Festival this past wknd.

Old Winter Sports Equipment

2010-01-26T17:51:00.000-08:00

Good use of old winter equipment:
(Christmas card tree)

Mowed Down My Sunset Hill and Put Up a Convenient Store

2010-01-26T13:42:00.000-08:00

Shortly after I moved in with my brother in Aurora CO, I found an open hill to watch the sunset over the Rockies. Beautiful views of downtown and the mountains!
Well....the hill literally disappeared on one of my trips to Austin. Land developers mowed it down to prep the site for mixed use development including a convenient store (almost complete).
The developers did throw me a token bone in the shape of a small 1/2 acre park with a couple benches. Not bad, but a little further walk.
The slide show below includes pictures of my token park on a recent dog walk with my brother:

Me and My Platypus

2010-01-25T20:51:00.000-08:00

My favorite new winter sport equipment addition this season. Ordered via REI. Great for any of the following

Hydration (2 parts hydrogen, 1 part oxygen)
Sports drink with adult beverage flavoring

Ten Mile Creek Canyon Snow Shoe

2010-01-25T20:36:00.000-08:00

Random in Vail

2010-01-25T20:14:00.000-08:00

Three random sightings on a recent trip to Vail:

Six foot tall ice ears at Triumph Winterfest(and I had cocktails with Vails outdoor art coordinator). Pictures in slide show.
Orthodox minister (in full gear) trail running with large cross in hand
Sex toys hang'n from the trees in between runs. This takes the pantie/bead trees to the next level! Picture below slide show with similar tree.

War on Distracted Driving

2010-01-21T09:33:00.000-08:00

Finally, this driving hazard is getting the attention that it deserves.
US Govt Website for Distracted Driving
I think the penalties should be as severe as DUI or more severe.
I have had many (20+) near misses with distracted drivers (while running or biking). This rant might sound a little self serving to us exercise people, but guess what.....there are many children and dog walkers out there with me.
Both are dangerous driving practices, but statistically distracted driving is multiple levels worse (and.....socially acceptable). I think its time for MADD to step up and embrace this cause also.
Good NPR article and podcast on the subject.
NPR: Waging War On Distracted Driving
So, put down your phones and drive!!! And.....pay attention to us exercise idiots :-)

Mt Yale Hike, Aug 2010

2010-01-18T21:36:00.000-08:00

Quandry Hike, Sep 2008

2010-01-18T21:21:00.000-08:00

Barking Dog Duathlon, May 2010

2010-01-18T21:10:00.000-08:00

View Barking Dog Duathlon in a larger map

Mt Evans Ride

2010-01-17T11:58:00.000-08:00

View Mt Evans Ride, Sep 2010 in a larger map

Tanglewood Creek Pass with Dave and Stan

2010-01-17T11:22:00.000-08:00

View Tanglewood Creek Hike in a larger map

Breckenridge with Kevin and Platypus

2010-01-17T09:13:00.000-08:00

View Breckenridge, Jan 10 in a larger map

Geneva Creek

2010-01-08T18:03:00.000-08:00

View Geneva Creek in a larger map

One Ride

2009-05-18T14:25:00.001-07:00

Recently I bought a used mountain bike and fixed it up for my son, Sydney (lives with his mom in north Denver). It's just a little big for him, but he managed to make it work despite some discomfort to his "biscuits". His word, not mine.
A couple days after I got the bike ready, his Mom announced she was moving back to TX.
We only had time one ride before they moved, but it was worth it :-)

Famous Toby

2009-05-18T14:24:00.001-07:00

Completed my first duathlon this past wknd, but that's not why I'm blogging.
In the bike staging area before the race, I was introduced to a Denver 9news Sports personality, Susie Wargin.
Susie: "You are the famous Toby I have heard about." (via mutual friend Kevin)
Toby: "Yeah, but I just moved here and people in Denver don't tune in to hear my sports news. Ah, never mind......"
Anyway, its always fun to meet a local celeb and even better when they recognize you. We took a few photos with Kevin and her family after the event.
Oh by the way, she kicked my butt and placed 3rd in her age group.

Prejean, My Type of Christian

2009-05-18T14:22:00.000-07:00

Even though Prejean's views of humanity are a bit neanderthal, she is my type of right wing Christian.....
Miss CA Committee: "Are there any nude photos of you out there on the web?"
Prejean: "No"
Miss CA Committee: "Well, we found one."
Prejean: "Oh"
Miss CA Committee: "Any other pics out there?
Prejean: "No"
Miss CA Committee: "We found another one."
Prejean: "May I call Donald Trump to bail me out?"

After viewing her questionable photos, I volunteer to help. She has an open invite to come to my church anytime. That type of pew candy has to help my church street cred.

Barking Dog Duathlon

2009-05-18T14:17:00.001-07:00

I participated in my first duathlon (5k-30k-5k) this past weekend.
What a great experience. I was horribly not competitive except in Clydesdale cat (dudes that need to shed some skin). I placed 3rd amongst my 40+ overweight peeps :-)
Much like my move to Denver, I'm wondering why it took me so long to try out these events.
I hope to do more in the future......

Divorce

2009-05-17T21:17:00.000-07:00

The divorce rate in a country is just north of 50% these days.
And I'm certainly helping to pad those stats with my own two failures.
But why is it that couples in my circle of friends have a wash out rate south of 10% or maybe a lot lower?!?!?
I need new friends :-)

Joe The Independent?!?!?

2009-05-17T21:13:00.001-07:00

NO!!!!!
We don't want him either!