Yay, Snow!

As long as it doesn't mess up my travel schedule, I'm stoked about the snow. Rumor has it ... I"m spending the weekend in the Cotswolds ... yay! So much fun.

Between The Hedges ... For the last time this year

Georgia vs. Georgia Tech ... should be a great end to an amazing Thanksgiving. Hoping to see Scrat and have some fun stories to share.

Thanksgiving Day 1/2 Marathon

I've been rambling about it for some time, but I thought, what better way to kick off Thanksgiving than running for two plus hours. Of course, I could always train better and finish in under two hours, but why cut the time when your having fun.

I ended up running the race with Hurricane Trisha and my father joined us to run the 5K. As usual, we arrived at Turner Field a bit too early and ended up standing around a bit and people watching. I was amazing at how anxious everyone was about the race and "how they were going to do." It was actually pretty funny but I guess I see things differently having actually played a real sport and know that winning isn't about where you finish, but how you enjoy the experience. Course, I also believe if you ain't first, your last ... but not when it comes to "fun" sports. Anywhoo ... here's a fun play-by-play:

• Pre-race: Hurricane Trisha (HT cause I'm tired of typing) and I didn't have numbers in the same corral so she started up front and agreed to run around a 12 minute mile pace until I caught up with her and we'd run the rest of the race together. I thought, I'm going to be around 10 minute miles so it will only take a mile or two before we catch up.
  
• Race begins: It's foggy, kinda chilly and misting -- actually great weather for running. I feel great and have what I think is an amazing iTunes mix so I think this is going to be awesome. At this point, I don't even care about the race starting and ending up hill.
  
• 1 mile marker: Almost didn't notice it ... was just having fun and realized I ran an 8:45 first mile ... this is not good news. Need to slow down ... oh and no sign of HT.
• 2 mile marker: So far, its a nice run through the city. I'm running with a group of 5 sisters who are running their first 1/2 marathon with their mom. Really entertaining family and the bevy of Drake and Kings of Leon from the Nano helps me slow down a bit to a 9 minute mile. Pass my office building and Centennial Park ... so far, so good.
  
• 3.2 mile marker: Still no HT and I just ran a 5K in 27 minutes ... this should be good news but I know its not. First off, how have I not run into her and second off, I'm way ahead of pace and know this will not end well.
  
• 4 mile marker: At the 4 mile port-0-potty marker, I finally run into HT. She claims to have been running a 12 minute mile which clearly was not the case. It's funny for a second but then I realize that I'm not going to survive at this pace. Start back on pace running behind a platoon of soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division.
  
• 5 mile marker: Pass the soldiers, run through Atlanta Station and across 17th street into lower midtown. Still going strong but starting to feel a bit wobley. Pretty sure there is not a prayer I'm running whole thing. The previous two weeks of travel, late hours and stress are cutting into my pace ... starting to slow down but still enjoying the moment.
  
• 6.2 mile marker: 10K complete and entering Piedmont Park. Calves are starting to hurt and I resort to taking some of those gel packs to provide a bit of sugar. Guy next to me claims the gel packs are a "gift from the Gods" ... he seems a bit out of it but I'll take his word for it.
  
• 7 mile marker: The fun is momentarily gone and I'm searching for a second wind. Finally stop and start walking up the hills. At this point, the elevation chart the organization committee gave us are a blatant lie and this area is supposed to be flat. US Marine Corp Cadence comes over the iTunes and I pick back up the pace.
• 8 mile marker: They give us these energy jelly beans that taste a lot like bad tang -- not the best for my new broken tooth (yup, broke another tooth on Monday night.) Lucky for me, I have more of this gel stuff which I'm convinced is full of crack and hydrocodine. Finally, more down hills and we are cruising through lower midtown and into downtown. Sun starts to come out and the number of runners are decreasing.
  
• 9 mile marker: I've never been a fan of hills and at this point, I've decided that my next race will be somewhere flat, like Orlando. I've also realized that I'm approaching the second hour of the run and my iTunes mix is complete crap. I peaked way too early and now the mix is poor ... considering starting over.
  
• 10 mile marker: We stop to take a picture at the mile marker ... someone tells us the rest of the race is downhill and both of us are filled with joy. We know the elevation chart says otherwise, but it has been wrong the whole time so we are optimistic. Both of us are starting to experience some cramps, but we aren't worried ... gel packs to the rescue!
  
• 11 mile marker: At this point, my calves are gone and now my hamstrings are starting to call the brain and complain. Guy next to me is bleeding profusely out of his nipples -- guess he didn't get the memo on band aids. I restart the Nano and have faith that the end is near.
  
• 12 mile marker: Some sick SOB thought it would be cool to have hills at the end. Personally, I think he should have installed moving sidewalks as well ... I gave HT a pep talk that consisted of we have 1.1 miles to go ... we can't quit or else everyone that sucks wins. We carry on ...
  
• Finish line: Finally ... the finish line and it was down hill. Yay! Race is over and despite some poor pacing and a crappy second half of an iTunes mix, race was amazing. They immediately put a medal around my neck (which I still have on) and drape me in some awesome aluminum bag to keep warm. I feel like I'm an astronaut ... and no, I'm not sure why. We also get some vanilla cookies which tasted like pure heaven. I slowly ramble over to the X Family meeting section (X marks the spot and you tell me a non Hispanic family name that starts with X) meet Grumpy and decide that its time to lay on the ground for a few minutes.
  

Despite a few setbacks, the race was amazing. I can't think of a better way to spend Thanksgiving morning than with 20K other people running through the streets of Atlanta. Aside from the hills, this was my favorite half marathon and looking forward to running another one soon.

A special thanks to HT and Grumpy for joining me in the race. I also have to thank a few of you who were the inspiration behind the training and pushing to run the race. Since I decided on August 31 to do the race, I've lost 20 pounds, dropped a couple of sizes of clothes and feel like I have a new view on life. Granted, there are other things that have helped, but on this Thanksgiving, I give thanks to those that helped inspire me to "get it done" ... even if some of the influences were negative.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Just finished the half marathon ... long update to follow later. Hope you are all having a wonderful Thanksgiving ... and to the English - get your drink on but not too much ... Happy Hour in 7 Days!

This probably won't show up on HP's website

Oh No He Didn't ...

Jeopardy goes rogue ...

Warning ... Listening to this might force you to kill something

This is bad ... quite possibly the worst thing I've heard since Mumford & Sons live. Although, I could see this becoming a fun drinking game.

TSA to the rescue!!!

Over the last couple of weeks, there have been a number of rumblings about TSA agents and their over zealous pat downs. Many people are complaining and the media is making it their priority to discuss all of the "new" techniques (see Europe in the 90's and 00' -- they used all these measures) and security measures. Personally, I think the media agenda is a result of some members of the media not getting the reach around they wanted from a certain TSA agents, but maybe that is just me.



Seriously though ... I've been traveling a substantial amount lately and for some reason, I'm profiled as someone who gets the scanner as well as a pat down. I wish I had something fun to say, like it "reminded me of prom night" or "I haven't felt that violated since that night I was in a Hungarian prison with Richard Greico," but alas, I have none.



In fact, the only people I've seen complain are rather large people who deep down on the inside, probably want someone to feel them up in public. I think Lewis Black put it best the other night on the Daily Show when he said some people actually need these friskings.

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Back in Black - Nanny State
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor The Daily Show on Facebook

Yes, my comments are moderately insensitive and I know there are some very sad and unfortunate incidents, but these things happen. I also understand the protection of civil liberties and the violation of one's personal space. But as a frequent traveler, I also don't want someone to cut my throat with an improvised knife or the guy next to me to light his Calvin Klein's on fire. Call me crazy, but I'm ok with the security measures because I have no desire to die being vaporized in mid air or plummeting to Earth at 600 mph.



In other news -- great image from my sister. Personally, I believe there is more magic involved.





And since I mentioned him -- El Ricardo Greico -- He's almost as awesome as David Silver (course, he did marry Meghan Fox).

Happy Holidays from the Left Coast

We took a break from work, the cold / rainy weather to check out the Winter Carnival and official opening to the holiday season in San Francisco. The Carnival was interesting and we ran into a Rudolph The Reindeer that probably should have had a giant Pedo The Bear sticker on it. It was in the middle of the Embarcadero and not only features Santa, Rudolph and a bunch of others, but also Pony rides and an area where you can pet livestock. It was different ...

The official tree lighting ceremony was held in the lobby of the Hyatt (part of the Embarcadero area). We found a great table at the bar and were able to have front row seats to the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. They also had Disney on Ice outside, but we chose to forgo the rain and enjoy a few warm drinks instead. It was a cool scene that even included ice machines creating snow from the ceiling.

Gotta admit, now I'm in the Christmas Spirit! Woo Hoo! Probably the first time I've been excited for the holidays in years. Yeah! Some pics from the night.

Where in the world is Jed Eckert?

So it seems that my last post has a lot of people wondering where I am these days ... unfortunately (actually, I'd say fortunately b/c we all know how much I love our neighbors to the North), I am not in America's hat, but in America's beanie ... San Francisco. That's right, I'm back in SF again. I have to admit, I once thought it was magical and amazing ... since I've been here a lot and have been working around some of the "locals", I've decided I love it less. One of the things saving the experience, the food.

Last night we went to Boulevard -- AMAZING. Really love the atmosphere and the food is fantastic. Plus, they serve Bulleit Bourbon ... and that makes almost everything better. The night before we went to A-16 -- another cool place that I would highly recommend. The Mozzarella Burreta was phenomenal as well as the pumpkin gnocchi -- yeah, who would have thunk that I would eat pumpkin gnocchi?

And if you like cupcakes, this is the city for you. We came across one place in the Embarcadero and had a cupcake that was rated as one of the top 10 deserts in the country. I have to admit ... it was pretty good.

In other news, we are working down near the Embarcadero where there is an ice skating rink -- I'm so going and go ahead and get the ER on stand by because Jed is still clumsy and has been injury free for at least three months.

Wednesday picture of the day from 30,000 feet

Wedding Bells

Looks like Kate and Prince William are finally getting married. Should be something interesting to watch. Curious to see how lavish and rich the wedding will be but at least it will be cheaper than a single day trip with Obama to Asia.

A not so interesting story -- I met Kate Middleton in the BA first class lounge at Gatwick. She dropper her purse and I helped her pick stuff up until some giant SAS body guard pushed me out of the way. She turned red, apologized to me and then asked where I was flying. So, yeah, there's your completely random and pointless story for the day.

Engagement story on Guardian

What Should I Do ... Part Deux

Thanks Dr. Ken ... this is perfect.

What Should I do

I don't like Lebron James and aside from teh Sonny Crocket part to the new Lebron commercial, I can't stand it b/c its a rip off of some old Jordan commercials -- and we all know Jordan made some of the greatest Nike commercials of all. Anywhoo, I just find it amusing that South Park is making fun of the Lebron commercial.

Instructions on how to handle your baby

Conan is funny ...

Another week, another trip ...

And this trip has been amazing. I absolutely love Chicago. Its an amazing city. Granted, I'm here for work and have been getting up at 5 AM each day, but aside from that, its been a tremendous trip. Some key things about Chicago:

• Food is outstanding -- had the best steak of my life at Mastros last night. Also had some lobster mashed potatoes that were phenomenal.
  
• Also had some Chicago style deep dish pizza -- more amazingness yet, I'm pretty sure it was 5,000 calories per bite. No big thing - I've walked about 15 miles and actually went running yesterday.
  
• Michigan Mile -- awesome shopping and not nearly as expensive as SF or NYC
• Wrigley Field -- I fulfilled a childhood dream by getting to see Wrigley Field. Granted, no one was playing, but still ... awesome
  
• Harry Caray's - yeah, not the best bar in the world, but I had to go, drink a beer and pay homage to the guy that babysat me for springs and summers when I was little.
  
• Willis / Sears Tower -- standing over the glass balcony was something else. I didn't do any odd pictures because let's be honest, I don't love heights.
• Sprinkles -- by far the greatest cupcakes ever made.
  
• Palmer House -- an old hotel, but cool atmosphere and we got upgraded. Nothing says great trip like a corner suite with some Mafia style decor.
  
• Chicago reminds me of a clean, nice New York City where more people speak English and are much much nicer. I think I love this city.
• Main Street / Storefront Shopping with co-workers is a good bit of fun. We didn't get to do much of it because of work, but it was fun while it lasted.
  
• Potbelly Sandwiches -- yeah, pretty awesome sandwiches. Not much else to say but go there ...
  

Happy Veterans Day!

The British have a great tradition during the month of November where almost everyone wears a red poppy on their lapel to remember their veterans. It's wonderful to see everyone supporting their Armed Forces regardless if they agree with the politics behind what they are doing.

No matter where you are in the World, you should take a second, think about your life and say a special thank you to the members of the armed services who allows us these amazing lives. Our military does the impossible tasks that we cannot so we can live a long and peaceful life. A tremendous thank you to all the Veterans out there. And we will always remember the ones that gave the ultimate sacrifice so we can enjoy our daily lives.

Happy Birthday USMC!

The Atlanta Eye? Seriously?

Rumor has it, they are going to build a London Eye in Atlanta to bolster tourism in downtown Atlanta. Judging from the look of things down here, the area could certainly use and influx of cash.

My office is in downtown Atlanta and while I think London Eye's are cool (been on it about 100 times b/c every time someone came to London, that's what we had to do) but what is there to see in downtown Atlanta? Some thoughts:

• The Westin and W Hotels
  
• The traffic on 85 / 75
• Someone getting mugged and / or shot
  
• Protesters outside of CNN center
  
• Underground Atlanta -- the only shopping center in the city with Big Lots and the Dollar General
  
• Centennial Park -- home of the Olympics!
• Rooftops of the Ga Aquarium and World of Coca Cola
  
• The Georgia Dome -- it has a roof so you can't see anything
  
• Stone Mountain Park -- 34 miles off in the distance
  
• Kennesaw Mountain -- 42 miles off in the distance
  
• And let's not forget the air quality here in late summer
  

So as you can see, I might not be the worlds biggest proponent of said Atlanta Eye. Not that Eyes aren't awesome and amazing (one of the best dates / days I've ever had was on the London Eye) but what are you going to see in Atlanta? Its not like we have a the Thames, St. Paul's, Parliament, Westminster Abbey, etc. to look at ...

If it brings money to Downtown Atlanta and makes it nicer, I'm all for it. Just don't see it happening.

This isn't good ...

Thanks to Dr. Ken for this one ... if this is what I think it is ... this is not good. Why is a submarine captain launching a Trident missile out of one of our boomers? I smell a video game plot ...

Since the movie Skyline is coming out this weekend, I'm going to go with its an early launch of some new missile system targeting aliens. Or (per 3o Rock), Tracy Jordan launched the missile from his personal submarine shortly before being arrested for a sub DUI.

The greatest person in the world ... well, for today

The woman in this picture is Westminster Abby and she is the greatest person in the world.


Why is she the greatest person in the world? Because she was in London last week visiting her fiance and brought me back CRUNCHIE BARS! Yeah, its pretty much the greatest chocolate bar in the World. It's kinda the greatest thing in the World and if you don't like Crunchie bars, you should just go ahead and throw yourself out of that window in your office because you suck.

Cheers, Abby! Your the Best!!!

Go get 'em Gibby!

Robert Gibbs to the rescue! Apparently, the Gibbinator got into it with a few Indian security forces in order to make sure the US media was in the room while Obama was speaking. He even threatened to pull Obama from the press conference. More from the Huffington Post (link) but it doesn't look like things are going so smoothly on the trip. Personally, I'd like to see Gibby get into a fight ... that would make this trip amazing!

Theme song for the last couple of months

Sometimes I love Satellite Radio - it brings back songs you haven't heard of in years. While sitting in some really amazing traffic this evening (took an hour to go 10 miles), I heard the Offspring, She's Got Issues.

I completely forgot about this song, well one because its old and not that wonderful. But, it pretty much sums up the last couple of people I've dated in the last couple of months. For those of you in the know, you will get a pretty good kick out of it. Some of the lyrics are just spot on ...

23 days !!!

For my friends with kids ... I give you ConquistaDora

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

Who know that Damo and Cressa were in a movie?

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

It's cold ... why am I running?

Some people run for fun ... I am not one of those people. After graduating from college, I said the next time I would run would be because someone was chasing me. Little did I know, your metabolism slows down a bit as you get older so running becomes a bit of a necessity.

Lately, I've been running more races and can attest that its solely behind the (almost) 20 pounds I've lost since August 31. This morning, I ran in the Children's Hospital of Atlanta Strong Legs 10K. Usually not a big thing, but I woke up to 30 degrees and over an inch of ice covering my car. Yeah, it was cold. I also smacked my head against the trunk trying to find the ice scraper because clearly, it is too early in the year to have it in the car.

Despite the comically cold temperatures, the race was awesome and I had a great time. Not that I'm going to run the whole thing, but at least I'm one step closer to being ready for my 1/2 marathon in three weeks. Special thanks to Army Medic Jerome, Hurricane Trisha and Kelly Arrrgggghhh for running along side and making it an entertaining morning. I'd also like to thank iTunes for creating the greatest iPod running mix of all time and a few others for playing he role of doubting Thomas -- casse toi! Yup, that's French ... google it.

Now to the junior league ball where I will destroy everything good I've done today in four or five drinks. Images and entertaining stories to follow ... I mean they have a bourbon tasting for a couple of hours -- its going to be a great night.

25 Days!!!!!

Happy Guy Fawkes Day!

Yup --- this movie wins

Yeah, not sure why this trailer appeared on my mac tonight, but I'm pretty sure this will be the most God Awful Movie of all time. The trailer is basically unwatchable. I know Nick Cage needs money but seriously ... this looks horrible. And even better ... it's in 3D.

Bonfire night is almost here ...

Yes, I know it's not November 5, but hey, who cares. November 5 is an amazing holiday b/c its Guy Fawkes Day -- probably my favorite holiday in the UK. See, Guy tried to blow up Parliament (well, maybe - depending on which story you want to believe) and didn't succeed.

So the Brits celebrate the occasion with huge Bonfires and parties -- an amazing way to spend a cold, dreary November day. Unfortunately, the holiday hasn't taken off here and I'm pretty sure that burning something in effigy these days will get you arrested.

Remember, remember, the 5th of November
The Gunpowder Treason and plot ;
I know of no reason why Gunpowder Treason
Should ever be forgot.

Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes,
'Twas his intent.
To blow up the King and the Parliament.
Three score barrels of powder below.
Poor old England to overthrow.
By God's providence he was catch'd,
With a dark lantern and burning match

Holloa boys, Holloa boys, let the bells ring
Holloa boys, Holloa boys, God save the King!

Hip hip Hoorah !
Hip hip Hoorah !

A penny loaf to feed ol'Pope,
A farthing cheese to choke him.
A pint of beer to rinse it down,
A faggot of sticks to burn him.
Burn him in a tub of tar,'
Burn him like a blazing star.
Burn his body from his head,
Then we'll say: ol'Pope is dead.

Now I know why Prop 19 failed ...

Vote No on Prop 19 From a Drug Dealer from Ben Garant

Anyone seen my slurpie?

I'm pretty sure Dr. Noisewater's Facebook Post from early this morning about says it all, "I feel like Jackie Moon tonight..."I'm so happy I can't feel my arms!" He was responding to the election results and the fact that the current government is about to change. I admit, despite being a bit fluy, I stayed up to watch the election results come through.

I could go on and on about some political rants and my thoughts and feelings on it all, but I won't - I'll just keep it to a paragraph or three. I just think watching everyone go a bit wonky last night was entertaining. Watching Fox, CNN and MSNBC was like watching / being on a bad date with a bi-polar schizophrenic -- they were all over the place and ranging from euphoria to fear-mongering.

Here's what I took out of it: The Dems now feel there's work to do (yeah, no shit -- where have you been), the Reps are saying its time for a change (Captain Obvious has entered the building) and Harry Reid pulled a clever Kennedy-esque move by getting truck loads of immigrants and union workers to vote for him in Las Vegas. I also found it a bit disturbing that the pundits on CNN were calling a number of the candidate -- insurgents. Hmm -- interesting use of words considering the segment before they were talking about how we killed 10 insurgents in Afghanistan earlier in the day.

I'm curious to see the President's press conference today at 1 PM today and his approach (by the way, Gibby's days must be numbered -- PLEASE GET RID OF THAT STUTTERING MORON).

If Obama is smart, he will go Bill Clinton on us (please Obama, go Clinton on us), get his ego in check and get this country on track. I actually hope this is what he is going to do because I love this country and have become an optimist -- yes, an optimist -- and I believe that something good can and will happen. But during a long call with Chicago Girl last night, she summed it all up, "Jed, what's wrong with you? Who are you? Why are you being optimistic? I'm a liberal and even I know that will never happen."

At least we can all agree that life is a bit better today -- Skeletor is no longer in charge.

Ahh, The Onion

I love the way the Onion covers politics. Today ... the election:

Americans Bravely Go To Polls Despite Threat Of Electing Congress

WASHINGTON—Despite the very real threat of electing the 112th Congress, millions of courageous Americans lined up at their polling places today and put their right to vote above the awful possibility of sending a politician to represent them in Washington.

"I was afraid the moment I showed up to vote, and now that I've cast my ballot, I'm even more terrified," said Kentucky resident Mary Buchanan, who ran to her car and drove home immediately after exercising her constitutional right. "But I knew I had to face my fear and participate in our democracy, even if my actions could lead to electing another U.S. senator."

The day was not without tragedy, however, as the choice between voting for incumbent Harry Reid and challenger Sharron Angle left 20 Americans dead and injured 13 at a Carson City, NV polling place.

Doesn't look like everyone had a good time at the Rally to Restore Sanity ...

Go Vote ... !!!

Yes, I voted and a special congratulations to the following:

• Dr. Kenneth Noisewater: Who was my write in candidate for the Appeals Court
• Grover Lamar Bates Jr: Who was my write in candidate for Supreme Court Stone Mountain
• Ramona: Who won my vote for Agricultural Commissioner -- appropriate b/c she is good at shoveling shit.

Vote or Die

Tomorrow is election day meaning everyone should go vote. I have a pretty firm stance on this issue -- if you don't vote, they should burn your passport, beat you with a rope, get you addicted to crack, send you to Ciudad Juarez and see how many days you make it running from the Cartel.

Seriously, there is no excuse not to vote. It is a simple act and the very basis of our Republic -- one day a year we are offered the opportunity to share our voice and make a change. Regardless if you like the candidates or not, write someone in but don't turn down the right to vote. That is just cowardly -- and we all know where I stand on cowards (anyone needing a concrete slab, Elvis plates or perhaps their tires in a lake?)

Now go vote or V is going to come after you. Remember, remember ... I'll save the rest for Friday.