Always Fun - Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt

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Someecard Friday

Dark Knight Rises - Trailer

The Rock Bottom Ranks

Has Lindsay Lohan reached rock bottom yet? Every time I think she's arrived, she finds a way to go a little lower. 

Now that's a Ho!

The Jawbone Jambox

At $199, it's a little pricy for the average Joe, but the sound it sweet, and it's super portable. If you dig your tunes, you'll love this speaker.

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They Say Nike SB Zoom Stefan Janoski

I say Nike Classic Wingtip

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Mittens with a Message

in yellow

expensive but fun.

Too Much Love

Equals Regret. This guy's gonna feel like a douche in a couple of years. 

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Kristen Wiig

Thank you, GQ. Kristen Wiig is the hottest funny chick around. But with all of those i's in her name, she should really think about replacing the e in Kristen with another i.

Rah Rah Rah!

Why is baseball the only professional sport that doesn't have cheerleaders? It really doesn't make sense. Out of all the major league sports out there, baseball is by far the slowest, which makes me think it would benefit the most from a group of attractive women telling the fans to Be Aggressive, Be, Be Aggressive.

A win is a win.

Tiger Woods wins the Chevron World Challenge. And while it certainly wasn't even close the major championship trophies he's used to seeing on his mantel, you could tell this one was special. His fist pump and smile spoke volumes after he sank his winning birdie put on the 18th. Even Zach Johnson, his last round challenger, had a look of "finally" on his face.

Clear Blue Hawaii

I don't know if there would be much to see in some of the muddy NW rivers, but the idea is sweet. And if you live in a tropical environment, it's a must. Check out more kayaks here.

Pass the Popcorn: Movie Roundup

Super 8 -Even though it's written and directed by J.J. Abrams, Super 8 has Spielberg all over it. It's reminiscent of The Goonies, E.T., and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Kids run the show without being overly competent (to an extent) while the adults fumble through scene after scene. The performances are strong and the action is well done. It won't blow you away, but you shouldn't be disappointed either.

The Devil's Double -  No matter how much you think Uday Hussein was crazy, it doesn't really sink in until you watch his atrocities play out on screen. The Devil's Double is ultimately about the man who was forced to be his body double during Iraq's gun-slinging years, but the story arcs are more one-in-the-same. It's well done and disturbing - gory but not too gory, gratuitous but not too gratuitous. My only real criticism is that the ending doesn't feel like an ending. We get the obligatory three sentence epilogue, but I would have preferred a different tactic.

Thor & Captain America - These movies are very similar in style and feel. They both fell well short of The Dark Knight and Iron Man, but they are still enjoyable. The special effects aren't groundbreaking and the characters are limited, but the lack of bloodshed makes them family friendly. Be prepared to have a little cheese with your popcorn.

Dirty Suh

No matter how much Ndamukong Suh tries to explain himself, the proof is in the pudding. Video catches all, and it ain't pretty. When you repeatedly smash someone's helmet into the ground and then try to step on their arm, the intent is obvious. He's a great player but needs some veteran guidance before "fines" himself out of a job.

Pass the Popcorn: The Tree of Life

It's hard to critique The Tree of Life because it doesn't play like a normal movie. It's more of a philosophy student's art project with an extremely high production value. I'm not saying you can waltz into your local college film festival and see something that could remotely stand up to it, but the grand themes, meandering story, and stylistic jump cuts would feel right at home.

The actors create wonderfully complex performances - Brad Pitt is an overbearing but loving father and Hunter McCracken is the son who isn't quite sure how to deal with his misguided lessons. No one is entirely good or entirely bad. They are simply human; growing, learning, breaking, and being fixed. But the performances get overshadowed by Terrence Malick's stylistic choices.

The juxtaposition between the human experience and nature's chaotic path gets extremely overplayed, which is where the meandering begins. Many shots, while beautiful in their own right, are hammered into scene after scene. The art minimizes the narrative, which creates a convoluted story. This tactic would work masterfully in a short, but The Tree of Life drags it out for over two hours.

By the time the credits roll, you're almost where you began (emotionally speaking). The destination isn't worth the length of the journey. If I could judge this film in 20-minute increments, I would say that it's cinematic gold. But viewing it from beginning to end turns it into a mediocre movie going experience.

Listening to and Liking: A Very She & Him Christmas

I know it's too early for Christmas music, but this is a nice transition album if you're looking to mildly get in the Holiday spirit.

Everyone can use a little 

immoral support every 

once and awhile.

R.I.P. Jamie Pierre

Skiers like Pierre constantly test boundaries. It's sad that his passion eventually took his life. My prayers go out to the loved ones he left behind.

Here's footage of his record breaking cliff jump from 2006. Probably one of the sickest things I've seen. 

There's a lot of wasted talent on that team.

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Pass the Popcorn: Horrible Bosses

Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis, and that dude from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia decide that instead of looking for new jobs, it would be easier to just kill their Horrible Bosses. I had a really hard time accepting the premise of this outlandish comedy at first. For some reason the main character's reasoning seemed so extreme that I couldn't allow myself to get on board with it. Instead, it just stressed me out. But once the second act starting gaining traction, I was able to let go of my hesitations and start appreciating the comedic performances.

Charlie Day, the dude from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, doesn't venture too far from the character we see on TV, but since he's the only one who yell-acts the whole movie, it actually works. And Jennifer Aniston proves, once again, that she is still super sexy and funny. The over-the-top performances from Colin Farrell and Kevin Spacey also balance out Bateman's subtle antics.

While Horrible Bosses got largely overlooked this summer, it's still worth renting if you're looking for a comedy full of poor decision making, a couple of crude jokes, and a that would never happen ending. I laughed out loud more than expected.

Penn State

There are no winners in the recent Penn State debacle; only losers. The school loses, Joe Pa loses, the NCAA loses, and the saddest, least talked about side, the kids who lost their innocence.

No matter how much the media dissects and debates the outcome, only one thing is certain; there were multiple, colossal failures by coaches, staff, and the authority figures involved. As an educator, you are held to a higher standard. Whether you educate on the field or in the classroom, parents have entrusted the safety and well-being of their children to you. Any lapse in judgement that jeopardizes that is inexcusable.

This isn't a football story. It's humanity story. And no matter how it's read, it ends in tragedy.

The Duke

Dude's got balls.

Pass the Popcorn: It's Kind of a Funny Story

It's appropriately named. The characters are amusing. The actors do a decent job. And the story is kind of funny. It's worth watching on a slow night.

Pass the Popcorn: Transformers - Dark of the Moon

Michael Bay does it again. And by IT, I mean make another convoluted action movie that lacks heart. Transformer 3 is packed full of action, but the constant barrage of metal pounding effects strips away any room for actual story. Fifty minutes in and you still don't know what the main conflict is going be.

It's really too bad because Shia LeBeouf's character is fun and witty. There's just nothing beyond that. Newcomer Rosie Huntington-Whiteley looks good on screen but even all of her curves fall flat. And I love Bay's obsession with women in white clothes. Like in Transformers 2, he has his leading lady in white during 30 minutes of climatic fighting. Everyone else ends up covered in blood and dirt, yet her coat remains pristine.

Overall, the movie was long, loud, and forgetful. 

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Not a one-size-fits-all

In theory, this Outdoor Research Yukon hat looks like it fits in the outdoors. Unfortunately, I found out the hard way that it doesn't. One of the companies I write for used it in a recent photo shoot. It single handily ruined 50% of the shots taken. I wish I would've been there to stop the madness, but I wasn't.  Now, my shot selection is cut in half for any and all ads/catalogs we will be creating. Not cool.

Pass the Popcorn: Hanna

A 16-year-old girl destined to be a killer gets her chance when she's faced with the person responsible for making her that way. Sounds like it could be a fun ride, but the meandering detours from introduction to revenge don't help the pace and story.

Hanna director Joe Wright adds too many stylized camera tricks and slick cuts to make this action flick feel honest. It's probably because the script lacks enough backbone to stand on its own. It's hard to buy the motivations of the father who's trying to protect his daughter and the CIA agent who's trying to kill her. So when the second act starts dragging, the movie starts failing.

While there's some interesting action in Hanna, it falls well short of movies like The Bourne Identity and Mission Impossible.

Explore or Rove?

I know Ford is basically responsible for making Range Rovers, but they need to do a little more to separate their high-end brand from their regular brand. The new Ford Explorer and the new Range Rover have an awful lot in common for the $15K price difference.

Nike Better World

Nike has always created good spots. They are more than commercials. Commercials sell things. Nike sells inspiration, ideas, and ambition. You see, there's a big difference between a commercial and what Nike does. Commercials are 30 seconds long. Nike uses as much time as it needs. Commercial have scripts. Nike tells stories. Commercials are discarded and forgotten while Nike can save what it creates, reuse it, and still make something that resonates beyond the norm. It's a pretty amazing thing.

Three for One

A high school football player gets the trifecta - kick block/interception/touchdown. You don't see that everyday.

Penfield 'Rockford' Down Jacket

A hint of western flare combined with modern styling. I'm all in. 

Mid-Season NFL MVP Goes to…

Peyton Manning! Sure, you can make a good case for Aaron Rodgers with 20 TDs and only 3 interceptions. He’s coming off of a Super Bowl victory and has his team in position to win the NFC North at 6-0 this year. You might even throw Tom Brady into the mix. He’s already accumulated nearly 2,200 yards and has 16 TDs of his own. And at 5-1, the Patriots are looking pretty strong, too.

But let’s take a look at Peyton Manning and the woeful Colts. Indianapolis was able to amass some of the best regular season records of the last 5 years – 10 wins, 14 wins, 12 wins, 13 wins, and 12 wins with a Super Bowl victory to boot. He’s been the face of the franchise and a coach on the field. Of course this year, as we all know, he’s out. And the Colts have ZERO wins. They’ve struggled to get first downs let alone W’s.

The Colts roster looks very similar to its past contending rosters yet they are failing beyond imagination. The only difference is that #18 is on the sidelines. This season has proven how valuable one player can be to a franchise.

Other teams have been able to manage without their signal caller under center. Last year, the Steelers held up nicely while Big Ben sat out due to suspension. But the Colts have done nothing of the sort.

So who’s to say you have to be playing to be the most valuable player to your team and to the league. By not playing, Manning’s shown that he is virtually irreplaceable. The Colts are losing and almost unwatchable, which hurts their fanbase and the NFL's bottom line. And that’s why he’s my 2011/12 NFL MVP.

Rank and File

It's been a tough decade to be a 49er fan. There has been a lot of L's over the years. A lot could've, would've, should'ves. So when the power rankings came out this week, I almost dropped a load in my shorts to see them at #4. That might be as good as it gets this year. But one thing's for sure, their future looks bright.

Levi's Cords

The life of corduroy has been that of ebbs and flows. I've always been a fan of the boot cut Levi's, but I can say that you won't always find a pair in my closet. Unlike bell bottoms, it's hard to know when exactly this look goes out of style. One day they're in GQ and the next day you can't find them anyway. Well, today they are in GQ. So if you have a pair on the bottom shelf, dust 'em off and slip 'em on. Hopefully, they still fit.

Lign Golf: For dudes who play

I've never actually bought a Lign shirt, but I still hit up their site every once in awhile. I dig the vibe and style of the brand. Of course, if the fit and wear aren't any good, they won't progress.

Regardless, I think they're hitting a consumer segment that's only going to grow - dudes who play golf. Not guys who play but dudes. Not retirees with nest eggs or Porsche drivers who live on the hill. But the dudes who serve you drinks at the bar and design your websites. The dudes who play Tiger Woods on the PS3 when it rains and hit the links when it's sunny. The dudes who have etiquette but don't get bogged down in the rules. It's tempered rebellion. It's generation now.

Tim Tebow (Question Mark)

Tebow is one of the only players in the NFL who can prove his critics right and wrong at the same time. Is he widely inaccurate? Of course he is. You saw the stats for the first three quarters of the game this weekend. He couldn't hit the broadside of a barn. But can he win games? Technically, yes they won. He orchestrated a final drive and threw a game-tying touchdown pass. Of course, no one is giving Prater any love for the final field goal. But that's another story.

The fact of the matter is that Tebow's game is like an alcoholic who gets sober. Everyone pats him on the back for not taking a drink in a year. But if he wasn't an alcoholic to begin with, he could've skipped the 12 steps altogether. Get my drift?

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Pass the Popcorn: Bad Teacher

I actually turned it off halfway through. I don't do that very often. But I couldn't find a single reason to root for the main character. I tried but couldn't. Bad Teacher was simply bad.

Nike Zoom Kobe VII

The new Kobe's look to be more understated as far combining multiple patterns in the upper. But that doesn't mean Nike isn't still playing with unique textures (note the subtle horizontal ribbing).

The shoe looks like it has a super-reinforced heel clip but the removable insole/ankle support is the most noticeable addition. Regardless, I like the nod to a more classic silhouette.

Pass the Popcorn: Hood to Coast

197 miles separates those who talk big stories and those who live them. Hood to Coast does what every good documentary should; it takes an interesting event and humanizes it. Whether you're a runner or not, you'll be inspired by average people doing something more.

Parenting Vault: The Hammer

My kids were having a tough time listening last night, so I had to use the "Daddy Voice" and settle the situation down. Of course, after I use the "Daddy Voice," I like explain to my kids why I needed to be the bad guy.

Last night, after our little "Daddy Voice" time, I said to my daughter, "You know why I got angry? When you and your brother don't listen, I have to put my foot down. I'm not a push over like your mom, dear. If you don't listen to me when I need you to, I'll drop the hammer."

Then I followed it up by asking if she knew what I meant. She replied, "Yes. If me and Henry don't listen to you, and you have have a hammer, you will drop it on us."

Apparently, 4-year-olds don't quite grasp the idea of metaphors. Although, I think it was equally effective.

Converse Chuck Taylor Thinsulate

These Chuck Taylors come with 3M Thinsulate - the same type of insulation most outdoor brands use for their cold weather hiking, hunting, and everything in-between boots. They don't say how many grams are packed inside, so I wouldn't expect that there's much. However, with Thinsulate, a little goes a long way.

Kudos to Converse for letting us look cool while staying warm.

Next up, the kettle will call the pot black.

VW Beetle

There's always a fine line between losing where you came from and ending up where you need to be. I think the new VW Beetle rides the line nicely. And in a time of SMART cars and the Mini Cooper, the redesign might make the Beetle relevant again..

The Avengers

I'm still not sure about this one.

Boom

Pine State Biscuit Bliss

Right around Belmont Street and 37th Ave in Portland, there's a whole-in-the-wall biscuit joint that serves nothing but happiness. Pine State Biscuit offers a range of biscuit dishes from traditional biscuits and gravy to The Reggie Deluxe (see below).  Piled high with goodness, the food at this place is well worth the effort.

Hi-Tec Rainier Event WPi Boots

My nightstand clock says 5:15 a.m. In 15 minutes the alarm will go off, but there's no sense in waiting around. It may be the second weekend of hunting season, but it's the first chance I've had to test out my new Hi-Tec Rainier Event WPi hiking boots.

A light drizzle has been coating the Tillamook State Forest for the past 24 hours, so I'm excited to see how effective the Hi-Tec ion-mask waterproof technology holds up to the Oregon rain. According to the shoe tag, ion-mask is a plasma coating that penetrates all exposed surfaces of the boot, allowing it to repel water, dirt, and mud. The process means there's no uptake of moisture in the fabric itself, which makes the boot highly water repellent and stain resistant.

The first thing I notice as I lace up the Hi-Tec Rainier boots is how durable the rustproof hardware feels. As I cinch down the laces, I can feel the TPU heel locking system around my ankles. The height of the TPU feels a little uncomfortable at first, but after walking around a bit, the leather starts breaking into my stride and evening out.

By the time I reach the Tillamook State Forest, the rain has stopped and the fog is settling in. While the ground is soaking wet, the temperature isn't much colder than 60 degrees, so I'm glad this version of Hi-Tec hiker isn't insulated.

The instant cushion of the 4:SYS, six density PU / CMEVA backpacking midsole doesn't disappoint. While the leather around the ankle needs to be broken in a bit, the midsole and insole are comfortable right out of the box.

My first trek takes me up a 4-wheeler trail beneath a transmission line. It's mixture of wet, packed mud and large, slick rocks are the perfect test for the Rainier's exclusive Vibram® backpacking outsole. The boot's lugs grip the terrain well. The mud cakes a bit but releases as I make my way up. And while my pants slowly start soaking up moisture, the waterproof, full-grain leather upper stays nice and dry.

Several hours later, I find myself trudging up a near vertical hill full of downfall. The slope, which looks seemingly innocent from a distance, turns out to be knee-high vines, dead trees, and shrubs. The Hi-Tec Rainier's Stabila-flex elite, contoured thermo-plastic bi-fit board keeps me sure footed as I make the ascent. It wasn't till the descent a little later that I felt my back heel start rubbing a little - something that's to be expected when you're testing a backpacking boot with zero break-in period.

All in all, the boots are great. They're comfortable, stable, and keep my feet dry. They're the second pair of Hi-Tec boots in my closet - the first being the Jackson Hole 400s. Hi-Tec's instant cushion combined with stable platform continues to win me over, especially in their upper-tiered product.

Probably.

Long Live Michael

The man in the Hathaway shirt

 The man in the Hathaway shirt is the original Most Interesting Man in the World; except he let the eye patch do the talking for him.