Curiosity

I will readily admit I am a space junkie. I can't get enough of NASA both past and present. So I watched very closely the results of the recent landing of the Mars Science Laboratory, and it's rover, Curiosity.

On landing day, I watched picture after picture released, and was blown away. However, the good pics were still a few days away. I didn't think anything could be more amazing than the pic above. That was taken from Mars orbit by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. It just happened to catch the main chutes deployed as Curiosity floated to the surface!!! Seriously, what are the odds they get this pic? This was followed by beautiful color HD pics of the surrounding environment, and amazing tests of the science equipment. They are targeting a laser for chemical analysis of samples for chrissakes!

This may be the most amazing thing yet. Click the video below to see an HD color video of the ACTUAL LANDING! You see the heat shield fall away and the surface of Mars comes up fast as the lander floats down on a parachute. suddenly, the image stabilizes as the landing rockets fire. You can even see the rocket blast on the surface. Just incredible.

Made in the USA

Man, no comments on Red Dawn? Tough crowd around here. How 'bout this one...

So like most red-blooded American men, I like to take good care of my home and yard. My yardwork has always been simple. I have a Craftsman 22" push mower (not self-propelled), a Black & Decker edger and a string trimmer. Since I bought my 1st house in New Orleans, these three trusty tools have served me well. After a 1 year hiatus in Nashville (that yard was HUGE and we were busy), I dusted off my gear and started taking care of my house in Cincy. Same mower, same edger, same trimmer.

When I started, I knew I was right on the edge of it being manageable. However, I gave it a try and could get the mowing done in about an hour and a half. Not too bad. Edging and trimming took a big back seat though. It just took too long to do it all at once. My neighbors all thought I was crazy, so it became a point of pride that I was one of the few, and more recently THE ONLY, neighbors who actually push mowed his yard.

My pride started to falter though last year. After moving in 3 years ago, I have hit the sweet spot in lawn care. Figuring out the right amount of water, fertilizer, seed etc, I now have a pretty healthy lawn. So now my old pusher had started to choke in the thicker grass and create a LOT of clumping. Ever rake your yard after you mowed? Yeah, it sucks! I started to eyeball riding mowers. I looked at a few, and researched it a lot. However, no move was made, as babies can be expensive.

All that changed when Piper was born. After the 2nd time mowing, Ali had gotten tired of my close to 2 hours mowing and then obligatory dip in the pool to cool off. When Mom and Dad were over one evening, she actually gave me the green light to buy a riding mower!

So without further ado, that's me on my new John Deere x304. I avoided the zero turns because they don't do well on hills. They also take up a ton of garage space. JD has a line of 4-wheel steering mowers which approach zero turn, so that's what I went with.

Was it instant glory? No. My first time mowing, I quickly realized that the beautiful cut was creating a LARGE amount of clippings that piled up in an unsightly way (you can see some in the pic above looking brown). Also, I realized that you don't take your butt off the seat while mowing. It cuts the engine. When that happened, it took me an hour to figure it out and get running again. I quickly bought an add-on mulching kit. Installed it last night. Taking off the deck of a riding mower and installing new blades yourself? Yeah, that's pretty awesome too! Right after, I took it out for a spin to chop up the extra clippings as you see above. Now?

Glorious.

As for the neighbors... You know you've made a good choice when one comes over and asks to mow some of MY LAWN FOR ME! He just wanted to test out the 4-wheel steering.

WOLVERINES!!!!!!!!!!!

Red Dawn. Every guy born in the 70s and 80s loves it. Every guy in that generation also has a contingency plan in the event that a Russian invasion ever does happen. I think the reason that movie worked so well is that when it came out, it seemed possible. 1984 was the height of the Cold War, and nobody knew what crazy Ron and Gorbachev were going to do. The opening text in the titles of that movie still send chills down my spine. Just awesome:

Soviet Union suffers worst wheat harvest in 55 years... 
Labor and food riots in Poland. Soviet troops invade... 
Cuba and Nicaragua reach troop strength goals of 500,000. El Salvador and Honduras fall... 
Greens Party gains control of West German Parliament. Demands withdrawal of nuclear weapons from European soil... 
Mexico plunged into revolution... 
NATO dissolves. 
United States stands alone. 

I knew they were remaking Red Dawn, but after the disastrous film production, I had no hope it would be watchable. First, they chose China as the bad guys. When China got upset, the producers realized that they needed Chinese money, so they changed the bad guys to North Korea - AFTER the film was wrapped. I guess they went in and digitally changed all the uniforms? I'm thinking most Asians can clearly see the difference between someone from Chinese vs. Korean descent. Then, the film got shelved for 3 years.

Now, it's coming out. After watching the trailer above, I admit I am intrigued. I like the "weapon" concept. It has the plausibility factor. I love the visuals. Looks like they moved it to more of an urban setting. I also like that they seem to have taken a lot of key parts from Red Dawn, rather than reinvent everything. If it ain't broke... So, I think I might see this one. I'll wait for a review or two to decide on the theater, but home video for sure.

The End of an Era

6914 Copperglow Ct. - Click Here to Purchase!!!

It's the end of yet another era in Heffernan history. Mom and Dad have finally decided to move out of the family home on Copperglow. Although we have certainly moved around a lot in our family history (Heffernan Family Homes), Copperglow is a bit special. We moved in during the summer of 1990, meaning it's been our family home for 22 years. That's a record. 

I know Mom and Dad are ready for a bit of downsizing, so I know they are looking forward to an exciting new place. Also, none of us have lived at home for years. However, I'm sure everyone is a little bit sad that the time to say goodbye to the old homestead is drawing near. We have more stories about this house than any other, but there is one that I am rather interested in...

JUST FESS UP. ONCE AND FOR ALL, WHO HIT OUR MAILBOX WITH A CAR?

Seriously though, use the comments to post your favorite Copperglow memories. It will surely turn this post into a trip down memory lane. 

I would also like to steal Ian's idea and plan one final memory. When Mom and Dad sell the place, I think it would be awesome to get some of us together and have one final blowout - IN THE CUL DE SAC!!! We came in with a bang, and we should go out with one for our beloved neighbor across the street! Fireworks, lots of parked cars, wiffle ball, loud music. Everything that she's ever called the cops on us for should be included in this party. We should have a month or so to plan before a closing. Check your calendars!

A Year With CrossFit

Prior to the kids being born, I was pretty active on the exercise front. I was playing competitive soccer several times a week, year round. I was running in the mornings and hitting the gym after work. Since the kids burst (literally) onto the scene 5 years ago priorities shifted and my time was a premium. So the working out thing was pretty much dropped. I joined a gym after the boy was born, but broke my elbow in a soccer game a month after joining and that was pretty much that. A little over a year ago I decided that it was time to at least try to recover a modicum of previous fitness level. I knew I couldn't commit to another Gold's Gym type of place because I'd get bored and couldn't motivate. I had heard about this new routine called CrossFit through, of all places, a tv blogger that I follow. It entails varying short workouts at high intensity utilizing functional movements along with Olympic style lifting and gymnastics elements. I was drawn to it by the idea of short, constantly changing workouts as those would, hopefully, keep me interested and work with my schedule. I also liked the fact that the workouts regularly forced you to compete against other people, which drives my competitive nature (although, this does have some negative consequences which I'll discuss later).

I've now been doing CrossFit for 1 year (Steph too!) and have managed to maintain a pretty consistent 3-day/week schedule and wanted to document my thoughts. CrossFit has been referred to as a cult by many, and I can definitely see why. People get into it. Really into it. I've managed to keep an open mind about things. Overall, I really enjoy it, but there are definitely some negatives. Here are my thoughts:

PROS

• Timing: Workouts vary in length from 5 to 30 minutes, with most taking me 10-15 minutes to complete. So I'm able to finish a workout, door-to-door, in an hour. This allows me to attend a 6:30a class every morning without having to get up at an insane hour like dad does for his runs and still be home in time to get the kids ready for school.
• Intensity: Those 10-15 minutes that I spend working out are non-stop hell. Lifting, running, jumping - whatever it is, you go non-stop. So while it's not the greatest if you're focused on cardio, it's a helluva full-body workout and you feel those 10-15 minutes for days.
• Variety: Whenever I would go to the gym gym, I had a pretty varied workout for differing days, but I'd also get really bored with it. I would occasionally try to pull in a couple exercises from Men's Health or some bullshit magazine like that, but I always came back to the same old exercises. With CrossFit, there are definitely movements that are prominently featured, by your day to day workouts are never the same. So it keeps things fresh. Added bonus, they usually schedule things so you don't overwork a single muscle group so you can recover adequately.
• Competition: Almost every workout is either based on number of reps you perform in a given time or how quickly you can complete a fixed number of reps. With class sizes typically between 6-18 you're racing against everyone else. That competitive element pushes me harder than I would ever push myself.
• Camaraderie: At the gym gym I went out of my way to not talk to other people. I would always make sure I used weights where I didn't need a spotter. With CrossFit (and maybe this is just our affiliate) almost everyone seems really cool. People talk and laugh about how shitty an upcoming workout is or a just-finished workout was. The really cool thing is how people pull for you. When people are lagging beyond, folks who have finished will start cheering them on. I did my first muscle up (turn your volume down) a couple weeks back and, after two failed attempts I nailed it. Literally everyone in the gym (about 2 dozen people) dropped what they were doing to come over and give me high fives. Either they had been there before and knew from experience what it felt like to do that the first time or it's something they're working towards and could appreciate it. Either way, it was a great feeling.

CONS

• Competition: I know what you're thinking - dumbass already listed this as a pro! Here's the thing, I'm a competitive person. I hate to lose. At anything. I don't let the girl beat me at Connect Four. So I may, on occasion, attempt to do things that I'm really not ready to do. And that leads to...
• Risk of Injury: I haven't had any serious injuries since starting CrossFit, but I have had a constant series of niggling ones - wrist, left elbow, right elbow, achilles, and, currently, knee. Particularly with the Olympic lifts (and box jumps) technique is very, very important. If you try to go heavy before you have the technique down, you're going to get hurt. If you try to keep up with the 18 year old next to you (my nemesis, Jacob), you're probably going to get hurt. If you listen to the instructors, practice the movements before and/or after the actual workout, and only move up in weight as you're ready, you'll be fine. But the pressure to try to advance too quickly is definitely there.

Whenever I've told people that I've been doing CrossFit I've found that the, much like Notre Dame football, opinions on it mainly sit at opposite ends of the spectrum - people either thing it's the only workout you should do or people thing it's the worst thing you can possibly do. I guess I lean more towards the former. It's definitely not the end-all-be-all. As I said early, if you main focus is cardio, it's probably not the best routine. If you like to workout on your own, at any time, it's probably not going to work for you based on the class-based approach. But if you're looking to stay fit, not get bored, and your time is a premium I definitely recommend checking it out. Most CrossFit affiliates (and they are everywhere) offer 1 or 2 free introductory classes to see if it works for you.

After a year of CrossFit, I certainly feel as physically fit as I have since college. Because there are benchmark workouts that pop up every few months I can also quantitatively gauge my progress. So I know it's working. Maybe I'm not dropping pant sizes like Ted (I still like to eat), but there are definitely exercises and movements I can do now that seemed impossible to me when I started one year ago. For me, right now, it's the ideal workout routine.

Now for some obligatory bragging - I deadlifted 400lbs the other day. Feel free to call me "Muscles".

World Series Champions

I sent a recent email to some that had a couple of AWESOME links to articles about the Reds playoff chances.

• Cincinnati Reds: 5 Moves That Would Push the Reds into October
• MLB Trade Rumors: PlayersCincinnati Could Move to Acquire Trade Deadline Help

So after letting it sink in, I have figured out a way that we can win the World Series this year, and be primed for another run next year. 3 big roster moves is all it takes. These are doable.

1) Trade for Josh Willingham
Just suck it up. We should have signed him as a free agent. He is under contract for 2 years at $7M, with an option in the 3rd year for the same amount. The Twins are awful, and would let him go for prospects. He would instantly slot into LF and hit cleanup. The deal: Trade Bill Bray (inconsistent but MLB ready), JC Sulbaran (high ceiling RHP prospect) and Pedro Villarreal (a low level pitching prospect). The Twins would take it, and we take on about $5.5M in extra salary (less because the season is half over). Supposedly, the Padres are looking to move Carlos Quentin, who is much better than Willingham and a perfect fit for us, but he is a free agent after this year. I'd rather not get a half season rental.

2) Move Chapman to the rotation
I know, it's unlikely this year. However, EVERYTHING you read about the Reds talks about how his talents are WASTED as a closer. I really like Sean Marshall as closer. Stretch out Chapman in middle relief or the minors. Get him ready for the stretch run and playoffs. Can yo imagine a 1-2-3 of Cueto, Latos and Chapman in the playoffs? That would be awesome. As a result, we are now down 2 relievers with Bray traded above. So you promote Donnie Joseph to the bullpen as a replacement lefty.This move costs nothing.

3) Trade for a reliever
Grant Balfour is the guy I target. Move him into the setup role. The A's will deal, and the price seems to be one we could afford: Trade Didi Gregarious (top SS, blocked by Cozart) and Chris Heisey . Ryan LaMarre (speedy OF with little power) would be a backup option if they don't like Heisey. He is due $4M (which will be less) this year and under contract for next year at $4.5M.

So we have added Willingham, Joseph and Balfour, while losing Bray and Heisey. We will have to let go of another reliever, and eventually move a starter into the bullpen - I vote for Bailey. Here's our revised batting order and rotation:

2B Phillips
SS Cozart
1B Votto
LF Willingham
RF Bruce
C Hanigan
3B Frazier
CF Stubbs
Pitcher spot

Cueto
Latos
Chapman
Arroyo
Leake

Setup Balfour
Closer Marshall

With those moves, our lineup and starting rotation would be ABSOLUTELY SICK! I think we are able to challenge the big boys in the AL West, and the pitching in the NL West and East. We are also locked in for this year and next, and add less than $10M to the payroll. I think we can make that up with back to back World Series visits!!!

*Spoiler Alert* - Prometheus Species Origin

I Am Done With The Reds

The Reds are in 1st place, 7 games over .500 - and I'm done with them. I refuse to get my heart ripped out this season. As the team is currently constructed, we cannot win the division.

I took the girls to the game today and watched Chapman blow yet another save opportunity. When are the Reds going to realize that Chapman is a starting pitcher. He is not a closer!!! I don't care how fast you throw it. If you throw 100 mph fastball after 100 mph fastball, major league hitters are going to hit it. As a closer, Chapman has all but abandoned his slider, and rarely throws any off-speed stuff. He can offer this team so much more.

He has now blown 2 straight saves, and blown 4 of his last 7 opportunities. Even worse, the Reds are so worried about him that they rarely even use him. Before today, the last time he pitched was Tuesday. Not really adding much to the team there.

The Reds need to put Marshall back into the closer role. He blew 1 game and was yanked. He is so much better suited to close. They need to stretch out Chapman and make him a starter for the late season and maybe playoffs. They also need a bat. I don't even care. Either a true leadoff man or a real cleanup hitter.

Without that, we lose this season - again. I refuse to attend another game or watch on TV until they make some changes.

We Came From Them. They Will Come For Us.

The following post is spoiler free!!!

Above is the free poster I got from attending the midnight opening show for Prometheus last Thursday night in IMAX 3D. After walking out of the movie, my 1st thought was, "Damn, it's 2:30am and I have to be at work in 4 and a half hours!" My 2nd thought was, "Holy hell, that was the most unbelievably good-looking film I have ever seen," (from a special effects standpoint). Just beautiful to look at. My 3rd thought was, "What the hell just happened?"

Without giving any spoilers, I told Dad that I was giving the film a rating of "I" for incomplete, fully expecting a sequel (or two).

5 days after seeing it, my head is now reeling. I am forced to reevaluate my original impression, and I find myself being sucked in further to Ridley Scott's crazy world. On further review, I am upgrading my rating to an "A-" without even seeing it again.

Tom Rench emailed me a link to a rather in depth discussion (DO NOT READ UNTIL VIEWING PROMETHEUS) of the film that points out the finer points of the movie. After reading that, I clearly see that the "finer points" weren't so fine, and that Ridley has a clear message in his film. I won't go so far as to agree with everything this guy says, but his argument is rock solid and supported by quotes from Ridley himself. The 1st thing you should do after watching Prometheus is read the above link. The next thing you should do is go see it again, which I will be doing next week.

If that isn't enough, there is a bonus clip at the end of the movie credits that I have embedded above. Don't worry, it has nothing to do with the plot and can be safely viewed. Ridley Scott is not even close to subtle in trying to show us that this is HIS very own sci-fi epic... Know any other movies that use themes from Nietzsche? Maybe one that has a classic score using a certain piece by the same name????

Let's go even further down the rabbit hole... You are probably aware there was a viral marketing campaign that led up to Prometheus. There is now a new website associated with the movie:

http://www.whatis101112.com/

Not much else there yet, but there are some REALLY COOL things if you click the Weyland logo at the top and explore the Weyland Industries website. However, it is clear that Ridley still has some tricks up his sleeve. Clearly, something is significant about 10-11-12. It is the fictional date of Weyland Industries being incorporated, but it's more than coincidence that the date is this year in reality.

I have no idea where this is going, but it's starting to really suck me in. I'm thinking that date could be anything from the Blu-ray release date, to a new website, to a major announcement about a sequel.

You don't think Ridley pulled the ULTIMATE fast one and did a LOTR style double shoot without letting us know do you?

Comments are NOT spoiler free below! Colin let the cat out of the bag!

Game of Thrones

I'm 99% sure Kevin has read them, but is anyone else into the HBO series Game of Thrones? The 2nd season finale was Sunday, and let me just say... WOW!

If you guys aren't watching this, you are missing perhaps the greatest spectacle on TV. This is like an Oscar-caliber movie that just goes on and on every week. The 1st season starts out strong, but just builds bigger and better every week. The final scene of season one is one of the most jawdropping, iconic scenes in TV history. Season two remarkably ups the ante.

Granted, this is a grandiose plot, with MANY characters and locations. However, HBO has done a good job helping viewers keep it all straight. They even have some good online interactive content to help novice viewers. I have made it a habit to read an episode summary each week to make sure I understand the names and places, and any subtle plot points I may have missed.

If you haven't watched this, download, rent or Netflix the series immediately! It is so good, I may even buy the season blu-rays. My only problem is waiting for the next season. I may break down and read the book series, even though it will spoil the surprises that the series has thrown me early and often so far.