OT: Friday POSBANG (MGoBloggers In Real Life edition)

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February 22nd, 2013 at 9:30 AM
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ChopBlock
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Joined: 12/11/2011
MGoPoints: 1502
OT: Friday POSBANG (MGoBloggers In Real Life edition)

Happy Posbangin' Friday, everyone! Time to do our civic duty (don't worry, it's nothing like jury duty) and upvote each poster to his/her full five. What better way to celebrate the weekend? This weekend's task for me is MacGuyvering some backpacking gear and making a few last-minute preparations for a hike.

Topics!

  • What are your weekend plans?
  • Any MGoBackpackers out there?
  • Have you ever met an MGoBlogger in real life, or found out someone you know is an MGoBlogger?
  • Favorite grilled cheese variants?

I've actually only ever met two MGoBloggers, one who posts occasionally on the board, one who doesn't. This is rather surprising, given my residence in the Mitten State. Have you ever run into someone, guiltily admitted your obsession with MGoBlog, and discovered they were a fellow MGoAddict?

"The straightest line from A to B is straight: From A to B"

"When you have Denard Robinson, you can have everything"

~George Walden

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February 22nd, 2013 at 9:35 AM | 1. I'm going to a Nike Coach (Score:5 Normal)
Magnus
Magnus's picture
Joined: 07/17/2008
MGoPoints: 27791

1. I'm going to a Nike Coach of the Year Clinic.

2. No.

3. I know some MGoBloggers in real life, but I knew them prior to MGoBlog.

4. Grilled cheese with turkey.

Twitter - Recruiting Update: June 17

February 22nd, 2013 at 4:54 PM | Are you the recipient of said (Score:3 Normal)
C Tron
Joined: 08/28/2012
MGoPoints: 38

Are you the recipient of said award?

February 22nd, 2013 at 9:59 PM | Nope. It typically goes to (Score:3 Normal)
Magnus
Magnus's picture
Joined: 07/17/2008
MGoPoints: 27791

Nope. It typically goes to head coaches, AFAIK, and I'm not a head coach.

Twitter - Recruiting Update: June 17

February 22nd, 2013 at 9:35 AM | Grilled cheese (Score:5 Normal)
ypsituckyboy
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Joined: 06/22/2009
MGoPoints: 1467

with mozzarella, sauteed mushrooms and tomotaoes, on buttered and toasted bread, with some sauce made of mayo/ketchup/italian seasonings/a touch of vinegar.

February 22nd, 2013 at 10:40 AM | whoa whoa whoa... i think you (Score:5 Normal)
MGoSteelers
MGoSteelers's picture
Joined: 06/19/2011
MGoPoints: 190

whoa whoa whoa... i think you just gormet'ed the shit out of a grilled cheese

 

i need to see this frankenstein

February 22nd, 2013 at 11:50 AM | so freaking good (Score:5 Normal)
ypsituckyboy
ypsituckyboy's picture
Joined: 06/22/2009
MGoPoints: 1467

they have a version of it at Ashley's (sans the sauce) although I think the bread Ashley's uses is too hard/thick. You want to go with something large, that can handle the toppings, but soft. I go with challa. Also, you have to use multiple cheeses. The mozarella gives it the stringy look but you need some sharp cheddar and maybe a bit of gouda to increase the taste experience.

Also, the sauce is killer. Something like 4 tbsp of mayo, 2 or 3 tbsp of ketchup, 1 tsp of italian seasoning, and 1 tbsp of white vinegar. Adjust for taste/texture (it can get soupy if you use too much vinegar).

February 22nd, 2013 at 9:38 AM | Wild game dinner tonight (Score:5 Normal)
mgobaran
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Joined: 09/12/2012
MGoPoints: 549

Wild game dinner tonight (with an open bar)

Red Wings game then hitting up the Old Shillelagh afterwards on Saturday

I own a backpack

And I have never met an MGoBlogger. Try to get my friends involved so I can stop feeling embarrassed for my obsession with this website, but to no avail so far.

And the best thing you can do to a grilled cheese, is dip it in tomato soup. No need to add anything to the actual sandwich.

Twitter

 

February 22nd, 2013 at 11:16 AM | nice (Score:5 Normal)
wigeon
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Joined: 07/05/2008
MGoPoints: 2764

wild game dinner with an open bar sounds like a blast.  Bacon-wrapped everything! 

My wife does a killer grilled cheese  - shaved sopprassata or prosciutto, gouda, and a little dijon on 12 grain bread.  

 

Biz hundert azoi ve tsvantsik

February 22nd, 2013 at 11:30 AM | Sister? (Score:5 Normal)
Caesar
Caesar's picture
Joined: 03/25/2009
MGoPoints: 453

Also accepting: cousin, and depending on your age, daughter or granddaughter. 

Edit: Also, mother.

February 22nd, 2013 at 11:44 AM | sho thang (Score:5 Normal)
wigeon
wigeon's picture
Joined: 07/05/2008
MGoPoints: 2764

I've got an opening for 2nd cousin once-removed. 

 

Biz hundert azoi ve tsvantsik

February 22nd, 2013 at 9:38 AM | Posbang away! 1. I will be (Score:5 Normal)
Michigan Marshmallow
Michigan Marshmallow's picture
Joined: 11/06/2011
MGoPoints: 144

Posbang away!

1. I will be mowing the lawn, watching various sporting events, studying Chemistry, practicing the violin, and spending too many hours on World of Warcraft and MW2.

2. Hmm, no I'm not a MGoBackpacker. Although I've always wanted to go to a foreign country with nothing but a backpack and make my way to various locations. Backpacking across Europe or Africa is on my bucket list.

3. Not that I know of. I do have suspicions though...

4. My own variation: American, cheddar, and mozzarella on ciabatta with lots of bacon.

February 22nd, 2013 at 9:55 AM | Public transportation is (Score:5 Normal)
ChopBlock
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Joined: 12/11/2011
MGoPoints: 1502

Public transportation is great in Europe, but you're gonna blow a lot of money there. It's fun, but unless you have some serious cash saved up, you'll have to take a short trip. Unless you want to make all your reservations for hostels and whatnot three months in advance, but really, the point of a backpack trip is it doesn't have to be planned or scripted (Couchsurfing is of course another option).

If you speak Spanish, South America is wonderful. There's "collectivos" everywhere (15-passenger vans that haul people from place to place), and even the premium long-distance busses are really cheap. Excluding airfare, you can travel around and see things there for maybe $500 per month. Peru/Bolivia/Ecuador/Colombia will be cheaper, while Argentina and Chile will be more expensive. Likewise with Brazil, but you need to know Portuguese for that.

"The straightest line from A to B is straight: From A to B"

"When you have Denard Robinson, you can have everything"

~George Walden

February 22nd, 2013 at 10:14 AM | Very good to know, thank (Score:5 Normal)
Michigan Marshmallow
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Joined: 11/06/2011
MGoPoints: 144

Very good to know, thank you!

(And this is why I love MGoBlog)

February 22nd, 2013 at 9:41 AM | Favorite grilled cheese (Score:5 Normal)
토린
Joined: 04/07/2009
MGoPoints: 13909

Favorite grilled cheese variants?

I live in Korea. What is cheese?

February 22nd, 2013 at 11:00 AM | Which one?  I  assume mgoblog (Score:5 Normal)
cheesheadwolverine
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Joined: 10/25/2008
MGoPoints: 2167

Which one?  I  assume mgoblog is one of the two websites allowed by Kim Jong Un.

"I just hope Tressel doesn't fire me"

-Gordon Gee

February 22nd, 2013 at 1:41 PM | (No subject) (Score:5 Normal)
Business Time
Business Time's picture
Joined: 02/17/2011
MGoPoints: 163

February 22nd, 2013 at 9:41 AM | Where are you planning on (Score:5 Normal)
Galapula
Joined: 12/04/2009
MGoPoints: 456

Where are you planning on going backpacking this time of year? Are you using snowshoes? I always have a hard time finding interesting places to backpack in the lower peninsula (besides the Manitee Islands) in the summer but the winter I wouldn't know where to begin to look.

February 22nd, 2013 at 9:46 AM | No, I'm headed out of state (Score:5 Normal)
ChopBlock
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Joined: 12/11/2011
MGoPoints: 1502

No, I'm headed out of state to start the AT in Georgia (week from yesterday I'll be on the trail!). Although, the weather in Michigan is probably about the same as it'll be in the Smokies. It'll be a lot windier and foggier there, though.

"The straightest line from A to B is straight: From A to B"

"When you have Denard Robinson, you can have everything"

~George Walden

February 22nd, 2013 at 9:58 AM | Smokies! (Score:5 Normal)
Gobgoblue
Joined: 07/07/2012
MGoPoints: 794

If you see a guy fly fishing and a girlfriend yelling at him, "Can we hike already?!"  It's probably me.  

I love Greg Mattison

February 22nd, 2013 at 10:00 AM | That's awesome, man! Are you (Score:5 Normal)
Galapula
Joined: 12/04/2009
MGoPoints: 456

That's awesome, man! Are you doing the entire jaunt? Jealous!

February 22nd, 2013 at 10:14 AM | Only if I hike really fast. I (Score:5 Normal)
ChopBlock
ChopBlock's picture
Joined: 12/11/2011
MGoPoints: 1502

Only if I hike really fast. I have to get off the trail in mid-july for work reasons, so I'm getting as far as I can between now and then (hence, the February start). Will probably make it to Graylock-ish.

Gobgoblue: if all the tourists to the smokies think I'm crazy, it's all your fault :)

"The straightest line from A to B is straight: From A to B"

"When you have Denard Robinson, you can have everything"

~George Walden

February 22nd, 2013 at 10:20 AM | Last question: (Score:5 Normal)
Galapula
Joined: 12/04/2009
MGoPoints: 456

So if you don't know how far you are going to be able to go how could you coordinate mailing your care packages to yourself beforehand or are you not going to do that?

February 22nd, 2013 at 10:24 AM | Questions are great! (Score:5 Normal)
ChopBlock
ChopBlock's picture
Joined: 12/11/2011
MGoPoints: 1502

Well, I have a very wonderful mother who is very sad to see me move out of state and would love nothing more than to shower me with love, affection, and packages. So I'm kind of playing it by ear; I'll call her a couple weeks in advance and tell her if I want a maildrop somewhere, or if I'm just planning to buy food in town. I've heard from a thru-hiker friend that it's a really BAD IDEA to plan out now what you're going to eat in New York; you'll probably hate the thing you bought 100 of by time you get there. Either skip maildrops for the most part, or have people assemble them for you while you're on the trail.

"The straightest line from A to B is straight: From A to B"

"When you have Denard Robinson, you can have everything"

~George Walden

February 22nd, 2013 at 1:04 PM | I accept all responsibility. (Score:5 Normal)
Gobgoblue
Joined: 07/07/2012
MGoPoints: 794

Without any political incentive, are you bringing any firearms for protection?  My other half is compulsively worrying about defense so it has probably seeped into my subconcious.  Thus, the root of this question. 

I love Greg Mattison

February 22nd, 2013 at 3:02 PM | Heck no. Only a small (Score:5 Normal)
ChopBlock
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Joined: 12/11/2011
MGoPoints: 1502

Heck no. Only a small minority of people who shoot a bear in self-defense (who aren't trained hunters and whatnot) actually end up stopping the thing. Seriously. studies have shown that bear spray (which I won't carry, because eastern black bears are very timid) is way more effective in stopping a bear than a firearm is.

But like I said, most people don't even see a bear on the trail, much less have a confrontation with one. If there were grizzlies in the area, I'd bring bear spray. But the odds are so microscopic of having a confrontation with a black bear that it's not worth it.

"The straightest line from A to B is straight: From A to B"

"When you have Denard Robinson, you can have everything"

~George Walden

February 22nd, 2013 at 8:21 PM | Easier solution. (Score:4 Funny)
M-Wolverine
M-Wolverine's picture
Joined: 10/04/2009
MGoPoints: 39229

Camp with slow people.

"I love him, he's a great coach, he's a great mentor, he's a great friend. He's every single thing you want a college coach to be, and he does it flawlessly." -David Molk

February 22nd, 2013 at 11:47 PM | tracking with you (Score:3 Normal)
wigeon
wigeon's picture
Joined: 07/05/2008
MGoPoints: 2764

but I kind of disagree.  Granted, I'm familiar with a wide range of weaponry.  Pepper spray can be effective, but at close range and if the shit really hit the fan (which I agree is a remote possibility), I'd really prefer to have a sidearm.  Or both.  Knowing I'm the possessor of deadly force would be reassurance if things went awry. 

Further, If I were hiking the AT, knowing the abundance of meth labs and weird people i this world, I'd doubly want a sidearm. Hiking any portion of the AT is a big undertaking - you're alone or in a small vulnerable group, in a wafer-thin tent at night in a remote campsite, and because you're dog-ass tired maybe you don't practice the best food security at night, or some locals think it's a great idea to mess with hikers.  Those are both real possibilities.  A young woman was killed and EATEN by a black bear while trout fishing not far from the AT a few years ago.  

Just a different perspective.  Whatever the case, safe travels and have a large time.  

 

Biz hundert azoi ve tsvantsik

February 23rd, 2013 at 1:20 AM | Is that banjo music I hear? (Score:2 Normal)
M-Wolverine
M-Wolverine's picture
Joined: 10/04/2009
MGoPoints: 39229

I think I'd rather have the gun for that than the bear. Unless you're just shooting in the air to scare it away, or are really well versed in them, I'm not sure a sidearm is going to be much more effective.

However if you don't want to do your best Ned Beatty impression, I can see the value.

"I love him, he's a great coach, he's a great mentor, he's a great friend. He's every single thing you want a college coach to be, and he does it flawlessly." -David Molk

February 23rd, 2013 at 4:46 AM | Well I can certainly see (Score:2)
ChopBlock
ChopBlock's picture
Joined: 12/11/2011
MGoPoints: 1502

Well I can certainly see wanting a firearm for the non-ursine predators walking around the woods. But as far as bears go, if you're close enough range to need to shoot them, you're close enough range to use pepper spray effectively. You won't read a single piece of bear literature in any place that denies the fact that pepper spray is more effective in preventing injury to yourself. Peace of mind is quite another thing, of course.

"The straightest line from A to B is straight: From A to B"

"When you have Denard Robinson, you can have everything"

~George Walden

February 22nd, 2013 at 1:50 PM | Hiking the AT too! (Score:4 Normal)
DH16
Joined: 11/19/2012
MGoPoints: 383

Just a section of it though, for spring break, heading out with 5 other UofM students so it'll be a blast. Plan to do about 53 miles of the Appalachian trail and the Bartram trail in Nantahala National Forest. Wish we could have done the Smokies, one of my favorite places in the world, but planning for basically February weather there is impossible when you could wake up in 60 degree weather and go to sleep in a blizzard. If our break was a little later it'd be that much better.

Best of luck to you though! It's always been a dream of mine to try and hike the whole AT one day, one that probably won't happen, oh well.

February 22nd, 2013 at 3:06 PM | Spring break trips to the (Score:3 Normal)
ChopBlock
ChopBlock's picture
Joined: 12/11/2011
MGoPoints: 1502

Spring break trips to the smokies=bad news (hypothermia, postholing through 4 foot drifts). Probably a good choice. So good though that you get to hit the trail anyway!

"The straightest line from A to B is straight: From A to B"

"When you have Denard Robinson, you can have everything"

~George Walden

February 22nd, 2013 at 9:42 AM | Mgobackpacker (Score:5 Normal)
rederik
rederik's picture
Joined: 03/21/2011
MGoPoints: 255

Mgobackpacker here! Not sure what you mean re: Macgyvering backpacking gear, but I've gotten a lot of my supplies (including the backpacks themselves) through the Coleman outlet store, which was significantly cheaper than my options at REI and the like. However, if you're in the mitten state and going backpacking this time of year, you're far braver than I!

"Long time listener, first time caller."

February 22nd, 2013 at 9:48 AM | MacGuyvering is basically the (Score:5 Normal)
ChopBlock
ChopBlock's picture
Joined: 12/11/2011
MGoPoints: 1502

MacGuyvering is basically the art of constructing useful stuff out of household materials. I made an alcohol stove out of beer cans, and now I'm working on a pot stand and windscreen to complete the ensemble. It's significantly lighter and cheaper than commercial gear, and you can make a new one on the trail using a knife if it gets busted for whatever reason.

What's your favorite place to hike?

"The straightest line from A to B is straight: From A to B"

"When you have Denard Robinson, you can have everything"

~George Walden

February 22nd, 2013 at 10:27 AM | Hands down, the Porcupine (Score:5 Normal)
rederik
rederik's picture
Joined: 03/21/2011
MGoPoints: 255

Hands down, the Porcupine Mountains on the western end of the UP. My dad and I went on a four day trip there a few years ago (we were originally going to head to Isle Royale but 14 foot waves on Lake Superior meant our ferry wasn't going anywhere haha), and it was phenomenal. The woods were so thick that when we camped only about 100 or 150 yards from the shoreline the one night you still couldn't see a thing. It's known for being great for spotting wolves and black bears, although we didn't see any personally, but the old growth forest alone made it worth it. (Runner up is the Tahquamenon Falls area, eastern UP). Don't get to go as often as I'd like on account of work but I moved up to Holly last year, and that at least provides ample opportunity for day hiking at the local state parks.

"Long time listener, first time caller."

February 22nd, 2013 at 3:46 PM | Porcupine Mts. (Score:5 Normal)
Club2230
Joined: 01/13/2011
MGoPoints: 176

I went backpacking there with my brother.  The last day we were there we camped right at the end.  I woke up in the morning and went to the overlook area and the lake had completely clouded over leaving only the morning sun reflecting off of the fog.

February 23rd, 2013 at 12:10 PM | I fully agree, Rederik and Club 2230 (Score:1)
rob f
rob f's picture
Joined: 11/11/2010
MGoPoints: 734

about the Porcupine Mountains for backpacking.  Well worth the long trip up to the Western UP, the scenery is fantastic thru all sorts of terrain.  I've been there 3 times for the hike and have been on the majority of the trails there, great memories!

I've also made the trip twice in the winter for skiing, the view overlooking Lake Superior is great and the powder (lots of it) fantastic!

February 22nd, 2013 at 11:44 AM | I did the homemade alcohol stove too (Score:5 Normal)
UofM-StL
Joined: 11/21/2011
MGoPoints: 239

I worked at a sign shop at the time, and used them for the materials to make the stand and windscreen. If you've got a Signs By Tomorrow or something similar nearby, you can probably get a 6x18 length of aluminum for the windscreen and a cheap wire stand (usually used for corrogated plastic yard signs) that you can bend into a pot stand for a couple bucks.

If you're looking for another handy, relativly cheap DIY backpacking project, I suggest the walking stick stool:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Multi-Function-Walking-Stick-Converts-into-a-Cha/

It doesn't make the sturdiest walking stick in the world, but it's super worth it to have a comfortable stool to sit on at the end of the day. And since you'd probably be carrying walking stick anyway, it doesn't really add any weight.

February 22nd, 2013 at 9:49 AM | I believe it means he has (Score:5 Normal)
Michigan Marshmallow
Michigan Marshmallow's picture
Joined: 11/06/2011
MGoPoints: 144

I believe it means he has duct tape and a swiss army knife...and Murdoc will show up at some point.

February 22nd, 2013 at 10:04 AM | Not about Macgyvering gear (Score:5 Normal)
Gobgoblue
Joined: 07/07/2012
MGoPoints: 794

but if you're looking for cheap, authentic hiking/camping gear, I'd suggest you check out sierratradingpost.com 

They have a crazy amount of deals and sales of legitimate gear.   I got a pair of hiking boots with Gore-tex waterproof (mid) for 40 dollars.  I got them 4 years ago and they don't even look used.  

I love Greg Mattison

February 22nd, 2013 at 9:44 AM | Snow Day! (Score:5 Normal)
Go Blue from OH
Go Blue from OH's picture
Joined: 10/04/2010
MGoPoints: 177

Taking advantage of some nasty weather and working from home today. Life is good

February 22nd, 2013 at 10:55 AM | doing the same (Score:5 Normal)
wigeon
wigeon's picture
Joined: 07/05/2008
MGoPoints: 2764

10 am, still in my jammies, sipping coffee and juice,  the wife just made pancakes (she's workign from home too),  working on a couple proposals, and enjoying my birthday. 

Couldn't be finer. 

 

Biz hundert azoi ve tsvantsik

February 22nd, 2013 at 9:45 AM | Studying for CPA Exam and (Score:5 Normal)
sULLY
sULLY's picture
Joined: 01/29/2010
MGoPoints: 393
  1. Studying for CPA Exam and shopping for a new golf driver
  2. No
  3. I was in Winston-Salem for work a year or two ago and went to the hotel bar to catch a Michigan-Wisconsin basketball game.  I thought I would have to request the game be turned on, but to my surpise there was a fellow U-M fan already in the bar watching the game.  He also happened to be an MGoBlogger.  
  4. Pepper jack cheese with a little Franks Red Hot on Texas toast
February 22nd, 2013 at 10:14 AM | What portion are you studying (Score:5 Normal)
MgoJohnStamos
MgoJohnStamos's picture
Joined: 08/04/2010
MGoPoints: 703

What portion are you studying for?

I don't know who's hair is better, John Stamos circa Full House or Denard

GO BLUE

February 22nd, 2013 at 11:49 AM | I'm taking Audit on April (Score:5 Normal)
sULLY
sULLY's picture
Joined: 01/29/2010
MGoPoints: 393

I'm taking Audit on April 1st.  I think the order for now is AUD, BEC, REG, and FAR.

February 22nd, 2013 at 12:20 PM | Good luck. I am waiting on my (Score:5 Normal)
MgoJohnStamos
MgoJohnStamos's picture
Joined: 08/04/2010
MGoPoints: 703

Good luck. I am waiting on my audit score right now

I don't know who's hair is better, John Stamos circa Full House or Denard

GO BLUE

February 22nd, 2013 at 1:34 PM | You as well.  I hope you (Score:4 Normal)
sULLY
sULLY's picture
Joined: 01/29/2010
MGoPoints: 393

You as well.  I hope you pass.

February 22nd, 2013 at 11:31 AM | Best of luck (Score:5 Normal)
ixcuincle
ixcuincle's picture
Joined: 08/11/2010
MGoPoints: 3222

Best of luck

February 22nd, 2013 at 9:48 AM | This weekend... (Score:5 Normal)
nmumike
nmumike's picture
Joined: 10/28/2010
MGoPoints: 472

I will be hanging out with my 10 week old son and my wife

Not much of a backpacker any longer

I have never met an MgoBlogger in real life, but I live in Philly...Not saying there are no Mgo's in Philly, but I don't expect to meet any

Grilled cheese: pepperjack cheese on multigrain bread and dipped in a tomato soup

"It is better, of course, to know useless things than to know nothing."

"The world is given to me only once..."

February 22nd, 2013 at 9:49 AM | . (Score:5 Normal)
MGoShoe
MGoShoe's picture
Joined: 04/23/2009
MGoPoints: 19326

  • Weekend plans: Cheer Michigan to victory over the Illini. Otherwise chillax.

  • Not a backpacker but like the concept.

  • I have met a few MGoBloggers in real life. It can be a somewhat awkward experience. 

  • Favorite grilled cheese variant: ham, cheddar, Gulden's on wheat.

LSA '89 - MBB Natl Champions, Big 10/Rose Bowl Champions | @MGoShoe

February 22nd, 2013 at 9:50 AM | Questions? Answers. (Score:5 Normal)
LSAClassOf2000
LSAClassOf2000's picture
Joined: 01/07/2011
MGoPoints: 8947

1) My weekend plans, aside from Michigan hoops on Sunday, comprise mainly of shopping for my wife's birthday present (for her birthday is Monday), and maybe finally installing the wireless printing equipment in my house. There will be a generous smattering of MGoBlog as well.

2) I have backpacked a couple times, but not on a particularly long adventure (overnight trips), so it likely doesn't count in the true spirit of backpacking.

3) I actually went to the last HTTV release party, so I met quite a few. I met another one last Friday at work as they came to grab my "Return To Crisler" tickets since I could not attend.

4) One of my personal favorites is a grilled swiss with pastrami and sliced red onion. Someone gave me the recipe and it is awesome indeed.

"Funny isn't it, how naughty dentists always make that one fatal mistake."

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