The Blue World

Ortiz leaves a bad taste in my mouth!

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Graffam) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 02:09:00 +0000

Aside from a hand full of games that I've listened to on the radio, tonight's Red Sox game against the Tamp Bay Rays is the first I've watched since the news leaked that David Ortiz was one of the 103 players on the 2003 list of player's who tested positive for PEDs.

As I glanced over at the television, Ortiz came to the plate and I couldn't help but just feel kind of ill. I mean just like millions of other Sox fans, I loved this guy and mocked the ones who we knew were cheating. I now I truly fee let down. I thought that it would go away after a few days and I'd be able to cheer the guy, but I can't. He cheated us all.

Cats need to have fun, too!

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Graffam) — Mon, 18 May 2009 04:10:00 +0000

Julie was kind enough to go out the other night and get our cat some catnip. Being about 12-years-old, we thought it would be cool if she got some exercise and my attempt at getting her active with a tennis ball just didn’t work. Apparently a fuzzy ball nearly the same size as her head wasn’t so much fun, but the catnip has been more of a hit that a batch of Phenphedrine. She runs around all night chasing the little sack and ringing the bell on the top. It’s really quite cute!

Steve-O gets back on his feet!

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Graffam) — Mon, 04 May 2009 03:28:00 +0000

There’s a point when you look in the mirror and what stares back at you is both eye opening and frightening at the same time. Watching a show on MTV about a former classmate who took fame, drugs, and alcohol to the next level, I’m taken back to when I took a cold hard look into the mirror and realized that to get back on my feet, I would need far more than a top acne treatment. And yet the show wasn’t surprising to me. I knew the guy in school and partook in some of the same activities. I didn’t have the fame and the attention, but at the same time, I didn’t need it to get where I needed to go to get that revelation.

The Last Weekend - Sugarloaf!

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Graffam) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 03:30:00 +0000

The last weekend of lift-served skiing in the east used to bring me to central Vermont in the latter days of May, but in recent years, the resort I grew up skiing has stepped up the plate and offered the latest and best skiing in the east.

Sugarloaf may not get as much snow as some Vermont resorts, but with a high altitude and a colder winter, the snow last longer. So come this weekend, myself and a bunch of friends will pack out skis, food, and netbooks, and head for Maine’s western mountains for a rite of spring and what is hopefully a glorious conclusion to an epic season!

Goal complete - 100 Days On Snow for 2008/2009

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Graffam) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 02:35:00 +0000

Nearly six months after I logged my first day of the season back on October 31st, I reached a lofty goal I set for myself before the season began – 100 days on snow for the season. To many skiers and riders this is something that is unfathomable while to others it’s an annual occurrence, but realistically, when you work full time and liver 40 miles from the closest ski area, skiing 100 days is quite an accomplishment.

And unless I somehow become rich or work in the ski industry, I never want to try that again. Too much driving and not enough sleep, even when you’re at a resort for multiple days!

It's time to put up or shut up!

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Graffam) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 01:18:00 +0000

So the other morning while Julie and I were getting ready to hit the slopes, we saw an infomercial for an exercise program. Normally I wouldn’t have thought twice about such a program, but this time I ended up calling. It seemed like something that the two of us could do together and for success, we know that this is how we want to go about it. So when I called, I was bombarded with offer after offer for extra this and extra that. The lady offered me a 30-day trial on what she considers the best diet pills and yes, I took her up on the offer. This time, I’m committed.

Great coverage in Tahoe!

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Graffam) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 01:10:00 +0000

A friend of mine has recently made the choice to move from Golden, Colorado to Lake Tahoe. An avid skier and chef, he is torn between whether to live on the north or south shore. As a yearly visitor to South Lake Tahoe, I may be a bit biased, but when you’re on top of one of the surrounding mountains and have a full view of the Blue World, it likely does matter where in Tahoe you live as long as you get the Blue Advantage for you and your family!

Spring skiing in Maine

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Graffam) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 01:06:00 +0000

The third weekend of April has passed and throughout most of New England most ski areas have already either closed previously or at least after today. In Maine we happen to be a little fortunate with the colder nights and thick base.

On Friday I took a day trip to Sugarloaf and enjoyed some of the best conditions of the season with wall-to-wall snow cover and good friends to share it with. Not to mention the vast rays of sunshine that just so happen to have burned my face a little. Thankfully, both Sugarloaf and Sunday River will remain open for the next couple of weeks!

Time to get fit for next season!

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Graffam) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 01:18:00 +0000

How many skiers talk about what they are going to do to get in shape in the off-season? Probably most and I’m no different. While I don’t see myself prescribing to a diet pill or anything like that, I look forward to getting in some more cardio and hiking in the mountains once the mud season comes to a close. Of course in Maine, that could mean I’d have to wait till the beginning of the next ski season before the mud’s gone!

The Ups and Downs of Spring Skiing!

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Graffam) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 01:08:00 +0000

As the spring rains fall across the northeast, ski area after ski area is closing down for the season and while the larger resorts remain open, most have scaled back their operations. Even places with tons of snow left in certain pods have limited their open terrain. It is the sad reality of spring in the mountains.

And while this may seem a little depressing – and it is – there’s still a lot of good skiing to be had across the country and right here in New England. With 91 days down, I’m still within reach of my goal of 100 days for the season. I look forward to soft corn snow and bright sunshine as I embark on the last few weeks of lift-served skiing. And yet after the lifts shut down there’s still time to head to the eastern backcountry skiing mecca on Mount Washington.

Retro Weekends Are The Best!

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Graffam) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 03:25:00 +0000

While Julie and I enjoyed snapping photos of strangely dressed folks while we were out west, it’s always fun to have a retro weekend and this past weekend at Sunday River didn’t disappoint. With an 80s theme and lots of local characters promising to come out with their retro best, there was plenty of dayglo to go around, a lot of long-straight skis, and I think I even spotted a guy skiing in a tuxedo shirt.

Shane McConkey - RIP

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Graffam) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 01:48:00 +0000

I’ve gone back and forth on whether to post anything on Shane McConkey’s recent passing. To be frank, there have been many people who were critical of him continuing to push the limits with a wife and 3-year0old daughter, but then it struck me that I don’t have the slightest clue what it meant to be in his shoes and I don’t know what his family thought about him attempting to defy fate on a daily basis.

What I do know is that Shane McConkey was and is a legend in the sport of skiing. Forget, if you will, all the stuff about BASE jumping and the like. When it comes down to it, he was one of the best damned all-around skiers to ever strap a pair of boards on. Whether it was his exploit as a pro mogul skier, a racer when he was younger, or one of the pioneers on the international competitive freeskiing your, McConkey represented much of what embodies places like Squaw Valley and Chamonix. His passing is surely a tragedy that could have been avoided, but his life is surely worth celebrating! RIP!

Choose you ski resort wisely!

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Graffam) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 02:53:00 +0000

Over the weekend while at Sunday River I spent a lot of time with friends and talked about some of the similarities and differences between eastern and western skiing. Given that we all tend to go on trips out west each year – to different places, we all have different things about our trips that we like and different reasons for wanting to go to one state versus another. Julie and I like the vibe and feel of Lake Tahoe for its’ skiing culture and laid back atmosphere. That isn’t to say that other western states don’t have terrain and skiing that is as good, but every region has something unique and different to offer. While Julie and I like the laid back home town feel of South Lake Tahoe, other people might like the option of boutique hotels you can find at place like Northstar on the north slope of the basin. And yet regardless of what you are looking for, I’ve come to realize that you just really can’t go wrong with any type of ski trip!

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Graffam) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 23:59:00 +0000

You never know what you find when you go through old things and then tonight while I was back at my childhood home - where I happen to still keep my ski tuning equipment - I was looking at a picture on the basement wall that I'd cut out of a magazine from the mid-90s. I knew the last name had sounded familiar and thus I scanned it into the computer. The shot is of 1992 World Mogul Champion, Dave Hilb. His relationship to director Mickey Hilb, of Deep Winter fame; I don't know, but I bet I'll find out soon enough. Cool shot, nonetheless!

Get ready for some awesome spring skiing festivals!

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Graffam) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 03:29:00 +0000

With spring skiing pretty much in full swing, thousands of skiers and riders will flock to resorts with ample amounts of spring festivals and activities. Sure, most American resorts have some fabulous line-ups for spring, but two of the most popular spring skiing destinations are north of the border in Canada. With Whistler/Blackcomb and Mont Tremblant both hosting their annual Telus Spring Festivals, there are awesome ski and stay deals to be had. But before you book your trip, make sure you get the best deal possible and maximize your conversion rate optimization.

Taking care of yourself during the ski season is important!

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Graffam) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 03:04:00 +0000

Truth be told, as a guy, I don’t give too much thought about skin care, but after spending another couple of weeks at a high altitude with bright sun and varying temperatures, I actually found myself roaming the aisles of the local supermarket looking for after sun cream and eye cream. As silly as it may sound, skiing is an interesting sport that makes us do and buy funny things. And that being said, taking care of our bodies is important in a long season.

Spring skiing is finally here!

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Graffam) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 01:49:00 +0000

As Julie, Carolyn, and I loaded the chairlift Friday night, thoughts of spring skiing and soft corn snow were swiftly swept away by temps in the teens and the sound of skis and snowboards scratching the hard-packed ice on the slopes below. Mid-March? Yikes, a few days earlier Julie and I had been gliding over the pristine conditions in Lake Tahoe and now we were bundled up like it was mid-January.

After several fast runs down the lit trails of Sunday River’s North Peak, we retreated to the Foggy Goggle for some warm après and friends.

While I was far from discontent, I wondered if spring was coming or if I needed a good stone grind to get me through the weekend, but as the Saturday afternoon sun crept up and shone brightly on the thousands of visitors to Sunday River, the glare got stronger and the snow softened. Smiles widened and grills in the parking lot sparked up.

By the time we packed up the car this afternoon, the snow had turned to mashed potatoes and both Julie and I were comparing the redness of our faces. In a short 48 hours, spring had arrived. It’s the best time of the year!

Late season ski equipment deals!

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Graffam) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 05:46:00 +0000

While late season skiing can be a bit depressing, given the fact that I can’t help but think of the fact that it means that summer is on the way and soon the chairlifts will stop spinning, it also means that there are great deals in ski shops all around the country for skiers and snowboarders alike. Regardless of how good a season has been for retailers, the end of the season always means surplus and surplus means bargains for the likes of you and me!

Late season Sierra storms blanket the slopes!

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Graffam) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 05:33:00 +0000

It’s been nine days since Julie and I arrive in South Lake Tahoe and sadly, we’ll be leaving in two days. Having begun this year’s trip over a week later than usual, we arrived to the unusual sight of brown lawns and a mild breeze. Sure, this is the beginning of spring around Lake Tahoe, but aside from the snow-covered trees and slopes beginning part way up the mountains, the lack thereof at lake level, was just weird.

Then less than 24-hours after our arrival, the latest storm models began to take shape and in a season that was being described as nothing short of a drought, the locals were beginning to salivate at the thought of a true Sierra Storm cycle. If you’ve never experienced a Sierra snowstorm, they can be best described like heavyweight prize fighters that may be a little slow out of the gate, but when their unleash their fury, they don’t hold back on the punches – for days.

Less than four days after the storm cycle began, we had seen about 4 and a half feet of snow at lake level and about 8 feet above 8500 feet. Needless to say, Julie and I were pleased about the storm, but also pleased for all the resorts and communities in the Sierras that say a huge influx of skiers and riders over the past week with the weather.

Booking places to stay while on a ski trip can be tough!

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Graffam) — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 03:12:00 +0000

I often think that one of the hardest parts of planning a ski trip is choosing where to stay. I mean we may know where we want to ski and we’ve heard of all the best places to sleep and eat, but when it comes down to booking a hotel or condo, not only are there a ton of choices, but since we’re nornmally so far a way, finding extended stay hotels that suit all the needs of our trip can be really hit or miss. Luckily, Julie and I have been on the good side of such luck with our annual Lake Tahoe trips and this year has been no exception!

Kenmar Watches Delivers on Customer Service and More!

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Graffam) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:20:00 +0000

I’ve done a lot of online shopping and one of the ubiquitous pet peeves I typically have relate to customer service. Perhaps we trade customer service for ease and convenience, but I, for one, don’t think this need be the case. Thankfully, Kenmar Watches is on the same page as me and I can’t say enough about how positively taken I was when I first went to there page. Whether you have a specific watch in mind or not, the fact that the first thing you see is a slide show of the ways that they promise to make you happy is a great reason to shop there.

The site design itself is pretty simple, which I think works well for them and as for ease of use and navigation, it’s almost a must. Just think of all the watch brands there are out there and scroll down to the complete list of the brands they carry with links to each brand. Whether you’re looking to buy Fendi watches or a neat Swatch watch, you needn’t look further than Kenmar!

Change can be cheaper and smarter!

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Graffam) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 03:01:00 +0000

Everywhere you look, people are getting slammed by the economy. It doesn’t matter what industry you mention, numbers are down across the board. For many in retail and services, this has meant that change has been needed to retain customers. Just think of Starbuck’s. Sure, they haven’t exactly been doing all that well, but introducing a cheaper product is the way that they think they can get back into the coffee market. Another retail sector that is seeing like changes is home furnishing. Seriously, if something looks and feels the same as an expensive bed, does it matter if it is really discount furniture? Take a look at your stock portfolio and then answer that question!

The fine line between public and private!

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Graffam) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 02:55:00 +0000

With all the snow we’ve had in Maine this year, Julie and I haven’t exactly seen to much of our new surroundings, but are excited to have bought our house where we did. Being 5 minutes from both sets of parents is a big bonus for us and being next to a wonderful walking/bike trail that goes all the way to the ocean, is another bonus. That being said, one of our neighbors said that on occasion there can be some noise coming from the trail in the summer as teenage kids act like teenage kids. While I’m not worried about this, I can’t say as though it wouldn’t be cool to have the option of aluminum fence installation.

NASTAR Open Fails To Gain Regional Support!

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Graffam) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 01:43:00 +0000

For years eastern recreational racers have complained that the NASTAR National Championships have been held out west and thus making it very difficult to participate. By most accounts, the 4-day trip to Steamboat Springs costs about $1500 and that’s if you’re on a budget. This simply out of reach for most and just impractical for others.

NASTAR officials heard the feedback loud and clear and finally came out with the NASTAR Eastern Open, which was held at Sunday River, Maine a few weeks back. While the entry fees and other costs were less than the national event, NASTAR didn’t make the announcement of the event until the new year and publicity could have been a lot better. The end result was a poor number for registration and admittedly, I was one of the ones who didn’t race. Why? I simply hadn’t budgeted for a high entry fee and didn’t think it would have been fair to spring such a cost on my wife when we are newly married, have just bought a house, and have trips already booked. Nonetheless, I think that I should have made the effort and wish I had because a lot of time and energy went into making this happen. I don’t expect the event to return to Sunday River, but wherever it is next season, I will make it a point to participate.

100 days wouldn't be possible without skiing under the lights!

noreply@blogger.com (Jerry Graffam) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 02:57:00 +0000

When you work a full-time job and at the same time go for a goal like skiing 100 days in a season, you have to sacrifice quite a few nights in order to rack up the skier days. Yep, that means working a full day, jumping in the car, and then making turns under the lights when the sun isn’t shinning and temps drop faster than you can imagine. Having the right gear and lots of energy is the best way to adapt to the long days and even those mid-week night when we ski under the light bulbs.