How to Be a Baseball Fan

May 17, 2017 – Reds vs. Cubs at Wrigley Field
May 17, 2017 – Reds vs. Cubs at Wrigley Field

Despite its measured pace, baseball is not boring to most true fans of the game. With that said, I do think that being a baseball fan is more challenging and takes a little more effort than some other sports because of its pace, its frequency (almost daily), and some of the game’s almost imperceptible nuances.

With a little bit of effort, however, it is possible to appreciate baseball more. Baseball has endured for so long precisely because it is a worthwhile pastime. Without further ado, here are some humble suggestions for how to become a better baseball fan.

Read MoreHow to Be a Baseball Fan

Review: Salomon XA Pro 3D Trail Shoes

Salomon XA Pro 3D

Despite having recently ran a Ragnar Trail race, I don’t normally do much trail running, but I’ve always been intrigued by the possibility of using a trail-running shoe as a lightweight hiking shoe. I needed a shoe with enough traction, stability, and support to justify setting aside my trusty hiking boots. The Salomon XA Pro 3D satisfies all those requirements, and more.

Read MoreReview: Salomon XA Pro 3D Trail Shoes

Death Valley National Park

Furnace Creek Temperature
It was hot at Furnace Creek Visitor Center

Last weekend, I visited Death Valley National Park for the first time. We were in Las Vegas for the weekend, but we wanted to get out of the city, so we extemporaneously decided to go to Death Valley.

I wasn’t sure what to expect in Death Valley, except hot temperatures. What I found was an incredibly vast and varied landscape. The colors and textures of the terrain are striking.

The park is also replete with superlatives. The hottest temperature ever recorded on earth (134° Fahrenheit) was recorded in what is now Death Valley National Park. The lowest point in North America (Badwater Basin, at 282 feet below sea level) is also located in Death Valley National Park. The highest point in the contiguous United States (Mount Whitney, at 14,505 feet) is also visible from the park (on clear days).

Read MoreDeath Valley National Park

Ragnar Trail North Shore Oahu

Ragnar Trail OahuLast weekend (April 21–22), I participated in a Ragnar Trail race on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu.

The setting on the North Shore near Turtle Bay was very nice. The weather, however, was not nice. It rained the whole time (off and on). Sections of the trails were covered with puddles and ankle-deep mud, especially the yellow trail. Although the conditions weren’t at all what I was expecting when I signed up, the event was awesome.

Read MoreRagnar Trail North Shore Oahu

311 – “Too Late”

The river cuts its way through stone
Not through sheer force, but persistence
At the end of the day, the relentless always win

Check out this new song by 311. It’s called “Too Late”. It’s a song from their upcoming album, Mosaic, which will be released on June 23, 2017. This song is great, in my opinion. The lyrics are thoughtful. Parts of this song may be the heaviest 311 have ever been, especially the final minute.