Well … it's time out from my serious tutorials (Google Fast Flip and Wonder Wheel) for some fun and a new Northstar Nerd Tutorial … Triumph of the Proletariat! (or how to bag leaves). The process shown actually does save a HUGE amount of time (i.e. mulch leaves first with a mower, than take a second pass to pick up what's left … I only filled four bags as opposed to over 40!).

However, this tutorial has some fun with the process (and my wife, Molly). Any woman who has put up with anyone like the Northstar Nerd for over 26 years must be a saint! After watching my tutorial, and hopefully leaving a comment on Photopeach,  make certain you maximize the YouTube link and watch the Soviet Anthem Music Video. It's a hoot! Finally, you may wish to link to Wikipedia and bone up on your understanding of the proletariat.

Triumph of the Proletariat! (or how to bag leaves) on PhotoPeach

Finally … a static screenshot is given below for my RSS Readers … giving you a flavor for why you should watch the movie. Have fun!

A holiday weekend … a wilderness sunrise … Suomi (Finland) or Minnesota? Where was the Northstar Nerd this weekend? Enjoy the beauty! (watch the video)

• Edge of the Wilderness
• Suomi Hills

Sunrise Over Suomi on PhotoPeach

The Northstar Nerd visited the Northstar State this past week with my wife and middle child, Carl. Experience the beauty … my video with music from YouTube.

Northstar of America on PhotoPeach

Last week while on vacation I was off the grid, and read quite a few books. The current issue of Newsweek has a great article called "What to Read Now and Why?" The first book is a British satirical novel from 1875! This book apparently points out how little we have changed in almost 135 years. Great read … to figure out some great reads!

I would like to take this opportunity to announce my retirement from running marathons! Having just completed the Black Flag Marathon, I feel it is time to make this move. However just like Brett Favre and Lance Armstrong, I reserve the right to reverse myself in the future. Let's consider the facts …

• Brett Favre
  • Sport: American Football
  • Age: 39
  • Status: retired (?) for the nth time
  • Rumor: will be the next Minnesota Vikings quarterback
  • Injury Status: torn muscle in arm … recent surgery
  • Recent Athletic Achievement: NY Jets?!
    .
• Lance Armstrong
  • Sport: Cycling
  • Age: 37
  • Status: was retired … back in the Tour de France
  • Rumor: doping (?)
  • Injury Status: recovering from broken collarbone
  • Recent Athletic Achievement: NY Marathon
    .
• Rich Hoeg
  • Sports: Marathons, Cross-Country Skiing, Cycling
  • Age: 53
  • Status: now retired from marathons
  • Rumor: Nerd who thinks he is an athelete
  • Injury Status: recovering from cross-country ski injury's
    • Broken thumb and torn ligament
    • Cracked rib
    • Hematoma
  • Recent Athletic Achievement: Rice River Ramble

Okay folks … back from vacation … thus I need to get serious with my posts! This is what happens when I go off the grid for nine days! The big question … should I stay retired? or be like my buddies Brett and Lance? (click upon any any image to view at full size)

Post Update: Check out MinnSki (new portal – Nordic Skiing in Minnesota)