Outliers: The Story of Success

Malcolm Gladwell has written another great book. This time Gladwell observed some of our greatest rags to riches stories and explains how these stories involve more than hard work.

According to Outliers, there are multiple reasons that people become successful and part of it is due to when they were born.

Think about that for a moment. There is a specific month or year that a person can be born in order to be successful. Gladwell observes this fact in the Canadian hockey league. Over ~90% of the players that go to the NHL are born in January or February. Why is this true? Because the junior leagues draw the age line at the end of December. So if you are born January 1st you will have almost a year more of experience than the kids born in November or December.

Now this is just one of the points Malcolm Gladwell makes for the book. He discusses how Korean pilots became better pilots after speaking English and why the Beatles and Bill Gates were so successful.

I am a fan of Malcolm Gladwell so try out at least on of his books when you get the time.

How it was consumed: Audiobook.

Rating: 8/10

Happy Holidays!

Just wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

Chocolate-Nana Recovery Treats

Molly Langteau at SuperFood Me posted a super delicious recipe for Chocolate-Nana Recovery Treats. I have known Molly ever since the Langteaus moved to Dallas so it was a delight to have the opportunity to review a Taste of Molly. 

After running in the Dallas Turkey Trot, I had the pleasure to enjoy some Chocolate-Nana Recovery Treats. The majority of the Langteau's (including Molly) participated in the run so this was a satisfying victory snack.

Molly wanted us to have a treat for after the race so she made an impromptu recipe that turned out really well. You will have to go to the blog to get the official recipe but I did help write down some of the items.

I know; I write like a doctor. 

The end result gave us a tasty and healthy treat. Sadly I only had a chance to try one since they were eaten so quickly.

I highly recommend you go the the FoodMe blog and check out this reciepe and others by Molly Langteau, health chief extraordinaire.

Rating: 8/10

SuperFood Me is a wonderful blog that posts health conscience food recipes.

Finals and Projects

Alright gang,

I have finals and projects due these next 2 weeks so I am going to be way to busy to post. I will be back after December 18th. Until then read some geeky www.xkcd.com comics. Love yall!

Dead Guy Ale, Rouge Brewery

This beer makes me proud to be an American and makes me want to visit Portland, Oregon even more.

This darker colored beer is brewered in the style of a German Maibock. Dead Guy Ale has a bit of spice as well as a sweet malty taste that makes you want more.

It has won many awards for more than two decades but here are some of the ones in the last 5 years.

2010 Australian International Beer Awards—Silver
2010 Asia Beer Awards—Silver
2010 BrewNZ - Bronze
2010 Northwest Conference (Thirsty Beagle)—2nd
2009 World Beer Championships—Gold (Best of 2009)
2009 Australian International Beer Awards—Bronze
2008 Great International Beer Festival—2nd
2008 International Beer Challenge—Top 50
2008 World Beer Championships—Gold (Best of 2008)
2007 NWBN Reader's Choice Award—Best Bock
2007 Great International Beer Festival—2nd
2007 World Beer Championships—Silver
2006 World Beer Championships—Silver
2005 World Beer Championships—Silver
2005 21st Beverage Dynamics Pkg Awards—2nd Wearables

Can the world be wrong?

I saw this at Costco a while back but you might be able to find it at Kroger.

How it was tasted: From the bottle.

Rating: 8/10 Great

Spaten Oktoberfest

Even though it has been over a month since the beginning of Oktoberfest I am still enjoying this Bavarian beer. In fact I have been pushing my father's beer boundaries lately and I had him try this extraordinary beer. The verdict was he loved it. This means a lot from a man who usually drinks Shiner beers if he even has a beer at all. So good on ya Dad.

This beer has a smooth crisp kick which welcomes in the colder weather. Unlike most beers I drink this has a light taste but still exciting for the taste buds.

I know it is late in the season for an Oktoberfest beer but if you haven't tried it yet go buy it now before the season is over. Every beer lover's 2011 is in need of a traditional Oktoberfest beer.

How it was tasted: Out of the bottle while working on computer programs

Rating: 9/10

Dead Zach Day 4

So I am still busy... but here are some more super cool links.

http://binaerpilot.no/
This is a site that has a lot of free techno music. Our gaming group will be using some of the songs from the site.

Here are a few that will probably make the cut.
forever.mp3
roykmaskin.mp3
goof.mp3

In other news...

Why Is China Building These Gigantic Structures In the Middle of the Desert? 

The Fantasy game

Serenity Valley Fireflys 6  Alderaan Rebels 4
Vulcan Velocity 11  Canton Jaynes 2
Qo’noS Raiders 3  Arrakis Barons 2
Mordor Crows 8  Coruscant Empire 0