ERIKSPEAKS

Chipotle... Love these guys....

2012-02-13T17:10:00.001-06:00

Steve Ells, founder, chairman and co-CEO, started Chipotle with the idea that food served fast did not have to be a typical fast food experience. Today, Chipotle continues to offer a focused menu of burritos, tacos, burrito bowls (a burrito without the tortilla) and salads made from fresh, high-quality raw ingredients, prepared using classic cooking methods and served in a distinctive atmosphere. Through our vision of Food with Integrity, Chipotle is seeking better food not only from using fresh ingredients, but ingredients that are sustainably grown and naturally raised with respect for the animals, the land, and the farmers who produce the food. Chipotle opened its first restaurant in 1993 and currently operates more than 1000 restaurants. For more information, visit chipotle.com, orhttp://www.twitter.com/chipotletweets

Back to the Start

2012-02-13T17:05:00.000-06:00

So cool. Love the message......

Official 2012 Honda CR-V Game Day Commercial - "Matthew's Day Off" Exten...

2012-02-03T20:03:00.000-06:00

NIKE: #KOBESYSTEM: LEVEL 6 BEASTION

2012-01-29T15:10:00.000-06:00

The Layover S01E10 Los Angeles

2012-01-28T09:28:00.000-06:00

Represent....

2013 BMW M5. From 0 to 90 seconds.

2012-01-24T12:48:00.000-06:00

m5........

Immigrant Tale

2012-01-23T17:58:00.000-06:00

Immigrant Tale: Super clever!

The Layover S01E08 San Francisco

2012-01-17T06:26:00.000-06:00

Pine wood derby this saturday!!!

2012-01-15T12:55:00.001-06:00

Last year I was a horrible father.... Myles and I (okay it's my fault...) produced a car that just was not up to speed. The focus was on aesthetics and the car never made it over the line... Myles was crushed. I was embarrassed. This year, with the help of our friend Doug, we are focused on producing a more competitive model. Here is the initial design.... Weight has been added internally and puddied over.....

Entourage - The VERY BEST of ARI GOLD

2012-01-14T18:19:00.000-06:00

So great...... NOT SAFE FOR WORK.......

A Visit to George's Barber Shop

2012-01-14T12:43:00.000-06:00

Downtown Osseo is struggling. Main street is an area comprised of independent small businesses. The area has lost many over the last few years as they struggle to compete with the strip malls and mega stores in the area. In a day and age where suburbs are trying to establish "main street" areas, it makes no sense to let one as authentic and independent as Downtown Osseo fail. I like giving independent, locally owned businesses my dollars when possible. The last haircut I got at greatclips was shitty. With all of this in mind, I decided to try out a local barber shop. Myles and I packed up and headed to downtown Osseo this morning to de hippyize our selves. We waited our turns with other locals waiting for a chance in owner/barber Kurt's chair. There is a marble chess board and lot's of pheasants and other stuffed stuff hanging on the wall... True Minnesota decor. Myles schooled me at chess for a couple of rounds while the guys in the shop talked politics, both local and national, and how the vikings o line is a pile of shit..... True guy stuff. So, we took our turns in the chair while Kurt's black lab wandered around begging to be paid attention to.. The hair cuts were good. The environment was great. I left knowing that my money was going to a human being and not a corporation...... I will be going back... So will Myles..... Here is the link. Don't expect a salon experience... It's just a haircut.....

http://georgesmancave.com/

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class theatrical promo

2012-01-09T19:55:00.000-06:00

Cool Promo....

The Layover S01E07 Amsterdam

2012-01-04T06:54:00.000-06:00

Love Amsterdam.......

Ricky Rubio's NBA debut full highlights (2011.12.26)

2011-12-31T19:35:00.000-06:00

Oh... He's gonna be fun to watch.......

DR JEFF SALZ HISTORY CHANNEL APOCALYPSE ISLAND

2011-12-31T16:48:00.000-06:00

Bring on the Random End of the World References-- Happy New Year!

Lunch as well...

2011-12-31T12:52:00.001-06:00

We ate lunch at the Eagle Street Bar... Great lunch menu and beer. I had the Capital Supper Club pint... Super good!

Science Museum

2011-12-31T12:48:00.001-06:00

We are The Science Museum of Minnesota today... great for families. Year long passes for a family are 99.00 dollars including unlimited omni theatre tickets!

The Layover S01E05 Hong Kong

2011-12-31T08:16:00.000-06:00

The Layover S01E03 Rome

2011-12-30T12:45:00.000-06:00

Anthony Bourdain: Rome in 24 hours.

The Layover S01E06 Montreal

2011-12-30T12:39:00.000-06:00

I love Anthony Bourdain. Check out his new show "The Layover". Montreal Episode here.

BillMurray is cool...

2011-12-29T10:24:00.001-06:00

Mission Complete!

2011-12-28T19:26:00.001-06:00

I finished painting the door into our garage and reprinting the interior
Of the front door to match it. I'm not a painter (I loathe it) but it came out pretty good!

2011-12-27T20:03:00.000-06:00

So.... I'm back. Sort of.. Erikspeaks has a new design. My interests and passions have evolved. The new look of the blog reflects that. Andrea is blogging again, so I thought I would give it another go round..... This blog was in play before social networking became an integral part of our lives. I still feel there is a place for blogs. I've been looking around the internet and there are a lot of really great ones out there. It's inspiring...

Kelly Slater Wins #10!

2010-11-06T19:23:00.003-06:00

Testing wireless posting from iphone

2010-10-31T13:23:00.001-06:00

We are live!

ErikSpeaks is back!

2010-10-31T13:10:00.001-06:00

Facebook Vs. The Blog???

2009-12-19T21:15:00.001-06:00

Has facebook won the war?? Very sad... :)

SouthPark - Chipotle

2009-10-08T19:29:00.001-06:00

I haven't watched south park in years...... I cried when I watched this!

Irony

2009-09-05T13:32:00.002-06:00

It is ironic to me that the same people that have been howling for years about requiring students to say the pledge of allegiance in classrooms are the same ones that are denouncing the idea of the country's highest ELECTED official talking to students in it's classrooms about WORKING HARD and STUDYING!

High-Speed Robot Hand

2009-08-30T07:51:00.001-06:00

Saw this on smithers. Scary......

chasing curvy martins

2009-08-10T18:43:00.002-06:00

19.50 average mph on the outer loop in elm creek tonight. I'm getting back in shape. Slow but steady gets the prize.

The Health Care Debate

2009-08-08T07:35:00.004-06:00

Health Care is Broken in our country. Insurance in our country is broken. We all know it. Kids are uninsured. Adults are uninsured. The insurance industry is making millions of dollars. We can agree to disagree on the role of government in this, but can we agree that things are not right the way they are? Can we have a constructive educated debate? Can we reflect on the values we supposedly prescribe to as christians and really ask What Would Jesus Do?

Auto-Tune the News #7: texting. rhyming. pat buchanan fail.

2009-08-08T07:35:00.001-06:00

Good stuff!

Battlestar Galactica: Final tribute (HD)

2009-08-08T07:29:00.001-06:00

What a cool vid and great show!

Mike Castle on PeeBo's Birthcertificate.

2009-07-22T22:13:00.001-06:00

Seriously?!!!? C'mon. I woulda walked out. What is wrong with some people. If Obama was white and named stanley would this even be an issue?

Lesson Learned for Alberto Contador

2009-07-06T19:56:00.002-06:00

Eddy Mercx told Lance after he gifted Pantani the win on Mont Ventoux that there are no gifts in the tour. Lance remembered that today. He saw an advantage and road smart. Alberto got caught sitting at the back on a flat stage. He should know better. That is what makes cycling so great. The student of history knows that the fittest, most physically gifted rider doesn't always win. If contador makes a few more mistakes like today, he will give his shot at the top spot on the podium away. Armstrong will be glad to take it.

Pawlenty on CNN right now

2009-06-28T07:30:00.002-06:00

Pawlenty is on CNN right now blasting President Obama and his solutions. Ironic considering the state of Minnsota. Right now he's acting like he knows how to fix all of our problems and Obama is wrong on everything. I wish he would use some of that "wisdom" and actually fix something instead of going on CNN and Fox News. I guess he's already writing off the rest of his time in office and is now focusing on Running for president.

Auto-Tune the News #4: spa regulation. serbians. sotomayor.

2009-06-02T21:54:00.001-06:00

More for you from the autotune dudes.

Mexico Pics

2009-05-25T07:35:00.009-06:00

Swim Up Bar
Shopping By the Marina in Cabo San Lucas

The Big Pool at The Resort

My Drinking Buddy

Me Gusta Tequila

Lands End. The Surf was big that day.

Sunset Cruise. El Capitan Delivered

Andrea and I went to Cabo San Lucas about a month ago and had a blast. Here are some pics!

Nashville Debate in Song and Dance

2009-05-23T00:06:00.003-06:00

this one is good too!

Auto-Tune the News #3: cuba. afghan friendship. 2-party woes.

2009-05-23T00:06:00.001-06:00

Sorry, New laptop. I am back in action on the blog front. If you haven't checked out the guys doing Autotune: the news, please do so. They are super creative.

2009-03-30T18:21:00.000-06:00

New Loon Kit and Sunday Ride

2009-03-30T17:51:00.003-06:00

I went out sunday in the park on sunday around noon. It was really cold and I never could get warm. I felt like crap the rest of the day. Not really worth it honestly. I guessI was alittle underdressed. But not really that bad. You ever have one of those days where you just don't have it. Oh well, it is early in the season!

Out with the Boys

2009-03-26T07:02:00.001-06:00

Good to see Neil, Jorge, Jay, and Jay last night. Beers at Moon Rock were awesome! The new Kit is great looking! See you on a ride.
Erik

Saturday 2:00 Ride

2009-03-22T13:14:00.003-06:00

Went out on my first group ride of the season. First off, it felt good to get out and see some friends. I did not ride much in the group last year and missed it dearly. Going with the short group (35 miles) was just enough. I feel good and hope to get out tommorrow for a lap in the park.
See you.
Erik

Oasis - Wonderwall (Live at Jools Holland 2000)

2009-03-20T21:36:00.001-06:00

Good stuff. Does anybody know how the paved trails in elm creek look yet?
eRik

Second post via iPhone.

2009-03-10T17:11:00.002-06:00

I have had the iPhone for two weeks. It truly is an amazing device. 41 days to cabo. But whose counting!

iPhone

2009-02-21T08:24:00.001-06:00

I just switched to the iphone. This is my first wireless post to Erikspeaks.

Sick Day #2

2009-02-12T11:42:00.002-06:00

Valentines day at daycare. It is all Myles has talked about for a week. He is feeling better so he went. I don't think I could have kept him home if I wanted to. Holly's still sick so I kept her home. She and I went to Costco and saw G-Pa. That wore her out and she is sleeping in her crib. It has been a good day so far.

What I 've been up to.

2009-02-08T18:29:00.002-06:00

I have been working a ton. Saturday Mornings are Swimming lessons. Sunday Morning is Sunday School and Church. Then on Sunday afternoon, Andrea and I take the kids to lifetime to the open swim or Maple grove pool. They love the water and it wears them out. I have really been focusing on being a good dad and husband. I'm not always successful but I think I'm doing alright. Andrea and I are going to Cabo in April so we have really cleaned up our diet and have dropped a few pounds. I am working out consistently but not for super long periods. Biking season will be a challenge as I am not spending hours on the bike. Very short frequent sessions. I am doing push ups and sit ups every night and weights a couple times a week. It doesn't leave me starving and makes it easier to avoid gorging myself. It seems counterintuitive but the reality is I don't have the time for long cardio sessions and don't really like to spend my only free time blowing myself up. I can hardly wait for the good weather to come. I really miss my roadbike. I think I am going to get the mountain bike tuned up and ride that this spring. It will be a good break. I hope everyone is doing well.

President Barack Obama 2009 Inauguration and Address

2009-01-22T19:49:00.001-06:00

I can breathe again.

Gentrification

2009-01-18T18:47:00.001-06:00

My favorite scene from any movie ever!

Lance Armstrong arrives in Australia

2009-01-18T18:30:00.001-06:00

Oh yeah. It is back on. The season has started!

Wellens vs Nijs

2009-01-18T18:28:00.001-06:00

I love this video. Thought I'd give it to you again.

The Fireplace

2008-12-06T03:44:00.001-06:00

Dave Zabriskie is one wierd dude!

Merry Christmas Baby - The Ramones (HQ Audio)

2008-12-03T19:05:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas!

WMD......

2008-12-03T11:57:00.002-06:00

A biological attack has been orchestrated on the Johnson Family this week. Andrea got sick sunday night. Holly got sick monday night. Myles started throwing up at midnight and then I went down starting at 3 a.m. Our daycare lady called and said she was closing daycare because she was throwing up. Man, this sucks! I think the worst is over. Hopefully...........

Sunday Processing......

2008-11-30T21:52:00.004-06:00

Andrea and I took the kids to the Hollydazzle parade last night and Had a good time. I had never been to it before. Andrea working downtown was an advantage as she knew the in's and out's of parking and getting to where we needed to go. Today, we went to target in the morningand Myles checked out his favorite toy's and slyly tried to work his way into getting some lego's. No dice, little man! gotta wait for santa! We had lunch at home and then took naps. I spun for 30 and burned 425. Andrea napped and started complaining about her stomach hurting. Myles didn't nap. I think he is giving those up finally. I am sad. I like it when he naps....... Made dinner and Andrea wouldn't eat. The kids did. Myles ate a ton. Andrea started throwing up and having general GI nastiness. I cleaned up after dinner and Gave Holly and Myles Baths and put them to bed. Andrea is sleeping in the basement where it is quiet and away from the chaos. I did the dishes and folded some laundry and now am watching the Vikings play quite well so far against the Bears. I am tired. Back to the grind tommorrow!

Annual Thankgiving Day Ride

2008-11-29T08:17:00.004-06:00

It was good to see friends, I didn't get to see much this summer. Here is a picture of us by the ski hill in Elm Creek. It looks cold but wasn't that bad. Good to see you guys. Neil, I took the picture from your Blog! Thanks,

Erik

Perspective

2008-11-27T10:50:00.001-06:00

I have alot to be thankful for!

Lance Armstrong at Web 2.0

2008-11-15T13:54:00.001-06:00

Sunday Blog

2008-11-09T17:14:00.002-06:00

I mounted the tv on a new wall mount in the Gym room so that it can be turned to the bike or the treadmill (For the wife, gotta keep her happy!) and stay off the ledge. A big thanks to my buddy Aaron for putting the new outlet in for me. That guy can fix just about anything! I did 30 minutes and burned 440 calories on the spin bike today. I am started on base work early this year. Gotta burn off those turkey calories preemptively (The only preemption I believe in :] ). Back to work tomorrow. The weekend goes too fast!

I Love These Words.....

2008-11-06T10:29:00.000-06:00

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

President-Elect Barack Obama in Chicago

2008-11-05T15:37:00.001-06:00

A Little Help Here

2008-11-05T15:00:00.001-06:00

Help Neil out!

44

2008-11-04T22:09:00.002-06:00

Barack Obama has just been elected the 44th President of the United States. I can't explain how happy I am.........

The Big Day!

2008-11-04T15:15:00.001-06:00

I voted today. It was very busy. It is the first time I have run into folks I knew at the polls. I ran into 3 people I knew while waiting in line. This bodes well for our democratic process to see so many people turning out to vote!

Ashwin Madia Interviewed at Obama Rally

2008-11-01T15:56:00.001-06:00

I ran into Ashwin in Champlin today at Target. He was very polite and seems like a really competent guy. He wanted to know my thoughts on what issues are important to folks in our area and really seemed motivated to do a good job.

CNN Rick Sanchez Catches McCain Spokesman Mike Goldfarb Lying

2008-11-01T08:37:00.001-06:00

Compliments of Neil. Thanks bud! Keep up the fight! This is prime time for "power over" buddy! We can go back to power under after this thing is wrapped up on tuesday. Let's get the wacko's out of our leadership first!

Bachmann: A Clear Choice

2008-10-27T20:37:00.001-06:00

She is creepy. Please don't send her back to washington so she can keep not "getting her words right".

McCain's YouTube Problem Just Became a Nightmare

2008-10-26T10:28:00.001-06:00

This guy is out of touch. He just doesn't get it.

Tax Cut= Socialism?

2008-10-18T16:11:00.003-06:00

So....... Let me get this straight. Giving a tax cut to working folks that make less then 250,000 dollars a year is socialism..... Okay. Sign me up. Where do I get my bolshevik outfit! McCain is so out of touch he wants the majority of Americans to pay more taxes so he can buy an 8th house. Well, I'm still paying for my first one John so you can pay a little extra and finance this war you're so gung ho about!

Hardball: Michelle Bachman Calls Liberals Un-American

2008-10-18T08:20:00.001-06:00

Are you serious? You really want this lady representing us. This is sad.

Elwyn Tinklenberg Aims To Unseat Rep. Michele Bachmann

2008-10-14T08:12:00.001-06:00

Not alot of people are talking about this race but I went to school with his Son and I know that Elwyn would be good for MN. Bachmann is nuts and should not represent Mn. She is an ridiculous.

Pork and Beans

2008-10-13T17:41:00.001-06:00

Ilove weezer.

T-Mobile G1 Google Android phone expanded demo

2008-10-12T14:19:00.001-06:00

Looks cool. I am with tmobile now but love the Iphone. this might be the solution.

McCain Volunteer Sends Out

2008-10-11T07:52:00.001-06:00

Seriously, if you are this ill informed, don't vote. It is this type of thinking that has gotten us into this mess in the first place.

David Letterman-Chris Rock-Sept-22-2008

2008-10-11T07:13:00.001-06:00

He is so funny!

Barack Obama on John McCain

2008-10-05T16:39:00.001-06:00

Don't let McCain distract you. He doesn't know how to fix our problems and doesn't know how to even start to tackle it so he doesn't want to talk about it.

The Debates and Politics This Week

2008-09-27T05:52:00.003-06:00

It was interesting watching them. I thought both candidates made points. I think McCain needed a nockout blow and didn't get one. People will be surprised by how well Obama did. It was interesting watching McCain deny the comments that Henry Kissinger just made about engaging Iran. McCain was looking to draw distinction but really only split hairs. Obama made the greater point that engagement has proven the more successful tactic when dealing with rogue nations. McCain really should pay attention to what his surrogates are saying instead of just denying that they said anything (Remember Phil Gramm). He is still adapting to the you tube world. We can google it John McCain and it only makes you look like a liar. I don't think he is paying attention.

Not to change topics but did anyone watch Letterman the other night? Apparently McCain blew off a spot on his show to head back to Washington to save us all from his voting record but really went on Katie Couric instead. Letterman went after him with venom. Don't piss Dave off. That is the last thing you want to do!

Armstrong v LeMond - Las Vegas Press Conference

2008-09-27T05:50:00.001-06:00

About the most interesting thing about LA's press conference at Interbike was the exchanges between LA and Lemond. Lemond's persistence in playing the foil to other Big American Cyclists is kind of Bizarre. One wonders why Lemond doesn't use is place in American Cycling for something other than tearing down other riders. I know he is passionate about anti doping but there are other ways to go about it (JV anyone?).

Green Day - Longview

2008-09-22T20:52:00.001-06:00

I remember where I was the first time I heard it.

Rancid- Red Hot Moon

2008-09-15T16:52:00.001-06:00

You know yiou like'em!

Green Day 2,000 lightyears away

2008-09-14T15:36:00.001-06:00

A little tune from Kerplunk!

Lance Armstrong returns to professional racing

2008-09-12T18:42:00.001-06:00

He's Back............

Charles Gibson Interviews Sarah Palin

2008-09-12T17:00:00.001-06:00

This is scary.

Newsflash on Erikspeaks Regarding Confirmation about Lance!

2008-09-09T18:28:00.002-06:00

I recieved this email sent to all people on the Lance Armstrong Foundation Email List:

AUSTIN, Texas – September 9, 2008 – Today, Lance Armstrong, cancer survivor, founder and chairman of the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) and cycling champion, released the following statement regarding his return to professional sports:
“I am happy to announce that after talking with my children, my family and my closest friends, I have decided to return to professional cycling in order to raise awareness of the global cancer burden. This year alone, nearly eight million people will die of cancer worldwide. Millions more will suffer in isolation, victims not only of the disease but of social stigma. After the passage of Proposition 15 in Texas, a $3 billion investment in the fight against cancer which is helping to make this disease part of the national dialogue in America, it’s now time to address cancer on a global level.”
Mr. Armstrong will discuss his cycling program and an international LIVESTRONG strategy on September 24th in New York City at the Clinton Global Initiative.

This is great! I bet he could still win the tour. We shall see!

Armstrong Back?!?!

2008-09-08T12:03:00.001-06:00

A story just posted on MSNBC.COM has Lance Armstrong returning to procycling next year and riding in Le Tour for Astana. Here is the link:

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/26609987/

My Ramblings on the Ron Paul Convention.

2008-09-05T21:16:00.002-06:00

So I went to the Ron Paul convention on Tuesday with my Bud Bill. I had a great time. It was a forum for different ideas and It was cool to see that some Republicans are pissed off about the war in Iraq as well. Most felt that their party had been hijacked by the corporate evangelical elite. I tend to agree and while I don't agree with everything they had to say, I am stoked they have such a great grassroots movement going. There was substance there. They were free thinkers and didn't just give in to the spoon feeding we get from our politicians everyday. You get the feeling that this is how our founding fathers worked through issues. The convention in St. Paul on the other hand made me want to throw up in my shoes.........

Sarah Palin:

2008-09-05T20:53:00.001-06:00

Can somebody hand this chick a constitution so she knows what the V.P. job entails. Are you frickin' kidding me!?!

Social Distortion - I Was Wrong

2008-09-05T19:30:00.001-06:00

Thanks for visiting Bill!

Noonan and Murphy on Palin

2008-09-05T19:28:00.001-06:00

What the Republicans really think about their vice presidential pick when the cameras are off (or so they think). Check the mic switch guys!

Billy Bragg on Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson

2008-08-28T23:05:00.001-06:00

So, I am sitting with Bill tonight in my living room. That's right the controversial Bill from the Blog commentary. All the way from Californication. We thought this would be good for the blog. Here's to the Stahura clan!

Garmin/Chipotle Tour de France Presentation

2008-08-26T06:26:00.001-06:00

Cool Garmin/Chipotle Tour recap vid.

Erik Update

2008-08-24T07:19:00.003-06:00

The Johnson Family's summer has been crazy. We have been out of state 3 times in the last 5 weeks. Twice for a family reunion and once for a funeral. Andrea and I have driving across the midwest with small children down to a science. I have been riding some. All I can say is that Elm Creek is a godsend! I can jump in there and ride for an hour and get home to help Andrea with the kids. Work has been crazy and it has been hard to not let it consume my thoughts and time. Andrea's sister is getting married next month and it promises to make September just as busy as the summer. I hope all of you are having a great summer. I have been reading the blogs and email and it sounds like a lot of riding and fun is happening. See you in the park or on a ride!
Erik

Chris Matthews Tears Up Kevin James on Hardball

2008-08-23T14:07:00.001-06:00

Seriously, Watch this. Realize that you need to understand history to not repeat it. You will be hearing alot of crap from the right during this election. The vast majority of it is as intellectually uncurious as the current president as well as their current candidate for said office.

WGN Radio - Spike O'Dell talks with Christian Vande Velde

2008-08-23T07:54:00.001-06:00

Cool Interview.

Houses: Pennsylvania

2008-08-23T07:53:00.001-06:00

Either John McCain can't remember how many houses he has because he is going senile or he has so many that there is no way he can relate to America's middle class. Either way, It's not a good thing.....

Where the Hell is Matt? (2008)

2008-08-15T20:49:00.001-06:00

God doesn't love the christians, or the muslims, or the jews, He loves humanity. You can see it in his Creations. Watch the video and you will see what I mean.

Christian Vandevelde Tour de France Interview on Versus

2008-08-15T19:50:00.001-06:00

Can you believe how good he is doing! What a great tour this year!