I Love Columbia Parkway...If I Could Be A Road...

Marzullo Here... If you know me you know that I love to drive! I usually am the one who is doing the driving when my FOX19 co-workers and I hit the road. I am also not one who should ever lease a car because my miles always exceed what is given to me. So with that said I do have my favorite roads and I have to say if I could be a road I would want to be Columbia Parkway. I love that road, something about the way it curves and winds along the gorgeous Ohio River. When your driving west on it you start to see the city skyline and the new towering Great American Tower. It is a road that speaks to me, some great music and all of my cares go away. I call it the auto-bond of Cincinnati, it feels BIG CITY to me, I love it! Plus it is a road that takes me to all of my favorite places including Annabells in Mount Lookout, where I can get the best pancakes in the city. You must go and get the Buttermilk Corn Cakes, they are to die for with the honeycomb butter. Sooooo gooood! So take a drive on Columbia and see where it takes you.

Potholes EVERYWHERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good Friday Morning! Dan Wells here, and I hope this note finds you guys well and in good spirits!

Ok, here's my big annoyance, the "potholes" caused by this severe winter weather we've had, could remain in the foreseeable future. (that's what I'm being told)

Over the past couple of months, the city's road infrastructure has suffered extensive damage. If you didn't know fluctuating temperatures are hard on the roads. When temperatures go from freezing to above freezing, the pavement can buckle, which can cause huge headaches for drivers.

The streets department says that my mid-week, the city will begin to see even more potholes. So what do WE do about it?

Well according to Cincinnati Public Services, the department is committed to repair any hazardous pothole within 48 hours of notification of its existence.

If the pothole is small, crews will fill the hole with a cold asphalt mix. For larger repairs a more extensive crew is sent.

The department currently has 4 specialty vehicles that function as pothole and small repair trucks. Each of these trucks comes equipped with a jackhammer for removal of damaged asphalt as well as heated compartments for asphalt and hot tar. These trucks reduce the crew size for pothole repair, freeing up personnel for other operations.

Two new pieces of equipment in Public Services' fleet designed for pothole repairs include a "Spray Injection" machine. These machines are equipped with a bin of aggregate and a tank for an emulsion similar to tar. The materials are mixed as they are blown into the pothole.

Sometimes damaged areas are too large for any of these types of repairs.

In these cases, a "General Repair" crew is sent. These crews handle repairs ranging from small sunken areas to hand paving alleys. They apply an asphalt overlay to the surface. The area is prepared by being swept and then covered with tar. Asphalt is then wheel-barrowed into place and raked smooth. A small roller then compresses the asphalt into a smooth surface. The edges are sealed with tar to complete the repair.

Citizens requesting street repairs should call our hotline at 591-6000, or submit an on-line Service Request.

Hope it helps and hope you avoid the craters all over the Tri-State.

The King's Speech

Katy Morgan Here...This past Tuesday we were streaming the Oscar nominations live on Fox19, and I realized that I haven’t seen most of the movies up for best picture. Before the nominations came out I’d only seen two, Inception and Toy Story 3. Both very good. So, my fiancé Tom and I made a pact to go see as many movies as we can before the Oscars on February 27th. First one down, The Kings Speech. We went this past Tuesday afternoon, after Frank Marzullo suggested we all go see it. I heard a lot of good things about the movie, and it was one I had wanted to see for awhile, so I was excited to go see it. I can safely say now It’s one of the best movies I’ve seen in the theatre in a long time. I’m ready to buy the movie and soundtrack. It brought my favorite things together, history and music. Colin Firth was excellent in the role of King George VI. I’m really pulling for him to win best actor, although I guess I should see the other movies first before commenting. All I have to say is that the other actors have a hill to climb to beat Firth’s role in my opinion. Guess I know what I’ll be doing this weekend, watching movies! Up next… True Grit, The Kids Are Alright , and The Fighter.

Rockin' The Reeboks

How does my backside look?

Sheila here. Don't answer that! It's a hypothetical question for the 'blog only! But here's the thing. I really think my Reebok EasyTone shoes are helping my thighs and backside. Is it all in my mind? Maybe.

Ric, Katie, and Eric bought me a pair of EasyTones for my birthday last year. The scientist who came up with these body balancing shoes is a former NASA engineer. Reebok claims four out of five women studied got tighter backsides and hamstrings from exercising in the trendy kicks. And as you can imagine, women started snapping the shoes off of store shelves.

My friend Jan started wearing them while cleaning the house and taking walks around her neighborhood. She swore they were working. I got my birthday pair and starting wearing them to the gym. My trainer, Ennis at Five Seasons, said the balance balls built into the shoes would be a nice add-on to my exercise routine. I think my balance has improved, and I'll say this. There's a ton of cushion in the shoes, so my feet always feel fantastic when I'm wearing them.

Since Reebok made its initial claim, a lot of articles have pointed out that Reebok only used five women in the study, and exercise experts have poo-poo'd the findings. However, Harvard psychologist Ellen J. Langer has studied the connections between mindfulness, exercise and health. She told the New York Times, "It will probably result in even more walking, with the implicit and explicit virtues endemic to exercise." (Translation: if we feel good about it, we'll do it!)

I bought my second pair of EasyTones during the after Christmas sales earlier this month, and I think the new version is even more comfortable than the old. I got pair #2 for a steal, just $35 dollars because they were on clearance. So if they're not making my bottom line more firm, that's okay. I feel good about wearing them, and if I feel better about working out because of a little help from my shoes, that can't be a bad thing.

Italian Traditions Part Duex

Obviously, I'm not Italian.

However Frank and his dad Frank Sr. allowed me to take part in their family tradition. We made sausage from scratch. It happened this past Saturday at Dr. Deb's house in Anderson Township. I was a little skeptical. How much fun can be had making sausage. Can't we just go to the store and buy some. Well, it was so really fun. Dr. Deb bought 20-pounds of meat from Kroger and Son's at Findlay Market. It was seasoned into two batches, one spicy one sweet. I was the best sausage ever, probably because I saw the entire process. So thank you to Frank Sr. and to Dr. Deb and her husband Max for hosting. Dr. Deb put together this video that documents the evening which was capped off by watching "The Godfather II" In my opinion, one of the few movies where the sequel tops the original. You can find Dr. Deb's video on my facebook page www.facebook.com/RobWxix

Italian Traditions

Good Monday Morning Everyone, Frank Marzullo....As long as I can remember at least once a winter my father and other relatives get together on a Saturday afternoon to make homemade Italian sausage, and I mean HOMEMADE. This weekend my dad brought his talents to Anderson TWP. where a bunch of my work friends and non-work friends gathered for a day of celebration and fun. It starts with pounds and pounds of pork butt! You need to remove the bone and then cut it up into chunks leaving some of the fat on the meat because that will add flavor to the sausage. Then you grind the pork butt up and season it with whatever you fancy. We prefer fennel, salt, pepper, garlic, romano cheese, and basil. You can also add some red pepper flakes to kick it up a notch. Once it is grinded you take your casings that have been soaking all night and you start the stuffing process. It is a very delicate process because you do not want to break your casing. Before you even start to stuff it you want to fry up a patty to see how it tastes and to decide if you need more seasoning. It's a pretty lengthy event but the actual sausage comes secondary to the atmosphere. You must first have plenty of red wine on hand, then you need the Italian classics playing in the background, and a large anti-pasta plate. Yep, you need a variety of cheese, Italian lunch meats, and olives. Finally the day would not be complete without The Godfather playing on repeat in the background, something about that music gets you in the mood and makes you feel like your in the old country. Stay tuned Rob will talk about how people came together on this historic day!! ha

The "NEED" for a vacation!

GOOD FRIDAY MORNING EVERYBODY!

Dan Wells writing....I hope this note finds you well and in good spirits!

I talked about the "NEED" for a vacation last week in my blog....with that said here are some tips I found about a family vacation that I thought you guys might want to check out!

Finding the best family vacation spots depends on your family, but still, there are important things every family should look for before booking a trip.

These five questions will arm you with the right information to ensure you and your kids have the best family vacation ever!

1. How much can we spend?

This may seem like a no-brainer, but knowing how much you can spend on not just the hotel and airfare/gas, but the whole shebang, is imperative. You may find that an all-inclusive resort is a better choice for your family, or that you should stay at a less expensive hotel so you have more to spend on adventure and learning activities.

2. Does the hotel offer freebies for kids?

Good family hotels want you and your family, and they want you bad. When choosing your hotel, ask about or research whether or not the hotel offers freebies for kids. Not only can these perks be tie-breakers when you're debating two places, but their very presence means that the hotel staff won't roll their eyes when they see your brood. The best family vacation spots love families.

3. What will we do there?

Whether you're planning a beach resort trip or a sightseeing excursion to Europe, the best family vacation spots have so many things to do, you won't be able to do it all. Have a talk with your family ahead of time about what activities you all want to do -- this can be an excellent lesson in compromise and "trying new things" for the little ones. Knowing what your family wants to do in advance will help you budget and schedule the trip, and it will help you choose money-saving packages and even hotel locations.

4. How much does the childcare cost?

Hotels always either have, or can recommend, childcare or babysitters to watch your kids. You and your spouse or significant other will want (and deserve) time alone during the trip and should plan to have at least one dinner on your own. Ask how much the childcare costs at a hotel before making your decision. In the some of best family vacation spots, it's free!

5. What will we learn?

You can't go on vacation every day, so don't waste the opportunity for your kids (and even yourself) to learn something outside of their normal realm of awareness. The best family vacation spots have programs for kids, whether it's museum tours or ecological learning centers. Or, maybe you can all learn a new skill, like scuba diving or snowboarding, together. Just make sure you all come back knowing something you didn't know -- that's the kind of family vacation memory that truly lasts a lifetime.

Here's to some sort of vacation for you and your family in 2011.
Dan

Jean Robert's Table Is A Hit!

"One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well." --Virginia Woolf

Good morning! It's Sheila, and I am so happy to have Jean Robert back! Okay, I know Jean Robert didn't go anywhere, but for months I have been missing his food. I say this with conviction: I have eaten a lot of food, and I have met a lot of chefs, but I have never known one who is as talented as Jean Robert de Cavel. And here's the really cool thing. He's such a nice person!

I first met Jean Robert when he was the chef at the world famous Maisonette downtown. For me, the Maisonette was intimidating. I had never been to a five-star restaurant before I moved to Cincinnati. It made me nervous to eat there in a booth facing out toward the restaurant. Would I use the wrong fork? God forbid, spill something? The first time I ate dinner there, I didn't know Jean Robert, but his food made an impact, and then I understood just why the Maisonette kept its 5-star rating for the years he was there.

Jean Robert came to Cincinnati to work in the Queen CIty's most famous restaurant, but he made our city his home, and he has worked hard to make it a better place. When downtown was looking a bit bleak after the riots and September 11th attacks, Jean Robert invested in downtown by opening his own place. Rob ate at Pigall's first, and he exclaimed to me afterward, "Jean Robert is a genius!"

It's been about two years since Pigall's closed its doors for the last time. After a legal battle with his former partners, Cincinnati's favorite chef is back with Table at 7th and Vine. And when you taste the food, you'll see for yourself why Jean Robert is a genius.
My husband Ric had a date night Saturday, and we couldn't wait to go back to Table. Jean Robert convinced manager Mary Lou Lind to come home to Cincinnati from Kiawah Island in South Carolina, and she told me business has been just as busy in January as it was during the holiday season. She's not having much fun in the snow, but it's clear she loves being part of the success of Jean Robert's new venture.

One of Chef's specialities in seafood, so Ric and I ordered the sole and halibut, respectively. Ric's sole came with a delicious truffle cream sauce, and the halibut was paired with squash, grapefruit, and a luscious citrus sauce. It really is to die for, and I'm always amazed at the ingredients Jean Robert puts together in his dishes. We topped off our meal with an incredible creme brulee and coffee, always served at Table in a french press. I never drink coffee in the evening, but I indulged in two cups!

The restaurant has a casual, friendly atmosphere, and it's a welcome addition to downtown Cincinnati. One Facebook friend told me he felt like he was in the Village in NYC, and added to my sentiment that Cincinnati really needed something like this. You can read the menu and find out more about Jean Robert's table at http://jrtable.com/

Dr. Deb Gives Benson A Bath

Frank Here...It has been a long couple weeks for Mr. Benson, with holiday travel he was out of his comfort zone for over a week. Then I went on two trips one was a weekend trip and then I went to Florida for a week, so Mr. Benson was staying with friends so he I am sure has been a bit confused. So with the warmer weather yesterday I thought it would be a good idea to get him out to the dog park, so we loaded up and met our very own Dr. Deb, her husband Max and the kids along with there dog Radar. The dogs ran and I mean ran for about a hour back and forth, the only problem is that Mr. Benson looked like a golden retriever when it was all said and done because he was covered in mud. I mean the mud was caked on Mr. Benson, the bad news was that we were invited back to the Raines house for dinner and to watch some football. However, I did not know what to do with Mr. Benson and all his mud, however Dr. Deb saved the day. Mr. Benson was given a bath at the Raines Dog Spa, he was quickly rushed into the basement where a warm shower awaited, now before anyone says anything I was going to give Mr. Benson the bath but Dr. Deb insisted to give him a bath so I could not say no. After he was cleaned a wonderful meal of lasagna and football took up the rest of the evening and Mr. Benson was even given a Ohio State jersey to stay comfortable in. It was perfect lazy Sunday!

Do we work too much?...my answer is YES!!!!!!!

HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYBODY!

Dan Wells writing, I hope this note finds you all well and in good spirits!

Does anyone else feel like they work way too much and need a vacation?

If your answer is yes...read this article from Seattle below.

A new United Nations report says Americans really are working more.

U.S. workers have increased their substantial lead over Japan and all other industrial nations in the number of hours worked each year, according to a report issued by the International Labor Organization.

It found that Americans added nearly a full week to their work year during the 1990s. They worked 1,979 hours on average last year -- that's 49 1/2 weeks.

That's 137 more hours or 3 1/2 weeks more per year than Japanese workers, 260 hours (about 6 1/2 weeks) more per year than British workers and 499 hours (12 1/2 weeks) more per year than German workers, the report said.

NOT COOL IN MY MIND!

And then there's the French. They just passed a law trimming the hours in the workweek.

In the mid-1990s the United States surpassed Japan and since then pulled even further ahead.....GRRRRRRR

In contrast...many economists say the number of hours Americans work each year may begin to level off now that many automakers and other manufacturers have reduced the amount of overtime assigned in light of the economic slowdown.

Among the reasons for the large differences between the United States and other countries are that Europeans typically take four to six weeks of vacation each year, while Americans take two to three weeks.

Then, there's France.

While American employers kept adding overtime during the 1990s, in France the government reduced the official workweek to 35 hours with the aim of pressuring companies to hire more workers.

But there may be another benefit. French workers are actually more productive per hour than Americans, the report said.

So, perhaps in the interest of higher productivity, we need to take a holiday....HAPPY FRIDAY!
Dan

Let It Snow, Let It Snow

We have reached our seasonal snowfall averages, so it's time now for sunny and 70 degrees, correct? Not so much! Hi Everybody Frank Here...After above average snow in December with 16.2 inches, and a snowy start to 2011, this seems like the winter that will never end. We are already above average for our January snowfall as we have reached 5.4 inches that is 3 inches above average for the month. So where do we stand for the season, it is impressive, 22.2 inches and that is 14 inches above average. The tri-state averages 23 inches for the entire season so needless to say our snow totals this season will be well above average. Another side note right now just about every state in our country is reporting snow on the ground in some spots and this includes the state of Hawaii. The only state without snow is Florida, so the bright side we are not the only ones dealing with this very snowy and cold winter.

Fabulous Findlay Market

I'm a big fan of Cincinnati's Findlay Market.

Sheila here. My guys (Ric and Eric) and I spent part of a morning last week, wandering among the vendors at my favorite spot in Over The Rhine.

There's a lot of talk these days about buying local to help the earth and local businesses, and Findlay Market is the perfect place to do it. I stocked up on seafood at Luken's Poultry and Fish, Eric found some sweet treats at Taste of Belgium, and I let Debbie Ganaway take care of our Sunday dinner with some delicious stuffed peppers from Gramma Debbie's kitchen.

I discovered Mike Luken's seafood a few years ago, and now I don't buy fish anywhere else. It's flown in fresh, and it really does taste better than seafood you'll find at the grocery store. My buddies there always tell me what are the best items in the cooler, and if I'm up for trying something new, they'll even tell me how to prepare it. I've added several new seafood dishes to our family menu with their help.

Jean Francois Flechet opened Taste of Belgium with one item on his list of fare: his famous waffles. Now you can find a whole case full of quiches, pies, cookies, Belgian macarons, and sinful brownies. He's also serving up some great smelling, hot pizza these days. Jean Francois has become so successful with his waffles, he's expanded into Columbus and Nashville.

Debbie Ganaway and her family bought Kroeger & Sons Meats a few years ago, and while her son heads up that business now, she's opened Gramma Debbie's Kitchen. It's a perfect place to find marinated meats, stuffed peppers, all kinds of salads, and even sides dishes like roasted root vegetables. Debbie is a fantastic cook, and her menu also includes a "Taste of Findlay Market," which she'll put together with foods from her kitchen and other vendors.

Those are just a few of my favorites at the market. I also love Silverglades Deli, Skirtz & Johnston pastries, Colonel De's spices, and the Christian Moerlein Beer Garten. While summer is my favorite time to check out Findlay Market because you can find loads of producer from local farmers, I love going anytime. Everyone there is warm and helpful, and I feel as if I am shopping with my friends.

If you haven't checked out one of the gems of the Queen City, the Findlay Market chili cook-off this month would be a great opportunity for you to get a taste of what it's like. Local cooks will put their best chili up for judging, and you can see some cooking demonstrations from some of the Findlay Market experts. It's set for Sunday, Jan. 23 starting at Noon. Find out more or get an entry form at http://www.findlaymarket.org/

Time To Get Back To Work

My holidays are finally over! Good morning everyone...Frank here...I hope all is well? Today marks my cleansing, NEW YEAR and better focus on healthy eating. I know this sounds like a resolution but it is now, I am calling it my lifestyle change, not a diet, not a fitness routine, but more focused everyday living. I sound so deep!!! Just with the holidays and then my trip to Florida I just feel like I need to slow down now and get some sleep! Florida was great though, with temperatures in the 70 degree range. I made a big mistake, I should know better, but our first day I headed down to the beach and it was a sunny day, with a slight breeze, and about 73 degrees. It felt great and comfy so I applied some sunscreen but did not think about putting more on because I never really got hot, but WOWZERS I had a really bad sunburn! Yikes...I had to aloe up and take it easy! However, besides that trip was relaxing and enjoying. I did however miss Mr. Benson but I thank my co-anchor Tracey Johnson and the family for watching Mr. Benson he spent time with her dogs Bosco and Diego! They had a great time I think to much of a good time because he slept all night last night and has been passed out on his chair for most of the time we have been home. Well now it is time to get back to work, we are TRACKING A WINTER STORM for Tuesday morning with moderate snow on the way...TRACK THE LATEST here www.fox19.com/weather

10 simple ways....I found to beat weight gain.

Good Morning and Happy Friday!

Dan Wells writing, I hope this note find you guys well and in good spirits!

So are you guilty of overeating during the holidays? well, I am, and with that said...I've gone on a mission to help us all lose some weight for the New Year!

Here are 10 simple ways....I found to beat weight gain.

1. Drink water. People often mistake thirst for hunger, so next time you feel like noshing, reach for water first. Drinking also helps you feel full. Some experts suggest sipping water (or iced tea) just before you sit down to a meal. Continue drinking as you eat to add volume and weight to your meal.

2. Set realistic goals. One or two pounds a week maximum is doable. Top weight-loss programs advocate stopping after the first 10 pounds and maintaining that loss for about six months before trying to lose any more.

3. Build in splurges. If you allow yourself to eat whatever you want for 2 meals out of every 21, you won't inflict enough damage to subvert your weight loss. And you'll feel less deprived.

4. Count to 10. Studies suggest that the average craving lasts only about 10 minutes. So before caving in to your urge, set your mental timer for a 10-minute time-out. Use the time to tackle an item on your to-do list; choose one that will give you a sense of accomplishment -- and get you out of the kitchen.

5. Eat more often. People who have kept their weight off for more than a few years tend to eat an average of five times a day. Light, frequent meals curb your appetite, boost your energy, improve your mood and even speed your metabolism, since the process of digestion itself burns calories.

6. Make weekly resolutions. Don't try to overhaul your diet overnight. If you make too many changes at once, chances are you'll get frustrated and throw in the towel. Instead, make one change, such as eating at least one piece of fruit daily, every week.
7. Start with 10%. People who start by focusing on achieving just 10% of their long-range weight-loss goal may have the best chance of ultimate success. Losing those first pounds yields the biggest health gains, too, since belly fat is usually the first to come off and is the most dangerous.

8. Spike your meals with salsa. This spicy condiment can stand in for mayo to deliver plenty of flavor without the fat. Mix it with a bit of low-fat yogurt to make tuna salad. Spread it on a veggie burger, or serve it with chicken or fish.

9. Take one-third off. When you eat dinner out, reduce the temptation to clean your plate by setting aside one-third of your meal. Ask the server for a doggie bag, and take it home for lunch the next day. Try serving yourself one-third less at home too. This simple tactic could subtract more than 500 calories a day.

10. Go easy on the alcohol. Remember that alcohol is a source of calories. A 12-ounce beer has 150 calories; a 3.5-ounce glass of wine, 85. A margarita packs a bigger caloric punch. Even worse offenders are creamy cocktails, such as brandy alexanders and mudslides -- equivalent to drinking a rich dessert.

The bottom line: If you're trying to lose weight, stick with water.

Ok, I think these are realistic...so here's to the quest to lose some pounds in January!

Talk with you guys next week!
Dan

A Christmas Wish Come True

A Kentucky girl's wish came true, just in time for Christmas.

Sheila here with a beautiful story to share as we kick off a new year.

You may be aware of my association with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and right now our chapter (which covers Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana) has more than 900 children, who are fighting life threatening illnesses, who are waiting for their wishes to be granted.

One of them was Ann, whose 17th birthday was on Christmas Day. Ann is not her real name. This teenager is dealing with more weighty issues than most of us can imagine, so she didn't want her name or picture to be used in any publicity for Make A Wish. Ann has cancer, and she was a patient at Cincinnati Children's Hospital until recently, when the doctors there determined there was nothing else they could do for her, and they sent her home to be with her family.

When that happens, doctors notify Make A Wish and tell our wish granting team to rush the child's wish. It's an effort to give the child hope, strength, and joy. In some cases, the rush wish becomes a family's last memory of time together, having fun instead of focusing on the illness.

Ann's wish was to go to Los Angeles. She wanted to walk on the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, see Rodeo Drive, and experience the Pacific Ocean and the beach. While we would love to say money is no object when it comes to granting a wish for a sick child, the reality is that we need a lot of help. Ann needed a private plane which could carry the medical equipment she needed to survive the long trip to California. The flight would cost $25,000. Needless to say, our wish granting team did not have that money readily available, but this is a Christmas story, so you can imagine what happened.

First, dozens and dozens of people offered donations to pay for Ann's wish, gifts ranging from $5 to $5,000! Then the Christmas miracle occurred, when Brian Huber of Reynolds Jet Management heard about Ann. Reynolds and Bank of America stepped in and DONATED the flight! Ann and her family embarked on their journey on Saturday, December 18th, one week before her Christmas birthday. Ann was so excited about her wish, she was able to walk onto the jet without assistance, and she and her family had a wonderful trip, full of magical memories.

Reynolds Jet Management also helped out by getting Ann and her family a sunset helicopter tour of Los Angeles, and Columbia Sussex provided hotel accomodations at the J.W. Marriott/Le Merigot Beach Hotel in Santa Monica.

Ann and her family took a double decker bus tour and saw the homes of celebrities like Tom Cruise, Jackie Chan, and Dr. Phil, along with local landmarks including The House of Blues, Johnny Depp's Viper Room, and the Beverly Hills Hotel. She had a brush with fame when she got to visit High Voltage Tattoo, the group which stars in the TLC TV show, L.A. Ink, and she had her photo taken with some of the artists. She and her family were so thankful, and couldn't believe how kind everyone was.

Unfortunately, as I was posting this blog this morning, I learned that Ann died two nights ago. She was at home, surrounded by her family, just as she wished. Make A Wish President Susan McConnell said, "She made it through Christmas with her family. That was another miracle." I can't think of a better Christmas miracle either. While we all are sad about the loss of her young life, I am proud that the Make-Wish Foundation was able to bring Ann and her family hope, strength, and joy for a few treasured moments.

I wish blessings and hope to you and your family in the New Year. www.wish.org/chapterlocate/results?state=oh

11th in 11

Let me explain the cryptic title of my blog.

Good Tuesday morning. Rob here.

I have decided to run my 11th marathon in 2011.

I actually started training on New Year's Day. How's that for commitment. I actually had fun because I'm not doing it alone. Once again I have enlisted the help of Bob Roncker's Running Group. It was a short run. 5 miles around Hyde Park and Mt. Lookout. A great way to start the new year and a new marathon training schedule.

It is also very inspiring to see the dozens of people who decided to tackle the challenge of a marathon in the new year. Some of whom have run plenty of marathons. Others who have barely run their entire lives. The first day is so hopeful. It's like Reds Opening Day. Hopeful. There are no injuries. Life hasn't gotten in the way yet. Miles of running haven't made you bitter and asking, "Why am I doing this?" And.. "I should have kept my big mouth shut and not told my family and friends."

Actually, Roncker's Running Group will help you get over all those hurdles and many many more. Most of the other runners are strangers, but there are few things unifying as a common goal and shared experiences. If you have ever thought of training for a marathon check out Roncker's. It helps. Most importantly, don't be intimidated. They're fun people and make the grueling training as fun as possible. Which many times isn't all that much fun. Happy New Year! Good luck in 2011 no matter what you resolve to accomplish.

Pork Loin To Ring In New Year

It pains me to say that I love Michigan! No not the football team, BUCKS all the way, but the state. I rang in 2011 with my best friends and there children up at there river house on the St. Joseph River which is in southwest Michigan just north of South Bend, Indiana. It is a classic small town atmosphere, in fact was voted most Romantic City in all of Michigan. I did not partake in that since it was just Uncle Frank on the visit, but my friends and there kids Cooper and Sullivan did venture down to Lake Michigan, imagine sustained winds of about 30 mph and sand whipping off the dunes into your face. WOW...we could only stomach about 5 mins was it was beautiful. We wrapped up New Years with my famous pork tenderloin! You butterfly a pork tenderloin leaving the ends closed so you can pack it full of goodness. You need to sprinkle it with sea salt and pepper then put chopped apples, goat cheese, and cloves of garlic inside of it. Then you lay pieces of pancetta on top of the opening and wrap it up and tie it. Then rub the pork with more pepper and sea salt and olive oil. Lay it in a pan and pour your favorite white wine on top of it and place rosemary and extra apples in the wine. Then bake it in a oven at 365 degrees until cooked to your liking. Slice up and enjoy!!!!