Earlier today I watched Sven Kramer lose the gold medal in the men’s 10k for failing to change lanes- a seemingly bone head mistake, but one that has ultimately proved to be the fault of his coach.

As many of you may have heard, Dutch speed-skater superstar Sven Kramer was heavily favored to win the Men’s 10K event in Vancouver (he hasn’t lost in the event since finishing 7th in the 2006 games), but was disqualified due to a lane violation, effectively dashing what would have been his second gold medal of the games and his fourth lowering of the recorded time for the event.

The sport of long track speed-skating, played on a 400 meter oval with just two lanes, requires that each athlete switch lanes on each lap of the race- this is done on the back straight of the oval of every lap.
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I found out about FullApologies.com from Vayner Media‘s “19 of this Week’s Best Links”.

I wasn’t ready for it. I don’t think you’ll be either.

The site features the basic synopsis of those that have killed people due to being drunk while driving, and their video apology to (apparently) the family of those they are responsible for killing.

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Today I Twittered this:

I don’t watch the news because people are paid to report it.

And my friend Collin asked me this:

Just out of curiosity where do you get your news?

I was going to quickly answer him, but, as the three of you that are actually reading this may already know, I’m not like that. Ask me what time it is, and I’ll tell you how to build a clock.

Collin, here is the answer to your question my friend:

OK- so this is going to sound weird outside of context. Twitter.

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Yesterday was MLKJr. Day. Did you notice?

Perhaps you did, but only when you walked to your mailbox and found nothing; or put your trash out in the morning, only to return home that evening with it not picked up; or when you went to the bank and nearly dislocated your arm trying to open the locked door. Don’t feel badly- I’m with you, the mail didn’t come yesterday for me either. So what do I, we, do in light of our “bliss”?

I’ve talked about my upbringing before (read it, it’s good). And I’d have to say that I’m still there. Every day.

Yesterday I read a post about MLK that came from a different angle. (Read that one too- so you have some context for my next sentence.)

And I think again. For, well- ever, I’ve seen MLKJr. Day as just an African American “thing”. And now I realize it’s more than just that.

Sweet. What about you?
~NickShoe

This is why music is the universal language (and laughter):

This took place at the Newark airport during the lock down after the security breech there.

Recently I traveled to The Frigid North with my family, and nothing reminds me how much I love traveling like spending more time in airports than I’d like to. (Of course I being sarcastic here; I love traveling, but road trips are better.)
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I and my family are in Wisconsin, The Frigid North as I call it, this week to visit her family and just take a break in general.

And we’re hear to think.
About what’s been.
About what’s now.
About what’s then.

I mentioned some time ago that there has been a shift in my life; and it’s becoming increasingly more clear that the shift was on purpose. Designed. Supposed to happen. OF and BY Abba Father.

And I pondered what was next.

I started my own business, It’s something I love. It’s been fun. It hasn’t been profitable- yet.

This week I had two meetings. And next week I have another. All great. All important. All with decisions. All DIFFERENT.

I covet your prayers with Amie and I as we talk, think, pray and decide on which one is for us.

~NickShoe

For any of you that watched the BSU win over TCU in the Fiesta Bowl- it was hopefully a great experience. For one individual that may not be the case. Chances are that you’ve heard of the BSU Cowbell Girl by now. But you probably didn’t know that she’s blind*. The sick part about this are idiots that forgot to think and started posting her picture and video everywhere. It’s shocking and sad.

So, congrats to all those that made fun of this person that has overcome undoubtedly great odds to be where they are- you are real wieners.

Now- that being said. My hope is that you would not propagate any of the You Tube video going around or the facebook fan page. That you would encourage those that are participating to stop.

My hat goes off to the young woman that played in the half-time show at the Fiesta Bowl for the Blue Thunder Marching Band.

~NickShoe

*SBNation
*BSU Photo
*Mashable

A family friend of mine just posted the above for their Facebook status.

Here is my response and encouragement to them, as well as all of us today:

I agree, and a saying, albeit most likely cliche, comes to mind:
“Be the change you want to see in the world.”
For the Shoemakers (yes all 30+ of us) we no longer give gifts as a large group when we gather for Christmas Eve. Instead we’ve taken to a white elephant mug exchange. Find the most audacious mug you can (in your cupboard, @ the thrift store, et cetera) and bring it!
It was so much fun this evening playing Name That Tune Christmas Edition and seeing who would get the zaniest mug.
All that to say- we are with ya!

There ya have it. The UN-IMPORTANT parts of Christmas will continue until people make the change in THEIR OWN LIVES.

For me- this change has been somewhat forced, but welcomed none-the-less. As some of you may know, recently the decision was made to venture out on my own, and- honestly- I haven’t found much for income. Amie and I decided on the 22nd that we wouldn’t be able to “do Christmas” this year.

On the 23rd my bro-in-law text me and told me to keep the $100 in proceeds from my recent selling of some of his skate decks to Pangaea Boards.

So we will “have Christmas” exchange gifts this year after all. And you know what- this Christmas will have, and has already, meant more than any other.

Merry Christmas!

~NickShoe

Um. Yeah. Uh-mazing.
Church in a parking lot. I really don’t have anything to add. Carlos says it all.

~NickShoe