It's a small world...

As a kid, I loved to skip stones across a pond (think the most I ever got was seven or eight). No worries. No responsibilities. No email.

Now, I often think about taking my iPhone and skipping it across a pond -- or the nearest highway.

Thanks to computers, smartphones, tablets, social media, email and other ever-changing technology, we're connected to the world and each other 24/7. Instead of waiting for the evening news with Brokaw, Jennings and Rather or the next morning's paper, all we have to do is log on to Twitter or Facebook. And we can share - even make - news ourselves, like I'm doing with this blog.

As a former journalist, I know it's awesome to reach contacts by cell phone, email or social media at any time and get details for my next story, then release it for viewing around the globe -- not just the local community -- in mere minutes, not hours or a day. As a communications professional, though, this instant accessibility can lead to queries from a journalist, administrator, client or "visitor" that must be answered immediately, especially in times of crisis. Time definitely is of the essence.

Technology is a double-edged sword (thank you, NSA), but change is constant, and change can be good (like instant replay in sports). For instance, Twitter has allowed me to continue my professional development. Just last week, Vocus, an integrated marketing company helping organizations reach and influence buyers (I became familiar with it though the Texas A&M Health Science Center), tweeted developments from the INBOUND13 marketing conference in Boston. The world's largest gathering of inbound marketers featured more than 100 sessions, keynotes and product demonstrations over four days.

A sample of the overflow of statistics, trends and strategies presented was interesting, remindful, even eye-opening. A daily recap is available on the Vocus blog. Among the findings:

• Technology has created a Garden of Eden in communication, but there's a snake in the garden: hyperconnectivity. How are we going to have human connections in this age? Put the gadgets down. (Arianna Huffington)
• According to Nielsen, 92% of consumers trust recommendations from family and friends and 70% of online strangers they never met. (Ben Grossman)
• People are better liked when they talk about experiences as opposed to their material possessions. (Beth Dunn)
• We're living in a post-PC world, as more than 30% of traffic to websites is from mobile. (Mitch Joel)
• People always remember the last thing, so make sure the last thing you say is amazing. (Nancy Duarte)

This information is important, even crucial, to my continued advancement as a communications professional. But instead of registering for the event, paying for hotel/air fare/taxi/meals, booking time out of my schedule, and then playing catch up at home or the office as was done just a few short years ago, I now can follow online at my convenience and connect directly with the presenters and attendees. All I need is an Internet connection.

In the meantime, my iPhone 5 rarely leaves my side (told the missus I'd skip the "5S" for the "6" next year), and I have dozens of apps for productivity, education, business, leisure and more. I also have accounts on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and most recently, Instagram and Pinterest (help!).

When I initially left work at the end of May, I thought my life would be much simpler -- sleep, web surfing and Jerry Springer (how can that still be on?). To some extent, it has, but technology allows me to stay in contact and reconnect with friends and colleagues -- even make new ones -- all while drinking craft beer in my boxers (you're welcome for the visual). It also has enabled me to stay up-to-date in my field and with current events. Yep, change can be good, though nothing can ever replace the intimacy and frankness of a face-to-face conversation.

Now if you'll excuse me, it's been 20 minutes, so need to check my Facebook and Twitter accounts for the latest Candy Crush requests and weird news story. Til the next time...

Of Ales and Lagers

I like beer. My belly and stash of bottles and cans at home will attest to that (probably the main reason I'm walking). Even my wife, Erica, has taking a liking to the suds, having first compared the taste as similar to "cat pee" (No, I won't ask how she knows what that tastes like.).

Sure, in my youth I loved the mass-produced, cheap stuff -- Bud Light, Natural Light, Old Milwaukee, Keystone Light. And every once in a while, I'll plunk down $5 for a six-pack of Pabst Blue Ribbon or Lone Star.

But I've become a bit of a beer snob. No, I can't reel off the AVB (alcohol by volume) and aromas of a beer (e.g., earthy, spicy) or the step-by-step brewing process. I do, though, enjoy the more expensive, better quality craft beers.

And not only do I enjoy the beer; I also enjoy the passion and love that goes into it. Anyone can go to a supermarket, convenience store or liquor store, grab some beer, pay the cashier, and never give the transaction a second thought. But there's something special about visiting the brewery responsible for the beer, meeting the brewmaster and staff, touring the facility, and sampling the different offerings fresh from the tanks.

For me, it started around 2005, as I heard about a growing brewery nearby called Saint Arnold. Erica and I went on a Saturday morning tour in a warehouse district of northwest Houston, joining about 50 other beer aficionados. Entrance was free, and you received tokens for four 4 oz. samples (ummm, I took a couple of Erica's). The high quality beers were in a variety of styles -- ale, hefeweizen, Kölsch and more.

From then on, we were hooked. Others were, too. Saint Arnold added more beers to its rotation, including seasonals and "Divine Reserves" that draw lines of hundreds of customers in front of liquor stores and supermarkets hours before opening with quantity limits. They began charging an entrance fee and expanded enough to relocate to a nearly 100-year-old facility in north Houston. They even participate with other brewers in lobbying at the Texas Legislature, which led to laws in the past session that allow shipping breweries such as Saint Arnold to sell a set amount of beer directly to customers (must be consumed on site) and for brewpubs to package and sell some of their products for distribution in other retail outlets.

Counter at the Saint Arnold brewery in north Houston.

As I said, Saint Arnold got us started, and we'll never finish. We've been to countless breweries such as Shiner (Shiner), No Label (Katy), Live Oak (Austin), Independence (Austin), 512 (Austin), Southern Star (Conroe), New Republic (College Station) and Real Ale (Blanco) in Texas; Abita in Louisiana; Harpoon (Boston) and Cambridge Brewing Co. (Boston); Triple 7 Restaurant & Brewery (Las Vegas); Denver ChopHouse & Brewery (Denver); and others [make sure you're 21 if clicking on the links, wink, wink]. Each time, we learn more about the time and effort put into the craft, and when we're done, we're ready to find another destination. In fact, we hope someday to follow in the footsteps of the "Roaming Pint," a couple in their RV traveling to beer destinations across the United States.

The Spoetzl Brewery, home of Shiner.

No Label Brewery, an old rice silo in Katy, in its early days. Now, almost 1,000 people visit each Saturday.

It was in touring the breweries we learned about beer "dinners." Just like a wine dinner, beer dinners are beers paired around food. They're done in courses -- from appetizers to entrees to dessert -- joining a restaurant with the brewery. Often, both the head chef and head brewmaster attend to give background not only on the food and beverages but also why they complement each other so well. Erica and I have done a few, with Brooklyn Brewery in New York and Left Hand Brewing in Colorado coming to mind.

Brooklyn Brewery beer dinner at Alamo Drafthouse in Austin with renowned brewmaster Garrett Oliver.

So, we've got craft beer at the store, brewery tours and beer dinners. That's it, right? Well, what if I told you there were places called beer "festivals" where different breweries gather to showcase themselves and their various beers? Too good to be true? Thankfully not!

Some festivals are small. Others are not. Among our first were a pair in Boston -- American Craft Beer Fest and Beer Summit. They were followed by the 2011 Texas Beer Festival in Humble, where we sampled brews from No Label, Southern Star, Independence, 512, Saint Arnold, Real Ale and Rahr & Sons (Fort Worth). There also were numerous food trucks to help absorb all the alcohol.

Father-in-law posing at the 2011 Texas Beer Festival.

But the required pilgrimage for all beer "knurds" (thanks, Flying Saucer) is the Great American Beer Festival each fall in Denver. Now in its 32nd year (starting in 1982), it has grown from 800 attendees to 50,000. Tickets to each session sell out within minutes, and many of the hundreds of participating breweries produce special beers just for the event. Erica and I enjoyed the 2011 GABF and plan to go again soon.

Ahhh...the Great American Beer Festival

So there you have it. I love beer, and I love talking about it. In fact, this blog is making me pretty thirsty, so I'm going to grab a cold one from the fridge. Til the next time...

I've got the runs!

No, I don't. But I bet it caught your attention (that's one way to drive up page views).

Actually, I've got the "walks," though that's not really a noun. One nice thing about my break from the working world is an opportunity to go out for routine walks. Before, it was too early in the morning, I was too tired after work, or there were weekend plans.

Now, it's just too hot. But "duh" - it's summer, and it's Texas.

And when you're a few (OK, several) pounds overweight, have free time and want to enjoy the fresh air, there's nothing like a nice walk to get the blood flowing.

The first few times, I was unprepared, and it showed - out of breath, dehydrated and sunburned. Eventually, I developed a checklist that seems to take longer than the walk itself:

• Shorts, short-sleeved shirt, socks, running shoes and hat? Check.
• SPF 50 sunscreen for the face and neck? Check.
• Icy Hot® for the legs? Check.
• Aquaphor for the feet? Check.
• Bottled water? Check.
• iPhone with cool Ironman headphones? Check.

And we're off. Nothing like a good sweat, seeing the wildlife and enjoying some tunes. Also nothing like tall weeds, heavy traffic and landscapers everywhere.

Oh, and nothing like knots in your calves. Even with all my preparations, I still come down with 'em. In fact, I'm typing this blog now as I'm between massages with a roller. Talk about pure heaven.

Thankfully, I do feel better, and I may have even lost a few pounds (don't make me check the scale). This "torture," er exercise, also has reaffirmed my respect and admiration for runners and walkers.

My father-in-law, Eloy Rodriguez, competed in several marathons from the 1980s to the early 2000s, including the Chicago Marathon. He even walked a full marathon in Alaska at age 71.

Father-in-law (third from right in group shot) completed the Mayor's Marathon in Alaska in June 2010 at age 71.

My wife, Erica Rodriguez Maier, participated in a few races of her own, including the prestigious New York City Marathon. She also served as a local running coach here in Bryan-College Station, mentoring both newbie and experienced runners.

That's my better half completing the 2010 New York City Marathon.

I know of many other family, like Jacob Allenstein, and friends, like Steve King, who love running - so much that some are even training for or actually indulging in ultramarathons. Seriously?! Seriously?!

Not me. As long as I get my 2+ mile walk in a few times a week, I'm a happy camper. Nope. I'll be on the sidelines cheering as they push for new PRs (that's "personal record" in running-speak).

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to drink some coconut water and continue to roll out these knotted calves. Til the next time...

Are you ready for some football?

How about that Hall of Fame game last night? Seriously, let me know. Though it was the Miami Dolphins and Dallas Cowboys, so many regular season starters were held out that I didn't watch much of the remaining players who either will be on the sidelines most of the season or not even on the team.

But, as both a Dolphins and a Nebraska Cornhuskers fan, here are my thoughts on their respective upcoming seasons, along with the local team here in Aggieland.

Dolphins

With an extra week of practice and a fifth preseason game at Coach Philbin's request - coupled with the apparent off-season demise of the New England Patriots - Miami appears poised to make a run at the AFC East title, if not at least a wild card berth. But, I've heard that before, and I, like many Dolfans, will see it when I believe it (for reference, see these recent insightful articles by Armando Salguero and Joseph Goodman of the Miami Herald).

Quarterback Ryan Tannehill is expected to do great things after a promising rookie season, wide receiver Mike Wallace should stretch opposing defenses and bolster the overall receiving corps, and the Dolphins' defense itself will be stout. Still, the regular season begins at the Cleveland Browns, followed by at the Indianapolis Colts, Atlanta Falcons, at the New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens, bye, Buffalo Bills and at New England. If 5-3 or better after Week 8, then the playoffs have a pulse. Otherwise, it'll be at least one more year until Miami can pursue its first postseason win since Dec. 30, 2000 (almost 13 years).

Huskers

63-38. 70-31. 45-31. Another 10-win season for the Cornhuskers, another couple of blowouts and a bowl loss. Will things be any different in 2013 as Nebraska begins practice in earnest today? Not likely.

Offensively, Nebraska returns seven starters, with just four starters back on defense. And, the schedule sets up quite favorably. Nonetheless, just like the Dolphins and based on past history, I'll buy in when I see them take care of Michigan on Nov. 9 in Ann Arbor and win the Legends Division.

Unfortunately, the Huskers have a recent history of losing at least one game they should win - UCLA in 2012, Northwestern in 2011, Texas (which finished 5-7) in 2010. That could be the case again this year, perhaps to Northwestern (Nov. 2) or UCLA (Sept. 14). And even if they come in 8-0 against Michigan, the Wolverines will be a handful at "The Big House." Get through all that, and there's a Big Ten Championship Game against The Ohio State University. And you thought last year's championship game against Wisconsin was lopsided? I might not have the TV on too long for that Dec. 7 matchup, as I agree with CBS Sports, Athlon Sports and others who have the Buckeyes and Alabama in the BCS National Championship Game.

Texas A&M

It's hard not to be an Aggies fan when you live in Bryan-College Station (the Brazos Valley), but I am. I love the traditions (The 12th Man, Reveille, Muster to name a few) and history/prominence of the university but just can't seem to "saw varsity's horns off" (and they don't even play Texas now). Note that I'm not a Texas fan, either, though I've worked for two schools in its university system.

I'm allergic to animal dander, but that didn't stop my wife and I from having our photo taken with Reveille VII in 2006 for Christmas.

The good: A&M comes off its first 11-win season since 1998, wins a Cotton Bowl, gains a Heisman Trophy winner (its first since 1957) and has a fairly soft 2013 schedule.

The bad: The first-ever freshman Heisman Trophy winner is the much maligned Johnny Manziel, two tough division games against Alabama and LSU, and the recent death of redshirt freshman lineman Polo Manukainiu.

A&M has a shot at the SEC Championship Game, even the national title, if it doesn't self-destruct in the process. Enough has been written, chronicled and profiled on "Johnny Heisman," but will any of the off-the-field shenanigans affect his performance behind center? And will he even be behind center, especially in light of a new investigation that alleges he took money for signing memorabilia, a no-no.

Further, the Aggies host the Crimson Tide at Kyle Field in an early season test and travel to "Death Valley" in late November to face LSU. Both are winnable games, but Alabama is looking for revenge from last year, and Baton Rouge is a tough place to play. What's more, all three teams are in the West, so lose one game, and you might lose the tiebreaker and a berth in the SEC Championship Game. Too much is in flux for me to predict where A&M will finish, but it should tell you something that I have Alabama in the BCS Championship.

Of course, as football starts up, baseball winds down. Hmmm...the upcoming MLB postseason might be something to comment on down the road. Til the next post, enjoy the day...

Let's get started...

So it's August 1, 2013, and though I've been on social media for a while through Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, I finally decided today is the day to start a blog.

Why? For starters, I'm currently between jobs, so it gives me something to do. And, through various publications and webinars, I've learned blogging helps your personal brand. At 41, I'm not part of the "Me Generation" but rather "Generation X." Nonetheless, I'll be sharing my thoughts and views, so let me start with a little about myself.

Education

Born and raised in San Antonio, I initially was enrolled in the Judson school district (Go Rockets!) before my parents moved to Bulverde to be closer to work at then-Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State). That put me in Smithson Valley High School, where I graduated fourth in the Class of 1990.

Thanks to a generous scholarship offer from Angelo State University and a desire to complete my education and get in the "working world" ASAP, I began my undergraduate studies at summer school just a week after high school graduation. Thanks to some advanced placement courses, heavy semester course loads and summer school, I graduated cum laude with a major in journalism in just 27 months (August 1992).

Now it was time to go to work (I'm still thinking about graduate school somewhere and perhaps one day will turn my thoughts into action).

Employment

Newspapers. That's where the money and prestige was - or so I first thought. Ready to set the world on fire, I landed a position at the Del Rio News-Herald. It was an interesting publication, to say the least, and I remember pages being laid out by hand (complete with pica poles and blue lines). It was a short one-year stint, followed by four years at the San Marcos Daily Record (affording me the opportunity to live close to my parents, who had moved from Bulverde to San Marcos) and The Monitor in McAllen. There, I met my wife of now almost 13 years, Erica Rodriguez Maier.

During this time, I covered a little bit of everything - sports, politics, government, spot news - and even did page layouts. But the hours were odd and pay poor, so I looked back into the world of academia with its higher salaries, 8-to-5 work schedule and full benefits. Thankfully, The University of Texas-Pan American in Edinburg was right up the road, and I was able to land a job in university relations.

After a couple years at UTPA, it was on to The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas for another two years. A brief trek into Austin, more than seven years at the Texas A&M Health Science Center in College Station and voila - here I am in the Brazos Valley typing a blog on a Thursday afternoon.

For those who are curious, I am interested in returning to communications/public relations, preferably at a higher education institution, and even have job applications out. But for now, going back to beginning of this post, I just decided I needed some "me" time. Thanks to the support of Mrs. Maier and our financial planning through Dave Ramsey, we've made it work.

Personal Interests/Hobbies

When it comes to personal interests and hobbies, my top two are travel and the Internet, which today are intertwined.

Of course, there are few things as exciting as hopping on a plane or in a car and going somewhere, especially new and/or exotic. All of my travels have been in North America - United States, Canada and Mexico. Still waiting for that first big trip abroad.

And with the Internet, you can visit anywhere without leaving the house (in our case, apartment). It's easier and cheaper but admittedly not as fun. The web also enables me to keep up-to-date on news, sports, professional development, networking and so much more. I'm just so glad we have instant access without dial-up and the lingering fear someone would call and break your connection.

Sports

My other primary passion is sports. I participated as a kid; covered them in high school, college and my newspaper days; and continually follow the latest games and related developments. While I'm a general fan of most sports, I have a few specific teams:

Football
Nebraska Cornhuskers and Miami Dolphins 
Been a fan of both since I was a little kid. I believe an admissions representative from Lincoln came to visit when I was in elementary school, and for some reason I took a liking to them. They were good, just good enough to make it to a major bowl game every year then lose. Tom Osborne got 'em rolling in the '90s, and after the disastrous Bill Callahan regime are respectable again under Bo Pelini. Still, I know they'll find a way to lose a game they should win, and this year, the Big 10 belongs to The Ohio State.

As for Miami, probably fell in love with them because of the cute dolphin on the helmet (and no, I'm not a fan of the new logo and design) and having the only perfect season in NFL history the year I was born. But it's been a while since they've been to, much less won, a Super Bowl. Heck, this century has been a struggle for them with the carousel of coaches and quarterbacks since Don Shula and Dan Marino. Still, one of these days they'll make it to the big game, and my wife already knows tickets are a must (those tickets might be more expensive on the moon once it's colonized, as one of my friends suggested that might be the next time they make it to the Super Bowl).

Baseball
Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox
I've followed the Astros since I was a kid, remembering the oh-so-close years of 1980 and 1986. Was so happy in 2004 and 2005 with their successes, even catching a 2005 World Series game (the first ever in Texas and the longest game in WS history). Now, they just struggle along with new managers, coaches and players, and another season of 100+ losses is guaranteed.

I started following the Red Sox about five years ago. My wife and I have been to Boston a few times, and few things are as magical as the history and nostalgia of Fenway Park. They've had a couple mediocre seasons recently but are back on track this year. In fact, a World Series appearance may be in the horizon. Three times in 10 years? Not bad for a franchise that went 80+ years between championships.

Basketball
Arkansas Razorbacks and no NBA

Really have waffled on following college basketball, and basketball in general. I finally settled on the Razorbacks after they won the 1995 championship. Now that seems just a distant memory, and I'll be happy if they just make March Madness next season. Woo Pig Sooie!

And, nope, no NBA. Living in San Antonio, I naturally gravitated to the Spurs. But, they weren't as exciting as "Showtime" of the Los Angeles Lakers, and even that finally got old to me. Probably because they were the Nebraska of the league - good, just not good enough - I decided to follow the Seattle SuperSonics. Then, good ol' Clay Bennett bought the team and moved them to Oklahoma City. Blech! And just when it looked like the city might get the Sacramento Kings earlier this year, that opportunity was denied. So, still waiting for Seattle to get its beloved SuupppperSonics back, unless Las Vegas (one of my favorite travel destinations) gets a franchise.

Hockey
None, though I do have an old Quebec Nordiques jersey that gets me a lot of comments (quite hard to wear in the heat of Texas except mid-winter)

Well, that's enough about me for now. There will be more to come on sports, current events and more - promise. I look forward to your comments. Now, I think it's about time for an afternoon nap - those things seemed to be frowned upon when I was working in an office.