Other Interests

Beyond academic and athletic pursuits, I have a very broad range of interests. These interests all help form who I am as a person and as a professional.

Reading - As anyone who knows me can attest, I am an avid reader. I'm rarely without a good book on my night stand. I read mostly fiction and historical fiction. Some of my favorite authors include Clive Cussler, Tom Clancy, David Baldacci, Jeff Schaara, Michael Schaara, and many others.
 
History - I fancy myself somewhat of an amateur history buff. Having gotten into history largely as a byproduct of my reading of historical fiction (Jeff and Michael Schaara's books), I continued with high-level history classes in high school. My greatest interest is in American military history, with special emphasis on the Civil War and World War II. I have read estensively on those two subjects and still have a great passion for them. In fact, on an average day, there's a good chance you can find my TV tuned into the History Channel!
 
Music - I have a large and very broad interest in music. I prefer rock, alternative, and some rap music. Frankly, I will listen to anything that happens to be pleasing to my ears, regardless of the genre distinction. I also very much enjoy artists who cross genres to make music, such as artists who combine rap and rock (Lil' Wayne, for instance). Some of my current favorite artists include Mute Math, Snow Patrol, Paper Tongues, Bruce Springsteen, U2, Lil' Wayne, and K'Naan. My music collection includes many more! I have been fortunate enough to attend three Bruce Springsteen concerts (all with my father), and two Mute Math shows.

Movies - My friends generally know that if they need a DVD to watch, I'm the first person to ask for a loan. I have a large movie collection and am an avid movie-goer. I particularly enjoy comedy, action, and sports movies. Some of my all-time favorite movies include Hot Fuzz, Out Cold, Defiance, Batman: The Dark Knight, The Prestige, Goal! The Dream Begins, nearly any James Bond movie, and many more. I am also still a fan of the movies I watched when I was young, including Angels in the Outfield and Operation Dumbo Drop.
 
Travel - I have been fortunate enough to be able to travel to many places in the United States as well as the rest of the globe. To me, there is nothing better than being able to experience a new culture, a new locale. I have been lucky enough to travel to France, Italy, and Monaco and experience the rich culture that those nations have to offer. I have been to several different regions of the United States, and have lived in two very diverse cities (Denver and Minneapolis). In the fall of 2010, I will be studying abroad in London, England and intent to also travel to France, Spain, Italy, and perhaps other destinations. One day, I would love to travel to South American nations, including Brazil and Argentina, as well as to see East Asia.
 
LEGOs - LEGO used to have a slogan asking kids if they were true "LEGO Maniacs." My answer is and always will be an unqualified "yes." I have two large tables in my room filled with a LEGO city of my creation. My parents initially thought that I had an aptitude for architecture. However, it later became evident that the LEGOs were an outlet for my creativity and passion for design. Whenever I hit a mental block, I still go back to those tables to stimulate my creativity. The LEGOs provide essentially a stress-free means to get the creative juices flowing and have truly been invaluable in helping me grow as a professional.

Food - I'm an enormous "foodie." I'm a member of the DU Grilling Society (d.u.g.s.), and I love having good meals while at home. My favorite meal is a tenderloin, cooked medium with Chicago Steak Seasoning and bleu-cheese butter, served on top of pasta. I'm also partial to a recipe that my father found in a magazine -- the recipe is for a maple-glazed salmon grilled on a soaked cedar plank.