TEAM SUMMIT - ARAPAHOE BASIN

Happy New Year to the DoorMatt Nation. Be safe and aware tonight!

ARAPAHOE BASIN - Come for the snow, be part of the legend

The East Wall
And don't be a chicken, ski the PALI face, yes it looks and is agressive but after one run it will change your idea of how to ski forever. Christmas weekend at the A-basin turned epic, with enough new snow to keep the very thin crowd happy. While everyone rushed to Vail and Beaver Creek for 8 inches of fresh, the Basin was hardly skiied on. Being guided by A-basin local Nate Purcell, I was yet again schooled in the fine art of free skiing. Holding my own, with one less toe nail, I skiied, I watched, I learned. I learned that I need new boots if I want to keep my big toe nails.

The Pali Lift

The Jason Razzo ski cam turned up on Christmas Eve with long time friend and Basin local Eric Mckenna. Yet again Arapahoe Basin offered thin crowds and fine powdered snow all afternoon. Per the advice of Nate I have officially hung up the Dynastar Legend 165/8000 for the more agressive Legend 178/8800. A bit more ski but not as soft as the 165/8000, lets have a look,



Snow continues to pound Colorado and the Denver metro, all in all 24 inches in 10 days, we love it, because we ski it!

Jason

Out of retirement

6 years ago, I was on my way to something. Something meaningful. I was a runner. That's what I defined myself as. Committed. In shape. I spent early weekend mornings in the city running races, with the ultimate goal of running the New York City marathon. I ran a few half marathons and a 20 mile race and kept a low 7-minute mile pace. For a guy who spent most of his life as a sprinter, the transition to distance was very difficult. But I felt I mastered it. I was whittling down my times and was good for 6 and half minute miles.

Somewhere I lost my way, in fact I can probably tell you the race it was.

Running has been on my mind a lot lately and with Emily in the early stages of training for a triathlon in September, I started to think about my own fitness goals. Everything has pointed back to running.

So today, after 7 years away from running, I announce that I am coming out of retirement.

See you on the roads.

Buon Natale

Merry Christmas from the Daily Doormatt


In a day and age where people over decorate their homes to the point of the ridiculous, we here at the Daily Doormatt practice the less is more philosophy.

An elegant tree with lights says, "it's Christmas, now let's fight with family at dinner." The mechanical Nativity scene decked in white lights made in China says, "it's Christmas and I have never once entered a religious institution." Use your best judgment here.

Snow arrived in Denver today and the ski areas have been getting snow since Wednesday. Looks a like a powder white Christmas in Denver. The highly anticipated JASON RAZZO SKI CAM returns on Wednesday 12/26/07 from the one and only BEAVER CREEK!

Christmas Tip 2007 - Buy Christmas ornaments, lights & decorum after 12/25/07 and you'll save more than if you switch to GEICO!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good long weekend.

Blowin' Smoke

Jason Razzo tests out a Presidente at the final stage of the manufacturing process.

The complete write-up on the trip will run on next week as we let everyone enjoy the Christmas break.

THE DAILY DOORMATT PRESENTS

A DIGITAL VIDEO SHORT BY JASON RAZZO

Gustavo Pena from Arganese cigars explains Cuban tobacco farming technique

I thought I would add some raw footage of our adventure to the Arganese tobacco plantation. I think this clip captures a great highlight from the trip and what Gustavo Pena said really stuck out in my mind -- it is a story that I have recanted to everyone who asks me about the trip.

In this clip, Gustavo explains an intricacy of Cuban tobacco farming, which proved to be a method that Dominican growers were a little slow to adapt to.  Should Arganese Cigars continue on their upward path, I think this clip will hold one of the keys to their success.

A day at the factory - The Daily Doormatt Tours the Arganese Cigar Factory in Tamboril

Gene Arganese and Cristobal Vasquez take us through the factory in Tamboril, where Jason and I meet their master rolers and watch how leaves turn into cigars.

Later, we visit the box factory and view some new box designs for Arganese.

The day wraps up with a tasting of some prototypes.

I am sure you will all get a kick out of the Generalisimo's helicopter.

Some great photojournalism work by Mr. Razzo, who worked throughout the night to get this ready to go.

A very exciting day. A special thanks to Gene, Cristobal, and the entire staff at Arganese Cigars.

ON ASSIGNMENT - DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Your favorite cigar smokers are on assignment in Santiago, Dominican Republic getting an education from Gene Arganese of Arganese Cigars. Joining us are Daniel and Abel from Cigar Live as we smoke, inspect and learn about how Gene's cigars go from the field to the shelves of your favorite tobacconist.