Not to rub it in or anything, but I’m in Europe right now.

Prague to be precise.

I’m, like, so fancy pants.¹

Lisa and I left Boston yesterday and high-tailed it – nay, bolted – into our two-week European extravaganza.

It’s my first trip to “mainland” Europe (I visited London close to two years ago and loved it), but it’s Lisa 3rd trip over. She’s the veteran here.

We have stops in Prague, Oslo, Stockholm, and Copenhagen planned, and the itinerary Lisa has conjured up would make any travel agent shit a map of the Fjords.

It’s pretty impressive and makes me grateful I have such a detailed and organized wife. For those interested, Lisa will be keeping a daily travel blog over on the Miscellany section of this website.

If you peruse the top righthand corner of the site where all the tabs are, you’ll find it there. Starting this weekend she should have some new stuff posted.

She did the same thing when we visited Australia last year, and people loved it. You can check out Day #1 HERE and then read on if you so desire. She really is a talented travel writer.

And don’t worry: I’ll still keep up with the regular blog content too. I have a bunch of people pinch hitting for me for the next two weeks and have a litany of guest post lined up. The one written by Matt Damon on why we’re such BFFs is really on-point.

Also, I wouldn’t be surprised if I try to sneak in some of my own writing while away. We have two lengthy train rides mixed into the adventure, and I’m sure I’ll need to release some creative juices.

And on that note, here’s this week’s list of stuff to read….

Does Lifting Weights Fast Make You Fast? – Chris Beardsley

Man, was this a great read.

If you’re not subscribed to it already, I can’t recommend Strength & Conditioning Research enough. Both Chris and Bret put out an amazing resource month in and month out.

5 Form Mistakes You Don’t Know You’re Making – Dr. Joel Seedman

Many pearls of wisdom in this article.

I don’t necessarily agree with Joel’s assertion that protracting the shoulders on row variations should be avoided, but it’s okay. Everyone doesn’t have to agree on everything all the time.

Excellent article nonetheless.

Muscle Building and Performance: A Program for Size, Strength & Speed – Nick Tumminello

Nick handed me a copy of his latest book when I saw him a few weekends ago at The Fitness Summit in Kansas City. On the flight back to Boston I had the chance to read the first few chapters and take a gander at all the programs and exercise descriptions.

I was very impressed.

Nick’s a well-respected coach and someone I still learn a ton from on a weekly basis. If you’re looking for a no-frills program to follow then look no further.

FYI: I liked it so much I ordered is previous book – Strength Training for Fat Loss – earlier this week.