26 December 2008
23 December 2008
22 December 2008
hooray!! winter solstice has passed!
and we can only go up from here.
time to go pack for detroit city!
time to go pack for detroit city!
15 December 2008
zero dollar - that is how many I have
I have absolutely NO motivation to ride the trainer right now.
Every day seems unrealistically filled with tasks to accomplish.
The nights come fast, the daylight slipping through my fingers while I sit bound in my office roundicle as if it were a cell.
Work only lets up long enough to make sure I've not lost consciousness before reapplying the pillow to my face.
The bicycle that I have strapped into the trainer is a "B" frame (if I dare ascribe to it such a lofty title). I cannot seem to get it properly adjusted in order for it to feel "right." The "A" frame was sold off because it has always been too small. The only redeeming quality of this new set-up is that the rear shifting is flawless. Astoundingly so, in fact. The chain hunks into gear at the slightest tease of my shift lever regardless of its trajectory up or down the cassette. But let us not get ahead of ourselves -- there is only so much joy (and very much irony) that can be found in perfect shifting on a trainer-bound bicycle in one's living room.
I eat far too many cookies.
One might deem this to be enough motivation TO ride the trainer but I assure you that in my world delicious cookies only serve to motivate me into eating more delicious cookies.
I can literally hear myself getting fatter.
When I bend forward, where there once was one small roll of belly fat now reside two.
I haven't done any serious exercise since the state cross champs.
This weekend will mark 4 full weeks.
I can't stand the idea of getting onto the trainer right now.
I can't stand the fact that I haven't yet.
Every day seems unrealistically filled with tasks to accomplish.
The nights come fast, the daylight slipping through my fingers while I sit bound in my office roundicle as if it were a cell.
Work only lets up long enough to make sure I've not lost consciousness before reapplying the pillow to my face.
The bicycle that I have strapped into the trainer is a "B" frame (if I dare ascribe to it such a lofty title). I cannot seem to get it properly adjusted in order for it to feel "right." The "A" frame was sold off because it has always been too small. The only redeeming quality of this new set-up is that the rear shifting is flawless. Astoundingly so, in fact. The chain hunks into gear at the slightest tease of my shift lever regardless of its trajectory up or down the cassette. But let us not get ahead of ourselves -- there is only so much joy (and very much irony) that can be found in perfect shifting on a trainer-bound bicycle in one's living room.
I eat far too many cookies.
One might deem this to be enough motivation TO ride the trainer but I assure you that in my world delicious cookies only serve to motivate me into eating more delicious cookies.
I can literally hear myself getting fatter.
When I bend forward, where there once was one small roll of belly fat now reside two.
I haven't done any serious exercise since the state cross champs.
This weekend will mark 4 full weeks.
I can't stand the idea of getting onto the trainer right now.
I can't stand the fact that I haven't yet.
13 December 2008
25 November 2008
there vs. their
Maybe you should take the quiz.
Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to hit up the difference between who's and whose either.
I'm not saying... I'm just saying.
Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to hit up the difference between who's and whose either.
I'm not saying... I'm just saying.
24 November 2008
random
After dinner A said that if I didn't put up a new post, people would stop reading my blog. What I want to know is who's reading this lame-o blog?? So, without further ado, here are a few images I dug out of iPhoto (which sucks, btw) to... well... keep whoever you are from never reading my blog again. Enjoy-
Brothers don't shake hands! Brothers gotta hug!!
Safety first -- I wonder if it's reflective for the night crowd, too...
Despite being taken on a shitty camera whilst driving, this is one of my all-time favorite photographs.
Give a girl a bicycle and you will be dumped. Newton's little publicized 4th law of gravity. The more effort you put into the bike, the swifter the verdict.
How can you know this was not taken in Nebraska? Hints: this is the dash of a 26' Penske truck; no, the instrument cluster is not frozen.
My favorite spot in the twin cities.
OH NO!!!!
Brothers don't shake hands! Brothers gotta hug!!
Safety first -- I wonder if it's reflective for the night crowd, too...
Despite being taken on a shitty camera whilst driving, this is one of my all-time favorite photographs.
Give a girl a bicycle and you will be dumped. Newton's little publicized 4th law of gravity. The more effort you put into the bike, the swifter the verdict.
How can you know this was not taken in Nebraska? Hints: this is the dash of a 26' Penske truck; no, the instrument cluster is not frozen.
My favorite spot in the twin cities.
OH NO!!!!
19 November 2008
#s
It's been more than six years since I last dreamed in numbers.
In 2002, during my last semester at Madison, I was a student in Professor Byrd's Logic course. I found a great deal of satisfaction in the proofs we worked week in, week out. I think -- nay, I know -- these exercises appealed to the same part of me that insisted socks be put on juuuuust right as a child, that meticulously applies handlebar tape at precise and even widths to my bicycles, and that relishes freshly "made" bed linens before turning in each night.
In the final weeks of his course, Prof Byrd assigned each of us a super-proof of sorts with which to grapple as part of our final exam. Of course, I immersed myself in this proof, sorting out sections and bits while riding to work at the shop or sitting at Einstein's on State Street chewing bagels. And then came the night before the proof was due; our group met that evening mulling over our efforts line by line but no one -- including me -- had achieved resolution.
Late that night I rode home, tired and stuck on this seemingly irreconcilable proof. I went to bed and slept poorly. I dreamed in numbers and figures and lines of proofs. I awoke early -- something like 4am, well before the sun -- and lay on my back staring at the ceiling and working through our proof. All of a sudden whatever I had dreamed, whatever my mind had worked out in my sleep came together in a solution to the elusive proof! Eureka! I fumbled for a pen and a notebook and started scribbling furiously in the dark. I was elated. I had sorted out the answer.
I passed on the shower, dressing quickly to allow for maximum transit time before the exam began at 8am. It must not yet have been 6am but I wanted to make damn sure that nothing was going to stop me from delivering my proof in time to get credit for it. I grabbed the bike and rode into campus aiming straight for the Helen C. White Library above which was perched the philosophy department.
I knew that Professor Byrd was often in his office early mornings and I held my fingers crossed riding up the elevator that that day was no exception. Success! He was indeed present. I handed him my proof, tired and a bit delusional from all the proof-crunching. He quietly looked it over, page by page, for what seemed an eternity. Eventually he looked up, grinned and before he even spoke I felt everything in the world was right.
I truly miss that class, Professor Byrd and most of all the proofs. It was something at which I excelled in spades and I loved that about Logic. It made sense to me -- it fit with the way I think about the world. It was neat and appropriate and everything had it's place, you just had to figure out where it all went.
Maybe some day I'll get to return to logic. Perhaps I'll become a Logician. I don't really know what Logicians do or even whether this is even a viable profession -- I mean, I can't imagine a great need for Logicians in the world but who knows. Perhaps there's something else. For now, I'll stick with bicycles and get my kicks from elaborate spreadsheets.
In 2002, during my last semester at Madison, I was a student in Professor Byrd's Logic course. I found a great deal of satisfaction in the proofs we worked week in, week out. I think -- nay, I know -- these exercises appealed to the same part of me that insisted socks be put on juuuuust right as a child, that meticulously applies handlebar tape at precise and even widths to my bicycles, and that relishes freshly "made" bed linens before turning in each night.
In the final weeks of his course, Prof Byrd assigned each of us a super-proof of sorts with which to grapple as part of our final exam. Of course, I immersed myself in this proof, sorting out sections and bits while riding to work at the shop or sitting at Einstein's on State Street chewing bagels. And then came the night before the proof was due; our group met that evening mulling over our efforts line by line but no one -- including me -- had achieved resolution.
Late that night I rode home, tired and stuck on this seemingly irreconcilable proof. I went to bed and slept poorly. I dreamed in numbers and figures and lines of proofs. I awoke early -- something like 4am, well before the sun -- and lay on my back staring at the ceiling and working through our proof. All of a sudden whatever I had dreamed, whatever my mind had worked out in my sleep came together in a solution to the elusive proof! Eureka! I fumbled for a pen and a notebook and started scribbling furiously in the dark. I was elated. I had sorted out the answer.
I passed on the shower, dressing quickly to allow for maximum transit time before the exam began at 8am. It must not yet have been 6am but I wanted to make damn sure that nothing was going to stop me from delivering my proof in time to get credit for it. I grabbed the bike and rode into campus aiming straight for the Helen C. White Library above which was perched the philosophy department.
I knew that Professor Byrd was often in his office early mornings and I held my fingers crossed riding up the elevator that that day was no exception. Success! He was indeed present. I handed him my proof, tired and a bit delusional from all the proof-crunching. He quietly looked it over, page by page, for what seemed an eternity. Eventually he looked up, grinned and before he even spoke I felt everything in the world was right.
I truly miss that class, Professor Byrd and most of all the proofs. It was something at which I excelled in spades and I loved that about Logic. It made sense to me -- it fit with the way I think about the world. It was neat and appropriate and everything had it's place, you just had to figure out where it all went.
Maybe some day I'll get to return to logic. Perhaps I'll become a Logician. I don't really know what Logicians do or even whether this is even a viable profession -- I mean, I can't imagine a great need for Logicians in the world but who knows. Perhaps there's something else. For now, I'll stick with bicycles and get my kicks from elaborate spreadsheets.
16 November 2008
15 November 2008
ouch
Went down pretty hard in the first 200 yards of the state cross race today. Got a great position on the starting line, had a solid start and was top ten (out of 101) through the first bend, then experienced a bit of bad racing luck.
Longer story short, ate shit, jacked up my right shoulder and hip, and bruised my forehead, elbow and knee a wee bit. The Empella suffered some wounds of its own: rear tubular wheel is all wobbles now and the top tube has a nice golf-ball-sized dent in it right where the handlebar must have tooled it in the crash.
On the bright side, at least this might be the last race of the season for me and the Empella. Plus, now I have a better reason for getting myself a replacement "A" bike for next year.
On the not so bright side, the shoulder has started to hurt again and the red mark where it hurts look to be some sort of contusions rather than spots from the heat-packs I had on the area after the race. This is not awesome.
As for the race, besides getting about a three minute delay courtesy of the crash and subsequent confusion, requisite wheel change, etc. things went OK. I wonder if this is because I pretty much had to start from the back of the field and work my way up and it didn't really matter what happened since I wasn't going to win anyway, much less make the top 10 or even 20. I just went as hard as I could go. It was great getting encouragement from friends and co-workers, especially from Ped who was yelling at me that I was gaining on Dick Tanner. Looking at the final standings and considering the time I was making up each lap, had there been one more lap in the end I'd have caught not only Tanner but Apples as well.
But it wasn't in the cards, I guess. And c'est la vie. I am not glad that I crashed but I feel like it helped me to relax a bit about the future racing seasons. Sometimes you feel good and sometimes you don't; sometimes things go well and other times the odds seem stacked against you even before you hit the end of the first lap. I am glad to gain this perspective as I'm sure it'll help me race better, smarter, and ultimately faster next time. And there's always a next time.
See you bitches next season in the B's!
Longer story short, ate shit, jacked up my right shoulder and hip, and bruised my forehead, elbow and knee a wee bit. The Empella suffered some wounds of its own: rear tubular wheel is all wobbles now and the top tube has a nice golf-ball-sized dent in it right where the handlebar must have tooled it in the crash.
On the bright side, at least this might be the last race of the season for me and the Empella. Plus, now I have a better reason for getting myself a replacement "A" bike for next year.
On the not so bright side, the shoulder has started to hurt again and the red mark where it hurts look to be some sort of contusions rather than spots from the heat-packs I had on the area after the race. This is not awesome.
As for the race, besides getting about a three minute delay courtesy of the crash and subsequent confusion, requisite wheel change, etc. things went OK. I wonder if this is because I pretty much had to start from the back of the field and work my way up and it didn't really matter what happened since I wasn't going to win anyway, much less make the top 10 or even 20. I just went as hard as I could go. It was great getting encouragement from friends and co-workers, especially from Ped who was yelling at me that I was gaining on Dick Tanner. Looking at the final standings and considering the time I was making up each lap, had there been one more lap in the end I'd have caught not only Tanner but Apples as well.
But it wasn't in the cards, I guess. And c'est la vie. I am not glad that I crashed but I feel like it helped me to relax a bit about the future racing seasons. Sometimes you feel good and sometimes you don't; sometimes things go well and other times the odds seem stacked against you even before you hit the end of the first lap. I am glad to gain this perspective as I'm sure it'll help me race better, smarter, and ultimately faster next time. And there's always a next time.
See you bitches next season in the B's!
14 November 2008
Cyclocross State Championship
This Saturday (11/15) at Basset Creek Park in beautiful Crystal you can see the Minnesota State Cross Championships. I will be racing. A lot of other folks will be racing. It's going to be chilly and crappy -- proper cyclocross weather.
Come out and spectate -- it'll be a lot of fun. I'll bring some beer for you in case standing and cheering in the cold doesn't do it for you on its own. Three letters that are sure to set your chops-a-droolin': P-B-R. That's right. Only the most premium bubbly beverage for my friends and supporters.
I will be racing at 11am sharp. It will be a half-hour jaunt through sand, mud, up stairs and over barriers. Wear your long johns and dig out that parka -- both are highly recommended for such an experience.
In the mean-time check out some of the sweet European cross action on the World Cup circuit...
Come out and spectate -- it'll be a lot of fun. I'll bring some beer for you in case standing and cheering in the cold doesn't do it for you on its own. Three letters that are sure to set your chops-a-droolin': P-B-R. That's right. Only the most premium bubbly beverage for my friends and supporters.
I will be racing at 11am sharp. It will be a half-hour jaunt through sand, mud, up stairs and over barriers. Wear your long johns and dig out that parka -- both are highly recommended for such an experience.
In the mean-time check out some of the sweet European cross action on the World Cup circuit...
12 November 2008
the best
words used to describe our global financial crisis were uttered by one of my Asian vendors:
"All that is solid might be melt into air all of sudden."
in appripriate
This is precisely the word (words?) used in an apology email by a coworker yesterday to describe a previous email he sent "to all" which clearly was not intended for said audience. Amazing, I know.
And then today, albeit using proper grammar/spelling/what-have-you, a vendor contact of the opposite sex called me a bitch. Yes, a bitch.
To this I say, "Madam, that is in appripriate."
And then today, albeit using proper grammar/spelling/what-have-you, a vendor contact of the opposite sex called me a bitch. Yes, a bitch.
To this I say, "Madam, that is in appripriate."
11 November 2008
on record
Today marks the first time I ride indoors this winter. This is not to say I have begun my winter training regimen; I simply wish to keep the legs moving in preparation for what could be the last race of the season.
On the bike training will commence in earnest some time in December. I am looking forward to a better yield (as a cash-cropper might say) this year. I will have had the past year's experience from which to gleam some degree of wisdom. I know where I fell short, what I will need to do more of, and when I can expect the motivation to wane.
A lot of exciting things will transpire in the following six months; a fruitful winter's training will be the icing on the cake come Spring.
On the bike training will commence in earnest some time in December. I am looking forward to a better yield (as a cash-cropper might say) this year. I will have had the past year's experience from which to gleam some degree of wisdom. I know where I fell short, what I will need to do more of, and when I can expect the motivation to wane.
A lot of exciting things will transpire in the following six months; a fruitful winter's training will be the icing on the cake come Spring.
10 November 2008
man....
How am I supposed to loose weight when I'm hungry all the time?
Last weekend A said I could probably get by on Punch Pizza and Potbelly's alone (not counting breakfast). I would agree. They are both delicious; I want to eat their yummy foods every time I think about either. Man....
And then there are the pastries. I looooove me some pastries. I especially heart Lucia's pain au chocolate as well as their crepes, the chocolate chip oatmeal cookies at the bakery across the street from my house and the blueberry and raspberry bran muffins at Gigi's. If you haven't tried but one of these delectable foods, you haven't lived your life to the fullest.
Did I mention I'm hungry all the time? I was hungry 26 minutes ago and bought a small bag of Cheez-its out of the vending machine at work. I'll probably be hungry again before I leave for the day. This is not good. What to do... what to do?
Last weekend A said I could probably get by on Punch Pizza and Potbelly's alone (not counting breakfast). I would agree. They are both delicious; I want to eat their yummy foods every time I think about either. Man....
And then there are the pastries. I looooove me some pastries. I especially heart Lucia's pain au chocolate as well as their crepes, the chocolate chip oatmeal cookies at the bakery across the street from my house and the blueberry and raspberry bran muffins at Gigi's. If you haven't tried but one of these delectable foods, you haven't lived your life to the fullest.
Did I mention I'm hungry all the time? I was hungry 26 minutes ago and bought a small bag of Cheez-its out of the vending machine at work. I'll probably be hungry again before I leave for the day. This is not good. What to do... what to do?
08 November 2008
Velo Cyclocross Wrap Up
Cyclocross racing in good cyclocross weather again this weekend.
When I saw Smithers out there after the C race was done, I asked if he was racing. Then I felt dumb.
My race went ok -- maybe a 7 out of 10. I missed the hole-shot at the start, setting me at about mid-pack despite lining up at the front. I missed clipping in and it cost me my good placement. The rest of my race was all about making up places. This was easy at the start as everyone was fairly bunched up but grew harder as the race went on. This was the only good part of the race -- namely, that I enough energy and strength to keep making up spots as the race went on. This bodes well for starting to ride the B's in a longer race format. I would start now, but there is only a single race left (state champs next week) so it'll have to wait til next season.
The worst part of the race was taking a spill on the wet plywood ramp leading into the velodrome infield. My bike slipped out and I went down pretty hard on the wooden track. My hip is pretty sore but I should be ok save for nice tennis-ball sized bruise. It was toward the end of the race and resulted in loosing the only 2 positions of my race.
I ended with a 14th place finish, a good bit behind Apples who held down a 6th place finish. Second week in a row for Apples -- good work Apples. I am excited for next week and a little sad for cyclocross season to be over. Strangely, I am looking forward beginning a training regimen for next year.
Apples and I stayed after our race to watch the B's and A's. In between, we went for pizza. Yum. The B race was good and I yelled at DC and T3 to go faster. T3 wins the price for most thorough observance of said hollering.
The A race was fast. Right away Doug Swanson and Adam Bergman took off. They would not be caught again. In the first lap, Ped suffered no less than three issues -- total bummer. First, the tubee's he borrowed from me got a slow leak on the rear requiring a wheel change. Then, his bike slid out on a hairpin taking him down. Then, his chain dropped on a short hill requiring off-the-bike attention. Again, total bummer. Hopefully next week he will have better luck.
When I saw Smithers out there after the C race was done, I asked if he was racing. Then I felt dumb.
My race went ok -- maybe a 7 out of 10. I missed the hole-shot at the start, setting me at about mid-pack despite lining up at the front. I missed clipping in and it cost me my good placement. The rest of my race was all about making up places. This was easy at the start as everyone was fairly bunched up but grew harder as the race went on. This was the only good part of the race -- namely, that I enough energy and strength to keep making up spots as the race went on. This bodes well for starting to ride the B's in a longer race format. I would start now, but there is only a single race left (state champs next week) so it'll have to wait til next season.
The worst part of the race was taking a spill on the wet plywood ramp leading into the velodrome infield. My bike slipped out and I went down pretty hard on the wooden track. My hip is pretty sore but I should be ok save for nice tennis-ball sized bruise. It was toward the end of the race and resulted in loosing the only 2 positions of my race.
I ended with a 14th place finish, a good bit behind Apples who held down a 6th place finish. Second week in a row for Apples -- good work Apples. I am excited for next week and a little sad for cyclocross season to be over. Strangely, I am looking forward beginning a training regimen for next year.
Apples and I stayed after our race to watch the B's and A's. In between, we went for pizza. Yum. The B race was good and I yelled at DC and T3 to go faster. T3 wins the price for most thorough observance of said hollering.
The A race was fast. Right away Doug Swanson and Adam Bergman took off. They would not be caught again. In the first lap, Ped suffered no less than three issues -- total bummer. First, the tubee's he borrowed from me got a slow leak on the rear requiring a wheel change. Then, his bike slid out on a hairpin taking him down. Then, his chain dropped on a short hill requiring off-the-bike attention. Again, total bummer. Hopefully next week he will have better luck.
04 November 2008
Grant Park - Chicago, IL
Wish I was there.
Thank god this man has become the 44th president of this country. I didn't want to have to look into property up in Canada.
A side note: some in the repub party are shameless idiots; this was evident at McCain's concession speech where the crowd booed mention of Obama/Biden and even took to chanting "Sarah" while their candidate was mid-sentence.
Unbelievable.
One might say pathetic.
So OK, eat your hearts out, douche-bags.
Obama is the president whether you like it or not.
It's now the dawn of MY America -- OUR America.
If you want to be part of it, great, if not, go suck on a lemon.
you fucking pieces of shit
This is unbelievable.
In other news, MPR reported this evening that text messages are being sent to Minneapolis cell phones stating Obama voters will be allowed to vote as late as Thursday. This too is unbelievable; in fact, it's illegal in Minnesota as well as under federal law.
People who do this ought to get shat on -- literally.
In other news, MPR reported this evening that text messages are being sent to Minneapolis cell phones stating Obama voters will be allowed to vote as late as Thursday. This too is unbelievable; in fact, it's illegal in Minnesota as well as under federal law.
People who do this ought to get shat on -- literally.
voting is totally awesome!!
I got to the polling place at 10 after 6am, and there were 7 people already lined up ahead of me.
Once the polls opened, I took my time ensuring that each oval was perfectly filled in so as not to cause any potential for mis-reading (or mis-scanning??) by the machine. I thought there was going to be an initiative on the ballot about unionized labor but no such item was on my ballot. Oh well. I voted for the environmental funding and for the chitlins' edumacation funding increases. The back of the ballot had something like 30+ judges to vote for, most of whom were running unopposed. Admittedly, I left many of these blank but managed to fill in a handful of ovals on that side in races about which I was at least nominally aware.
Other than that it was shout-outs for Obama, that dude Keith and big Al cause it'd be sweet to see a democratically held, filibuster-proof congress. I listened to a right-wing commentator being interviewed on NPR last night; she shared her concern that such a circumstance in concert with an Obama presidency would move the US away from what she called a center-right United States over the last 20/30 years and toward a European style Social Democracy. So OK -- I will vote to make this happen crusty old lady. Thanks!
Once the polls opened, I took my time ensuring that each oval was perfectly filled in so as not to cause any potential for mis-reading (or mis-scanning??) by the machine. I thought there was going to be an initiative on the ballot about unionized labor but no such item was on my ballot. Oh well. I voted for the environmental funding and for the chitlins' edumacation funding increases. The back of the ballot had something like 30+ judges to vote for, most of whom were running unopposed. Admittedly, I left many of these blank but managed to fill in a handful of ovals on that side in races about which I was at least nominally aware.
Other than that it was shout-outs for Obama, that dude Keith and big Al cause it'd be sweet to see a democratically held, filibuster-proof congress. I listened to a right-wing commentator being interviewed on NPR last night; she shared her concern that such a circumstance in concert with an Obama presidency would move the US away from what she called a center-right United States over the last 20/30 years and toward a European style Social Democracy. So OK -- I will vote to make this happen crusty old lady. Thanks!
03 November 2008
Go vote.
Tomorrow is November 4th -- Election Day in the US.
If you do not vote I will probably think you are a complete tool with exception for those who, by some freak chain of events, are physically unable to do so.
High-five for everybody who votes (low-five for those voting for McCain).
If you do not vote I will probably think you are a complete tool with exception for those who, by some freak chain of events, are physically unable to do so.
High-five for everybody who votes (low-five for those voting for McCain).
Suc-cesssss!! (a la Borat)
Another weekend come and gone. Another weekend of cross racing come and (unfortunately) gone. The weather was unbelievable. Racing went off without any major hitches.
Apples and I drove out to Taylors Falls on Saturday to participate in the Red Barn Cross race. Unlike last weekend, the course featured almost entirely flat terrain -- there was only a solitary 25ft hill that was so steep it required one to dismount and run in order to overcome it (this is called a run-up). The course wound its way through a local tree farm off hwy 8 and featured plenty of fast corners meaning that handling skills would come in extra handy as would the ability to accelerate out of each turn. Finally, besides the run-up there was a triple barrier and a lonely single barrier toward the front end of the course that necessitated dis- and re-mounting.
All in all the race went very well -- I managed a 7th overall spot and 5th in my category. I made the hole-shot in the top 10 at the start of the race, and this placed me very well to have a solid race. I don't believe I gave up position to anyone except for Apples, who caught me half-way through the race. This was a bummer to be sure but he is still stronger than me so it was not a huge surprise. I rode his wheel for most of the final 3 laps until he got a flat in the last half of the final lap. I believe he still pulled off a top 25 finish, which deserves some modicum of kudos. So, OK -- good hustle, Apples.
Two more weeks left before the season is over and the time will come to start thinking about training for '09. Good times, as always.
Apples and I drove out to Taylors Falls on Saturday to participate in the Red Barn Cross race. Unlike last weekend, the course featured almost entirely flat terrain -- there was only a solitary 25ft hill that was so steep it required one to dismount and run in order to overcome it (this is called a run-up). The course wound its way through a local tree farm off hwy 8 and featured plenty of fast corners meaning that handling skills would come in extra handy as would the ability to accelerate out of each turn. Finally, besides the run-up there was a triple barrier and a lonely single barrier toward the front end of the course that necessitated dis- and re-mounting.
All in all the race went very well -- I managed a 7th overall spot and 5th in my category. I made the hole-shot in the top 10 at the start of the race, and this placed me very well to have a solid race. I don't believe I gave up position to anyone except for Apples, who caught me half-way through the race. This was a bummer to be sure but he is still stronger than me so it was not a huge surprise. I rode his wheel for most of the final 3 laps until he got a flat in the last half of the final lap. I believe he still pulled off a top 25 finish, which deserves some modicum of kudos. So, OK -- good hustle, Apples.
Two more weeks left before the season is over and the time will come to start thinking about training for '09. Good times, as always.
30 October 2008
Illin' Update
Yesterday was a bad day as far as my sickness goes; I stayed home from work yesterday morning and came in late for a half day. I felt like crap yesterday morning so it felt appropriate. I awoke this morning feeling better than yesterday, so I decided to try my hand at a little physical exertion and rode in to work. I had initially figured I'd take it slow and just get the legs moving, but I felt good enough to go a little harder than just spinning so I changed the plan to doing a little work-out on the way in. Apples says we hammered on our commute, so OK. Sometimes it helps me to sweat illness out of my system.
An hour later and I'm feeling alright. Still sick, to be sure, but not any worse really than I felt before getting on the bike. We'll see how the ride home goes, but things are looking good for racing this weekend at Red Barn.
An hour later and I'm feeling alright. Still sick, to be sure, but not any worse really than I felt before getting on the bike. We'll see how the ride home goes, but things are looking good for racing this weekend at Red Barn.
28 October 2008
oh no
I came home last night with a stoofy nose and heavy head. Woke up this morning with a runny nose, bit of a sore throat and stoofy head.
Is this just reaction to the flu shot from last week? Is it from racing this Sunday in freezing temps wearing not much more than a cycling kit with arm and knee warmers?
I feel my odds are better if it's the former, and I'm quietly hoping that's all this is...
Is this just reaction to the flu shot from last week? Is it from racing this Sunday in freezing temps wearing not much more than a cycling kit with arm and knee warmers?
I feel my odds are better if it's the former, and I'm quietly hoping that's all this is...
26 October 2008
green acres cyclocross
holy shet we had some crappy weather today; perfect weather, though, for cyclocross! I believe we were at about 35F at the time of our race, and had snow/drizzle coming down on us to varying degrees throughout the 30 minutes. Miserable. Awesome.
I invited the popsicle kisses crowd to come out and see what all the fuss was about -- I understand thems got real cold and wet like, but I thoroughly appreciated their presence. I could hear them cheering for me on each lap; thanks guys!
Let's see if I can recap appropriately...
Race is to start at 11am. I wanted to get there on-time/early this weekend (as opposed to my other races this fall which have all felt rushed) so I plotted an ETA of no later than 9:30am. Apples (formerly Weezy), A and I had a nice sit-down breakfast at Zumbro and arrived out in Lake Elmo right on time. I planned to ride the trainer outside of the car, but I was way to cold; Apples and I decided to take to the local roads and get our "warm-up" in there. I worked out fine, and we lined up with about 50+ other folks for the C race.
The course was in part (or completely?) designed by Ped; he puts together good courses from experience so I was eager to give it a go. There was a giant hill at the outset of the course that would be integrated into the mid-point of the course in subsequent laps. After that we rode up and around a large field, which allowed time to recover from the climb. The climb was brutal. By the second lap, almost everyone around me was riding real slow like upon cresting that hill. Would have been a great time to make a move, but I was equally blown. I checked the heart rate after the hill on the first two laps and registered in the high 180's each time. Close to dizzy-time, so I stopped checking on the rest of the laps -- there was no point and I was just going to waste more energy.
After the loop around the field came the descending. I really like descending; mostly because I'm not shitty at it. And a lot of other road racers are kind of pusses when it comes to riding fast down hill. I thank my silly dh/freeride days for this. I stayed up on the off-camber switchbacks for all but my last lap; I stacked it good on the final turn in my final lap after having made up ground on 4 or 5 dudes with some hard work on the field just before. When I got up, my handlebars were super tweeked to the side and I tried to straighten my front end in vein as the same 4 or 5 dudes went back past me. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Back to the course...
After crossing the start/finish line (this is a circuit course, btw, sort of like a lot of auto racing you see on teevee) we hung a left and rolled around the farm land a bit, through a hairpin turn and into a fast sand section. It was only about 20ft long so it was totally ridable. You just had to not stop. Some folks did. These folks fell. After the sand, there was one more obstacle before hitting the massive hill; an off camber run-in to a barrier and a left turn into a steep little run up. It was tough because the barrier was perpendicular to the course before the run up so you had to jump the barrier, and then immediately start running up hill 90 degrees to your left. This sucked a lot of the energy out of my legs just in time for hitting the hill.
All in all things went well. I stacked it only once and it was at the end. I learned I'd have been better served by a smaller gear (running a 42 x 12-25) because of the hill. I was able to ride the hill out all but once when I had to dismount in the last 30ft after my rear wheel slid out. Still, I was totally wrecked after that hill and this left precious little energy for chasing.
Apples managed a top 10 result coming in 9th. Bravo, Apples. Big shouts out to Ped for the course and yelling at me to get in a bigger gear at a critical time, to DC and Scherer for running alongside me on the hill and helling at me to keep going, to A, of course, and again to the popsicle crowd for awesome support and coming out in the crap weather.
Take care of that noggin, Smithers, you gonna need it next weekend at Taylors Falls.
I invited the popsicle kisses crowd to come out and see what all the fuss was about -- I understand thems got real cold and wet like, but I thoroughly appreciated their presence. I could hear them cheering for me on each lap; thanks guys!
Let's see if I can recap appropriately...
Race is to start at 11am. I wanted to get there on-time/early this weekend (as opposed to my other races this fall which have all felt rushed) so I plotted an ETA of no later than 9:30am. Apples (formerly Weezy), A and I had a nice sit-down breakfast at Zumbro and arrived out in Lake Elmo right on time. I planned to ride the trainer outside of the car, but I was way to cold; Apples and I decided to take to the local roads and get our "warm-up" in there. I worked out fine, and we lined up with about 50+ other folks for the C race.
The course was in part (or completely?) designed by Ped; he puts together good courses from experience so I was eager to give it a go. There was a giant hill at the outset of the course that would be integrated into the mid-point of the course in subsequent laps. After that we rode up and around a large field, which allowed time to recover from the climb. The climb was brutal. By the second lap, almost everyone around me was riding real slow like upon cresting that hill. Would have been a great time to make a move, but I was equally blown. I checked the heart rate after the hill on the first two laps and registered in the high 180's each time. Close to dizzy-time, so I stopped checking on the rest of the laps -- there was no point and I was just going to waste more energy.
After the loop around the field came the descending. I really like descending; mostly because I'm not shitty at it. And a lot of other road racers are kind of pusses when it comes to riding fast down hill. I thank my silly dh/freeride days for this. I stayed up on the off-camber switchbacks for all but my last lap; I stacked it good on the final turn in my final lap after having made up ground on 4 or 5 dudes with some hard work on the field just before. When I got up, my handlebars were super tweeked to the side and I tried to straighten my front end in vein as the same 4 or 5 dudes went back past me. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Back to the course...
After crossing the start/finish line (this is a circuit course, btw, sort of like a lot of auto racing you see on teevee) we hung a left and rolled around the farm land a bit, through a hairpin turn and into a fast sand section. It was only about 20ft long so it was totally ridable. You just had to not stop. Some folks did. These folks fell. After the sand, there was one more obstacle before hitting the massive hill; an off camber run-in to a barrier and a left turn into a steep little run up. It was tough because the barrier was perpendicular to the course before the run up so you had to jump the barrier, and then immediately start running up hill 90 degrees to your left. This sucked a lot of the energy out of my legs just in time for hitting the hill.
All in all things went well. I stacked it only once and it was at the end. I learned I'd have been better served by a smaller gear (running a 42 x 12-25) because of the hill. I was able to ride the hill out all but once when I had to dismount in the last 30ft after my rear wheel slid out. Still, I was totally wrecked after that hill and this left precious little energy for chasing.
Apples managed a top 10 result coming in 9th. Bravo, Apples. Big shouts out to Ped for the course and yelling at me to get in a bigger gear at a critical time, to DC and Scherer for running alongside me on the hill and helling at me to keep going, to A, of course, and again to the popsicle crowd for awesome support and coming out in the crap weather.
Take care of that noggin, Smithers, you gonna need it next weekend at Taylors Falls.
24 October 2008
the pot and the kettle
The right wing harps on Hollywood for being unqualified liberal gas-bags: what do actors know about politics, anyway? These types should keep their elitist out-of-touch opinions to themselves and focus on acting. Period.
What does it say that one of the current Repub darlings, Mr. Aahnold of Caleeforneea, has been the subject of speculation for future presidential candidacy? What of the fact that the Rebubs' poster boy, the hallow Mr. Regan, was himself, too, just another actor from Hollywood?
Smacks of hypocrisy to me. You?
What does it say that one of the current Repub darlings, Mr. Aahnold of Caleeforneea, has been the subject of speculation for future presidential candidacy? What of the fact that the Rebubs' poster boy, the hallow Mr. Regan, was himself, too, just another actor from Hollywood?
Smacks of hypocrisy to me. You?
23 October 2008
odd
I was scheduled for my flu shot today. When I sat down next to the administrator of my shot, she asked if I wanted a flu shot or a flu spray. Intrigued, I inquired after the latter. Unbeknown to me, there's a nasal spray option for the flu vaccine. No needle, no stabee.
So, OK. I chose the nasal spray option.
Nothing much to report 10 minutes later other than a slightly runny nose, and even that is getting better with every passing minute. If this works out fine, I am totally done with flu shots herein. Sweet!
So, OK. I chose the nasal spray option.
Nothing much to report 10 minutes later other than a slightly runny nose, and even that is getting better with every passing minute. If this works out fine, I am totally done with flu shots herein. Sweet!
hi-larious
T3 is a funny guy. He is also the proprietor of yeast waffles, which I hope to enjoy some weekend in the near future. I came across use of the phrase "crabby pants" on his blog this morning and laughed out loud.
I don't know if it's that funny a phrase in real life -- maybe I just needed to laugh, who knows -- but I thought it was great and I have decided to incorporate this phrase into my vernacular. I will try it out on A in the mornings when she is just waking up and still half-asleep to scold her, "take off them crabby pants!!"
She'll totally think it's funny, realize the error of her ways and not hate me in the slightest bit!
I don't know if it's that funny a phrase in real life -- maybe I just needed to laugh, who knows -- but I thought it was great and I have decided to incorporate this phrase into my vernacular. I will try it out on A in the mornings when she is just waking up and still half-asleep to scold her, "take off them crabby pants!!"
She'll totally think it's funny, realize the error of her ways and not hate me in the slightest bit!
22 October 2008
put a muzzle on 'er
Michele Bachmann is out of line. Well, ok, she's always been out of line; but right now people seem to have taken notice to her unbridled crazy.
If you haven't already seen clips, Bachmann went on teevee this weekend to voice concern over Barack Obama's (as well as pretty much any Democratic member of Congress') "anti-American" views.
Since it is no longer acceptable in polite society to burn witches at the stake, please take a moment or two to fill out this on-line petition asking Congress to censure Michele Bachmann. Since she is incapable of keeping her mouth closed and the stoopid inside of her own head it is appropriate that she be told to shut up and sit down.
Civilization itself thanks you for your time.
If you haven't already seen clips, Bachmann went on teevee this weekend to voice concern over Barack Obama's (as well as pretty much any Democratic member of Congress') "anti-American" views.
Since it is no longer acceptable in polite society to burn witches at the stake, please take a moment or two to fill out this on-line petition asking Congress to censure Michele Bachmann. Since she is incapable of keeping her mouth closed and the stoopid inside of her own head it is appropriate that she be told to shut up and sit down.
Civilization itself thanks you for your time.
20 October 2008
scientific experiment
Water.
During cross racing, some believe it to be unnecessary, others believe otherwise.
Last weekend out at Ham Lake I could have probably done without. At Wirth, I went without but wished desperately that I'd had it available.
There's also A's perspective; I've asked her to do water hand-ups for me at the races I've done this year. But she enjoys watching the race and wants the freedom to walk around and see the different parts of the course: barriers, potential mud, obstacles, etc. Having to hang out at the water pit pretty much means she has to work during my race instead of enjoying herself checking things out.
What to do?
I'll tell you what to do. Well, I'll tell you what I'm going to try out during an experiment. There is such a thing called a fuelbelt (click on the link... I know; holy christ, right?). Tri-dorks wear these things when they're running. It's basically a gimmicky-type product that gives you access to a collection of small (8oz) water bottles that you can wear in a belt like grenades rather than having to carry by hand a regular water bottle. I've tried one of these things running, but the tension of the belt around my belly just makes me need to go poop mid-run -- not exactly convenient.
BUT, having one of these bottles with me during a cross race might not be such a bad idea. Instead of donning the stupid belt, I'd simply slide one of these bottles into my left jersey pocket. The bottles flattened dimensions and small size should give me enough water with which to have a quick drink at those two or three junctures during the race when I'm dying for it, without too much of a weight penalty AND without sacrificing A's freedom of movement at the race.
I'm excited to try it out as I think it's going to turn out to be an awesome idea. We'll see how it goes at Lake Elmo.
Btw, you should come out and see some racing.
It's totally awesome.
Seriously.
I'll send you directions.
During cross racing, some believe it to be unnecessary, others believe otherwise.
Last weekend out at Ham Lake I could have probably done without. At Wirth, I went without but wished desperately that I'd had it available.
There's also A's perspective; I've asked her to do water hand-ups for me at the races I've done this year. But she enjoys watching the race and wants the freedom to walk around and see the different parts of the course: barriers, potential mud, obstacles, etc. Having to hang out at the water pit pretty much means she has to work during my race instead of enjoying herself checking things out.
What to do?
I'll tell you what to do. Well, I'll tell you what I'm going to try out during an experiment. There is such a thing called a fuelbelt (click on the link... I know; holy christ, right?). Tri-dorks wear these things when they're running. It's basically a gimmicky-type product that gives you access to a collection of small (8oz) water bottles that you can wear in a belt like grenades rather than having to carry by hand a regular water bottle. I've tried one of these things running, but the tension of the belt around my belly just makes me need to go poop mid-run -- not exactly convenient.
BUT, having one of these bottles with me during a cross race might not be such a bad idea. Instead of donning the stupid belt, I'd simply slide one of these bottles into my left jersey pocket. The bottles flattened dimensions and small size should give me enough water with which to have a quick drink at those two or three junctures during the race when I'm dying for it, without too much of a weight penalty AND without sacrificing A's freedom of movement at the race.
I'm excited to try it out as I think it's going to turn out to be an awesome idea. We'll see how it goes at Lake Elmo.
Btw, you should come out and see some racing.
It's totally awesome.
Seriously.
I'll send you directions.
18 October 2008
cross race #3
Last weekend's race at Theo Wirth sucked so much ass that it did not warrant an entry. sorry. just wasn't going to happen.
Back to today...
Ham Lake. It's just north of Blaine, just south of Manitoba. I'd heard good things about this course and was eager to redeem myself (if only to myself) after last weekend's performance (or total lack thereof). Things went pretty well. The course was really really flat, and had a long-ish paved section. There was one triplet barrier section and one mud pit that looked way more threatening than it actually was. Otherwise the course was almost entirely contained within the bounds of a pine forest with a few deciduous trees mixed for good measure.
The C race was first, so the ground was pretty soft and the dirt was loose. I understand that pine tree leavenings leach a fair amount of acid into the ground and this makes the soil rather sandy. This made for a lot of really fun floating in corners and also claimed a few riders' positions during the race. One such rider, playing the role of total amateur, decided he was going to remove his full finger gloves at speed and mid course in the middle of a terribly bumpy single-track section. I suspected this would end poorly and numb-nuts did not disappoint. I had backed off a bit from riding his wheel and sure enough a rut or root or something turned his bars sideways and the dude was down. I considered riding him over for a moment but instead worked to get around his flailing form without loosing too much momentum.
After the race I saw the guy and suggested it hadn't been the smartest thing to do and next time keep the gloves on or not put 'em on in the first place. This is a 30 minute race. It is not the grand tour. There is no need to add or to remove layers of any sort. Dude just replied insipidly, "yea, sorry about that." Don't be sorry dude! Just don't be an idiot. Next time I will run over his chest or something.
Anyway, back to the racing. Lap 1 was ok. It is always a mad scramble/dash/sprint -- whatever you want to call it. I tried my best to keep myself in the top third of the pack without going hog-wild and over-exerting myself. Going by a friend 3/4 of the way up the course, I held 16th position. It turned out pretty well as on the second lap I made up four or five spots and was leading a small chase group going into the barriers at the end of the circuit. Lap 3 went less well and I gave up a couple spots from my effort in the previous go-around. Lap 4 featured the kid eating dirt, and from there on in, I think we maybe rode six or seven laps total in the allotted time.
I found that I felt good recovering on the long-ish paved section, though I was surprised that even at recovery speed, I was still generally overcoming at least 2 or 3 dudes on that stretch. My goal there was to bring my HR down 5-10 bpm's before reentering the forest. Generally, my aim was to go as hard as possible without blowing up. I was only close to feeling wrecked once about 22 minutes in, but at that point I realized there was only going to be a lap and a half left and it was no time to slow down. I am glad to report that I managed to keep it at the same intensity and finish reasonably strong.
In the end, I finished 14th overall -- probably in the top 25%. I felt pretty good about this race, especially as compared to last weekend's debacle at Wirth. I again have hopes and maybe a wee bit of expectation that I can break top 10 consistently before the season's over and perhaps even score myself a top 5 finish before the end of state's in mid-November. I've got four more weekends to make it happen.
Good times.
Back to today...
Ham Lake. It's just north of Blaine, just south of Manitoba. I'd heard good things about this course and was eager to redeem myself (if only to myself) after last weekend's performance (or total lack thereof). Things went pretty well. The course was really really flat, and had a long-ish paved section. There was one triplet barrier section and one mud pit that looked way more threatening than it actually was. Otherwise the course was almost entirely contained within the bounds of a pine forest with a few deciduous trees mixed for good measure.
The C race was first, so the ground was pretty soft and the dirt was loose. I understand that pine tree leavenings leach a fair amount of acid into the ground and this makes the soil rather sandy. This made for a lot of really fun floating in corners and also claimed a few riders' positions during the race. One such rider, playing the role of total amateur, decided he was going to remove his full finger gloves at speed and mid course in the middle of a terribly bumpy single-track section. I suspected this would end poorly and numb-nuts did not disappoint. I had backed off a bit from riding his wheel and sure enough a rut or root or something turned his bars sideways and the dude was down. I considered riding him over for a moment but instead worked to get around his flailing form without loosing too much momentum.
After the race I saw the guy and suggested it hadn't been the smartest thing to do and next time keep the gloves on or not put 'em on in the first place. This is a 30 minute race. It is not the grand tour. There is no need to add or to remove layers of any sort. Dude just replied insipidly, "yea, sorry about that." Don't be sorry dude! Just don't be an idiot. Next time I will run over his chest or something.
Anyway, back to the racing. Lap 1 was ok. It is always a mad scramble/dash/sprint -- whatever you want to call it. I tried my best to keep myself in the top third of the pack without going hog-wild and over-exerting myself. Going by a friend 3/4 of the way up the course, I held 16th position. It turned out pretty well as on the second lap I made up four or five spots and was leading a small chase group going into the barriers at the end of the circuit. Lap 3 went less well and I gave up a couple spots from my effort in the previous go-around. Lap 4 featured the kid eating dirt, and from there on in, I think we maybe rode six or seven laps total in the allotted time.
I found that I felt good recovering on the long-ish paved section, though I was surprised that even at recovery speed, I was still generally overcoming at least 2 or 3 dudes on that stretch. My goal there was to bring my HR down 5-10 bpm's before reentering the forest. Generally, my aim was to go as hard as possible without blowing up. I was only close to feeling wrecked once about 22 minutes in, but at that point I realized there was only going to be a lap and a half left and it was no time to slow down. I am glad to report that I managed to keep it at the same intensity and finish reasonably strong.
In the end, I finished 14th overall -- probably in the top 25%. I felt pretty good about this race, especially as compared to last weekend's debacle at Wirth. I again have hopes and maybe a wee bit of expectation that I can break top 10 consistently before the season's over and perhaps even score myself a top 5 finish before the end of state's in mid-November. I've got four more weekends to make it happen.
Good times.
15 October 2008
did you see that?
McCain just finished digging his political grave -- 19 days ahead of schedule!
If you missed it, I'm sure it'll be on youtube later this week.
A few quick observations:
- Big shout out to Joe the plumber, I guess.
- What is it with equating pro-choice to "pro-abortion?"
- McCain got agitated a lot; Obama kept his cool the whole time. I wonder which is more likely to appeal to centrist/independent voters?
- Mit Romney is still a dick.
- Good thing McCain chided Obama for his eloquence... cause, like, I totally wouldn't want an intelligent individual with an actual understanding of the issues to be president of the United States.
If you missed it, I'm sure it'll be on youtube later this week.
A few quick observations:
- Big shout out to Joe the plumber, I guess.
- What is it with equating pro-choice to "pro-abortion?"
- McCain got agitated a lot; Obama kept his cool the whole time. I wonder which is more likely to appeal to centrist/independent voters?
- Mit Romney is still a dick.
- Good thing McCain chided Obama for his eloquence... cause, like, I totally wouldn't want an intelligent individual with an actual understanding of the issues to be president of the United States.
14 October 2008
halloween
Halloween is coming; are you prepared?
I'm scrambling to get my proverbial excrement together for this year's costume. I don't know if I'll be able to top the crab from a couple years back but I'm certainly going to do my best.
Yes, those are giant working foam pincers. I also added a french-style giant mustache to cap it all off. Totally would've won costume of the year.
I'm scrambling to get my proverbial excrement together for this year's costume. I don't know if I'll be able to top the crab from a couple years back but I'm certainly going to do my best.
Yes, those are giant working foam pincers. I also added a french-style giant mustache to cap it all off. Totally would've won costume of the year.
comparrison
While Barack Obama unveiled a revised economic plan last night in light of our financial crisis, McCain's campaign flounders.
Hey, no problem! You take as long as you need, John. We'll just hold tight.
Leadership we can count on.
Yup.
Hey, no problem! You take as long as you need, John. We'll just hold tight.
Leadership we can count on.
Yup.
13 October 2008
ummmm....
So, when the right vilifies European economic attitudes as stifling, backward and even (god forbid) Socialist, what does it say about the US when, by all intelligent and informed accounts, Europe -- especially the UK -- appear to be getting it right not only in terms of efficacy but also in quickness when addressing our global financial crisis?
Europe has rendered a plan and embarked upon its implementation in the same amount of time it's taken our treasury to say, "here's what we're plannin' ta do..."
Sort of makes us look like jokers rather than world leaders.
And speaking of leadership, where the f$#k is Bush on all this? Bueller? Bueller...?
Europe has rendered a plan and embarked upon its implementation in the same amount of time it's taken our treasury to say, "here's what we're plannin' ta do..."
Sort of makes us look like jokers rather than world leaders.
And speaking of leadership, where the f$#k is Bush on all this? Bueller? Bueller...?
08 October 2008
question for today
what is up with people using catch phrases lately?
Palin with "Maverick(s)" in reference to herself and McNutters.
One of my vendors with "Until it's in my hands, it's vapor-ware" in reference to their new products.
Enough already.
Palin with "Maverick(s)" in reference to herself and McNutters.
One of my vendors with "Until it's in my hands, it's vapor-ware" in reference to their new products.
Enough already.
06 October 2008
question for today
Is it worthwhile to subscribe to the Economist for one year at about $100 total cost? I've had a subscription to this publication before and I'm generally able to read most of what I want every other week (it is a weekly subscription). I currently receive no other print media having relied solely on NPR and the internets for the past year+.
For purposes of full disclosure, I will note that I am leaning in one direction but wanted to "put it out there" to see what folk(s) thought. This is where you, my solitary reader, would comment...
For purposes of full disclosure, I will note that I am leaning in one direction but wanted to "put it out there" to see what folk(s) thought. This is where you, my solitary reader, would comment...
thought for today
Politics are stoopid, pointless and usually offend at least one person no matter what.
Sometimes I don't know why I even bother. Still, I press on...
Sometimes I don't know why I even bother. Still, I press on...
04 October 2008
Cross racing 2008: #1
Race number one of 2008.
Mediocre finish: 17th.
Beat Weezy at least.
I'm definitely going to stick with the C category til either win or place in top 5 a couple times. This one was way harder/faster than the Powderhorn race I did 3 years back; don't know if it has something to do with the re-shuffling of cross categories. Though, perhaps I should focus on top 10 first...
The Grifo XS tubulars were phenomenal, btw. The course (Corcoran) was very dry and a mix of mostly grass and loose dirt/gravel. I ran about 40psi and probably could've gone lower but I don't know that it would have made much difference. I look forward to playing with different tire pressures in the coming weeks. Also with my yet-unused Fango tubulars!
More tomorrow.
Time for bed now.
I'm shweepy.
Mediocre finish: 17th.
Beat Weezy at least.
I'm definitely going to stick with the C category til either win or place in top 5 a couple times. This one was way harder/faster than the Powderhorn race I did 3 years back; don't know if it has something to do with the re-shuffling of cross categories. Though, perhaps I should focus on top 10 first...
The Grifo XS tubulars were phenomenal, btw. The course (Corcoran) was very dry and a mix of mostly grass and loose dirt/gravel. I ran about 40psi and probably could've gone lower but I don't know that it would have made much difference. I look forward to playing with different tire pressures in the coming weeks. Also with my yet-unused Fango tubulars!
More tomorrow.
Time for bed now.
I'm shweepy.
03 October 2008
comedy
Courtesy of George Saunders and the New Yorker:
Explaining how she felt when John McCain offered her the Vice-Presidential spot, my Vice-Presidential candidate, Governor Sarah Palin, said something very profound: “I answered him ‘Yes’ because I have the confidence in that readiness and knowing that you can’t blink, you have to be wired in a way of being so committed to the mission, the mission that we’re on, reform of this country and victory in the war, you can’t blink. So I didn’t blink then even when asked to run as his running mate.”
Isn’t that so true? I know that many times, in my life, while living it, someone would come up and, because of I had good readiness, in terms of how I was wired, when they asked that—whatever they asked—I would just not blink, because, knowing that, if I did blink, or even wink, that is weakness, therefore you can’t, you just don’t. You could, but no—you aren’t.
That is just how I am.
Do you know the difference between me and a Hockey Mom who has forgot her lipstick?
A dog collar.
Do you know the difference between me and a dog collar smeared with lipstick?
Not a damn thing.
We are essentially wired identical.
So, when Barack Obama says he will put some lipstick on my pig, I am, like, Are you calling me a pig? If so, thanks! Pigs are the most non-Élite of all barnyard animals. And also, if you put lipstick on my pig, do you know what the difference will be between that pig and a pit bull? I’ll tell you: a pit bull can easily kill a pig. And, as the pig dies, guess what the Hockey Mom is doing? Going to her car, putting on more lipstick, so that, upon returning, finding that pig dead, she once again looks identical to that pit bull, which, staying on mission, the two of them step over the dead pig, looking exactly like twins, except the pit bull is scratching his lower ass with one frantic leg, whereas the Hockey Mom is carrying an extra hockey stick in case Todd breaks his again. But both are going, like, Ha ha, where’s that dumb pig now? Dead, that’s who, and also: not a smidge of lipstick.
A lose-lose for the pig.
There’s a lesson in that, I think.
Who does that pig represent, and that collar, and that Hockey Mom, and that pit bull?
You figure it out. Then give me a call.
Seriously, give me a call.
Now, let us discuss the Élites. There are two kinds of folks: Élites and Regulars. Why people love Sarah Palin is, she is a Regular. That is also why they love me. She did not go to some Élite Ivy League college, which I also did not. Her and me, actually, did not go to the very same Ivy League school. Although she is younger than me, so therefore she didn’t go there slightly earlier than I didn’t go there. But, had I been younger, we possibly could have not graduated in the exact same class. That would have been fun. Sarah Palin is hot. Hot for a politician. Or someone you just see in a store. But, happily, I did not go to college at all, having not finished high school, due to I killed a man. But had I gone to college, trust me, it would not have been some Ivy League Élite-breeding factory but, rather, a community college in danger of losing its accreditation, built right on a fault zone, riddled with asbestos, and also, the crack-addicted professors are all dyslexic.
Sarah Palin was also the mayor of a very small town. To tell the truth, this is where my qualifications begin to outstrip even hers. I have never been the mayor of anything. I can’t even spell right. I had help with the above, but now— Murray, note to Murray: do not correct what follows. Lets shoe the people how I rilly spel Mooray and punshuate so thay can c how reglar I am, and ther 4 fit to leed the nashun, do to: not sum mistir fansy pans.
OK Mooray. Get corecting agin!
Thanks, Murray, you’re fabulous. Very good at what you do. Actually, Murray, come to think of it, you are so good, I suspect you are some kind of Élite. You are fired, Murray, as soon as this article is done. I’m going to hire someone Regular, who is not so excellent, and lives off the salt of the land and the fat of his brow and the sweat of his earth. Although I hope he’s not a screw-up.
I’m finding it hard to concentrate, as my eyes are killing me, due to I have not blinked since I started writing this. And, me being Regular, it takes a long time for me to write something this long.
Where was I? Ah, yes: I hate Élites. Which is why, whenever I am having brain surgery, or eye surgery, which is sometimes necessary due to all my non-blinking, I always hire some random Regular guy, with shaking hands if possible, who is also a drunk, scared of the sight of blood, and harbors a secret dislike for me.
Now, let’s talk about slogans. Ours is: Country First. Think about it. When you think of what should come first, what does? Us ourselves? No. That would be selfish. Our personal families? Selfish. God? God is good, I love Him, but, as our slogan suggests, no, sorry, God, You are not First. No, you don’t, Lord! How about: the common good of all mankind! Is that First? Don’t make me laugh with your weak blinking! No! Mercy is not First and wisdom is not First and love is super but way near the back, and ditto with patience and discernment and compassion and all that happy crap, they are all back behind Country, in the back of my S.U.V., which— Here is an example! Say I am about to run over a nun or orphan, or an orphan who grew up to become a nun—which I admire that, that is cool, good bootstrapping there, Sister—but then God or whomever goes, “It is My will that you hit that orphaned nun, do not ask Me why, don’t you dare, and I say unto thee, if you do not hit that nun, via a skillful swerve, your Country is going to suffer, and don’t ask Me how, specifically, as I have not decided that yet!” Well, I am going to do my best to get that nun in one felt swope, because, at the Convention, at which my Vice-Presidential candidate kicked mucho butt, what did the signs there say? Did they say “Orphaned Nuns First” and then there is a picture of a sad little nun with a hobo pack?
Not in my purview.
Sarah Palin knows a little something about God’s will, knowing God quite well, from their work together on that natural-gas pipeline, and what God wills is: Country First. And not just any country! There was a slight error on our signage. Other countries, such as that one they have in France, reading our slogan, if they can even read real words, might be all, like, “Hey, bonjour, they are saying we can put our country, France, first!” Non, non, non, France! What we are saying is, you’d better put our country first, you merde-heads, or soon there will be so much lipstick on your pit bulls it will make your berets spin!
In summary: Because my candidate, unlike your winking/blinking Vice-Presidential candidate, who, though, yes, he did run as the running mate when the one asking him to run did ask him to run, which that I admire, one thing he did not do, with his bare hands or otherwise, is, did he ever kill a moose? No, but ours did. And I would. Please bring a moose to me, over by me, and down that moose will go, and, if I had a kid, I would take a picture of me showing my kid that dead moose, going, like, Uh, sweetie, no, he is not resting, he is dead, due to I shot him, and now I am going to eat him, and so are you, oh yes you are, which is responsible, as God put this moose here for us to shoot and eat and take a photo of, although I did not, at that time, know why God did, but in years to come, God’s will was revealed, which is: Hey, that is a cool photo for hunters about to vote to see, plus what an honor for that moose, to be on the Internet.
How does the moose feel about it? Who knows? Probably not great. But do you know what the difference is between a dead moose with lipstick on and a dead moose without lipstick?
Lipstick.
Think about it.
Moose are, truth be told, Élites. They are big and fast and sort of rule the forest. Sarah took that one down a notch. Who’s Élite now, Bullwinkle?
Not Sarah.
She’s just Regular as heck.
02 October 2008
Home at last!
I don't think I've ever been so excited to be back in Minnesota.
Not that I didn't enjoy my trip but damn, it's good to be home.
Not that I didn't enjoy my trip but damn, it's good to be home.
30 September 2008
Vacation Tuesday pictorial
Primetime and I go climbing.
I am weak so I roll on top-rope all day.
After a lot of trouble I make it to the top.
Success affords me this view.
Then Primetime cleans the route in sneakers.
Embarrassing.
I am weak so I roll on top-rope all day.
After a lot of trouble I make it to the top.
Success affords me this view.
Then Primetime cleans the route in sneakers.
Embarrassing.
How little things change...
From a recent LA Times article on rising tensions between Ukraine and Russia in Crimea:
So when you try to tell me aggression isn't endogenous to Russian mentality and culture, you can save your breath.
In a scene that seemed cut from tsarist times, Russian navy officials
and Orthodox priests sat at a long table, knocking back shots of vodka
and proclaiming emotional toasts.
"The West shuddered 150 years ago when Russia showed its sword, and
the Black Sea turned red with blood," said Igor Bebin, a pink-robed
priest who rose to his feet, vodka glass held high.
"That was the supreme truth. And the truth is that now, for the first
time, the sword of Russia is shining again. Be afraid of the sword."
The Russians cheered, and took a deep drink.
So when you try to tell me aggression isn't endogenous to Russian mentality and culture, you can save your breath.
29 September 2008
not your typical Monday
Primetime and I went for a quick bike ride up Big Cottonwood Canyon today. 1600ft of elevation gain in a bit over 5 miles. Then back down to the truck.
We then drove over to Little Cottonwood Canyon where we saw this sweet ride.
There were some fantastic yellows up there,
as well as reds at the top.
We then drove over to Little Cottonwood Canyon where we saw this sweet ride.
There were some fantastic yellows up there,
as well as reds at the top.
phew, life slowly regains normalcy
Sitting in Primetime's living room, I finally have a chance to get some emailing, blogging and interwebbing done. What a week. Interbike is a experience to be sure.
I'm glad it's over for me for at least another year and I'm doing my best to relax a bit before heading home where a heaping load of work awaits my return to the office. My cross season will also start next weekend when I am back in the Twin Cities -- I am very excited.
I had dinner with Primtime, his wifey, and another couple they know once he and I returned from Vegas on Saturday evening. We had home-grilled steak strips with mushrooms and caramelized onions, baked sweet potato chips and an extraordinarily delicious peach/raspberry cobbler courtesy of Mrs. Primetime. I had two servings with ice cream. Yum!
Yesterday was all about a little rest and recuperation as well as some climbing in American Fork Canyon. The Primetime family and I enjoyed a tasty breakfast at a local spot (I ate French toast, scrambled eggs and bacon) and lazed at their domicile watching baseball. Then came the climbing excursion. We headed for the limestone crags American Fork for some cranking and, in my case, flailing. I haven't been tied into a rope for one year; the last time was with Primetime as well only we spent a few days on multi-pitch routes in Red Rocks, Nevada (just outside Vegas).
Needless to say, I was apprehensive about how I'd perform. It didn't take long to realize that virtually all of my climbing fitness is gone. To add insult to injury, my form seems to have also flown out the window. Embarrassing to say the least. I felt soft, slow, fat and weak. I couldn't top-rope the 5.10's we set up at the Escape Buttress. I felt like a tyrannosaurus rex; strong legs, useless arms. The silver lining was to be found in the comic relief provided by my flailing -- we all got a good laugh.
On the way back we stopped at the Hard Rock Wall where Primetime worked a 5.12b roof line. He has been getting strong the past couple of years making my lack of strength all the more glaring. Here he is cranking out the final moves of the route
"Sadly," there are no photos of me to share but if you can imagine a fatty with skinny arms sitting on a rope, you'll get the picture. C'est la vie. Time to go back to the gym!
I'm glad it's over for me for at least another year and I'm doing my best to relax a bit before heading home where a heaping load of work awaits my return to the office. My cross season will also start next weekend when I am back in the Twin Cities -- I am very excited.
I had dinner with Primtime, his wifey, and another couple they know once he and I returned from Vegas on Saturday evening. We had home-grilled steak strips with mushrooms and caramelized onions, baked sweet potato chips and an extraordinarily delicious peach/raspberry cobbler courtesy of Mrs. Primetime. I had two servings with ice cream. Yum!
Yesterday was all about a little rest and recuperation as well as some climbing in American Fork Canyon. The Primetime family and I enjoyed a tasty breakfast at a local spot (I ate French toast, scrambled eggs and bacon) and lazed at their domicile watching baseball. Then came the climbing excursion. We headed for the limestone crags American Fork for some cranking and, in my case, flailing. I haven't been tied into a rope for one year; the last time was with Primetime as well only we spent a few days on multi-pitch routes in Red Rocks, Nevada (just outside Vegas).
Needless to say, I was apprehensive about how I'd perform. It didn't take long to realize that virtually all of my climbing fitness is gone. To add insult to injury, my form seems to have also flown out the window. Embarrassing to say the least. I felt soft, slow, fat and weak. I couldn't top-rope the 5.10's we set up at the Escape Buttress. I felt like a tyrannosaurus rex; strong legs, useless arms. The silver lining was to be found in the comic relief provided by my flailing -- we all got a good laugh.
On the way back we stopped at the Hard Rock Wall where Primetime worked a 5.12b roof line. He has been getting strong the past couple of years making my lack of strength all the more glaring. Here he is cranking out the final moves of the route
"Sadly," there are no photos of me to share but if you can imagine a fatty with skinny arms sitting on a rope, you'll get the picture. C'est la vie. Time to go back to the gym!
26 September 2008
busy week in Vegas...
so no time to blog.
sorry.
exciting news: Google makes a phone that will probably be cool and actually utilize my network (T-Mobile)!!
political news: Palin is still unqualified.
personal news: I've been getting really good sleep on the bed in my hotel room. It has a comforter pillow-top thing under the fitted sheet. I'm totally going to get one for the bed at home.
sorry.
exciting news: Google makes a phone that will probably be cool and actually utilize my network (T-Mobile)!!
political news: Palin is still unqualified.
personal news: I've been getting really good sleep on the bed in my hotel room. It has a comforter pillow-top thing under the fitted sheet. I'm totally going to get one for the bed at home.
19 September 2008
AAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!
dood! I loathe interbike.
shit sucks.
on the bright side, I have sorted out a route and destination schedule for the trip out. more on that when I'm home and have "free" time.
shit sucks.
on the bright side, I have sorted out a route and destination schedule for the trip out. more on that when I'm home and have "free" time.
18 September 2008
is it dumb?
to go camping solo in the Colorado wilderness (within the bounds of a campground) when the ranger you spoke to on the phone suggested that you make sure to be aware of the wildlife this time of year (including moose, prong-horns, elk and BEARS).
I'm thinking it'd be ok...
I'm thinking it'd be ok...
17 September 2008
people care what I think!!!
You know how every here and there you hear about polls that say 32% of Minnesotans feel X is a bad idea or whatnot? Well, the other day I received a phone call from a curious number (000-000-0000... seriously, that's what popped up on the cell phone) and ignored it. When the number called again later that day, I picked it up ready to unleash the fury upon a telemarketer. Instead, I got some girl asking me whether she could ask me a few questions for a poll of potential Minnesota voters.
After some skeptical questioning of my own directed at her, I agreed and was asked about Obama/McCain, Franken/Coleman, what issues are important to me this election cycle, etc. It was kind of neat. I've often wondered where they find the people who comprise these polled masses. I am now one of these people.
Now... respect my authoritah!!
After some skeptical questioning of my own directed at her, I agreed and was asked about Obama/McCain, Franken/Coleman, what issues are important to me this election cycle, etc. It was kind of neat. I've often wondered where they find the people who comprise these polled masses. I am now one of these people.
Now... respect my authoritah!!
15 September 2008
suggestions??
I am driving out to Vegas and back for Interbike this Fall and plan to document my journey on this here venue as best I can. I've driven this route a handful of times before but I've never really had time to explore any of the fantastic locales along the way. This is a sad fact and I intend to do something about it this time around.
This trip was originally designed to afford me time to mountainbike in Fruita/Moab with a good friend who currently resides in TN. Unfortunately, he was called away on business this coming weekend (when we would have been riding together) so this part of the journey is off the menu. On the return trip, I had made plans to visit with Primetime in SLC for climbing and a bit of hooliganism and this portion of the trip remains unscathed.
My query is this: where should I stop along the way? What places do I need to see? This is my route, more or less.
View Larger Map
Should I see Arches National Park? Should I explore Zion? Something else entirely? I'll have almost a whole extra day on the way out for some serious sight-seeing.
And how about the way back... I'm thinking of checking out more of Eastern Wyoming and breaking off of I-80 toward Casper, WY, and I-90 which would take me close enough to Mt. Rushmore for a visit. Is this the way to go?
This trip was originally designed to afford me time to mountainbike in Fruita/Moab with a good friend who currently resides in TN. Unfortunately, he was called away on business this coming weekend (when we would have been riding together) so this part of the journey is off the menu. On the return trip, I had made plans to visit with Primetime in SLC for climbing and a bit of hooliganism and this portion of the trip remains unscathed.
My query is this: where should I stop along the way? What places do I need to see? This is my route, more or less.
View Larger Map
Should I see Arches National Park? Should I explore Zion? Something else entirely? I'll have almost a whole extra day on the way out for some serious sight-seeing.
And how about the way back... I'm thinking of checking out more of Eastern Wyoming and breaking off of I-80 toward Casper, WY, and I-90 which would take me close enough to Mt. Rushmore for a visit. Is this the way to go?
14 September 2008
cyclocross practice wrap-up
A few notes and observations...
1) I NEED to start wearing a heart rate monitor during these practices and keep myself in check; I went a bit too hard at first and had to let up quite a bit to catch my breath and recover. I've been thinking about the subject of how hard at what times during a race one ought to be riding and I have come to somewhat of a conclusion. We'll see if it pans out in the first few races of the season.
2) Everybody else is fast. This makes me feel slow out on the course.
3) Smithers is a machine when it comes to getting in a full workout. Maybe it has something to do with being a parent... Either way, when he sets off to get 45min into his legs, he gets the full 45. He does not let himself take it easy or sit up or quit early; at least this is the way it looks from an outside perspective.
4) The success I achieved learning to remounts sans a stutter-step last week paid dividends this weekend if only in helping me feel less the amateur among fellow racers. I get a bit sloppy once tired, but this didn't seem to affect my momentum too badly -- after all, at that point I was barely moving forward anyway!
5) The practice didn't go particularly well -- I was still toward the back of the pack for much of the practice race. However, it didn't go as badly as I had expected either. It helps to remind myself that some (or all) of these guys are faster than me and that at least some of them race in a category higher than mine. As for category, I'm still undecided whether I ought to race the 4/5 (what used to be C's) or race the 3 (what used to be B's, sort of). The latter race is a 45min format vs. 30min. To be clear, I wouldn't expect to race particularly competitively in the 3's, but at least it wouldn't hurt the ego quite as much to suck if in the higher category. Kidding aside, I'd rather spend $25 on a race that lasted a bit longer but I believe upgrading to a 3 in cross will mean that I'd have to race in 3's races on the road come Spring according to these new formats. I'm pretty sure I'm not fast enough or fit enough to race with the 3's on the road. Who knows... maybe this winter's training will be super awesome and I'll pwn everyone next year. But then again, maybe not.
6) I still excel at the sketchy faster sections. I feel this will work to my advantage to make up where I lack in fitness. This morning's course featured a sharp 180 turn immediately after a long fast downhill. I was riding very well through there as well as on some bumpier sections at the back of the course. Let's keep our fingers crossed that there are still some wusses out there who get sketched out by going fast in loose terrain or when the tires start to slide.
7) I just realized that I'm at point seven and I don't think I have anything left to say. Riding with a pack in a quasi-race format was helpful and will doubtlessly assist me in easing into actual racing. I'll have to figure out how I'm going to maintain some nominal level of fitness while on the road for two weeks at the end of the month; Ped suggested bringing a bike and trainer to ride outside the car in the mornings or mid-drive to shake the legs out a bit. I am thinking this is a good idea but haven't made a decision yet. My first race of the cross season will be on October 4th (my birthday - hooray!); my moms will be in town visiting so we'll teach her to do water bottle hand-ups. Hopefully I don't suck it up!
1) I NEED to start wearing a heart rate monitor during these practices and keep myself in check; I went a bit too hard at first and had to let up quite a bit to catch my breath and recover. I've been thinking about the subject of how hard at what times during a race one ought to be riding and I have come to somewhat of a conclusion. We'll see if it pans out in the first few races of the season.
2) Everybody else is fast. This makes me feel slow out on the course.
3) Smithers is a machine when it comes to getting in a full workout. Maybe it has something to do with being a parent... Either way, when he sets off to get 45min into his legs, he gets the full 45. He does not let himself take it easy or sit up or quit early; at least this is the way it looks from an outside perspective.
4) The success I achieved learning to remounts sans a stutter-step last week paid dividends this weekend if only in helping me feel less the amateur among fellow racers. I get a bit sloppy once tired, but this didn't seem to affect my momentum too badly -- after all, at that point I was barely moving forward anyway!
5) The practice didn't go particularly well -- I was still toward the back of the pack for much of the practice race. However, it didn't go as badly as I had expected either. It helps to remind myself that some (or all) of these guys are faster than me and that at least some of them race in a category higher than mine. As for category, I'm still undecided whether I ought to race the 4/5 (what used to be C's) or race the 3 (what used to be B's, sort of). The latter race is a 45min format vs. 30min. To be clear, I wouldn't expect to race particularly competitively in the 3's, but at least it wouldn't hurt the ego quite as much to suck if in the higher category. Kidding aside, I'd rather spend $25 on a race that lasted a bit longer but I believe upgrading to a 3 in cross will mean that I'd have to race in 3's races on the road come Spring according to these new formats. I'm pretty sure I'm not fast enough or fit enough to race with the 3's on the road. Who knows... maybe this winter's training will be super awesome and I'll pwn everyone next year. But then again, maybe not.
6) I still excel at the sketchy faster sections. I feel this will work to my advantage to make up where I lack in fitness. This morning's course featured a sharp 180 turn immediately after a long fast downhill. I was riding very well through there as well as on some bumpier sections at the back of the course. Let's keep our fingers crossed that there are still some wusses out there who get sketched out by going fast in loose terrain or when the tires start to slide.
7) I just realized that I'm at point seven and I don't think I have anything left to say. Riding with a pack in a quasi-race format was helpful and will doubtlessly assist me in easing into actual racing. I'll have to figure out how I'm going to maintain some nominal level of fitness while on the road for two weeks at the end of the month; Ped suggested bringing a bike and trainer to ride outside the car in the mornings or mid-drive to shake the legs out a bit. I am thinking this is a good idea but haven't made a decision yet. My first race of the cross season will be on October 4th (my birthday - hooray!); my moms will be in town visiting so we'll teach her to do water bottle hand-ups. Hopefully I don't suck it up!
13 September 2008
2004
In the Fall of this year I was settling into the single life having recently split with my girlfriend of two and a half years. I hadn't been in the game for as many years and mine was totally off; I went on a handful of disastrously awkward dates with a Caribou Coffee barista before realizing I wasn't yet over the ex-girlfriend. I was also participating in my first political campaign during those Autumnal months with intent to do my part in dethroning king Bush. Unfortunately, these efforts met about as much success as did my dating exploits.
I had been living in the Twin Cities for a year plus and working at my current job for eight or nine months when my brother came to visit. I took him to breakfast at Al's in Dinkytown on the UofM campus where I first heard this record: Lucero's That Much Further West.
Even now, four years later, this record ushers memories of changing leaves, hot chocolate and cool crisp air into my conscious. This is one of maybe two dozen records to which I've never grown tired of listening. Lucero has put out a number of fantastic albums but this one is my favorite.
I had been living in the Twin Cities for a year plus and working at my current job for eight or nine months when my brother came to visit. I took him to breakfast at Al's in Dinkytown on the UofM campus where I first heard this record: Lucero's That Much Further West.
Even now, four years later, this record ushers memories of changing leaves, hot chocolate and cool crisp air into my conscious. This is one of maybe two dozen records to which I've never grown tired of listening. Lucero has put out a number of fantastic albums but this one is my favorite.
12 September 2008
inexplicably unqualified
For those of you who didn't catch Palin's interview over the past couple of nights, I suggest you see for yourself by searching Palin Interview on youtube.
She evaded every important question and I wish Gibson had gone after her evasion a bit more intently. I suppose there's a finite number of times you can beat a dead horse, though, before you eventually realize it has perished.
She evaded every important question and I wish Gibson had gone after her evasion a bit more intently. I suppose there's a finite number of times you can beat a dead horse, though, before you eventually realize it has perished.
11 September 2008
the life of a simpleton
Inquiring with an apple-savvy friend, I ask about the newest releases & updates to the apple iPod line:
Savvy friend replies:
Moral of the story?
It isn't very couth to say "I think I prefer the short squarish squat ones."
I went to the site last night and they have new iPods. But it looks like the offering has gotten narrower (which is not a bad thing) but there are no more short little squat Nano's. They are tall and skinny now. I think I prefer the short squarish squat ones. Should I not?? As for the iPod touch correct me if I am wrong on this chronology: they make the iPhone, then the iTouch (which is the phone without the phone), and now the iPod Touch, which is just an iPod with a giant "touch" screen. Is that right?
I have to say, I'm not all that pumped about the updates. Am I just not seeing the cool parts?
Savvy friend replies:
The iTouch you refer to has always been known as the iPod Touch. It was, and still is, an iPhone without the phone. The previous version and current version of the iPod Touch can run all of the applications, have built-in WiFi, etc.... The new version is cheaper ($229 vs. $299 for 8 GB, $299 vs $399 for 16 GB and $399 vs $499 for 32 GB) and has a slightly different design (with dedicated volume buttons), but that's about it. Well, it does have the Nike+ receiver built into it now, but I don't know how much you care about that.
The Nanos... you are getting double the storage for the same money. You also get nifty new headphones and an accelerometer (shake it to shuffle your music, rotates the display when you rotate the iPod). I personally much prefer the tall/skinny design because it is easier to hold and actually use.
Apple added the "genius" feature to iTunes as well as the new iPods (recommends similar songs to the one(s) you have selected, can create playlists for you around that song), but I don't know how useful that truly is. iTunes 8 has some other new features, but I just haven't had time to play with it, so I can't really comment on them.
Apple also updated the iPod Classic to just one model with 120 GB hard drive. My guess is that this is the last version of the iPod Classic Apple will produce. Next year at this time, it will be completely discontinued.
I was actually quite pleased with the iPod updates and I really like the Nanos. If nothing else, the update was primarily a price drop and those are never bad.
Moral of the story?
It isn't very couth to say "I think I prefer the short squarish squat ones."
09 September 2008
tim "the tool man" taylor
was an idiot.
Yet, I invoke his name to hark the awesomeness that transpired in my kitchen this evening. After conscripting a drain-cleaning snake from the hardware store down the way, I pulled off the drain cover and opened the first line of assault against the clogged drain flanking the kitchen sink.
The past few days have been marred by slow but tense battle between the sink and my will to wash my dishes. In answer to each of my advances the sink held fast its position and showed no signs of weakening. I was reminded of stories from high school that recounted battles fought in the Great War -- entire armies fought over swaths of battlefield that could be measured in inches or feet.
Today, however, the sink's clogged drain met it's demise. Using my newly acquired super weapon I successfully broke loose the obstruction and the sink fell, its previously impenetrable force rendered broken and dismantled at the tip of my coiled spear.
Victory -- oh, it is sweet.
Yet, I invoke his name to hark the awesomeness that transpired in my kitchen this evening. After conscripting a drain-cleaning snake from the hardware store down the way, I pulled off the drain cover and opened the first line of assault against the clogged drain flanking the kitchen sink.
The past few days have been marred by slow but tense battle between the sink and my will to wash my dishes. In answer to each of my advances the sink held fast its position and showed no signs of weakening. I was reminded of stories from high school that recounted battles fought in the Great War -- entire armies fought over swaths of battlefield that could be measured in inches or feet.
Today, however, the sink's clogged drain met it's demise. Using my newly acquired super weapon I successfully broke loose the obstruction and the sink fell, its previously impenetrable force rendered broken and dismantled at the tip of my coiled spear.
Victory -- oh, it is sweet.
07 September 2008
solo cross practice today
I warmed up riding over to A's house to say hello and see what the vegetable and bean stew smelled like brewing in the crock-pot (it smelled great). This was going to be a short ride with more than less intensity and as much off-road time as possible in the neighborhood. So I headed out to Lyndale which is currently a hard-pack dirt road from 38th to 50th. There are a few spots where I was able to simulate sandy sections, but for the most part it was quite tame.
My goal was to ride this "under construction" segment of Lyndale and then head south via Penn to 54th, which is in a similar state of dis-repair between the former avenue and Upton, before returning to the park next door for as many impromptu laps as my lungs could handle. Instead, I took a detour to an open park along 50th to practice dismounts and remounts on flat, grassy ground.
Our previous attempts at a flying remount ended with my left foot pressed awkwardly into my rear wheel and the destruction of two broadly bladed aluminum spokes. This time around I started with what I knew completing a dozen stunted laps of riding 30ft, dismounting, running 15ft and then hopping back on avec the notorious stutter-step. Step one was intended to get myself into the rhythm of things. Now it was time for step two.
Soon enough and without my intent the moment of zen hit me square in the crotch... But in the good way! "Hooray!" my mind squealed. I had landed in just the right spot to avoid anatomic catastrophe while sustaining forward momentum. I was delighted. The next lap went equally well, as did the third and fourth. By the tenth, I was ecstatic.
Out of breath and tired of riding in 50ft circles, I pulled off toward Harriet. Arriving at the park near my domicile, I churned out a few hard laps including two short and steep ascents, two fast downhill stretches and an equal number of paved portions. I also threw in a brief stair section to give myself an opportunity to embed the remounting lesson further into my subconscious.
All in all, the workout was a success. I arrived at my front door tired, a little sore and filled with a sense of accomplishment. A small one, to be sure, but an accomplishment nonetheless. Good bye stutter-step! Hello .00004 seconds of additional speed through a smoother transition!
My goal was to ride this "under construction" segment of Lyndale and then head south via Penn to 54th, which is in a similar state of dis-repair between the former avenue and Upton, before returning to the park next door for as many impromptu laps as my lungs could handle. Instead, I took a detour to an open park along 50th to practice dismounts and remounts on flat, grassy ground.
Our previous attempts at a flying remount ended with my left foot pressed awkwardly into my rear wheel and the destruction of two broadly bladed aluminum spokes. This time around I started with what I knew completing a dozen stunted laps of riding 30ft, dismounting, running 15ft and then hopping back on avec the notorious stutter-step. Step one was intended to get myself into the rhythm of things. Now it was time for step two.
Soon enough and without my intent the moment of zen hit me square in the crotch... But in the good way! "Hooray!" my mind squealed. I had landed in just the right spot to avoid anatomic catastrophe while sustaining forward momentum. I was delighted. The next lap went equally well, as did the third and fourth. By the tenth, I was ecstatic.
Out of breath and tired of riding in 50ft circles, I pulled off toward Harriet. Arriving at the park near my domicile, I churned out a few hard laps including two short and steep ascents, two fast downhill stretches and an equal number of paved portions. I also threw in a brief stair section to give myself an opportunity to embed the remounting lesson further into my subconscious.
All in all, the workout was a success. I arrived at my front door tired, a little sore and filled with a sense of accomplishment. A small one, to be sure, but an accomplishment nonetheless. Good bye stutter-step! Hello .00004 seconds of additional speed through a smoother transition!
The Empella is done(ish)!
(ish) because let's face it, a bike is rarely "done." There's always something extra to add, or some little bit to swap out. Just this weekend I traded out a QR rear wheel on my Salsa Casserole in favor of a bolt-on wheel. With stainless steel horizontal dropouts, the Casserole is not ideally equipped with gears, a derailleur and a regular quick-release rear wheel. In fact, the folks at Salsa recommend that one use a "old-style" steel QR lever so as to provide a more secure wheel attachment. Having blown apart a BOB quick-release employed in just such a act, I decided enough was enough and tore apart a Tiagra 9-spd hub replacing the axle with a solid one. Now, bolted down, let's see that rear wheel try and slip under pedal load.
Now, after sufficiently distracting myself with that tangent, I present to you a few photos of the completed(ish) Empella -- ready for racing!
Now, after sufficiently distracting myself with that tangent, I present to you a few photos of the completed(ish) Empella -- ready for racing!
the state fair: a pictorial remembrance
I love the fair because I love the food.
If you think about it, it's gross... yet, so tasty.
So bad for me.
But, did I mention tasty?
The people watching is OK; folks have said the fair is great for this sort of thing. I say it ain't any different than anywhere else in the Midwest except for the fact that it's all in one place. So I guess it's OK for people watching.
In any case, let us dally no longer and embark upon this journey of remembrance...
Beer at the fair: how could you not? It isn't good. Mine was flat; the bartender handed it to me mumbling something about a "keg change," and "sorry..." I did my part and drank the flat beer. Thirst quenching!
I ate fries. Twice. This was the better of the two stands.
I also ate corn twice. The corn is terribly delicious. Grilled right there at the fair and then dipped in a vat of melted butter (seriously, I think they use an old oil drum). The ear of corn is handed to you, at times still quite hot, dripping with buttery goodness. Make sure you remember the toothpick, though! It sucks walking around the rest of the day trying to pick stubborn bits of corn from your teeth with only your tongue and oral suction. It can be as frustrating as trying to pick up a fork with your elbow. Just the one. Perhaps the best part of the corn is that they provide massive compost bins just beyond the corn stand. From the earth we come and to the earth we return...
What would a trip to the fair be without adventure? Part of the culinary adventure is trying "new" foods that are introduced each year. This year brought about a score of previously unknown food combinations. Among them were deep-fried smores
and a 1/3lb of bacon on a stick which I passed up for the chocolate dipped bacon
Notice Maj in the background, horrified at the sight. In all fairness, she is 87% vegetarian and not what you'd call a fan of red meats. To be fair to the bacon, however, I must say that it was delicious. Chocolate dipped and topped off with a light sprinkling of sea salt. Pretty much identical to chocolate-covered pretzels, but guaranteed to give you a heart attack by the age of 32.
Unfortunately not caught on film were my enjoyment of Hawaiian shaved ice, the corn, the warm, gooey cookies, the pizza, the cotton candy and a wee sample of turkey sandwich. I spent $60 in one afternoon in St. Paul and most every one is free of regret.
If you think about it, it's gross... yet, so tasty.
So bad for me.
But, did I mention tasty?
The people watching is OK; folks have said the fair is great for this sort of thing. I say it ain't any different than anywhere else in the Midwest except for the fact that it's all in one place. So I guess it's OK for people watching.
In any case, let us dally no longer and embark upon this journey of remembrance...
Beer at the fair: how could you not? It isn't good. Mine was flat; the bartender handed it to me mumbling something about a "keg change," and "sorry..." I did my part and drank the flat beer. Thirst quenching!
I ate fries. Twice. This was the better of the two stands.
I also ate corn twice. The corn is terribly delicious. Grilled right there at the fair and then dipped in a vat of melted butter (seriously, I think they use an old oil drum). The ear of corn is handed to you, at times still quite hot, dripping with buttery goodness. Make sure you remember the toothpick, though! It sucks walking around the rest of the day trying to pick stubborn bits of corn from your teeth with only your tongue and oral suction. It can be as frustrating as trying to pick up a fork with your elbow. Just the one. Perhaps the best part of the corn is that they provide massive compost bins just beyond the corn stand. From the earth we come and to the earth we return...
What would a trip to the fair be without adventure? Part of the culinary adventure is trying "new" foods that are introduced each year. This year brought about a score of previously unknown food combinations. Among them were deep-fried smores
and a 1/3lb of bacon on a stick which I passed up for the chocolate dipped bacon
Notice Maj in the background, horrified at the sight. In all fairness, she is 87% vegetarian and not what you'd call a fan of red meats. To be fair to the bacon, however, I must say that it was delicious. Chocolate dipped and topped off with a light sprinkling of sea salt. Pretty much identical to chocolate-covered pretzels, but guaranteed to give you a heart attack by the age of 32.
Unfortunately not caught on film were my enjoyment of Hawaiian shaved ice, the corn, the warm, gooey cookies, the pizza, the cotton candy and a wee sample of turkey sandwich. I spent $60 in one afternoon in St. Paul and most every one is free of regret.
04 September 2008
fuck 'im
Jack Abramoff was apparently "tearful" upon receiving a sentence of four years for his involvement in a government corruption scandal. Max could have been up to 121 months; both defense and prosecution asked the judge to be lenient. Abramoff got 48 months and both sides were surprised at the severity of the sentence. Seriously? That is less than half the maximum potential -- sounds pretty lenient to me. Suck it up, Abramoff.
03 September 2008
three years ago this month
I was the Penske master.
26ft of cargo space.
The biggest rig you can drive without a special license.
I drove this truck out and back for Interbike.
Now we send three of these out and back for the show.
Nuts.
excitement abounds!
After a four year hiatus, my moms is coming out to the Twin Cities for a visit. This is very exciting for me as I'm eager to show her more of the metropolis I call home. I've got some ideas of what to do and where to take her, but I'm also open to suggestions. I'll have three nights and three days to give her the tour...
Got any ideas?
Got any ideas?
01 September 2008
what it means to hemorrhage irony
It doesn't get any better than this.
Sarah Palin's 17 year-old daughter, Bristol, is five months prego. No, seriously; I'm not making this up. See for yourself.
The expecting mother and proud pappy are going to get hitched and raise the kid, according to the Palin family's press release. This is fine and dandy and I truly hope everything turns out OK and that the kids -- including that little bundle of joy in the oven -- don't grow up to become unstable adults.
I do believe one would have to be a fool, though, to think the girl had much choice in the matter. After all, it's a well known fact that conservatives are anywhere from 50 to about 2500 years (give or take) behind the times. I suppose if my grandpa knocked up my grandma out of wedlock they'd have been ushered down the isle in much the same way. But this isn't the point of my post.
The point, gentle reader, is the following:
If there ever comes a time when you wonder, "gosh, what does foot taste like?" I think you'd do well to strap that blue-tooth onto your dome and give good ol' Sarah Palin a call. I'm sure she'll be able to set your right straight. And I do mean straight, kids. Because gays are the devil.
Sarah Palin's 17 year-old daughter, Bristol, is five months prego. No, seriously; I'm not making this up. See for yourself.
The expecting mother and proud pappy are going to get hitched and raise the kid, according to the Palin family's press release. This is fine and dandy and I truly hope everything turns out OK and that the kids -- including that little bundle of joy in the oven -- don't grow up to become unstable adults.
I do believe one would have to be a fool, though, to think the girl had much choice in the matter. After all, it's a well known fact that conservatives are anywhere from 50 to about 2500 years (give or take) behind the times. I suppose if my grandpa knocked up my grandma out of wedlock they'd have been ushered down the isle in much the same way. But this isn't the point of my post.
The point, gentle reader, is the following:
When she ran for governor of Alaska in 2006, Sarah Palin was asked if she would support abstinence-before-marriage programs over sex education, school clinics and contraceptive distribution. She was firm in her answer: "Explicit sex ed programs will not find my support."
If there ever comes a time when you wonder, "gosh, what does foot taste like?" I think you'd do well to strap that blue-tooth onto your dome and give good ol' Sarah Palin a call. I'm sure she'll be able to set your right straight. And I do mean straight, kids. Because gays are the devil.
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