read about it here.
about as awesome as it gets.
31 August 2008
FU, Home Depot
After a mediocre breakfast at French Meadow (don't bother getting the vegan corn pancakes) I decided to take a detour to Home Depot in SLP on my home. I've had plans to purchase PVC tubing for cross barriers and since I was already in the car I figured I'd add this errand to the outing.
After figuring out how many 10ft tubes and connection joints I'd need, I wheeled myself through self-checkout and made my way out to the car. It didn't take long for me to realize that the Golf does not possess the requisite 10ft of interior space at any angle. I left the connectors in the trunk and carried the eight 10ft tubes back inside to cut.
Though I did not see any PVC tube cutting tools in the plumbing section earlier, I thought to myself, surely, given my circumstance, an employee at Home Depot would be able and willing to suss out an appropriate solution. But as we all learned in grade school: assuming only makes an ASS out of U and ME. The same employee who no more than twenty minutes prior had asked if there was anything he could help me find in aisle 11 now told me that there was nothing he could do. I explained that I only wanted to get these tubes to fit into my car so that I could take my purchase home; I was not asking him to cut the tubes into various length pieces that I would ultimately need to construct my barriers. The employee replied, "yea, sorry. If it was just one tube or something... and you needed it cut in half or something... but we can't really do that." He then offered this appeasement, "I can sell you a saw and you can cut them yourself if you want."
Was this dolt serious? Clearly, he must be joking. But his face did not contort into a smile or even so much as a grin. Instead, I looked into limpid pools of bong water that had welled up in his ocular sockets. Miffed, I told him I did not need a second hack-saw (the one I already have at home works fine) and kindly thanked him for his time. I retrieved the bag filled with connectors and walked them along with my eight 10ft tubes over to the returns counter and plopped everything down for a full refund.
If Home Depot, a giant warehouse brimming with tools, supplies, lumber, kitchen flooring, windows, doors, gardening crap and myriad do-it-yourself widgets, could not, nay, would not assist me in my simple request, I'll be damned if I'm going to give them my business. I harbor no illusions that Home Depot gives two shits whether I spend $29.34 there or not. But for what it's worth, they have lost a customer.
I'm going for a run.
After figuring out how many 10ft tubes and connection joints I'd need, I wheeled myself through self-checkout and made my way out to the car. It didn't take long for me to realize that the Golf does not possess the requisite 10ft of interior space at any angle. I left the connectors in the trunk and carried the eight 10ft tubes back inside to cut.
Though I did not see any PVC tube cutting tools in the plumbing section earlier, I thought to myself, surely, given my circumstance, an employee at Home Depot would be able and willing to suss out an appropriate solution. But as we all learned in grade school: assuming only makes an ASS out of U and ME. The same employee who no more than twenty minutes prior had asked if there was anything he could help me find in aisle 11 now told me that there was nothing he could do. I explained that I only wanted to get these tubes to fit into my car so that I could take my purchase home; I was not asking him to cut the tubes into various length pieces that I would ultimately need to construct my barriers. The employee replied, "yea, sorry. If it was just one tube or something... and you needed it cut in half or something... but we can't really do that." He then offered this appeasement, "I can sell you a saw and you can cut them yourself if you want."
Was this dolt serious? Clearly, he must be joking. But his face did not contort into a smile or even so much as a grin. Instead, I looked into limpid pools of bong water that had welled up in his ocular sockets. Miffed, I told him I did not need a second hack-saw (the one I already have at home works fine) and kindly thanked him for his time. I retrieved the bag filled with connectors and walked them along with my eight 10ft tubes over to the returns counter and plopped everything down for a full refund.
If Home Depot, a giant warehouse brimming with tools, supplies, lumber, kitchen flooring, windows, doors, gardening crap and myriad do-it-yourself widgets, could not, nay, would not assist me in my simple request, I'll be damned if I'm going to give them my business. I harbor no illusions that Home Depot gives two shits whether I spend $29.34 there or not. But for what it's worth, they have lost a customer.
I'm going for a run.
30 August 2008
well said
From the International Herald Tribune (August 27th, 2008)
Resurgent Russia
Russia's blitzkrieg against Georgia has taken place 70 years after the
infamous Munich Agreement of September 29, 1938, when France, Britain and
Italy agreed to cede Czechoslovakia's Sudetenland to Nazi Germany in the
hope of establishing "peace in our time."
Like Hitler's Germany, Vladimir Putin's Russia is a post-imperial
authoritarian state that must expand. The Soviet empire's collapse in 1991
left the Russian population feeling humiliated; economic collapse in the
early 1990s only compounded their demoralization. As in Germany, Russians
blamed democracy for their collapse and humiliation. And, as in Germany, a
strongman promising greatness and glory seized power, dismantled
democracy, and created an authoritarian, hyper-nationalist regime with a
personality cult based on promises to re-establish imperial greatness.
The war against Geor gia is not the first instance of Russia's
aggressiveness vis-à-vis its former colonies. Estonia was the target of a
cyberwar; Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine and the Czech Republic have
been subjected to energy cut-offs; Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine have been
punished by trade sanctions.
These states, like all of Russia's non-Russian neighbors, know that the
war in Georgia is really about them.
The Munich Agreement is considered a classic example of the perils of
appeasement. Had the democracies said no then, it's possible that World
War II could have been averted. At some point - and that point surely
arrived with Russia's invasion of Georgia - the West must learn to say no
to Russia. Expelling Russia from the G-8 would be symbolically nice, but
Putin would respond with a laugh. Only an "anti-Munich" would say no in a
meaningful fashion: Admit Ukraine and Georgia into NATO's Membership
Action Plan - immediately. P utin will glare in response; he will threaten
retaliation - and then, like all loud-mouthed dictators, he will
acquiesce.
Alexander J. Motyl Newark, New Jersey Professor of political science,
Rutgers University
Resurgent Russia
Russia's blitzkrieg against Georgia has taken place 70 years after the
infamous Munich Agreement of September 29, 1938, when France, Britain and
Italy agreed to cede Czechoslovakia's Sudetenland to Nazi Germany in the
hope of establishing "peace in our time."
Like Hitler's Germany, Vladimir Putin's Russia is a post-imperial
authoritarian state that must expand. The Soviet empire's collapse in 1991
left the Russian population feeling humiliated; economic collapse in the
early 1990s only compounded their demoralization. As in Germany, Russians
blamed democracy for their collapse and humiliation. And, as in Germany, a
strongman promising greatness and glory seized power, dismantled
democracy, and created an authoritarian, hyper-nationalist regime with a
personality cult based on promises to re-establish imperial greatness.
The war against Geor gia is not the first instance of Russia's
aggressiveness vis-à-vis its former colonies. Estonia was the target of a
cyberwar; Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine and the Czech Republic have
been subjected to energy cut-offs; Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine have been
punished by trade sanctions.
These states, like all of Russia's non-Russian neighbors, know that the
war in Georgia is really about them.
The Munich Agreement is considered a classic example of the perils of
appeasement. Had the democracies said no then, it's possible that World
War II could have been averted. At some point - and that point surely
arrived with Russia's invasion of Georgia - the West must learn to say no
to Russia. Expelling Russia from the G-8 would be symbolically nice, but
Putin would respond with a laugh. Only an "anti-Munich" would say no in a
meaningful fashion: Admit Ukraine and Georgia into NATO's Membership
Action Plan - immediately. P utin will glare in response; he will threaten
retaliation - and then, like all loud-mouthed dictators, he will
acquiesce.
Alexander J. Motyl Newark, New Jersey Professor of political science,
Rutgers University
weezy's great bicycling adventure
Read all about it here.
This weekend marks the start of Weezy's 4-day bicycle trip across Switzerland ahead of Eurobike. Sunday he will participate in an organized tour out of Gruyeres that will cover some 125km of serious Alpage. On Monday he embarks on a solo, point-to-point from Gruyeres to Friedrichshafen, GR, with stops in an undisclosed town the first night and Zurich the second before arriving at the final destination on the third.
This will surely be an incredible adventure -- bonne chance, Weezy!!
This weekend marks the start of Weezy's 4-day bicycle trip across Switzerland ahead of Eurobike. Sunday he will participate in an organized tour out of Gruyeres that will cover some 125km of serious Alpage. On Monday he embarks on a solo, point-to-point from Gruyeres to Friedrichshafen, GR, with stops in an undisclosed town the first night and Zurich the second before arriving at the final destination on the third.
This will surely be an incredible adventure -- bonne chance, Weezy!!
29 August 2008
28 August 2008
hmmm...
A coworker brings up a good question:
Will poaching Minneapolis Park and Rec land for practice cross courses hurt the efforts of those trying to get cross racing back in Minneapolis public parks?
Admittedly, it hadn't occurred to me but now I'm apprehensive about putting up a practice course of my own within Minneapolis city limits. I don't want to jeopardize any diplomatic efforts...
Will poaching Minneapolis Park and Rec land for practice cross courses hurt the efforts of those trying to get cross racing back in Minneapolis public parks?
Admittedly, it hadn't occurred to me but now I'm apprehensive about putting up a practice course of my own within Minneapolis city limits. I don't want to jeopardize any diplomatic efforts...
it ain't that complicated
If you supported Hillary earlier this year and since her defeat have been unable to decide whether to support Obama or McCain, you are an idiot.
This is the equivalent of walking into a store for a healthy snack, say, an apple, only to find out that all they have in stock are pears and Snickers bars and then being unable to decide which to get.
So go ahead, get that Snickers bar you idiot.
And when you ask me if I think you look fat don’t expect me to say “no.”
This is the equivalent of walking into a store for a healthy snack, say, an apple, only to find out that all they have in stock are pears and Snickers bars and then being unable to decide which to get.
So go ahead, get that Snickers bar you idiot.
And when you ask me if I think you look fat don’t expect me to say “no.”
25 August 2008
new cross venue?
I explored the hill-side park near my house after the practice race this weekend and it looks quite promising. I'd never been totally inside the park before and I was amazed at how much space and stuff there was inside. I've ridden sleds on the far side's hill and bikes on pretty much every street that boarders the park, but this was my first excursion into the depths. I was amazed at the park's size and amenities -- there's a bathroom hut, a pavilion and a playground in addition to some serious acreage.
This is a great discovery as I should be able to squeeze out a good course in and around the park. Existing features include a short stair section, a running sand section, plenty of off-camber lines and lots of climbing. Now all I've got to do is invest in some portable barriers and this will be a third practice course for the cities!
This is a great discovery as I should be able to squeeze out a good course in and around the park. Existing features include a short stair section, a running sand section, plenty of off-camber lines and lots of climbing. Now all I've got to do is invest in some portable barriers and this will be a third practice course for the cities!
vandalized!
Obama's St. Paul offices were valdalized over the weekend just days ahead of the Republican National convention. Bricks were thrown through a couple plate glass windows and door and paint was splattered on the outside of the building.
There are no suspects yet but I am compelled to wonder whether this was the act of a McCain supporter -- a person for whom, we are all proded to believe, integrity is supposedly a critical issue. I could be wrong; this could be some stupid kids acting out. Who knows. Still, I wonder...
There are no suspects yet but I am compelled to wonder whether this was the act of a McCain supporter -- a person for whom, we are all proded to believe, integrity is supposedly a critical issue. I could be wrong; this could be some stupid kids acting out. Who knows. Still, I wonder...
24 August 2008
state fair
There were a good number of people with "Norm" and "McCain" buttons at the fair. I felt bad about not having an "Obama" or "Franken" button until I remembered I was wearing my ITMFA t-shirt. Sweet.
23 August 2008
cross practice #2
With the first practice race of the season a few days behind me, I got to ride a different course closer to home this time that was designed by Smithers. This well put-together course featured a pair of double barrier sections (one of which preceded a steep run-up), two street sections, a good amount of loose-dirt singletrack and a tight 180* speed-scrubbing corner. Every other pass up the steep hill alternated between riding it and running up avec barriers. Either way it was painful because immediately after the big hill I had only 15ft of flat ground before the course turned upward twice more; this presented virtually no opportunity for recovery. All in all quite tough.
Fitness wise, I didn't feel much better than I did a few days ago; I was able to ride a good four full laps before the engine room started experiencing some trouble. During the ride home, I pondered whether it'd be prudent to hold back some in the first fifteen minutes of a race and then open it up hoping that I'd have enough energy to last til the end with the throttle wide open. We shall see. I've got a good month yet before the racing starts in earnest; I'll use the time til then to try a few different methods and see what works best.
As for the bike, I think I've FINALLY got it dialed in. Outside of maybe swapping out the saddle or adjusting the brakes a bit the Empella is finished. I had to replace a couple of spokes this morning in the rear wheel after stuffing my left foot into it at the last practice race so I took the opportunity to swap out the bars and seatpost as well since the tools were out. The first post was a carbon Oval Concept post that wouldn't stay at the set height -- it kept sliding down. I replaced it with simple Ritchey Pro aluminum post and this is working much better. I had been running a Deda Newton shallow round bar but the ergonomics just weren't working out. I replaced this with a deeper drop round Ritchey WCS bar which also gives me a wider top section -- this was noticeably more stable than the Deda bar going into the barriers.
I'm not too disappointed with my experience at either cross practice. Though I was getting tired rather quickly it's still early in the season. There are things I need to work on in the coming weeks -- namely, committing to a re-mount sans stutter-step and getting acclimated to the new bike -- and the cross practices are going to be a great venue. I've got plans to put my own course together right outside my front door (more on that later). The potential for multiple practice courses in and around the cities is very exciting.
Fitness wise, I didn't feel much better than I did a few days ago; I was able to ride a good four full laps before the engine room started experiencing some trouble. During the ride home, I pondered whether it'd be prudent to hold back some in the first fifteen minutes of a race and then open it up hoping that I'd have enough energy to last til the end with the throttle wide open. We shall see. I've got a good month yet before the racing starts in earnest; I'll use the time til then to try a few different methods and see what works best.
As for the bike, I think I've FINALLY got it dialed in. Outside of maybe swapping out the saddle or adjusting the brakes a bit the Empella is finished. I had to replace a couple of spokes this morning in the rear wheel after stuffing my left foot into it at the last practice race so I took the opportunity to swap out the bars and seatpost as well since the tools were out. The first post was a carbon Oval Concept post that wouldn't stay at the set height -- it kept sliding down. I replaced it with simple Ritchey Pro aluminum post and this is working much better. I had been running a Deda Newton shallow round bar but the ergonomics just weren't working out. I replaced this with a deeper drop round Ritchey WCS bar which also gives me a wider top section -- this was noticeably more stable than the Deda bar going into the barriers.
I'm not too disappointed with my experience at either cross practice. Though I was getting tired rather quickly it's still early in the season. There are things I need to work on in the coming weeks -- namely, committing to a re-mount sans stutter-step and getting acclimated to the new bike -- and the cross practices are going to be a great venue. I've got plans to put my own course together right outside my front door (more on that later). The potential for multiple practice courses in and around the cities is very exciting.
22 August 2008
product endorsement
In case you are in the market for a new pair of headphones I would like to recommend you look into the V-Moda Bass-Freq. They are a bit partial to the low-end frequencies but they deliver a nice, full sound. Price is super reasonable, too; I think I paid $30 or $35 for my pair. Now you know.
21 August 2008
20 August 2008
first real cross ride
Cyclocross ride # 1 and I wreck my rear Eurus wheel. Well, not totally wrecked, but managed to wreck at least one non-drive spoke and knock the wheel out of true by a good inch plus.
This all happened on the Friend of a Friend's Cross Practice out at Bryant Park in Bloomington. Good course design be Ped. Love the off camber sections. If you haven't been to one of these yet (there've been two) then you need to get your act together and show up next time.
About 20 minutes in I was totally worked. Ped and DC still had juice in them but lucky for me there was a cop just hanging around the park so we decided to keep a low profile for the remainder of practice and work on the double barriers at the far end of the course. I think we later realized that we weren't actually getting stalked by the Bloomington PD, but that the cop was most likely just keeping an eye out for marijuana cigarette use.
Anyway, it was while practicing re-mounts that I managed to chunk the rear wheel. I was trying hard to commit the running jump up onto the saddle only the one time I got high enough and sans stutter step I over-committed and floated beyond the sweet spot just over the saddle and shoved my left foot into the rear wheel. How? I have no idea. I think I just wasn't minding the feet. Lesson learned. And hey, at least I didn't land on my nuts.
This all happened on the Friend of a Friend's Cross Practice out at Bryant Park in Bloomington. Good course design be Ped. Love the off camber sections. If you haven't been to one of these yet (there've been two) then you need to get your act together and show up next time.
About 20 minutes in I was totally worked. Ped and DC still had juice in them but lucky for me there was a cop just hanging around the park so we decided to keep a low profile for the remainder of practice and work on the double barriers at the far end of the course. I think we later realized that we weren't actually getting stalked by the Bloomington PD, but that the cop was most likely just keeping an eye out for marijuana cigarette use.
Anyway, it was while practicing re-mounts that I managed to chunk the rear wheel. I was trying hard to commit the running jump up onto the saddle only the one time I got high enough and sans stutter step I over-committed and floated beyond the sweet spot just over the saddle and shoved my left foot into the rear wheel. How? I have no idea. I think I just wasn't minding the feet. Lesson learned. And hey, at least I didn't land on my nuts.
19 August 2008
building for cross
The Empella is done yet not done.
It is built yet not complete.
I finished putting it together this weekend. After a few bumps in the road thanks to, among other issues, a pair of non-adjustable TRP cantis, the bike was complete enough to ride over to A’s on its inaugural test-ride.
On this ride I learned the following: the front brake had a slight chatter though I don’t think it’s more than a minor pad-adjustment away from serenity. Additionally, the wheels I put on (a light, custom-built pair of Sun-Ringle clinchers) were ruled insufficiently tough during the ride and will be replaced with a pair of Eurus wheels adding to the Franken-nature of an already hodge-podge mix of components (full spec details and final pictures to come… it ain’t pretty).
Finally, the saddle height in relation to the handlebars was also found out to be a problem, the latter being too low for properly getting rad. I took to some drafting paper last night with a compass and pencil knowing that I wanted to make up about 16mm of drop without the need to run a negative-rise stem upside down in the boner position. The steerer was already cut so stem change was deemed the only sufficient option. Being as I’m not made of cheddar, I didn’t want to start buying stems to and using deductive methods. I also don’t think I have the patience for such a venture. Happily, a stem of identical length but at a zero rise (vs. an 82* drop) yields within a millimeter of the desired gain in saddle-handlebar drop assuming my measurements are all correct. It will also bring the bars back about 5mm making the cockpit a wee bit more comfortable.
So, I have purchased the requisite stem and will install it tonight along with swapping the Eurus clinchers and possibly the handlebars for improved lever position and angle (but we shall see what it feels like with just the stem change first).
This all needs to happen tonight because I want to attend the Friend-of-a-Friend Cross Practice Race in Bloomington on Wednesday evening after work and before my kickball game at Ft. Snelling. Once it’s done (and it will be sooner or later) I’ll just need to work on my form and dismounts/re-mounts. For political reasons I’ve opted to ride Shimano’s new MTB clipless pedals instead of Times which seem to be the drug-of-choice for most cross racers; I hope this will not prove to be a challenge once we get into the heat of the season. Regardless, clipless pedals on anything other than a road bike are somewhat of a foreign concept to me – I’ve ride flats on all my mountain bikes for half a dozen years now. Having to jump onto the comparatively small pedal area will surely present a challenge to cross mastery. Still, here too I’m optimistic that I’ll be transitioning smoothly after a few practice sessions in the coming weeks.
Can’t wait for the fall!
It is built yet not complete.
I finished putting it together this weekend. After a few bumps in the road thanks to, among other issues, a pair of non-adjustable TRP cantis, the bike was complete enough to ride over to A’s on its inaugural test-ride.
On this ride I learned the following: the front brake had a slight chatter though I don’t think it’s more than a minor pad-adjustment away from serenity. Additionally, the wheels I put on (a light, custom-built pair of Sun-Ringle clinchers) were ruled insufficiently tough during the ride and will be replaced with a pair of Eurus wheels adding to the Franken-nature of an already hodge-podge mix of components (full spec details and final pictures to come… it ain’t pretty).
Finally, the saddle height in relation to the handlebars was also found out to be a problem, the latter being too low for properly getting rad. I took to some drafting paper last night with a compass and pencil knowing that I wanted to make up about 16mm of drop without the need to run a negative-rise stem upside down in the boner position. The steerer was already cut so stem change was deemed the only sufficient option. Being as I’m not made of cheddar, I didn’t want to start buying stems to and using deductive methods. I also don’t think I have the patience for such a venture. Happily, a stem of identical length but at a zero rise (vs. an 82* drop) yields within a millimeter of the desired gain in saddle-handlebar drop assuming my measurements are all correct. It will also bring the bars back about 5mm making the cockpit a wee bit more comfortable.
So, I have purchased the requisite stem and will install it tonight along with swapping the Eurus clinchers and possibly the handlebars for improved lever position and angle (but we shall see what it feels like with just the stem change first).
This all needs to happen tonight because I want to attend the Friend-of-a-Friend Cross Practice Race in Bloomington on Wednesday evening after work and before my kickball game at Ft. Snelling. Once it’s done (and it will be sooner or later) I’ll just need to work on my form and dismounts/re-mounts. For political reasons I’ve opted to ride Shimano’s new MTB clipless pedals instead of Times which seem to be the drug-of-choice for most cross racers; I hope this will not prove to be a challenge once we get into the heat of the season. Regardless, clipless pedals on anything other than a road bike are somewhat of a foreign concept to me – I’ve ride flats on all my mountain bikes for half a dozen years now. Having to jump onto the comparatively small pedal area will surely present a challenge to cross mastery. Still, here too I’m optimistic that I’ll be transitioning smoothly after a few practice sessions in the coming weeks.
Can’t wait for the fall!
nothing but questions
Do things get more complicated as we get older or is it just a function of our perception? In other words, are things getting complicated whereas they once were less so or is the lens through which we absorb the world around us simply gaining facets like a constantly refined diamond, refracting light in ever-increasing directions?
I think I know the answer…
I think I know the answer…
16 August 2008
dentist visit: # too many
My dentist is a nice guy; he shakes my hand every time and I call him "Doc" and he asks how I'm doing. The hygienists are all nice ladies; smiling, caring and almost stiflingly positive. The receptionist does her part, too; she is helpful, efficient and patient when it comes to the topic of insurance/payment. The office even has TV's in each examination cubby with cable to distract you while they're digging in your mouth.
Despite all of this, I have an incredibly difficult time calling them and setting up appointments. While in to fill a couple of cavities last week, amidst glimpses of the US v Ukrainian middle-weight wrestling match, I mentioned sensitivity to extreme cold & hot on the other side of my mouth in the lower row of molars. I thought perhaps there was something wrong with a filling from last Spring but the dentist told me instead that I had found a different cavity in a previously unadulterated tooth.
He commended me for having pinpointed this new cavity that had eluded earlier X-rays while I made a mental note to keep my trap shut next time I was there. As I left trying not to drool out my half-numb face, the receptionist kindly handed me a business card for the office to keep as a reminder to call her back and set up the next appointment -- I had lied to her that the next week was very busy and I'd have to review my schedule once at work before I could schedule the appointment. This was Wednesday and I have yet to call her and schedule the visit.
Why? I can only imagine it's got something to do with that digging in my mouth bit. I wish I could smile and simply say, "no, thanks!" But I know if I don't go in and get this sorted out it will surely lead to my dental demise: the cavity will grow necessitating a root canal, which will, in turn, get infected and require yanking the tooth all together. This will leave a gap in my chompers, creating a weak point where I'll later break off my jaw in a bicycle accident. Then I'll be the freak with no jaw and townsfolk will throw cabbage and rotten vegetables at me while babies cry and women shriek. I'll have to join the circus and marry the bearded lady with three legs and my life will be totally ruined.
Man, I think I'll call on Monday.
Despite all of this, I have an incredibly difficult time calling them and setting up appointments. While in to fill a couple of cavities last week, amidst glimpses of the US v Ukrainian middle-weight wrestling match, I mentioned sensitivity to extreme cold & hot on the other side of my mouth in the lower row of molars. I thought perhaps there was something wrong with a filling from last Spring but the dentist told me instead that I had found a different cavity in a previously unadulterated tooth.
He commended me for having pinpointed this new cavity that had eluded earlier X-rays while I made a mental note to keep my trap shut next time I was there. As I left trying not to drool out my half-numb face, the receptionist kindly handed me a business card for the office to keep as a reminder to call her back and set up the next appointment -- I had lied to her that the next week was very busy and I'd have to review my schedule once at work before I could schedule the appointment. This was Wednesday and I have yet to call her and schedule the visit.
Why? I can only imagine it's got something to do with that digging in my mouth bit. I wish I could smile and simply say, "no, thanks!" But I know if I don't go in and get this sorted out it will surely lead to my dental demise: the cavity will grow necessitating a root canal, which will, in turn, get infected and require yanking the tooth all together. This will leave a gap in my chompers, creating a weak point where I'll later break off my jaw in a bicycle accident. Then I'll be the freak with no jaw and townsfolk will throw cabbage and rotten vegetables at me while babies cry and women shriek. I'll have to join the circus and marry the bearded lady with three legs and my life will be totally ruined.
Man, I think I'll call on Monday.
15 August 2008
Jerk
Dear old guy driving the ford Taurus station wagon,
What's going on? How's things?
Me?
Oh, you know... not much. Just riding home from work.
Nice day, isn't it? Weather's great.
I really enjoy days like this when it isn't too hazy out and the sky turns a nice North Carolina blue.
You didn't know there's a shade of blue named after the state?
Well, hey! you learn something new each day.
What's that?
Your car horn?
Ah, yes, indeed -- you did scare the crap out of me.
Good one.
You're right, you did; you totally got me. I wasn't expecting you to drive up right behind me and liberally apply the horn at all.
Seriously, though, that was pretty dumb of me to expect you to just pass me like a normal person. I should have realized that just cause you had the whole rest of the street -- like, what, the other 25ft? -- didn't necessarily mean I should expect to be left alone.
Thanks for letting me know I was in your way. Well... I guess not really in your way literally, what, with that other 25ft of street, but I get it.
Man! Hey, thanks again for letting me know; sometimes I just zone out and think I have a right to ride a bicycle on the road.
I know!! Crazy, right?
I don't know what gets into me sometimes; frankly, neither did my teachers.
I'll try to remember not to "get in your way" next time.
For sure.
Hey, you have a great weekend, too.
What's going on? How's things?
Me?
Oh, you know... not much. Just riding home from work.
Nice day, isn't it? Weather's great.
I really enjoy days like this when it isn't too hazy out and the sky turns a nice North Carolina blue.
You didn't know there's a shade of blue named after the state?
Well, hey! you learn something new each day.
What's that?
Your car horn?
Ah, yes, indeed -- you did scare the crap out of me.
Good one.
You're right, you did; you totally got me. I wasn't expecting you to drive up right behind me and liberally apply the horn at all.
Seriously, though, that was pretty dumb of me to expect you to just pass me like a normal person. I should have realized that just cause you had the whole rest of the street -- like, what, the other 25ft? -- didn't necessarily mean I should expect to be left alone.
Thanks for letting me know I was in your way. Well... I guess not really in your way literally, what, with that other 25ft of street, but I get it.
Man! Hey, thanks again for letting me know; sometimes I just zone out and think I have a right to ride a bicycle on the road.
I know!! Crazy, right?
I don't know what gets into me sometimes; frankly, neither did my teachers.
I'll try to remember not to "get in your way" next time.
For sure.
Hey, you have a great weekend, too.
14 August 2008
surprise, surprise...
Russia has refused to honor the terms to which it agreed just days before regarding its conflict with Georgia. Cavalier to the end, Putin and his cronies have shown themselves incapable of playing by the rules of modern international relations, declining to pull Russian troops from Georgian territory beyond S. Ossetia. What is it about Russia’s psyche that renders it unable to suppress the basest of human social instincts? Why does Putin's Russia, as James Traub points out, "take a zero-sum approach to diplomacy: You must lose if I am to win?"
13 August 2008
thirsty
Have you ever been eating cause you thought you were hungry, only to realize, mid-chew that you were actually just really really thirsty?
This just happened to me.
This just happened to me.
11 August 2008
wowsers
According to Section 213(d) of the Internal Revenue Code, a list medical expenses eligible to be paid with pre-tax monies includes fees levied by a "Christian Science Practitioner."
Does the IRS realize this is a cult? With, you know, space ship salvation and stuff? Have they seen Tom Cruise lately??
On the plus side, perhaps now I can petition the IRS to recognize my weekly visits to the voodoo doctor.
Does the IRS realize this is a cult? With, you know, space ship salvation and stuff? Have they seen Tom Cruise lately??
On the plus side, perhaps now I can petition the IRS to recognize my weekly visits to the voodoo doctor.
when bush lies people die... but BJ's are inexcusable
So, you're telling me that they went after Clinton -- tooth and nail -- for receiving an inappropriate albeit innocuous BJ in the White House, yet they won't move to impeach the criminals currently in office for negligently putting American service men and women in harm's way by wilful deception and manipulation of facts?
Really?
Are you serious?
No, please do take the time to explain because this truly blows my mind...
Really?
Are you serious?
No, please do take the time to explain because this truly blows my mind...
10 August 2008
Oh snap!
The French talked a fair bit of game going into the Olympic 4x one hundred freestyle relay going so far as to say something to the effect of, "the Americans? We will smash them!"
Today, the Americans (especially the team's anchor, Jason Lezak) tooled the French -- along with everyone else -- claiming Gold in this event. A and I got all antsy-like as Lezak turned for the back 50 meters of his leg and found each other unexpectedly giddy as he clinched the win for the United States, mere tenths of a second ahead of Bernard (the smack-talking Frenchman).
Victory is sweet.
Today, the Americans (especially the team's anchor, Jason Lezak) tooled the French -- along with everyone else -- claiming Gold in this event. A and I got all antsy-like as Lezak turned for the back 50 meters of his leg and found each other unexpectedly giddy as he clinched the win for the United States, mere tenths of a second ahead of Bernard (the smack-talking Frenchman).
Victory is sweet.
08 August 2008
Mpls 'Cross goes AWOL in 2008
By way of electronic correspondence with T3, today I found out that cross races at Powderhorn and Boom Island will not happen this year. Apparently permits were denied for cyclocross events at any Minneapolis public park due in large part to the board's opinion that last year's Powderhorn race did too much damage to the park's grass.
This is unfortunate. Powderhorn is an ideal spot for a bicycle race. The park is right smack in the middle of South Minneapolis, in a quasi-sketchy neighborhood. Any organized community event -- be it a bike race or the annual art fair that takes place within the park's bounds -- is a great opportunity for folks to come out of their homes and experience something new and positive alongside their neighbors.
Admittedly, I have somewhat of a soft-spot for the locale because it is at Powderhorn that I experienced my first cross race, placing 3rd in the not-too-exciting "C" category (that is the lowest possible one, for you non-cyclists). Still, I had a great time mingling with friends, coworkers and fellow Minneapolitans and even came back subsequent years to spectate. I was looking forward to racing there this year, but alas, it was not meant to be.
Hopefully we'll be allowed back in 2009.
This is unfortunate. Powderhorn is an ideal spot for a bicycle race. The park is right smack in the middle of South Minneapolis, in a quasi-sketchy neighborhood. Any organized community event -- be it a bike race or the annual art fair that takes place within the park's bounds -- is a great opportunity for folks to come out of their homes and experience something new and positive alongside their neighbors.
Admittedly, I have somewhat of a soft-spot for the locale because it is at Powderhorn that I experienced my first cross race, placing 3rd in the not-too-exciting "C" category (that is the lowest possible one, for you non-cyclists). Still, I had a great time mingling with friends, coworkers and fellow Minneapolitans and even came back subsequent years to spectate. I was looking forward to racing there this year, but alas, it was not meant to be.
Hopefully we'll be allowed back in 2009.
Shimano
I will know everything there is to know about this company's bicycle components before the end of the year.
In case you should need a reference in 2009.
In case you should need a reference in 2009.
not to be confused with Chevy's crappy car
Voila: the horse I will be riding and carrying over barriers this fall. More photos to come once I start building it up.
The Bonfire's fork is its most distinct feature. Yes, I know the gloss finish doesn't match the frame's matte black -- there's nothing I can do about it now and I'm trying not to think about it.
In case you didn't know - this frame was designed in Europe. That means it's better than your bike. Sorry.
The Bonfire's fork is its most distinct feature. Yes, I know the gloss finish doesn't match the frame's matte black -- there's nothing I can do about it now and I'm trying not to think about it.
In case you didn't know - this frame was designed in Europe. That means it's better than your bike. Sorry.
07 August 2008
new tricks
Yesterday morning I opened my Gmail account to find a handful of fresh messages from my mother; one was a forward (much to my chagrin) the rest were replies to emails I’d sent her the week before. She and Papa had taken a vacation to Barcelona and returned to Ukraine that morning (their time). By the time I was logged in and “checkin’ email” a la Strongbad, Mom was well into her afternoon over yonder and – I could see – logged into her own Gmail account.
Rather than replying to her various messages, I decided to experiment choosing option C, which was “Reply by Gmail Chat.” Knowing that Mom’s acquisition of a Google email account had been recent I harbored few expectations. I figured I’d be able to convey its merit due to the time change and prohibitive cost of phone-calls while she’s visiting Papa in Ukraine but explaining the how this was going to happen and what she’d need to do? Not exactly.
Mom surprised us all (herself included). Not only did she eventually figure out where to look for the chat box and how to communicate with it, she also learned how to initiate a Gmail Chat conversation with anyone else who might show up on her availability box. The best part was her first contact that initiated the chat string that finally “took”; she was so gleeful to have figured it out I could almost hear it coming through the monitor. For a lady who has struggled with setting up and retrieving voice mails on a cell phone this was a huge step. Bravo, Moms! You are a special lady.
Rather than replying to her various messages, I decided to experiment choosing option C, which was “Reply by Gmail Chat.” Knowing that Mom’s acquisition of a Google email account had been recent I harbored few expectations. I figured I’d be able to convey its merit due to the time change and prohibitive cost of phone-calls while she’s visiting Papa in Ukraine but explaining the how this was going to happen and what she’d need to do? Not exactly.
Mom surprised us all (herself included). Not only did she eventually figure out where to look for the chat box and how to communicate with it, she also learned how to initiate a Gmail Chat conversation with anyone else who might show up on her availability box. The best part was her first contact that initiated the chat string that finally “took”; she was so gleeful to have figured it out I could almost hear it coming through the monitor. For a lady who has struggled with setting up and retrieving voice mails on a cell phone this was a huge step. Bravo, Moms! You are a special lady.
Important
In about 10 minutes I will participate in a panel interview of an external applicant for a senior buyer position at work. I was invited to do so by our department head and it will be my 2nd such interview.
This can only be a sign of my importance.
That, or everyone else already had something going on.
This can only be a sign of my importance.
That, or everyone else already had something going on.
04 August 2008
dilemma
What should be done about the underhanded hiring practices at the DOJ during the current administration’s tenure? Should those who have been hired according to party affiliation or positive response to political questions now be relieved of their newly acquired positions? Should Monica Goodling have received immunity from prosecution in return for testimony? Should anyone still trust the GOP machine?
I know the answer to at least the final question: absolutely not.
ITMFA….. seriously.
I know the answer to at least the final question: absolutely not.
ITMFA….. seriously.
03 August 2008
Park Falls weekend getaway
Herein are a few noteworthy things that transpired during my weekend trip to Park Falls, WI, where I attended the Gf's home-town festival, Flambeau-Rama.
I got fatter. How much fatter, I don't know -- I've yet to get on a scale. I credit this to the copious amounts of read meat consumed as well as to the inappropriate number of Dove ice cream bars nibbled down. The meat was a result of little choice in standard fair-time menus (burgers, cheese-burgers, brats or hot-dogs) while the Dove bars... well, I didn't want them to go to waste.
During an otherwise innocuous and even pleasant exchange of stories and opinions, a newly-acquainted gentleman randomly informed me that apparently Minneapolis has the most homosexuals per capita in the United States, 2nd only to San Francisco. I nearly choked on the ice I had been crunching to kill time. Though this "trivia" struck me as offensive and inappropriate, my total awe at hearing this sort of veiled bigotry after what had been 2-3 hours of cordial conversation about a growing number of shared likes checked me from further questioning the tactless comment out loud. Befuddled, I was able only to meekly respond with something along the lines of, "uh... ok." Homosexuals? Really?
Time spent with the Gf's two nephews was fun but tiring. It reinforced my wonderment over how it is that people have kids and then find the energy to wake up day after day, month after month, year after year. The older of the two boys is about to turn four and now picks up on much of what is said as well as some of what's implied through tone and inflection. On at least one occasion in the toddler's company, I found myself searching for obscure words to comment on a topic that was to be kept on the down low. All in all, it was pretty neat seeing how he's developed since having last seen him a year ago. My jury's still out on whether I'll ever embark upon such an adventure. Suffice it to say, this is a decision that will be made on a whim.
I got fatter. How much fatter, I don't know -- I've yet to get on a scale. I credit this to the copious amounts of read meat consumed as well as to the inappropriate number of Dove ice cream bars nibbled down. The meat was a result of little choice in standard fair-time menus (burgers, cheese-burgers, brats or hot-dogs) while the Dove bars... well, I didn't want them to go to waste.
During an otherwise innocuous and even pleasant exchange of stories and opinions, a newly-acquainted gentleman randomly informed me that apparently Minneapolis has the most homosexuals per capita in the United States, 2nd only to San Francisco. I nearly choked on the ice I had been crunching to kill time. Though this "trivia" struck me as offensive and inappropriate, my total awe at hearing this sort of veiled bigotry after what had been 2-3 hours of cordial conversation about a growing number of shared likes checked me from further questioning the tactless comment out loud. Befuddled, I was able only to meekly respond with something along the lines of, "uh... ok." Homosexuals? Really?
Time spent with the Gf's two nephews was fun but tiring. It reinforced my wonderment over how it is that people have kids and then find the energy to wake up day after day, month after month, year after year. The older of the two boys is about to turn four and now picks up on much of what is said as well as some of what's implied through tone and inflection. On at least one occasion in the toddler's company, I found myself searching for obscure words to comment on a topic that was to be kept on the down low. All in all, it was pretty neat seeing how he's developed since having last seen him a year ago. My jury's still out on whether I'll ever embark upon such an adventure. Suffice it to say, this is a decision that will be made on a whim.
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