Castle Shima

Natalie: Geez, my butt really hurts. It really got worked over.
Denise: Rob can understand that.
-- from a conversation during spin class

::: Tower View :::
Yet Another Toy
In an effort to be more organized and portable, I broke down and picked up a PDA. Palm's Tungsten E2 is a pretty good deal considering there was a couple of rebates from Palm and Circuit City, knocking the price under $200.


I've been going thru the hassle of transferring stuff from the old leather bound organizer to the little silver box. This should allow me to be more mobile so that I can start commuting to the office via bicycle again.

So what have I been trying to figure out what to do with the darn thing? Debating which of these images I want to use as my background.


Yeah, it was a good purchase... heh...
**********

::: Out In The Yard :::
There's no way we can make it across unless.... Yeee-hhaaw!
**********

Man sends assault pig to fend off eviction. At 200lbs, thats alot of bacon.
**********

The Interbike vendor show is going on now. Frig! I could have met Levi!
**********

::: Background Noise :::
Boulevard of Broken Dreams by Green Day

Read between the lines
Of what's f***ed up
And everything's alright
Check my vital signs to know I'm still alive
And I walk alone

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

You might be a redneck if Date Night consists of going to the gun show with your wife.
-- Starfury

::: Tower View :::
Its All About The Suffering
I havent had time lately to post anything, but I've finally gotten time to mention this event. This past weekend, Team KBT, as well as over 2,000 other bicyclists rode in the annual charity event.

This was 162 miles of pure pleasure; a two day event with 81 miles each day.Here are some things that came to mind after this grueling ride:

* Its a matter of perspective when a support driver who has air conditioning says "Oh, the wind isnt so bad" or "Its not that hot outside."

* Lovebugs are a source of protein. Feel free to eat them when they decide to build a home on your lunch plate.

* Glass on a bridge is not a good thing, especially while descending.

* Doughnuts: the real breakfast of champions.

* "Five more minutes?!" Pffft..!!

* Clipless pedals are designed not to release your foot at any time, especially at stop lights, rest stops, and any emergency in which you may wish to move your foot.

* Its not really a crash unless you swear afterwards. Excessively. Otherwise, its just a misjudgment in height alignment.

* Pouring the water bottle over your head not only cools you off, but is a great remedy for helmet hair.

* Mmmm... snow cones...

* They didnt serve spaghetti for dinner. It was pasta covered in ketchup.

* I still got to be a jackass by doing a winning pose at the finish line, even if we were one of the last groups coming in.


**********

::: Background Noise :::
Night Of The Living Dead is on Starz Action.

Its the original George Romero version from the 1970's and still one of the best low budget movies made.

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

First, there is no race issue here.... Many, many people died. Black people. White people. Hispanic people. Death doesn't care what race you are.
-- from Miss Gordy's letter in Mike Straka's article.

::: Tower View :::
Simple Questions
Now that Ophelia has become a hurricane again and an evacuation order has been given, will the folks in North Carolina sit there and wait for the government to rescue them?

Since the govenor has already declared a state of emergency and actually requested federal help, will there be the same outrage like we saw the past two weeks?

Were those parents' really pissed off that much that they had their kids in cages?!

Why in the hell do my legs still hurt from Sunday's ride?

How in the hell did I get talked into riding 75 miles?!

And most importantly, do I have any Twinkies left?
**********

::: Out In The Yard :::
Bruce Lee, the new Bosnian hero. Be like water, my friends.
**********

New Orleans strip club determined to re-open. Its time to make the doughnuts.
**********

Soccer player gets slashed in lower abdominal region during game. The fact he went back in just makes me cringe.
**********

::: Background Noise :::
Beverly Hills by Weezer

Beverly Hills
Thats where I want to be
Living in Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills
Rolling like a celebrity
Living in Beverly Hills

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

Hey baby! One night with me and you'll be breathing heavier than Ruben Studdard on a Stairmaster!
-- Craig Shoemaker

::: Tower View :::
Losing My Mind
I had been trying to avoid it for days. Then today the flood gates opened up and it all came out. So to speak.

At the office, someone asked if I sent something to the people in New Orleans. I said "Yeah. I sent them a map with two marks and a note. It says You are there. I am here. Get your arse over here."

Then someone else made the comment that I should feel sorry for them because Bush didnt do enough for them and the people are being hated upon because of the color of their skin. Thats when I freaked out.

When I mentioned that the Lousiana governor refused the federal help, that was ignored under "Oh he could have done something." When I said that their own mayor told them to get the hell out of town 3 days before the storm hit, that was brushed with the broom of "poverty." When I mentioned that even poor people have feet, that was retorted with a "where they are going to go?"

My first thought: "Anywhere but here?!"

Then the final surge came in.

I blurted "Why didnt Florida have this problem last year when they were hit with four hurricanes? The biggest thing was that they didnt wait for someone to take care of them. They actually prepared for the whole mess when it was coming. They could fend for themselves when the power went out. And if necessary, they actually listened when someone told them to get the hell out. "

That sort of killed the conversation there.

I know I'm an opinionated jackass, but damn, when do people start taking responsibility for themselves?

Feel sorry for the ones that didnt have the feet to get up and walk out. Feel sorry for the ones who are poor, got up and left anyway, only to have their shirt on their backs. Feel sorry for the ones that tried to hold onto their wives when the flood waters pulled her away.

Never ever feel sorry for the ones that expected the government to take care of them or use the color of their skin as an excuse. They are the ones wasting your tax dollars.

While you are at it, go make a donation to the American Red Cross like I did...
**********

Beethoven's Movement
I had dinner with the family and my cousins (who might as well be my sisters) proceeded to tell me things I really didnt need to know.

1) Apparently all five of them plus perspective mothers went to the ladies room. Together. At the same time.
2) They all had to do the same thing.
3) This involved a movement and I dont mean a shuffling of feet.
4) Someone had an internal combustion which was released externally. This is also know as a fart.
5) It was loud.
6) It echoed.
7) My two younger cousins began yelling from their stall, asking who did it.
8) They kept asking it repeatedly.
9) It was my mother..!!
10) How do they know? Because my cousin K was in the stall next to hers and started laughing. Loud.

Geezus...
**********

::: Out In The Yard :::
Sept 11 is in a few days. Dont ever forget.
**********

::: Background Noise :::
Axel F by Crazy Frog

Ok, this is one wierd remix, but its funny. Its been getting alot of air time on XM Radio.

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

She gone. I hold her hand as tight as I could and she told me, "You can't hold me." She said "Take care of the kids and the grandkids" We have nowhere to go. I'm lost. That's all I had. Lord, what am I going to do?
-- Harvey Jackson on losing his wife to Hurricane Katrina

::: Tower View :::
Carpe Diem
Hang on Mr. Jackson. We feel your pain. Hat tip to Fury for the video.

I couldnt watch it at the office, but I had read the news article. Afterwards, all I could do is listen to Carlos Mencia's talk from 2002 about how to live:
What makes life beautiful is in the essence of the fact that it can go away.

You dont want live like that, do you? You dont to be that person that had a fight. A inconsequental, stupid, insignificant fight with your spouse, about who is supposed to open or close or turn off the light at that bedtime.

So you did it and you were pissed. And you stayed pissed at your wife. Not because it was real, but "Hell, we'll make up later. There isnt anything better than make-up sex, is there?"

And in the morning you woke up. Things were still bad, but you kept at it. Because "Hey, I'm going to come back. And we're going to do it."

Then what happened? You went to your building and you were saddened, being on that 90th floor when it happens.

Your ass is never going back home again. And the best you can do is to call your woman and say "I love you."

You missed that last night. Why? Because you thought it would last forever.

Hang on tight to what you have and dont ever go gentle into that good night.

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

During the last Tour de France, the French police searched Lance Armstrong's hotel room and found three illegal substances: soap, water, and toothpaste.
-- Mancow

::: Tower View :::
Just A Reminder
I'm feeling lazy. So just to take a shot at the detractors, here is a little reminder.


**********

::: Out In The Yard :::
Make your own a sniper rifle to play Duck Hunt. Now this would be cool to make. Hat tip: Gizmodo
**********

Female city staffers wear miniskirts if they have perfect legs. I dont see a problem with that. Heh.
**********

Can anime movies be hits in the US? Only if Warner Bros can screw up the original movie.
**********

::: Background Noise :::
F**king In The Bushes by Oasis

We put this festival on you bastards
With a lot of love.
We worked for one year for you pigs
And you want to break our walls down?
You want to f**king destroy us?
Well you go to hell!

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

Two guys are talking about cars and how fast they go. The first guy says "I got my wife a Ford Mustang. That thing will go from 0 to 60 in 5 secs!" The second guy says "Thats nothing. I got something for my wife that will go from 0 to 300 in 5 secs."

The first one looks shocked and replies "What the hell did you get her?"

The second guys says "A weight scale."
-- Overheard at the car shop

::: Tower View :::
More Personality

**********

::: Out In The Yard :::
Lab not sure that positive drug sample belonged to Armstrong. Yeah, we have positive proof. Seven years later... Maybe... Well, sort of...
**********

V For Vendetta is coming soon. Rah! Hopefully they didnt stray too far from the book.
**********
::: Background Noise :::
Mothers Talk by Tears For Fears

Its that you're not good enough,
Its just that we can make it better...
Given that you paid the price
We can keep you young and tender...

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

Denise: No, we are talking about virgin Margaritas!
Nancy: Havent you had a virgin before?
Me: Not for several years.
-- from a conversation at work

::: Tower View :::
Your New Friends
I know I'm old, but I do actually have a sense of humour. So why hadnt I heard of Happy Tree Friends before?!

I happened to catch a clip of the show and when I told a buddy at work about it, he replied "Oh yeah, my kids told me about it. Hilarious show!"

If you have never seen this show, HTF started out as a web based cartoon published by Atom Films, who were known for Frog In A Blender and Mole In A Microwave



You thought Kenny from South Park had it bad.

This is cartoon violence at its best without being overly gross. Imagine the cutest little animals going thru the most funny yet excruciating painful scenes ever. These little buggers crash thru walls, razor sharp fences, and even candy machines. They would have to cut off their own limbs, use their optic nerves for ropes, and even take one another out... Accidently of course.

Its even got a cute, addicting theme song.



HTF definately wont appeal to everyone, but if you have that little sick streak in you (or act a little remotely like me), then check out the lovable doomed creatures.

Just get used to saying "Holy Sh*t!" a lot.
**********

::: Out In The Yard :::
Support the Pwned. Show your support for those people living Video Game Dominance Deficiency Disorder.
**********

Father and son win competition to squeal like a pig. Too bad Ned Beatty couldnt compete this year.
**********
::: Background Noise :::
Then The Morning Comes by Smash Mouth

The way that you are...
Its just the way you talk
Like it aint no thing
And every single day is just a fling...
Then the morning comes

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

After sex, my husband gets chatty. One time he said "Hey Felicia, I was talking to Steve, the bartender, and he thinks that maybe you cant get pregnant cause you have hostile mucus." I was so repulsed that I wanted to jump off the bed, jump up and down, yelling "Evacuate! Evacuate!"
-- Felicia Michaels

::: Tower View :::
Random Thoughts, Part 923
1) During work, Trisha noted "Swimming is my most favorite activity. Well that besides sex of course." Ew... I really didnt need to know that. I wouldnt touch her with Ron Jeremy's member.

2) Oh yes. One day, this will be mine.

3) If you are dependent on another dept to get any work done and they tell you they will be ready by 9p, they really wont be ready until 2am. The following day. Bastards.

4) Madden 2006 comes out tomorrow. Or tonight, if you decide to get it a midnight. Another game to collect dust on my tv.

5) The more anti-Bush Jay Leno gets, the worse the jokes are. He's not even getting the sympathy applause. Serves him right. Jackass.

6) We as a society, are a bunch of morons. The reason for this thought? Its because Dukes Of Hazzard is doing much better than expected. Next thing you know we'll be wanting to remove letter grades from schools so that students cant fail.

7) Even more so, we are surrounded by Susan Wal-Martian.

8) I have to admit Wanted is a pretty damn good show for being on TNT.

9) Are you ready for some football!? Woot!!

10) If you are in the market for a new MP3 player and can spend up to $200, I highly recommend the Creative Labs Zen Micro. The Zen Micro is the same size as the Ipod Mini, the same cost, holds 1Gb more, can use most of the Mini accessories, and most importantly, does NOT support Apple or Steve Jobs in any kind of way.
**********

::: Out In The Yard :::
Man leaves wife at gas station for six hours. And he was wondering why it was so quiet.
**********

Yoga found to help to keep weight down. Exercising tends to do that to people.
**********

::: Background Noise :::
Millennium by Robbie Williams

And when we come
We always come too late...
I often think that
We were born to hate...
Get up and
See the sarcasm in my eyes...

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

Hey, we just drove 700 miles with your food and it occurred us that there wouldnt be world hunger... if you people would live where the food is! You live in a fu**ing desert!! ...Nothing grows here!! Nothing is gonna grow here!!... Get your kids! Get your sh*t! We'll make one trip!! We'll take you where the food is!!

We've got deserts in America... We just dont live in them, a**hole!!!
-- Sam Kinison on world hunger

::: Tower View :::
Truth In Advertising


hat tip: RedCurlzz
**********

::: Out In The Yard :::
Addidas buying Reebok. "My Reeboks" doesnt have quite the same ring.
**********

Man racks up $19,700 charges in sex hotline. Geez, I've ordered out before but thats ridiculous.
**********

::: Background Noise :::
I broke out the old Sam Kinison cd, Louder Than Hell. Another favorite line of mine:

I've seen the Crucifixion in the movies. There's always 20 or 30 Christians standing around saying "Its a shame he has to die." And Jesus is always going "Maybe I wouldnt have to if someone would get a ladder and a pair of pliers!"

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

How will I live without mixed greens? You mean I can have all the radicchio I want? Stop! I'm getting a chubby.
-- John Pinette, talking about diets

::: Tower View :::
When One Isnt Enough
After today, I'm going to be one of those that support the ban of cellphone use while driving.

On the way to pick up lunch at McDonald's, I made a left turn out to get off of the work campus. A woman coming from the opposite direction and trying to pull into the campus, misjudged her own left turn and almost clipped the back of the Jeep. She didnt even bother putting the phone down.

Then while pulling into the drive thru, another car came from the opposite side, sped thru the parking lot and whipped around in order to beat the rest of the cars into line. The driver, who was on the phone at time, couldnt turn the wheel far enough and went up the curb while making the u-turn.

Finally, after getting my order and trying to leave the area to get back to work, I had to make a left turn at an intersection. The car on the other side of the intersection runs the stop sign, trying to beat me from making my left turn. The driver of the that car fails to notice the oncoming car on her right side, which had right of way.

Her passenger looks shocked as the oncoming vehicle braked just in time to prevent the accident. She looks incredulous when I made the symbol of a gun with hand and pulled the trigger. Which is abit ironic considered she never put down the cellphone during the entire incident.

What was even worse was that the driver from the oncoming car was also on her cellphone and never put it down, even though she almost t-boned someone.

Geezus people. There are hands-free mics nowadays.

Morons.
**********

::: Out In The Yard :::
Owning a car can cost extra money. Time to get a bicycle. Ha!
**********

A new planet is found. Geez, I can barely remember the nine we have now.
**********

Woman assaults child at miniature golf course. That what happens when you ask a womam about the way she grips the shaft and hits the balls.
**********

::: Background Noise :::
Chasing Lance is on.

Its the Discovery Channel's version of the old Lance Chronicles that OLN did last year.

Tonight's episode, "The Last Ride," covers the Dauphine Libere, which is the final training race prior to the TdF. I hadnt seen this one yet, but have to admit, its ok.

Its a better option as opposed to the news or some of the other repeats showing on tv.

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

Now this chapter of his story closes on the Champs Elysees today. But instinct tells me this story is not yet over. It cant be. Lance live on, go well, and "Live Strong.” See you down the road.
-- Paul Sherwin, OLN cycling commentator

::: Tower View :::
La Fin D'une Ere
Once again, I awoke early to catch the first showing of today's final stage. This would be Armstrong's last hurrah. There were mixed feelings of watching him ride this one last time.

Sure, he's just a retiring, not dying, but somehow it was still sad. How would golfers feel if Tiger said "Tomorrow is my last day. After that, I'm done?" How did fans feel when Gretzky retired?

Watching Armstrong take the podium one last time, the tears of joy flowing from him, Sheryl Crow, and the rest of his family was sad, yet inspiring.

The speech he gave was the only one ever allowed in the Tour's history. And then giving thanks to Ullrich was great, especially since Lance had always felt the German was his greatest rival. And even then, they were able to keep a decent friendship over the years.

And so for these brief few moments, we forgot the troubles of the world and watched a rider, a father, a survivor, a champion, a hero, and a legend ride off into the sunset.
**********

::: Out In The Yard :::
Vino steals the final stage. Now here was a guy determined to make sure he could get a job next year.
**********

Wear Yellow is online for viewing. Sure its another Nike site, but its the place to get 10/2 gear.
**********

Infernal Affairs goes Hollywood. This Hong Kong smash was an excellent film. Hopefully, Scorcese wont screw it up.
**********

::: Background Noise :::
Its Going Down by X-ecutioners with Mike Shinoda and Joe Hahn

Its going down
A logical progession
On a timeline...
The seperation narrowed down
to a fine line...
To blur the edges
So they blend again properly...
Take you on an audible odyssey

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

My mother didnt like what I did to try to get pregnant. She's a traditionalist. She says "I dont know why you cant get pregnant like your sisters and I did." So I told her, "Its because I dont like the taste of gin."
-- Margaret Smith

::: Tower View :::
And Today Makes Seven
As if there was any doubt, Lance Armstrong clinches his seventh Tour De France win. So I sat there glued to the tv, watching as rider after rider came through the finish, excitement growing as the top contenders began to go out onto the road.

Jan Ullrich looked awesome as he raced through the route, speeding along as the Ullrich of old. Ivan Basso started strong and although fading towards the end, he didnt have to worry about losing his spot.

Empathy had to go to Michael Rasmussen. He's already clinched his King of the Mountain spot, but still competed as if he were winning the whole thing. Two crashes and four bicycle changes later nipped that in the bud. He probably felt he was lucky to even finish.

Then there was Armstrong. He sped thru the route almost faster than the escort motorcycles that were there. Now that is enforcing your will.

So congratulations to Lance and the whole Discovery team. Job well done. Enjoy tomorrow and get out of the way of the sprinters. Ha!
**********

Blog Typing
hat tip: Lisett

Your Blogging Type is Pensive and Philosophical

You blog like no one else is reading... You tend to use your blog to explore ideas - often in long winded prose. Easy going and flexible, you tend to befriend other bloggers easily. But if they disagree with once too much, you'll pull them from your blogroll!

**********

Cult Of Personality

You are elegant, withdrawn, and brilliant. Your mind is a weapon, able to solve any puzzle. You are also great at poking holes in arguments and common beliefs. For you, comfort and calm are very important. You tend to thrive on your own and shrug off most affection. You prefer to protect your emotions and stay strong.

**********

::: Out In The Yard :::
Love not allowed in Wal-Mart. Its against corporate policy.
**********

Australian team making progress after major accident. Get better, lasses. We'll see you soon.
**********

::: Background Noise :::
Constantine is on.

The movie is based off a comic book called Hellblazer. I admit that I do like this version since its trying to keep close to the book, but I still find myself comparing them. It really is better than I had first imagined.

So if you arent a comic purist like me, then you might like this detective/occult style movie. If you are a hardcore fan, then you definately wont like it.

Especially since Keanu isnt blond, English, or an actor. heh...

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

That "Go Lightly" stuff is mislabeled. I've had diarrhea before and thats not it. It doesnt even come out like diarrhea. It comes out like a mist. I took my pants off and the back of my legs looked like I OD'd on tanning lotion.
-- Robert Schimmel

::: Tower View :::
Attack Of The Georges
I spent way too much time watching the Tour this weekend.

Seeing Georg Totschnig and George Hincapie win their first major Tour stages was awe-inspiring.

Enough to ride 55 miles in the blazing heat... Drinking thru four bottles of Gatorade... And still getting frigging dehydrated to the point where I couldnt even raise my head without my neck hurting like hell.

My body ached so badly that I couldnt raise my arms above my shoulder because my trapezius hurt all the way down my lower back. Even sitting up hurt the back. Pedalling made the legs feel heavy and shot pain up my spine.

To make matters worse, I felt absolutely silly because I had to keep down in the dropped handlebars because it was the only way the legs would work. But then I couldnt see where I was going.

Driving home was an adventure. First I had to physically throw the bicycle into the back of the Jeep. Not too smart considering I had brought the really good bike with me. But then again, I couldnt raise my arms to put the damn thing on the rack. Sitting in the seat shot series of spasms along the Trap that I kept wiggling while driving. Which was probably a good thing considering I couldnt turn my head to look out the windows.

It took a little bit longer than normal, but I did make it home. A glass of salt water, a nap, and a hot shower helped tremendously. A quick weight check showed I lost 3lbs in the process. Not the way I want to lose weight.

I normally blame Lance for inspiring my cycling obsession. I think I'll be blaming Georg and George for this one.
**********

::: Out In The Yard :::
NRA cancels convention due to city weapons ban. Isnt this a great way to lose $15 million dollars in revenues? Morons.
**********

Sheryl writes song for Lance. "Make em suffer?" Isnt that the theme for most marriages?
**********

Sandra marries Jesse James. Now are we going to see tattoos all over her?
**********

::: Background Noise :::
Ruby, Dont Take Your Love To Town by Cake

She's leaving now
Because I just heard the slamming of the door,
The way I know I heard it slam
A hundred times before...
And if I could move,
I'd get my gun
And put her in the ground...
Oh Ruby,
Dont take your love to town

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

Baker: Damn! And that is the guy we are in bed with!
Me: Ummm, I wouldnt say that too loudly around here.
-- from a conversation at work

::: Tower View :::
Pop Quiz, Hotshot
Hat Tip: Fury




**********

::: Out In The Yard :::
Bloggers pay the price for saying too much. And then there was this one time, in band camp...
**********

We're Not Afriad is online now. Who is afraid of the big bad wolf?
**********

::: Background Noise :::
Brick by Ben Folds Five

She's a brick
And I'm drowning slowly...
Off the coast
And i'm getting nowhere
She's a brick
And i'm drowning slowly...

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

Mike, dude, seriously. I dont care how good it tastes. How can you seriously eat something called a "Sloppy Woody?"
-- my comment during lunch

::: Tower View :::
Stage Four Fiasco
I think I may have taken my cycling obsession to a new low.

I was supposed to be in charge of the team today since the boss took an extra day off. So I kept updating the Tour de France website, trying to catch updates of the Team Time Trial (TTT). This type of stage is when all nine riders go from point A to point B. At least five guys have to finish and the team with the fastest time wins.

So when the Phonak team left point A, I was totally glued to the site, answering my teammates with grunts and "Sure, whatever." When T-Mobile left the start point, it was "Hm? Ok, as long as we dont burn down the house." As Lance's team, Discovery Channel, left, I had to resist the urge to bolt downstairs to the gym and watch the rest of the race.

That lasted for about 5 mins. Then it was "Ok, guys. I'll be right back" and it was a race to the gym.

That is definately the way to show leadership and initative, hm? Thank God there was a crowd downstairs doing the same thing. Ha!

It was a very exciting stage and a major nailbiter with Discovery winning the day by a mere 2 seconds. They set a race record of completing the stage at an average of 36mph. Gah, I'm happy if I can get above 14mph!

When I strolled back to the office, a few of the guys had been looking for me. Fortunately it was just so we could go to lunch. Now lets see if I can get away with that for the rest of the month.
**********

::: Out In The Yard :::
Discovery Team celebrating TTT win. And the yellow jersey is back to where it belongs. For now.
**********

::: Background Noise :::
Yes, I've got stage 4 of the TdF on. I'm sorry. Its going to be like this for most of the month.

I should get a tshirt that says "Cycling Geek" and have the arrow pointing up.

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

You know, it's dirty business doing one's duty. But just occasionally it's a real pleasure.
-- Colonel Tavington from The Patriot

::: Tower View :::
Independence Day
Its the Fourth of July so remember what this day entails.

Its not the sales, vacation time, or barbeques. It the fact that we won our freedom from an oppressive state. Even after the Revolutionary War, it took many years before the country could even be stabilized and start becoming what we are today.

Remember this when comparing our freedom to other countries around the world. Then be proud of our country.

Everyone have a safe and fun Fourth. Try not to blow your fingers off with the fireworks. Ha!
**********

::: Out In The Yard :::
Shannon Elizabeth getting a divorce. Woohoo! Boo boo kitty f_ck!
**********

Seoul Raiders coming soon. Tokyo Raiders was awesome! Too bad it will be another few years before this hits the US.
**********

Luther Vandross passes away. Another cool voice has left us.
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::: Background Noise :::
Stage 3 of the TdF is on. I'm torn between watching the show, working on the blog, playing City of Heroes, or doing what I'm supposed to be doing: office work.

Well, you can tell which one, won out for now. Heh...

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

The Tour is a two thousand mile race and people sometimes win by one minute. Or less. One minute in nearly a month of suffering isnt that much. So the people who win are the ones willing to suffer the most.
-- Lance Armstrong

::: Tower View :::
It Has Begun
The Tour de France 2005 began today with the individual time trial. This is when you ride by yourself for a certain distance going against the clock. The person with the fastest time wins the stage.

The cyclists go out in reverse order, from position 189 to 1, with one minute waiting period between each rider. Jan Ullrich, the Kaiser and one of Lance's top rivals, started out second to last. Lance was the final rider of the day and would start one minute behind him.

I can only imagine the dismay as Jan felt when Lance was actually catching up to him, then eventually passed the German. Ivan Basso, another one of Lance's rivals, had to go the thru the pain last year when the title was up for grabs.

These guys are doing 30 to 35 mph at a distance of 12 miles. I get upset when I get passed and I'm only doing 12 mph down the street.

Out of the 189 riders that started today, David Zabriskie, who started 19th, held the top position for most of the day. He would win when Lance, despite his brilliant ride, came in second place by 2 seconds. Zabriskie even set a race record for his blistering pace.

Still, it was an exciting stage to watch. Now I'm going to have to figure out how I'm going to listen to the TdF at work. Last year, OLN TV did live webcasts.

Gah, now I'm going to have to remember how to work the vcr.
**********

::: Out In The Yard :::
TdF stage One ups and downs. Ohh, alot of the rivals are already in trouble. Heh.
**********

Venus holds on to win Wimbeldon. I missed out on this one, but heard it was one heck of a match.
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::: Background Noise :::
The repeat of today's stage is playing on OLN (aka the Only Lance Network).

Kirsten Gum isnt on as much as she used to be, but I have to admit she looks better now that she isnt bleaching her hair blonde. Kirsten still doesnt know much about the sport, but at least she doesnt fit the blonde stereotype now.

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

Sean Connery: I'll take "Japan In the RS", Alex.
Alex Trebeck: No! Not "In The RS!"
Sean Connery: That isnt what your mother said last night.
-- from Saturday Night Live

::: Tower View :::
Salutations Once More
I must give hallos to Strawberry Leeny for coming by here. Yes, its been awhile, dear one, but thats what happens when you start getting a life. And yes, you should go to Japan with your lad. Just be prepared to spend the funds.

Oh, and if you cant identify the food, dont eat it.
**********

The Internet is for what?
Lately, I've been listening to a song from a musical called Avenue Q. Although it has puppets in it, this is definately not for the wee kiddies.

The music is catchy, but touches on subject matter that you wouldnt want to explain.

For example, what is the Internet for? For P()rn!

Kate: The internet is really really great
Trekkie: For p()rn
Kate: I've got a fast connection so I don't have to wait
Trekkie: For p()rn
Kate: Huh? There's always some new site
Trekkie: For p()rn!
Kate: I browse all day and night
Trekkie: For p()rn!
Kate: It's like I'm surfing at the speed of light
Trekkie: For p()rn!
Kate: Trekkie!

No wonder I like this show.
**********

::: Out In The Yard :::
Avril engages Sum 41 frontman. There's going to be alot of angst in that household.
**********

Simoni drops out of the Lampre Tour team. With Cunego out due to glandular fever, the Lampre team is in trouble. This would be like the San Antonio Spurs playing without Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobelli.
**********

Meanwhile Lance and Jan are getting ready. Is it me or is everyone anxious for this to start? It must be me..
**********

::: Background Noise :::
A Real American the theme for Hulk Hogan

I'm not going to bother with the words. Its a catchy 80's tune but not worth the effort. Heh...

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************

Unitron: I woke up this morning and looked over at my wife and thought "Damn, she's hot, I would so do her."
Li Mu Bai: I can understand the way Uni feel's. I woke up this morning and said the same thing about his wife.
-- from a City of Heroes forum

::: Tower View :::
Saying Hello
I must say hallo out to NK for joining the madness and actually reading this monstrosity. Heh.. Oh, and its actually called a "blog," kiddo. Its short for Web Log.
**********

You Oughta Know
Alanis Morissette has recently released Jagged Little Pill Acoustic for the 10 year anniversary of the original cd. Starbucks is carrying it as a promotional deal so other stores wont get it until July 27th. Since Alanis is one of the few artists I will actually pay for, this was definately a good deal.

I loved the twist she did with Ironic. If you've heard the original version, be sure to listen carefully with this new version.
**********

::: Out In The Yard :::
Nintendogs is coming out in August. This is the only reason to get a Nintendo DS. I want either the Corgi or the Golden Retriever. Heh...
**********

BBC getting for Tour night on July 2nd. Get ready to rumbleeeeeee...
**********

::: Background Noise :::
Hand In My Pocket by Alanis Morissette

What it all comes down to,
My dear friends,
Yeah yeah,
Is that everything is just
Fine, fine, fine...
Because I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is hailing a taxicab

***************************************
* Days go by
* And still I think of you
* Days when I couldnt live
* My life without you
***************************************