Thoughts On DNC
28 August 2008 - 20:08.
I just watched Obama's speech at the Democratic National Convention. A few things come immediately to mind...
- CBC's coverage was woeful. As in, some of the worst coverage I've seen them do in years. Their man on the scene got to speak for about 30 seconds, and said nothing meaningful. The in-studio analyst was about as effective as a neutered dog. I expect more from CBC.
- I can see why Obama got the nod. He's arguably one of the most articulate politicians I've heard in a long time; when he moves his mouth, there's something more than just platitudes coming out.
- I wonder if all the big words he uses will alienate people.
I don't know enough about him yet to be able to judge whether or not he'd make a good president. My real question though is whether or not the American people are going to be willing to accept a black president.
What I'd do Different
26 August 2008 - 09:21.
A week later, and I'm still sore in some places. No doubt the Iron Butt ride was tough. Many have asked me why I did it... all I can say is 'because it's there'. Why do people climb mountains? Or go free diving in the ocean?
I have no plans to do this to myself again any time soon. In a few years maybe, but not any time soon. That said, if I ever do an IBA ride again, there are a few things I would do differently, that I think would guarantee my success.
(This posting is really little more than search engine fodder for those thinking of doing an Iron Butt ride. Regular readers, or those who don't care, should feel free to ignore this post.)
But wait! There's more!
IBA Round Up - Part Deux
19 August 2008 - 10:22.
As I mentioned, the Iron Butt ride I did was a bit of a long haul. And if you're following along at home, the ride back from my turnaround was an utter mess. For myself, I'll probably start laughing about it all in a few weeks, but not yet. Feel free to start laughing at the folly of it all at your own convenience.
Also, be warned... this will be a long one. You might want to go grab yourself a coffee before you start reading.....
But wait! There's more!
IBA Round Up - Part I
18 August 2008 - 11:19.
Now that I'm somewhat awake, I can tell you all a bit more about this stupidity I've just perpetrated upon myself, my bike, and the states of Washington, Idaho, and Montana. And despite the fact that the whole process too place in under 44 hours (5 am Saturday till 1 am Monday) there's a surprising amount to tell. There will be other entries in the next couple days about my Iron Butt ride, but this one will cover just the outbound leg. The return home was such a gong show that it's really worthy of its own entry.
But wait! There's more!
Done... Sort Of
18 August 2008 - 01:12.
I'm home from my Iron Butt Association qualifying ride. I was aiming to do both of the 1000 and 1500 miles rides (in 24 and 36 hours respectively) but only got the 1000 done. Oh well, that'll still get me in.
And now since I've been awake for 57 of the last 67 hours, I'm going to bed. Updates and details to come very soon.
Spares
13 August 2008 - 21:23.
Guys (or girls, if you're mechanically inclined)... When you take something apart, then put it back together, what is considered to be an acceptable number of spare parts at the end of the re-assembly? And does the nature of said spare parts mitigate things?
In my case. the number is 2. That is, after I took the fairing and gas tank off my motorbike, then put them both back on, I find myself left with 2 extra screws. Considering it took over an hour to get the fairing back on, I'm not about to rip it all off again so I can find where the empty holes are.
But in your mind, what is an acceptable number? Or do you regularly find yourself with extra bits after doing some home repair?
Remember I Said...
12 August 2008 - 00:28.
... a few days ago that I was turning into a sports junkie? Because of the Olympics?
You didn't believe me, did you? You thought I was exaggerating, didn't you? I was just watching FUCKING SYNCHRONIZED DIVING!!!11!
I'm pretty sure I need an intervention.
Iron Butt Ride
11 August 2008 - 13:30.
Finally got the details nailed down. A total of 1525 miles. The route is planned, and the hotel is booked for the night. The motorbike is in the shop getting a final tune up and some maintenance, and I'll pick it up Wednesday, then go or a ride to Hope and back to test it out.
I've wanted to do this for a long time. Tried it once before and missed it by 4 hours. Even nearly got hit by a log falling off a truck (as I was coming down interstate 84 near The Dalles on the Columbia Gorge, no less).
View Map
Poor VANOC
08 August 2008 - 16:37.
I feel really bad for VANOC, our Olympic organizing committee. After watching the opening ceremonies of the Beijing games, they have one hell of an act to follow.
If you missed the opening ceremonies, see if you can find it on the torrent streams or YouTube or something. To call it spectacular would be to do them a disservice. The word 'epic' actually comes to mind.
Grrr Again
06 August 2008 - 17:12.
Ever have one of those days where you feel like punching a nun would seem fulfilling? Today is one of those days for me.
The worst part (which is also perpetuating the problem) is that I have no idea why it's so. I've eaten, I slept reasonably well last night, and I have no uncommon stresses in my life right now. And yet I feel like I could happily punt a puppy.