over an open flame

TOO MUCH FB

2012-01-25T22:19:00.002-06:00

Been posting too much on fb and am maybe going to begin posting here again sharing interesting commentary and links to health well being career politic and of Course BBQ.

Recently began hitting the weights again going on 3rd week feelin good past initial pump stage . Working outside doing a demo of akiln bldg in neeneah WI. Glad for the early winter work start. . . .

Capital One's buyout of ING Direct worries customers

2011-06-27T22:06:00.000-05:00

Capital One's buyout of ING Direct worries customers

The Campsite List ... - Page 6 - ADVrider

2011-04-21T22:08:00.000-05:00

The Campsite List ... - Page 6 - ADVrider

Facebook

2011-04-20T23:07:00.001-05:00

Facebook

‘Restrepo’ Director and a Photographer Are Killed in Libya - NYTimes.com

2011-04-20T23:07:00.000-05:00

‘Restrepo’ Director and a Photographer Are Killed in Libya - NYTimes.com

The Sports Couch - The Worlds Most Interactive Sports Site > Home > Videos > Matt Brown vs Bill Finn

2011-03-02T22:21:00.000-06:00

The Sports Couch - The Worlds Most Interactive Sports Site > Home > Videos > Matt Brown vs Bill Finn

The Sports Couch - The Worlds Most Interactive Sports Site > Home > Videos > Bryce Sternhagen vs Nick Cooper

2011-03-02T22:20:00.000-06:00

The Sports Couch - The Worlds Most Interactive Sports Site > Home > Videos > Bryce Sternhagen vs Nick Cooper

Seth's Blog: Are $300 headphones worth it?

2011-02-06T09:50:00.000-06:00

Seth's Blog: Are $300 headphones worth it?

What mortgage brokers don’t tell you: Hidden penalties abound | Analysis & Opinion |

2011-01-19T02:52:00.000-06:00

What mortgage brokers don’t tell you: Hidden penalties abound | Analysis & Opinion |

Dan's Muay Thai MMA.com UFC Videos, MMA Photos, Muay Thai Camps

2011-01-16T18:10:00.000-06:00

Dan's Muay Thai MMA.com UFC Videos, MMA Photos, Muay Thai Camps

Already tagged

2011-01-13T15:48:00.000-06:00

Already tagged

Support Live Bands: Welcome

2011-01-11T14:36:00.000-06:00

Support Live Bands: Welcome: "Support Live MusicIn this world of technology, where you can listen to music anywhere and at anytime, seeing a live performance is a dying ..."

How to Tweet Infrequently and Gain a Huge Following - CBS MoneyWatch.com

2011-01-10T16:39:00.000-06:00

How to Tweet Infrequently and Gain a Huge Following - CBS MoneyWatch.com

INSPIRATIONAL - HOW GREAT I AM

2010-12-26T12:27:00.000-06:00

Love And Rockets-Bound For Hell

2010-12-19T20:38:00.000-06:00

I/We built that. Bond falls spillway /dam Upper Michigan

2010-12-05T15:15:00.001-06:00

Fitz and the Tantrums - MoneyGrabber

2010-12-05T14:58:00.000-06:00

2010-10-23T21:04:00.001-05:00

Ennio Morricone - Ecstasy of Gold (The Good, the Bad, the Ug

2010-10-23T10:38:00.000-05:00

England - Germany MTN South Africa Commercial for World Cup 2010 (Two wo...

2010-06-27T11:07:00.000-05:00

Johnny Cash - I Am The Nation

2010-06-04T19:30:00.000-05:00

ride

2010-05-27T19:34:00.000-05:00

Not very far, Not very fast ... I rode my bike today. yay.
8mile ride first out doors this year .

Floyd Landis 'fails to find backing' for Lance Armstrong claims | Sport | The Observer

2010-05-22T21:17:00.000-05:00

Floyd Landis 'fails to find backing' for Lance Armstrong claims | Sport | The Observer

Electric Avenue - Eddy Grant (HQ Audio)

2010-05-22T18:16:00.000-05:00

Ride about 2010 pictures by hammerj71 - Photobucket

2010-05-11T10:15:00.001-05:00

here are the pics from recent road trip. wis,ark,miss,tx,fla,georgia,tenn,penn,Nyc.

Ride about 2010 pictures by hammerj71 - Photobucket

IMGP0662.AVI Dragon on Tiger 1050

2010-05-08T11:03:00.000-05:00

BLUE MOUNTAIN on MySpace Music - Free Streaming MP3s, Pictures & Music Downloads

2010-04-19T21:25:00.000-05:00

BLUE MOUNTAIN on MySpace Music - Free Streaming MP3s, Pictures & Music Downloads

Creedence Clearwater Revival: Up Around The Bend

2010-04-18T09:53:00.000-05:00

James Bond fan builds flame-throwing scooter - Telegraph

2010-04-03T08:14:00.000-05:00

James Bond fan builds flame-throwing scooter - Telegraph

YouTube - WeSupportJoe's Channel

2010-03-27T13:03:00.000-05:00

YouTube - WeSupportJoe's Channel

The Minuteman Memorial

2010-03-27T12:51:00.000-05:00

The Minuteman Memorial

S Court St to TN-115 S/US-129 S - Google Maps

2010-03-21T11:01:00.001-05:00

S Court St to TN-115 S/US-129 S - Google Maps
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Facebook | Justin Lund: WAUSAU24 IS ON THANKS TO ADAM, MATT, AND MPR.

2010-03-20T20:08:00.001-05:00

Facebook | Justin Lund: WAUSAU24 IS ON THANKS TO ADAM, MATT, AND MPR.

WAUSAU24 IS ON THANKS TO ADAM, MATT, AND MPR.
Share
Today at 7:42pm
PRESS RELEASE FOR March 20, 2010

March 20, 2010

Wausau24 will be held on July 31- August 1st, 2010 at Nine Mile Forest in Wausau Wisconsin.
Muddy Paws Racing is working directly with the Marathon County Park department to use the Nine Mile Forest trails including lodge rental and all logistical support from the county for this race weekend.
MPR is a Wisconsin event promotion group focused on “promoting dirt in the Midwest.”
Full details including registration and event schedule will be available at Wausau24.com April 2nd, 2010. Updates are currently being posted to the facebook group “Wausau24 hour MTB race”. We invite the racing community to provide us with feedback to make this a fun and professional event. The goal in 2010 is to provide an excellent racing experience to all participants, make the entry structure competitive, and have everyone heading home with a smile and marking their calendars for the event in 2011.
MPR is working with an excellent team of professionals to make this happen.
Peak Timing, owned by Greg Blasko, is a well-known and respected timing company that has the contracts for such events as the Lifetime Tri, the Birkie, and the MNMBS series. We will use “chip timing” for all participants, the best for error free and accurate results throughout the event.
Matt Block will be our course manager. Matt has worked with the Marathon County parks for years and has a great working relationship with county park management. He has set the course for the Trek Classic the past two years and again for the event to be held on Memorial weekend this year.
TST Media will host and develop our race website wausau24.com, as well as handle all online registration. There will be no additional charges for processing online registration. Discounted rates will be available for early registration as well as a free chance to win a Trek Travel trip to anywhere in the lower 48 states for each entry prior to May 20th, 2010.
Muddy Paws Racing will host the event and serve as race promoter for the Wausau24. MPR is owned by Adam Schmidt, a race promoter for over 15 years and based in Wisconsin. MPR is the promoter for the WORS Trek Classic held at Nine Mile Forest over Memorial weekend this year. MPR also hosts the WORS/MNMBS Border Battle, MNMBS Lifetime Avalanche, and MNMBS Wheelhouse Classic event.

The clock it ticking and MPR is up to the challenge. We are asking the racing community to speak up early and let us know what you want. After all, the event is here for the racers, so let’s make 2010 a great one.

Adam Schmidt
MPR

YouTube - Hitler learns 24-9 has been cancelled

2010-03-20T10:42:00.000-05:00

YouTube - Hitler learns 24-9 has been cancelled

The Hurt Study - Motorcycle Safety Information and Resources

2010-03-20T10:34:00.000-05:00

The Hurt Study - Motorcycle Safety Information and Resources

2010-03-12T20:11:00.002-06:00

My Reply email as it is no surprise they murdered a great event ."Gee No shit , Maybe Charge ten buck to attend your retirement party too.

On Fri, Mar 12, 2010 at 4:38 PM, Granny Gear wrote:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-
Davis, WV (March 12, 2010)

24 Hours of Big Bear and 9-Mile Idled for 2010
USA Cycling 24 Hours Nationals Return to Moab

Dear Granny Gear Racers, Fans, Industry Titans, and Media,

As you may have heard, I will be idling both the 24 Hours of Big Bear and the 24 Hours of 9-Mile and running The 24 Hours of Moab as our only 2010 event. I apologize that you may not have heard this from Granny Gear first. Its premature release will no doubt generate many rumors and unanswered questions and I hope to set the record straight here.

This has been a tough decision. I know how disappointed folks are going to be. For myself, I was really excited to have the USA Cyling 24-hour Nationals come home to West Virginia and I know there was a lot of excitement about this. Likewise, we had wonderful experience at 9-Mile last year and we were so looking forward to seeing the event continue and grow this year. But last year we were robbing Peter to pay Paul all year long and at the end of the year I had to borrow money to pay remaining Moab expenses. I simply can't afford to do that again. I made efforts to bridge the gap with extra sponsorships and I had some commitments in place but I didn't muster enough to move forward with confidence.

As we move ahead, I'm looking forward to having the time and energy to make this year's 24 Hours of Moab one of the best events we've ever produced. And, I will be hitting the re-set button on both 24 Hours of Big Bear and 24 Hours of 9-Mile for 2011. With the lead-time to put marketing and sponsorship programs in-place and the commitment of participants to put a renewed effort into building attendance, both of these events will be able to return and be successful.

In the meantime, for all those folks who have always dreamed of going to Moab, this is definitely the year to do it! We secured a higher field limit of 550 teams in our new ten-year permit with the BLM, and the venue can easily handle that.

The USA Cycling 24 Hour National Championships will be returning to Moab for 2010. The world-class course and spectacular venue at Moab warrants the National Champion titles earned there.

Registration for 24 Hours of Moab will officially open on Wednesday, March17th.

My recent interview with Sue George at Cycling News is an accurate account of my sentiments around this development and I invite you to read it.

Hitting the Re-set Button:
Will it work? I don't know for certain. But the potential of both Big Bear and 9-Mile merits our best efforts. And, when I say "our" best efforts I don't just mean Granny and her staff. The word-of-mouth advertising of our participants has always been the primary driver of increased participation. For Big Bear and 9-Mile to be sustainable we need to grow each race to at least 225-250 teams, or roughly 900-1,200 racers. In other words, if just twenty-five percent of the teams managed to bring one extra team, we'd be there! It seems entirely do-able. With extra lead-time and support on the grass-roots level we can make it happen.

The Big Bear and 9-Mile "Pow-wows":
To begin the conversations about how we create Big Bear and 9-Mile as the successful events we all want to see, I am inviting racers, volunteers, and other fans of these races to what I'm calling a "Pow-wow." Each Pow-wow will be on the same weekend dates that we had slated for the races. These gatherings will be a free-of-charge, public gatherings. (There may be nominal camping fees to pay for port-o-lets and/or trail use fees.) I have cleared this with owners/managers of both venues. I will send more details for each of these events to each race's participant list. Oh, and bring your kids, We're going to keep the 24 minities kids races going!
The tentative schedule looks like this:

* Ride (The course or other trails, meeting time TBA*)
* 24 Minutes kids race - Saturday, 4 pm
* Dinner (Big pot-luck? BYO dinner? Go out? Caterer?)
* Pow-wow (around a bon-fire? In a more formal setting?)
* Sleep (Camping or local lodging. Ah, sleep!)
* Breakfast (Big pot-luck? BYO breakfast? Go out? Caterer?)
* Ride some more
* Final pow-wow / Cya's

*Big Bear's general manager, Mark Schooley is planning to host a twist on the 12-hour format, as a place-holder for Granny's 24 on Saturday, June 12th. More details will be available on Big Bear Lake Campland's website. I'm open to seeing something like this happen at 9-Mile, too.

Granny Gear - FSBO:
OK, here's a scoop that did not get leaked: I am declaring my interest in passing the proverbial torch (baton?). As I mentioned in Cycling News interview, I've been race promoting for more than 28 years. My work at Granny Gear and all that my staff and I have created has brought me immeasurable satisfaction. There is nothing more gratifying than creating amazing experiences for folks!

The tremendous equity in the events, expert staff, vehicles & equipment, RealTime™ Scoring, back-office hardware & software and business systems & organization that Granny Gear has created represents a real, turn-key opportunity to hit the ground running (or cycling as the case may be) in the events business. I am willing to consider offers on an event-by-event basis or kit-and-caboodle.

I am not looking to cash-out in any major way and I will only sell to a capable party that has the proven talents and finances to make the transfer successful. PLEASE, seriously interested and qualified inquiries only! Racers, rest assured, in leiu of such a person or organization, I'm happy to keep plugging away.

A GREAT alternative at Great Glen :
Last year, the 24 Hours of Great Glen invested in their event by adding Granny's state-of-the-art RealTime™ Scoring to their event. I was so pleased to get to attend the event. Folks, 24 Hours of Great Glen is a gem! I was so impressed with their superlative event. I had no idea what a great job they have been doing and frankly they deserve major props. I highly recommend the 24 Hours of Great Glen. 24 Hours of Great Glen Registration is open at 24hoursofgreatglen.com. You will love this race.

Best wishes for an awesome 2010 race season !
We hope you can treat yourself and your teammates to a pilgrimage to the Mecca of mountain biking for the 16th Annual 24 Hours of Moab and we hope to see you at the Big Bear or 9-Mile Pow-wow as we look forward to 2011.

Happy Trails,

-Laird Knight, Race Director
& all the fine folks at:

Granny Gear Productions, Inc.
P.O. Box 189 / 24 Fourth St.
Davis, WV 26260
Phone: (304)259-5533
*************************************************************************************************
We respect the sanctity of your e-mail in-box and we make every effort to keep
our e-mail communiqués as relevant and infrequent as possible.
If you wish to be removed from our broadcast e-mail list
simply reply to this e-mail with
REMOVE FROM LIST pasted in the subject line.

©1998-2010 Granny Gear Productions, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Website problems? Contact Granny Gear's Webguy

--
"Be cautious of what you read you will probably be offended."

http://overanopenflame.blogspot.com/

If you have a hill to climb, Waiting won't make it any smaller.

Allstate Insurance Company Motorcycle Insurance Quotes, Motorcycle Discounts, Motorcycle Safety and Riding Tips

2010-03-03T18:54:00.000-06:00

Allstate Insurance Company Motorcycle Insurance Quotes, Motorcycle Discounts, Motorcycle Safety and Riding Tips

Facebook

2010-03-02T20:22:00.000-06:00

Facebook

ROCR PINUPS

2010-03-02T01:09:00.000-06:00

ROCR PINUPS

Triumph Speed Triple Review - webBikeWorld

2010-02-28T09:41:00.000-06:00

Triumph Speed Triple Review - webBikeWorld

2010-02-27T02:18:00.000-06:00

trucker

2010-02-25T03:56:00.000-06:00

trucker

Five Myths About How to Create Jobs | BNET

2010-02-23T23:47:00.000-06:00

Five Myths About How to Create Jobs | BNET

January Construction Starts Higher | Construction Industry News | Reed Construction Data

2010-02-22T19:34:00.000-06:00

January Construction Starts Higher | Construction Industry News | Reed Construction Data

Sayings and Quotes By Abraham Lincoln

2010-02-11T23:49:00.000-06:00

Sayings and Quotes By Abraham Lincoln

YouTube - 2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster

2010-02-09T18:45:00.000-06:00

YouTube - 2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster

compliments Justin Lunds face bookYouTube - Chasing Legends NEW Teaser - HD

2010-02-05T19:15:00.000-06:00

YouTube - Chasing Legends NEW Teaser - HD

Google censors 'Lolita,' but not 'bestiality' | Technically Incorrect - CNET News

2010-02-02T15:13:00.000-06:00

Google censors 'Lolita,' but not 'bestiality' | Technically Incorrect - CNET News

Facebook | Jason Griese

2010-02-01T23:29:00.000-06:00

Facebook | Jason Griese

AGC members see tough 2010 - KHL Group

2010-02-01T22:13:00.000-06:00

AGC members see tough 2010 - KHL Group

Small article from Ross Training.

2010-01-30T20:28:00.001-06:00

Training For The Fun Of It!
September 17th, 2008 | Category: Rants By Ross, Training

Do you enjoy the time you spend training? For example, you may enjoy the actual training, enjoy the challenges associated with it, or enjoy benefits derived from it. What do you enjoy about exercise? What motivates you? I’d love to hear what everyone has to say (in the comments section). I am particularly interested in hearing what those from the non-competitive crowd have to say.

TABATA
January 30, 2010

Last nightÂ first use of my gymboss timer GET ONE NOW.Â I did a little circuit because I worked all week and didn’t hit the weights .

Each excercise I did 8 sets 20 secondsÂ and 10 sec restÂ Holy Scow!!!.

Did bbell bendovers , bbell rows, lat pulls , sit rows. bbell curls, and , tri press downs . probably less than half the weight of normals reps.Â but great fast paced workout.

GF got lost her jobÂ friday . ****in Scab asses. Any one need Marketing helpÂ From Mba in business and marketingÂ she’s lookin in mid Wisconsin but can consult as well. She’s Great with Trade shows.

Lost another pound . Awesome!

Gotta place my order From BB.com this time . Be Great!

Jan 23 2010

2010-01-23T23:50:00.002-06:00

Ok Not training for MTB racing this year but have some good fitness goals and financial goals for this year after last year was a wash and plagued with injury and work slow downs.

I'm on FB and My space and Felinefetish.com/not but here is where I 'am able to spew my propaganda. or idle ramblings.

Today had great workout 20 minutes on tread mill high intensity it ramps elevation to 10 for 5 mins then drops then speed gains for 5 mins . then I did 4 sets 20 reps alternating lunges alternating with an incline sit up rotating with a 25 lb weight plate 4 sets of 20 of those and then 5 round 5 minutes on the heavy bag total was 1hour 10 mins Great sweat and all around cardio.

My immediate goals for fitness as I turned 39 years old this month and had a very near serious accident this year at work is to lose all excess fat I mean chiseled
I figure thats around 10-20lbs , half or more of this weight will turn into muscle as the year goes on. I want flexibility and great core strength., as well as overall increased strength.

I tentatively have 2 long weekend bike rides planned on the triumph. One to Dallas and one to the Florida Keys,and if things go really well a week long to Los Angeles while GF flies out .

I am not certain but it looks like work will be relatively steady this year which will help. Many things must happen the first half of the year for the second half to be Great as well as entering into the rest of my life.

I might do a couple shorter bike races for the heck out it or maybe charity rides. but I'm also entertaining the thought of Trying fly fishing and that's a nice saturday spent there too. but it's on the Triumph and a picnic and some fresh fish followed by a nice ride home . doesn't sound too bad does it?

In addition to all that I've got something in the works that will really be a boost for my morale . Wish me big time luck on it . All for today.

Nice weekend

2009-11-01T18:03:00.003-06:00

Nice Halloween 5lbs candy left over ,if only I could hide it for a year.
Stayed in last night watched Ghost hunters and Columbus crew Mls game online,they lost.
Put the slick on the bike and on trainer for 30 mins easy ride,Gosh I regret not having done more races ,but I know at the time it was good for me. Also got in a nice mellow 1.5 hours strength time . now eat some post packergamewings and fondle the guitar for a few hours . Back to work tomorrow ,hopefully a ringer this week . I need it.

All for now BE Well...

The demons ....

2009-10-30T15:37:00.012-05:00

Why does this happen? No really why??
When I pulled out of my second race this spring with not agonizing but painful to be of concern tendon ankle pain . I was angry frustrated sad almost to the point of tears. But I was able to say ,Hey you're a 38 year old Ironworker who needs to be concerned about his ability to perform a very physical job that at times walking on steel beams at respectable heights . And messing up a tendon in my ankle was not going to help anything especially when the only thing on the line is a respectable middle of the pack placing in a mountain bike race. Yeah I did a lot of mind fucking on myself to deal with it. And so all summer long I thought about the racing and tendon and all that stuff and earlier i hit the bike and although it seemed fine while riding the ankle was in a 7-8 in pain which told me to let it be and heal.
Add to that very slow work i probably worked as mus as I was laid off this year but I did better then some. I got some good Triumph rides in and the year was not a total loss. I am working now maybe for another couple weeks. I had a real close call at work which could have left me dead,disfigured, mentally incapacitated(keep the joke to a minimum),but for what ever reason was able to grab the beam and hold on and thankfully I did not pass out and Thad and BVG were near by to get me backup on the Iron. If any one thing from the tie off to the bundle of decking was off 1/4 or maybe less it would've been different.

Sooo last week I found myself cruising the Siren Bike website which I really like the style of bike and would love to steb up my bike quality but if I am not racing a full season I cannot justify the new bike but i still like to look. Then I started looking at the the sites of the riders I admire riders who have jobs and are able to ride at the the highest level in the endurance races, Mr .Strout,Mr.Unwin,Mr.Marenchin,as well as others like Justin Lund, also hitting the WEMSsite and realized how much I missed the racing

Now I sit here debating,deciding,plotting,configuring?,where do I want to be On October 30th,2010? Well I'll tell you , as it stands right now I want to be out of debt,working steady , in a new home, in a stable relationship,and will have been able to Triumph trip to Texas in the spring for 1-2 week trip,with meetin L.A. and ride back , and to have raced through the season maybe not evry race or even with series points in mind but enough that I kept at it and enjoyed it and maybe if Granny Gear get's their Sht together I'll compete in the 24 nine. But the way that went down last year was a shame. If they think they lost $ last year what about the continued loss of the years to come. Maybe the Good folks involved with WEMS could create a 24/9 alternative???? I know there is a lot too it. and people not as worried about money would help too. OK OK OK .back to me again. In addition to learning that Damned guitar to the point of having 10 song's Iknow as well as a comprehension to facilitate a little improv on it. If not I'll sell that and the 8500 trek for a new pc and play video games 'til I retire at 75.

So thanks for allowing me to vent. As I sit right now I will plan a coordinated,hopefully well executed plan in which in addition to a new strength and conditioning program in which i can include a program of base building ,which the lack there of I believe was the culprit of my ankle situation. Hopefully things will get clearer as time goes.

Have a Great Halloween.

Be Well.

and Oh yeah,
did you see this?

This is what lucky looks like

2009-09-27T08:49:00.006-05:00

Friday while placing steel roof deck on a 3 story office bldg , my safety retractable became detached causing my retractable (approx 1.5 feet diameter and 35 lbs) to drop 10-15 feet and engaging which pulled my harness and me towards the ground/floor below approx 23 feet , automatically before I realized it even my hands grabbed on to the deck sheet to my left and the beam to my right and my left foot caught bottom flange of beam , ,left hand was cut on sheet and couldn't pull my self up yelled for Brother Ironworkers to pull me up . Foreman Bob Van Grinsven pulled me up with Thadaeus Payne. and Bob took me to hospital.. Yest this is called lucky. 72 stitches.

Be safe

BE WELL

Tough Guy

2009-08-31T22:24:00.006-05:00

I for got the name of the Movie I will look it up later. / Orson Welles sitting right.

SD Bike trip

2009-08-23T14:40:00.024-05:00

minute man missile
the dash pics are the ride out there, the time is without the engine off time left at 7pm tues from appleton,wi arrived deadwood SD noon .

Wet on way out big storm at 4 am in Sioux falls and the wind really took its toll , but all was good.
Bartender at no# 10 saloon gave me good route with great breakfast and scenic gravel road with stream then the proper way to get to Mt Rushmore so I saw it through the tunnels. great curvy road but I had to keep slowing down for some harley guys from Iowa. Buffalo were cool . had to be stopped right in the middle of a herd ,felt very vunerable. 2 of them were fighting and right at the end of the video I think the one hit the suv with his head. Wounded knee was a good reflective spot I did not see the "museum" but did be outside the cemetary . The sunset was pretty awesome and the glow behind me was beautiful. It was then that I decided to head home. straight through minus a couple stops at rest areas catching an hour of sleep here and there. Traffic was great until Oshkosh where they all drive like morons glad I don't have a gun.

When looking at the pics scroll backwards for timeline.

BE WELL

Look twice for Motorcycles.

RIP Mittens

2009-07-31T23:43:00.002-05:00

Tonight we had to put down Mittens the cat as she had been exhibiting odd behavior like glazed over eyes and spinning in circles slight balance problems, and tonight she was really out of it and spinning anxiously and almost in an aggitated trancelike state. Essentially she had suffered a stroke of some sort and we decided to put her to rest , 2nd close pet in 2 years for Kelly, who had her for 10 years.

Be Well...

Standing Rocks first

2009-07-29T19:59:00.002-05:00

First time up to standing rocks trail and wish I would have gotten there early in the day . Great trails I need to head up there fri or sat and just ride , It would definitely improve my single track skills.

My hat off to you Point Pursuit Great job on the trails.

I only did 10 miles due to infrequent training ,and fear of over doing it. The ankle felt good . Bike was creaking a bit I hope it was just the seat . might be my excuse to order a Siren Song Orange and brown. This and next spring will not allow it . We got a big plate front of us and I gotta cook a meal that will fill me beyond my needs.
Yum .

Be Well

Alberto who?

Both parties offend joe the plumber

2009-07-25T13:27:00.002-05:00

Link to Reuters here

Just cleaning and probably gonna head to 24/9 to get in a couple cheers for local favorites and see if it'll motivate me to train for it next year . I'm actually pretty pissed about both my ankle which is not healing despite very light use, it's been fine on the rides but hurts like a mo fo the next week. Been trying to strengthen it like I've done with my shoulders and elbows but it isn't making the difference. I do not want to pay for MRI and with all the hack doctors not doing quality work I truly fear being cut open just to cycle. Ten years ago and better game plan you bet I would've. We'll see.

Be Well.

2009-07-24T18:15:00.002-05:00

I better do my push ups.

28

Created by OnePlusYou - Free Dating Site

After results like this a guy kinda wants to test it out.

Did this from Travis and Kate's blog Link to the right of this post.

HAVE a Great weekend.

Best of luck at 24/9 evryone, hope the weather is good. might come up at midnight to wat for a bit. Sneek in the back way so I don't have to pay. Maybe I volunteer at the gate and hand out free passes. Down with the Tyranists.

Bin Laden's son "probably killed" by U.S. strike

2009-07-23T15:46:00.002-05:00

Bin Laden's son "probably killed" by U.S. strike

Are we getting closer? How 'bout this We put wires all over the cities we think he is with sensors on them , we install them at 6 foot 3 inches because he is 6 4 and when the sensor goes off we instantly blow the piss out of the area. This will also prevent the locals from tampering with the wires and people will instantly vacate the area.

Just a thought.

Be Well...

The Face and Voice Of News, Walter Cronkite

2009-07-17T19:40:00.001-05:00

Dead at 92

paper route??

2009-07-14T15:57:00.003-05:00

What can I do to boost the income for this?PCTSIBERIA

AND ITS ORANGE!!!!!!!!!!!

salmon

2009-07-12T13:59:00.007-05:00

Neighbor brought me some salmon from Lake Michigan, I gotta get more wood to smoke it.

Not much else , getting back on the weights and changed a few things to hopefully help me with my overall health both for cycling,work and old age.

BE WELL

On the Horse again...AND BERLIN WALL

2009-07-10T17:55:00.005-05:00

Finally after 6 weeks of no riding I got on the bike today , original intentions of 80 miles but when I got out 15-20 miles I said "not today man" I ended up with 56 miles and avg speed of 15 with my avg HR at 152 which my Zone 4 Starts at 153 so I am happy I kept it up there. For those really concerned this was on my mtn bike w/26" wheels and Kenda nevegals. I didn't want to swap to the slicks yet. This ride let me know that I haven't fell that much from my level of mediocrity. Which helps me to not write off the rest of the year ,Yet another hurdle I've cleared.

Also I was able to secure work for next week yay, we'll see how many hours.

I looked and saw lance was 3rd place so I gotta try to find out what happened. next week will suck not being able to watch the stages.

All for now

Be Well

Good luck at the race's.

Check out this animated video of Berlin wall I got from Deutcshe Welle German TV is pretty cool and for the youngin's it's a nice bit of history

Finally

2009-07-09T21:50:00.002-05:00

Finally got good workout in . only a 30 minute circuit of weights to ease into it then 30 mins of heavy bag 5 on 3 off 5 on 3 off. Feels great to get it going . Gotta hit the road tomorrow ansd get a good ride in . Work is so f'ed up right now hang tight next week we got somethin, getting that from several contractors we' ll see. . Gonna make a few more calls tomorrow and see what's where.
Might head down to Mil town an get on some bridges. It ain't easy but someones gotta do it.

Hope all is well with you.

Be Well.

Demons

2009-07-07T11:42:00.002-05:00

"Fixin' to do somthin' dumber than hell . But I'm gonna do it anyways."

MAYBE...

MAYBE NOT.
In my off week here I got the notion to go up and do the Levi 100. Even though my riding has been minimal. But after talking to the miss's and like some sort of brain muscle link that cause that tendon to just start throbbing each time I thought of the race. I decided against it . Instead I'm gonna get a few road miles then go riding at standing rocks or N.Kettles . It looks like the job in houghton is a go so might take the bike for some after work fun, they've got some great trails around the Tech school up there.
I haven't totally written off the racing for the year but let's say this years events aren't lending themselves to a positive attitude. .
Well we'll see ,

GO LANCE!

GO LANCE Stage 4 Team time trial

2009-07-07T10:45:00.000-05:00

Pos.	No.	Name	Nat.	Team	Time	Gap
1	033	CANCELLARA, Fabian	SUI	SAX	10:38:07	00:00:00Yellow
2	022	ARMSTRONG, Lance	USA	AST	10:38:07	00:00:00hundredths or tenths of a sec
3	021	CONTADOR, Alberto	ESP	AST	10:38:26	00:00:19
4	023	KLÖDEN, Andréas	GER	AST	10:38:30	00:00:23
5	024	LEIPHEIMER, Levi	USA	AST	10:38:38	00:00:31
6	058	WIGGINS, Bradley	GBR	GRM	10:38:45	00:00:38
7	029	ZUBELDIA, Haimar	ESP	AST	10:38:58	00:00:51
8	076	MARTIN, Tony	GER	THR	10:38:59	00:00:52
9	059	ZABRISKIE, David	USA	GRM	10:39:13	00:01:06
10	056	MILLAR, David	GBR	GRM	10:39:14	00:01:07
11	026	PAULINHO, Sergio	POR	AST	10:39:23	00:01:16
12	051	VANDE VELDE, Christian	USA	GRM	10:39:23	00:01:16
13	034	LARSSON, Gustav	SWE	SAX	10:39:29	00:01:22
14	077	MONFORT, Maxime	BEL	THR	10:39:36	00:01:29
15	093	KREUZIGER, Roman	CZE	LIQ	10:39:38	00:01:31
16	079	ROGERS, Michael	AUS	THR	10:39:39	00:01:32
17	074	HINCAPIE, George	USA	THR	10:39:43	00:01:36
18	027	POPOVYCH, Yaroslav	UKR	AST	10:39:43	00:01:36
19	095	NIBALI, Vincenzo	ITA	LIQ	10:39:43	00:01:36
20	031	SCHLECK, Andy	LUX	SAX	10:39:48	00:01:41
21	054	HESJEDAL, Ryder	CAN	GRM	10:39:53	00:01:46
22	039	VOIGT, Jens	GER	SA

2009-07-06T10:55:00.000-05:00

Jack Daniels how it's made. eat it up yum

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfsQEVDxuFI

2009-07-05T10:20:00.001-05:00

2009-07-03T15:22:00.001-05:00

Wake UP

2009-06-26T14:44:00.001-05:00

Take a moment

2009-06-25T19:03:00.003-05:00

Ed and Farah,

and some pop star that messed up little kids lives.

Friendo

2009-06-25T10:47:00.002-05:00

2009-06-24T21:19:00.002-05:00

Yup ,

Off again. for a few days anyway. Any side jobs out there?

Watching a Documentary on Turner classic Movies about Stanley Kubrick , Wow. I never knew all the good /Great movies he did and the way he went about it is cool. .

Be Well
Stay cool.

New Job

2009-06-19T17:16:00.001-05:00

Have a good weekend.

The Worst Job Ever - Watch more Funny Videos

4th of July and our Independence

2009-06-14T12:27:00.004-05:00

Got off the phone with my uncle telling of this book I'm reading in hopes of enlightening my basic view of our country and why it is the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave. I'm a few hundred pages in and am recommending to all who are literate (means can read with basic comprehension skills.) And you can order it through amazon .com by clicking on the link to your right. hehhehe.

Be well and have a Great Summer.

Description

In this gripping chronicle of America's struggle for independence, award-winning historian John Ferling transports readers to the grim realities of that war, capturing an eight-year conflict filled with heroism, suffering, cowardice, betrayal, and fierce dedication. As Ferling demonstrates, it was a war that America came much closer to losing than is now usually remembered. General George Washington put it best when he said that the American victory was "little short of a standing miracle."
Almost a Miracle offers an illuminating portrait of America's triumph, offering vivid descriptions of all the major engagements, from the first shots fired on Lexington Green to the surrender of General Cornwallis at Yorktown, revealing how these battles often hinged on intangibles such as leadership under fire, heroism, good fortune, blunders, tenacity, and surprise. The author paints sharp-eyed portraits of the key figures in the war, including General Washington and other American officers and civilian leaders. Some do not always measure up to their iconic reputations, including Washington himself. Others, such as the quirky, acerbic Charles Lee, are seen in a much better light than usual. The book also examines the many faceless men who soldiered, often for years on end, braving untold dangers and enduring abounding miseries. The author explains why they served and sacrificed, and sees them as the forgotten heroes who won American independence. Ferling's narrative is also filled with compassion for the men who comprised the British army and who, like their American counterparts, struggled and died at an astonishing rate in this harsh war. Nor does Ferling ignore the naval war, describing dangerous patrols and grand and dazzling naval actions.
Finally, Almost a Miracle takes readers inside the legislative chambers and plush offices of diplomats to reveal countless decisions that altered the course of this war. The story that unfolds is at times a tale of folly, at times one of appalling misinformation and confusion, and now and then one of insightful and dauntless statesmanship.

Reviews

"Ferling's narrative purpose dominates the structure of the book, but he artfully manages to do more than merely retell the events of the war."--Wayne Lee, The Journal of Southern History

"Arguably the best, and certainly one of the most stimulating, single-volume histories of the American Revolution.Exhaustively researched and clearly written..."--Publishers Weekly Starred Review

"Comprehensive and engaging...Grand stuff and sweeping themes...Ferling is particularly strong in recreating the relentless misery of the war in Georgia and the Carolinas, an essential theater that is overlooked in many popular recountings."--Washington Post Book World

"In his richly detailed battle-by-battle account of the war, Ferling succeeds where other military histories fail by providing helpful background for those who don't know their flanks from their feints. He also brings the military leaders to life, exploring their backgrounds, their dispositions, their willingness to take risks."--Christian Science Monitor

"Monographs on the military history of the American Revolution are beyond count, but Ferling (emer., Univ. of West Georgia) has put together new and old materials in a compelling way...Upon finishing the book, readers will understand how true the title is. George Washington's flaws, the intricacies of congressional relations with the army and navy, the tactics of guerilla warfare, and the horrors of the battlefield--all are presented in a readable and academically sound manner. The vignette and brushstroke fit together flawlessly. General readers and specialists alike will applaud this work. Highly recommended."--CHOICE

"Rich, detailed, and sound."--The Weekly Standard

"John Ferling is a national resource, and Almost a Miracle is a splendid combination of subject with a superb historian writing at the peak of his powers. Ferling's brilliant book makes an important contribution to the scholarship of the Revolution while telling a gripping story that every American must know."--Michael Beschloss, author of Presidential Courage: Brave Leaders and How They Changed America, 1789-1989

"Highly recommended. This very thoughtful book is informed by many years of teaching on the subject. It judgments are balanced, mature, and enlightening."--David Hackett Fischer, author of Washington's Crossing

"In Almost a Miracle , John Ferling offers a highly readable, fast-paced account of the military struggle of the War for Independence. He examines the campaigns and takes an unflinching look at the commanders on both sides to determine what led to Britain's surprising defeat and Americas seemingly miraculous victory. His study will remind readers of the importance of the southern campaigns in the American victory--and of the delight of a great narrative in the hands of a fine writer."--Caroline Cox, as the author of A Proper Sense of Honor: Service and Sacrifice in George Washington's Army

"No event in our nation's history is more important than the Revolution, and no historian has grasped this epic drama better than John Ferling. This fast paced narrative, anchored in exhaustive research reminds us that the American victory was never certain. A fragile, fractious coalition of thirteen weak states could easily have succumbed to Britain's might had it not been for the persistent courage and determination of the soldiers and sailors who fought in the patriot cause. Ferling is right our triumph was 'almost a miracle.'"-- William Fowler, Northeastern University and former Director of the Massachusetts Historical Society

"Revolutions come in two overlapping but distinct parts--a political upheaval and a clash of arms. John Ferling's sparkling treatment of the military components of the American Revolution provides an ideal companion piece to his earlier volume on its political dimensions."-- Lieutenant General (Ret.) Dave R. Palmer, author of George Washington and Benedict Arnold: A Tale of Two Patriots

"Offering a much-different spin on the American Revolution than in the usual flag-waving narratives, John Ferling persuasively presents an often-outgeneraled George Washington who, despite an undependable army and a bankrupt Congress, was unexpectedly fortunate in his alliesthe revengeful French, mishandled Loyalists, irreversible British attrition, and the broad Atlantic."--Stanley Weintraub, author of Iron Tears: Americas Struggle for Freedom, Britains Quagmire

Product Details

704 pages; 41 halftones, 20 maps; 6-1/8 x 9-1/4; ISBN13: 978-0-19-518121-0ISBN10: 0-19-518121-2

About the Author(s)

John Ferling brings to this book nearly forty years of experience as a historian of early America. He is the author of nine books and numerous articles on the American Revolution and early American wars, and has appeared in four television documentaries devoted to the Revolution and the War of Independence. His book A Leap in the Dark won the Fraunces Tavern Book Award as the year's best book on the American Revolution. He and his wife live in metropolitan Atlanta.

john muir

2009-06-14T11:09:00.011-05:00

Glad I came down rainy ride down but the ride back was fun twisty dry roads. Eat em up yum...

Sucks to go to a race and not race tho.

Some pics on the wems forum site.

Bike Show

2009-06-08T11:22:00.016-05:00

Rain day today , not much else, went to Fox valley Motorcycle show yesterday registered the tiger , figured 20$ donation to Shriner's and get to talk about my bike , 4 other european bikes 3Triumphs and a 90's BMW , all sharp bikes. it's cool to listen to these guys talk about the history of them. Mostly Harleys otherwise, a few asian bikes.I'm glad I did it it's part of my crossing the spectator/participant line goal process. You enjoy it more when your in the mix.

The green got my vote, orange my bike,reds Totally rebuilt by B and R Cycles of Oshkosh,the silver, is 82 for sale 5500$ sounds great. The Orange chopper thing is a Suziki, Thats right a Suzuki. And you can't forget Bobby Evans and the alimony blues band , Inductees into wisconsin music hall of fame. Bobby Evil and Craig Panosh on drums

Also if your in the market for 2005 Triumph rocket III ,10,900$ 23000miles 2300cc touring bike let meknow . He also does Class 2 Gunsmithing, and other things you can discuss with him."Not on the phone man"

Otherwise doing some mental regrouping as I motivate towards hitting the weights and easing back into training so I will do more races this year. I put a lot of priority on the mtb this year and realize that there are many other things I should also focus on to meet my health happines goals. so I must rethink things, especially with the impending travel for work.

2009-06-07T01:26:00.002-05:00

Wasted weekend, not much , no bike riding to make sure I don't hurt ankle, might go to DR if it is no good in few weeks, part says push it til it breaks but I really can't justify that in my amateurish endeavors. Made BBQ brisket,ribs, over 6 hours today and learned a few things on guitar theory yay. slowly but surely. Looks like Houghton,MI is a go for July . should be able to money up a little,and practice guitar a bit. And maybe IOWA for windmills later but everyones waiting on lower interest stimulus money. Nice job buddy, the promise of more stimulus money is actually slowing the economy because jobs are on hold for lower loans, some are being pushed back a year. DUH...

Be Well.

2009-06-01T21:51:00.002-05:00

nothing to report weekend was good cake was spectacular.

Ankle's been acting up , read a thing about some tendon tunnel issue on inside of ankles, gointo watch it and no cycling for a week as I think my power rides re irritated it. Am going to Muir to Help Kenny and to finally meet this guy who invited me to his team only to have me injure out , hopefully work keeps me close and well fed so I may race in the latter season. Not real happy right now. Kind of a " Well old man get on your bike and do it before you're too old to hey you old man you're to old to do this. " I know this is not the case but possibly I did not have enough base miles loggeded, or at least hard base miles.

Changed brakes on Tiger it only takes 10 mins, but I expected pads to be very dire were just a hare thinner then the new ones. . Maybe I don't ride the Moto hard enough?

Be Well

Cake day

2009-05-31T10:15:00.004-05:00

What would you pay for this cake? Non edibles include figures and spires/turetts?

Kell made this for my niece's 3rd bday

Other than that nothing big this weekend , maybe ride today sun, Got up at 1am to drive mom to airport back at 6 am. then nap . I need an extra day each weekend.

2009-05-30T03:32:00.000-05:00

John Cassavetes

me on beam

2009-05-30T03:13:00.001-05:00

somedays what you do is just cool. and look at the clouds man.

2009-05-28T22:58:00.001-05:00

Link to webcam of job I'm on

we're building beams to the left of sign. not the best

Man pushes would-be suicide off bridge

2009-05-27T20:29:00.000-05:00

This is too good.

Man pushes would-be suicide off bridge

couple Kettle pics12 start

2009-05-26T19:50:00.010-05:00

FRI PM planning for 4 am wake up.

Northern kettles 12 hour solo start. video bit fuzzy but oh well contact me i'll email you pic if you want..

I was just thinking and thought I'd throw this out there. I want to thank all of my good sponsors for helping me this year Crank Brothers for the great candy pedals,
and KENDA TIRES for the Tires and water bottles as well as Sun Ringle,Wheelsmith spokes,
Manitou shocks, Hayes Brakes,WEMS,and BEN"S CYCLES OF MILWAUKEE, And the Great team I ride for TEAM CYCLOPATH who has been in support of many RACERS this year , they also have been in support of Autism reasear ch and fund raising to help find a solution .
Please support those who support US.

Went for ride tonight after work , glad I did after much procrastination but I beat those demons back. Good ride forced the pulling of the ankle a bit to see how she did and So far so good , I need many good rides like this to be able to at least maintain the rides/races , I am where I am right now and with many possible deviations from the intended path this year looming ever nearer I feel good right now and have concerns about the journey I chose for this summer but not worries yet. and this is good.

Gotta get some guitar Pray no rain need a ringer. well 32 at least.

2009-05-23T21:41:00.002-05:00

YUP , Glad I stopped . After 4 hour nap it is hurting pretty good. 3 weeks until next race I hope that is time enough to heal .

race non report

2009-05-23T15:48:00.001-05:00

Just a heads up ,

Pulled out of race after 4 laps due to increasing pain in interior of my ankle. Something got pulled at stump farm and I thought it had healed but after 2nd lap it was back and got worse, which really was disappointing because I was running a bit faster than normal and feeling really good with energy and pace. But after I got home and it is throbbing I am glad I stopped when I did. We saw rain on the way home I wonder if it rained at the course.

This is the first time I've quit a race and I gotta say it is quite unsettling the battles that go on in your head. I hope it is not serious and It heals for John Muir.

Be well

I'm taking a nap.

2009-05-22T18:41:00.004-05:00

Work is done
weekend comes
Big race tomorrow
Pray no rain.

Bruce Lee Quote

2009-05-21T19:17:00.001-05:00

Bruce Lee Quote

“Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless - like water. Now you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup, you put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle, you put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend.”

2009-05-21T18:36:00.001-05:00

I call this "Jason in Beam" tight squeeze , He didn't catch my knees but I'm kneeling in the beam which in the end will get 4000 lbs more of rebar before finished.blah blah blah

2009-05-21T00:06:00.000-05:00

Bomb plot Vigilance

2009-05-20T20:35:00.002-05:00

Back to work today black Iron rebar , dirty filthy good stuff. Rumors of building wind mill bases in IOWA are abound , as the owner tries to recruit commitments. Not hyped on travel but gotta make the money, it would pretty much eliminate racing for the rest of the year which I hoped this would be the year to have fun with it. The money I would make in travel pay and overtime would pay a lot of bills fo sho. We'll see. right now one day as it comes.

Not feeling best for this race sat but will go at it like usual , it's a bike ride it's a bike ride for 12 hours. It has a lot of singletrack probably 80-90 % which I suck at , I figure to be in the back third, my placing last time was shear luck as a few of the riders had ample time to do another lap and chose not too. I can bet on several of them lapping me. We'll see gonna try shorter breaks and feeds , just hope it's not pushin 90 like it was today.

Be well, Say a prayer for our Troops.

Thank GOD

2009-05-20T20:28:00.003-05:00

Thank God there is some sense with these guys and they didn't just sign away our lives.

Senate Denies Obama Funds to Close Guant�namo

By DAVID M. HERSZENHORN

The 90-to-6 vote intensifies pressure on the president to lay out a more detailed road map for closing the prison

2009-05-19T17:39:00.002-05:00

Scheduled job pushed back , so using plan b going to new contractor for wed . all for now something just came up.

Lay off Pay off

2009-05-18T19:38:00.002-05:00

We finished the 172 over the river today at noon home with 8 3-4 weeks ahead of schedule . Hopefully just a day off before College av Bridge goes , hope fully because it is behing and getting tight on the schedule there will be some overtime , 9 hours in the rod patch is a mother but it'll pay some bills. Make Hay while the sun is shinin' .

was gonn do a ride but the wind today was kickin my but so I plan to do a longer ride tomorrow,hungover as I am cashin in my coins for some Jack Daniels fun tonight. After weights,and guitar,. I gotta make sure I stay fit as that endo I did sat could have really messed me up. I had noticed some air loss in front tire so will be switching tires and Using the CAFFELATEX product recomended on SoloGoats Blog. We shall see.

All for now, runnin behind...

Be Well!

MY KEYS!!!MY TRAIL PASS!!!!

2009-05-16T18:55:00.004-05:00

Nice ride got in a couple hours , not what I wanted I kept procrastinating , I figured there'd be a diner in Green bush for lunch but no luck so drove around until I found Wierlwind bar and grill on HWY 67 Great burgers and fries, and lifetime on the tele ,you can't beat that. trails were great , great job to the builders and designers. The rocks will surely take their toll on me.

Drove home stopped at the grocery for food and noticed my Crank bros tool lying in the bed of the truck "why" I realize that my saddle bag is wide open " Before I even looked I knew what that red thing was that flew out of my truck in new holstein or elkart lake or... MY TRAIL PASS Firmly secured to one of 3 ignition/door keys to my vehicle, So whomever retrieves this has my address and keys to my truck and now thanks to this post a picture of the truck. I pray one of two good things happen , a saint gets it and mails it to me , or a car tire hits it and rips the pass from the key. Yup that just sucks.

Be well

N.Kettles

2009-05-16T08:39:00.002-05:00

Headed out to the Kettles ' my info says Greenbush trails I don't believe I've ever ridden there.

I did my first 12 hour at the new fane on 06 and this I believe will off more difficult conditions , Good and bad for me. Finally shed a few pounds this week after the race , went from 209ish to 201 the last 2 days which is good for me and it tells me my body is still recovering also.
I need to be sure I don't lose too much as far as muscle goes. My diet has always been haphazard and now I feel an urgency to control what goes in the hole under my nose. I wonder if there's a quiznos along the drive I could really go for one of their double meat peppered steak subs .

Gotta get goin here

Be Well