Ivan Basso Investigated

Greetings Readers

This is that time of the month that we have to say farewell and start another new month tomorrow. The month of May. Four months have passed in the year 2007.

Readers, I lost two bets this weekend. Both of my co-workers "scored" off me this weekend. The "Gay Guys" lost the Amazing Race and the NY Rangers (NHL - Playoffs) lost on Friday night. I guess this was just not my weekend to win any bets.

So, next Sunday is the Finale of the Amazing Race. Down to three teams. Depending on who picks who to win there may not be a bet. If we both agree that the winner is the same team to be picked then the bet will not be valid. It would not be fair to pick another team, just for the sakes of picking a winner on the final episode. I am thinking it will be between the Beauty Queens and Eric & Danielle. Charla & Mindra - I really do not think that they have a chance. I am only going by this because if it comes down to a foot race Charla has no chance in hell (because of her size).

Well, today's picture is of Ivan Basso. I am not sure when the news broke, but I know that I found out about this last week. Ivan Basso has left "Team Discovery" amidst a re-opening of the drug scandal that has plagued some of the Tour de France riders from last year. Again readers, I am not sure of the facts, but I heard that Ivan Basso was to be the team captain at the Tour de France this year, but now since this has happened I do not have a clue who will be leading this team. If Levi is with Team Discovery I think he is the most logical choice. Granted, I have no clue who is on Team Discovery, since I could care less about Team Discovery

Ivan is somebody I respect in the cycling world and I have started following him for the past two or three years. I do not know what to make of this new news, but I will wait for whatever happens later.

You know readers, with Sheryl and that"one tissue" idea has gotten a lot bigger news, or perhaps it was big news, when I found out about it, but it was all over the news this weekend. Dang, Sheryl is going to have to ride this one out until some other news come to light about something else so Sheryl can get off the "topics to discuss" band Wagon.

And I think I am just about done with the M&M topic I mentioned last week. Probably nothing, but something I had an interest, or felt compelled to write down and comment about. Sort of defending my view, but also telling you, the world, get over it. I have my "quarks" as well as you do. I will however tell you readers that I have more "quarks" than you so, get over it. Thhhhppppptttt!!! As Bill the cat would say

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The "One Tissue" Idea

Greetings Readers

The one tissue rule?! Or Three tissues if you need to use for more than one tissue? What the fuck is that kind of thinking?! This idea was communicated to everyone that we should do our part to help Global Warming or something about Nature. Sorry readers, yesterday was the first day that I heard this news. Gosh darn. If this were to come true we would be in trouble - for there are people that do not wash their hands after using the restroom/bathroom.

And believe me readers there are a lot of those people who do not wash their hands after using the restroom. And what is even worse there are the people that do wash their hands, but still grab the handle/knob of the restroom without using a paper towel or tissue paper. That basically neglects the hand washing that you just did. Yuck! Sorry readers, but I am a true believer in using paper towels on getting out of the restroom. If none is available I will use my foot somehow or wait for someone to come into the restroom. Paranoid? There are some germs and not to mention "other" germs that I do not want even to think about. It is like Money - Money is literally dirty. Though that is getting off the "one issue" idea.

Getting back to the "one tissue" statement. You would never guess who said this little "helpful" advice to the world. Come on. Sheryl Crow. Yes readers, she is the woman that graces my blog of this day. Of all people, I believe in what she may be trying to state, but that is way over the top. She has everything going for her and people were behind her since she announce her cancer last year to the world. However, with this news she has lost a lot of people on this "one tissue" idea. Let me go to her website (www.sherylcrow.com) and see if I can find this statement...

I have spent the better part of this tour trying to come up with easy ways for us all to become a part of the solution to global warming. Although my ideas are in the earliest stages of development, they are, in my mind, worth investigating. One of my favorites is in the area of conserving trees which we heavily rely on for oxygen. I propose a limitation be put on how many sqares of toilet paper can be used in any one sitting. Now, I don't want to rob any law-abiding American of his or her God-given rights, but I think we are an industrious enough people that we can make it work with only one square per restroom visit, except, of course, on those pesky occasions where 2 to 3 could be required. When presenting this idea to my younger brother, who's judgement I trust implicitly, he proposed taking it one step further. I believe his quote was, "how bout just washing the one square out."

Now, I am bias since I watched MSNBC, FOX News & CNN last night and so I saw all the comments afterwards. I agree with all what was said by the comments that were made against her "one tissue" idea. Sheryl needs to look at herself and see all the damage to the environment she is doing with her travelling trucks (vehicles), concert things. Readers, I am not in opposition to Sheryl Crow nor am I for her.

I am not sure if she was directing this to women specifically. Or perhaps this idea was not related to "taking a dump" But there is no way that I am going to ever and try to use "one tissue". Unless I am sitting on "the throne" and need to dab myself dry. Shit. Too funny!

Oops! Unless there is a tissue or two left on the almost empty toilet roll and I have no more in the house. I would most likely try and use that one tissue rule. More than likely, I am jumping into the shower and get myself "clean" that way. Sure readers, go ahead and laugh, but you better think about this sort of example that I just came up with. Yes, shit washes off your hands, but whatcha gonna do - splash water on your ass from the sink? Walk from "the throne" to the sink with your pants/shorts around your ankles? Of course if you are Paris or Britney then not a problem. Sorry readers I could not resist.

Okay readers enough of that subject. Shit. Literally something that I did not want to think about while writing this blog, but the subject matter and who said this was just too much for me to ignore. I wish Sheryl - "good luck" on the "one tissue" idea. Even though an updated statement by her says...

And by the way guys, the toilet paper thing...it was a JOKE!!

The Damage was done - Sheryl. I am behind you, but now instead of seeing a gorgeous woman - I can only see the "one tissue" idea when I look at her. This "one tissue" idea overshadows her time with Lance, her announcement with Cancer, her time with Kid Rock, and her time "down on the Santa Monica Freeway" (Or however that popular song goes)

Yesterday was Denver's first 80 degree day and today was the second 80 degree day for the new year.

I almost forgot I chose the "Beauty Queens" to get eliminated and my co-worker chose the "Gay Guys" to get eliminated. On another bet, I chose the NY Rangers to win a game, but lost on Friday. Damn, now I am down a water.

until the next time readers

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Another Sunny Saturday in April

Greetings Readers

I had to check in with the email and thought to do a quick blog. Pretty sunny out this morning and what a day to be out in Denver, Colorado. I can not believe that April is almost over and we are beginning the month of May in a few days.

Not to mention that my official start to the biking, my season, will begin in three weeks. I can no believe that it is right around the corner.

Until the next time readers

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

100th Blog Post - A Milestone

Greetings readers.

Let me start off with an article that I have found from the www.rockymountainnews.com website regarding the "Soldier Statute" that I had mentioned in my blog the day before. I guess this news was a bit old since I see that the print date was 04/07/07.

Let the hero tribute stand
Critics of statue miss the point
STORY TOOLS

April 7, 2007
By any definition, Petty Officer Danny Dietz of Littleton is a hero. The Navy SEAL, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2005, was awarded the Navy Cross - which ranks second only to the Medal of Honor.

He has certainly earned a prominent and lasting memorial to acknowledge his service, a memorial the Littleton City Council authorized last year.

The council will place a life-size bronze statue of Dietz at the edge of Berry Park, which will be dedicated on July 4, exactly two years after his body was recovered. And since the private fund- raising drive for the memorial has exceeded expectations, surpassing its $30,000 goal by more than $12,000, there may be enough money to also place a flagpole and a separate plaque on the site.

Even so, a smattering of parents have objected to the statue's location, which is within a few blocks of three schools and two playgrounds. Their complaint?

The statue is based on a photo of Danny Dietz that shows him in full field gear, rifle in hand. The protesting parents say that a sculpture depicting firearms should not be publicly displayed in areas where kids play.

Some have said a "peace memorial" should be erected instead. Others composed a letter that they've sent to community organizations and residents, urging them to ask the city to reconsider the location of the memorial. "In light of our community's experience with the Columbine tragedy," the letter reads, "and the clear message of non-violence that we teach in Littleton schools, what is our city thinking?"

It's thinking a lot more clearly than the protesters, that's for sure.

For one thing, trying to conflate the horror of Columbine with the courage of Danny Dietz is insulting. The Columbine killers cowardly mowed down unarmed and innocent classmates and a teacher.

By contrast, Dietz was wounded behind enemy lines during a special operations mission that was intended to apprehend a Taliban leader. When he and his three fellow SEALs were trapped by Taliban forces, Dietz and another wounded comrade stayed behind and provided enough cover fire to let another team member - the mission's sole survivor - elude capture.

Reasonable people might disagree about the artistic standard of the statue. But that's not at issue. And Dietz's family affirmed Friday that they remain very happy with the design.
Nor did the council approve this proposal in secret. It was authorized during the normal public process, and a model was displayed at a council meeting.

Danny's widow Patsy Dietz framed the dispute just right when she urged parents "to teach their children the difference between two thugs who murder their classmates and a soldier who died fighting for their freedom."

The distinction is so obvious it's hard to believe a debate is taking place. Littleton is right to stand by its decision.

As you can read, the organizers did everything that was required. And can you believe that they raised over $ 12,000 more than they needed for the statue. I think that shows some people care about this. Granted, I do not know how much the Columbine Memorial is costing, but if these people can raise the funds like this - for one person. Then the Columbine Memorial committee should be able to raise the funds for the people that died at Columbine. I know that the Columbine People do not want to people to "never forgot" but sheesz. If they can not raise the funds then something is not right.

Perhaps, I can weight on this. I am tired of Columbine. Sure it was unique thing to happen at the time, but I was not emotional about it. I could care less about the endless vigils, the endless "I saved myself from being killed", the endless "I knew them", the endless "Tonight the killers speak beyond the grave", the endless commentaries, etc. These people also have gotten Colorado Motor Vehicles Division to issue a special license plate with "Remember Columbine" plate or something to that effect.

Now, as I mentioned in the previous blog. It is about - "Oh we need more money to finish the Memorial". "Oh we are still healing" "Oh we want all the documents to be released regarding the Columbine incident" In my opinion, they should have left the white crosses that were erected somewhere over there and left them in the ground until the official "Memorial" is built. I do not know, but again that is my opinion. Also, I am making my opinion on little facts I know about this Memorial. Sorry readers, I am not interested in going into this item, since I could care less.

Sure this was a tragic event, but all in all the Columbine event was an isolated local event. This event has no bearing on the world outside the community of Columbine. All the students should have been local and there were no out of state travellers, or basically people beyond the doors of Columbine. As such as the 9-11 event, The VA tech incident, Oklahoma Bombing, Katrina, all these events involved people who were beyond the doors of where the event happened.

I might be reaching, but a person from Seattle would not come to Colorado to see the Columbine Memorial. I am sure that he/she saw the news on tv and read about it, but that's it. Yes, it happened to kids, but the it was kids that did the event. Not a terrorist, not mother nature, not a radical, just kids who not with the "in crowd". If that Seattle person were perhaps near the Columbine area when visiting our state then he/she might go and see for him/herself. All in all, in my opinion, the Columbine event really is not an event that is a must see in person thing.

I have run out of time readers, so I am going to have to close this blog out. As you can see I am starting to get involved about this item, now of interest.

until the next readers.

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Number 99

Greetings readers

I am not sure if you care or not about "99". I do not think that I care, but it is sort of an amazing thing. 99 is the number of blogs have been posted to this blog. I guess this is the last of the double digit blogs for me on this particular blog. I hope that I have kept you readers entertained and informed perhaps on some level.

Of course, you may be thinking this guy had 99 fucked up things to say and there is no end in sight. Which I have to agree - I do not see an ending, so far. I am not hear for you to pass judgement on me, I am here on blogging since I have come to be comfortable about blogging. As you can see in the beginning I did not know how to start, but then in the last five months I started to get into a rhythm. A good thing.

Which brings me to my next topic, I think, LaMont and M & M's.

La Mont had something yesterday and really provoked me thinking about what was talked about last night between. I am not sure what to call this or even how to start. But I think this "issue" is something I am going to write about. The working title that I have been throwing around since yesterday evening is "What is up with his Damn M & M's". It is not an isolated case, but something that is probably unique. However, on a lower level than me LaMont is still guilty of the same thing with me and my M & M's.

Anyway, this is a topic that I am going to write about - and soon. It is funny, but also not. You could bring up so many things about me, or you readers. I have not stop thinking about this so I am going to write about this as soon as I organize some thoughts.

Oh news from yesterday, Rosie announced she is leaving the View, Adam Baldwin rant is still in the news, Brittney and Lindsay both out of rehab, Richard Gere in trouble with India, and in closing I have no news to report on the VA Shootings. Can you believe that?! I have been able to avoid the news regarding that. I do care, but in this current year somehow news reporting and gotten to an high time about who can report first, more and the breaking news to us viewers. At least this event, in my opinion, will overshadow the Columbine incident. Woo Hoo. At least we, meaning Colorado, will not have the "braggers" about we are known for the worse tragedy in education history.

Let me tell you readers out of state from Colorado. People come out of the woodwork. Saying this, saying that, remember-never forget, give us money, he/she was a hero, etc. I will be looking forward to next year when the focus will really be off Columbine and onto VA Tech. Of course, we are going to hear something to the effect - It was a real tragedy about VA, but don't forget Columbine. P.S. give us more money for the memorial that has not been built yet.

I will tell you readers right now. No one really cares anymore, except the community. If someone really did care, then the Columbine Memorial would have been completed already. I think I saw a picture, an overhead picture of the sight, and it is a picture of dirt here and there. Basically, all that has been done is Landscaping. Get the fuck out of here! Hah hah. If they are really complaining about that - start a volunteer program to get the landscaping done. This could be irrelevant since I really do not know nor care. Save the Memorial money for the actual Memorial.

Although, the community near Columbine did get in a uproar last week or was it two weeks ago about a statue of a fallen soldier from Iraq. It was a statue of a Soldier holding a machine gun with his Gulf war uniform on. Long story short, from what I remember from the news, is the community, some or few (who knows) do not want a "machine gun statue" so near the Columbine site. In my opinion, they are upset that there is a statue/Memorial and the Columbine Memorial has not even been started. Who knows readers. Perhaps I might do some research on this so I can get the facts on this case. I think I have something that is now starting to get interesting to me.

From The Blogs: Group Protests Statue for Soldier Killed in Action
Hero's Statue: Should It be Built?

by DavidM
A group of parents in Littleton has expressed concern about a statue that is going to be built in honor of Danny Dietz.
He was a Navy SEAL who died in Afghanistan while saving the lives of his other team members, the U.S. military said. He received the Navy Cross for his actions.
The parents group says the statue depicts Dietz clutching an automatic rifle. It will be built in Berry Park, which is within a few blocks of three schools and two playgrounds. The group says the statue glorifies violence.
Dietz' family members say they are upset about the uproar. So are the people who raised $42,000 for the statue.What do you think? Should it be built? Should its design and/or location be changed?

You see readers, sometimes I do not want to write about something, but as the words start flowing I start to see a path or two that I want to run down and see where they end up.

time for me to bring this blog to a close

until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Wednesday's Thoughts

Greetings Readers

I guess I forgot to tell you readers that the Amazing Race bet was a draw between me and my co-worker, since there was a non-elimination round. I could not believe it. However, the past couple of episodes have "dragged" one way too lone. I do not think that most of us readers really care for one team in general that are left. Anyway, this past Sunday I chose "the Beauty Queens" and my co-worker chose the girl/boy team. Anyway, we should have been done with the amazing race now, but no. There were basically two non-eliminations rounds - one after another.

I turned in three of my bikes for the annual "free" lifetime check up yesterday. I had scheduled the appointment for four bikes, but decided to do three. And I guess I am good to go on the rest since they really do not need a tune-up. The bikes that I turned in were 2 from three years ago and the oldest bike I have from the late nineties, I think. I had made the appointment three weeks ago and of course of all days it had to rain and snow on the day that I had to take my bikes in for my scheduled appointment. Urgh!

Readers, you know that I love watching the Deadliest Season on the Discovery Channel, but I think they have finally succumbed to blatant “false”preview commercialism. As I informed you readers last week on the next week’s episode a man goes overboard. Well, so there I was watching the new episode and I had already knew the outcome and situation regarding last night’s episode so I was sort of not interested, so to speak. But I was watching and waiting for the man overboard scene/segment. 15 minutes go by, nothing. 30 minutes-nothing. But again, the “promise” of the man overboard. Well, with less than five minutes left in the program – finally the man overboard. However, what I had saw on another show basically covered what was shown on the Discovery Channel. Not one surprise.

Anyway, I felt “jipped”. I knew better to expect this event in the middle of the show. They had done this at the beginning of the third season. The big hoopla was the sinking of a ship and rescue. Again-the whole show went by and then the last five minutes of the event were shown. Then, they had the audacity to cut it off and show it next week. Which they did for a full 15 minutes and included more of the events from the first episode into the second episode. We viewers got ripped off. Seeing the second episode of the third season with the first 15 minutes devoted to what we viewers saw in the first episode was a rip off. There are other things in the show that we viewers want to know. If Discovery wanted the recap – they have should have kept it to five minutes or so. Since the show is about 43 minutes long without the commercial and they had used up 15 minutes to the rescue show in the first episode. Do the math and you see how much we could have seen on other events/ships.

I hate to say this readers, from here on out if you want to know the “big” deal on the following week’s episode watch the last 10 to 5 minutes of the show. You will not miss a thing. Beside interaction of the crew, and other problem that take 30 minutes to show on TV. Will I do that? No. I am a faithful watcher, but my loyalty with Discovery Channel is no longer there.

until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The Family Truckster

Greetings Readers

I want to talk about the family vehicle. Or as in the case that I can probably relate to is the "Family Truckster" as in National Lampoon's Vacation.

I think that there is a vehicle that we all remember from our youth that we took the family vacation in. I guess why I want to blog about this is that I was watching the Wonder Years and Jack was trying to keep his car, the family car, and the rest of the family wanted him to sell the car so they could get a new one.

Watching the episode last night I started to think about our "Family Truckster". Our family still has this vehicle and technically it is mine, but my brother had used the vehicle last and sort of ran her into the non-working state. So last week, I saw her. A 78 Chevrolet Blazer with the colors blue and white. Although, the blue has faded over the years and the white is now no so white and there is rust eating around the wheel wells. The rust is from the all the salt that is used during the winter months in Colorado. She is missing a Gas cap, the tires are all flat, but otherwise she is still with us. Her Odometer has been "rolled" twice and currently on, was, her third leg. This was the vehicle that I grew up in, the vehicle that our family used on our long family vacation and this was the vehicle that I used during High School.

The back windows of the Blazer is tinted. Oh, she is a full size Blazer. None of this "'Jimmy" or compact size Blazer. I used her for my first date ever. I remember the girl that I took out from High School like it was yesterday. I also remember sleeping in the back of the Blazer at home. This idea was the idea of me and my brother. I do not know the reason why nor was there a reason, but it was something neat to sleep in the back of the Blazer at home. It was not always the Blazer. Sometimes it was the other family vehicle - the Phoenix Pontiac.

I think I can remember all the times that I had with that Blazer and every time that I go and see my parents I can see that Blazer at the Ranch sitting almost next to my Chevrolet Camero. Kinda of a sight to see. Both cars are Classics (over 20 years old) and both are American Made Vehicles.

The Blazer was used during in the winter at the ranch to pull us kids in back on a sled all over the New Mexico Continental Divide. I remember the times of sleeping in the Blazer in the middle of Texas while going to and from New Mexico. I remember that one time I got the Blazer high centered and I had to go and get my dad to help me dig her out. I remember we using her, with a red trailer (yes that is also parked next to the Blazer) to go and cut and haul wood from the Rocky Mountains. I remember taking her on dates. I remember taking my friends out in High School. I remember the Blazer parked out from of the House while the other cars got the car garage. I remember her using regular gas, which now we had to convert to Unleaded 10 years or so ago. She still has her original Colorado plates on her when she got to Colorado. I think the Texas plates are somewhere also.

I do have a lot of memories and I somehow was reminded of them while watching the Wonder Years last night. Kevin had started to remember his times in the family car when the tow truck was starting to haul her away. It was sad, so to speak, but I am glad that our family still has our "Family Truckster" and guess what readers next year she turns 30 years old. Not running, but still with us, like the family member she is us other family member.

I am not sure that most of you readers can say that, but I am happy to share this tidbit of information and I hope that perhaps you may have similar feelings/memories about a your "family truckster" Although, perhaps to others a family car would not have the same effect.

Oh yes readers! I have photos of this vehicle and I think I will find some later this week. I want to share this Blazer, because I am proud of her and technically she is the next oldest thing that I own from my parents. The first thing I have is the family Toaster. Yes! The toaster is older than me and still works. There was a TV, but she died about 6 years ago.

Readers, readers, readers. It was raining like cats and dogs this morning and I was soaked to the bone after 1/2 mile of riding. By the time I got into work I was drenched and I was wet all the way to the core. I am so glad that I put my work clothes into a plastic bag otherwise my clothes would have been soaked. Anyway, after about an hour the rain changed to snow and I wish that it could have done that earlier and perhaps I would have been less wet. Who knows. By the way, I also got a flat, but amazingly enough I did not get mad. I sort of shook my head in disbelief and then smiled away to no one. Being soaked was the deal breaker and with the flat it could not get any worse.

Lamont may say that was Karma, but I would wholeheartedly disagree.

Update 8:39 PM

Gosh darn, trying to find a worthy picture of the 78 Blazer, blue and white, on the internet is sort of hard. There were some other models and design, but I did not want to use them since our "Family Truckster" is really one of a kind. I would also hate to give you readers and different view of the 1978 Blazer that we have at the Ranch.

until the next time readers

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

I'm like a Blond, whatever

Greetings Readers

The Starland, Starfest Convention was this past weekend at the DTC Marriott, but with my getting a new bike I just could not really go. The entry was $ 37.00 for Sunday, which is the day that I wanted to go. And it would not stop there, I would visit the booths and there are the Action figures which are missing from my collection that I would have to buy. So, the cost would have gotten higher. I have gone the past two years and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I even saw some of the famous people that show up. This year would have been good since Leonard Nimoy was here in Denver, aka Mr Spock. I know he was a character in a show/movie but there is no character like him.

"The needs of the many outweight the needs of the few or the one"

I finally got caught up on the Riches from last Monday. Yes, that was the day I was out on Vacation in New Mexico. Anyway, the repeats were not until the weekend so that is why I am now telling you readers about it. This episode was good, but more of a filler, I think, for tonight's episode. Something big happened which leads them back to the "family" they left.

Planet Earth on Discovery wrapped up the 10th &11th Episode(Final) of the series this Sunday. What a good series. Granted, they used some film pieces over and over, but overall the series was fantastic. I enjoyed the "Caves" last night and was pretty impressed. There were so many shots that were powerful, if you will, images for me. Whether they were visually stunning, such as the great white leaping out of the water or an emotional scene, such as the Panda bear taking care of her baby panda and her devotion to her baby.

Sort of a nice weekend. Yesterday was Sunny.

Well, I guess I am out of time, perhaps I might blog later on.

Update 6:18 PM

This logo is another event that I have done over the years. I thought to check on this since I usually include this short event in my biking schedule. The website address is www.goosechase.org and the event is really close to where I live and so I like doing this event. Last year was the first year that I did not win a gift/prize at the event. Oh well. This year, depending on the weather of course, I will be taking out Rebecca. The day of the event is Saturday June 16, 2007

until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

22nd Santa Fe Century

Greetings Readers

I really do not have anything to say. Sort of a nice day today, a bit windy 10-20 miles per hour wind. I am checking some mail before I go out to decide what to do. I also found something that I usually start my biking season each year.

This event in New Mexico is usually held the week before Memorial Weekend which I usually try and concide my vacation with the holiday. This is also the week that our family does the family branding of the Cattle. I do like the logo and thought that it deserved to be posted on my blog. The website address is www.santafecentury.com in case any of you readers would like to know. Not a fancy website so you do not have to worry about flash or pull downs or anything like that. Just point and click to what you need.

I saw the event's Jersey, but nothing to write home about. $ 69.00 and I am not sure that it is worth the cost. But who knows. The Santa Fe Century will be held on May 20, 2007 this year. I have not committed to the event, but I think that I will compete this year. I also have my new bike so I would like to bring that down to New Mexico to try out.

until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

From SouthPark to the Bering Sea

Greetings People

I was doing a bit of internet surfing last night and I happen to find myself thinking about Cartman. I often portray him as the person we all know he is, but occasionally he will do something that makes you go hmm. But wait. Even though we may be stunned, for a moment anyway, we realized that he did it for the benefit for him.

Such as the case with this picture I found last night on the Comedy central website.

Sure perhaps most of you readers know this episode - "Smugness" This is toward the end of the show and Cartman had just rescued the Brofloski's (Kyle, Ike & their parents) from San Francisco with the help of Butters. So, after the Chaos happened and people are wondering, even the Brofloski's are wondering how they got back to SouthPark on a bus. The scene switches to the above picture and I see Cartman putting his finger to his lips indicating that Butters needs to keep quiet. Cartman was non-chalant, no emotion, but being secretive. Cartman wants everyone else think that a Guardian Angel was watching over them. When I first saw the episode I was laughing because this is so unlike Cartman. In a normal world, Cartman would be bragging and trying to get the credit for anything good, or bad in someone Else's view. But he held his tongue and I was shocked. Cartman surprised me. And Butters, so far, has kept his mouth shut. Even thinking about it now somehow Cartman did something could bring a lump to someone's throat thinking about the "deed" he did.

In a strange way, either I would have done something similar or perhaps Cartman was mimicing something I have done and I could relate to Cartman not being "an Ass" for a moment.

But. Oh yes. Cartman did not do the deed out of goodness of his heart. He did it because he missed his friend, Kyle, and knew somehow deep in himself he could not live without Kyle. So, in the last minute or so of the show, after the "ssshhhh" to Butters Kyle says something then Cartman talks back to Kyle and then Kyle gets pissed off and curses at Cartman and then storms off. Cartman is left and say something to the effect "Ah back to normal" or something like that. Cartman knew that he needed Kyle in order to make his life content by making Kyle mad at him. Cartman's deed of saving the Brofloski's was to benefit him and not them.

Anyway, I thought I had to blog on this picture. Yes, it still does have an effect on me and I still think it is funny. Readers, I want to point out that I am not exactly like Cartman, but I often see some of me in him or him in me. I get "bent" about some things that I should not, I am thinking about myself at most times, and so forth. But seeing Cartman for the past three years I have started to relate some thing in my life to what Cartman has done, whether before or after I see him doing something that makes you shake your head in disbelief.

Chick Fil A - On Wednesday evening, I stopped by my local Chick Fil A and decided to get some Sweet Tea. Even though it was a bit busy and my man was working the Drive through window he went out of the way to get my Sweet Tea for me. I did not even notice him getting my Sweet Tea since I knew he was busy with orders at the window. Someone else did help me at the register, but I was more than surprised that he got my gallon of Sweet Tea for me. Once more I had a nice evening after that thinking about how I can go to a place and someone knows what I want without asking for what I want.

I got caught up on the fourth episode of Season Three - The Deadliest Catch from Tuesday. Not much really happened. Some secrets were not kept, retaliation was made. A couple of jokes. But, the previews for next week's episode shows a man going overboard.

Which brings me to this - Last night, flipping through the channels (remember no TV guide for this week), I was watching one of the news shows on Cable and I happened upon Zig and Edgar from the Northwestern Crab Boat being interviewed by someone I did not know. The Northwestern ship is my favorite on the show and I was very happy to see them. They talked about the show and then the man going overboard. The show I watched showed who and what happened so I already know what happened after. Even though the clip was short, I was still in awe of the guy that went overboard and felt emotional for the guy. Then when the Captain, Sorry readers I am not going to give the ship's name, Captain or the overboard guy away, came running to see the man they just rescue from the ocean it was a pretty emotional scene. Hugging, cursing, nervous laughing, everything okay but close to death conversation, I could help thinking about how close this guy was to death and obviously being film right there as opposed to being after it happened. I guess I feel this way, because I have invested my time with the Deadliest Catch and they are just not a name, but a person with me.

Alright readers, sort of a unusual blog to end a week with, but somehow I felt compelled to blog about these items.

Hope you readers have a nice weekend.

until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The Past - The Wonder Years

Greetings Readers

I was watching TV last night and as I flipping through the channels I saw an old TV show.

Readers, with me being out on vacation the past week I was not here for Sunday, hence I was unable to get the Sunday paper with the TV guide.

So, I have to resort to channel surfing or using the compact TV guide on channel 99. I saw an old TV show from high school that I used to watch. The Wonder Years. I think that many of you older readers might remember the show. I loved the show. And not just because of Olivia D'Abo. Although, I enjoyed every minute of it when she was on the episode.

So, last night's episode was about the Kevin and his family taking the family summer vacation. This was also probably the last vacation that the entire family was going to take together since Karen was off to college the following year.

Kevin's Dad, Jack, wanted for everyone to have fun, but he was having a hard time since Wayne and Karen were complaining left and right. Also, the cost of the vacation was something that he noticed. So, this and that through the episode until the end - which brings me to why I have to blog about this.

Kevin had just saw the last of his "Summer vacation" romance leave for home and then Kevin turned around on the beach and he saw his entire Family walking together on the beach. The family had bonded at this moment. I can not say if family "bickering" or what have you is common among families, but yes I do argue about this and that, I point out this and that, but in the end there is that moment that we, as a family, are "together" for a moment.

Do I have scene like that? Hmmm. I am not sure, but I think that the closest thing that I can probably relate to is me waking up on the couch at my parent's house. The sounds of early morning and the coming of a new day and just being on the couch is sort of a family thing I would relate to being together. And it is not confined to the couch, but also to the area where we have our ranch. I am not saying that it is a safe feeling, but something that I would relate to being content. Kevin was also happy that his family is together, which is probably another reason why I enjoyed the scene. I am not saying that my family is in danger of spliting up, but knowing that the family can be together is a nice, comforting feeling.

The Wonder Years. What a good show that I enjoyed when going to school. Some of the show, that I can remember, were very good. I loved the simplicity of the themes when the show aired. I also liked Kevin's interest - Winnie Cooper. Most guys would say that they knew someone like Winnie. I would say that I did also, but I would not compare Kevin's exploits against mine. There were some moments that I could relate to a T.

I never had a friend like Kevin's best friend - What was his name - Paul? I guess that means I will have to watch the show in the time slot that I ran into last night.

Yes readers, I watched the entire hour that was devoted to the wonder years. There was nothing on the I wanted to see so I just watch the episodes and tried to remember what I saw years and years ago. I think that the episodes were on the channel called "Ion". I think, that I might have to make this a regular thing for me. I am also going to check the stores to see if any of the seasons have been released on DVD. I would not mind paying $ 20 to $40 for a season's worth of episodes.

The narrator is Daniel Stern, which I never knew until years later after the show had ended. I could care less about him as an actor. He is funny, but not in a comic way that I find funny. However, his narration is far from his acting and I felt what Kevin was probably thinking when Daniel was narrating. That was Daniel's best work ever, as far as I can deduce. Without the Narration I probably would have never watched the show.

Okay readers, I guess that was enough of the Wonder Years.

SouthPark: Once more - different. Good, but not a great episode last night. The theme was about "the Homeless". Yet, I thought it was funny when Cartman and his jump(ing) over the homeless. And how everyone thought Kyle cared about this event. That Cartman.

The previous week was sort of messed up. I liked the episode. Sort of a play by play of the movie "300" (Technically, the slow motion action sequences that 300 employed). Anyway, I had to laugh at myself because I missed a joke. In the episode there is this bar "Les Beaus" I think that was the name. With me familiar with the French Language I was thinking about the masculine/feminine word associated to the word. I was thinking of the pronunciation of Les - which sounds like the English word "Lay" and I was assuming "Les" was the "Les" in front of the Beaus. But no! Throw out the French you readers may or may not know and put those words together and say as one word Lesbeaus. I am not going to type the slang word, but I think you readers know the word that is there. Hence, that is why I had to laugh at myself not getting it. All the signs were there, but I missed this simple play on words. Hah hah.

My time is up and I guess I better get going.

until the next time readers.

Daryl Charley

The Fallen Athlete

Lay's Regular Potato Chips

Greetings People

Some things need to be mentioned and other things do not. I am not sure where to begin. But, you know readers I am going to talk about...

I am not sure that this might be the time to talk about it...

Well, time is short this lunch hour so I guess I have some time to thing of something else to write about.

Lay's Potato Chips - Yes, this is the best second best potato chip that I love. I am not sure if they are still using that phrase "so good that you can not just eat one" Anyway, I can not just eat one. I literally could eat an entire large bag of Lay's Regular Chips in one setting. Okay - useless info about me. But a woman's info on me in order to win my heart. =) Have this favorite food of mine in your abode and for sure you will score points in my book.

until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

From Isolation to the World once more

Greetings People

Not much to say, but I am going to say that I am back once more and there seems to have been alot that has transpired in the past 6 days. I am not sure that I am going to blog about the VA tech incident. Kind of speaks for itself.

Anyway, I have to grab some sleep since I have been on the go since yesterday morning.

Until the next time readers

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

And the Snow has Begun

Greetings People

There is a lot I want to comment on the Imus issue, yet I do not have the time to currently. I should be able to write on my time off and perhaps I may have a clear train of thought. I was watching MSNBC basically all evening and I was sort of intrigued by the different shows. I have an opinion and yes I am still free of what I am hearing now so I am not going to build upon my comments from what I have heard new. That would not be fair to you nor to myself.

This morning I had to take Light Rail into work and I saw my Orange Snowman. She was laughing the moment she saw me. Readers, I sent her a picture of Rebecca yesterday and she just laughed and laughed. I was laughing because she was laughing. Anyway, we really did not talk about anything at all. Told her I going to take a couple days off and she had mentioned that they are doing the expense module testing now and next week.

Well, readers I got to go and I wish the best to you all in case I do not communicate with any of you.

My team to lose on the Amazing Race - the Beauty Queens. My friend chose... I forgot.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The First Ride

Greetings People

Sorry Readers - I forgot to post yesterday....

Note: I am taking some time off and I do not think I will post, but that will depend on how I feel. I guess we will see.

Greetings People

Well, this morning me and Rebecca went out for our first ride this morning. Wow. She can ride like the wind blows. Or how Daryl likes to ride most days - no mercy. We took the long way into work this morning so I know that we both would be safe from the road.

I slept like a baby last night. I watched the "Deadliest Season" then the next thing you know it is 6:00 AM. I made it through the day yesterday, but towards the end of the afternoon I was starting to get tired.

There is sort of a lot going on in the world and I do not want to mention in my blog, but somehow I want to remember this later down the road. Sorry readers.

The first thing I want to tell you readers, in case that you have not heard. We now know the father of the Late Anna Nicole Smith. I guess this was announced yesterday.

The next thing that I want to mention that has grabbed my attention was "Imus" and the very short comment he made about some woman's basketball team. No need for me to quote, please go search the internet and you will find out or you can turn on the tv and see what is what. Of course, you have everybody and their grandmother's having an opinion on this.

Me? I am not sure. Yes, I do agree it was not the thing to utter. Was it wrong? Yes. Bad? No, in my opinion. Remember my opinion readers. In this day and age, well let us say present day-now. We have people saying this sort of thing everyday. Perhaps not at work, but elsewhere. What was said was not as bad as the "N" word that was used by Michael Richards recently. Again, in my opinion. The "N" word is as sacred as the "F" word in my view. A word that should not be uttered anywhere where one could offend another. Not included friends/family of course.

I do not agree or disagree with the suspension of Imus for two weeks. I could care less. What I do care about is Jesse Jackson and a little bit of Al Sharpton. Jeeze Louise readers - one thing that these two get up all over is a fuck up over "something" and then all of a sudden Jesse is calling for someone's head. I hate to say this, but pure bullshit. I heard Jesse on MSNBC Wednesday morning/Tuesday night talking about how Imus needs to be fired, MSNBC needs to hire a Black host. and then blah this, blah that. Jesse brings up all the other "white" hosts on MSNBC.

Anyway, there is really no point

until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The Approaching Cold Front

Greetings People

I had a long night or morning, depending on your point of view. I can not explain why I was up. Not a bit tired, but I have yet to truly get to the afternoon and that will be the test, the true test, or how lack of sleep will affect me.

There was a spectacular lightening show about midnight last night. At first I thought that it was the flashes from my T.V. Then, the sound of thunder was rolling across the night. I went out on the patio and watched for a few minutes the lightening in the eastern skies.

The Riches was a good episode once more. There was a couple of twists that caught me off guard, which was good. The other plot lines were very good and were again believable within the confounds of the show's storyline. Next week's episode looked good and a bit more dramatic. Sorry readers if I am being vague. I am being vague so I will not spoil some parts of the show. There are parts which I like and will share when I feel I need to.

By the way readers, I think I incorrectly listed the bike I was getting. This picture is the right picture, for now. Sorry I have not developed the pictures I just took of my new bike.

until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Happy Belated Easter

Greetings People

Most things change, but some things do not change.

This weekend was pretty much a stay-inside period since snow and some rain fell all weekend.

I woke up Easter morning to the sight of lightly falling snow with an occasional breeze. I was actually looking forward to going out to get the Sunday Paper. Meaning I was ready to do some biking in the snow. The snow flakes were big and fluffy. I got out on my mountain bike and proceeded up to Arapahoe and Quebec area were I usually get my paper from. After getting the paper I went to Safeway and see what looked good to buy/eat. I had to shop smart since I am really low on funds. So, I bought some salad stuff and some soup for later this week.

The Amazing Race was a draw. I did not lose nor did I win, so that was good, since I am down a coke once more. Only four more teams to go.

A new episode of The Riches is tonight. I am excited since the previews makes this episode look good.

"Rebecca" is the new "woman" in my life. We are waiting for the sun to shine and weather to clear up before we go out.

Other than that nothing else new going on. Sorry readers, I guess I have nothing else to blog about. I do have one subject, but a lunch break is not enough time to get into the subject.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Pre-Happy Easter Blog

Greetings People

The team on the Amazing Race that I have chosen to lose are "The Beauty Queens". My opponent has chosen the team of Danny & Oswald. Once more the bet is a coke for me and a sprite for her. I thought about choosing Mirna & Chandra, but in the back of my mind they are going to pull an upset this Sunday.

The weather is cool today, Had some rain this morning which turned into a slight drizzle with a couple of flakes here and there.

The Final 9 Episodes of the Sopranos start this weekend and I am unable to watch since I do not have HBO.

Have a Happy Easter readers, me I guess I am alone this Easter. I was unable to leave town and my parents can not leave due to the two new calfes.

Well, readers I have nothing else so...

until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The Bracelet

Greetings People

I am not sure where or what to talk about. I have some ideas, but they require some more thinking. The other thoughts are just thoughts and really is not interesting info to blog about. Oh here is random subject matter by the seat of my pants...

The Livestrong bracelet. I think that most of you readers know what I am talking about. If not, then I will tell you. This is a yellow, rubber-like bracelet that supports the L. Armstrong Foundation, I think. Or perhaps it is research. I do not know. Let's be honest, I really do not care. I support the Komen Foundation and that is enough for me. Well, I support other foundations and causes throughout the year, so do not rush to judge me on not supporting the "other" foundation. More than likely I have contributed more than you have done your entire life. So shut up until you have contributed, money that is, to any of the foundations more than I have. Volunteer work does not count. Sorry.

So, the Livestrong bracelet is "the Bracelet". A few years back it was the bracelet that was the "fad" of everyone. Anyway, during that brief time everyone I saw had that bracelet. I have nothing against you wearing that bracelet nor telling everyone you are helping cancer out. However, do not ask me why I do not have a bracelet nor why will I not wear one. Yes, I know that you can get the bracelet for a dollar, I think. But that is besides the point. I contribute and I do not need some sort of reminder to show everyone that I "proudly" support cancer. When in fact I contribute about $ 50.00 to $ 150.00 a year to cancer (Komen) I do not tell anyone that I contributed X amount of dollars. Just the knowing that I contributed the money is good enough for me.

I do not care if you contributed a dollar to Livestrong and want to tell everyone. Fine. Just leave me out of your new found joy. The reason why I will not wear the bracelet is everyone and their grandmother has one. It is kind of like your mom asking you "If all your friends jumped off the bridge would you do the same thing? Hell no. Yes, I am not a fan of Lance A. and I have a lot of opinions and views that would "piss off" a lot of his followers. But by no means that the reason why I will not wear a bracelet. Again, I reiterate, I could care less if you are wearing one or not. I am not going to give you a hard time, nor express what I think about the bracelet. I am behind you 100 %. But if you decide to explain or hassle me about the bracelet then "it is on."

Now, there is every type of color of bracelet and you can color coordinate to the outfit you might be wearing that day - red, blue, green, etc. Again, I have not and nor would I ever wear any type of bracelet like the Livestrong Bracelet. Yes, you could give me one and I will display the bracelet at home on my bookshelf, but I will not wear the bracelet.

Sorry about the fragmented paragraphs, but I was blogging on the get-go. I had not thought about putting together this subject matter.

Sorry so late readers, but did any of you readers see those earrings that Serena Williams had on her lobes during the Women's final of the 2007 Sony Ericsson Open? In my humble opinion, it was over the top. I do not know if her play was affective by the earrings, but I doubt it since she has almost always wore "outlandish" styles of earrings. And in some cases, controversial. Yes, this was back in the day of Hingis vs. Williams rivalry's.

until the next time.

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Pretty Cool Morning

Greetings People

The premiere of the Deadliest Catch was good. I enjoyed seeing some of the old faces from last season. I also am glad to be watching something that I know is good. The "tragedy" was at the end of the show and has been carried into next week's episode. The coast guard was able to pull one person from the frigid waters at the end of the show. As the credits were rolling the camera was on this young guy that was shaking from the icy waters. Luckily that he had his suit on and also that he is still alive. I was feeling for this guy while watching the show end. This guy was cold and to see him being rescued was sort of sad. Yes, good they found them, but the other supposed three people have been unaccounted for. Also, they found an empty life boat and a life suit. Not very good odds at all for next week. This rescued shiphand was literally shaking and the look in his face was not even of joy. I am assuming that his is in some sort of shock - perhaps from the water, from the rescue or for himself. I do not know.

After work I decided to stop by Qdoba's for a Burrito. Not the Yosemite / Dry Creek one with my Qdoba girl, but the one on Arapahoe Road. I thought I was going to get a free burrito, since I had thought I reached the "free" burrito status. I was off by four more visits. Disappointing, but in a nice way. Oh well. After I ordered I decided to ask for another chip order. So, I pulled out some more cash to pay and the man said "don't worry about it". He sort of smiled and said this is for disappointment on not getting the free burrito today. I said "Thank very much" twice. Again readers this is something I was very grateful for getting. Granted, the chips cost about $ 1.35, but the free chips really made my evening. I ate the burrito and chips while watching the Deadliest Catch.

I checked my mileage log this morning and it appears that I have been biking regularly, once more, for the past five weeks. Yes, this is the fifth week into my biking. Now, April is the month that I start my "official" bike training. Anyway, sort of nice to see the numbers once more in my mileage log book (well a desktop SI swimsuit calender).

Speaking of riding, do you realize that it cost me about $ 35.00 in bike tubes on Sunday. $ 35.00 dollars. I guess that is the price you pay when you have a lot of bikes and neglect to fix the flat tires, or replace them after so many punctures. I do not know, but sure does suck. I was able to replace all the tires and also put the spare tubes in my little bike pouches that I have on some of my bikes. I then spent $ 7.00 in patch kits. And the reason why that I had to buy the tires and patches... well I was getting flats almost every day last week and also there were flats on every bike in my humble abode. You see readers, the good thing about having so many bikes is that when I get a flat I can either change the entire tire & rim or I can just pull out the tire from one of the bikes and replace into the bike tire that I need to fill up. I was down to no more tubes to change to and that is why that I had to cave in and buy new tubes.

The picture is of "John McClain" of the Die Hard movies and the new movie that is coming out soon - Live Free or Die Hard

Readers, and I just found out last night from talking with my Dad that we have had two more Calfes in the past week. So now, we are up to 8 Calfes for the past 5 months. Very good start for the year.
I guess that is about all that I have to blog about, for now anyway.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

A Season Finale and Premiere

Greetings People

Prison Break was kind of "hokey", but granted I was uable to watch the entire episode due to me being on the phone. So, I was watching, but I have no clue what was going on and I could not even guess was going on. So, I have to watch the episode, but I just do not know.

I mean I guess it was the dialogue and then what was the topper was when Sarah and Michael finally got together at the boat. I expected some kissing, hard hugs. but no! All we watchers got was a "friend" hug and not even a peck on the lips/cheeks. I mean Come on. We faithful readers all saw that Michael got all emotional over Sarah a couple episodes back and even got into a fight with his brother. So, I expected something more that just a hug. Oh well. Then of course when Sucre finally met up with Bellick as he was being taken away. Sucre falls to the ground, mine you, in front of the Policia since we see Bellick being pushed into the truck. But Sucre is not that dense to do that. He would at least not make a scene in front of the Panama Police station. I do not know. Finally, Michael, Mahone, Bellick and Teddy are all in jail in Panama and that is how season two ends. It was so, in my humble opinion, stupid.

Now, on the other hand - the Riches was great. This is the fourth episode and the episodes keep getting better and better. Just when you think one problem has been averted another one "pops" up. Given the show's topic - these new situation do coincide with the story. The previews for next week's episode looked good and I am now trying to figure out how "Doug" is going to solve this situation.

Colorado Rockies lost their Opening Game against the Diamondbacks.

Now, tonight is the Premiere of the Deadliest Catch - Season Three. Oh, I am so excited, but I have heard that there was already tragedy before the commercials announced it. I just hope it was not very bad. I also hope it was not to someone I have grown to know through the show. This show is incredible and I even turned my mother and father onto this show.

Alright readers time for me to go. I have registered with www.myfoxcolorado.com and I guess I will see what I am going to do with that. By no means will I start to regularly blog to that site. Mainly, I "lose" rights to my blogs I post there. So, I will have to be careful. I used the "Stolen" dog blog to see what sort or response I will get on that. Nothing big, but I did have to edit the blog.

Vince McMahon lost on Wrestlemania and he is bald like the late Telly Salavas.

until the next readers

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Opening Day for the Colorado Rockies

Greetings People

The joke was on me yesterday. And not the funny kind of joke.

I woke up yesterday morning planning to run the Platte River Half Marathon. I was getting ready to head out when I noticed that my front tire had a flat tire. No big deal. I decided I will use my winter bike. Well, Heidi had 2 flats of her own. I was not even going to take Andrea out - too expensive to leave in the area I was heading to. My Mountain bike was not going to work since that is too much work to pedal before a half Marathon. Shit. I had to fix Tracey's flat and time was of the essence. I was muttering and cussing left and right.

Finally got out the door and headed to downtown Littleton. Well, 50 yards from downtown Littleton I got double flat when I hit a rock in the road. I did not see the rock since the sun and shadows were on that part of the road. Damn. damn. So, I had to walk the bike the rest of the way to downtown Littleton. I locked up, then headed to the suppose area of registration. Well, I got the registration area about 8:52 AM and I was told registration was closed. I said "are you serious?!" They said yes. I was not mad, but sort of perturb. Mostly from the double flat. Well, I did not argue, nor say anything else. I headed out and went back to my bike to fix my tires.

I was getting mad once more that I had gotten the two flat tires and then thinking about not running was finally getting me riled up - pissed off.

Oh readers, I forgot to mention, I was pissed off before noticing the flat tire at home. My Ipod somehow locked up and I could not use the Ipod so that had pissed me off first thing this morning. had I bought a new Tiesto CD and loaded up the night before.

So, I managed to fix one tire and then I saw that I had no more tire patches. No more. Oh boy oh boy. Furious does not even come close. I had to take the RTD bus back to home. Mad. Mad. Mad.

Four different things all happening in an hour an a half.

Back at home I cooled off while watching a movie and fixing my flat.

And yes - Opening day for Colorado Rockies.

I lost another Amazing Race on Sunday - urgh!

I got to go people.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete