The Last Rocky Mountain News

Greetings Readers

Yesterday was a happy and a sad day for me in Denver, Colorado.

On Friday, February 27, 2009 – that was the final day for the final edition of the Rocky Mountain News.

I was sadden to hear of this news yesterday morning. After all this is, was, the newspaper I liked the better of the two newspapers in the Denver Metro Area. The ease of opening the Rocky Mountain News as opposed to the Denver Post where the paper opens up 4 times its size in order to read the Denver Post.

Although, the best thing about the Denver Post is the Sunday Edition. The Denver Post had all the ads and had more stuff in the Sunday edition. Yet, back in the days of when both papers were printing on Sunday I had to buy both Sunday papers. The Denver Post for all the Sunday ads and The Rocky Mountain News because I had to get my Bloom County Comic.

It was sad news to hear and see what has transpired in the past day, but this was not unexpected news. After all it was news awhile back about the Rocky Mountain News needed to be bought in order to be saved. Of course, we did not know the end of the Rocky Mountain News was going to be yesterday.

I personally gave a silent thank you and got choked up yesterday morning when I was taking a picture of the final edition of the Rocky Mountain News. After all, of all the past major events in history, I have collected the Rocky Mountain News paper on those “eventful” days in history.
I did buy the Rocky Mountain News for Mr. Litton’s cartoons, some comic strips I loved, the entertainment section and more importantly the ease of reading the paper. And back in the day I bought the Rocky Mountain News especially for Norm Clarke.

Now with the passing of Bloom County, Norm Clarke, Opus and now the Paper – tis the time to truly say farewell once again and in all likelihood - for good.

Changing from Sad news to Happy news in my world.

I have been chosen to participate in “the Ride the Rockies” for this year 2009. I did not celebrate until I got an email sent to my personal email address as opposed to seeing my name on the website confirming selection.

It has been 24 hours later and I am really excited now. Yet, you faithful Readers know the real reason why as opposed to just saying I got into the Ride the Rockies. Shallow? Oh yes, but I can and am.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Confimation Received - I have been selected

Greetings Readers

There you have it - I am in on my first try - first shot - first application - to the Ride the Rockies.

I have to admit I am feeling pretty good about myself. Now, I can really plan what I should, could do next. I have many thoughts, but I need the weekend to now really think about what this means for me.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

I think, I am in the Ride the Rockies

Greetings Readers

It is too early to jump for joy and say anything until I get a confirmation email from the Ride the Rockies. But I just checked the website and it appears and looks like I was chosen.

Yes - me chosen!

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Pondering "That Dam Run 5k"

Greetings Readers

I am getting better and better, but I still have not made the commitment to run this weekend. There is one event scheduled at Cherry Creek Reservoir and that would be the "That Dam Run 5k."

Interesting though... Why only a 5k? Since the previous years the event was a 5m/5k event. And last year the event I did go to, but there were hardly any participants since that Sunday was so snowy and wet. I had about 1/4 of ice on all of my road bike spokes. I destroyed a bike light due to getting the bike light wet with wet snow. And top of the start of that morning my brakes were iced up in no time and the next thing I knew I couldn't brake and off the sidewalk I went and thumped to kiss Mother Earth's white jacket of snow.

Anyway, I want to run the event this year, but then again I do not want to run just a 5K. I want to run the 5M (5 Miles), which basically has the course going over the entire top of the Cherry Creek Reservoir and back.

If the cost is going to the same, but for basically half the distance from last year - I see myself getting screwed in the deal. After all in this day and age, we all have to make money choices and where to save money and where to spend money.

Right now that is a choice I am going to have to make real soon.

Although, I have to admit that if I get chosen for the Ride the Rockies, then most likely I am not going to run.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The Coin Dispenser Dilemma

Greetings Readers

This morning I got my confirmation Letter from the Ride the Rockies.

Not much else I can say about that.

Question Readers

So, let us say that you are shopping in a grocery store and you are now ready to check out.

A check out lane you chose is empty and has your name written all over it. Hah hah. Meaning, that check out counter is ready just for you. As the cashier rings up your items you see in the coin dispenser change - Matter of fact CHANGE GALORE. You can see three quarters, some other silver color coins and a few copper coins.

What do you do? What is the right thing to do?

I am not sure there is right thing to do, except to point out that someone left their change in the coin dispenser. I could even go further than that, but you Readers know what may happen. But, how would we know that the previous customer will return for his/her change. After all the coin dispenser give change out less than a dollar and a penny or more. No one is going to get rich, but in this particular instance that change, which lets us assume if unclaimed by the end of the day, I would bet would either go back to the store or perhaps being pocketed by the cashier. Granted, I doubt that a cashier would do that, but I have to list out the possibility.

With that being said, I saw the change and said nothing. The cashier did not notice or if the cashier did notice the cashier chose to ignore the change sitting in the coin dispenser. I stood there waiting for the final total and then gave the cashier my money for my purchases. The cashier gave me my paper money and then I heard the familiar change noise being dispensed to me. My change intermingled with the previous customer's change and I took it ALL. Oh yes, I took it all.

At that moment I was standing at the check out counter I felt that money that was sitting in the coin dispenser was going to be mine, barring any customer returning before I finished my check out with the cashier, since months ago I did this exact same thing. I was talking to the Qdoba girl, she gave me my paper money back and I totally forgot to grab my change from the coin dispenser.

So that phrase "What comes around goes around" does apply and the world, my world, is once more in balance and I feel I now have been paid back in full by not getting my change months ago.

P.S. Was I hoping that change to be mine? Yes, but if the previous customer had returned I would not be unhappy - after all it would their change. And change, less than a dollar, can not really go far these days, especially with me since I am going to deposit it into my Absolute bottles I have sitting in my humble abode that hold my dimes, nickels and pennies.

Remember Readers - The question is - What would you do? Not on what I did or thought.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Post Weekend Wrap-Up

Greetings Readers

Wow Readers, I was soo close to getting full fledged sick, meaning getting that flu that is now making its rounds in the Denver area. I started to get that funny feeling of getting sick last Wednesday. Yet, by Saturday morning I woke up with no scratchy / sore throat.

Of course, I soo wanted to go out and do the Snowman Stampede on Saturday, but by the choices I outlined last week I either was going to rest or to compete. I chose the first choice and stayed home and on the couch. I hated to do that, but resting my body was my only choice to avoid becoming perhaps becoming sicker with the flu symptoms I was showing.

What even hurt more was that I was not going to compete in the Run the Register on Sunday… oops Run the Republic once again. Apparently, this is going to be the second year that the Run the Republic was going to be held at the Republic building as opposed to the “Register” building downtown. The picture posted is the last medal awarded for the last “Run the Register” event in Denver, Colorado in 2007. I am glad to have that on my athletic resume.

Yet, coming into work this morning I heard…

“I thought of you this weekend”

Or

“How did you do this weekend?”

And those people were referring to the Run the Republic or the Snowman Stampede events that were held this past weekend. I said “Sorry,” but I was sick and I was not going to risk wearing my body down and becoming more susceptible to the flu should I have competed in either/both events. It hurt to say that, but I have to be realistic about my well being as opposed to doing every event I have stated I will compete in. Experience and getting older seemed to have finally made me aware of my mortality, in a manner of speaking.

So, I made home chicken noodle soup and had that all weekend long. I made myself sleep for 12 hours this past weekend. Granted, I did not sleep the 12 hours straight, but I did wake up about every two hours (not by choice) and I took some Nyquil Cough medicine (syrup) and either a glass of Orange Juice or Grapefruit juice and then laid back down. Within moments I was back to sleep and another two hours I was doing the same procedure over again. Although, every four hours I took one Nyquil capsule as opposed to the cough syrup.

I heard Sunday’s weather was nice, but I would not know since I did not even step outside my humble abode.

And this morning I felt pretty good and I was able to ride the bike without feeling tired / exhausted. I felt good and I actually felt like I wanted to ride a bike just for the sakes of riding. And to top that off – I felt like I wanted “get into it” with anyone that was going to push the wrong button with me. I know that’s a clear sign that I am getting back to the old, sarcastic self – yeah right.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Blade Runner Trilogy 25th Anniversary

Greetings Readers

I dropped off the registration for the Ride the Rockies at about 4:00 P.M. (MST) with some hesitation. Again, it came down to my registration fee being tied up for a month, which I am guessing (assuming). Yet, I somehow made myself drop my registration in the lock box at the front desk and that was that.

Whew - what's done can not be un-done. And really, I do not have any second thoughts about not dropping the registration off. Go figure though - this is the FIRST TIME I HAVE EVER registered for the Ride the Rockies. That in itself is amazing. I am pretty sure that I have blogged about my reasons why. Although, if I have not I will do so.

After dropping off my registration fee I decided to head on over to Virgin Megastore on the 16th Street Mall. I do not like shopping there - because of the price and the sales tax Denver has, but I have to admit when there are sales there are bargains to be found. On the opposite end of that if I am looking for a hard to find CD that I do not want to order from Amazon I do go Downtown either to Virgin Megastore or Twist n' Shout to see if I can find my CD I so desire. I only go Downtown when I can not find that CD at Best Buy, Walmart, Circuit City, Target, Used CD stores, or Kmart.

I had no CD's in mind to look for since at that point I was not looking for any one CD to purchase. I went into Virgin Megastore and decided to head to the Soundtrack section. I started with the "A's" and when I got to "B" I saw the Holy Grail of my Soundtrack quest.

That Holy Grail was the Blade Runner 25th Anniversary Edition that was apparently released when Blade Runner - The final cut was released in Dec 2007 - which is when I blogged about Blade Runner - The Final Cut on Blog post 11/28/07 - Another quick post. At that time I did not know that there was a re-issue or an issue of the Blade Runner soundtrack that was actually a 3 CD release. An absolute must for myself - a die hard Blade Runner Fanatic.

Since finding out about the Blade Runner Trilogy 25th Anniversary Soundtrack last year I have been trying to find the CD at a local store in the Denver area. I had the option of Amazon.com, but I did not want to order via mail. I wanted to find the CD locally and money was not an issue. Oh yes, I did check with each of those stores and I either got that the soundtrack was unavailable for ordering or out of issue therefore can not be order. And there were a few other excuses. I did offer to pay up front, but the store could not do that either.

In closing, I paid the thirty four dollars and change (tax included) and now I own my copy of the Blade Runner Trilogy and have loaded onto my Ipod as of today. Yes, I do love it the soundtrack and worth the amount I paid for at Virgin Megastore.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Ride the Rockies - Deadline 5 PM (MST)

Greetings Readers

Today is the deadline for entry into the Ride the Rockies 2009 - 5:00 P.M. Mountain Standard Time.

I have been deliberating for the past 19 days or so whether or not to submit in an entry fee for the lottery of Ride the Rockies.

I am not worried about the cost of the Ride the Rockies, but I am worried about the turn around time for my money should I not get chosen to participate in the event.

For you Readers who do not have a clue the Ride the Rockies is a pretty highly requested cycling event that occurs in Colorado each year. This year marks the 24th year, I think, and since the beginning the event has sold out. Basically, the bike tour last one week in the Colorado Rockies in the month of June and takes place in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. I do not think it is the same route ever, but basically not the same route as the year before.

In order to make the Ride the Rockies event fair to everyone. Well, almost fair - we "so common riders" do not know how many entries are set aside for the "special people" like Larry Green, Colorado news people, VP's or famous faces in Colorado. But according to the Ride the Rockies there are 2000 spots open to everyone and everyone has to go through the lottery process. As I just mentioned though I bet there are some well known people that do not have to go through the lottery and have an automatic entry into the Ride the Rockies tour.

Again, that is pure speculation, but that is what I believe in for the past 24 years. And nothing to this day has lead to believe me that this is not happening. After all - See how many times Larry Green has ridden and probably has never gotten rejected. At all.

So, if I do not get chosen for the Ride the Rockies no skin off my back. But what will irk me is the return of my registration fee. I am going to have to supposedly wait anywhere from 3 to 4 weeks even more to get my registration fee returned to me. I think that is unfair. After all I set aside 1/3 of a grand (335.00 or 355.00 for a pre-T-shirt showing "In Training for Ride the Rockies") and I expect to see my registration fee return within 2 weeks at the most. If Ride the Rockies can do the lottery in one week (which I am sure is a lot less than that) then, they should be able to return the registration fees within two weeks.

And that is what I have been thinking about. If I register and do not get picked I have to wait until I get my cashier's check back in order to get my money back to me.

However, if I get picked then I guess I will be happy. I really do not care one way or the other, but I would like to get picked, which at that point I will be able to show off those fucking "sweet" HED rims I got late last summer. Oh yeah. Shallow, but at least I can. Right? I could care less about the course, although Independence Pass I will be able to list on my resume a new Mountain Pass I have not climbed on a road bike.

And I was looking at the registration form - "no AEROBARS are allowed." Yep Readers, that is printed just like that in fine print - the word AEROBARS in Capital letters and I think it was in bold print. For me no big deal, except I will have to un-install the Aerobars since all my bikes have Aerobars on them.

What's that Readers? What Bike am I going to use? The bike... the bike I have in mind is Andrea just as she is set up. Although, if picked I think I might have to add/replace some items to make her look more "bling bling." Well, we'll see - that's just kooky talk since the lottery has not happened, yet.

So with that being said I have decided to take a half day off work and I have to go Downtown to the Denver Post Building to drop off my registration since I have until 5:00 PM to get my application in. Too late to mail, but then that was never an issue, it was just me commiting to 1/3 of grand being set aside. After all, I did buy two Mountain bikes this past month as well as spent some money when my parents were town. My Cash Flow for the past month as been lop sided and in the red as opposed to being in the black

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Star Wars 3 Day Pass Souvenir

Greetings Readers

Once again, I was going through some old things and I have another memory to share from my past.

Many years ago the Headquarters for the Star Wars Fan Club was located in our fair City of Denver. Actually, out in Aurora, Colorado but close enough for government's work right?

Ever since Junior High I was an off and on member of the club. Paying one year then let the membership go for a few years and then join again.

I think, it was at the time of the prequel Star Wars movies that the Headquarters was in Denver. After that year I think that the Headquarters was bought by (?Wizard?) and the headquarters was moved to Chicago, IL.

I digress. During that last year located in Denver, the Headquarters organized the first annual Star Wars Celebration at the Wings over the Rockies Museum in Denver, Colorado.

Since I was/am a die hard collector and fan of most of the movies at that point in time there was no debate that I was going to the Star Wars Celebration event. I mailed in my forms and whatnot and soon got my 3 day pass, which is featured on the blog post for today.

There were the one day passes and some other passes, but I was interested in the 3 day pass since I was going to be there for all three days regardless!

And I was. Beautiful, exciting and one in a lifetime event for me and other Star Wars Fans. I took rolls and rolls of pictures, which makes me wonder perhaps I should share some of the pictures I took. I met some famous people and saw the original miniatures models used in the Star Wars films from Lucas Archives, and then I saw many props from The Phantom Menace which was scheduled to be released after the event

I saw and met Doug Chiang, Trisha Yar, Anthony Daniels, Terry Brooks and Warwick Davis to name a few. I saw Ray Parks, and the actor who actually played Darth Vader which I can not remember (?Peter Mayhew?) his name at the time of writing this blog. That was a sad sight to behold Readers, but I guess when you talk "trash" I guess that phrase "you better watch out or it will come back and haunt you" actually did come true. Although, I am glad they let him be there, without any mentions on any advertising.

It was the models that intrigued me the most and more importantly - "the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy." I took so many pictures of her and from so many angles. The detail on that model was, in the words of my ex-co-worker "just so awesome" and I can see why it looked so good on film.

Well, there is more I could say, but perhaps I can save that for next time. And yes, I will try to scan some photos for you Readers and display on my blog.

P.S. - I got Terry Brooks and Warwick Davis to sign the back of my 3 day pass. I was interested in only Warwick Davis autograph was I like his character as Willow. Of course who could forget= "I'm the Leprechaun"

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

On the Verge of Sickness ?

Greetings Readers

I went into the local liquor store and I see that the first 2009 Spring micro brew from Redhook is out now.

Very good, but not good since I am sensing I am getting sick (flu). I feel funky and my throat is getting scratchy, sniffling the nose as well as runny. Which means I am unable to partake in the first bottle of CopperHook. Starting today I am going to grapefruit juice and Day/Nyquil.

So, this is not good for me. Well, I do not mean it that way, but with me on the verge of getting sick or ready to be sick I do not think that I will commit to the Snowman Stampede or the Run the Republic this weekend.

I did set aside the days this weekend (Saturday and Sunday) for both of these events, but now with me on the verge of getting sick I am not sure that I want to compete in my condition which I could literally wear down my body more and make me more susceptible to the flu.

I am being cautious - I did not even bike today - it was all RTD and Lightrail to work. Yet, I have to admit that riding in my bike shorts as opposed to my warm up long pants may have something to do with me getting sick. Although, I have been riding almost this way for the past winter so it must be the combination of several things to get feeling this way. I just do not know.

Although, if I had to an event I am leaning towards the Snowman Stampede since I am able to enter the day of the event whereas the Run the Republic I/we have to pre-register since there is no day of event registration.

This past weekend I did not compete in the Valentine's Day 5k since .... well, let me just say that I did not have any of my running gear since I was not home.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Former Pinball Champion Player

Greetings Readers

I thought to share something from my past.

I do not think I have ever mentioned that I love playing pinball. Meaning, the Pinball Machines that are usually located in Arcades, Bowling alleys, some older bars and the out of the way laundry mats
I was very,very and I mean a very good pinball player back in the day. Yet, these days I know that I am not the same pinball player I used to be. And I will to say that 90 percent of that is due to no more Pinball Machines are easily found in the Denver metro area. The shopping mall do not have arcades anymore and there are no longer arcade halls in the Denver metro area.

As I stated above - the only time I can locate Pinball Machines at some bowling alleys that I know of. Otherwise, the art of playing Pinball is soon going to be a lost art by me, as well as others.

I guess we can thank the game consoles and the video games machines that have advanced from the mere Pac-man and Berzerk Arcade Machines to the state of art graphics and playing details.

Getting to the picture I was the 5th best in the Mid-west or 10th best overall in the Midwest back in the year 1992.

I sort of remember that weekend. I qualified for the championship and then I had to come back the next day or later that day and that was when I brought my Dad. I think he was very proud of his son, me, to have qualified for a major Pinball event in the Midwest. If I remember correctly qualifications and the championship rounds were played on three different Pinball machines - The Addams Family Pinball Machine, Getaway Pinball Machine and Lethal Weapon Pinball Machine.

In the end - I got the nice plaque and a check for $ 50.00 which I did take a picture of back in the day. I so desired to be number one, but settled for 5th in my class and 10th overall and Damn proud to say - I am a fucking good pinball player

There you have it Readers another "I'm all that and a Bag of Potato Chips" skill. I can brag that not only can I rock in bed I can rock the machine. Hah hah

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Breaking Bad - Crazy Handful of Nothin'

Greetings Readers

I was visiting a girl friend this past Valentine’s weekend and was introduced to the show Breaking Bad, which premiered last year on AMC.

I have not seen Breaking Bad nor even thought twice about the show since hearing about it. I have heard the reviews in the beginning, but did not care at the time – whether the reviews were good or bad.

The number one reason why I did not watch Breaking Bad is that I knew that the actor (the father) starred in the comedy show “Malcolm in the Middle” before it was cancelled. That was reason enough. I only knew the actor Brian Cranston, as the father, from “Malcolm in the Middle” and thought nothing more.

Yes, I have seen parts of “Malcolm in the Middle” while channel flipping, but I have to say that it is not a show that I wanted to see. With that reasoning I felt that this new show – Breaking Bad – was not going to be up my alley since I did not watch “Malcolm in the Middle.”

The number two reason, which is probably the only other reason why I did not watch the show before was that I did not know what Breaking Bad was/is about. Or perhaps I did at the time last year, but probably did not spark an interest to me.

Oh Readers, I have to “man up” and admit I was totally wrong again. And this time it only took a year to admit I was so wrong on another show I thought was no good.

So, I saw the entire first season of Breaking Bad this past weekend. If I have only one word to sum up the series Breaking Bad it would be – “Wow!”

I was literally pulled in and power watched the entire season this past weekend. Granted, it was not a full season because of the writer’s strike, I think, but it was very good.

I would like to tell you Readers all about the show, but then again I want to keep some of the show’s scenes and story a mystery. A mystery for you to perhaps discover on your own, should you want to take chance to see Breaking Bad for yourself.

I will sum up the premise hopefully in one sentence. Long story short Brian Cranston, his character is Walt and he is a High school science teacher who finds out he only has 18 months to live, which he eventually meets up with Jesse, a former student he flunked in High school, to make and sell Meth.

That is it. But there is so much to the story - Walt’s wife, Skylar, is seven months pregnant. Walt Jr., Walt’s son, has cerebral Palsy. Walt’s Brother in law, Hank, is a DEA agent. Walt’s Sister in Law, Marie, is basically a shoplifter. And there are more interesting things which make Breaking Bad pretty dam good.

Breaking Bad is a drama show, but it does make you think and also watch closely since each episode references either to a future show or to a past episode. Breaking Bad has it funny moments. As well as the “I just can not fucking believe that happened!” moments. And yes there are the touching moments that you would not believe that came from that certain character you may have stereotyped while watching the show. Readers – are we not guilty of that? I know that I am and not to proud to admit that. After all, I am human and to be human is to err.

And now, I only have to wait less than three weeks for season 2 to begin on AMC. And yes Readers, I am so excited and can hardly wait until March 8, 2009.

The blog post picture is of Walt and this was right after he was in that building and said the line

“You got one part wrong. This is not Meth.”

Again Readers, I was in awe what happened moments before he walked out that building. I bet every Walt “supporter” cheered in that scene – “Bad Ass.”

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

A New Bike for my Brother

Greetings Readers

Well, I have gone and done it. I bought the same exact model and type of Mountain Bike for my brother this weekend.

I also bought the second new Mountain bike from the same store manager I bought the first one from. Of course, there was the usual "Hey didn't you buy this bike a couple of weeks ago?" from other employees (not the store manager though)

"Yes, I did. So what. I can not buy another bike?"

And that was that. I did ride the new Mountain bike home making sure that I did not get the bike too dirty. After all I want the Mountain bike to be as clean as possible.

What?

No, I am not going to give the first bike to my Brother. Yes, logically I have a choice, but in reality I bought the first Mountain bike for myself. And I have named that bike Lily. For me to give away Lily and re-name the second bike Lily is just wrong.

Yet Readers, a certain ignorant cyclist who says I am the rudest person he has ever known would keep the newest bike for him/herself and give the older bike (about 3 weeks old) to his/her brother/sister if the roles were reversed. That young inexperienced attitude and thinks he/she is all that and a bag of Chips.

Granted, I think and know I am all that and a bag of Potato Chips, on some subjects. And of course I am not too arrogant enough to admit that fact to you Readers. Unlike my junior ignorant cyclist.

In closing, the temptation to just ride that new second bike is soo tempting. But alas, I do have Lily and she is more than enough for me to keep myself content with her. Hah hah.

I am pretty proud of myself for buying the bike for my brother though. As I wrote in the past I do buy things for my brother from time to time and costs vary from a few dollars up to about 50.00 dollars or so. Yet, I think I have exceeded my spending purchase this time around.

My brother does have a GT Mountain Bike - early year 2,000 I-drive model before the reversed I-drive was introduced. Color Red and pretty darn nice. However, the bike is getting old and is slowly falling apart piece by piece. I did get the I-drive model, but at least I got him another GT model. That is better than nothing right.

Unfortunately, he is the type of person that would not buy a new bike for the sakes of buying a bike - LIKE MYSELF - (11 bikes). Could be due to money on why not buying a new bike. Could be due to why should he buy a new bike when the old one works. Could be many reasons.

I did talk to my parents and told them to be aware just in case that my Brother does start talking about a new bike to discourage his purchase until I get him his new bike I bought for him. I am not sure when I will be able to get his new bike to him, but I estimate in about 2 to 4 weeks when I think I will be able to get to Albuquerque and deliver his new bike.

What? Am I expecting something in return. No, but I would not mind it. Although he did buy me the DVD The Dark Knight for Christmas since I did not have the DVD, but only Blueray The Dark Knight version. And no I would not take any cash from him.

There you have it Readers. And one would have to ask themselves would the rudest person you have ever known done that for a sibling? Or even expect that from a sibling?

P.S. - If you can not tell from the picture - My brother's bike is on the left (with no dried mud on the tires) and Lily is on the right (Dried mud on the tires and broken reflector). And I put both bikes in the picture so no one would think that I am taking two pictures of the same bike individually. I do not want you Readers to think that I am lying. After all - my shit does not smell better than your shit.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

A Bike Customer "Incident"

Greetings Readers

I was in the local bike store that is near my humble abode where I bought Lily - the new Mountain Bike.

I was in the store last night for a purpose. To pick out and buy a Mountain bike for my brother. The store was not busy and I was able to look at the Mountain Bikes without worrying about anyone hovering near or over me. Also, they know who I am so they really know not to bother me and I will bother them when, or if, I need help.

I was looking, but at the front counter there was a man talking loudly and obviously upset. I started to stop looking at the Mountain bikes and started to drift closer to what I perceived was/is a "pissed off" customer.

I felt sorry for the guy who is one of the few night store managers on duty who also assisted me a few weeks ago on buying my Mountain bike - Lily.

The conversation, which at this point was one sided. The customer was talking loudly and obviously upset with his membership. Specifically - his expired membership.

Meaning, that he was mad that no one told him that for the past two years when showing/giving his membership card no one told him that his membership was inactive. This was told by the customer to the store manager - almost verbatim.

That was that the whole tirade from the customer - in a nut shell.

Now, here is the real truth and believe me Readers it took a lot to "bite my tongue" and not get involved in this conversation, since I can see how the "woe is me" story is really fucked up. In a nut shell - Are you telling me that for two years this customer believed that his annual one year membership was active two years later? Get the fuck out of here!

Every member knows that the membership is annual - yearly. Also, in the membership it states that you must use your bonus points within 90 days of expiration.

Or was it 30 days? - sorry Readers I can not remember, but I can remember that I too was a victim of not cashing in my rewards points before the expiration date. This was years ago, but let me tell you Readers I do keep track of my points and when the annual membership is going to expire. Also, when my membership gets near the end I also get reminders that I need to renew or else I will lose my rewards points.

How is it the store's fault for perhaps you, the customer, not checking your account? Or perhaps not updating your email or mailing address for contact information. After all, you give all that information when you sign up. Is it the store's fault for you not buying anything in the last few months of the membership, therefore no one personally told you that your membership expires in a couple of months?

If so, then you might as well as indicate that when you take a shit you need someone to wipe your ass for you. Right?

Getting back to the event. I listened and watched this one sided conversation. Ever so close to expressing my dismay on this situation to the pissed off customer.

Wait though Readers. I have blogged about this before and I am no stranger to confrontation. I believe in the customer is almost right. Or perhaps customer satisfaction is what we are proud of. As so forth.

With that being said that night store manager had to listen and then had to get a resolution without making the customer more pissed off. He is in no position to get defensive. However, he is able to explain the view of how it is not the store/his fault for the customer's membership expiring two years later and then all of a sudden he wonders why he can not use his points. He talked to the customer and eventually they came to a resolution.

The customer got some rewards points, but not all that he said he was entitled to. The customer seemed okay, said thank you and never looked back when walking out the store into the night.

I looked at the Night manager smiled and told him what I just told you Readers. We talked about it a bit and then he Thanked me for not saying a thing. I said don't Thank me, I only know you from a couple of times and we are not buddies, but come on I was ready to get involved in the conversation. As I said to him, which I just blogged about - Did he really think that his membership was active for the past two years without him knowing that he has not paid the membership? We talked about this incident and the night manager did right.

Though - the question for myself is - Did I do right by being silent? If you think you know me then you know I could have been confrontational, especially when I see that the other person is just so one-sided and not open to possibilities. I did do right, but I think I may have said this in the past - I try to stick up for the little people. Yes, I agree that if I had spoken up I would have made the situation worse most likely. Yet, I may have made the customer think about what he was arguing about and take a second look. Perhaps. I guess we will never know.

Oh, by the way Readers, I like Lily so much that I have decided to purchase the same exact model for my Brother. And that is why I was in the store this past evening scouting and putting the bike on hold until the following day so I can pick up at that time

P.S. Readers - I finally got a picture of Lily and I.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

2 Days Before Valentine's Day

Greetings Readers

Valentine's Day is right around the corner and I do not have any true Valentines to give to anyone - really. That is a good thing since that means that I do not have to spend any money or give any thoughts on what I should get that "special woman" in my life.

However, as you faithful Readers know I ran into the Qdoba girl from my past last August and have been trying to really get to know her. Well, trying and not trying, to be honest. I have blogged about her since August and all those moments I have created by myself or with her directly. Some of it is good, some great and then there are the moments that I can not believe I pulled that shit. Believable me, oh yes.

Long story short, not love, but lusting after the Qdoba girl and I finally was able to express how I felt and gave her my number via a Christmas Card in December.

Presently, she has not called (as far as I know), nor came to my table when I have eaten there at Qdoba's, or given any indication after the Christmas card whether or not she is interested or not interested. Obviously, she has not acknowledged the Christmas card or if she has I totally missed the moment.

I have seen her a few times since the Christmas card, but have not brought up the card, nor flirted or shown any more interest than I have. One - not to show how much I want her. and two - not to be stalker like.

I could go on an on, but I think I have covered how I feel. So, now I would like to give something to her for Valentine's Day, but I do not know if she is truly not interested, interested, involved with a man or woman or waiting for me to make another move. I just do not know.

So that brings me to this. Should I go in tomorrow night and see if she is working and see what sort of reception I get or do I not go. If she shows interests then that would change my mind and I would get her something for Valentine's Day. However, if she does not show interest if I do go tomorrow then I need to basically put an end to the Qdoba girl lusting. Which I almost have done currently. I have actually thought about switching my Qdoba visits back to Sunday, which from the past I she did not work.

That would be easy for me since not seeing her would be okay and probably for her not seeing me would be good also. I do have new prospects with match.com and I have to admit I have gotten match with my type - blonde, slender and athletic. And even more so - the California transplant blonde - oh baby.

Although, I still could see myself with the Qdoba girl learning / teaching me some Spanish and learning first hand how to roll my "R's." with her tongue with my tongue. Hah hah. Now I am really reaching and dreaming. On that note I will let you go Readers.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

What Would You Do?

Greetings Readers

Here is a picture that I took of one of the Light Rail Stations in the Denver area.

As you can see it is full dark and also noticeably empty.

The question - if you are a biker, cyclist or commuter - if you see this empty Light Rail Station from one end to the other and basically no other pedestrians do you ride your bike to the waiting area or even to the ticket machine kiosk from one end to the other? Again, you are the only person and to get to the other end of the Light Rail Station is about 30 yards I estimate. Or do you actually walk your bike from one end to the other of the Light Rail Station?

And I am sure that it is posted that you can not ride your bike in the passenger loading/waiting area.

So, I ask once more with all that information do you still ride from one end of the Light rail Station on your bike to get a ticket and then ride to the waiting area?

Me? Hell yes, I did ride my bike in the area pictured. I road from all the way down there in the picture to the ticket machine kiosk (not pictured) and then to the waiting area. No one was or going to be walking/standing in the area I would be riding in. Also, I was riding slow and not pedalling like a bat out of hell. Yes, I made sure that no walking people would be coming from the parking garage or in between in the building and the parking garage.

So, that's what I did.

I wonder what would any of you faithful and new Readers would have done in the same scenario I just outlined.

I am man enough to admit technically I was breaking what the posted signs said, but yet from my point of view I was in no danger to any pedestrians present (which there was not) and when I got to the waiting area I saw no people waiting in the area I biked to (which there were a few people sitting on the benches for the Light Rail Train).

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

All Good Things Come to an End

Greetings Readers

This past Sunday was the start of Season 6 Part 2 of the Soprano's on A&E.

I know that you faithful Readers know that I have bought the Complete Soprano's Boxed Edition late last year, but it has been routine for me to watch the Soprano's on A&E when I feel like watching. Granted, it has been audited for content, but sometimes I just want to have background noise or there is really nothing on TV Sunday Morning to watch.

So started the final eight episodes and yes Readers this is where it really, really got interesting. And I have to admit this was the time I actually knew how to pronounce Bobbi's last name.

I do have to admit this was the episode (Soprano Home Movies) that Tony got his AR-10 Automatic Machine Gun , which in one of these final episodes you get to see him and his AR-10 together in a dark bedroom with Tony clutching his AR-10. A powerful image of Tony and what is about to become... Sorry Readers, I can not give away the scene or why Tony is holding onto the AR-10 in bed for the Readers who have not seen the Soprano's.

As I saw once

"The Beginning of the End"

And we faithful Soprano's watchers still miss Tony, Carm, Sil and of course Paulie, to name a few to this day. Will we ever know what happened when Tony looked up in that last second of the Soprano's? I hope so. I sure do hope so Readers.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

An Update with Lily

Greetings Readers

I have to say that owning a Mountain Bike is nice.

I am not sure if I really told you Readers the benefits of the new Mountain Bike.

I can ride up and down hills and do not have to stick to the concrete/asphalt/pavement as I have to went riding my Road bike. For fear of my Skinny Tires getting bent, getting stuck or sliding, etc. With the Fat tires of the Mountain Bike there is no fear. Literally. If I want to ride off the curb I can do so without worrying about my rims.

I like the sound of the knobby tires on the road. More importantly I like the grip of the knobby tires. I have no fear with turning the bike sharply. Not that I have before, but I do have a bit of fear when there is snow, rain and ice and I have to turn corners on my race Michelin road tires. Now, with the Mountain bike tires I can turn without worry.

I did graduate from riding up and down hills to stairs. I started with 2 steps and now I am up to 6 steps. Fucking pretty nice since I can ride down the concrete stairs instead of carrying my bike down the steps. Pretty soon I am going to be able to ride 10 plus steps. I just have to make that I am not going to fast since I get the feeling if I am going too fast while I am going down stairs I feel like I could literally go over my handlebars.

Another important point is going to the store after work, which during this part of the year it is full dark when I have to go to the store after work. Taking my Road bikes to the store I have to be careful not to ride into a hole, or anything that could dent my rims. Whether me not seeing in the dark or not paying attention or assuming that it was okay to ride through without slowing down since I know that path in the daytime. Now, with the Mountain Bike I do not worry about hole, pot holes and rocks since I literally have a fat tire and the possibility of denting a rim is almost nil compared to a road bike rim. I am not saying that it could happen to my Mountain Bike, but the odds are now in my favor.

Anyway, the investment of the Mountain Bike was the best thing for me.

I still hate that I am pedaling more than I should since I using a smaller crank. I also find that the fat tires have more surface area with the pavement so I have to pedal with a bit more effort and I still find myself getting out of the seat and standing up while going uphill every now and then. Some of that is my fault for not down shifting/up shifting, but I am soo use to being in the largest gear and pedalling hardly or smoothly, and every once in a while I have to get up out off the seat.

That may sound like a complaint, but it is not, just something I noticed.

Wait! I do have a complaint. Damn me - I had to learn the gears and braking on the Mountain bike. Different placement and also a different handlebar compared to my Road bikes. So, I think it was last week that I wanted to shift into another gear when I squeezed the front brake and yours truly came to a complete stop with me almost going up and over the bar to "Kiss Mother Earth" which no one likes to do.

On a routine basis I have three different shifters that are located uniquely to what Road bikes I am using in a rotation. Sometimes the gears are behind the rear braking lever, sometimes the shifting is located on the brakes, but are activated by pushing the brake levers sideways, or I have the speed shifters which are located on the inner and outer part of the handlebars, and then the old school Motobecane I have the old school shifting / derailers levers on the bike frame. I think, there is one more variation that I use but I can not remember at the moment.

Overall, I am getting used to the new gear and brake placement, but every once in a while I get confused and have to actually think which one I have to apply pressure or click so I do not go up and over the handlebars or skid off some rubber from my expensive tires on the pavement.

And I guess that is the only update with Lily.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Ride the Rockies 2009

Greetings Readers

I guess I forgot to mention that the 2009 Ride the Rockies got announced last week. Basically 6 days and the cost is about 330.00, I think.

The link

http://www.ridetherockies.com/

I have posted the route map. The route does not look that hard. I like the starting and ending point.

The only reason why I have mentioned this Ride the Rockies is because I am interested in doing the lottery this year and seeing if I may get chosen. If so, in the immortal words of my ex-co-worker "that would be so awesome" since I would be able to show off the HED wheels I got late last year. I got the wheels I think late July and by then all my bike events were over and there was no chance to show off the rims as I wanted to. After all, I paid about 1600.00 bones for the set of rims and have yet to really show them off in an official bike event.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Another Co-Worker from my Past

Greetings Readers

And another co-worker from my past as come into my life from the life of my Tele-Communications Inc. days.

This time the contact was initiated by my former co-worker via email. I guess I need to give you Readers a bit of a back story (and it does not matter to me to whether or not you Readers need to know).

Although certain Readers would say I am once again doing the stalking. Not. Then again, you Readers are entitled to your comments.

Flashback - About two years ago I was curious about Match.com. I joined up since it is free. Free meaning that you can look, search and set up a profile. Otherwise, in order to email or to receive emails to others on match.com, to see who is looking at your profile and other things you need to pay to get access to do those things on match.com.

Depending on how many months, what you want and etc, the cost could be as low as 26.00 a month or as high as 120.00 for six months. Granted, match.com does run specials from time to time and that is where it brings me to the point of the story.

There was/is a special for 25% the price of any type of membership you choose.

With that I decided to do the 6-month plan -roughly $ 75.00. Depending on your point of view that is a good deal or a waste of money.

Present - Well, about a few weeks ago I received an email asking if I was the same Daryl that she knew back in the day. Sure enough when I looked at her picture 13 years later I could see the face that I knew back in the nineties. I read the profile and was kind of amazed on what I read. No need to tell you Readers. Could be a mute thing to notice, but to me it was like "wow." without the exclamation point. Perhaps she read something in my profile that made her go "wow." without or with the exclamation point

I wrote back after getting her email and confirming that this was the same person that she worked with. I sent a short email asking a couple questions and gave her my personal email address.

Sorry Readers - I did not give her the blog email address, but I will. Unless, she decides to search the Internet then I am sure that she would eventually find this blog. There is no first impression, but I wanted to get the feel on what she, or even I, want to know about each other. We were good friends and did talk to each other about life beyond just work at the office on the 9th floor. Although, I do not think we were close good friends since she knew the same person I dealt with and to be blunt despised. Oh yes, I was 13 years younger and thought like someone who would call me the rudest person he/she has ever known. Young, dumb and full of c--"

I digress Readers. We both told each other that we would not date each other since that is not the real reason for contact. She wrote her reasons why and for me I wrote the reason why since she does not fit my type, which was one of the questions I asked her on how she found me.

Anyway, I did write back and now I am trying to find some time to write up a brief re-cap from 1996 to the present. I obviously do not want to tell too much or too little. From there I will gauge on how much we want to catch up or if this is like a "good to see you" thing.

P.S. Do you Readers my updates about the Ignorant Senor(ita)? I am still following that blogger and I have to admit it has been kind of dull - until the past two weeks. Anyway, I just reading the other day that the person that he/she was interested is gay/a lesbian. I am sorry Readers - it is not funny, but it's funny since the prior blog entries made by the ignorant senor(ita) showed how he/she just ate up the nice things about what the person did for him/her at home, at work, going out together, etc. Not to mention, the supposedly clues that were there but never he/she noticed before. But the reason why I find it funny is that he/she had mentioned that he/she this person's garbage and saw some empty fast food trash and thought to him/herself (and this is not a direct quote) "Oh that's so cool he/she eats at the same place I like to eat. We have that in common. That's just so cool."

I guess one could say that about me and the Qdoba girl, but I do not think I have ever thought that sort of thinking about the Qdoba girl. I do not even think that I ever wrote that "it's just so cool that the girl I like works at my favorite place fast food place I like to eat at." I did lust after the Qdoba girl, but I am not sure if I was looking for something "to relate to" with the Qdoba girl. My beginnings, and perhaps ending is that I just wanted to get to know her and see from there. Then again - I do not know. And may never know.

P.S. Readers - I needed a picture for the blog post so I decided to show you Readers the person who I named my new Mountain Bike after - Lily.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Lottery Tickets

Greetings Readers

Unless you live on the Frozen Tundra or on one of the islands in Indonesia then you know that the Pittsburgh Steelers have won the Super Bowl.

Which meant I won a few bets. Though some bets were offset due to me losing bets on the Australian Open finals.

Flashback - I made a statement on Friday to my co-workers that if the Pittsburgh Steelers win then I am bringing in Lottery Tickets for our department. That's it.

Present. The Steelers won and now I have bought my department some Colorado Lottery tickets. Granted, it is only one ticket per person, but in reality it is one more than you did if (or if the Arizona Cardinals won) to do something more than just root, yell, and scream. I did not clink beer bottles with anyone, I did not high five anyone nor did I give anyone a hug for the Steelers win. I do not condone those actions, which are OK yet they are something anyone would do for the sakes of just doing.

Of course, I made no Super Bowl bets with anyone in my department, but that does not mean that I can keep my kindness to myself. I went to the local gas station on my way to work and bought some Colorado Lottery scratch tickets - Wild Bill$ scratch tickets. Get three of a kind and win that dollar amount.

I ask any of you Readers would you have done that? Matter of fact, would the rudest person you have ever known done that? And more importantly I needed no "Thank you's" or even say "I get half of what you win." Whereas, I bet some young person who calls people out would think of him/herself and not of others and demand that any winning be split with him/her. Selfish and rude, but as long as you are not part of my life so be it. The world is bigger than you think it is and more open minded as well as humble and experienced with life.

P.S. The guy in the mail room we made a bet and he gave me ten dollars to buy my six pack of Corona, which was the bet between us. I went to the local liquor store near my house and this morning I gave him the change back from the 10 spot he gave me. On top of that I gave him a Colorado Lottery ticket just because. I won, but that does not mean that I should leave him losing. Would the rudest person you have ever known done that? Matter of fact, I am betting that most of my Readers would just say "good game" and drink the winnings without giving something back in return for a good sport to the person you made the bet with.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete.

A Good Deed Bestowed Upon Me

Greetings Readers

I do not believe in "pay it forward." Although, I do occasionally believe in "Thank you's" every once in a while. Whether or not it was just justified to say "Thank you" or it is an automatic response by saying "Thank you."

As I have listed my good deeds for the past two weeks I did the Good deeds without looking for a "Thank you" or even expecting for someone else to "pay it forward." I did my good deeds because I have done them before and this is nothing new for me. I will admit it is new for me to be blogging about the good deeds I do do.

After all, to the people (Readers) who say they "know me" really do not know me and apparently see only what they want to see or in the case of blogging - read.

I have listed the good deeds and yet no one who has commented in the past has commented their feelings on my kindness. But of course, I am not looking for one nor expecting any. Your comments are your comments and you are entitled to you comments. I do not delete the bad nor the goods, but the ones that have "please click here" and go to some one's web site for whatever I do delete. To me that is not a comment, but advertising.

If I have ever left a comment on your blog then you probably have caught my eye. For the good or the bad. And most of the comments I make come from experience or to make you aware you have a sad story, but in truth there is another side to the story..

But I digress. If anyone says something not good then there was a reason. Yet, if you can not comment on the good then perhaps you need to look at your values and way of thinking. I am not shrink, doctor, or even a position to tell it how it might be. In my opinion and this is pure speculation but perhaps you just hate me, perhaps you were beat up as a child, perhaps you have a tough life, as so goes the list.

Me, I comment, but I tell it how I see it and call it - Honesty. Most of us see, and me included, from one side, yet anytime one person sees it from a different angle and is brought their attention their natural instinct is defend themselves. From what I read time to time on blogs are one sided and often written to get sympathy, remorse or to agree with the blogger from anyone who reads their blog. Yet, most fail to see the other side of the story.

Getting back to Good deeds.

I was in Safeway this past weekend and I was hungry for Steak. I saw that there was a family pack of four thick NY Strips Steaks for about $ 21.00 and it was hook, line and sinker when I saw that deal. I also saw that there was a sale for Coca-Cola. Three 12-packs for about $ 7.99, which is a pretty darn good deal these days. I grabbed the three 12 packs and then headed off to the check out line.

I got into the express lane and waited. There was lady in front of me, but I did not acknowledge her. I just put my stuff down and started looking at the Magazine covers and Tabloid covers that were in check out lane from where I was standing.

From the corner of my eye I saw the lady look/glance at me a few times, but I did not acknowledge her. Perhaps about 20 seconds later she says "Excuse me."

"Yes?" I say politely and questionably

"I see that you drink Coca-Cola."

"Yes" I replied

"Well, in front of the store near the entrance there is a store flyer that has a coupon, which is not advertised, but the coupon will get you another 12 pack for free."

"Really. thanks" I said. "I am riding a bike and three 12 packs is about my limit for carrying on my bike"

"OK"

Then, I thought about what she mentioned for about 15 seconds or so. And I thought to myself - and extra 12 pack. Damn, I can get the fourth 12 pack home somehow.

"Excuse me. Could you watch my stuff while I get a flyer please?" I asked the lady in front of me.

She smiled "Yes of course"

I ran up to the entrance and then back to my place in line. I started to rip out the coupon when the lady asked me if I wanted to borrow her scissors.

"Oh wow. yes Thank you"

And that was pretty much the conversation and the good deed done by a total stranger. Again, I was not looking for "Pay it forward" event, but I would have to admit perhaps this could be considered a "pay it forward" moment for the good deeds I did that week. Did any stranger "pay it forward" to you last week for any good deeds you did the previous week?

Instead of paying 2.66 per 12-pack for three - I paid $ 2.00 for four 12-packs. Pretty darn good. Not to mention that I got 10 extra Coca-Cola points for free to log and use on mycokerewards.com

If I was the rudest person you have ever known would you have even mentioned the coupon deal to me?

By the way Readers, I repeatedly said thank you to the lady for mentioning the coupon for the free 12 pack. After all, that was a very nice thing to point out to another human being.

P.S. Readers - the picture is the picture taken this past Sunday of me at the finish line at the Super Bowl 5k. And the other picture is my official results/stats.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Super Bowl 5k - 2009

Greetings Readers

Another year later (almost) and I have made this event my first official run of the year. The time is slower from than last year and I know about about 20 seconds or so were due to me arriving minutes before the start of the 5k in Washington Park in Denver, Colorado.

I tried to hurry and pay as fast as possible, pin the number Bib # 339, and then get myself situated at the back of the start line.

Flashback - as you may (or may not) see that the temperature this year is alot warmer than it was last year. And you can see last year's blog. I would have to say that I was expecting cold weather, but when I actually started to get going the weather was alright.

Present - Washington Park was full of Runners for the Super Bowl 5k. Definitely more than I expected.

Not much to say about it - I started back from the back because of arriving late and also since normally I do start in the back. Although, this time I started at the back-back. I did not want to listen to the Ipod so I took that off and wrapped the earphones around the Ipod and held onto it.

I kept my own pace until about a mile and a half when I caught up to runners who were in their groove and I was slowly making myself pass them. No one passed me until the last 1/2 mile, otherwise I did okay. At the last .3 mile or so that was when I put on the full sprint and made sure to solidify my place and not let anyone pass me, but let me pass any runner in that last .3 mile to the finish line.

And that was that. I know I did alright, but I did not think I was going to post over 8 minute mile. Granted, I was checking my watch and making sure that I was roughly under the eight minutes per mile and I knew that I was, but somehow I lost some minutes. Though, timing was started from the moment the race announcer said go and not from the moment I actually started the race so I did have some precious seconds counted against me.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete