Has the End of this Blog arrived?

Greetings Readers

I am not sure if I read the news on this blog site (blogger.com), but from the way that I have interpreted the news was that I will now have to buy a domain (since I have no domain - .com) in order to continue to blogging on blogger due to changes being made.

I am kinda of sad to hear this since I use the relatively easy publishing process. Sure, I had a website 8 years ago and thought that was the bomb. Since I discontinued my Internet service a long time ago I now have to pay for everything that usually comes with packages when you have Internet service.

I have Internet at work as well as the library and over at my friend's humbles abodes.

Why pay when I really do not need service? I made that decision a long time ago and I have to admit that after terminating service I was "lost" and kind of like "Oh my gosh how in the world am I going to live my life without the Internet?", but then I learned to live without. The expense I was giving up (back in the day I was paying either $ 20.00 or 24.99 a month) became my money again. Matter of fact, if I was to base my savings on $ 20.00 - times that by 12 and it comes to $ 240.00 a year. Taking in inflation, broadband (back in the day I was on dial-up) now the thing and much more expensive than dial up I think, Internet over a certain amount bytes which they may either had more money or cut you off I think an average cost these days would probably be $ 500.00, I think?

Sorry Readers, I got off track of the real topic.

This blog site. Again from what I just found out I think that in March my blogging days will be over. Unless I get a domain. I did check a few other blog services and I do see one possibility.

Then, I thought, my blogging for the past year has gone down. I have reasons, but do I really need to give you one? or ten? No. You Readers probably could care less. I know if the roles were reversed I would care less. Kind of like my ignorant bikers I follow... followed. Their blogging I think is over, but that does not stop me from stopping in from time to time to see if there is a new post. Ignorant was used and I did use as a label, but they did learn from their blogging when they did blog. Whether on there own or perhaps by my blogging and/or comments. I do not think of them as Ignorant anymore - they learn a lot as well blogged about biking. More so than myself about biking and I consider myself a hard-core biker.

I have a lot of unposted blog posts, but either they are no good to post, not finished, or I just have not gotten to post. I started blogging and blogged rarely in the beginning. Then, soon I blogged like a mad man thinking that I had to blog to get my blog post numbers high. Now, I am blogging rarely once more.

Is the circle complete? For me? I have not run out of blog topics. I have stuff on sport events. a topic about "Mr. Bent". Serena Williams threatening harm of a line judge at the US Open in New York. My views on Tiger Woods. A graffiti artist gets electrocuted while tagging a Transformer station in New Mexico and how this was sad and you need to feel sad for the guy (but he was tagging therefore it was illegal! A fucking tagging a transformer station - a dumb fuck). The White House Party Crashers. On on a former radio DJ that was on Alice - Jamie White. A "Mr. Dick". a few don't fucking bother me at a bus stop stories (my favorite topic to share with you Readers) and so goes the stories I have yet to share.

I have things to say - often blunt, sometimes rude, yet there are the nice, the generous and the few I got thrown under a bus (metaphorically speaking) stories.

I am in the dark and let me see if I can step up my blogging for this month and entertain you Readers for what could be my final days on blogger.com.

P.S. The picture is of the DTC area this morning looking Northeast from the Greenwood Village Movie Theatre. I am currently riding Tracey since Lily had something go wrong with her about two weeks ago. A nice morning ride to the Light Rail Station. Sorry the picture is not clear - I took of the flash and I can see that I was not holding the camera steady.

"The Beginnig of the End"

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Love in a Elevator

Greetings Readers

Nope. There was no love in the elevator, but I hope I got your attention.

This blog is about the elevator and another “incident” in a manner of speaking that happened within the last week to me. I was in a building that had four elevators.

The morning opens with me getting on one of the elevators and going up.

I am the only person in the elevator. While I was in the elevator I was digging in my backpack looking for something. What I was looking for is irrelevant to this story, but what is – is that I was busy looking for something. Meanwhile, I feel as well as hear the elevator come to a stop on a floor. A floor mind you that was not my stop. I hear the elevator ding on the lobby of whatever floor the elevator was stopping at. From the corner of my eye I can see a person standing right in from of the elevator that the elevator doors just opened from. Other than that I am still digging through my stuff in my backpack looking for what I need.

“Is this elevator going up?” I hear a man’s voice ask.

I do not know if he was talking to me nor did I care. I did not hear the courtesy “excuse me sir” or “pardon me sir,” or the “excuse me.” After all, if I were looking at him then I would visibly know that he was probably asking me the question. If had said, “excuse me”, then this whole incident would not be written on this particular post. However, he did not and well I have a story for you Readers

Getting back to the story… I was currently preoccupied with locating what I needed to find in my backpack at that moment. I could care less what else is going on around me. Though, I am not oblivious to my surroundings.

Readers – there may a right way or a polite thing to do and I do not disagree with you Readers.

I could have easily looked up and responded in my most polite way ever and say “yes.”

I could have looked up and said in that Robert DeNiro attitude in Taxi Driver and said “Are you talking to me?”

I could have looked up and said “No, this elevator is going to Cambodia” without so much as a smile.

I could have looked up and said, “Well, what does the elevator light indicate outside the elevator show?”

I could have look up and said, “No, this elevator is going sideways” without missing a beat or a smile.

I could have looked up and said, “why don’t you take off those sunglasses yourself and see which light indicator is pointing outside the elevator.

And the list goes on and on. I have blogged about this before and I probably will continue to do so in the future.

Anyway, in a manner of seconds, or before the elevator doors closed between us he was able to figure out the answer to his own question he asked that morning and got in the elevator with me.

Readers, I have many, many moods and they vary from time to time and day to day. One day I could be the kindest person in the world and yet the next day I could the prick of your nightmares. I don’t discriminate on who I am nice or mean to – it all depends on the moment.

Now, when I was looking in my bag I had no clue whether who the person in the corner of my eye was – meaning a male or female. I was pre-occupied and that was that. When that person spoke then I knew the gender immediately, however that did not stop from searching for what I was looking for.

Most of you probably will say I should have answered his question, since that is “right” thing to do.

I disagree. When that person spoke and became a man I quickly thought to myself that a man should not be asking another man for directions on which way the elevator is going – especially so since he is not asking for directions to the Federal Building in Downtown Denver or the Chatfield Corn Maze. Meaning, I would tell him Take I-25 for x miles until you get to street x, then turn right go x blocks… as you can see where I am going with this. That type of asking directions is complex and is okay for a man to ask another man for directions.

However, the directions he was asking for was so simple that a kindergarten student could figure out which way that particular elevator was going for him/herself. Either the elevator was going up or down. Period. Whenever, I hear a man ask a simple question such as that I wonder if his girlfriend or wife has him whipped to a point he is not able to function without her when not around her.

I had no obligation to answer his question, especially so when he did not say excuse me to interrupt my backpack searching that particular morning. I was not rude either since I was technically not being addressed personally; meaning if I was looking directly at him when he asked that question and did not answer his question then that would be rude. Matter of fact Readers, he was rude for not saying “excuse me” before asking a question that was most likely intended for me. Readers, I cannot assume that he was asking the question at me since I was not looking at him. Even though I was the only one in the elevator how do I not know that he was asking another person in the lobby that out of my view from inside the elevator?

I am not required to look at every person who asks a question when I am not looking at them. Readers, I am being general on this. Obviously, this does not pertain to my friends or at the place I work at – just general areas in public with total strangers.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

2009 US Open Items Purchased

Greetings Readers

As per my usual custom – I have ordered this year’s US Open men’s towel. In addition to the towel I decided to order a new US Open backpack. And my friend also ordered her woman’s towel which she has been doing for the past three years.

I am currently using the backpack I bought a few years ago, but I figure what the hell and ordered a new backpack from the US Open store. New colors and new design.

The towel is beautiful and this time they made the towel bigger, just a bit. They also got rid a few of the colors so now there are just fours colors – red, blue, dark blue and white. (I know Readers; white is not a color)

Oh in case any of you Readers are wondering I did buy one additional towel for my parents. That too is a custom I have started four years ago when I got an extra towel with my order.

I have yet to give it to them, but will do so the next time I visit the Ranch.

Now, the backpack. I do like the backpack, but to me it seems that the backpack is just a bit smaller that the first backpack I bought a few years ago.

I have worn the backpack a couple of times to work, but I have not fully committed to using the new backpack – for anything. I have the backpack in my room hanging on a chair with its tags still on the backpack.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Tour de France 2009 - Stage 7 & 8

Greetings Readers

Stage 7 – The first mountain stage of three mountain stages in the Pyrenees Mountains. For today’s stage there are five major mountains. The Cote de Monteserrat that is a category 4 climb, then the Port de Solsona that is a category 3 climb, then Col de Serra-Seca that is a category 1 climb (4.8 miles with a grade of 7.1 %), then Port del Comte that is a category 3 climb and lastly, the Andorre Arcalis that is a beyond category HC climb. (6.6 miles with a grade of 7.1%). In addition to the Andorre Arcalis being an HC category climb the Andorre Arcalis is the 3rd highest climb ever in Tour de France history.

Does this matter you wonder? Of course. Every commentator and the world pulled stats and facts and whatnot and the conclusion that was deduced was that everyone agreed to was that the overall GC winner of the first mountain stage in the Tour de France in the past 10 years or so won the overall Tour de France in Paris. Stats don’t lie.

Today is the longest stage in the Tour de France, so far, at 139 miles.

At the beginning of the stage 7 there are 177 riders that have started the Tour de France. The three riders that have not started are all out of the Tour de France with broken bones. And not because of abandonment

Johan and L.A. had big smiles and good cheer being shown on TV interviews on Versus.

According to Phil and I quote “Every second will count” and today “is the true test of the GC.” Only 1 rider on Team Astana can be leader after this stage. Phil and Paul both agree that there is no need for Team Astana to attack, yet Paul and Phil state the overall GC winner of the Tour de France of the first Mountain stage wins the Tour de France after three weeks of racing. Paul and Phil show stats, graphs and state what they just say about the overall GC winner winning the first mountain stage of the Tour de France.

Today is also the only Mountain top finish in the Pyrenees Mountains for this year’s Tour de France.

Now, to the recap. There was a nine rider breakaway. Fabian had two flat tires (front and read back tire), which probably did not help him to retain the yellow jersey at the end of today’s stage. An interview segment that was shown on today’s stage with L.A. was quoted that L.A. was in the Tour de France to win. Readers, it was announced last year by L.A. that L.A. was riding in the Tour de France to raise cancer awareness as well as his foundation Livestrong to the world about cancer awareness. Funny how L.A. does not remember what was said prior to him joining a team riding in the Tour de France. Or in my case not funny at all, just a two faced rider watching out for himself. Also, 23k from the finish line Levi Leipheimer and Mark Cavendish crash

I will admit that it would be hard to be a “workhorse” rider or commonly known as a “domestic” rider in the Tour de France, after being a winner more than once in the Tour de France. Johan was also interviewed prior to the start of the Tour de France and to quote Johan he said “no specific plan.” Yet, we true followers of the Tour de France know that Johan wanted, as well as L.A., for L.A. to be the wearer of the yellow jersey at the end of this stage. The smiles, the good mood and the non-serious questions by the press totally ignored Alberto Contador. In the end, Alberto showed his team as well as the rest of the world who the “true” leader of team Astana is.

You Readers may be persuaded by the American Press as well as the American Commentators and writers that Alberto should not have attacked, but if it was L.A. that attacked then it would not have been viewed as an attack against the team Astana, but as the 7 time former, yes former, champion of the Tour de France making a “special” comeback and dominating on this stage of the Tour de France. Alas, it was Contador that made the “something special” and now he is viewed by the American supporters of L.A. as the “bad rider” of Team Astana. Of course, there are the former riders of the Tour de France who also agreed that Alberto should not have attacked, but I believe that they too also supported L.A.’s comeback to the Tour de France and want L.A. to win.

This is pure speculation on my part, but it is hard not to see this scenario playing out. I have made it no secret that I do not care for L.A. and that I will not wear that Livestrong bracelet. Yet, what I saw today was team Astana setting the tempo and eventually set up the strongest rider to take control of the Tour de France. Even though every General Manager says / hints toward that holding onto the yellow jersey in the first week of the Tour de France is not the best thing to do, Johan and L.A. hinted that L.A. was going to be the wearer of the yellow jersey at the end of the stage today. Unfortunately to their surprise, Alberto made a fantastic move on the Andorre Arcalis to show who the best mountain climber of the GC contenders were.

The post interview of Lance stating that he had to ride the wheel of the next opponent’s wheel is true. However, it is true since he should not endanger the “true leader” of the Tour de France. There should never be two teammates jockeying for the overall lead since any of the opposing opponents will try to keep in touch (within distance) of the overall leader of the Tour de France. If the second rider of the GC tour leader board is trying to catch the overall leader of the GC rider then the teammate of the overall leader should not try and match the pace of the overall leader. Why? You do not want any other team to be motivated or inspired to rider just as fast as the teammate of the leader of the Tour de France. The teammate needs to follow the next rider who is trying to close the gap to first place before the finish line. That lets the opponent decide whether or not to chase the leader and not to give an opponent the reason or a second wind to try a catch the overall leader. Some times following a teammate is like dangling a carrot in from of a horse. It is there and you will do anything to get that carrot.

Yet, in the end the overall winner of the stage was Brice Feillu who is one of the youngest riders in this year’s Tour de France at the age of 24 years old.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Greetings Readers

Stage 8 – The second mountain stage of three mountain stages in the Pyrenees Mountains. For today’s stage there are three major mountains. The Port d’Envalira at 3,980 ft. that is a category 1 climb, then the Col de Port at 4,098 ft. that is a category 2 climb (7.1 miles with a grade of 5.5 %) and lastly, the Col d’Agnes that is a category 1 climb. (7.7 miles with a grade of 6.5 %)

Today, the riders will reach the highest point in the Tour de France, so far.

At the beginning of the stage 8 there are 175 riders that have started the Tour de France and 15 teams that have started with all their riders on the team roster.

The thing that I have heard so far during the Tour de France is to get HD. Watch the Tour de France in HD. See the rider’s team jerseys in the Tour de France in HD. Check out the scenery in HD.

Interesting. Last year I saw the US Open Tennis in HD and I was amazed. The white lines on the hard court, the tennis balls (and the fuzz) and I have to admit everything was sharp and clear. In some cases a bit too clear.

So, with Versus and Phil saying go and get HD to see the Tour de France in HD I am not sure if I agree. Yes, there are going to be some scenery that are going to look fantastic in HD, but I have to admit that I am not sure that seeing the Tour de France in HD is going to be that much better. There are so many cameras in the Tour de France and all those cameras are on the move – whether by a camera operator on the back of a motorcycle or a helicopter(s) flying along a stage in the Tour de France. Otherwise, the focus of the camera bearing HD is really focused on the riders. So any HD viewer is really only going to see colorful team jersey, sunglasses, bikes, bike helmets, facial hair and the occasional chest hair (if any) of the Rider of the Tour de France.

Those things I mentioned are not incentives for me to see the Tour de France in HD. Again, this is my opinion. And should I see the Tour de France in HD I may change my tune, but for now I can only speculate and form an opinion on what I would really see in HD. Readers, there are the occasional aerial Helicopter views that show very nice scenery, but in my opinion those occasional spectacular views are not the reason why to get HD.

Onto the recap – today was the day that “The God of Thunder” came out to play and showed why he is “The God of Thunder.” Along with “The God of Thunder” there were nine other riders that got away from the main group to form a nine rider breakaway group. Where was Mark Cavendish you are perhaps wondering? Well, he was well behind the peloton. Mark Cavendish was in the Autobus, which I think finished about 22 minutes behind the winner, Luis Sanchez, Stage 8 in the Tour de France. Cadel Evans was initially in the breakaway group, but the Peloton managed to catch him and bring him back into the main field of the Peloton with all other GC riders. Once that was done, any non-GC rider was basically allowed to ride out without any sort of attack from the Peloton. Unless, those riders got too much of a time lead then the Peloton would go into attack mode and reel in the breakaway group to a lesser time gap.

The God of Thunder was able to win two (the first two intermediate sprints) of the three intermediate sprints in the stage today. Unfortunately, the third intermediate stage sprint was after the Col d’Agnes, which was the third major mountain climb and to top that off it was a category 1 climb. Yet, I knew that after “The God of Thunder” won the first two intermediate sprint points he would be happy with those 12 points he gained today. After all, there are two more weeks until the end of the Tour de France. No need to wear yourself out for 6 more points in the Green Jersey competition and with Mark Cavendish well behind “The God of Thunder” he knew that Cavendish would be getting no green jersey points for this stage to add to the overall points for the Green Jersey competition.

Oh, by the way Readers, with winning the first intermediate sprint all “The God of Thunder” needed was 1 point to take the Green Jersey off Mark Cavendish’s back and become the new leader of the Green Jersey and the first time this year for “the God of Thunder” in the Tour de France to don the Green Jersey for the next stage start – stage 9.

At the end of this stage there is now a new leader of the King of the Mountain – Christophe Kern. He now has “bragging rights” to be the best climber in the Tour de France (as well as in the world) for now.

Fabian Cancellara finished over nine minutes behind the winner of the Tour de France on yesterday’s stage, which took him out of the yellow jersey for the start of this stage in the Tour de France. From what I saw he was not a happy rider on today’s stage. He was in a breakaway group, but apparently he was not happy with his “fellow” breakaway riders. Only one can assume that none of the other breakaway riders were pulling their turn at the front of the breakaway group. That is a reason to be pissed off, but this is a race. If you want to win then you have to want to win it. You cannot rely on other opponents to help you ride. You want to win, then lead. If you had a teammate who was on your team then obviously there would be nothing to be complaining about. So for Fabian to be pissed off at rival teams was totally uncalled and unacceptable for Fabian to be pissed off about.

Of course Fabian could be pissed off for losing the yellow jersey yesterday as well as getting two flat tires on Stage 7. As my former old boss would “Sucks to be you.”

Anyway, Rinaldo Nocentini remained in the yellow jersey at the end of this stage.

Readers, a bit more information on the King of the Mountain competition. It was 35 years ago that a sponsor officially asked for the King of the Mountain Jersey be recognized in the Tour de France and become an ongoing competition in the Tour de France. Though, the King of the Mountain competition was first introduced in the 1930’s. Currently, at the end of the Tour de France the overall leader of the King of the Mountain jersey is awarded about 35 thousand dollars or 25 thousand euros. (estimated).

Lastly, the biggest news that Versus commentators (Phil, Paul, Craig & Bob) made was the way that Alberto rode away from L.A. If the roles were reversed the news would be totally different. Bob, Craig, Paul and Phil would be hard up to talk about how L.A. asserted himself on the first stage of the Pyrenees Mountain to show all other GC contenders that the 7 time winner of the Tour de France was back.

Alas, this did not happen and now all who is American related are asking questions of Team Astana. And guess what Readers; they are interviewing riders and the General Manager that we know of – Levi, L.A. and Johan. Either the reporters could not interview Alberto or he politely declined a one on one interview. Alberto did give all the press a post race conference and stated that he saw the other riders doing ok on the climb, but he saw a opening to attack the other GC riders and he took it.

24 hours ago, Paul, Phil and the rest of the world were amazed how Contador rode off from the other GC contenders as well as his teammates on Astana. As Phil stated and I quote again “Every second will count” yet on the pre-race show of today’s stage Phil chastises Alberto for “attacking” his teammates. When in reality, Alberto was attacking the entire GC rider group. This shows how bias and hard up Phil and Paul, as well as Bob, for L.A.’s comeback in Tour de France. Bob even stated that Contador should not have attacked his teammates for the few seconds he did get, but you know how much Bob’s opinion means to me – zilch.

Just like Bob Roll was a guest speaker on the Ride the Rockies in Aspen in this year’s 2009 Ride the Rockies; There was no fucking way that I was going to sit in the school’s auditorium to listen to Bob speak. I have to be blunt Readers – he is a fucking idiot with his commentary, his hand gestures and his off hand comments on other riders who are not L.A. He was just a good rider in the Tour de France when he rode in the 1980’s, but that was it – just good, not great nor “awesome”. Bob was a pissed off rider during the Tour de France and when nothing worked for him, he threw tantrums which were caught on camera. Throwing his bike, yelling at no one and everyone. What a fucking sore loser, in my book. Again, take your fucking licks like a man; don’t act like a fucking 3-year-old child throwing a temper tantrum just because he did not get what he wanted.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

...Internet Famous; Sort of

Greetings Readers

Internet Famous; sort of.

I have to admit it was kind of weird seeing me (well everything below my neck) on another blogger’s blog that was apparently taken by another blogger – not the blogger who I was on his blogsite.

I was part of the blog subject matter, which was about handlebars and wheels. The picture that was taken of me had both subjects. Apparently, my bandannas, well the four bandannas that I have wrapped around my handlebars were being pointed out. Then my HED. Wheel set were also mentioned.

Oh yeah. It’s all about the wheels.

I was smiling and laughing at myself and the blog that was written. I am thankful that the blogger did not ridicule me. The blogger’s author noticed the wheels, the bandanna’s wrapped around my handlebars, me being in the hardest gear ring and then commented on that I probably could hear the a race announcer counting backwards in French - quatre, trois, deux, un and then perhaps me and bike in a pile outside the Light rail with me entangled in Taiwanese metal. Hah hah. Yes, I thought that was funny and have to admit that the blog was nicely written.

I pretty happy about seeing myself (from the head down) and my HED wheels on someone else’s blog that I printed out the blog part (and picture) and hung the blog post on my office wall. I told anyone that cared to know that I was now Nationality (perhaps Internationality) known.

With the good though – there is the not so good. Depending on your point of view. The comments that were made were… well more than a few comments. Everything from someone else saying that they know me and did not submit a picture of me to the blog’s author, to the point of my US Open backpack and my apparent backhand or something about girth. There was comment about my views on Coca-Cola rewards program to me riding the light rail with those wheels. There was a comment about my Texas bike jersey. And then a few others comments. Of course, my favorite comment about a certain ayearofbikecommuting author – Sam – who nearly spit out his morning coffee. Priceless.

That was about all the comments that were made about my picture and blog. Hurtful? Nope. Do I need to defend or reply to them? Nope. Do I care? Not really, except for the nice comments, which I like.

I thought about answering each comment that was made, but then that is just going to open up more comments. Overall, that picture was a picture of me (from the neck down) captured forever at that moment. There is no history. There is no future. There is me (from the neck down) at that one precise moment in the past on the Light Rail.

Say what you will. I have over 25 bike jerseys so commenting on that one Texas jersey in the picture is what it is – nothing. I love that Texas bike jersey since I am from Texas and two I love the back of the bike jersey. Nothing to defend or nothing to explain.

My Backpack. Wow. I never knew that my backpack would be commented on like that. After all, I am pretty proud to have that US Open Backpack. Unique and limited to the US Open. Of course I have 5 bike bags that I use, but for going back and forth from work and to the grocery store I use the US Open backpack for transports of clothes and groceries.

My aero bars were also commented on – specifically the angle of the aero bars. I admit that the angle is awkward in the picture, but that is due to the weight of the bike lock I keep on the aero bars and the aero bars being a bit loose. I adjust the angle of the bars when I need to for going into aero mode.

My Coca-Cola rewards program. A blogger commented on how I blogged on the Coca-Cola reward program. Well, I am glad that he or she did read (perhaps not finish) my views on the rewards program. I know the comment was supposed to be sarcastic, but to me it was kind of nice to think he/she at least read the blog post.

Do I need to defend what was commented on my stuff and me? Nope.

Though the thought of contacting the blogger’s owner to perhaps shed some light on my bandanna wrapped handlebars and why I do it.

P.S. Sam – I am sure that I could go way in depth about my bandanna wrapped handlebars to a degree one thought was impossible. Matter of fact, the thoughts in my head regarding said subject is currently being put together in some sort of outline

P.S. Readers here is the link to where I am partially shown (from the neck down) and just mentioned as a blurb - click here to look.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The Australian Open 2009 - Qualifying Round

Greetings Readers

Today (technically yesterday) is the official start of the Qualifying rounds at the Australian Open 2009.

Oh Yes! Readers another year has come and gone and now we are onto the first of the four Tennis Grand Slam in 2009. Every year it begin in Australia - Melbourne.

The website

http://www.australianopen.com

The official start will be on Monday, January 19 2009, but their time, not U.S. time. And you faithful readers know that this will be the hardest two weeks to begin the New Year with. Again, I want to see live action so that means that play will start late at night in the Mountain Time Zone in the United States. Of course I could catch the tape delay, but then I would not be satisfied with that alone. That being said I will be up into the wee hours of the morning and perhaps staying up all night and morning.

The biggest news for me is that Maria Sharapova will not be able to play and defend her title from last year. Apparently, she is still out with the same injury that kept her from playing in the US Open and the Beijing Olympics last year. And I guess to look further than that we viewers do not have to put up with Yuri. Woo hoo!.

I had to use the picture from last year when she won and the she lowered both knees to the court in victory. However, using this picture and the tone of my post it appears that she is "sad." I know I am bending the truth, but I needed a picture that was worthy of the Australian Open 2009 - The Grand Slam of the Asia / Pacific.

I hope, desire, that we viewers are treated to another fantastic first week of the Australian Open, especially the 24 hours of Friday and Saturday of the first week of play last year - that was spectacular! And the epic matches that lasted wee into the night (in the United States) and the Morning (Australia and United States.) Seeing Federer being taken into a 5 set match and then seeing Hewitt start his tennis match at Dawn in the United States was unfucking-believeable. Or in the words of my ex-co-worker "just so awesome!" Those tennis players that played in that 24 hours were tested to the best of there playing abilities. Who knew that Australia could have a "Super Saturday" on the first Saturday of a Tennis tournament?!

And was it not tough for us hard core tennis watchers see Bagdahti start to cry when leaving the tennis court when Hewitt eliminated him from the Australian Open 2008?!

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

First Day of Arrival on my Mini-Vacation

Greetings Readers

I arrived in Albuquerque, New Mexico about 4 A.M. on Saturday and waited about an hour or so at the bus station until my Dad came and picked me up in Downtown Albuquerque.

We then headed across town to go to my brother’s place on the East side of Albuquerque.

We got to my brother’s place and this was the time that I actually look forward to when arriving in New Mexico. I am not home, but I am home. My home is Dallas, Texas, my actual home is Denver, Colorado and then perhaps my Native American Indian home is New Mexico.

Anyway, sitting on my brother’s couch early in the morning, smelling and hearing the Starbucks coffee brewing, the television on and our family together is a nice feeling. This is usually only one of the times that are family is together and in harmony.

Though, perhaps I think this is my time that I enjoy the most. For me this is the time that I get to give gifts to my brother, Mom and Dad. I have to say I like this time of the day and moment when arriving in New Mexico.

This time I was able to reward with gift to my family the Coca-Cola gifts that I just redeemed a week or so ago. I gave my brother and Dad the Coca-Cola lunch bags and then I gave my Mom the Coca-Cola tub. Then, I gave my parents the Mountain Man nuts (Corn nuts and Almond nuts) I bought a couple days before at work.

Before giving out the gifts I pulled out two VHS tapes that contained the recordings of Ice Road Truckers – Season Two. I knew that they loved the first season I brought down for them last year so I was excited to bring down Season Two for them since they all liked the first season. Unfortunately, I never fully saw the first season and I did not see the second season since I was just really recording for my family since they watched the first season. Anyway, my brother started up the first tape and they immediately got into the show.

While this was going on my Mom was getting cold and asked for a towel from my brother in order to put over her legs since she was just wearing a night gown. Lo and behold this perfect. Since I bought two US Open towels – one for me and one for my parents they did not know that the US Open just happened and that I bought another US Open towel for them.

Actually, I think it is expected of me to buy a US Open towel for them, but not really. Hell, it was my fault for starting this new tradition of buying them a US Open Towel. Yet, I have no problem buying another expensive US Open towel for them – since they are my parents.

So, when my Mom asked that question to my brother. I reached into my bag and pulled out the plastic wrapped US Open Towel and said here you go.

She opened the plastic bag and saw that it was this year’s US Open towel and she said “Thank you.” She immediately covered her legs.

Lastly, I pulled out the Obama Buttons I bought during the DNC convention and gave them to my mother. “Oh Daryl” she said, but I said this is gift and I am not for Obama. Or McCain. This is just a gift from the DNC that was in Denver last month and perhaps this might be worth something should he be elected for president. I gave a rubber bracelet to my brother, just like the one that I was wearing.

My brother asked about the DNC and I told them what I told you readers when I blogged about the DNC. I told them what I did and of the experiences I had during the DNC. I basically told them Denver, in my opinion only, had become one of those countries in the Middle East.

With that it was the end of gift giving and story telling it was time to get ready to go out for our customary breakfast tradition when I get to New Mexico.

Breakfast was nice – we ate at Village Inn.

After breakfast we hit a few garage sales and then we dropped off my brother at his place. Soon, it was just my parents and me and we had a long drive to the Ranch ahead of us.

Before going to the Ranch, a hundred miles plus away, we had to stop at the Grocery Stores. We stopped at Sunflower and Smith’s and in between we stopped at our Hatch Chili place we buy our Chili from.

Let me tell you Readers it is now the season for Green Hatch Chili in New Mexico and this year the crops did not get destroyed like they did last year. When I stepped out of the vehicle I smelled the Hatch Chili being roasted nearby in the roasting containers. Ok - the smell was fucking intoxicating. That roasting is the smell that I love to smell. I compare that smell to the smell of the fragrance Woman’s Escape and the smell of French Vanilla Roast Coffee brewing. Those smells make me gaga. I love the aroma.

I walked around the store and took in the different Hatch Green Chili and the roasting. I was in heaven. We bought a bushel of Green chili. We do our own roasting so they gave us our burlap sack full of Hatch Green Hot Chili. Hot.

At Smith’s that is where I shopped for what I was going to cook and make for meals while I was at the Ranch. I bought Steaks, fish, 2 pound bag of shrimp, King Crab Legs, Brats, Spaghetti materials for making spaghetti sauce, Coca-Cola and Clover’s Chili Potato Chips. The bill came to about $ 133.00 for which I paid one hundred of and then my Mom paid for the rest. I did ask her if that was okay and she indicated yes. After all, most of it was mine, but it was all for us.

At Sunflower, I bought supplies for making my Salsa for my parents and brother. At Sunflower the supplies were cheaper and fresh. I could not wait to get to the Ranch and start my famous Salsa.

After the shopping was done we left Albuquerque and soon headed for the open road to the Northwest of Albuquerque. I pulled out my cassette adapter for my ipod and soon we were listening to my new Johnny Cash CD’s that I bought a few months ago. I was waiting for this moment to play Johnny Cash for them since this is what I listened to when I was a young child. I knew my parents loved Johnny Cash’s music and for me to play his music to them I knew that they would enjoy this. I was right. And they loved the live recording from New Jersey – The Lost performances.

On our way home to the Ranch we stopped at a local store and I bought the traditional Ice Cream we have while going home to the Ranch. Nestle Crunch Ice Cream bars and pop if anyone needs some pop. This was also the last store before going home not to mention that this is the closest store to us - 20 miles or so away from the Ranch. When I say store, it is not a store – more like an A & P of the old days. Only the necessities are available, nothing else.

An hour later I was driving up to the first gate to the Ranch and I knew I was truly home. I saw the damage the rains have done to the road I fixed last year. It was kind of sad to see all the work I did last year get washed away. Yet, I knew that later I was going to have to fix the road. I was already thinking of when and how to fix the damage to the road.

Then, I reached the second gate and I saw our dogs welcoming us home. Goofy was smiling, just like Bullwinkle did (when he was alive). I saw Koko hesitantly approach the truck since he sort of did not recognize me, but as soon as I jumped out the truck Koko jumped back scared and then saw it was just I and came to greet me. A dog never forgets his family owners. I saw most of the animals and I saw my car. I saw my parent’s home.

I was home

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

2008 US Open Items I Purchased

Greetings Readers

You know Readers; I never showed you my US Open items that I purchased this year. I bought a towel, a water bottle and a mouse pad.

I think, I mentioned that this would be the third year that I have bought a US Open towel. Basically, this is my tradition. A must have item and an item that I have to get my parents.

Besides the US Open towel I have been buying other items that have the US Open Logo on.

This year I bought the water bottle and mouse pad since last year I bought the bandannas, for which I was disappointed in my purchase.

I sure that I might have mentioned before, but the reason why I was disappointed was that I spent like $ 8.00 for the bandanna and the US Open logo was an inch or two high and about three inches wide. Pretty small logo on such a big bandanna.

Now, I saw that there was a cool looking yellow colored black US Open Logo water bottle for a reasonable price - $ 6.00. And the mouse pad, that have the official poster logo for the US Open 2008 on the face of the logo looked pretty darn good.

So, that being said here are pictures of the water bottle and mouse pad. As well as this year’s US Open towel and the previous two years US Open towels that I have with the oldest at the top of the picture. Though the thing that I noticed with the US Open Towels this year they are getting smaller.

I do not have a picture of my friend’s towel, but basically the same except she purchased the woman’s US Open towel.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

DNC 2008 - Day 2

Greetings Readers

As the title for the Post today reads this was Day Two of the DNC (Democratic National Convention) in Denver, Colorado. Today, I was able to tell most of my friends of my experience and what I saw in Downtown Denver on the first official day of the DNC on Monday. I showed everyone who cared to see some of the pictures I took.

I also told them that I was careful of what I was taking pictures of and how I acted in the vicinity of the Law enforcement that were stationed and mobile in and around the Downtown area. And yes readers, I told my friends I was on my best behavior so I would not draw any unnecessary attention to myself. Worse yet, I did not want to be put into a holding pen for people being arrested and/or confirmation that you are who say you are. Apparently from what was told to me was that there was a tent that held make shift corrals that would hold arrested people for processing and holding,

Anyway, after telling most of my friends today of what I saw yesterday I decided that if there was no chance of any heavy rain showers in the afternoon I was going to bike down to Downtown Denver once more and also to Civic Center Park to see what’s what.

So, as 4 PM came and went I looked out the window and the skies looked ok, in a manner of speaking. I was not able to leave early like I did the day before, but I was still going to go even leaving later than the day before. I rode home fast and had everything ready to go from this morning. I grabbed two half frozen water bottles I made the night before I went to sleep last night and added cold water to fill the water bottle to the top.

I wanted to take the shortest route to bike that I thought would be the best to take to Downtown Denver, but then I decided to take the same route the day before. I knew the path and I now know the terrain. Plus, I knew that I would be able to get over 50 miles in a round trip bike ride.

Traffic all along the Cherry Creek bike path was pretty sparse compared to the day before. And this time I did not have to go slow since I had taken the pictures that I wanted the day before. I also decided to get off at the Colfax exit and head to the State Capitol and Civic Center Park.

Flashback – before leaving for the DNC in Downtown Denver I decided to call my parents and see what they know or seen on TV from the New Mexico TV stations broadcasting. My mom said that they showed “stuff” from inside the Convention Center and the Protesters, but overall they are not showing Denver in general. When my mom says that she means the Democratic National Coverage who are filming the DNC in Denver.

Back to the present – I decided to show you readers Denver from different views from my digital camera. I want you Readers to see Denver and not see just what is being shown on TV. Which I can only assume is coverage from inside the Pepsi Center and command centers located near the Pepsi Center.

I think I have “dished” Denver in the past about how Denver is not a true city, but a residential city. And I still support my view on that. However, I wanted to show you Readers on this post that Denver is a pretty city and if any of the news coverage would film Denver from different locations in Denver they can show that Denver is much more than what the DNC is being broadcast on National TV.

Sorry readers, I have not seen what is being broadcast on TV, but I can assume that what my mother said is what is being shown all over the United States is basically nothing. I am interested in what is being broadcast, but with the US Open in progress Tennis is my number one priority. Everything else is second to the US Open. This is one event that I look to every year and this one event that I actually make it a point to buy merchandise from the US Open Shop.

As I got near the Civic Center Park I could see and smell the protesters. Smell meaning that I could smell the BO of the hippies and what not. I was about 20 yards away from the actual protesters, but the odor was noticeable from 20 yards away. I stink from time to time, but not like the BO that I smelled yesterday. So, with that I stayed on the perimeter of Civic Center park for the most part and then I was able to get close where no one was really around that part of Civic Center park.

I just did not want to smell that strong B.O. There was a group, a rap group, which was performing in Civic Center Park. They sounded nice, but I only listened for a couple minutes before leaving for the State Capitol. I wanted a shot of Civic Center Park and all the people (protesters) from the State Capitol. Yet, when I got to the State Capitol and looked towards Civic Center Park I could not see the people in mass on the South side of Civic Center Park. I took a few pictures that showed the view from the State Capitol looking west. I think that the pictures came out pretty good.

After a bit I decided to skate (ride) just East of Downtown Denver and see how much law enforcement was present around the perimeter of Downtown. Not very much as opposed to Downtown Denver itself. I did see another bike corral at the “Cash Register” building. It was a small bike corral compared to the two corrals I saw the day before. I talked with the person handling the corral. They explained what was explained to me yesterday, but I pretended that I did not know how the bike corral worked.

I soon left and headed North on Lincoln and I think I turned West on 18th and then headed Northwest on 18th all the way to Union Station once more. I had no urge to go to Union Station, but it was on the street that I was taking and that is where I eventually ended up.

I soon found myself at the MSNBC set up and that was when I heard “nice rims.” Oh yeah. I said, “thank you very much” and posed for my picture that was taken by him. I then took a picture of a trailer and truck that was parked right across the street that had some spray painted words on the trailer.

I noticed it was just past 8:00 PM and I knew that the time to go home was here. I knew that I was not going to take Cherry Creek Bike path home and that I was going to take the same route home yesterday which was the South Platte bike trail home. This time I was going to go to the Millennium Bridge and see if I was going to be able to take the South Platte trail home. I say this since the South Platte Trail does come kind of close to the Pepsi Center, which means I was not sure that if the South Platte Trail was closed off. Yesterday, I had took Colfax across I-25 and then eventually got onto the South Platte Bike Trail with no problems.

Well, the return trip along the South Platte was faster since I sort of knew the path from the day before. Nothing to report really, except I did not see any bikers riding towards Denver and I did not see any walkers on the bike path like I did the day before. And as I went past the "new" Mile High Stadium I saw two searchlights panning over the stadium. You can see that white dot of light on the top part of the stadium..

Overall, I did 50.34 miles yesterday to and from the DNC. Not bad at all. Basically, one hundred and five miles in two days time. And you know what Readers? I am handling the bike rides like any training bike ride – no problem at all.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Its Monday and its Sunny!

Greetings Readers

I saw the Sun this morning and she was beautiful. I know that may seem strange, but after the past three days of rain and more rain and not basically seeing the Sun I was happy to see the colors of the morning dawn – the dark blue, the orange, the red and eventually the yellow on the horizon.

I am glad that we got the rain, but I am glad we got back the Sun. This past weekend I had to close some of the windows, I had to pull out the blanket and even the comforter. My knees hurt and I think that is because of the damage I have done to my knees throughout my athletic career. Now, I think my knees are aware of any cold weather change. And boy I could my knee’s pain this past weekend.

We are into the last week of the Olympics and I have to say that I am really enjoying all the coverage USA, CNBC, MSBMC and Telemundo are showing of the Olympics events. I have watched small tidbits here and there of Channel 9’s NBC coverage, but it is just so bias. And really who wants to hear about interview after interview, a short bio of a certain athlete to get to Beijing. I know that I don’t. I want action and I want all sort of action. And also – is not too true that there is just too much coverage of a certain swimmer. Well, I am in good mood today so no talking smack.

And we have one week until the US Open. Oh yeah. And my co-worker and I have ordered our US Open towels for this year. In addition, I also ordered a yellow water bottle with the black logo of the flaming tennis ball.

Well, that is about all the happiness I can share for today. Let us hope that continues for a while.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

23 days over 90 degrees

Greetings Readers

Today will mark the 23rd day of being over 90 degrees straight. And we are not just talking 90's either - we have had more than a few 100 degree days. Such as this past weekend - I think it was 104 and 103 on Saturday and Sunday. Well, as I listened to the news this morning I hear that today is going to be end of the most consecutive days in a row. There is a cold front moving in, the jet stream is dropping into Colorado and some moisture is coming in from the South.

Damn, I could be a weatherperson also. Nayh, then I would more less credible than I am now.

I turned off the A/C last night so I am back to the open windows and fan running the window sill. No problem. I just could not bear sleeping restlessly and sweaty as I did last week. I did have a nice cool humble abode that I was not used to. I sure enjoyed coming home to a cool abode. Yet, I miss the night sounds coming in from the windows that I usually keep open. I do like to hear the sprinklers come on in the early morning and the water splashing in a water fountain nearby. I also miss the sound in the distance every once in a while sound of a fire engine, police car, or Ambulance whining away.

Tomorrow, we are going to be in the 80's for the first time in 24 days. I actually do care since we all have been suffering in this heat wave that is going to end today.

Well, sorry about overloading you readers with all those pictures with my bike and new rims at various locations in Denver and Downtown Denver.
I am going to share a few more. These are other shots from different points of views of the landmark used in the various pictures.

I have also included a picture of the "Cash Register" building that I ran up from the first floor to the top floor two years ago. You can see that the morning sun is being reflected in the southern windows of the building. I hope you can see the height of the building and how tall it does look. Granted, Denver does not have true skyscrapers, like the ones that I saw and went into in Seattle, Washington, but we do have a few high buildings, BUT not a lot.

Also, I have included a before and after picture of Andrea with the new HED. rims and the old rims that came with the bike when I purchase. Man oh man, it is amazing what a set of expensive rims can do to a bike. I mean she was like just the real Andrea that she is named after, but with the HED. rims it now puts Andrea in the Ultra-Supermodel category. Just thought to share.

P.S. I just checked the http://www.usopen.org/ website and the U.S. Open towels for this year's U.S. Open are now on sale. Woo Hoo! Time for me and my friend to order our U.S. Towels and be better than just your regular U.S. Open Fan.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

US Open 2007 - Day 14

Greetings Readers

Let me begin with Justine Henin winning the Women's singles Championship at the 2007 US Open last night. I had no doubt. Yet, she did a little shaky after that fan yelled out on her serve for the match. I could not fucking believe it. If I remember correctly, she put a few double faults in after that incident. All is well though. A second time winner of the US Open. Pictured on my blog was her opponent - Svetlana Kuznetsova. Later today is the Men's Final. I want Djokovic to win, but it may be a long shot. Depending on the weather, in my opinion.

Alright, I have a something to share. I went out to work at Colorado Athletic Club (CAC) that I recently became a member of. Let me tell you, there were a few people, but the place was pretty much empty. I did cardio for about an hour. I was do cardio while watching the Federer vs. Davydenko match. I then used the machines for about another hour, then I did the sauna and the whirlpool. Wow. I loved it. There were a couple of member in there, but this time I was not a visitor - I am a member. What a feeling. That was about all I did on Saturday afternoon.

After CAC I knew I had to go to Best Buy since I had gone to Target earlier that day to get a couple of DVD sets. I managed to get the Limited Edition of "Nip/Tuck - Season 4" at Target, but the "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia - Season 1 & 2" was sold out. I decided that after going to workout I would make a detour and go to Best Buy. I got to Best Buy and instead of just getting what I want - I browsed around. I looked at the DVD-recorders, the discs, some music and then the computer games. About 15 minutes later I was done, so I got what I needed and proceeded to the check out area.

When I got there I noticed there was a fairly attractive girl, in my view of course, standing in line. I noticed her eyebrows and then the rest of the face. Sorry readers, I do not know why I noticed her eyebrows, but I have to say that they did look good. Well, good enough for me to get my attention. She was standing in line with a guy, I presumed her boyfriend, and they were second in line waiting for an open register. I was a bit interested so after turning some corners and stood in line I sneaked a look at her. She had on some short and her thighs were what I noticed next. Granted, the glance was about 2 or 3 seconds, but I got enough. After the quick glance I looked everywhere else but her. But. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed that she was glancing at me a couple of times. I knew that she was being very, very careful so she would not draw the attention of the guy that she was with. However, I did notice. I did not want her to notice that I noticed, so I played my looking around as just waiting for the next register to become available.

Then, the girl and the guy go to the register to the right of the line. The person in front of me waited about 10 seconds and he when to the next register to the left. That left me in front of the waiting line and I was looking for the next register to open. The guy was doing the buying meanwhile the girl was next to him. But then. She steps away from him and turns to me casually. We are about 8 feet away. We lock eyes for a second or two and then she flashed me a big o smile, then it was gone just like that. I smile pretty big right back to her, knowing what she was doing. The guy finishes up and then they were headed on out. There was nothing I could do or say at that moment so I enjoyed it for what it was. She liked the way I look. Enough said. hah hah.

I forgot to mention in the past week Fall as definitely made an appearance. I actually wore my long biking pant, my long sleeve shirt and two of the past seven days I slept with my comforter as opposed to my thin bed sheet. Yes, the mornings have gotten cool. I also noticed that the sun is shining on my north wall in the morning as opposed to the West wall. You know readers - the Earth is in the orbit that make the sun go towards the south. Yesterday and today were actually mild days.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

US Open 2007 - Day 13

Greetings Readers

Well, I have won another bet - since Justine Henin won yesterday's tennis match against Venus Williams. I did not find out until this morning. I wanted to be surprised and also I was not ready to lose another bet. The Men's Semi-Finals are going on this Saturday Morning in the Mountain Time Zone. Yes - that is Justine Henin pictured on my blog post for today.

The work week has come to a close and whew what a week it has been. I was going to blog about my early morning bike ride that I had Thursday's morning, but other things were going on and I could not make time to write. The morning was one of the events in your life that you really do not get everyday. I knew that there was a cold front moving into Colorado on Thursday morning I just was not sure when the front was to make its appearance.

So, that morning I got my rain gear and proceeded to go out outside. I see that the rain clouds were directly over me, but that is where the clouds were. To the East the sky was partially clear and the sun was shining the early morning rays as it was rising over the horizon. I rode about 100 yards when the rain started to fall. Basically a light rain was starting. The morning air was warming up and I was in heaven. I loved the feel of the light rain falling on my arms while the sun was shining ever so brightly. As most of you readers know when the rain falls the sun in above the clouds. Today the clouds were there, but the sun had just made Dawn and the effect on me was serene.

With the sun shining so bright and a light rain was falling I took my time riding to work and just enjoyed the time that I had that morning. I even took off my sunglasses so I could take in everything around me.

That in a nut shell was a nice morning that I wanted to share with you readers.

That cow, you know readers, that Dairy cow that is outside Oscar's almost everyday. Well, Oscar's have put a banner on that cow for advertising of something. Nope. I did not look closely.

However, you know how much I just love that cow. Well, I am currently researching to see if Oscar can display advertising that big. Of course, if Oscar is breaking some sort of city code then by all means I want the city to know about it. Yep, that is me on this particular issue.

Oh, I finally made the front page, sort of, on the website that I joined recently http://www.sportingo.com/. I am very happy about making this part of the website. I know the article was hastily put together, but it was the way I felt and time was of the essence. I have included a screen print of my article The article is located in the bottom right of the picture "Is Novak Djokovic's clowning around a back-handed slap in the face?".

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

US Open 2007 - Day 12

Greetings Readers

I laughed and then I really laughed last night. I got home last night just in time for the Novak Djokovic vs. Carlos Moya match. Nothing spectacular about the match itself. 6-4, 7-6(7) & 6-1. Well, beside finishing the match in three sets as opposed to 4 or 5 sets at 3 to almost 5 hours long matches.

When it was time for the post game interview. Everything was same ole same old, then the interviewer asked Novak (Pictured on my post today) if he could do some impersonations.

That's where the interview got interesting. Real interesting.

I can not remember how the impersonations got started, but when the name "Sharapova" was said I immediately perked up. Djokovic tucked in his shirt into his short, hiked up his shorts, rolled his socks down to his ankles and proceeded to warm up for a tennis serve as Maria Sharapova.

I wish I could visually described the scene. Djokovic hopping at the back of the baseline, primping his hair, bouncing his serve as Sharapova and executing the serve as Sharapova. As American Express would probably label "Priceless"

But, it was not over. As soon as Djokovic got done with the act - # 2.

"Nadal"

I actually yelled "yeah!" and I knew from the bottom of my heart on which part of Nadal that Djokovic was going to impersonate to a "T".

So, Djokovic un-tucked his shirt then pulled his tennis shorts way down so they were down to his knees if not below them. He pulled up his socks rolled up his sleeves and then it was showtime once more Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York City. Djokovic did a couple of squats at mid court and sprinted to the back of the court and danced back and forth like a boxer getting ready to fight. Djokovic's back was to the tennis court so all you could see was his back, but a very boxing feel to the scene. He then proceeded to wipe his hair from his face, bounced his serving ball on the baseline and then...

Boo yah! And I mean Boo-yah! I was yelling along with Arthur Ashe Stadium on Djokovic's next impersonation of Nadal. Djokovoc grabbed his shorts from the back and yanked exaggeratedly as Nadal does when he pulls on his shorts. Djokovic then yanks the front of his short while standing on one leg to "adjust" his tennis short just to make of the adjustment. The noise from the crowd was loud.

"Priceless". Yes, I was laughing, I was cheering, I am still laughing, but yes it may have been in poor taste. I do feel Nadal will extract repercussions on their next meeting on the court. Until then, Djokovic showed us viewers what we see and none of the "well known" commentators do not/will not talk about.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

US Open 2007 - Day 11

Greetings Readers

You Readers may be new readers or you may be seasoned readers of my blog. I do not know. I am not sure how some of you feel about me or even think about me. Do I care? Yes and No. It is a blog, therefore I am telling the Internet world about myself. I am not going to call you mean or think any less of you should you leave a comment on my blog. I have the option to delete the comment, but I never have. Also, only register people can leave comments.

There is a sub-point to me mentioning the comment thing and that is referring to the Author who got a "mean comment" on the author's blog. The Author then needed to justify the "mean comment" made by another blogger on the Author's post and make the Author's audience feel sympathy for the Author. A "woo is me" attitude. Not this guy.

I have been pretty much open to you readers. Besides giving my place of residence or where I work. I need to keep some things to myself. I do not want any retributions you may feel that I deserve from what you read or any lusty women at my doorstep. (though would be nice to meet someone new-if you're a CA Blonde type step to the front of the door) I digress.

Anyway, so there I was in Jenny's Market (pictured - it even looks like the store, my store, I visit) this morning getting my usual drink and also the drink I had to buy since I lost a bet last night (courtesy of Venus Williams).

I walk up to the counter and I see that there is a new lady at the register. Well, I would not say new, but about week or so new to me. Anyway, as you readers know I have changed to Jenny's Market due to an incident at 7-11 that has left a bad taste in my mouth. Per choice of my part. Remember readers, I am "the consumer" in the store and I do not have to so any more than I have to. Remember, you are there to help, assist the customer and more importantly getting paid to work there. Remember the motto - "the customer is almost always right" However, If I do more than I need to in the store, then that means you made an impression on me, I like you, I got a little something-something the night before or I was just being plain cordial. Who in the fuck knows. I only know when I get to the store and approach the counter.

Sure I might wake up in a bad mood, but that could soon disappear once I start riding. Or perhaps, I was in a good mood and I got into a verbal alteration while biking (yes, it is true folks ) that turns my good mood to a bad mood.

Getting back to the story. I go up to the counter and set down my items I am going to buy. I see that the totals are usually $ 1.61 or something to that nature. (i.e. $ 2.81). Well, all of the other employees (I only know 2 other employees) at Jenny's Market know me and usually say "oh I saw a penny in the parking lot." and they will usually cover the penny and I get all silver coins back. I say I guess, but there is no guessing, I have been taking advantage of the "penny" that they pitch in for me so they can give me all silver coins back. Perhaps they do not want to deal with the copper coins either. Also, they know that I am now a faithful customer so they are "chipping in the penny" so I will continue to come back to Jenny's Market. Yet, I do not know.

Anyway, the point is I was assuming that they would "chip in the penny". Well, the new lady (I am assuming that she is Hungarian descent/immigrant) is not "chipping in the penny" for me and giving me back exact change.

Hence, I am pissed off at her for not "chipping in the penny". In reality, I have no right to be getting pissed at her. I have the right not to make "small talk" to her. Of course, the may be the opening line that will make her "chip in the penny" for me. Who knows. This realization came to me after today's visit at Jenny's Market. So, perhaps if I have not already been put on her shit list then I will try to be a bit more friendly than I need to be. Otherwise, readers - Yes, I was/am being a dick about this issue.

US Open - Woo Hoo - Roddick got eliminated (but I am not really, really jumping for joy). He actually tried to keep playing and to me he did not appear to give up at all. Nor did he seem to lose his cool. Kudos on that, in my book! Oh Jelena had a chance, but was not meant to me and good for Venus to advance. However, "It's On!" for my next bet with Henin J. vs. Williams V. "It's on like Donkey Kong"

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

US Open 2007 - Day 10

Greetings Readers

Today, Monica Seles is pictured on my blog. I think that we have the same hair color. =) She is getting more gorgeous than ever. She has aged very good, in my view.

Nadal and "picking his shorts out of the crack of his ass" got eliminated last night. Boo-yah! And I also won my first bet of the the U.S. Open. courtesy of Justinne Henin. Double Boo-yah! Peer got eliminated today. And Davydenko, whom I have given the name "The Siberian Express" has moved onto the semi-finals. I have no idea if he came from that part of Russia, but the Siberian Express seems to fit him perfectly.

I have a bet for tonight's game - Venus vs. Jankovic and I know on paper that Jankovic is ranked 3, but Venus is much better.

Prison Break, third season, is coming back this month - I think Sept 24. Then, this week was the release of Nip/Tuck season 4 and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia Season 1/2 together sets are now available.

Sorry about not posting regular updates about the US Open, the announcers have sort of thrown a wrench into my viewing. I am watching matches here and there, but to be honest I am listening to usopen.org radio. The announcers and the guest announcers for the day are a fresh voice and not to mention un-bias opinion on almost every player. So, watching the match is really an option when I have already listened to the matches that were broadcast over the Internet.

Time for me to go

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

US Open 2007 - Day 9

Greetings Readers

I just saw that there is a trailer for "The Mist" by Stephen King. Very Interesting trailer - scheduled release date is November 21. I am sure that the movie will sort of be based on the short story. However, the Mist was a short story and pretty good. Not the ending you may want to read about, but sure makes you think on what would you do in a situation for yourself/family/love one(s). I know that the story made me think about what I would do and who I might be left with and what to do next. The trailer sort of kept to that story line, but I think I see that there is an added element. I like the background music of the trailer. Makes the trailer much more spooky. The music really only has a few keys to me and then picks up toward the end, but never-the-less I can hear the same chords over and over which makes the score good, to me. Here is the website address - http://www.themist-movie.com/

I have a huge purple bruise on my left thigh. I could not sleep on that side of my body so I had to sleep on my right side. Otherwise, I think I am okay. No real soreness. A couple of scabs now. I think I really have made a couple of good scars in the making. In case you readers need some back history I was in a bike accident, by myself, while turning a corner. Going pretty fast on tires that I was not familiar with. My bad. Or as my old boss would say "Sucks to be you. Hah hah." I did make a blog entry so you can read my post on on the post accident. Last day in August.

The U.S. Open - Interesting Friday, Saturday & Sunday. I watched some of the matches, but otherwise I did some slow paced laps at Cherry Creek. I saw a few macthes, but I think I was most annoyed at Jim Courrier. I really can not explain the attitude that he is giving Tracy Austin. It seems to me that anything Tracey says Jim has to "contradict" whatever she says or make some issue about whatever Tracey says. Annoying to say the least.

I think most of you readers know my stance on the "other" announcers, but I have not put Jim into that group. However, after this U.S. Open I might have to. I hope that no one at USA Network told Jim to make himself get "into" it with Tracey Austin.

I, of course, heard that 7 letter word from Mary C. I heard Tracy say "Special" 4 times in less than a minute, J Mac refering to himself and comparing himself to the present players and age. And I heard "Epic" over and over from almost every announcer at the U.S. Open. I also did not care for the announcer in the corrider leading into Arthur Ashe Stadium. Always asking about their opinion other players and not about the upcoming match that he/she is about to play with the other opponent. Why ask that of the players when what matters how they feel about their match?

Well, I got to get going.

Note - Update 7:40 PM (MST) - I have got my first bet of the U.S. Open. It is Williams vs. Henin. I, of course, took Henin. I am hoping for the best for myself on this outcome! I need redemption.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete